Seven of Cups/Queen of Wands. 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. The traditional image of the Seven of Cups shows seven cups, each filled with what appears to be a wonderful gift: the Wreath (Saturn and The World); the Castle (Mars and The Tower), the Woman (Venus and The Empress); the Snake (Mercury and The Magician); the Veil (the Moon and The High Priestess), the Jewels (Jupiter and The Wheel of Fortune), and the Dragon (our Sun and The Sun).  All are enticing, but all are dangerous, too.  This card can also represent an emotional addiction to the pleasures of the senses.  The Queen of Wands (cusp of Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality, and Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) is energetic and enthusiastic, gives 100% of herself, and always has a smile on her face and humor in her heart.  My Queen is telling me that for today, I may be able to overcome the indecision of the Seven of Cups and clear away the stagnation that is the result of too many choices.  The Queen of Wands is a good businesswoman, too, and she is telling me that now is the time to pursue the things that are important to me.

My Thoth card is the Nine of Disks reversed.  “Gain” reversed.  Okay, there is a reason for this. The Nine of Disks (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) in an upright position tells of accomplishment through the imposition of discipline. My reversed Nine of Disks does not represent the possible deception or bad faith that it can normally indicate (at least I hope!); I believe my Nine of Disks is reversed because it is indicating approaching gain.  Not that the gain is assured, not by any means.  But it is approaching!

My Legacy card is The Tower reversed, flavored by the Queen of Swords. The Tower (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Mars (action, spontaneity, aggression, drive), Phe (mouth or speech), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Netzach (which offers the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration)) tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going.  My card is reversed, thankfully, but all is not completely safe.  I may be successfully adjusting things right now, but if I don’t keep alert, blockages may occur.  And since this is a Fire card, I need to look for imbalances regarding that element in order to impose a more gentle correction.  The Queen of Swords (cusp of Virgo, “I serve,” practical, sensible, work and service oriented, and Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, grace) can be considered a Minor Arcana representation of the Justice card.  Se is flavoring my reversed Tower, and that is a good thing, because she has the ability to be detached from emotions and objectively analytical.  This Queen is also reminding me to be ethical in my pursuit of my goals.  Okay.

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number of movement that gets rid of stagnation. 

My horoscopes: “There's a great deal of fun to be had today, Sagittarius. Money isn't always necessary to make this happen, however. In fact, money isn't a great way to keep score. Consider the sacrifices you make each time you strive to earn more cash. There's a dynamic feeling in the air today that's asking you to expand your mind in order to consider other ways to have fun.”

And: “You are at a point of emotional climax right now. Things are coming to a critical point in which situations seem to first escalate and then suddenly collapse. Little issues in your relationships that you have failed to deal with openly are coming back to haunt you. It could be that someone is trying to cross you at this time, or maybe it just feels this way. Don't get overly paranoid. The whole world is not out to get you.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Three of Wands.  This one is significant for two reasons.  First of all, it’s not a Pentacles card.  I have been throwing Pentacles cards frequently with this deck, but not today.  This is such an exciting card to draw on the day before the release of my first book.  The Shadowscapes Three of Wands tells us to take those first steps, to walk along the bridge as it arcs into the sky to where the bridge ends, and then to stand on the edge and gaze forward.  The next step is the most frightening because it is unknown; there is no bridge already in place created by others who have come before us.  Now is the time for us to step forward into the unknown, and to trust that all will be well.  To trust that the bridge will continue under our feet.

Interesting that the Touchstones: Daily Meditations for Men entry supports this.  “Today is before us as an unformed experience.  Yesterday took its own shape, and whatever it was has now gone.  Our only opportunities exist in what we will do today.”  Tomorrow is the release date for my first book, “The Emerald Tablet: My 24 Day Journal of Discovery,” published by Luna Station Press.  I really do feel today as if I am standing at the edge of that bridge.  Very appropriate card.

More about Astrology!  Western Astrology makes use of the Zodiac, which is a band of constellations that appear in our sky. Over the years, Astrologers noted these constellations and attached a particular significance to them because our Sun passes through each of them throughout the solar year; these twelve signs were considered “enlightened” because of that solar influence.  Eventually the system of the twelve signs of the Zodiac was developed.

Most Western Astrologers use the Tropical Zodiac, which begins with the sign of Aries at the Northern hemisphere Vernal Equinox, usually on or around March 21 of each year. The Western Zodiac is drawn based on the Earth's relationship to fixed, designated positions in the sky, and the Earth's seasons.

The Sidereal Zodiac is another option; it is drawn based on the Earth's position in relation to the constellations, and follows their movements in the sky.

Due to a phenomenon called precession of the equinoxes (where the Earth's axis slowly rotates like a spinning top in a 25,700 year cycle), there is a slow shift in the correspondence between Earth's seasons (and calendar) and the constellations of the Zodiac. Thus, the Tropical Zodiac corresponds with the position of the Earth in relation to fixed positions the sky, while the Sidereal Zodiac is drawn based on the position in relation to the constellations.  Whichever Zodiac is used (and I will focus on the Tropical Zodiac), Astrology focuses on the effects created by our Sun, our Moon and the other planets in our Solar System as they move through these constellations. 

Like the Tarot Major Arcana and Minor Arcana Court, in modern Western astrology the signs of the Zodiac are seen to represent twelve basic personality types or modes of expression.   Like the Minor Arcana Pip Cards, The twelve signs are divided into the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water, with Fire and Air signs being considered masculine, and Water and Earth signs considered feminine.

In my next post I will describe the signs themselves, and the concepts of Cardinal, Mutable and Fixed.

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Five of Wands/Justice. 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 sometimes about an outer conflict, an “every man for himself” attitude, but sometimes this card represents those strong inner conflicts that occur when we are torn.  Do I want to step ahead?  Or do I want to hang back? Justice is a card of adjustment, and it corresponds with the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick, animated energy that usually brings problems or challenges that bring growth), Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Lamed (ox goad; training or teaching), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Geburah (the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed), and I just love that it is appearing with the Five of Wands.  Justice tells of enlightenment, and it asks us to be aware of the systems and principles that keep our Universe balanced because we can take advantage of the ebbs and flows of energies connected to them.  Perhaps I am being reminded that even conflict can bring a benefit, or perhaps it can bring a return to balance by sweeping away what is not needed any more.

