Seven of Wands/Nine of Wands. The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) is flavoring my Death card, and it is a significant card for me in its own right, besides its traditional meaning.  This card traditionally tells of having the courage to take a stand.  I see it as also presenting a gateway of sorts which involves the passing of a test.  Sometimes I am the gatekeeper and sometimes I am the person seeking admittance. While the Seven of Wands is about taking a stand and putting that stand out there, the Nine of Wands (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) has more of an inner focus, reminding us that even when it seems that we are outnumbered and outmaneuvered, we do have the strength, courage, and stamina to win by the time the day is done.  I often find that these more difficult to achieve victories are the sweetest.

My Thoth card is the Seven of Cups reversed.  “Debauch” will not be a strong part of my day, The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) represents the distraction and dissipation that can happen when we are presented with enticing choices.  Uncle Al sees this card with even more strength, as representing drug addiction or being drunk on pleasure, almost to the point of being suicidal.  Thankfully my card is reversed, so I should be able to retain my grounding and sanity amid a morass of pleasure.  LOL, tough job, but I’ll try.

My Legacy card is the Ten of Wands reversed, flavored by the Nine of Coins reversed. The Ten of Wands (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) is a card which tells of being taxed to some perceived limit.  My Ten of Wands is reversed, which is good.  I have a lot to get done today, and this card tells me that while I may be tired at the end of the day (sounds like a soak in my tub may be in order, eh?), I will accomplish much. The Nine of Coins (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) tells of accomplishment through the imposition of discipline.  My Nine is reversed, and flavoring my Ten of Wands, so I do need to It is flavoring my reversed Seven of Swords, and that is nice!  My good intentions and my focus and discipline, along with my attempts to work with others for the good of all, should bring some nice rewards.

My 6-digit date number is 3, the new creation out of the position and possibility of the Ace, and the balance, polarity, and understanding of “distance between” of the 2.

My horoscopes: “A close friend or member of your household could be having money problems, Sagittarius, and want to draw on your good business sense in order to understand the situation and find ways to put it right. As you're likely to be feeling especially sensitive to the needs of others today, you could be of valuable help to this person and anyone else who might need some insights.”

And: “You may feel like you have come out of the dark and into the light today. A weight has been lifted but there is still a great deal of emotional drama that needs to work itself out. Go for a long walk or jog this afternoon and increase your lung capacity. Get your heart rate up and feel your blood pumping. You will find that the more active you are, the more you will be able to sort through your emotional trauma.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Swords.  Ooh, a new one for me, at least lately!  The image on this card is refreshing, and it is meant to be.  After all, this Queen is of Air, and the fresh breezes of the early morning.  She is about purity, honesty, clarity, and uncompromising balance, but she is also about humor and wit.  Sounds perfect for today!

I just came back from a wonderful bike ride.  I got a real late start because we had a whopper of a storm pass through here last night, and I was up from about 12:30 to almost 2 am.  There really is something cozy about being safe in bed during a display of the elements! 

Anyway, I let myself sleep in, and got up and out in time to visit Elizabeth’s Breadstand.  Yum, freshly baked bread!  I bought a small loaf of my favorite, sage and polenta, as well as some beautiful freshly harvested carrots and purple string beans.   Because the day was so lovely, I decided to do my long bike ride (about 6.75 miles, not horrendously long), and hit every farm stand along the way. 

My next stop was Beach Plum Farm, where I picked up some beautiful sugar peas.  Methinks I’m going to make a great fresh veggie salad for my dinner tonight!  I got back onto my bike (thankful for my basket), and headed onward.  Anne Smith’s stand was not open yet.  Soon!  She grows the most awesome zucchinis and eggplants and tomatoes.  I then stopped at the stand on New England Road, don’t know the name of it.  Fresh eggs!  Berries!  I continued with my ride, and as I passed the canal I had a huge smile on my face, anticipating my dinner.  Bug, you would be proud of me!

I finished at Ducky’s.  I bought a lovely head of romaine lettuce, and one fat ear of New Jersey corn, still dewy from the fields.  With a bit of vinegar, mustard, and a dollop of my raw honey, and some fresh chives, parsley, basil, and sage, freshly harvested from my herb garden and whisked together as a dressing, I should end up with a nice, refreshingly cool veggie salad to have with whatever I decide to do as a protein for dinner.

As I sit in my back room, looking out the French doors into my garden as I sip my coffee and eat the last piece of sage and polenta toast, slathered with butter and raw honey, I am filled with gratitude and an awareness of my many blessings.  I have a roof over my head, delicious seasonally fresh food to eat, and a beautiful garden, into which I will soon plunge my Cutter-coated body.  There are baby birds on the porch, chirping for their lunch, and a multitude of bugs and worms for mom and dad to feed them.  I have roses and hydrangeas and bee balm and gladiola and black-eyed-susans blooming, and my dahlia has buds on it! 

What a glorious day!

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Nine of Swords reversed/Three of Cups reversed.  The Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused, and usually unproductive.  If this card was upright, it could be indicating a lonely time filled with worries, probably about things I couldn’t change anyway.  But my card is reversed, so I don’t think this kind of worry is going to be a large part of my day, and maybe I won’t even be worried that I’m gonna worry.  **wink**  The Three of Cups (Mercury, reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) in an upright position is about connections, and about blessings.  My Three of Cups is also reversed, and I think this is one of those times where the literal yet simple interpretation is the correct one.  I am giving myself a bit of a “spa weekend,” at least until Sunday morning.  I am alone because I’ve chosen to be alone; I know those connections are still there, and I will be availing myself of them on Sunday evening.  Until then, no worries!

My Thoth card is the Knight of Disks.  Again, my Thoth card is the only upright card thrown today.  The Knight of Disks (cusp of Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, and Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) tells of persistence to the point of being stubborn, and caution to the point of being boring. This Knight brings a huge amount of energy yet he focuses that energy on practical matters rather than those that will make him appear the hero.  And yet, he can be depended on to see his tasks completed with efficiency and responsibility.  With all these reversed cards around him, my Knight of Disks continues on diligently, following his plan and ignoring all the distractions.

