8/29/14

The Wheel of Fortune reversed/Five of Cups. The Wheel of Fortune (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Jupiter (expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune), Kaph (grasping hand), and the Path between Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured)) tells of sudden movement, but not movement caused by us or controlled by us.  The Wheel reminds us that nothing is permanent and everything is always in motion, motion that we can’t control.  The Wheel tells of luck and good fortune, and it tells of the concept of progression; nothing stands still, except if I allow it.  Because my Wheel is reversed today, there might be a sort of disconnect.  Things are happening all around me, but I may not feel integrated or involfed.  The Five of Cups (Mars, action, aggression, drive, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, mysterious, obsessive) tells of an emotional setback or disappointment, or perhaps the belief that a wrong choice has been made; this card also warns us that we are focusing too much on difficult emotions. I am being told that while it may seem that the uncomfortable stuff is ruling my day, there are some hidden satisfactions to be found, and if I look for it (maybe look for it in an unexpected place), I will find it.

My Thoth cards are The High Priestess reversed and the Queen of Cups reversed.  Well, there is an imbalance! 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 (who is also in my spread today), 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 she is somewhat removed from everyday life although her mind is receptive.   She is reversed today, and perhaps today I will need a bit of grounding, some Earth energy, or even Fire energy, rather than Water. The Queen of Cups (cusp of Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, and Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) represents the energies of Water and The High Priestess manifested into the Minor Arcana.  She is comfortable with her own feelings (whatever they are), and she nurtures and encourages the dreams of others, too.  My Queen is also reversed, validating my consideration of an imbalance in my emotional self or my inner focus.

My Legacy card is the Page of Swords reversed, flavored by the Knight of Cups reversed.  Lots of reversed Court Cards. The Page of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning, Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, society, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality) in an upright position encourages us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings.  Since the Page is reversed, any attempt at analysis just might blow up in my face.  My reversed Page of Swords is being flavored by the reversed Knight of Cups. The Knight of Cups (cusp of Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about feeling things strongly and without restraint or grounding.  Upright, this Knight appears calm to others, but inwardly he feels things strongly.  He is reversed today, and this might mean I may be tempted to wear my heart on my sleeve, or allow my emotions to rule me, and that will not be a good thing. My only upright card today is the Five of Cups, and while the day may be uncomfortable, at least on the surface, I need to remain focused.  The reversed Wheel tells me that help is there, I just need to perceive it.

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

My horoscopes: “With the Sun at the apex of your chart, you may get the grandiose notion to get your entire life in order today. But employ restraint so that you won't accidently throw the baby out with the bathwater. A fuzzy opposition with nebulous Neptune can actually help in an unpredictable way by causing your plans to go awry. So take it as a cosmic redirect if, for example, you try to give up wheat, dairy and sugar all at once starting this morning—and wind up going out for pizza with pals tonight.”

And: “In general, your spirit is upbeat, freedom loving, and adventuresome. Today, however, you might find that it is a bit more intense and possibly a bit somber, especially when it comes to romantic issues. This approach to matters of the heart isn't exactly your normal style, but you are apt to find that it is appropriate for your situation at this time. Make sure you have the right tool for the job at hand.”

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8/28/14

Six of Wands reversed/Page of Pentacles.  The Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) in an upright position expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge. Since my card is reversed, the results may not be clear or conclusive just yet.  I should not panic; I need to remember that while the flurry of Wands cards of the past few days appears to be settling down, the dust has not settled yet.  The Page of Pentacles (Aries, “I want,” assertive, action oriented, Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual) is down-to-earth and responsible, and a listener and a learner. The Page of Pentacles loves to learn new things and have new experiences, and he loves to share the excitement created through experiencing new things.  Change is fun, after all.  Today I should attempt to get some things on my To-Do list, but I should not see this effort as a task, but rather as fun.  I can make even doing laundry light-hearted!  And by getting things done with a good attitude, I might be able to tap into the Fiery energy still lingering.

My Thoth cards are the Queen of Swords and The Devil.  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.  Cause and effect will be in play today for me, and I need to pay attention to what I cause as well as how I respond to what happens around me.  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.  Not every deck sees this card as representing hopeless bondage, however the Thoth Tarot also sees this card as representing blind ambition and secretive plans, as well as obsessive behavior.  Actually, The Devil could very well balance out my Queen of Swords, and remind her of one of the messages of the Page of Pentacles above: all work and no play makes the Queen of Swords a dull girl.  I do need to watch out for any obsessiveness, however.