My Thoth card is the Knight of Swords reversed. The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is brave, insightful, courageous, and logical, rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  This Knight in an upright position is about someone who dashes in and imposes his ideas regarding balance and the achieving of positive results.  Logic and analysis might not be the best tools for me today!

My Legacy card is the Ace of Swords reversed, flavored by the King of Swords reversed.  Wow; reversed Swords cards 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.  My Ace is reversed, and it is telling me to be very cautious for I could end up with my foot in my mouth today. The King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) in an upright position represents a good judge of people and situations.  My King is reversed, and flavoring the reversed Ace of his suit, so I really may be inept today as far as being clear sighted, perceiving the meaning of events, and instructing others.  There is the reversed Knight above, too, so I am being told to seriously think twice before saying or doing or deciding anything.

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

My horoscopes: “Be careful about being too critical today, Sagittarius. You're likely to turn people away if you aren't careful with how you express yourself. This is a good time to listen and receive as opposed to deliver information. Let things stew in your head for a while before you make any major decisions. You're likelier to find a greater balance in the situation if you slow down and back off a bit.”

And: “The fire within you may be burning brightly, but unfortunately, there is not a great deal of fuel available now to keep it going strong. It may seem as if people are trying to rain on your parade, but in fact, they are just trying to do their duty. Relax and contemplate what is going on around you. This may not be the best day to implement change and new ideas.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Nine of Pentacles.  LOL, still in the Pentacles stage, I guess.  This is a solitary card though, despite the fact that it is about enjoying the fruits of our labors.  This is about being self-sufficient, and about being able to appreciate the way the world works.  Awesome!!

From Touchstones: Daily Meditations for Men, today’s entry: “In stepping across a stream we must leave the side we are on in order to get to the other side.  The repeated challenge in our spiritual life is to leave the secure trappings we know and take comfort in the still unknown new self.  That is the leap of faith.  We take the risk and trust something will be there for us.  We have faith that letting go of our immediate attachments will bring us to a better place, that God will be there for us.”  This is an interesting thought for me today, as my book is going to be released on August 1.  Links will be provided once it is live.  I am thinking a lot about the kind of steps or transformations described in this quote.  In particular, I like the metaphor of stepping across the stream.  Today, my feet are wet.

Let’s begin to talk about Astrology.  First, let’s answer the question “What is Astrology?”  Astrology basically holds that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world. Among Indo-European peoples, asrology has been around since the third millennium BCE.  There is Indian and South Asian Astrology, Vedic Astrology, Eastern Asian, Chinese and Hindu Astrology.  There is Mayan Astrology also. 

Through most of its history, astrology was considered acceptable in political and academic aspects; it was considered a scholarly tradition and legitimately connected to astronomy, alchemy, meteorology and medicine. At the end of the 17th century, new scientific ideas in astronomy called the validity of astrology into question, and Astrology lost its academic and theoretical standing.

In the West, Astrology most often consists of a system of horoscopes that claim to predict aspects of an individual's personality or life history based on the positions of the sun, moon, and other planetary objects at the time of their birth.

A central principle of astrology is integration within the cosmos. The individual, Earth, and its environment are viewed as a single organism, all parts of which are correlated with each other. Cycles of change that are observed in the heavens are seen to reflect (not cause) similar cycles of change observed on earth and within the individual. This relationship is expressed in the Hermetic maxim "as Above, so Below; as Below, so Above", which presents symmetry between the individual as a microcosm and the celestial environment as a macrocosm.  Now that sounds familiar!

We are off to a good start.

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!  As usual, I asked “What do I need to know?” and then shuffled the cards.  Here is what I got:

39, Guide: Wolf (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.  Wolves are seen by many as dangerous, even evil, but we should always keep in mind when we are working with Wolf that he is the ancestor of the dogs we humans love so much.  Wolf has a strong sense of family, and of rank within that family.  Wolf can communicate over great distances, and has the stamina to travel those distances in the first place.  Wolf has keen instincts, and a strong urge to protect his territory.

23, Element: Water (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.  Water is about emotions, feelings, the Inner Voice, dreams, intuition, and Water is connected to both birth and death.  Because our physical bodies contain so much Water, whatever affects Water usually affects us as well.  The image on this card also shows ripples moving outward; something to remember when we are expressing our feelings.

28, Guide: Frog (West).  Water is emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same; its dignities are cold/binds and wet/adapts.  Water is Frog’s environment, but not only Water.  In an immature stage, Frog must exist in Water or die, but when Frog becomes an adult, she can move between the worlds; double transformation powers!  Frog is also known to be fertile (she lays a huge amount of eggs), and because Frog has a permeable skin, she is also associated with sensitivity and healing.

I then created my mandala.  Boy, this one is even tighter than last week’s mandala; everything is layered in the center.  Frog is covering Wolf, yet Wolf’s nose is sticking out as if he was testing the wind, keeping track of things.  Looks like my place in my world is important this week, but so is the concept of cycles or transformation.  Perhaps that transformation or those cycles might be more apparent to me, at least at first, but if I look below them, I will see that my place within my family is my foundation.  In the center of all is my emotions, my feelings, and most important, my instincts.

I’ve got a house full of company this weekend, and I love it.  My friends are active, and oh boy, do we laugh.  The weather is not perfect, but we’ve had some awesome thunderstorms.  Sitting on the porch during a thunderstorm is incredible.

I did something stupid yesterday, and unfortunately this happens to me every so often.  I volunteered to teach a class, and miss-read the time.  By 2 hours.  Oy.  I hate when I do that.  I will reschedule, but I feel terrible that I let everyone down.  I guess I need to do this every so often, as a reminder to pay attention.

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Five of Cups/The Chariot.  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.  “Disappointment” is Crowley’s keyword, and it works.  Stirring up the calm waters of the Four of Cups can at least temporarily dredge up some sludge; better to give the waters a bit of time to clear before looking into them.  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. My Chariot is reversed, and since we are in the midst of another heat wave, this card really does make sense to me.  I am having a bit of trouble with the heat this summer; nothing terrible physically, but my brain gets foggy.