My Legacy card is The Sun reversed, flavored by the Six of Swords reversed.  The Sun corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), our Sun (the inner core of a person or situation), Resh (the face; reason), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest in the physical world) and Hod (provides analysis and communication), and tells of a time of enlightenment.  I am hoping that my Sun is reversed because its energies are approaching but not yet here.  The Sun is a powerful symbol of the manifestation of fertility, of the ability to achieve goals, and of the peak of power.  And yet, the Summer Solstice is just passed; another reason for The Sun to be reversed. The Six of Swords (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause oriented) is about balance, healing, moving towards a better place, and even about learning the science behind things that work (because understanding why they work makes them more effective).  Because this Six is also reversed, it is telling me that the renewal and healing that can come to us from our Sun is not yet available to me.  But both cards are there, even if they are reversed.  The time is not yet here for me to shine, or for me to move into the next phase, but soon!

My 6-digit date number is 2, the number of balance, polarity, and the concept of “space between.”

My horoscopes: “Enjoy yourself today, Sagittarius. You have a great deal to be grateful for, so give thanks. Take pride in all that you've accomplished so far and share your joy with others. Feel free to let go of the reins and sit back and get comfortable. You've worked hard for a reason. If you don't enjoy life now, when are you going to do it? Take time to be with loved ones tonight.”

And: “The trajectory you shot for yesterday may be running into a couple snags today. You may find that your dreamy nature is running into conflicts with that which is planned and steady. This conflict of interests may be creating some tension that will be difficult to work with. Your emotions are apt to deceive you today, so try not to get pulled off course by a passing whim. Try to keep your feelings well grounded.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Knight of Cups.  This Knight is the poet, the artist, the musician, the idealist, and the romantic, all rolled into one.  He is searching for true love, and I think he really does believe he will find it.  And so he shall, because his heart is pure and honest and faithful. 

Happy Friday!  It was a steamer today, and yet here I am, in Cape May, having a peaceful evening.  I took a walk through town once I arrived, the three-quarter moon glistening above the ocean.  Summer is here!  There are people everywhere, and the houses are lit.  Laughter can be heard as people sit on their porches, and I got occasional glimpses of families still sitting around their dining room tables.

Tomorrow, I am hoping to get up early and go for a bike ride, and then I will spend the day in my beloved garden.  Oh, and I can see four baby robins in our nest, already covered with dark feathers.  Last week I could only see the tip of one beak, now all four heads bob and weave with their mouths optimistically gaping, hoping for a bit of dinner, each time mom or dad comes to the nest.  Cool!!

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Nine of Swords reversed/Eight of Wands reversed.  The Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused, and usually unproductive.  Upright, this card would represent possible inner anguish (perhaps not already manifesting, but on its way), most likely caused by my own hopes or fears or expectations; the card is reversed, though, and I should be able to shrug off those heavy thoughts.  The Eight of Wands (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) is a card of action, of quick developments, and of pulling it all together so things can be completed.  In an upright position, this one is powerful, but since it is reversed, I don’t quite have the power to blast away the impediments of the day.  They won’t get me down, but they may still be around.

My Thoth card is the Five of Wands.  “Strife” is the keyword of the day, apparently, and this is my only upright card.  The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical), indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross purposes.  The energies presented here are “every man for himself,” and that is the main problem.  No coordination at all!  The question is: can I make use of this relatively harmless yet quite annoying energy?

My Legacy card is The Wheel reversed, flavored by the Ten of Swords reversed.  The Wheel of Fortune (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Jupiter (expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune), Kaph (grasping hand), and the Path between Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured)) represents the actions and effects of fate and destiny, and not of anything that we in the end can control.  My Wheel, however, is reversed; this could mean that I do have the ability to offer input.  The Ten of Swords (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, talkative) in an upright position is a card of interference, powerlessness and restriction, completely manifested.  My Ten is reversed, however, and flavoring my Wheel, so even if I can’t actually control or affect or even tap into today’s energies, or connect to them in a meaningful way, there will be positive opportunities to be had.

My 6-digit date number is 10, the number that tells of the end of a cycle, which reduces further to 1, the number of position and potential.

My horoscopes: “You could get some mysterious phone calls today, Sagittarius, like wrong numbers or hang-ups. Other people might seem less communicative than usual, Sagittarius, and you're likely to be preoccupied with your own thoughts. You might feel a bit more nervous than usual, but that should go away if you take a brisk walk or get some other exercise. If you've been thinking about doing some writing, this is the day to start.”

And: “Issues may get a little heavier than you like today. Your job is to infuse some levity and humor into the situation. Your powers of adaptability will be put to the test, as other people seem to be completely unmoving in their opinions. Be extra conscious of how you use your words, as other people, especially superiors or elders, are apt to get offended by careless offhand remarks.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Eight of Pentacles.  It’s all in the details!  Hanging in there, managing to get enjoyment from performing the process and performing it well, and ending up with an opportunity to receive higher understanding through repetition, are all part of this card.  And the image of the spider in her web reminds me that there is a benefit to crafting a temporary work of art: we get to create anew tomorrow!

Today, I want to share something that I read about a week ago, and have already shared privately with the lovely Tara.  This is from a book that came to me called “Touchstones: Daily Meditations for Men,” I believe associated with AA and the 12-Step Program.  It offers some words of wisdom for each day, 365 pages that are meant to be absorbed one page each day.  It is amazing to me how often the words on each page seem to connect to my daily challenges.

“All feelings are acceptable.  Whatever they are, the entire range of color and intensity of feelings comes from our Creator.  Our task is dealing with them and responding to them.  We begin by acknowledging them as they are.  We do not have license to do whatever we feel like doing, only to feel what we feel.  This point of honesty is a solid stepping-stone to grow from.  We often find we feel different as soon as we admit our feelings.” Touchstones: Daily Meditations for Men.

The point behind this quote, at least for me, is very simple yet very, very important, particularly in this day and age when the majority of our communications take place in writing, without the clarifying benefits of body language, facial expressions and voice inflection.  The message I get from this quote is that while our feelings are always legitimate (even if they are based on the assumptions of intention and meaning that are a necessary ingredient in written communications), it is what we do with those feelings that is most important.

Feelings and emotions are real and valid, but they do not give us the permission to react in any way we please.  If I say something meant to be benign or even helpful that you interpret as harmful or as said purposely to cut or attack, your feelings of fear or pain or betrayal are legitimate, even if they are based on an intention that was not a part of the original compilation of words.  Repressing or not acknowledging those feeling will only intensify them, so acknowledging those feelings is important.