My Legacy card is the Eight of Coins reversed, flavored by the Queen of Coins.  Niiice.  The Eight of Coins (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) tells us that diligence and an awareness of details is important.  Because my card is reversed today, I am being told to relax a bit, maybe blur my vision just enough so I can capture the big picture, rather than stressing over the small stuff.  My Eight of Coins is being flavored by another Earth card, the Queen of Coins.  The Queen of Coins (cusp of Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering, and Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning, authoritative) is very good at sustaining the physical world, keeping things dry and cozy and safe and orderly.  She has a “greatness of soul” and can easily manifest this greatness around her.The Legacy Queen of Coins manifests through her visualizations, and brings her plans into reality.  She is comfortable with all physical world sensations and experiences, maybe because she also understands balance.  Balance seems to be key today, so I welcome her influence!

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that imposes motion onto stability in order to prevent stagnation.

My horoscopes: “It's time for a dose of truth serum as only you can administer it, Archer. Your cosmic ruler, candid Jupiter, is in your zone of radical honesty, making a harmonious angle with the Moon in your teamwork corner. Translation? Your (limited) patience for others' ambivalence--or mediocrity--could run out, and you may finally lay it on the line. No need for anger or melodrama, however; just let people know what it and is not acceptable. If they can't take the heat, they will flee the kitchen.”

And: “Your sensual side might show itself today, and you might find yourself viewing young men in tight jeans more appreciatively than you usually do. Racy novels and movies may suddenly seem appealing, and you might want to make some purchases at the perfume or lingerie counters. Romantic encounters are intense and passionate - so make sure you allow plenty of time for them! Don't be surprised if you turn into a Siren! Enjoy yourself!”

Well, it has taken me a week, but I am finally recovered from my family vacation.  Ten days of family fun, eating and drinking, and sitting on the beach resulted in a tired, dehydrated girl whose chemistry was thrown out of wack from eating and drinking things that are not on my normal menu.  Thanks to the imposition of aerobic discipline right from the first day of my return, and sticking to the plan even though I did not feel like walking or doing Yoga or dancing, I am in good shape.  Now if I could just get Saturn to move a bit on my astrological chart and unclog the back-up being created, things might start to flow again. 

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8/27/14

Two of Wands/Three of Cups.  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 is a card of action and ownership, personal power and authority.  The Three of Cups (Mercury, reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) is about connections, emotional abundance, and about blessings.  Each of these cards, interestingly enough, presents a version of authority.  The big difference is that one presents authority achieved in a solitary fashion, and the other presents authority created by a group, a loving group.  These two ideas can certainly butt heads, but today they will work to support each other.  The group will support individuality, and individuality will add strength to the group.  Perfect balance!

My Thoth cards are The Hermit reversed and the Ten of Wands (“Oppression”).  The Hermit corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, practical and stable energy that is slow to change), as well as Virgo (“I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented, orderly), Yod (open hand, touch), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured), and is about searching within for a deeper meaning, often through solitude bordering on discomfort.  The Hermit tells us that in order to release the past and achieve something of value, the work must be done internally, usually involving solitude to the point of discomfort, and with an outward mantle of “business as usual.”  Like The High Priestess, he deals with hidden or not obvious knowledge, however The Hermit understands that his knowledge is insignificant when compared to what he does not know.  He also acknowledges that the maintenance of his solitude requires will power, and today that might not be an efficient use of energy.  I certainly can take a short moment alone, but my focus needs to be outward, and on the betterment of the group.  The Ten of Wands (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) tells of being taxed to some perceived limit, or of feeling as if we are out of gas at the bottom of a hill.  This card can also tell of a passion that has taken a life of its own and gotten out of control or taken over, and paired with the reversed Hermit, my Ten of Wands is warning me that if I insist on solitude, I could end up in a downward spiral.

My Legacy card is the Knight of Wands, flavored by the Nine of Wands reversed.  Oh boy, another Wands card, this one the poster boy for being out of control.  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 Knight can be seen to represent the coming and going of energy, but that process may not be effective because things are not seen through to completion.  Lots of intense energy hanging around today, but it needs taming.  My Knight of Wands is being flavored by yet another Wands card, the reversed Nine of Wands.  . The Nine of Wands (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright position tells us that the final challenge approaches, and we need to ready ourselves so we can guard our assets.  This card also tells of the order and control that helps us to plan for possible challenges or hostilities to come, the way a seasoned warrior would plan, and oh boy, look out.  We have a seasoned warrior (the Knight of Wands), but it looks like in his enthusiasm he is missing the fact that a bump in the road is rapidly approaching.  Look out!.

