The Moon/Four of Swords reversed. 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), is about feelings and emotions and instincts and the subconscious.  The thing that makes The Moon so uncomfortable is that often we have trouble discerning the source of the message of this card.  That just makes us uncomfortable; the unknown always does that to us.  Our imagination can be our friend when we use it to think out of the box in order to be creative, but at 3 am, our imagination is often not our friend.  The Four of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position can represent a pause or truce or mutual deterrent, a time of silence and isolation, and a time of being cut off from the world yet still alert.  Because the card is reversed, I am being told that there will be lots going on today and I should be a bit careful that I don’t overdo it. 

My Thoth card is the Seven of Cups.  “Debauch” is the keyword for this card. The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) represents the distraction, sensory overload and dissipation that can happen when we are presented with too many 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 each possibility contains a hidden danger.  Crowley sees this card as representing a tendency to sink into the mire of false pleasure, usually with a complete disregard for my own safety.  There is nothing active about this card; the number 7 tells of a pause or slowdown, and the suit of Cups represents water, which seeks the lowest spot to pool and collect.

My Legacy card is the Two of Coins, flavored by Strength reversed.  Hmmm . . . The Two of Coins (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) reminds me that everything always ebbs and flows, and I need to do the same.  My physical world needs a bit of juggling today, and I will need to adapt quickly.  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) is about having the strength and the patience to endure and focus, however it is not about brute physical force.  Today my Strength card is reversed, and it is hinting at weariness, an inability to focus, or maybe even illness.  My reversed Strength card is flavoring the Two of Coins, and I guess I had better look for the humor in any situation that arises today, because while I may be expected to juggle, I might have a bit of trouble keeping my eye on the balls.

My Pearls of Wisdom Full Moon card is The World reversed. 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); it is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand.  My World card is reversed, and perhaps I will have trouble tapping into all that integration and involvement and understanding.  But, it is there!  Even if it is reversed, and the energies are not connecting.  Yet.

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

My horoscopes: “A friend or family member is slowly poisoning your relationship, Sagittarius. A misunderstanding between the two of you will ultimately prove beneficial in the long run. Why? It makes you realize how uncomfortable you are with vague, ill-defined relationships. Today would be a good day to write a letter to the person in question. You're likely to find the results gratifying”

And: “Imagine yourself as part of a magnificent choir today. Your role is to sing beautifully and melodically but yet you must be aware of the voices around you. Make sure you are not drowning anyone else out with your song. Make sure to keep yourself well integrated into the events of the day. Don't try to become overbearing but at the same time, make sure that your voice is indeed being heard.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Judgement. The concept of “judgment” is presented in an optimistic way, as an evaluation “to recognize and to appraise with an unbiased mind and honesty to oneself.”  Judgement performs the same service as The Tower (its energies clear the way, presenting opportunity for new or further growth), however this card offers us a bit more control.  We can choose to access its energies, or we can fight them.  However, fighting them might kick us right back to that Tower and its chaotic destruction.  Better to check the bill for accuracy and fairness, and then pay it.

Really??  I can’t be coming down with bronchitis.  Can I??  Damn.  I can’t believe this.  I’ve got a fever; I guess I’m not imagining this.

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Knight of Swords/Justice. The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is outspoken, assured, alert, and logical, as well as rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  The Knights are all about extremes, and because this Knight is of the suit of Swords, so the extremes are connected to the workings of the mind and the intellect.  These extremes are double-edged swords that could be beneficial or destructive. 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).  The traditional image on the Justice card usually contains a two-edged sword, so there is a connection between the Justice card and all the Minor Arcana Swords cards.  Justice represents fairness and equality, and achieves those things through the application of truth.  It is a card of karma, but it is also a card of good intentions, and that is very important.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Cups. 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 me that today is filled with the potential for experiencing deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, compassion for myself or others, attunements and connections.  This card represents the birth of these things, and like any newborn, this birth brings potential not yet realized. 

My Legacy card is the Seven of Swords reversed, flavored by the Five of Cups. 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 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 means today will bring an acceptance of the wants and needs of others, and an enjoyment of connections to others.  The Five of Cups (Mars, action, aggression, drive, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, mysterious, obsessive) tells of an emotional setback, or perhaps the belief that a wrong choice has been made.  Perhaps there would be a sense of loss associated with the reversed Seven of Swords; after all, by valuing the needs of others we are abandoning our own needs.  The Five of Cups offers the message that sometimes if we look at the situation in the opposite way than we are accustomed to, we might see some benefit.  This also makes sense when taken with that reversed Seven of Swords. 