My Thoth card is the Knight of Swords.  The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is brave, insightful, courageous, and logical, rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  This Knight in an upright position is about someone whose mind is filled with ideas, ideas that sometimes bounce off each other and create chaos.  My Knight is reversed, and there just might not be a strong enough connection to those ideas for chaos.  Gotta be careful.

My Legacy card is the Seven of Cups reversed, flavored by the Ten of Wands.  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, but thankfully my Seven of Cups is reversed, especially since the Four of Cups has also shown up today.  Since the reversed Seven of Cups is flavoring my reversed Ace of Swords today, while I may not be too proficient at wielding my Will, I should be at least able to make coherent choices.  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.

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

My horoscopes: “If you aren't paying close attention today, Sagittarius, you might miss what's said. Important information is being relayed quickly, so don't miss out on the action. It may not be important for you to agree with everything you hear, but at least listen to it and seriously consider incorporating elements into your point of view. Don't dismiss other opinions just because they're new and different from your own.”

And: “This will be a great day for you! In your family life, your children, grandchildren, or your brothers or sisters may give you a lot of their excess energy. It's up to you to take care of them! It's your turn to plan things in your family. And you won't have any trouble with this task. Hey, have you ever thought about being some kind of planner or organizer for a living?”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Pentacles.  Hmmmm . . . lots of Pentacles cards lately, eh?  The Ten of Pentacles is a card of attainment and accomplishment, usually in some way connected to the physical world, and usually attained through traditional and conventional methods.  Usually the benefits accumulated here are the result of a long-term effort, and the time may be here to enjoy these benefits for a bit. 

Despite the storms early last evening, we ended up having a great get-together at the Wayne Contingency of the Pagan Brain Trust.  As always, dinner was quite tasty, and we had The Cake for dessert.  I was looking forward to talking with everyone because of the discomfort I have been feeling these past few days; I was hoping to find a bit of clarity for myself by attempting to explain what I was feeling.  The interesting thing was that I found I am not the only one feeling this sense that things have changed in a way I can’t put my finger on, and that connections that used to be clear and strong were now cloudy and at times obliterated by static. 

We all laughed (with all due respect to Danu) as I described how I had gone to my Patroness and asked her why I was feeling this way and what I needed to do to get back on track with my learning, growth and evolution, and how She had given me a typical “Goddess response”: “The answers will come to you when the time is right, so continue on to the best of your ability and be alert and watchful so you don’t miss those answers.”  We all agreed that in a way, this was reassuring, as it meant we were all doing the right thing.  It would have been less calming of Danu told me to stop what I was doing instantly, after all. 

My Touchstones entry for today is relevant to my recent discomfort and validates my effort to acquire an answer from Danu, and Her response to me.  “We can decide with our will to follow a spiritual direction, to turn our life and will over to the care of our God.  We cannot control what God will do with them.”  In the end, when no other answers appear, this is what I mostly choose to do, and in doing this, I open myself to whatever answer appears.  The cool thing about this is that “[w]e learn that after making our decision, our Higher Power takes over.  Now, it is possible to be released from our own trying, to move beyond our own efforts by falling into the caring hands of God.”  I have never, ever been disappointed when I have gone to my Patroness, asked for help, and placed the results and the answers (and their manifestation) into Her hands.  I have asked Her what is the right focus for me, and She has told me that when the time is right, I will know what direction to take; in the mean time, I am to practice a new kind of patience.  The patience that involves fulfilling my obligations to the best of my ability, while I am waiting for an indication of where to go and what to do. 

My cards today seem to be not pointing in any one direction (besides some emotional discomfort) as well.  Perhaps a weekend at the beach with friends, and a focus on metabolic discipline, will help to bring a return of clarity.

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Justice/Queen of Swords reversed.  Justice is a card of adjustment, and it corresponds with the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick, animated energy that usually brings problems or challenges that bring growth), Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Lamed (ox goad; training or teaching), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Geburah (the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed).  Justice tells of enlightenment, and it reminds us that while its laws and rules may at times mimic those of man, the laws and rules represented by the Justice card have a Higher Author.  This card also tells of the systems and principles that keep our Universe balanced; they are difficult to mess with without incurring consequences.  The Queen of Swords (cusp of Virgo, “I serve,” practical, sensible, work and service oriented, and Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, grace) can be considered a Minor Arcana representation of the Justice card.  Upright, she is open, up front, alert and hard to fool, but today she is reversed.  I am being told that my own ability to judge may not be good today, but if I trust in the Universe, I will be taken care of.  I should also remember that today it is not my job to judge myself or others; rather, I should allow Deity to do that, and abide by what I am told.

My Thoth card is the Six of Disks.  “Success” is Crowley’s keyword for this card, and the success referenced here is usually connected in some way to the physical world.  The Six of Disks (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Taurus, “I have,” Sensual, cautious, stubborn) brings an awareness of resources to the situation, or a lack thereof.  Crowley tends to like all the 6 cards, but still sees this card as being a bit heavy.  Still, even Crowley describes the Six of Pentacles of bringing a healthy balance of need and resources; he just makes sure to remind us that this time of balance is only temporary.

My Legacy card is The Sun reversed, flavored by Faith.  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.  The Sun is halfway between The Tower and The Star, and it can represent a brief respite as well as an indication that personal power is returning.  My Sun is reversed today, and LOL, there could very well be a literal meaning here.  We are expecting strong and dangerous thunderstorms later today, and the sun will surely not be shining.  Faith/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) is flavoring my reversed Sun, and in keeping with the literal interpretation of the reversed Sun, this card could be telling me to have faith that I will be safe, and to be sure that I pay attention to the experts and prepare with tried-and-true methods for the possibility of high winds, hail, and torrential downpours.  LOL, this has been your Tarot weather report. 

My 6-digit date number is 9, the number that represents the completeness of effect or manifestation.