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

My horoscopes: “Ambitious much? Today, when you wake up with the Moon in hardworking Virgo and your career corner, you're pumped and ready for anything. You may not see yourself as a natural-born leader, but others do, so if all heads turn to you for direction, follow your gut and lead the way! By late afternoon, the Moon moseys on into Libra and your collaborative 11th house. Unwind with friends and a night of karaoke or a picnic in the park.”

And: “Some enlightening conversations could take place today with a partner, possibly romantic, possibly career-related. New methods of operation could come to your attention, possibly involving modern technology that could speed up the process and increase your income. However, bear in mind that some of what you're hearing about may not be feasible for a while, and other ideas may never be practicable. Remember to remain objective and check out all the facts.”

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8/26/14

King of Wands/Four of Swords.  The King of Wands (cusp of Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, moody, and Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic egotistical) is honest and open hearted, and rules his realm through the advantageous use of his creative impulses.  He is admired by all, is able to assert authority without alienating others, and his achievements not only bring him benefits, but also increase the quality of life for those around him.  The Four of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) can represent a pause or truce or mutual deterrent, or a time of silence and isolation used to prepare for challenges to come.  The pause represented by this card does not happen due to weakness, but rather through conscious choice. I like these two cards together!  I can make use of my creative abilities, and I can also pause appropriately and effectively without damaging or derailing those creative impulses.  Sometimes knowing when to pause is the most important thing a King understands. 

My Thoth cards are the Two of Swords (“Peace”) and Lust (Strength) reversed.  The Two of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) represents a time of not looking or of shutting out the world.  Yes this can be helpful, and my other Swords card is saying something similar.  Today is not a day for the intellect to rule.  The Strength card, which Crowley calls “Lust” (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.  Crowley sees this card as offering the traditional meanings (courage, passion, inner focus and fortitude), but he also sees it as representing the use of magick or magickal powers.  My Lust card is reversed, and perhaps it will seem to me that surrender or solitude may be the better choice.

My Legacy card is the Eight of Coins flavored by the Page of Wands reversed.  The Eight of Coins (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) tells us that diligence and an awareness of details is important.  This might be the most important card in my spread today because of the pause indicated by my two Swords cards.  If I pay attention to the details, I might be able to better tap into the reversed Fire cards in my spread.  My Eight of Coins is being flavored today by the Page of Wands reversed.  Upright, the Page of Wands, flavored by the Three of Coins 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) is fun to be around, unless you have a migraine. He is about being open to new experiences and about being enthusiastic about whatever is happening.  He is reversed, and because the King of Wands is also in my spread and in an upright position, I am being reminded that sometimes we need to be the grownup, and today is that day. 

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

My horoscopes: “Look before you leap today, Archer--and also where you walk when you're texting. You could easily turn into a meme, falling into a fountain as your smartphone goes flying up in the air. The mash-up of impulsive Mars and slow-moving Saturn in your foggy 12th house today is a wakeup call. Though you may be tempted to multitask, this conjunction can throw you for a loop, and it's better to be safe than speedy. The upside is that this lineup could attract a powerful mentor, so be ready to accept a generous offer.”

And: “Because your tendency recently has been to brood over everything, a day like today cannot be anything but beneficial. It has been difficult for you to find material satisfaction lately, but today offers you a view into the world of the intangible and unreal. You may find it especially gratifying to participate in an artistic or religious activity.”

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8/24/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

15, Landscape: Desert (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.   Desert represents an extreme environment that upon initial examination seems to preclude life; actually this Landscape just challenges life, severely, but if we see that challenge as a chance to test our endurance and our ability to adapt to difficult situations, we will prosper.

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.

5, Landscape: Mountains (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.  Mountains tells us that our goals are in sight, but there will still need to be strength, skill and perseverance before accessing that goal.  Mountains also allow us to rise up above the chaos, confusion and noise of our mundane world in order to experience peace and solitude.  This card tells me that I’ve got a good strong foundation in place, and now it is time to look forward and up.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  The focal point of this one is the Guide, bookended by the two Landscapes.  We cannot see the faces of Ancestors/Dark Goddess because they are not meant to be seen; this guidance comes from an anonymous place.  I am being told that choices are important for me this week, and whether the land around me appears flat and barren or thrusting upward toward the sky as it offers challenges, where I’ve been already can offer wisdom.  Even when the final destination is obscured (especially when that destination is obscured), I should make my future choices after examining them through the lense of that wisdom, earned by experience.