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that tells of the motion that upsets the stability of the number 4, in order to prevent that stability from turning into stagnation. 

My horoscopes: “Now is the perfect time to say something to someone that you've been meaning to say for quite some time, Sagittarius. Get it out in the open. Keeping it inside will only eat away at you. Stop worrying about the consequences and make the move. Today is the time to be bold and aggressive. Other people might respond in a similar fashion, so if you dish it out, be prepared to take it.”

And: “You may find that there is an aggressive stir to your emotions today. More than likely, this feeling will command your attention and ask you to be stable and reasonable regarding all the tasks you undertake. Be honest and understanding. No one will understand your obscure metaphors and jokes unless they have some practical use. Water your plants and mow your front lawn. The closer you can be to the Earth today, the better.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Five of Cups.  This one tells of the refusal to find pleasure in what we have, and it tells of a pining for what we don’t have.  The problem with this kind of outlook is that by finding sensual delight in that pining, we miss out on other pleasures that might be right behind us, waiting for us. 

Back to reality today!  So far, it seems that I just get myself into a real good pattern, and then something comes up to upset things.  Kind of like the descriptions of the Five of Cups!  Yep, I ate too much this past vacation, but for the first time I seem to be not too bothered about this overindulgence.  I’m back to exercising, to going to Yoga classes, and to eating right. 

Let’s see how long this stretch lasts!

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!!

55, Guide: Mermaid (Below).  Ascension and escape from the physical world seem to be our tasks for this life; however, in order to ascend, we need to first understand this word we are attempting to grow out of.  The cards of Below assist us in that endeavor.  Mermaid tells us of many non-physically manifested concepts: feelings, emotions, love, compassion, and healing.  Like Water, none of these can be held in place by our hands, and yet all are important ingredients within a balanced and harmonious and satisfying life.  Learning to access these ingredients and use them for our benefit without “over-spicing” the recipe takes focus and Will, and loss of control can bring obsession and destruction, but it is well worth the risk. 

19, Guide: Bee (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.  Bee is about teamwork and harmony and a sense of community, and about service to that community.  The service is performed for the greater good, and without an expectation of acknowledgment.  Bee is not about the individual’s needs, but rather it is about the needs of the hive, and often the individual is sacrificed in order to allow the hive to continue.

32, Weather: Snow (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.  Snow has a magickal effect on the landscape and our surroundings; when snow falls, it covers everything and hides details as well as mutes sounds.  The mantle of white is made of countless tiny, unique crystals, and like a blanket, the covering of snow insulates and protects. 

I then created my mandala.  Cool, this goes from Below to South to North, energy moving in a straight line upward!  The mandala itself is tight, the Snow flake has six points, and between Mermaid and Bee, there are six alternating images, one for each point of the Snow flake.  The circle is nice to look at, and the representations of the winds that blow the snow as it is falling seem to lace all three images together.  All three of these cards focus on non-physical effects.  Feelings, teamwork, and insulation from details so we can see beyond them are all important to me this week.  Looks like I will need to focus, and the cool thing is that the end result will only be measurable by me.  And like snow, anything that seems permanent will in the end melt away.

Our weekend is almost over, and once again I am surprised at how quickly the time went.  LOL, I know I ate a bit too much these past few days, but tomorrow it will be back to reality for me!

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I am away from home, celebrating Thanksgiving with good friends, and I only had room to pack one Tarot deck, so I will be throwing three cards from my Legacy Tarot until I get back home.  My cards for today are:

Seven of Coins. The Seven of Coins (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of pauses and choices and assessments within the physical world. This pause can bring rewards, but it can also bring a direction change if I determine that things are not going as I want them to go.  I need to remember that pausing is always dangerous when dealing with a Coins card, but for today, the day after the pig-out day of Thanksgiving, a bit of a pause is okay.  But only after going for a 2+ mile walk, and then doing my Yoga!

Four of Swords. The Four of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) can represent a pause or truce, a time of silence and isolation, and a time of being cut off from the world yet still alert.  Another card that tells of a pause!  This is not a pause of assessment, though; rather it is a kind of “mutual deterrent.” 