But only acknowledging them will not provide you with the ability to determine if your perceptions are indeed true.  In order to make that determination, you need to take the next step; you need to directly communicate with me.  Otherwise, all you have is your own perception, and that perception is always, always, infused with your own expectations.  And those expectations just might be incorrect.

Anger and fear and hurt and betrayal are not fun things to experience.  But they are real, they are valid emotions.  And if they are happening because of catalysts that are beyond your control, like finding you have a flat tire when you are on your way to an important job interview, or hearing that a dangerous storm is heading your way, these feelings are much easier to deal with if we face them and acknowledge their validity.  If they are happening because of the actions or inactions of another, this is acknowledgement even more important.

But we do need to take that next step, we do need to actively choose how we will react to those feelings, with the knowledge that we and only we are responsible for the consequences of our choices.  If we judge others based only on our feelings and our perception of the cause of those feelings, without including in that process of judgment the knowledge that while the situation may seem totally directed at us and about us, there are nine times out of ten influencing factors of which we know nothing and of which we are not aware that are key to the event in question, our judgments will most likely be wrong.  These judgments will probably impose upon another the very harm that we believe that has been perpetrated against us. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want that karma added to my burden.  I know what it is like to have words that were offered in love, and in Perfect Love and Trust, with only the intention to help and not to harm, misinterpreted and seen as a betrayal.  I know what it is like to have my actions assigned perceived intentions that are very much far from what was in my mind when I did them. 

I do understand that for some it is difficult to see that in the end it is what we each choose as a reaction that is the problem, and that it is so much easier to shift the blame onto others than it is to accept our feelings and then own them.  Our choice of reaction to our own feelings is an immense power, and that choice belongs to each and every one of us.  No one can take that choice away from us unless we allow it to be taken.  Expecting others to fix things for us or blaming others for the manifestations of our actions or inactions is actually freely relinquishing our power of choice to others, and once we do that, we don’t own the results any more and can’t complain about them.  We’ve all been there, we’ve all walked in these very shoes at some point in our lives. 

I will be acknowledging my own feelings, both pleasant and difficult, as valid.  No matter what.  But, I will also be doing my best to not assume that I know someone else’s intentions unless I have specifically asked them what their intentions are.  For sure, I will not base my perceptions on the written word alone, for that is a recipe for disaster. And I will be sending out love and healing to those who believe I have betrayed them, and I will wish them well. 

And so, I bring my eyes back to the Path forward, and release the past.

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Knight of Wands/Six of Cups reversed.  The Knight of Wands (cusp of Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, deep, obsessive, and Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) is a person of passion, courage, enthusiasm and boundless energy.  The energies of this card are strong, confident and powerful, maybe the most courageous of the deck.  The upright Six of Cups (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, compulsive, deep, obsessive) is a card of emotional balance, simple joys fun and blessings. My Six of Cups is reversed, but perhaps this does not mean there will be sadness today. Paired with this Knight, the reversed Six of Cups makes sense.  Today we will not be looking back with nostalgia, but forward with enthusiasm!

My Thoth card is the Eight of Cups reverse.  “Indolence” The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) is a card of action, telling of an ending or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions.  Crowley sees this one as the “hangover card,” and thankfully it is reversed.  Lack of intensity or interest won’t be an issue today, and I won’t need to walk away from any no-longer-useful feelings.

My Legacy card is the Queen of Coins reversed, flavored by Temperance.  The Queen of Coins (cusp of Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering, and Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning, authoritative) is very good at sustaining the physical world, keeping things dry and cozy and safe and orderly.  But my Queen is reversed today, and thus, nurturing and focusing on material affairs will not be productive.  Temperance corresponds with Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Samekh (the tent post), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world of action and outer reality) and Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify), and it is one of the Major Arcana cards that presents the concept of dynamic balance.  Temperance brings balance in a unique way, through knowledge of extremes, and we are circling back to that Knight of Wands (extremes are, after all, his thing).  Perhaps the Temperance card, in flavoring my reversed Queen of Coins, is reminding me that sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone in order to learn true balance.

My 6-digit date number is 9, the number of vertical and horizontal balance. 

My horoscopes: “Romance blossoms for you tonight, Sagittarius, perhaps after a long period of standing still. A new sense of stability and security may settle on love relationships and close friendships. Children could also be a source of warmth and pleasure. You might want to channel some of this positive energy into creative activity of some kind, which will increase your sense of contentment and well-being.”

And: “Successes with your work continue to bring good fortune your way, and today you might find reassurance that this is not a flash in the pan - you're likely to be financially secure for a long time. Health-wise, you're probably feeling strong and robust, full of energy and stamina, and ready to take on just about any challenge you can find. Move on ahead, but move with caution. You're never too prosperous to not be careful.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Page of Wands.  The Page of Wands is creative, outspoken, witty and passionate.  This Page creates with the joy of a child, and with the corresponding lack of inhibition.  Perfection is not an issue here, and if we don’t like the melody being played, we can easily march to the beat of a different drummer, or even create our own unique and beautiful cadence!  This Page brings the energies of The Fool into the Minor Arcana and our day-to-day energies.  Fear not!  Instead, enjoy!

Almost done with the gunas! I’ve talked about the gunas of Heavy and Light, Liquid and Dry, Hot and Cold, Easy and Difficult, Clear and Gooey, and the tastes of Sweet, Bitter, Salty and Sour.  Next up: a bit about the taste of Pungent.  My source once again is the Joyful Belly website.

Pungent is found in spicy foods; Pungent stimulates by irritating the lining of the digestive track, acting quickly and intensely.  Then, the body flushes the irritants by thinning the blood, dilating the vessels, and increasing the heart rate; Pungent improves circulation, and softens and flushes away mucous.  Also, since our immune system pretty much uses the blood to get around the body, Pungent helps improve the immune system. 

Black pepper, chilies, and hard liquor are all Pungent and burning. Sour taste, which also increases secretions, is sharp but not Pungent.  Pungent is the best taste for “recovering Kaphas” like me because it increases heat, metabolism and “agni” (digestive strength), it helps the body to sweat, and wakes up the mind.  Vatas, on the other hand, need to be careful about Pungent, because high metabolism is already present in Vatas.  Excess Pungent can cause thirst and dryness, or inflammation.