Fall is in the air in Cape May.  Crepe myrtles have huge blossoms this year, branches are arching downward with the weight.  Hibiscus are blooming too, and I love seeing them all over the place.  One of my Fall favorites, Virgin’s Bower, is just beginning to bloom.  Next weekend should be peak of color and fragrance.  My garden still looks good, even though there has not been an abundance of rain, because it’s not real hot.  And I’m still getting freshly picked lettuce and French radishes!  This weekend, I’ve indulged myself and I’m eating all fresh veggies and fruit.  Yum! 

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8/23/14

The Empress/Ace of Pentacles reversed.  Oooh, another nice pair; continuing the good stuff from yesterday! The Empress (my significator card, 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 (along with The High Priestess), the half that is about creativity, fertility of all kinds, a deep connection to Nature and the nurturing of others, and an enjoyment of the senses. My Empress, who is the mother of form, tells of creative intelligence; she reveals the concepts guarded by The High Priestess, and she encourages me to immerse myself in the manifestations of the physical world.  Looks like while yesterday was not about the pleasures of the senses, today just might be.  Creative intelligence, eh?  Okay! Aces present potential only, and the Ace of Pentacles (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. Aces are powerful cards, but because my Ace is reversed, all that lovely energy of The Empress won’t be about potential.  This could mean that the pleasures are here, manifesting as we speak!

My Thoth cards are the Knight of Swords and the Four of Disks (“Power”) reversed.  In the Thoth Tarot, the Knights are the Kings. The Knight/King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) is a good judge of people and situations. He uses his intellect to analyze, so he may not be compassionate but he is trustworthy, and he can be trusted to fiercely stand by his decisions.  I think I am being told that today I should trust my judgment.  The Four of Disks (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation or the deepest self, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, authority, caution, cunning) in an upright position tells of very solid foundations and an awareness of the value of our possessions.  Uncle Al sees this card as representing the power of the Law rather than power achieved through aggression.  Because my Four of Disks is reversed, and particularly because it is paired with the Kinght/King of Swords, it might pay to remember there might be a bit of an imbalance of power today.  This does not mean I need to halt, just watch. 

My Legacy card is the Two of Wands reversed, flavored by Judgement reversed. 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 is a card of action and ownership, personal power and authority, and it is reversed.  I think it is telling me to revist my Empress and work with her energies rather than my own Will.  My reversed Two of Wands is being flavored by another reversed card, the reversed Judgement card. Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and upright, represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start. Judgement represents the final step that ends an issue of the past and at the same time brings us forward.  Deliberately releasing and leaving behind the things that no longer serve me won’t be easy to accomplish today, and since my power of authority is not available, perhaps I should wait till tomorrow.  I think I will focus on that Empress instead.

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

My horoscopes: “Who are you and why are you here? As a Sagittarius, part of your quest in life is seeking out the truth of the human condition. And with both the Moon and your ruling planet, philosophical Jupiter, joining forces in your expansive ninth house—which is also your ruling house—you will have an especially awakened interest in the meaning of life and even metaphorical studies. You can't be bothered with anything superficial tonight, so haul yourself and your crew to an intriguing lecture that will open your minds.”

And: “Recent developments have brought new interests into your life, and as a result you might be seriously considering enrolling in a formal course of study involving these subjects. If you really want to do this, this is definitely the right time to start. Others in your community might want to do the same, so a get-together to discuss this subject and others might help all of you to clear your heads. Books and magazines could also be of help.”

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8/22/14

The Moon/The Hermit reversed. 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 tells of falsehood and illusion and the Dark Night of Soul, and about magick and mystery. The Moon also tells of being either drawn to or susceptible to the effects of these things, and since feelings and the imagination can be beneficial or harmful, I will need to be aware of my responses to situations today.. The Hermit corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, practical and stable energy that is slow to change), as well as Virgo (“I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented, orderly), Yod (open hand, touch), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured), and is about searching within for a deeper meaning, often through solitude bordering on discomfort.  The Hermit tells us that in order to release the past and achieve something of value, the work must be done internally, usually involving solitude to the point of discomfort, and with an outward mantle of “business as usual.”  Like The High Priestess, he deals with hidden or not obvious knowledge, however The Hermit understands that his knowledge is insignificant when compared to what he does not know.  He also acknowledges that the maintenance of his solitude requires will power.  My Hermit is reversed, and while I may be longing for this solitude, isolation may not be the answer, particularly with The Moon in my cards. 