Six of Cups. The Six of Cups (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, compulsive, deep, obsessive), is a card of innocence, emotional balance and harmony.  This card reminds me that whenever I have difficulty with justice or morality, the best way to find an answer is to simply assume innocence (but not unrealistically), and to apply love to the equation.  I like this card, and it reminds me that there is nothing wrong with innocent joy and sweet companionship, and a bit of light-hearted play. 

My horoscopes: “This is the end of the first stage in your "socialization," Sagittarius. Are you satisfied with the people you've met? You can usually make the most out of these encounters, but did your political savvy let you down? Did it lead you in directions you didn't want to go? Take advantage of this pause to catch your breath and figure out where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow.”

And: “Come out and play today. Escape your work mode and have fun. Drive to someplace new, and take a long walk outside with friends. You have a great deal of energy to add to the group, so share your enthusiasm with others. There is an exciting buzz in the air that you should connect with and contribute to. Take a break from the mundane and have an adventure.”

What a had a smooth trip we had!  No worries at all, and we arrived in time to relax and to help with the dinner preparations.  We ate too much, but isn’t that what Thanksgiving is for?  I also had my red velvet cake fix; LOL they do make red velvet cake in the North, but there is just something missing.

Yesterday, I got up and went for a nice walk, hopefully working off some of that cake, and we watched a few movies.  Traditionally, this day after Thanksgiving is a “pj day” and this year was no exception.  I had a bit of an internet glitch, but that was fixed too.  And the sun was shining!

Today is my Solar Return (another term for Birthday), my 58^th Solar Return.  I don’t feel 58, but I guess I am.  Life is good, and with each year I become more serene, more happy, and convinced that while I may not have a lot of money, I am surrounded by many, many blessings.  I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but for today, I am going to follow the advice of my cards.  I am going to think about my life and my accomplishments, I am going to appreciate the skills and talents and powers that I was lucky enough to be born with and that I have honed through my life, and I am going to view the world through the simple joy and expectation of good things of a child.  Sounds like a great Birthday plan!

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Two of Swords reversed/Eight of Swords. The Two of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) can represent a time of not looking or of shutting out the world.  My card is reversed, and perhaps I am being told that my emotions are as important as the intellect and my ability to analyze, and closing everything off and denying outside effects can slow things down. The Eight of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable talkative, dual) tells of a confused and restrictive response to obstacles.  This is another card talking about restrictions, but the restrictions represented by this card could be coming from the outside of me.  Sounds like a clear message.  

My Thoth card is the Two of Swords.  Bookends!  “Peace” is Uncle Al’s keyword for this card, which he sees as a sort of “be on your guard and keep yourself pure” kind of card.  This interpretation of the Two of Swords also tells of the possibility of a deception of some kind, perhaps being perpetuated while our focus is on defense. 

My Legacy card is The Devil, flavored by The Chariot reversed. Uh oh . . . warning! The Devil (Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Capricorn (“I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning), Ayin (the eye, senses), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Tipareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) tells of being caught up in the physical world and the effects of the physical senses, to the point of being bound or addicted to those things. 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 it is flavoring The Devil, and that is not good on Thanksgiving Eve.  Looks like I am going to need to be real careful this weekend, because I might have the tendency to overdo it.

More on my Bookends card, the Two of Swords. The Two of Swords represents an interesting kind of mental strength: the strength to willingly and consciously shut out the outside world.  This skill can be very useful, or it can be very damaging.   The message that tells us wrap our intellect around us like a protective blanket, so we don’t have to deal with outside influences may be a good one.  If we need a bit of a mental vacation, this intellectual security blanket might be just the ticket; after all, once we are warm and cozy, we can just drop it away and go back to business as normal.  But it is when we put that intellectual security blanket over our heads and refuse to see at all, rather than wrapping it around our shoulders, that problems could arise.  This card can also tell of strength achieved through the experience of some difficulty, strength enough to close out any outside influences for a bit.  Again, this can be either positive or negative; also, not being able to find the strength to achieve this can be a detriment, as can a refusal to deal with those difficult experiences. 

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

My horoscopes: “Lately, you've been nursing a feeling that your partner is inattentive. The tension has been building up and today, Sagittarius, you're likely to boil over with the rage that comes from one too many doubts and suspicions. The forecast for love is stormy, without a doubt. But making up after the quarrel promises to be lots of fun.”

