4/30/14

Six of Pentacles/Five of Cups reversed.  The 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, in both the upright and reversed position.  I read the upright Six of Pentacles as telling me that resources will be available to me, and that I will be able to share those resources with others and experience fulfillment from that sharing.  This is a good thing, as today is a busy day of preparation for my trip tomorrow.  The Five of Cups (“Disappointment”) reversed and the Ten of Wands (“Ruin”) reversed. The Five of Cups (Mars, action, aggression, drive, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, mysterious, obsessive) in an upright position tells of an emotional setback or disappointment, or perhaps the belief that a wrong choice has been made.  Because my Five of Cups is reversed, I should be able to see past any minor disappointments today, and maybe even be able to make lemonade out of those lemons!

My Thoth cards are the Eight of Swords (“Interference”) reversed and The Moon.  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, or maybe perceived obstacles.  If this card was upright, it would be telling me that I may feel as if outside forces are controlling me, or preventing me from doing the things I want to do.  However, my Eight of Swords is reversed, so the effects of outside forces won’t hold me back today.  The Moon of the Tarot Major Arcana 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.  This card may tell of falsehood and illusion and the Dark Night of Soul, but it also tells of magick and mystery.  Things won’t end up as they seem on the surface, but in the end, I will turn those illusions into strength.

My Legacy card is the Eight of Coins reversed, flavored by the Seven of Wands.  Another reversed Eight!  The Eight of Coins (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) in an upright position tells us that diligence and an awareness of details is important.  But my card is reversed, and the big picture will be more important than those details.  My reversed Eight of Coins is being flavored by the Seven of Wands.  Seven of Wands.  Look out! The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) tells of power, influence and authority, and the implementation of the Will.  This card presents an immature version of the Four of Wands, and thus I am being told that whatever I visualize will have the power to manifest, so I had better create with consequences in mind.  My Two of Wands is being flavored by a personally significant Wands card, the Seven of Wands. The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) reminds me that my own judgment is worth relying on, so I should have confidence in that judgment.  This card also reminds me to choose my projects carefully, and then stand by them until the end.  The Legacy Seven of Wands has a personal message to me: a test is coming.  Interestingly enough, blurring out the details is the way that I can deliberately make use of the visions of The Moon, and perhaps I am ready for this test!

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

My horoscopes: “Your curiosity and creative energy may be stimulated today by information you receive from books, documentaries, or conversations with people familiar with the field you're exploring. As a result, Sagittarius, you could come up with an innovative new project that keeps you and some colleagues busy for a long time. But don't worry - this enterprise should be full of surprises and therefore anything but tedious. Go to it!”

And: “This will be a good day for you. You should be feeling happy, excited, enthusiastic, and optimistic for the future. Relations with family, friends, and neighbors are likely to be warm and congenial. Today could involve a lot of time on the phone, or in the car running errands. Expect a surprise encounter with someone you haven't seen for a long time. You will spend some time reminiscing and catching up.”

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4/28/14

Two of Wands reversed/The Horned One reversed. The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) in an upright position tells of power, influence and authority, and the implementation of the Will.  My Two of Wands is reversed today, and connecting to my Will may be difficult.  Less of a chance for being in control, I guess. The Horned One/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) in an upright position 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 Llewellyn Welsh Tarot does not see the Devil as a more negative card (hence the name, “The Horned One” rather than “The Devil”), and my Horned One is reversed rather than upright, but still I do need to be aware of these tendencies and make the appropriate adjustments.  Both of these cards in an upright position represent an imposition of intention or desire onto a situation, one through the element of Fire and one through the element of Earth.  Both are reversed, however, and while giving The Horned One free reign might be a bit counterproductive, having both of these cards reversed could indicate a bit of lethargy.

My Thoth cards are the Six of Disks (“Success”) reversed, and the Princess of Swords.  Success in the physical world is what the Six of Disks refers to. The Six of Disks (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Taurus, “I have,” Sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position brings an awareness of resources to the situation, both those that I have and those that I don’t have, in both the upright and reversed position.  Crowley sees the Six of Disks as a card of balance, and while that balance is fertile, it is also temporary.  My card is reversed; another reversed Earth card that hints of a lack of effectiveness today. The Princess/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) encourages us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings.  Uncle Al sees this Princess as being a bit on the stern side, and I might need her sternness and mental focus in order to counteract the heaviness of my reversed Six of Disks.