My Thoth cards are the Queen of Disks reversed and the Ten of Cups (“Satiety”). 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, and because my Queen is reversed, that is exactly what the problem might be today, going overboard.  The upright Queen of Disks tends to enjoy the pleasures of the senses, and I am good at that; therein lies the root of the imbalance. The Ten of Cups (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, spirituality, suffering and growth) offers the manifestation of happiness, simple joys, and fulfillment. The number Ten is about the completion of a cycle or manifestation, and the suit of Cups is about emotions, feelings and the inner self, so this card offers the bounty that comes with the successful experiencing of all the lessons of the Cups cards.  Uncle Al sees this one in a more negative way, for he believes perfect success may bring exactly what we hoped for, no more and no less.  No challenges to be found, so lethargy gains a foothold.  These two cards together are warning me about what could derail the day; okay then, no solitude and no lethargy.  Check.

My Legacy card is The High Priestess, flavored by the Six of Swords.  Wow, The Moon, The Hermit, and The High Priestess in the same throw, with the Six of Swords added into the mix.  Nice!  All of my cards are good today. 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 (who is also in my spread today), 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 she is somewhat removed from everyday life although her mind is receptive.   I think she is the most important influence for the day, because no matter what happens, I will receive learning opportunities.  My High Priestess is being flavored by the Six of Swords. The Six of Swords (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause oriented) in an upright position is about balance, healing, moving towards a better place, and even about learning the science behind things that work (because understanding why they work makes them more effective).  I love this card because it is how I learn and grow; today this message is particularly relevant to me.  I can’t heal unless I understand why things are happening, and sometimes I need to remember that I can’t control the catalyst that is causing the events, I can only control how I choose to react to them.  I need to react while keeping in mind the “how” and “why” of the situation.  That would probably be the exact advice of The High Priestess.  See what I mean?  Great cards!

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

My horoscopes: “Zoom ahead! It's your time of year to plot out your long-range plans, as the Sun marches into your professional tenth house for a monthlong stay. Even though others may check out for the rest of the summer, this is your time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Where do you want to be in your career in a year? And what other major life milestone do you want to achieve? You have cosmic permission to envision your professional destiny—and come up with a reasonable way to make it all happen.”

And: “Suddenly you have found your energy again and your engine is oiled up and ready to go. Put yourself into high gear and don't let anything stand in your way. If disagreements with others arise today, try to keep focused on the lessons that come from the situation, instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of it. Take things to a higher level and don't be afraid to suggest radical change.”

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7/21/14

Judgement/King of Swords reversed.  Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  Crowley calls this car Aeon, and sees it as representing a final step that ends an issue of the past and at the same time brings us forward.  Deliberately releasing and leaving behind the things that no longer serve me is not so easy to accomplish, but I am being told that today it might be worth the effort because the time to step ahead is approaching.  The King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) in an upright position is a good judge of people and situations. He uses his intellect to analyze, so he may not be compassionate but he is trustworthy, and he can be trusted to fiercely stand by his decisions.  My King is reversed, and I need to have a care today as far as analysis related to situations in which I am perceived as an authority, and as far as analysis related to any personal choices I may choose to make.  I may not be as effective as I think I am.

My Thoth cards are the Eight of Swords (“Interference”) and the Queen of Swords.  The Eight of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable talkative, dual) in an upright position tells of a confused and restrictive response to obstacles, or maybe perceived obstacles.  The Interference represented by this card exists within the workings of my mind; I can overcome it but I must do so in a balanced way.  I should remember that sometimes it is best to allow that Interference to run its course.   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.  Oh, I get this!  The King of Swords is reversed because he is the authority figure, the one who enforces the law, and today needs to be less about enforcing and more about understanding why the laws are there in the first place.  This attempt to understand might throw a monkey wrench in the day, but by tonight I just might be glad of that “Interference.” 