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Eight of Wands/Eight of Cups.  Two Eights! If you want to see a bit about the number 8, scroll down, because my 6-digit number of the day is 8.  The Eight of Wands (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) is a card of action, of quick developments, and of pulling it all together so things can be completed.  This is a powerful card, and it is not about personal power.  The cool thing about this one is one of the symbols is Moses’ staff, that he used to part the Red Sea. The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) is also a card of action, telling of an ending or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions.  The ability to discern just where and just when it is time to move on just may be an important skill today.

My Thoth card is the Two of Cups reversed.  “Love” just might be a distraction today.  The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) is about love and connections, usually about relationships and commonalities.  My card is reversed, so I should not let these kinds of feelings distract me or throw me off balance.

My Legacy card is Death (again!), flavored by the Page of Wands. The Death card corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of natural change that cannot be stopped.  Like my Eight of Cups above, Death is reminding me today that I need to move forward and release the past, and the interesting thing is that circumstances keep presenting me with the very things that need to be released. The Page of Wands (Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody; Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic noble egotistical; and Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented), which is flavoring Death today, tells me to use assertion and action to attract adventure and excitement.  This Page is about new ideas and enthusiasm for discovery, and in a way, Death is about an exciting adventure.  Good cards to appear together.

My 6-digit date number is 8 (LOL, another one!), the number that tells of a conscious and focused response to the pause and beginning of degeneration that is the number 7, in order to prolong the harmony and balance of the number 6 a bit longer. 

My horoscopes: “Your high from your recent successes could have you wanting to go crazy purchasing luxury items you didn't feel were practical before, Sagittarius. This is fine as long as you're discriminating and don't give in to impulse buying. This also isn't a good time to overindulge in food and drink. You should definitely enjoy your successes while still making use of your common sense.”

And: “Today you might feel especially inspired both intellectually and creatively, and you could find yourself discussing your ideas with others. The process of communication could open up new doors for you in your mind and result in some fascinating insights concerning whatever you're pursuing at this time. Sometime in the course of your conversations with others, don't be surprised if you find that one of your friends needs a sympathetic ear. Enjoy your day.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Knight of Pentacles.  This Knight uses persistence and by-the-book skills to achieve his goal.  He is not easily distracted, and he is reminding me that discipline is important, and bridges the different elements.  He also tells me to look before I leap!

I was reading “Family Tradition Witchcraft” by Kit McGoey, and saw a bit of valuable information regarding Astrology and the Moon, and since the best place to store that info so I can find it again is here, in my Blog, I am taking a bit of a side trip today, and including some information regarding correspondences to the Moon when in each of the Astrological signs.

Moon in Aries: Powerful spell booster, but be wary of hot headedness or impulsive behavior.  Anything to do with sports, and increasing anything.

Moon in Taurus: Dependable energy.  Good for love spells and for cementing partnerships.  Spells for beauty, protection, anything to do with cars, the garden, and prosperity. 

Moon in Gemini: Anything intellectual or related to intelligence.  Making large purchases.  Meeting new people and creating new bonds.  Technology and weather. 

Moon in Cancer: Anything related to hearth or home.  Work on a straying spouse or one with a wandering eye.  Family issues and fertility.  Real estate issues, spells to find a new house.

Moon in Leo: Attraction and beauty.  Confidence and spells to gain more of it.  Wealth and prosperity magick, luck.  Leadership, moving forward, change, protection.

Moon in Virgo: Stability and grounding.  Also good for prosperity, financial planning, growing your nest egg.  Health and healing, repairing things that are broken or wrong.

Moon in Libra: Best for love and sex magick.  Great for dates and nights out with a partner, communication, loving your family, resolving conflicts.  Good also for beauty and court proceedings.

Moon in Scorpio: Good for sex magick and lust, but not good for love and commitments.  Spirituality and invoking guidance from he dead or speaking to them.  For banishing, for secret desires, dark, intense spells and protection.

Moon in Sagittarius: Excellent time to travel, make travel plans, or do spells involving travel.  For adventures and spells to grow more brave and bold.  For diplomacy, anything to do with horses or the legal system.

Moon in Capricorn:  Can be used in magick relating to the home and matters of family as a second choice to Cancer.  Good for money magick, dieting, cleaning.  To sell or be rid of something.

Moon in Aquarius:  For truth, for learning.  Also good for traveling, for politics, for beauty.  A fine choice for love magick, especially to draw a new love to you.  Spirituality and large purchases. 

Moon in Pisces:  Dream magick.  Anything to do with alcohol or drugs or police.  Fall more deeply into something, such as love.  Spirituality and learning about yourself.

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!  As always, the question is “What do I need to know?”  The cards I threw are:

8, Guide: Eagle (East).  East is the direction of the rising sun, and thus of new beginnings and fresh ideas, as well as knowledge, intellectual ideas and thoughts.  Eagle is about achievement, focus and honor; there is a reason that Eagle is the symbol of the US.  Eagle can see far away, and once a goal is in view, Eagle can swoop down on hugely powerful wings and grasp that goal with formidable talons, and then carry his prize away.  Eagle is honorable as well, and does not abuse his power.

52, Guide: Ancestors/Dark Goddess (Below).  The direction of Below is not easily associated with spirituality, yet it is a powerful symbol representing the opportunity to create a strong foundation, and to connect to the tools and powers of the Underworld.  Ancestors/Dark Goddess has two messages.  One is that those who have travelled the Well-Worn Path before us usually have valuable messages for us, to guide us on our own Journey.  The other is the message of the Dark Goddess: it is in the silence of the deep dark that the more subtle yet equally valuable messages can be received and understood. 

24, Time of Day: Sunset (West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Sunset is the time when we pause as the daylight hours come to a close.  We should not, however, assume that the day is done, for much can be had from the dark hours.  The light of the setting sun and the long shadows can transform even the most mundane environment into something mystical and magickal, the perfect environment to remember the experiences of the day.