My Legacy card is the Knight of Swords, flavored by the Eight of Cups 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.  His daring and courage are impressive, but he can also be disruptive, too.  While all of the Knights can be considered as mercinaries, the Knight of Swords truly personifies this career.  Today I need the singlemindedness of my Knight, the man who can get me moving.  My Knight is being flavored by the reversed Eight of Cups. The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) in an upright position tells of an ending or a decline or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions, and it offers one possible response to that decline or change: moving on.  My card is reversed (and it is flavoring my Knight of Swords) and I need to remember this phrase from the LWB of the Llewellyn Welsh Tarot regarding the reversed Eight of Cups: “A timid nature attracts predators.”  Sometimes the best thing to do is take a stand; I know my Knight of Swords would like that, and the Princess of Swords above will support the Knight. I need to be decisive; no wishy-washy emotions.

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

My horoscopes: “You're likely to feel optimistic and enthusiastic about life today, Sagittarius. You might also feel especially sexy, a feeling you should definitely take advantage of! Why not plan a romantic evening with your loved one? Don't hesitate to talk about your travel dreams over dinner. You never know, he or she just might share your dream. Before you know it, the two of you could be winging your way to exotic lands.”

And: “You have the opportunity to do some intense self-healing today, in such a way where you communicate much more directly with your core self, without the distractions of the people around you. Do what you can to hone in on exactly the internal issue that requires your attention. It is key that you learn how to address these issues yourself, instead of relying on other people to take care of these kinds of needs for you today.”

I am preparing for my annual trip to the Dominican Republic.  I enjoy these trips because I feel a deeper connection to Nature when I am there.  I also am looking forward to some relaxing days.  But there is a lot to get through before I leave.  I am subbing for a Yin Yoga class tomorrow morning, then taking a Yoga Class and teaching my belly dance class in the evening.  Wednesday morning I will offer Thai Massage to my regular client, and Yoga to my regular Wednesday night class.  Then I will pack, and be on my way on Thursday, which happens to be Beltane!

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4/27/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday! 

51, Gateway: The World Tree (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 World Tree is a powerful symbol in many cultures; in Wicca, the Tree is seen as representing the cast circle, and it is seen as a gateway to the Underworld.  The World Tree is about initiation of the most exciting kind; it tells of the ability to tap into the knowledge and wisdom that is a part of me through my ancestors, and it tells of the ability to connect with non-physical beings.

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 is pretty amazing; she is a combination of ambition (sometimes ambition that seems on the surface to be out of reach) and cunning (which enables Wren to surprise us as she attains the unattainable), which allows her to think out of the box with amazing results.  Wren tells us that bigger is not necessarily better, and often it is the seemingly insignificant contribution of the most invisible of players that allows us to win the game.

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 the Otter card is joyful playing.  Otters are known for their play, and play is a sign of intelligence and awareness.  Otters are at home both on Earth and in Water; they form strong family bonds, and work hard to protect their group of family or friends.   All while playing tag!

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Boy, this one is really, really clear to me personally.  The image is of animals circling a tree, filled wih symbolism.  Foundation is important, and so is knowledge; we use them both, alongside life’s challenges, to obtain wisdom.  Working together is important, because it reinforces the concept that we are all connected; we support others in need so we can depend on them when we are in need, and all prosper.  Like the ecosystem of a forest, filled with many different manifestations of life, the smaller or behind-the-scenes parts are just as important as those that are manifested in the spotlight.  And yes, I prefer the behind-the-scenes parts, and sometimes that means I get overlooked.  That does not mean I am not valued. 

Oh, no pitty potty.  I’m proud of myself!

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4/26/14

Five of Wands/The Horned One.  I had this same pair five days ago, but with the Five of Wands reversed.  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.  Looks like there could be a potential for a breakdown of communication today likely caused by an inconsistent effort. The Horned One/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 Llewellyn Welsh Tarot does not see the Devil as a more negative card (hence the name, “The Horned One” rather than “The Devil”), but still I do need to be aware of these tendencies and make the appropriate adjustments.  It looks, however, like there is a possibility that those adjustments could be the source of any problems, so I need to think out of the physical-world box before I act.