My horoscopes: “You may be overwhelmed by an onslaught of communication from someone you didn't expect to hear from, Sagittarius. It could be that this person suddenly puts a monkey wrench in your plans. It's important to adapt and allow for the constant changes that are bound to come your way. Don't get so hung up on a certain way of doing things that you fail to see the wisdom in a new and different approach.”

And: “”Focus more of your power on your home and family life. Take care of domestic issues and stick to household chores and duties. You will find that the more you do to your home, the more others will be inspired to pitch in and add their share of potatoes to the soup. You may find it difficult to connect with certain people, so it might be best to give yourself some time alone, as well.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Pentacles.  This Queen is the expert nurturer; she strives to make others feel safe and secure and productive and valuable, and in doing so, makes herself that way, too.  The Shadowscapes Companion says this about the Queen of Pentacles: “She is dedication, a protector, and one who is reliable and trustworthy.  She is willing to share the strength that is drawn down from the sustaining, golden power of life and warmth of the sun itself. . . .”  With this kind of focus, everyone turns out to be a winner.

Tonight, I visit my much-loved Pagan Brain Trust Wayne Contingency, that is, if we don’t experience what I call “end of days thunder storms” later.  I am looking forward to this visit, because I am hoping that talking about my ponderings of late will help me to find some answers, or at least some directions of focus.  And I am being patient here; my Patroness has told me that answers will appear at the right time, and I am merely watching carefully for them.  Sitting around the Sacred Table and talking to these friends has always had a calming effect on me, and I expect that tonight will be no exception.  LOL, the calm after the storm?  Maybe.

I have already seen some possible answers.  My dear friend Lilyth has had some rough times these past weeks, and adding to her stress (albeit a good and positive event!), she has had to pack up her entire household in under three weeks in order to move to California because her husband has gotten a great job there.  This is something that she and her husband have been working toward achieving for a while now, but of course the goal manifests just when she has begun to wind down from dealing with illnesses, multiple floods, and other stresses. 

Despite all of these challenges, my friend has managed to stay up-beat and optimistic.  LOL, she will laugh to read this, but in my eyes, she is an island of strength and sanity amidst the storms crashing around her.  And her faith in Deity, in the rightness of her Path, has remained one constant in her life.  If she can do this, so can I. 

I am still pulled towards a time of focus on my own Craft, on my own Practice, and I will make this focus happen.  I have people I can depend on, all around me, and with a bit of focus now on my responsibilities supporting the greater good of the group, I will be able to reacquaint myself with my personal practice without letting anyone else down.

Balance.  Balance is the key.

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The Fool/The Magician reversed.  The Fool corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and challenges that tend to require the use of the intellect to solve), Uranus (technology, science, radical change), Aleph (the head, youthful learning) and the Path between Chokmah (male in the electric sense, dynamic energy and the origin of vital force and polarity) and Kether (the source; limitless possibility).  The Fool is the spark that begins the idea, and he is potential not yet manifested, neither positive nor negative.  He is telling me to view the world with a child’s eyes, without expectations and walls and defenses.  The Magician also 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. The Magician is an individual, just like The Fool, but The Magician uses hard-won skills to manifest his chosen desires, while The Fool openly accepts whatever appears on his path.  Because my Magician is reversed, I will need to be careful that I don’t attempt to impose my expectations onto the energies of the day, because I just might ruin something good.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Swords reversed. 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.  Upright, this card  tells us of the formation of a personal identity which might cause a bit of isolation,  Crowley sees this Ace as being a bit passive in nature, but since it is reversed, the energies and potential of this card might be a bit easier to access.  However, the card is reversed, so caution is advised; the intellect is not infallible after all.

My Legacy card is the Ace of Swords, flavored by The Moon reversed.  Bookends again!  The Aces all offer potential rather than actual effects or manifestations.  The Ace of Swords offers potential within the realms of the intellect and the Will, as well as a reminder that these realms tend to offer neutral power, and it is the bearer of the sword who imposes either good or evil upon whatever manifests.  The Moon corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same), Pisces (“I believe,” feeling, suffering, soul growth, duality), Qof (the back of the head), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and talks about the imagination, perception, and fear of the unknown.  My Moon card is reversed, and it could be warning me that the potential presented by my Ace of Swords might be easily misread.  However, I should not allow fear to color my choices; rather, logic just might be more productive than fear or caution.

More about the Ace of Swords.  I usually see the suit of Swords as representing challenges that offer us the opportunity growth within the process of finding resolution of the challenges.  Most of the Swords cards in the Minor Arcana do present challenges.  Those challenges are almost always uncomfortable, but they are not overwhelming.  The Sword can be found within the symbolism of some of the Major Arcana cards as well.  One example is Justice, and the concept of justice is also a two-edged one.  Aces offer potential rather than manifestation or effect, so our expectations when we view our Ace of Swords are important.  Also important is the knowledge that our intentions are what imposes upon this potential the label of good or evil.  Unlike the Ace of Wands, which offers the potential for natural effects, manifesting the energies of the Ace of Swords always requires strength of mind, expectations and intentions in order to manifest.  Thus, an upright Ace of Swords is no guaranty that the end result will be good, and a reversed Ace of Swords does not mean disaster. 

My 6-digit date number is 8, the number that tells of the conscious and deliberate response to the slower growth and beginning of degeneration of the number 7, in order to maintain for a bit longer the harmony and balance of the number 6.

My horoscopes: “Things should be flowing quite well for you today, Sagittarius. Take this opportunity and use the energy to its full potential. Center yourself and look at the weeks ahead. Where do you want to be in two months? Where do you want to be in two years? Now is the time to take stock of what you've got and plan for future growth. You have a great deal going for you, so don't waste your time on frivolity.”

And: “Indecisiveness may leave you standing at the bus stop after all the busses have already left. Make sure you hop on one that is going in your direction. Add your name to the roster of active participants. Today is not a day to stand around waiting for the opportunity to come to you. If you see something you believe in, move toward it. Act spontaneously and don't worry about the consequences at this time.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the King of Pentacles.  The Shadowscapes Insight King of Pentacles is the ruler of the material world; the entities who are his subjects look to him for protection and potential and fertility; he offers valuable guidance and stability; his roots reach deep, offer valuable nutrients, and keep his subjects in place and growing.  He shares as well, and everyone is invited to his table.