I then stacked the cards into my mandala.  This one is quite self-contained, unlike the mandalas of the past few weeks, and it has a powerful message.  I am being told that I am in the position to be proud of what I have accomplished.  Over the past decade, my studies of the occult and of the subtle body and of Wicca have matured and born fruit.  This has happened in part due to my own work, but also in part because of the guidance and teachings of those who have come before me.  A winding up of some kind is approaching, but this winding up will not be an ending.  Instead, it will be a time for me to think about all I’ve accomplished so that new enthusiasm for the tasks ahead can be born within me.  I have the ability to keep learning and evolving, and I have the support of others.  I need not fear any approaching darkness, for not only will it be temporary, but also it, too, will present opportunities to learn and evolve.

I like that.

Stepped on the scale, and to my delight, I lost another pound.  That is 8 pounds so far!!

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King of Pentacles/The Hierophant reversed. The King of Pentacles (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the expert on the physical world, on physical world resources, and on physical manifestation.  Upright, my King would be encouraging me to focus on the physical world and its slower and more The King of Pentacles is a business man, and because he is upright, I need to be aware that opportunities may very well present themselves to me because of my experience and the skills I’ve honed.  This King may seem dull and unimaginative, but he certainly is good at bringing security and peace of mind to his world.  The Hierophant corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes), Taurus (“I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn), Vau (the nail which holds tradition in place), and the Path between Chesed (the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured), and Chokmah (dynamic male energy, the origin of vital force and polarity), and upright it is an Earth card that has a heavy feel about it, a feeling of needing to fit into specific slots.  My Hierophant is reversed today, so the arcane and spiritual knowledge he preserves will likely not come into play.  Looks like my focus should be more mundane, and more on the physical world.

My Thoth card is The Universe.  Wow; thanks, Uncle Al! The Universe/World, which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, stable and practical energy that is slow to change), Saturn (discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance), Thav (mark or sign), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world), is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand.  This card is similar to The Magician because it represents a synergy of the powers and effects of the elements; however, the big difference between the two cards is that The Magician gets his power from the Divine, while those who have reached the stage of The Universe end up with their own power (mainly because of the completeness and the completion of the experiences that brought them to The Universe).  This card can also indicate a bit of a pause as the new cycle begins.

My Legacy card is the Three of Cups reversed, flavored by The Hermit reversed. “Abundance,” or at least emotional abundance, might not be a big part of my day. The Three of Cups (Mercury, reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) in an upright position is about connections, and about blessings.  But my Three of Cups is reversed, and considering the other cards I threw today, I am feeling that this reversed card is reminding me that sometimes, despite opportunities to enjoy connections with others, I am better off staying just a tiny bit removed from the party.  The Hermit corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, practical and stable energy that is slow to change), as well as Virgo (“I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented, orderly), Yod (open hand, touch), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured), and is about searching within for a deeper meaning.  The Hermit is a pretty serious guy, but since he is reversed, and flavoring my Three of Cups (and validating the presence of the reversed Hierophant above), I think I am being told not to worry about this disconnect.  There are no deep or hidden meanings here, just a mini-mental vacation.  Soon enough I will be back to the grind, might as well enjoy the rest being offered to me.

My 6-digit date number is 4, the number of depth and stability. 

My horoscopes: “Have you been spending a lot of time pushing your body physically, Sagittarius? If so, you may be feeling the effects today. Muscle aches and exhaustion could be taking their toll on you. Forget about projects and chores and take care of yourself for a while. Try to get some rest. You won't be any good to anyone if you make yourself a martyr. Tomorrow you should be your old self again.”

And: “You may seem a bit off kilter with the rest of the world today, but don't sweat it. Today is a good day to finish up some projects that really need to get done. Your head may be a bit up in the clouds and your emotions may be a bit more foggy than usual. Bring more of your fantasy world into the current reality. Don't just talk about lofty ideas and beautiful dreams, live them. You have the power to change every situation for the better. The future is wide open.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Seven of Pentacles.  This card is traditionally about stopping to view the lush and healthy fruits of focused labor, and the Shadowscapes Seven of Pentacles is no exception.  This card also presents a choice, a crossroad of sort, and there really is neither a right or wrong choice to be made.  We can either decide that the fruits are ready for harvesting, or we can decide that the fruits would be better served by spending one more day on the vine.  The risks?  Picking now may mean that the fruits are still sour; picking later may mean that the fruits are past peak and beginning to rot.  A choice must be made, though, for even **not** choosing is still a choice.

Well, we are still in the midst of a heat wave, and surrounded by the three H’s (hazy, hot and humid), but I am doing much better.  I am continuing to keep myself hydrated.  I am making certain that I do my workout in the morning and my walk later in the day, after the sun is lower in the sky, and I feel as if the heat is actually helping me to cleanse toxins from my body.

Back on May 17^th, I talked about the gunas of Hot and Cold.  Here is what I said about Hot:

“Hot corresponds to the element of Fire, and in Ayurveda represents anything that will increase the body’s temperature and cause perspiration.  Heat causes the body’s blood vessels at the skin level to engorge in order to cool the core temperature and thus, appetite and effective digestion are decreased.  Hot weather can make the body comfortable and grounded, but too much heat can cause dizziness, lethargy and fainting.  Heat causes expansion of all kinds, and can increase passions, courage and valor, but also can increase irritability and impatience.  Spicy foods bring blood back to the digestive track, and vinegar is considered Hot because it is acidic.  Too much Hot can be treated by Bitter, Astringent, Sweet, and of course, Cold.  But Hot water is one of the most beneficial herbal medicines; when we drink Hot water, we bring blood to the digestive track to improve digestion and absorption of food, and we increase circulation; Hot water is actually the primary therapy for fever in Ayurveda.  And, it is a decongestant for ‘recovering Kaphas’ like me.”

Duh.  The one thing I did not try when I felt so agitated was drinking Hot water.  I showered in it, but did not consume it.  Believe me, the very next heat wave that appears, I will be testing this out.

The Joyful Belly website (my current source of Ayurvedic information) states that when there is too much heat, the mind becomes hot tempered, angry or irritable, and impatient. Yep, I can vouch for that.  Of course, those are the uncomfortable states associated with Hot; heat also increases courage, passion, and valor, and assists to project the personality outward. Perhaps that is why spiritual seekers turn their focus inward when the weather turns cool.

Any irritation or wound, fermentation in the small intestine, liver imbalance, infection, exercise, hot food, or too much clothing can bring about a Hot imbalance.  We would consume different things for different Hot imbalance causes.  For example, Astringent can relieve inflammation of the gut.  Milk, cucumber, cilantro and watermelon are cooling to the body.  And of course, washing your face or spritzing yourself with cool water will also balance out Hot.