My Thoth cards are the Knight of Disks reversed and the Prince of Swords.  Oh boy, there’s that Prince/Knight of Swords again.  The Knights of the Thoth Tarot are actually the Kings.  The Knight/King of Disks (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.  He is good at managing physical world resources, but he focuses a lot on the business end of things. My Knight/King is reversed, however, and this could indicate that his normally well-grounded and astute business senses are a bit askew.  I can’t get caught up by ambition, and becoming lost in dreams and visions of what could be will not be productive.  The Princes of the Thoth Tarot are actually the Knights.  The Knight/Prince 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.  His daring and courage are impressive, but he can also be disruptive, too.  Crowley describes this Knight/Prince as being full of ideas that tumble all over each other; I get that.  Maybe, just maybe, the chaotic ideas of the Prince will wake up the Knight.

My Legacy card is the Seven of Coins reversed, flavored by the Ten of Coins reversed.  Well, there is a clear message.  The Seven of Coins (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position tells of pauses and choices and assessments within the physical world.  My card is reversed, and it looks like it won’t be easy for me to pause today.  I need to be aware of my timing, and I need to be aware of just what I choose to invest my focus in.  My reversed Seven of Coins is being flavored by another reversed Coins card, the Ten of Coins reversed.  The Ten of Coins (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) in an upright position represents the attainment of physical world wealth and bounty, usually achieved through the implementation of long-term plans, and the attempt to maintain the status quo.  My Ten of Coins is reversed, and flavoring my reversed Seven of Coins.  Again I am being warned to choose my focuses carefully, because the good outcomes I desire could very well be based on whatever I do today.  It looks like at least in the physical world, the deck is stacked against me; however, that does not mean all is lost!

My 6-digt date number is 8, the number that tells of a conscious and deliberate response to the pause and approach of degeneration of the 7, in order to attempt to preserve the balance and harmony of the 6 for a bit longer.

My horoscopes: “”Just how long has it been since you indulged in a big helping of your favorite guilty pleasure, Sagittarius? It's time to let the youngster in you come out and play today. Eat that chocolate, read those mindless magazines, or skip down the sidewalk. You've been taking life much too seriously lately. Even grownups are entitled to indulge in the pleasures of youth from time to time.

And: “Just how long has it been since you indulged in a big helping of your favorite guilty pleasure, Sagittarius? It's time to let the youngster in you come out and play today. Eat that chocolate, read those mindless magazines, or skip down the sidewalk. You've been taking life much too seriously lately. Even grownups are entitled to indulge in the pleasures of youth from time to time.”

Tonight I am attending a gala at the Museum of Natural History.  This is a formal, black-tie affair, and I am dressing up for this one.  It should be an interesting evening!

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4/25/14

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.  His daring and courage are impressive, but he can also be disruptive, too.  While all of the Knights can be considered as mercinaries, the Knight of Swords truly personifies this career.  Today I should be able to tap into the singlemindedness of my Knight in order to complete the task at hand, and at the same time not overdo the analysis part of that process.  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).  I like the fact that Justice has presented itself with the Knight of Swords; the image on Justice is a woman with authority, carrying a sword and scales.  All mercenaries require a patron, and I really like the idea that the patron of my Knight of Swords is the Justice card.  Let’s get stuff done today!

My Thoth cards are the Six of Disks (“Success”) and The Fool reversed.  “Success” is Uncle Al’s keyword for this card, success in 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, both those that I have and those that I don’t have, in both the upright and reversed position.  Crowley sees the Six of Disks as a card of balance, and while that balance is fertile, it is also temporary.  I need to keep that fertility in mind (because everything I touch today will manifest into something) but I also need to remember the temporary nature of that fertility (because if I don’t take advantage of the opportunity, it will be lost).  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 the neutral powers of creativity; he is above, beyond and before the world and all its extremes.  However, my Fool is reversed, and I am being told that at least for today, creativity without some kind of “form” or boundary in place, might end up dispersing all that nice energy.