And: “Good news about money could have you going crazy with ideas about how to spend it - particularly with regard to the home. Maybe you need new furniture, or have been thinking about doing some painting or redecorating. This is a great time to do it, as long as you're careful and don't let your exuberance get the best of you. You don't want to have repaint, or take unwanted furniture back to the store!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Three of Cups.  This one is about friendship and companionship, about relying on others and having others rely on us, and about team spirit and enjoying the group.  Nice card to throw on the night before Thanksgiving!

I went to a powerful Yoga class this evening, and during Shavasana I had an interesting experience.  I was suddenly transported “somewhere else,” and I don’t know where I was.  I was laying on a metal table, covered in a white sheet from shoulders to calves, and I was surrounded by the brightest white light I have ever seen.  It actually hurt at first to open my eyes; and even after my eyes got used to the light, it was so white and so bright that I could not see where I was, or if anyone else was there.  I was just laying still, feeling quiet and calm, surrounded by bright light.  I’ve got to think about this.

I will be thinking about my blessings as I celebrate the holiday.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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Six of Wands reversed/Six of Pentacles reversed.  Hmmm . . . reversed Sixes.  The number 6 represents vertical and horizontal balance, but a reversed 6 could mean intensity of some kind rather than balance.  Or it could be telling of a strong ebbing of a foundational energy, which would also cause an issue. The upright Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge. This card focuses on what is already accomplished, and the pride we feel when we are victorious. The upright Six of Pentacles (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Taurus, “I have,” Sensual, cautious, stubborn) brings an awareness of resources to the situation, both those that I have and those that I don’t have.  These resources are not only physical; they can be knowledge, support, or power, too.  Both of these cards are reversed; does that mean it is going to be a bad day?  Not necessarily.  I may not be jumping up and down and laughing in triumph, but that does not mean I am a failure.  I may not be surrounded by rewards and bounty, but that does not mean I am out on the street and alone.  Some days we triumph, and some days we chop wood, carry water and do the dishes.  I am being reminded that even an ordinary day can be a gift.

My Thoth card is the Eight of Wands reversed.  “Swiftness” is the keyword for the upright Eight of Wands (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) which is a card of action, of quick developments, and of pulling it all together so things can be completed.  This card is also about recognizing that a cycle is over so it can be released.  Uncle Al sees this card as representing energy; light and electricity move quickly and allow us to communicate with each other.  Since my Eight of Wands is reversed, today action may not be that easily accomplished.  Perhaps some communication fiascos will be an issue?

My Legacy card is the King of Cups, flavored by the King of Coins.  Wow, two Kings! The King of Cups (cusp of Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, and Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling mysterious, obsessive) is the expert on emotions and the subconscious, mainly because of his life experiences.  He is a protector; he watches over, guards, and guides those around him with love and compassion. He shows us how to go with the flow, and how to effectively make use of the prevailing currents. But don’t make the mistake of assuming that his gentleness equates weakness! The King of Coins (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the expert on physical world manifestation of all kinds.  This King offers us possibility already manifested, pulsing with life and ready to grow and blossom  This King is a shining example of what diligence and skill and a bit of luck can bring to us all, and the best thing is, he is willing and eager to share!

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of the pause that comes with the slowing of growth as degeneration approaches. 

My horoscopes: “Sagittarius, you're demystifying the concept of talent. You used to look enviously at other people and think, "I wish I had a natural ability like that." Now you understand that the person who aroused your envy with is just someone who had the self-confidence to go to work and refine and develop an aptitude. It's a matter of hard work, belief in oneself, and bravery in the face of risk. You can do it, too!”

And: “It's going to seem like the basis of your social ambitions has taken a bit of a beating lately. The planetary energies should be giving you some new desires. They may be of a more modest nature but this doesn't mean that they won't be important. What motivates you professionally is going to be of healthier, less egotistical, nature. It will ultimately be a positive, more satisfying evolution.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Eight of Pentacles.  This one has been showing up a lot, eh?  It tells me that no matter what, diligence and an attention to detail are important, but so is the ability to enjoy even everyday tasks, predictable and boring yet useful.

I am back to doing my daily Yoga and walks, and thus back to feeling pretty good both physically and energy body wise.  And that is probably a good thing, because my Third Degree Lesson exercises are demanding and exhilarating, and I am doing my best to stay grounded after these amazing experiences!

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.  On Thursday morning, we leave to spend Thanksgiving with friends.  I don’t know how much blogging I will get done, but we shall see.  Saturday is my solar return; I will be 58 years old, one year from my second Saturn return, and official Cronehood. 