And as a reminder to myself, following is a direct quote from the Joyful Belly website: “Hot water is one of the most powerful herbal medicines. As hot weather brings blood to the surface of the skin, hot water brings blood to the GI tract. Flush with the blood, hot water improves digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. Hot water improves circulation. It is a powerful diaphoretic that opens the surface, and the primary therapy for fever in Ayurveda.”

We’ve got a house full of company this weekend.  And, I am expecting some baby birds!  Four eggs in the nest, and the hatching should begin soon.

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The Emperor reversed/Three of Swords reversed.  The Emperor, which is a Fire card (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change) that corresponds with the astrological sign of Aries (“I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) and the Hebrew letter Heh (window, illumination), represents confidence and authority.  The Emperor actively seeks balance by imposing order on his world, and it makes sense that my Emperor is reversed because that is exactly what I needed to get through yesterday.  The Three of Swords (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) usually indicates the possibility that logic, rationalizing and the intellect could end up causing harm if they are not used with balance and compassion.  All of the Swords cards offer a sometimes painful lesson, but this is the one that I like the least. My Three of Swords is reversed, and I am hoping this means that my likelihood of receiving or causing sorrow is fading away.  The card is here, so I will continue to be careful about how I use my intellect.

My Thoth card is the Five of Cups reversed.  “Disappointment” The Five of Cups (Mars, action, aggression, drive, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, mysterious, obsessive) tells of an emotional setback or a lack of support. The suit of Cups is about feelings, and about pleasure, and when we have the calm pleasure of the Four of Cups (almost to the point of being hypnotized by that pleasure) and we stir those waters, it is like being woken suddenly from a nap.  Not comfortable at all.  However, we need to remember that once we get over the shock of the rude awakening, we just might find out that we are glad we are up, awake and aware.  My card is reversed, and I am taking this to mean that my shoulder has already been shaken and today is a day to look for reasons to be glad that I was awakened.

My Legacy card is the Four of Coins reversed, flavored by The Chariot.  Well, that Chariot card is showing up a lot.  The Four of Coins (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation or the deepest self, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, authority, caution cunning) in an upright position tells of very solid foundations and an awareness of the value of our possessions.  When upright, this card hints at a need for control, mainly due to that awareness I just spoke of.  My card is reversed today, and since it is paired with The Chariot, it is telling me that I don’t need to focus too much on my physical world maintenance right now.  At least not directly.  The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions.  Even though I feel better today, the presence of this card tells me that I still need to be aware of what I’m feeling.

My 6-digit date number is 3, the number that tells of new creations from the potential and position of the Ace, and the balance, polarity, and “distance between” of the number 2.

My horoscopes: “You tend to think that you're the only person on this planet born under a lucky star, Sagittarius. Try to trust the ones you love, because they might not appreciate having to deal with your anxiety. Don't forget that they also know how to fend for themselves. They, too, have had to adapt to this world we live in. They can stand up for themselves.”

And: “Remember that you are put on this Earth to have fun, and that happiness is your true destiny. Keep this in mind today as forces may tend to pull you off track from the fun you've been having. There is likely to be a rather sobering tone to the day that is stubbornly at work trying to rain on your parade of fun. Recognize the need for structure and stability but don't let it bring you down.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the King of Pentacles.  This King is about a strong and confident connection to everything in the physical world, and an ability to manage the resources all around me.  Reliability and hard-won skills are the tools of the day, and after the work is done and completed, the perfect ending would be to share the bounty.

Almost done with the gunas! I’ve talked about the gunas of Heavy and Light, Liquid and Dry, Hot and Cold, Easy and Difficult, Clear and Gooey, and the tastes of Sweet, Bitter, and Salty.  Next up: a bit about the taste of Sour.  My source once again is the Joyful Belly website.

Sour is mostly a good thing, except when we are using the word Sour to represent food that has gone bad.  Sour increases secretions, both saliva in the mouth, digestive fluids in the stomach, and a more moist colon. 

Basically there are two kinds of Sour: fermented Sour and astringent Sour.  Fermented Sour foods include yogurt, wine, beer and pickles.  Since fermented foods are pretty much pre-digested by microbes, these foods are absorbed easily into the system.  Astringent Sour include acidic fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, cranberries and pomegranates, which cleanse the palate and are cooling to the system.  Middle-of-the-road Sour foods include peaches, apricots, cherries and apples.  Astringent and middle-of-the-road Sour foods are also valuable digestive tonics because they aid our digestion, the coolness soothes inflammation, and the astringency restores tone to distended tissues.

Sour pacifies Vata, and aggravates Pitta.  It also aggravates recovering Kaphas like me, so if I indulge in anything Sour, I need to balance that Sour out with tastes that are drying.

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Five of Wands/Eight of Cups.  The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical), indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross purposes.  This card is reminding me that while every event that is clamoring for my attention may be equal in value or urgency, I can only address one at a time.  It is up to me to set priorities!  The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) tells of an ending or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions.  This card is reminding me that sometimes the best thing to do is to just walk away from an emotionally charged situation.  Oh boy, do I understand these two cards.

My Thoth card is the Prince of Cups reversed.  The Prince/Knight of Cups (cusp of Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about feeling things strongly and about dreaming, and about the imagination.  Because my Prince/Knight is reversed today, I may be dealing with unbalanced feelings.  Ya think?!  I need to be cautious because a lack of clarity could nudge me towards manifesting the ugly extremes of this card.  No wild ideas or flights of fancy for me today,

My Legacy card is Death, flavored by the Seven of Wands.  Wow!  The Death card corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of natural change that cannot be stopped.  Death is reminding me today that I need to move forward and release the past.  Sound familiar?  The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) is flavoring my Death card, and it is a significant card for me in its own right, besides its traditional meaning.  This is a card of assertion, of being sure of what I stand for, and it tells me that I should go for what I want.  I need to walk up to the gateway and present myself for entry, with calmness and confidence; I won’t know if I can pass the test until I try.

My 6-digit date number is 11 (Archangel Uriel), which reduces further to 2, the number of balance, polarity and “distance between.”