The heat and my busy weekends have been slowing me down on my Third Degree Assignment.  Yesterday and today, I have re-immersed myself into the paperwork connected to my Path of the Teacher.  I feel that I need to move forward on this. 

I have been feeling a bit of a pull towards a solitary practice.  Not that I will be walking out on my Coven, not by any means.  The interactions there keep that spark of excitement and challenge and evolution alive within me.  But I am having trouble balancing my Coven responsibilities with my personal practice of my Craft; I am sure that I will find harmony once again, with just a bit of focused awareness.

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Page of Cups reversed/Ace of Cups. The Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering), and is very emotional, dreamy, social, and connected to the inner voice.  My Page is reversed, so today I need to be on guard against seduction, flattery, falsehoods, or immaturity, and their uncomfortable manifestations. The Ace of Cups (Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, deep, mysterious, obsessive, Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) tells of the potentials available to me for experiencing deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, compassion for myself or others, attunements and connections.  This is a very spiritual, compassionate and empathic card which tells us that all we need is love.

My Thoth card is The Princess of Cups.  Bookends!! The Princess/Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) is very emotional, dreamy, social, and connected to the inner voice.  This card offers a somewhat immature version of the Queen of Cups, and because of the nature of Cups cards and their connections to emotions and instincts and inner messages, that immaturity can be a good thing.  We aren’t dealing with concepts set in stone or measurable with physical world implements; instead, these are experiential concepts. 

My Legacy card is the Three of Coins reversed, flavored by Death. The Three of Coins (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, cunning, competence) tells of competence, planning and teamwork; often it shows us the master at work.  However, my Three of Coins is reversed, and perhaps my time of putting knowledge to use is fading.  This makes sense, particularly because my reversed Three is Coins is being flavored by Death.  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.  Often this change involves stepping up to the next level, and since this next level is usually completely unknown we may resist the transformation.  But resistance is futile, according to the Borg. 

More about the Page of Cups.  The rank of Page corresponds with the element of Earth and the suit of Cups corresponds to the element of Water, so in the Page of Cups we have Earth of Water.  Earth is about stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change; its dignities are: cold/binds and dry/shapes.  Water is about sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course; its dignities are: cold/binds and wet/adapts.  This tells us that our Page is not quick to act or feel, but rather is soft and gentle.  This Page can be a bit lethargic, but also courageous in the right circumstances.  Because the manifestations are a bit immature, the Page of Cups could be considered a version of the Wiccan Younger Self, the catalyst of all magickal workings.  The Page of Cups like emotions, likes to feel things, likes to connect to others in all ways, and likes to be a bit romantic.  Damaged relationships can be mended by this Page, and loneliness ended; this would be the person who just might know things, or be seen as a bit psychic.  But, there is also a danger of moodiness or of a focus on negative emotions.

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of the slowing of growth that comes with the beginning of degeneration, and possibly an accompanying choice or crossroad. 

My horoscopes: “It's OK to change your opinion, Sagittarius. You may pride yourself on being the solid one who always has an answer or knows exactly where to go. You may look upon others as flaky, indecisive, or fickle. It's important that you not shut down your thinking after making a decision about something. Keep your mind open to changes that occur around you and maybe you'll have a change of heart.”

And: “Watch the sunrise today. Open your eyes to the beauty around you and let it inspire you to take action. Someone may be trying to throw you a curve ball so be ready for the unexpected. You have a tremendously generous heart that you should share freely with others. Your helpful nature will draw others to you and help you skate effortlessly through your day. Teach someone a lesson that you know they need to learn.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Pentacles.  Okay, this one makes sense. The attainments represented by this card are no accident, and are not a matter of mere luck. This card is about the blessings we receive through sustained awareness and effort, and possibly through the sustained awareness and effort of those who came before us.  These blessings just might have a long shelf life, too.

I just finished reading the PDF proof of my upcoming book.  I am very, very excited about this!  The book will be released by Luna Station Press, will be called “The Emerald Tablet: My 24 Day Journal To Understanding,” and will be available as an eBook in all the usual places.  I will post the info as soon as the book is available.  My deepest gratitude to Bug and to Luna Station Press; seriously, they made this so easy.

What an awesome weekend I had.  My friends from Denver arrived early Friday morning; we left Kennedy Airport and did a bit of a tour of Manhattan.  We crossed the Queensboro Bridge, headed to 65^th Street so we could drive through Central Park (which was exquisitely beautiful; it was hard to imagine that we were in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world), then went through Columbus Circle and Times Square, and finished up by driving past the 9/11 Memorial and the new tower.  We crossed the Hudson via the Holland Tunnel, and then headed to Cape May. 

Once we arrived, we headed for the beach until dark.  Saturday morning, we sat for hours on the porch drinking coffee and eating fresh artisan bread, then headed to Sunset Beach.  We walked, and even hiked into the dunes a bit.  Finally, our empty bellies began talking to us, so we headed home, our pockets filled with Cape May Diamonds, and had a delicious seafood feast in the yard.

Sunday was sunny and warm, so we headed for the Atlantic, where we spent the day.  Warm sun, warm surf, warm sand and dolphins; osprey fishing, gulls attempting to steal our lunch, and a cold bottle of prosecco as the air finally cooled, filled the day.  We swam, we baked in the sun, we walked on the beach and peeked into the jetties. Sunday night, we had another feast, this time beef instead of seafood.

Monday morning, we managed to get to Point Park before departure time.  The dolphins came to say good-bye, and everyone filled a bottle or two with sea water and sand, to take home.  Then we headed out, up the Parkway, across the beautiful Verrazano Bridge, past Coney Island and into Kennedy Airport. 

I love Cape May; I love my little cottage, and I love everything about my sliver of heaven.  And one of my favorite things to do is to show someone who has never been to the East Coast just what Cape May is all about.  We couldn’t do it all; after all we only had a few days.  But everyone left with the initial plans for next year’s visit already in place; I would call that a success!