Today, I am thinking about blessings.  I am blessed in so many ways, and I am rich, rich with things that money cannot buy.

Blessed Be!

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The Chariot/Three 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.  This card talks about being able to believe that in the end, I will succeed; I can achieve this confidence by knowing myself. The Three of Cups (Mercury, reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) is about connections, and about blessings.  This card is about emotional abundance, a “quality not quantity” kind of thing, and it is also about companionship rather than being on my own.  I like these two cards!

My Thoth card is The Moon. 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), is about feelings and emotions and instincts and the subconscious.  The Moon can also be about change, and it can be about the way we sometimes see change as a threat.  The image on the Thoth Moon card shows two lighthouses.  Lighthouses are usually seen as offering safety, but they do bring to mind dark, foggy nights and the dangers of unseen obstacles.  Only those who can tell the difference between reality and illusion can benefit from the light of the Moon.

My Legacy card is Faith/The Hierophant, flavored by the Nine of Coins. 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).  This card tells of the value of tradition, ritual and ceremony.  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.  This is a perfect card to flavor Faith, because accessing the gifts offered by tradition by using ritual and ceremony takes discipline.  Makes sense.

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

My horoscopes: “Your emotions are solid and you feel good, Sagittarius. At the same time, you may be tongue-tied. You're having a hard time expressing your true feelings in the way you'd like to, especially when it comes to love and romance. Perhaps you have so many thoughts that you don't know how to sort them out, or which to disclose and which to keep hidden.”

And: “It wouldn't be surprising if you decided to enroll in a class that is very different from your normal activities. For example, all you surfers out there may get a sudden yen to learn about computers. Likewise, all you technology gurus may take up flower arranging. Those who think they've got you all figured out will be taken off-guard by your new sense of spontaneity and adventure.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  Calm composure and patience are the message of this card.  Sounds simple, but these two states of being are not always easy to attain or maintain.  The most obvious challenge would be uncomfortable situations, but this kind of balance and soft control also applies to good or happy situations.  Nothing wrong with feeling joy or elation, but getting drunk on those good feelings could cause the very discomfort whose absence we are celebrating. 

Today, I worked on one of the exercises in my Third Degree Training.  Each time I work with or research or learn about Deity, I am drawn deeper down the rabbit hole.  These exercises are empowering and validating, but the experiences are very hard to put into words.  They are worth every sweaty brow, every teardrop.  These are the experiences that bring evolution and spiritual growth.

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!

13, Element: Fire (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.  Fire has often been used as a representation of Spirit or the Divine, and this makes sense.  Fire brings transformation, animation or life, courage, and intent.  Fire has its dangers, though; it brings transformation through destruction that brings new birth.

26, Guide: Otter ((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.  The first thing I think of when I see this card is joyful playing.  Otters are known for their play, and play is a sign of intelligence and awareness.  Otters also form strong bonds, and work hard to protect their group of family or friends.   All while playing tag!

33, Element: Earth (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.  Earth represents stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change; its dignities are cold/binds and dry/shapes.  Earth is the element of form and substance; it is connected to physical health, to material world security (and even wealth), and to our physical bodies and physical senses, and the pleasures and pains they bring.  Earth represents the fertile, nurturing and serene side of Nature, and it represents the tangible end result of our labors.

This one creates an interesting mandala.  I end up with a six-pointed star surrounded by Otters.  Fire and Earth make an interesting combination; Fire needs the grounding effects of Earth in order to be controllable, and Earth needs Fire in order to prevent stagnation.  What we’ve got here is a version of the Temperance card of the Tarot, which tells us that in order to balance extremes, we must experience those extremes.  My Otters are circling this powerful sigil, and perhaps their hyper awareness combined with their protective instincts and their intelligence and optimism are just what is needed to keep hold of this sigil, and to get the most from it. 

I’ve had a great weekend.  Friday night was the Sacred Mists Croning Ceremony, and it was beautiful, powerful and moving.  I found myself in tears throughout the pre-ritual meditation and the ceremony itself, and I did not expect these strong emotions.  Saturday we went to Point Park and walked the 2 mile Nature trail with my sister and her husband, and then the four of us went out to dinner early, and then attended a benefit concert, the proceeds going to Hurricane Sandy victims.  Today, I’ve been doing a bit of fall cleaning, and then went to a Yoga class.  I spent the evening with my sister, and now the weekend is over.  I feel pretty good, nicely rested and ready to begin the week. 