My horoscopes: “How about changing roles today, Sagittarius? It's true that you aren't one for idle chat. You prefer taking action rather than talking about grandiose ideas that never go anywhere. Yet today you may actually feel like discussing things in depth. The stars' alignments are bringing out this other side of you, so take advantage of the energy. Other people will be grateful, since they've been waiting a long time for this day.”

And: “Someone who lives near you whom you may not have said much to before may suddenly strike up a conversation with you that could result in a new friendship. You could find yourself wondering why you didn't speak to this person before. They could share a number of your interests, and because of that, some interesting group activities could be brought to your attention. The only caution: don't push too hard, and don't over-idealize your new friend.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding The Chariot.  I do understand this one perfectly, and the message is specific to me.  Today is one of those days when I’ve gotta keep control of my emotions, because I am a bit irritable.  If I don’t keep a firm hand on the reigns I will end up moving in a direction that I don’t want to.  This is truly walking a tightrope for me, and I could fall into either side of the rope very easily.  But I have the skill and the strength (and the patience!) to survive.

Whenever the weather suddenly becomes hazy, hot, and humid, I become irritable.  The irritability is truly “Five of Wands” in nature, but it is so volatile that I can end up truly angry or crumpled and in tears at the drop of a hat.  And to complicate matters, I have “turnsta” today.  Everything I touch “turnsta” dog poop; the internet is on-again-off-again, I keep dropping things, and I can’t seem to type.

The other issue for me on days like this is that I have no willpower, and in fact, I just keep craving all those comfort foods that I just should not be eating.  Between the food cravings and the irritability, my skin is positively crawling.  I am trying to keep myself very hydrated, and LOL, I keep taking deep calming breaths.

Perhaps this irritation is a good thing.  At the very least, I am acknowledging that it takes me a day or two to get comfortable with heat and humidity.  How else can I control my reaction to the three H’s (hazy, hot, humid) if I don’t own that reaction?  My cards today are offering lots of pertinent advice; I think I will listen to them.

Today is the Summer Solstice and the Sabbat of Litha, which celebrates the longest day, the beginning of Summer, and the peak of the Waxing Year.  Granted, the warm weather will probably intensify (**shudders with horror**), and at the very least will continue for weeks to come, but soon enough we will begin to sense the shortening of the days. 

Perhaps this is a day that I should be focusing on my physical body and its workings, including my digestion and food cravings. 

Litha Blessings!

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The Magician reversed/Ace of Swords reversed. The Magician corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick and animated energy which usually presents problems or challenges), Mercury (reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication), Beth (house; builder) and the Path between Binah (female, receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Kether (the source, limitless possibility); he takes action with confidence and is willing to work hard to manifest his goals. This card is about cunningness and occult wisdom, but it is also about individuality.  My Magician is reversed, so no matter what, individuality is not recommended today.  The Ace of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution authority, cunning, Aquarius and Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, soul growth, artistic) is about potential within the mental or intellectual realms.  The power associated with this card is not of the natural realm, but rather it is created and maintained by the Will.  Like my Magician, my Ace is reversed, so the Will should not be my main focus; this validates the reversed Magician.

My Thoth card is The Hanging Man. The Hanging Man corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and emotional, sensitive and imaginative energy that tends to move deep, and attempts to take the same path as in the past), Neptune (inspiration, spirituality, magick, enchantment, dreams, altered states), and the Hebrew letter Mem (water, stability and balance, the reflective quality of thought); this card is about surrender, about seeing things in a new way, and about putting aside my Will.  And yep, that is exactly what my first two cards are telling me to do.  The Hanging Man tells me that sacrifice is important, as is seeing things in a totally different way.  And, this card is about pausing or consciously choosing to not act.

My Legacy card is Strength, flavored by Temperance reversed.  This pair makes sense. The Strength card (Fire, hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic energy; Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical; Teth, sieve or basket, digestion; and the Path between Geburah, the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed, and Chesed, the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured) tells of emotional endurance and control, and of being able to even rise above the emotions in order to manifest both courage and patience. Temperance corresponds with Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Samekh (the tent post), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world of action and outer reality) and Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify), and like The Hanging Man, it is one of the Major Arcana cards that presents the concept of dynamic balance.  Because Temperance is reversed, it may not be balance that is important today.  I just might be able to learn some valuable information from watching the manifestation of extremes.  “Watching” being the important word.

My Pearls of Wisdom New Moon card is The Star.  Well, that is certainly a lovely New Moon card! The Star (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts; Aquarius; Qof, back of head; the Path between Malkuth, the physical world of action and outer, physical reality, and Netzach, the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) is the “good will to all” card.  This one is optimistic, and it tells me to look forward, to pay things forward, and to manifest love, and I will be surrounded by love.

My 6-digit date number is 10, the number that represents the end of a cycle, which reduces further to 1, the number of potential, possibilities, and position.

My horoscopes:  “You're organized and rigorous, Sagittarius. You plan everything. But with today's energy, you'll be inclined to let the day go by without keeping to a tight schedule. After all, not every day has to be a workday. You can worry easily, but don't let this get you down. Follow the people around you. They'll teach you to see the world differently. You'll even think about new ways to organize your life.”

And: “The possibility of your pursuing new career opportunities, perhaps involving an increase in income, might cause doubts and insecurities among family members. They could be afraid that you'll have less and less time for them. It's important that you reassure them, as their worries might escalate if you just let it ride. Make it clear that you're still there for them. This might not only alleviate their doubts, but your own as well.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Five of Swords.  This card is a sign of discord and conflicts of interest.  Being warned of the presence of these things helps us to rise above them.  There are winners and there are losers in every conflict, but the lesson here is that victories that are achieved through unethical means are empty indeed.

I have had an awesome two days.  Sunday night, I went to a Solstice Shamanistic Fire Ceremony, led by people that I know and respect, including a member of the Pagan Brain Trust.  This was an important Fire Ceremony for a couple of reasons.  First, it was the first ceremony in the new space of the Yoga Studio which hosts the ceremonies.  Second, the torch was passed from the long-time leader of the program to one of my much-loved Pagan Brain Trust-ers. Third, all five of the Pagan Brain Trust members (including one member who lives in California) were present for the ceremony. Needless to say, the ceremony was more powerful than I expected, and I expected a lot. 