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!  As usual, I threw three cards after asking the question “What do I need to know?”  Here are my cards:

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.  This card is about the ancestors who came before us, but it is also about the Goddess of the Underworld, and to some, it is about Hecate, the Triple Goddess of the Crossroads. This card can be about death, but it can also be about renewal.  Our personal history, where we’ve gone and what we’ve learned, helps us to make choices in the future.  This card is telling me these things are important.

27, Guide: Salmon (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.  Salmon is an incredible animal; it can swim the seas and when the time is right, it can find its way back to where it was spawned.  That takes a knowledge and wisdom about where the Salmon has been; there is that concept again.  This Guide is also about cycles, tradition, and memory of what has been. 

9, Guide: Wren (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.  Wren uses cunning and ambition to gain its goals in a surprising way.  Wren is small, and seems to be insignificant, but he can use that invisibility to his advantage. 

I then created my mandala.  Oh, another tight image!  Salmon is connecting the Ancestors, Wren is connecting Salmon, and the Ancestors are in the center of the circle.  It looks like this might be a week for thinking about where I’ve been, where I am going, and who has helped me to get where I am now.  I need to remember that tradition and cycles and memories are quite important, but so are the unexpected surprises.  This may seem to be about the past, about what is known, and over and done with, but it is also about new beginnings, and about surprises and the unexpected.  All need to be embraced. 

What a great weekend!  My friends are here from Colorado, and we haven’t stopped.  I am exhausted, but happy.  We are having our last dinner shortly; tomorrow we pack up. 

Lost another pound, up to 10 pounds gone!

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Knight of Wands/The Fool 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.  He is the hero who jumps in to save the day, and he often represents the coming of some important event.  This won’t be quiet!  The Fool corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and challenges that tend to require the use of the intellect to solve), Uranus (technology, science, radical change), Aleph (the head, youthful learning) and the Path between Chokmah (male in the electric sense, dynamic energy and the origin of vital force and polarity) and Kether (the source; limitless possibility).  The Fool is the spark that begins the idea, the first step that begins the Journey, and since my Fool is reversed, he just might be a bit of grounding to that Knight.  The reversed Fool could even be a warning: be careful about what you jump into with enthusiasm, because things might not be what they seem.

My Thoth card is the Knight of Swords reversed.  The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is brave, insightful, courageous, and logical, rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  This Knight in an upright position is about someone whose mind is filled with ideas, ideas that sometimes bounce off each other and create chaos.  My Knight is reversed, and there just might not be a strong enough connection to those ideas for chaos.  Gotta be careful.

My Legacy card is The Tower reversed, flavored by the Queen of Coins.  The Tower (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Mars (action, spontaneity, aggression, drive), Phe (mouth or speech), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Netzach (which offers the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration)) tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going.  My card is reversed, thankfully, which means that I just might be alert enough to prevent an explosion.  All is not safe, though, but the card flavoring my reversed Tower is a good one. 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.  She might be able to keep me safe, grounded and nurtured, and she might show me how to keep the energy flowing nicely, without any blockages that could necessitate a violent correction.

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

My horoscopes: “Hard work on a particular enterprise for too long a time could finally lead to an increase in income, Sagittarius. Creativity or innovation could be involved. Don't be surprised if you find yourself on the receiving end of compliments. You'll be feeling proud and confident, and you certainly have good reason. Buy yourself a present. Take your partner out for a celebration. You deserve it.”

And: “Just because everyone else is walking on eggshells doesn't mean that you need to. In fact, your upbeat spirit is likely to be more welcome than usual, due to the intense drama that is arising around you. Be careful of falling into the role that you know others want you to play. It is easy to always take on the role that is laid out in front of you, but often this doesn't do any good in helping the situation at hand. Read from your own script, not someone else's.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Five of Wands.  This card represents the attitude of “everyone for himself.”  Small annoyances that appear individually are not life changers, but gang them all together and they become a force to recon with.  However, we can overcome them, and in doing so, we can learn that we are strong.  We are smart.  We are a force to recon with.

Busy day, and real busy day tomorrow; picking my friends up from the airport.  So you may not hear from me.  I will catch up, though, and who knows?  I may surprise you all.

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The Empress/Seven of Swords 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 such a lovely card; it is one half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine.  The Empress is about creativity, and about fertility of all kinds, a deep connection to Nature and its workings.  She also is about the pleasure of the senses, and she is about using our physical world talents, both to the fullest extent possible.  One thing The Empress is not about is details, so today I might be better off not worrying about them.  The Seven of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness) in an upright position tells of the active effort to maintain things as we want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants or needs of others.  My Seven of Swords is reversed, and that meshes well with The Empress.  Today, my intellect will be about the needs of others instead of my own needs, and my mind will focus on sharing rather than acting as a lone wolf.

My Thoth card is the Four of Cups.  “Luxury” is the Thoth keyword for the Four of Cups (the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, tenacious, moody) and it reminds me that sometimes too much pleasure deadens the senses.  Perhaps this is a timely warning, with The Empress showing up today.  There is nothing wrong with things going well, but sometimes we need a bit of a challenge, just to keep us alert and aware. 

My Legacy card is the Ace of Swords reversed, flavored by the Seven of Cups reversed.  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.  Upright, this card is telling us that my surroundings could be fertile ground that could offer ideas and exciting possibilities.  Since my Ace is reversed, I just might be a bit too distracted to focus on my own Will.  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, but thankfully my Seven of Cups is reversed, especially since the Four of Cups has also shown up today.  Since the reversed Seven of Cups is flavoring my reversed Ace of Swords today, while I may not be too proficient at wielding my Will, I should be at least able to make coherent choices.

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

My horoscopes: “There are days when you feel wonderful without being able to attribute the feeling to any real event. Of course, your rational mind will search for a reason for the happiness. If you count the number of times when you do things against your will or better judgment, it becomes obvious that logic and reason don't always apply to this world. Don't even try to understand, Sagittarius, just enjoy!”