My Legacy card is the Ace of Coins, flavored by the Five of Wands reversed.  Niiiice.  The Ace of Coins (Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, social) tells of the presence of potential that is connected in some way to the physical world.  This card represents the seed of something that could be great, but it is potential only, not yet manifested.  Another indication that opportunity is presenting itself to me and I had better be aware of that.  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.  My Five of Wands is reversed, and even if I deal with conflicting, Fiery energies today, they will have a good effect in the end.  Maybe this is because I will listen to the messages of my cards today, and I will be alert and ready to jump on any opportunity that presents itself.

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of the pause that occurs when growth slows and degeneration approaches, often requiring a choice of some kind. 

My horoscopes: “You feel that life would run more smoothly if money didn't exist! The amount of time and energy you spend sorting out your financial affairs is frustrating. Unfortunately, Sagittarius, today will be a frustrating day. Today you need to sit down and sort out some neglected bills. It isn't fun, but at least by the end of the day you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you got it done.”

And: “Group activities may take up a lot of your time and energy today - perhaps too much. Your own career concerns are very much on your mind, and you don't like being distracted from them. Nonetheless, these activities, not to mention your family, are very important to you, and you'll find a way to squeeze out the time - even though it might be frustrating. Remember, however: This is not a good day to push yourself too hard!”

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4/24/14

Two of Swords reversed/The Hanging Man reversed. The Two of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position represents a time of not looking or of shutting out the world.  Yes this can be helpful, but not today.  Limiting the information available to me will not serve me.  The Hanging Man corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and emotional, sensitive and imaginative energy that tends to move deep, and attempts to take the same path as in the past), Neptune (inspiration, spirituality, magick, enchantment, dreams, altered states), and the Hebrew letter Mem (water, stability and balance, the reflective quality of thought), and upright it presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through deliberately attempting to see things in a different way.  Because my card is reversed, attempting to see things in a new way just might make me seasick. 

My Thoth cards are Death and the Two of Pentacles (“Change”) reversed. The Death card of the Major Arcana 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, and that usually involves the potential to step upward on the evolutionary ladder. Many people fear this card, but Death can be seen as representing natural change through alchemic putrefaction.  The Death card offers the illusion of destruction, illusion because this very destruction creates new life.  And ny Death card is the only upright card today; I think I am being told that today, nothing else can change what is happening.  I need to hang on and ride the wave.  The Two of Pentacles (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) in an upright position reminds us that everything always ebbs and flows, and we need to do the same in order to remain dynamically balanced.  Change is what allows stability to be functional, and today neither change nor stability will be effective.  I am also being told that whatever is happening, I can’t successfully ignore it or shut it out. 

My Legacy card is the Seven of Coins reversed, flavored by the Queen of Swords reversed.  More related messages.  The Seven of Coins (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position tells of pauses and choices and assessments within the physical world.  The pause and assessment of this card reminds us that blossoms need to fade in order for seeds to appear.  I won’t be pausing today, but my timing may be off no matter what I do.  My reversed Seven of Coins is being flavored by another reversed card, the reversed Queen of Swords.  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, which is about responsibility and the relationship between “cause” and “effect.”  The main difference is that while Justice is about the law, the Queen of Swords is about the intent behind the law.  She is flavoring my reversed Seven of Coins, and she is emphasizing the essence of that meaning.  Oy, not only will my timing be bad, but I won’t know what is happening or why it is occurring.  Sounds like something important might be happening, and I might not see the benefit.

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

My horoscopes: “Have you been waiting to hear about some funds, Sagittarius, perhaps to create a piece of art, write a book, or make a documentary film? If so, you could have a lot to celebrate today when you receive news that the money is forthcoming! Don't be surprised if there's a delay, however. The project is still going to happen, but just a little later than you'd hoped. All you can do now is be patient”

And: “As a person who enjoys being gregarious and outgoing, days like this provide a wonderful outlet for your energy. You might spend a lot of time with your family today, but you'll also probably touch base with a lot of others. At some point you might find yourself in the spotlight. You'll feel especially fond of everyone around you, and will appreciate your good fortune. Enjoy your day.”

I am still fighting this darned laryngitis/cold/conjunctivitis thing, whatever it is.  I feel good one day, and then lousy the next two days.  But I had better recover, because I have a busy week or two coming up!