Monday morning, I was up and out again, and the five of us drove into New York State for an awesome day.  We passed Hawks Nest, and then travelled up to the Finger Lakes District, to Watkins Glen.  There is a state park there called the Watkins Glen State Park, and oh my goodness, is that name an understatement.  Within this park is the path of the Glen Creek, which runs through the most gorgeous gorge I have ever seen.

The gorge is just under 500 feet deep, but the trail travels a mile and a half along and across the stream to the top.  The water churns below, sometimes flat and shallow and hardly moving, sometimes rocketing through a "slide" that looks to be less than 2 feet wide.  All over the place are sinkholes in the water (LOL, I was calling them hot tubs), where the water goes from a foot or two deep to five feet or more, made by past waterfalls and by huge ice age boulders being swept down the stream.  There are several places where the path takes you behind and under waterfalls.

All over the sides of the gorge are ferns and flowers and trees, and trickling streams of water camouflaging hidden grottos; it was as if we had stumbled into another realm, a Shangri La of NY State.  There was such a strong sense of the Fae, but I was so overwhelmed by the Fae energy, the elemental energy, and the sheer beauty around me that I couldn't focus.  I was just absorbing, playing the movie camera in my brain.  

I wish this was not a 4 hour plus drive from me because I would love to get back there and just sit. 

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!  As always, the question is “What do I need to know?”  I threw three cards, as follows:

11, Gateway: Summer (South).  South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity.  This Gateway is about warmth and bounty, abundance and blessing, passion and wealth.  How lovely that this card shows up now, while the moon is dark and Litha is around the corner.

18, Guide: Horse (South).  Horse is directly connected to the sun; in many cultures, the sun is represented by a chariot being pulled across the sky by a set of horses.  This card is about movement and travel and transition, but it is also about restlessness. 

35, Landscape: Forest (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  Forest is about patience and a strong foundation; it reminds me that goals need nurturing and they need time to grow. 

I then created my mandala.  Horse is surrounded by green, the green of the Gateway of Summer and the green of the Forest.  Is Horse being penned in by all this abundance and lush growth?  No, I don’t think so.  I think the surrounding green is easing Horse’s restless nature.  Instead of being flighty, Horse is waiting patiently for me, so that our Journey may begin.

These are interesting symbols, considering that I am attending a Shamonic Fire Ceremony tonight with my much-loved Pagan Brain Trust.

Here are my updates for the Spring Fitness Challenge.  I think this is the last week!!

Earth rules the entire physical world and all of its manifestations.  To me, Earth represents not only the physiological operations of our bodies, but the physical world around me.  Ayurveda is helping me immensely, and I am liking the way I am feeling.  I can enjoy my time moving about even more now, because I am stronger and healthier than I have been in a long time.

Air rules the mind, the intellect, thinking, and air and the act of breathing and all effects associated with breathing.  I am continuing to work on breathing exercises while visualizing toxins being expelled on my exhalations.  I have noticed a gradual change in my awareness and in my connection to my own Will.

Fire rules passion, courage, the life force and the Will, and movement of all kinds and all effects associated with movement.  I am walking regularly, doing my morning stretch/Yoga session regularly, and doing lots of beach walking on weekends.  I feel strong, ready to challenge myself a bit.

Water rules emotions and feelings and all effects associated with emotions and feelings, and for our purposes Water will also be about cleansing, flushing and purifying.  The warm weather of Summer is finally here, and I am making extra certain that I keep myself hydrated.  My mood is good; I feel content.

And it appears I have lost another pound! My grand total is 7 pounds.  Not tons of weight, but I do believe I have made some good changes in my lifestyle.  I will continue weighing in each week, and posting the results on Sundays.  We shall see . . . .

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The Empress/Ace of Pentacles reversed. The Empress (which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Venus (beauty, allure, pleasure, relationships), Daleth (door or womb) and the Path between Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Chokmah (dynamic male energy and the origin of vital force and polarity)) is also about creativity, and about fertility of all kinds, a deep connection to Nature and its workings, and pleasure of the senses. Aces present potential only, and the Ace of Coins (Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, social) tells of the presence of potential that is connected in some way to the physical world.  Since my Ace is reversed, I may find that I am not real good at seeing mistakes in the physical world today before they happen.  I may be dealing with difficult food cravings, or maybe will spend more money than I want to.

My Thoth card is the Six of Wands reversed.  “Victory,” but not quite, I guess. The Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) in an upright position expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge.  My Six of Wands is reversed, and it is flavoring my Two of Swords, so it is telling me that success is there, circling around me.  I need to be careful for it will only stay there, circling around and attempting to enter, for so much time, and then success will depart.

My Legacy card is the Knight of Wands reversed, flavored by Death reversed.  Well, looks like The Empress is the outwardly manifesting card of the day, eh? The Knight of Wands (cusp of Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, deep, obsessive, and Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) is a person of passion, courage, enthusiasm and boundless energy.  The energies of this card are strong, confident and powerful, but because the card is reversed, I may not be able to easily make use of these traits today. The Death card corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of natural change that cannot be stopped.  Death is perhaps reminding me today that I need to move forward and release the past.

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of the pause that comes as growth ends and degeneration begins; there may be a crossroad or choice of some kind attached to this pause.

My horoscopes: “Even though the times are favorable for relaxation, you won't be able to fully enjoy this period, Sagittarius. You'll instead try to adjust your agenda so you can lead a more balanced life. The planetary aspects in play will incite you to change your attitude toward work. You should try to lighten your responsibilities to avoid stress at the office.”

And: “Do not turn down any opportunities today, even if they seem like dead-end roads at first. This one could be your lucky break. Realize that success doesn't always have a big neon sign pointing you in the right direction all of the time. Prosperity simply comes because we act freely and instinctively. This is one of those days in which an unmarked door can lead you to the yellow brick road of happiness and well-being.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Seven of Wands.  This is a card of strength and fortitude.  It tells me that today I may need to be in “protect” mode, and I will be quite efficient maintaining what is important to me.  The cool thing is that if I handle things the right way, this act of courage will benefit me, and will benefit others as well.  Selflessness, true selflessness, is usually only manifested by those who have evolved.

Just back from drinking a bottle of prosecco with Helen at the beach.  I had a great day; weather is beautiful.  I did some bike riding, got fresh bread, had my car serviced, and did some gardening, and still had time to sit on the beach.

Awesome!

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