And: “It may be difficult to get up and get moving today. Perhaps you just want to lie in bed. Don't feel guilty about doing so. Take an afternoon nap and enjoy the tender company of others. Stick close to home and enjoy good music and a fine meal tonight with someone you love. Don't rock the boat. Simply relax and enjoy all the pleasures life has to offer, guilt-free!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Pentacles.  This is such a comfy-cozy card!  It encourages me to be as nurturing as I possibly can be today, both to myself and to the world around me.  Offering love and comfort and consideration to everyone I meet today with a conscious intention to do so will end up attracting those very things to me.  I should also look out for the best interests of those around me, being careful to not impose my own beliefs into those protective efforts.  These are the best kinds of intentions, and they often end up being more fertile than we expect they can be.

My Pearls of Wisdom New Moon card is Judgement reversed.  Hmmm . . . Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and the Pearls of Wisdom Judgement card also reminds us to be careful how we impose Judgement, because it is sometimes difficult to determine what is good and what is bad.  My Judgement card is reversed, and I think it could be telling me that today is not a good day to judge, even though I feel it is.  Even my Touchstones Daily Meditations mentions Judgement today: “To be welcoming means to accept others as they are, without passing judgment on their worth.”  No passing of judgment for me!

Another hot steamy day, but I think the current heat wave has broken.  I will be attending a New Moon Esbat this evening, and then meeting with my much-loved Pagan Brain Trust, for a Skype Reiki Share. 

I have guests coming for the weekend, friends from Colorado arriving to spend some time at Cape May. 

And today I signed an Author Contract with Luna Station Press, the publisher of my upcoming book.  As soon as I have a release date, I will provide a link.

New Moon Blessings!

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The Chariot reversed/Ace of Cups. 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. My Chariot is reversed, and since we are in the midst of another heat wave, this card really does make sense to me.  I am having a bit of trouble with the heat this summer; nothing terrible physically, but my brain gets foggy. The Ace of Cups (Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, deep, mysterious, obsessive, Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) tells of the potentials available to me for experiencing deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, compassion for myself or others, attunements and connections.  This makes me happy, because I may be sweaty and sticky and foggy, but I’m not irritable or crabby or cranky.  This means that I just might be able to find some silver lining in all this heat.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Cups.  Another upright Cups card! The Princess/Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) is very emotional, dreamy, social, and connected to the inner voice.  This card offers a somewhat immature version of the Queen of Cups, and because of the nature of Cups cards and their connections to emotions and instincts and inner messages, that immaturity can be a good thing.  It can allow us to believe, the way a child believes, without analyzing.  My Princess is reminding me to do this today.

My Legacy card is the Queen of Wands reversed, flavored by Faith/The Hierophant. The Queen of Wands (cusp of Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality, and Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) is energetic and enthusiastic, gives 100% of herself, and always has a smile on her face and humor in her heart.  My Queen is reversed today, however, so I do need to be aware that I could have a tendency to be a bit stubborn today, or may end up burning myself out, a real possibility with all this heat. 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), is usually quite easily able to change the world to fit his beliefs.  This card tells me that beliefs and cultures and traditions are important today, as is being both a teacher and a student (with the higher good of the group always in mind).  But this could be an uncomfortable combination.  After all, we have the possibility for stubbornness or becoming burnt out, being flavored by an appreciation for tradition and a need to share it with others.  Fundamentalist alert!!

My 6-digit date number is 9, the number of completeness of manifestation and experience.

My Horoscopes: “A male friend could introduce you to people from foreign countries or people who have traveled a lot. They might have valuable information that you could use later. This information could also help you finish old projects that have been waiting to be done. Your eye for detail is especially acute, Sagittarius. Make notes of interesting facts even if they don't apply right now. You'll make good use of them later.”

And: “You may be in quite a party mode today. Feel free to be open and social with the people around you. Take off on a wild adventure that quenches your thirst for spontaneity and fun. Stay up extra late and talk with a friend you haven't seen for quite some time. The time to live is now. Make the most of every moment of your life.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Pentacles.  This card is about experiencing rewards that come to us because we’ve kept our nose to the grindstone and continued to do the necessary work and learn the necessary skills over the long term, to the point that this focus has become habit.  Of course, once we reach the point that something which used to require effort becomes second nature, we very quickly need to begin reaching for the next level, and I will, but for now, I am going to enjoy what I’ve already accomplished.  Tomorrow, I will begin the process again and aim high.

“Hear me, four quarters of the world - a relative I am! Give me the strength to walk the soft earth, a relative to all that is! Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand, that I may be like you. With your power only can I face the winds.” - Black Elk.  For some reason, this quote is resonating deeply for me today.  Maybe because I am winding up this cycle of the alchemic Great Work, and thus I am taking inventory of who I am and what I have accomplished. 

The heat has been both an issue and a blessing for me.  It has been an issue because my brain seems to fog up when it gets this hot.  I have trouble focusing on details, and I have trouble taking the first step to begin any task that requires me to be more focused than “on autopilot.”  Once I take that first step, I really do clear up somewhat, but taking that first step when it is hot and I am dripping sweat is truly herculean. 

However, this heat has offered me at least one blessing: I have formed the habit of getting up early to exercise before the heat of the day.  I am a “recovering Kapha,” and for me, the best thing I can do to balance my doshas is to get up early and exercise, first thing.  It really does set the entire tone for my day, for how I feel, and for what I eat (or more importantly, what I don’t eat). 

Now, I am most definitely not a morning person, either in the cold, snuggly dark of winter or the momentarily cool early morning light of the pre-dog day summer.  But because it has been so very warm, I’ve been making myself get up early, as early as **gasp** 7 am, to do my bike ride or my walk.  And guess what? I love this time of the morning!  Don’t get me wrong; if it is rainy I will stay snuggled in my bed, but it just doesn’t rain much in July and August around here. 

Granted, my brain is still foggy by mid-afternoon, and I’ve been going to bed earlier than usual, but my body feels great!!  And the stronger I feel and the deeper a connection to my subtle body I forge, the more connected I feel to the world around me.  LOL, still a foggy heat-soaked brain, but my energy field feels alive and powerful.

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Three of Wands reversed/Nine of Cups. The Three of Wands (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, the deepest self and personal power, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive) tells of being successfully established after some effort expended.  My Three of Wands is reversed, so perhaps hat beachhead is already established, and I need to stop looking back at it and instead, look forward. The Nine of Cups (cusp of Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about emotional satisfaction and the ability to find pleasure in my feelings and in my expectations for the day. The Nine of Cups is called the wish card because of the sense or perception of bounty associated with it.  That success after effort that is presented by the Three of Wands I was just talking about?  Well, while I am being told to use that great energy to move forward, there is nothing wrong about feeling good about my accomplishments; satisfaction is a good thing.