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4/21/14

The Horned One/Five of Wands reversed. The Horned One/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 Llewellyn Welsh Tarot does not see the Devil as a more negative card (hence the name, “The Horned One”).  Today the call of the wild and primal world of Nature may be a huge draw for me, but I will need to be certain that thes alluring effects don’t distract me enough that I miss something important.  Difficult, I know, on this beautiful Spring day. 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.  My Five of Wands is reversed, and even if I deal with conflicting, Fiery energies today, they will have a good effect in the end.  Kind of like what my Transparent Oracle reading told me yesterday!  The reversed Fire card might be enough to energies the Earth card without overdoing it.

My Thoth cards are Death and The Emperor.  Sheesh, demanding men in my cards today, eh? The Death card of the Major Arcana 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, and that usually involves the potential to step upward on the evolutionary ladder. Many people fear this card, but Death can be seen as representing natural change through alchemic putrefaction.  The Death card offers the illusion of destruction, illusion because this very destruction creates new life.  And as I’ve worked through my PaganPages.org submission for this month, I have been touching on this process of destruction that brings renewal.  The thing about alchemic putrefaction is that sooner or later you get tired of the muck; today I should surrender to the process of renewal because it might help to hose me off. The Emperor corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Aries (“I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) and the Hebrew letter Heh (window, illumination), and represents confidence, authority, and the archetype of the Father.  The Emperor of the Tarot instills balance, form and structure onto the fertility and creations of The Empress, and I get the feeling that my Emperor is ready to take charge of that new beginning being offered by Death.  LOL, he is not good at surrendering to the process, however, and this might be a good exercise for him!  LOL, these two cards when placed in the order of their appearance seem to be looking at each other, with Death in the foreground and The Emperor in the background.  Is Death handing off the authority to The Emperor?  Or is he looking back at The Emperor and snickering with amusement?  I guess that is my question of the day.

My Legacy card is the Page of Cups, flavored by the Knight of Wands reversed. This 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 it is a card of soft and tender energies and of getting fulfillment through connections to others, and through innocent and simple joys.  Not even close to the pleasures being offered by my Horned One above, and perhaps I am being offered an alternative to his more “grown up” energies.  My happy Page of Cups is being flavored by another Court Card, the reversed Knight of Wands. 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; most definitely not background-type efforts.  This Fiery Knight tends to be about the goal or end result, without taking into consideration any consequences. However, because he is reversed, and he is flavoring my more soft and gentle Page of Cups, he just might be supporting the Page’s efforts to enjoy innocence and serenity.

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

My horoscopes: “Get out in the fresh air today in whatever way suits your fancy, Sagittarius. It's important to exercise your body with some brisk physical activity, or at least refresh your spirit with a ride in a convertible. This is a terrific time for you. You feel alive and joyous about your life. Join with others to recognize all that you have, and give thanks for your meal tonight.”

And: “It could be that you are feeling a strong sense of guilt at this time because of something you did in an effort to feed your own ego. Be aware of how your actions have affected others and apologize for what you have done. Guilt is basically a useless emotion that you should rid yourself of as quickly as possible. Don't let this feeling keep you from opening up your heart the way you need to in order to restore it to its original innocence.”

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4/20/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

11, Gateway: Summer (South).  South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity.  This Gateway is about warmth and bounty, abundance and blessing, passion and wealth.  Summer is a time of physical world manifestation and abundance, and it is also a time to bring magickal awarenesses into the open.  After all, with an abundance of manifestation into the physical world, this would be an easy time to sense non-physical world abundances as they often happen around physical manifestations.

10, Elemental: Sylph (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. Sylphs personify these concepts, and they encourage the use of imagination in an original way, they tell us to shift as needed in order to take advantage of the prevailing winds, and they tell us to fly free, filled with joy and unencumbered by life’s burdens (at least for a little while).