My Legacy card is the Page of Swords reversed, flavored by the Seven of Wands reversed.  The Page of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning, Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, society, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality) in an upright position encourages us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings.  I had this card yesterday, too, also reversed.  Because I do have the upright Queen of Swords today, and because the upright Page of Swords can sometimes represent spying or secretive behavior, I think I will focus on being real open and above board in my intellectual dealings.  My reversed Page of Swords is being flavored by another reversed card, the reversed Seven of Wands.  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, 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 whether upright or reversed: a test is coming.  To me, this reversed Seven of Wands is similar to the reversed Judgement card at the beginning of this spread.  I’m being cautioned coming and going today, and I’m being reminded that everything is connected and everything has consequences.  Choose carefully. 

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

My horoscopes: “Time to do a little update on your mental state. You are a truth-seeking kind of person, Sagittarius, though it can be more intellectual and passionate than intuitive at times. However, as the Moon in your intense eighth house opposes penetrating Pluto today, you have a rare chance to not just pontificate about your theory of human behavior—but actually be the human who feels and deals with his or her baggage. Hint: A close person may be the catalyst for this inner transformation. Don't unleash your fury, but rather question why you have it.”

And: “Group events taking place at churches, meditation centers, and other places with a spiritual orientation could draw you near. You might want to attend a service or program at one of them. Don't be surprised if some profound insights come to you that shed some light on a current situation you might be dealing with. Write them down, otherwise they might escape you later.”

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8/20/14

Knight of Swords/Page of Swords reversed. The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is 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 may be a day when I am drawn to to crusade for any idea that is important to me, and I should be successful.  However I should keep in mind a tendency to be a bull in a china closet. The Page of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning, Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, society, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality) in an upright position encourages us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings.  Apparently, analysis and the working of the intellect will not mix well with emotions and feelings today, another warning to me to watch my words. 

My Thoth cards are the Prince of Wands and the Ace of Wands reversed.  Another powerful Knight! In the Thoth Tarot, the rank of Prince equals the rank of Knight.  The Prince/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.  My Knight adds passion to the analysis of the Knight of Swords above, and he tells me that I might see any conflict as a battle.  My armor will protect me, but will the end result be worth the fight? The Ace of Wands (Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) tells of the initial emanation of enthusiasm or inspiration that could very well energize an entire process or project.  Lots of Fiery energy here, and because my Ace is reversed, my own Will is already into the mixr.

My Legacy card is The Lovers, flavored by the Ace of Wands.  Bookends! The Lovers (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts, quick and animated, intellectual, problems or challenges; Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, sociable, dual; Zayin, double-edged sword; and the Path between Tiphareth, the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify, and Binah, female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) tells of duality, union, and personal choices.  This card is about love, but it is also about our personal values and how they affect our choices, and the promises we make to others.  The Lovers present the two halves that when united are greater than the sum of their parts, in other words, The Lovers is about a unity that is necessary for fertility and creativity to have an effect.  Today I need to remember that uniting my choices will have consequences, and this might be just what I need to balance out my two Knightst.  My Lovers is being flavored by the Ace of Wands in an upright position.  More balance for all the Air and Fire in my spread today.  I like the fact that the upright Ace has appeared with The Lovers, telling me that my intellect and my wisdom will be added to the love I infuse into my day.

More about my Bookends card, the Ace of Wands.  Aces are interesting cards because they are about pure energy, without manifestation or personality traits at all, except for the purest example of the suit.  This means the Ace of Wands is pure Fire energy, not even physical-world burning yet. The Aces correspond to the sephira of Kether on the Tree of Life, and that sephira is the perfect metaphor for the Aces.  Kether represents the Sacred Essence so pure that it has not even separated into male and female, force and form.  Fire is a passionately transformative element, but that passion and that transformation is not yet manifesting.  I am the catalyst; I will make that manifestation happen!

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

My horoscopes: “Name your terms! You can be flexible to the point of avoiding commitment, Sagittarius, but as the Moon in your balanced seventh house teams up with pot-stirring Uranus today, you may just surprise a close collaborator in business or life with your unadulterated demands. The stars encourage you to express yourself without hesitation, as the object of your communication will eventually come around to your side anyway. Just do it with a smile and a laugh.”

And: “It is a terrific day for you in which you will find that your jovial approach to every situation is just what the doctor ordered. Spend time with children and enjoy their magical world. Spread your love and affection around to the people who surround you. Make sure that the corners of people's mouths are turning up instead of down. A friendly attitude will take you quite far.”

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