My Thoth card is the Prince of Cups. 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.   He may appear calm, cool and collected to others, but he is actually filled with intense passion.  Perhaps the dangerous thing about the Thoth Prince of Cups is that he tends to make use of outside influences to further his own personal agenda.

My Legacy card is the Knight of Wands flavored by the Page of Swords 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.  He is the hero who jumps in to save the day, but he just might boast about it ad nauseum.  My Knight is flavored by the reversed Page of Swords. The Page of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning, Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, society, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality) in an upright position reminds us to use our mind and intellect to analyze situations, as well as the messages of our senses, and he also reminds us to ask the questions “why?” and “how?”  Because my Page is reversed, he just might be offering a warning to my Knight.  If we don’t look where we are going and if we don’t determine if that next step has good or bad consequences, we might end up in trouble.

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number the tells of the pause that happens as growth slows and degeneration approaches, usually accompanied by a choice or crossroad of some kind.

My horoscopes: “With the current aspects at play, Sagittarius, you could find that the hard work you've done in the past finally brings financial rewards. This will make you very happy, but don't get carried away and go on a spending spree! Treat yourself a little. Celebrate with a friend. Take care to exercise a little good sense. You don't want to buy too much and have to take a lot of it back to the store.”

And: “Your adventurous spirit is noble, but you might find that this is one of those days in which you are asked to come up with justification for your actions. It could be that other people are jealous of you and your lifestyle, so they are trying to find fault in the things you do. Don't get tricked into thinking that anything you are doing is necessarily wrong or bad just because someone else may not agree with it.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Three of Swords.  Ouch!  The Shadowscapes Three of Swords tells of betrayal and isolation, of a feeling that all is lost and there is no one out there to lend a hand or hear our cries of pain.  However, the Shadowscapes Companion offers good advice regarding this card: “Overcome the pain; the weeping of the heart is perhaps a necessary cleansing.”  Solitude is not always bad, after all.

Today, I am going to talk about the last stage of the alchemic Great Work: Coagulation.  Coagulation is a verb, and the word “coagulate” means to cause a transformation of a liquid into or as if into a soft, semisolid, or solid mass.  Blood coagulates in a cut or wound in order to prevent us from bleeding to death, and this final stage of the Great Work is similar.   After all, we spent our time within the process of Distillation letting go of the things we felt attachment to but that were stale or not relevant any more, but eventually the outward flow needs to be slowed, stopped, and then healed.  Hence, Coagulation!

We have been through a long and sometimes difficult process.  We began with Calcination, where we reduced ourselves to ashes and destroyed our ego., and brought the concept of metabolic discipline into play.  Dissolution was the second step; we add water to the ashes and we bring emotions into the equation, so we can carefully examine our feelings, opinions, reactions and beliefs.  Conjunction is the third step.  This one is about “As Above, so Below; as Below, so Above,” and we are given the first glimpse of an awareness of higher realms of existence, the Sacred, and our own spirituality.  Fermentation is step four; this is the stage when all that we are releasing begins to rot and putrify, and the ugly smells draw our attention to our Shadow.  We are reminded that the putrifaction process creates fertilizer for new growth.  Step five is Distillation, which adds water once again, this time to wash away the things that we have come to realize need to be let go.  Once we wash away the detritus, we are left with pure intuition, pure love, and a strong connection to the Sacred within each of us.  Finally, we have arrived at Coagulation.

Coagulation brings a lovely balance that comes to us through our experiences of the extremes during the processes of the Great Work.  We have dissected and then washed away everything that is stale and outdated and no longer useful to us, and we are left with a new knowledge of ourselves, a more clear connection between our physical selves and our spiritual selves, and between us and Deity.  We have strived and struggled to raise our energy vibrational level, and we have succeeded!!

Thank you, alchemic Great Work!

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!  As always, as I threw my cards I asked the question “What do I need to know?”  My cards for today are:

60, Polarity: Red Dragon (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.  The Red Dragon’s energy begins within, and radiates outward with amazing power.  While the Red Dragon is in a sense about balance, it presents only one extreme for our consideration: inner power.  This card is about passions and drive, and even the life essence itself, all of which begin within and then manifest outward. 

54, Guide: Giant (Below).  The Giant is about Earth energies, slow to move and difficult to change, and it is about challenges and obstacles, often that offer an opportunity for growth.  Even though this card is about Earth energies, the manifestations of Giant occur within us.  They are less tangible and less measurable with physical world measuring devices, but no less valuable or able to have an effect. 

61, Gateway: The Self (Within). Within is the direction of the Self, and thus the cards associated with this direction deal with the ways our Self connects to the world and perceives the world, and the Self.  This direction is mostly abstract, and yet is our bridge to the Universe around us.  This card is considered a “blank canvas,” in that it has faces and hands like the other Within cards, but there are no traits or textures or shapes or colors infused into the faces and hands.  That is because each of us is unique; this is a great significator card, and I am choosing to accept The Self as offering a message: “These cards offer a unique message to you, but that message must be perceived through your own unique senses and interpreted through your own unique intellect.”

I built my mandala, and wow.  This one is powerful to me.  The coolest thing about this one is that the faces of The Self are imposed onto the faces of Giant.  Clear message: today I am to become Giant, and I will be supported by own inner power, by my own Will, and indeed by my own life spark.  I need to remember this when challenges or obstacles present themselves, for if I willingly own those challenges and obstacles, I will be able to overcome them!

I lost another half pound!  I am up to 9 pounds gone, and I am feeling strong and fit.  I am biking almost 7 miles each morning on weekends, and then either walking 40 minutes or doing some other activity, and I am choosing my food carefully and with awareness of consequences.  LOL, last night, I was able to resist a sweet craving at 11:30 pm.  Excellent!

And, I just approved the cover art for my book.  Thank you, Bug and Luna Station Press!!

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