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Page of Wands reversed/Seven of Pentacles reversed.  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) in an upright position is the spark that might end up creating a conflagration.  My Page is reversed, and that means there could be a chance that I will get carried away some how today, probably relating to passions or enthusiasm.  This could be related to the Page’s immaturity; look out for revenge, impatience, or the accumulation of power at all costs!  The Seven of Pentacles (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position tells of pauses and choices and assessments.  Because my Seven is also reversed, it is reinforcing the out-of-control concept connected to the reversed Page of Wands.  Careful today!  Don’t let things get blown out of proportion.

My Thoth card is Death.  This is the card image that first drew me to the Thoth Tarot.  Death 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.  The interesting thing about Death is that while to us it is an ending, in actuality energy never stops existing.  Death, then, transfers force or energy from one form to another.  Yep, a one way trip, but that is not necessarily bad.

My Legacy card is the Three of Swords, flavored by the Knight of Coins.  Eeep! 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.  Oy, sounds like a theme today.  I need to remember not to panic.  My own perception of a situation could be marred or inferior, and if I strive to look for the silver lining, I will find it.  The Knight of Coins (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.  He is flavoring my Three of Swords, and in a way he is flavoring my entire reading.  Yes, stubbornness can be a pain in the butt, however sometimes we need that persistence.  I have the power to choose.  Do I want to hang onto the concept that I have been betrayed?  Or do I want to see any discomfort as an opportunity to grow and move to a better place?

My 6-digit date number is 3, the number that tells of a new creation sourced out of the potential and position of the Ace, and the balance, polarity, and understanding of distance between of the number 2.

My horoscopes: “Today you might hear of opportunities to make extra money through creative work of some kind, Sagittarius. This could be a genuine lucky break achieved by being in the right place at the right time. You will probably take advantage of it, because right now you're full of inspiration. You might have a hard time keeping track of all your ideas. Write them down!”

And: “Don't get too hooked on the free spirit that is likely to dominate the morning hours. Have your fun at that time, but realize that all good things must come to an end at some point. By the time evening rolls around, you may be called on for a more serious job. Instead of just plowing ahead and working to get things done the way you want to have them done, you must be more sensitive to others and be more stable and grounded in your approach.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Eight of Pentacles.  I love the image on this card!  I have spent many a summer night sitting on my porch at the Blue Moon House, watching a garden spider construct her web.  She is focused and diligent, and she is not only a skilled engineer but also an artist!  She surely gets pleasure out of the process, for tomorrow morning the web will be gone, and she will need to start all over again.  She will, and she will get as much joy from her task tomorrow night as she does tonight.

Happy Friday!  This evening, I will be attending a Croning Ceremony being presented by the Sacred Mists Coven.  This Ceremony was written by some of my fellow students and it is a beautiful ritual.  I am looking forward to it.

Tonight is also a peak night for Leonid meteors.  Yes, I will be getting out into the yard after midnight, to see what I can see!

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Five of Wands reversed/The Tower. The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical) in an upright position indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross purposes.  Because my card is reversed, either I will find a useful synergy in my day, or perhaps those difficult energies will end up clearing the air and bringing a happy ending rather than discomfort. 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.  This is not a fun card, but the thing about having the status quo shaken up and turned upside down is that sometimes new revelations become perceivable.  This is an opportunity to begin anew, and I am going to see any turmoil today as a good thing. 

My Thoth card is the Two of Cups.  “Love” is Crowley’s keyword for this card. The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) tells of about love and connections, usually having to do with feelings, relationships and commonalities.  This card tells me that love, all kinds of love, can be found in my day.  I only need to look for them.

My Legacy card is the Knight of Swords, flavored by the Four of Coins reversed. The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is outspoken, assured, alert, and logical, as well as rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  This card tells of energies and impulses that just might be a bit dangerous, especially when I consider that Tower, up at the top of my cards today. 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) is flavoring my Knight of Swords in a reversed position, and that means it won’t be offering that grounding which might be called for today.  The thing about this reversed Four of Coins is that it can be telling me to let go rather than cling to what I perceive as important; that is exactly the right thing to do when faced with The Tower.  Maybe that Knight won’t be so bad after all, and he might be analytical enough to know ahead of time when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.