46, Mercury (Above).  The direction of Above takes us up and out of the four traditional elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth, and reminds us that we are but a small part of the Cosmos.  Above also reminds us that while the Machinery of the Universe is huge, it does have an effect on each of us, and each of us is an important part of the workings of that Machinery.  Whatever happens, it will happen quickly, and maybe in an unexpected manner.  The effects associated with this card (and this planet) are quick to manifest; they are about connections and communications, about travel, and about the way it all happens through what seems like magick!  I associate Mercury with the Internet, and thus, with the astral realms.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  As always, when one of the images is square there is a kind of discord in the circular mandala, but not necessarily a bad discord, even if it is a bit uncomfortable.  To me, this kind of energy discord serves to make me more aware of the subtle differences in the possibilities of the day.  Since the circle formed by Sylphs and Mercury is a bit toward the right side of the circle (touching the top, right and bottom sides), I will interpret this message as being more toward the outer and active type energies and possibilities.  Mercury is right in the center of the mandala, almost as if it was balancing Summer and the Sylphs; how odd is that?  Mercury is not usually connected with balance.  But quick and powerful eruptions do have a purpose, after all.  They can bring balance, too!

I am coming off of several days of being sick with laryngitis and a cold, so I apologize for disappearing. Every bit of my energy has been devoted toward getting done the things that ohers rely on me to do.  But on this beautiful spring morning, I am finally beginning to feel more like myself; let the catch-up begin!

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4/14/14

The Hanging Man reversed/Five of Swords. The Hanging Man corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and emotional, sensitive and imaginative energy that tends to move deep, and attempts to take the same path as in the past), Neptune (inspiration, spirituality, magick, enchantment, dreams, altered states), and the Hebrew letter Mem (water, stability and balance, the reflective quality of thought), and presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through deliberately attempting to see things in a different way.  The Legacy Hanging Man also tells of initiation and destiny, as well as sacrifice and loss.  Because my card is reversed, this will not be a day for sacrificing my own needs in favor of the needs of others, however, I do need to be careful with the energy of the Five of Swords. The Five of Swords (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, pleasure, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloof) shows what happens when we insist that our way is right, or when we impose our needs or wants onto a situation. This card could be telling of what seems to be overwhelming opposition, or being made to suffer the sins of others.  In any event, with these two cards together I might get stuff accomplished, but I will need to watch out for that tendency to impose my own beliefs and feelings onto others.

My Thoth cards are the Queen of Disks and The Priestess.  Cool! The Queen of Disks (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.  Crowley sees this Queen as striving to manifest pleasurable surroundings, without going overboard, which should mean that I will be satisfied with my accomplishments today.  My Queen balances out that Five of Swords, too, because she is about making things comfy for everyone, rather than the self-focused energies of the Five. The High Priestess (Water; the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination; Gimel, the camel who safely crosses Da’ath, the Abyss, and thus, has the secret of life; and the Path between Tiphareth, the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify, and Kether, the source, limitless possibility), is one-half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine, with The Empress being the other half. The High Priestess is the source of the power of The Magician, the feminine version of The Hierophant, and the Keeper of the Mysteries.  She is the Gatekeeper who determines whether I am ready to experience the Mysteries, and if I can handle all the energies of my cards today, The Priestess just might deem me as being ready to digest some of that hidden information. 

My Legacy card is the Two of Wands, flavored by the Seven of Wands.  Look out! The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) tells of power, influence and authority, and the implementation of the Will.  This card presents an immature version of the Four of Wands, and thus I am being told that whatever I visualize will have the power to manifest, so I had better create with consequences in mind.  My Two of Wands is being flavored by a personally significant Wands card, the Seven of Wands. The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) reminds me that my own judgment is worth relying on, so I should have confidence in that judgment.  This card also reminds me to choose my projects carefully, and then stand by them until the end.  The Legacy Seven of Wands has a personal message to me: a test is coming.  And since I also had this Legacy Seven of Wands on Friday, I had better keep my eyes open!

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that tells of movement that ends stagnation.

My horoscopes: “You're especially intuitive today, Sagittarius. If this is a fairly new occurrence for you, you could be at a loss as to how to make the most of this gift. Only you can know for sure, but one suggestion is to reflect on changes that you'd like to make at work. Pitch them to your boss. With today's keen insight, you'll almost be able to read his or her mind and anticipate any objections.”

And: “Today is likely to prove a very busy day for you, full of interesting and unusual developments. You might find yourself having to run a lot of errands in your near neighborhood, perhaps also making a few short visits. A lot of letters and phone calls, some bringing intriguing news, could also be on your agenda at this time. It might take time for you to process all the information that's coming and to make sense of it all.”

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