My 6-digit date number is 10, the number that tells of the completion of a cycle.

My horoscopes: “Your sense of responsibility is probably the catalyst for most of your motivation, Sagittarius. But what happens when events are beyond your control and you're powerless to do anything about them? You may have to admit that sometimes you can't control everything, especially your family and friends. Today you should think about letting things happen occasionally. Your life will be a lot less complicated.”

And: “This is a very climactic time of month for you on the emotional front, and you may find yourself lashing out at others for no apparent reason. This is the time of month when any emotions that you have stored up inside will be forced to come out in one way or another. You may feel as if you have very little control over how your feelings are expressed at this time. The force behind your emotions is tremendous.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Pentacles.  The image on this card is comfortable.  Mostly, the Ten of Pentacles tells of material world riches, but this one is less about the monetary value, and more about having enough to be comfortable but not so much that those bounties become burdens.  This in the end is the goal hinted at by this card. 

I went to see Smoky Robinson this evening.  This is the music of my Seaside time, and there was quite a bit of nostalgia as I listened to the songs of my youth.  My goodness, are the 70’s that far away?  Yep, 40 years ago.  My Goddess, but I am getting old.

I’m plugging away at my tasks and responsibilities, with another evening out of the house ahead of me.  But, I’ve got my Tarot cards up and interpreted, and that is a good thing.  Inch by inch!!

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Eight of Cups/The Magician. 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 decline or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions. This card is telling me to look for deeper meanings in my life, and if it appears those deeper meanings are not to be found in my current place, then perhaps the time has come to move on.  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).  The Magician, another card of action, takes his chosen action with confidence  He is skilled at using the tools at his disposal, he is willing to work hard to manifest his goals, and he has friends in high places, all useful.

My Thoth card is the Nine of Swords.  “Cruelty” is the keyword for the Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) which represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused, and usually unproductive.  No wonder Crowley calls this one “the agony of the mind”!  At the end of the day, I need to believe in what I choose to do, and I need to accept that I’ve made my choices after careful consideration.  No fault, no guilt; assigning either of these in situations where I can’t have an impact is a waste of time and energy.

My Legacy card is the Knight of Wands, flavored by the Seven of Wands reversed. The Knight of Wands (cusp of Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, deep, obsessive, and Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) usually represents a person of passion, courage, enthusiasm and boundless energy.  He takes actions with courage (although sometimes he acts too quickly) and he loves situations that present excitement, and even a bit of danger. The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) in an upright position reminds me that my own judgment is worth relying on.  However, my Seven of Wands, which is flavoring my Knight of Wands, is reversed, and perhaps my reversed Seven is reigning in that Knight a bit.  There is nothing wrong with being courageous and agile, but apparently at least for today, rushing in blindly and assuming that courage and enthusiasm will be enough to bring a happy ending might not be a good choice. 

My Pearls of Wisdom New Moon card is the Two of Pentacles. The Two of Pentacles (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) reminds me that everything always ebbs and flows.  This card, whether upright or reverse, is one of several cards in the Tarot that addresses balance, and my Two is one that is about dynamic balance (which is always moving, always changing, and in fact remains balanced because of movement and change).  This balance is supposed to happen between my physical world and my spiritual world, and this requires flexibility and skill!!

My 6-digit date number is 9, the number of peak power and completeness of manifestation or effect.

My horoscopes: “You may feel yourself slipping into a deeper understanding with a close friend or loved one, Sagittarius. Romantic situations are heating up, and you're slowly letting your inhibitions fade away so they're completely absent. You realize the exuberance and excitement that come when you come out of hiding and let your playful spirit charm the world. Put serious subjects aside and make time to have fun and be more social.”

And: “You should be at your peak health wise. Physically, you're likely to be feeling strong and energetic, and likely to live to be 100! You're in both the physical and the mental space to accomplish wonders, so don't be surprised if today you do just that. This could bring you the promise of a brighter future in the creative, professional and financial domains. Enjoy it!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Wands. The Shadowscapes Queen of Wands is cheerful, calm and upbeat; she is comfortable being in the spotlight because she is confident that she has done what needs to be done and confident that she has the ability to handle whatever arises.

Crazy busy, but wonderful, weekend.  The Exit Zero Jazz Festival was this weekend, and we had a house full.  A good time was had by all.  Plus Veteran’s Day was this weekend.  Blessings and gratitude to all who are or have served this country.

Last night, I had a Reiki Share with Phillie and the Wayne Contingency.  I miss them all, and hope to see them soon.  I can’t believe the Solstice Salon is a month from this Thursday, and Thanksgiving is next week!!  Where the heck is the time going??

I’m back to scrambling to catch up.  Hopefully I will be able to get my inbox under control.  Then we can go back to working on Astrology.

New Moon Blessings!

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!  Another step toward returned normalcy.

12, Weather: Lightning (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.  Lightning is a powerful and transformative card.  It represents the breaking down of the current structures in our lives in order to clear the air for new awareness; Lightning provides this relief from oppression in a sudden, chaotic, and sometimes violent manner.  Not fun, but the insights and changes of perception that might result from this sudden jolt should be worth the momentary discomfort. 

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.

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 created my mandala.  The first thing I noticed was that for the first time, the Lightning card did not look off balance compared to the rest of the cards.  Because Lightning is one of the few cards set up in quarters rather than thirds, it often feels off balance or skewed, but not this time.  Lightning is being sourced from Sunset and grounded into Sunset by the bottom bolt, and there is one Ancestor/Dark Goddess for each of the remaining bolts.  The beams of the Sunset are cradling everything, offering more security to balance out the action and sudden transformation of Lightning; these two effects feel very yin/yang to me.  The sunlight could also be seen as feeding the effects of the Lightning, or even as steam showing that a strike has happened.   No matter what, the Lightning is connected to the Sunset, and encircled by the Ancestors/Dark Goddesses.  Sudden change, renewal based in part on where I’ve come from, and a connection to that magickal and mystical time when daylight is ending and darkness is approaching.  Seems like a nice balance of opposites to me, a sort of Temperance (experience with extremes in order to create and maintain a dynamic balance). 

Honor and respect to our veterans!!

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The Emperor/Temperance. 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), the Hebrew letter Daleth (door or womb) and the Path between Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Chokmah on the Tree of Life (dynamic male energy and the origin of vital force and polarity)) is one half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine.  The Empress is about creativity, fertility of all kinds, a deep connection to Nature and the nurturing of others.  The Empress loves the way she feels, loves her energy body, and loves the energy of everyone and everything around her, and she is telling me to do the same.  She is telling me to cherish the day, and cherish the world. 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 one version of the concept of balance.  I am being reminded that I have more knowledge regarding extreme situations and conditions than I realize.  Looks like awareness is the key today.

My Thoth card is the Prince of Wands reversed. The Prince of Wands (cusp of Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, deep, obsessive, and Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) usually represents a person of passion, courage, enthusiasm and boundless energy.  His response to any challenge is fast and powerful, to the point of being abrupt or violent.  My Prince is reversed today, and LOL, I guess today is not a day to discuss politics or religion.  If I take advantage of opportunities to present my own feelings with strength and confidence, I just might hurt some feelings.  Caution!

My Legacy card is the Seven of Coins, flavored by The Tower reversed. The Seven of Coins (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of pauses and choices and assessments within the physical world. This pause can bring rewards, but it can also bring a direction change if I determine that things are not going as I want them to go. 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)) in an upright position tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going.  My card is reversed and it is flavoring my Seven of Coins.  Sounds like this pause and assessment is more vital than I realized; I had better choose carefully, or that Tower may end the day upright instead of reversed.

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that tells of movement that stirs up stagnant waters.

My horoscopes: “It's important that you abandon the myth that you don't have any gifts or talents, Sagittarius. Consider thinking about your talents in the same way you think about your body. When you exercise, eat right, and get plenty of rest, your body responds. Your talents are no different. They need care and nurturing, too.”

And: “You are at an emotionally climactic time of month and you will find that your feelings are erratic and perhaps a bit unmanageable. Don't feel pressured into making logical sense of anything. Your job is to take a deep breath and relax. Remember that life is an exciting adventure full of twists and turns. Erratic, roller coaster emotions are a reminder of just that. Enjoy the ride.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Wands.  At first glance, this looks like a beautiful card.  Such a perfect city!  No degeneration mars a single structure!  But then, at second glance, you see that city is being carried on the back of one person.  She is striving to keep her spine level and her breath even so that she does not tip things over.  What a responsibility!!  Things may appear overwhelming, and I guess the key is to try not to get into this situation in the first place.

Friends are wonderful, and we have a house full of friends.  Day one of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival. 

Blessed be!

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