11/12/13

Page of Wands/The Fool 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 fun to be around, unless you have a migraine. The Llewellyn Welsh Page of Wands brings an important message: a positive phase has arrived.  The potential presented by this Page is filled with flexibility and excitement, and it presents lots of time for play and socialization.  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.  My Fool is reversed; if it was upright I would see it as validating the message of the Page of Wands, however, my reversed Fool is letting me know that the effects of my Page might be short-lived.  I need to take advantage today.  Not tomorrow. 

My Thoth card is The Moon reversed/Knight of Disks. 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.  The Thoth Moon card also reminds us that the darkest hour is usually just before dawn.  This card is warning me that I should not get caught up with how things appear, because I’m not going to be too good with differentiating between reality and illusion. In the Thoth Tarot, the rank of Knight equals the rank of King in other decks.  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.  Today, however, his focus could be dangerous if he decides to focus on illusion rather than reality.  Yes, focus is a good thing, but only if we are focusing on what we need.

My Legacy card is Faith/The Hierophant reversed, flavored by The Magician reversed.  Interestingly enough, on November 8 I had both of these cards upright. 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 is an archetype of Spirit (with The Emperor as archetype of the Sacred Masculine, The Empress as archetype of the Sacred Feminine, and all three representing the supernal triad) that reminds us of the value of tradition, ritual and ceremony.  Marchetti renamed this card “Faith” so that it would expand beyond its traditional meanings (in some decks, this card is called “Pope”).  Today, tradition, ritual and ceremony will hold me back rather than inspire me. 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 works hard to perfect his abilities, to make use of those abilities in unexpected ways, and to focus and carry through to the end of a task (which is pretty important to him).  This card is personally significant to me, and since he represents the manifestation of tangible knowledge, he makes a significant partner to the reversed Faith card.  He is reminding me that I can’t lose sight of the fact that everything I’ve accomplished has happened because of Those who are supporting me.  I may be the conduit, but I’m not the Source.  Also, these are two of the three cards representing the Sacred Masculine.  The only one left is The Emperor, the part of the God that makes certain the trains run on time.  Okay, got it.

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

My horoscopes:  “Money matters continue to go well, though you don't feel as secure about them as you should. A previously unsung talent, perhaps for the arts, healing, working with technology, or all three could come to light. You could look into ways to train it. You might want to explore different options. Your decision might surprise you.”

And: “If you have been thinking about making a major change in your life, all signs indicate that this is the time to take the plunge! Radical change is scary, to be sure, but you are ready for the challenge. In truth, whether you realize it or not you have been preparing for this moment for a long time now. Trust us, you are ready. The time is ripe to begin.”

I taught my first official Chair Yoga Class today; four people attended, and I hope they all come back because they were great.  They want a class once a week; excellent!  Tomorrow night I teach my first official Gentle and Restorative Yoga Class.  Woohoo!! 

I also had a former belly dance student return.  How great it was to dance with Danielle once again.  Only Danielle, Pat and I in the class, but we are three like-minded women.  Powerful stuff.

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9/28/13

Three of Wands/Four of Swords. The Three of Wands (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, the deepest self and personal power, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive) is a card of planning ahead that tells of the excitement that comes with good possibilities at hand.  Looks like I will e able to perceive some good opportunities, and take advantage of them. 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. Serenity and security are presented here, and even if they are temporary, perhaps I can take advantage of them.  Might be a good time to have a real good look around, while things are quiet.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Swords reversed. 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) tells us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings. This Princess is cautious, sometimes to the point of being overly defensive, but since she is reversed, I won’t allow caution to tie me down.

My Legacy card is the Four of Swords reversed, flavored by the Six of Wands reversed.  Bookends!! The Legacy reversed Four of Swords tells of the readiness to resume whatever was being done before the pause represented by the upright card.  This means any rest period has been productive, and I will probably be less stressed and more alert because of it.  The Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) in an upright position expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge.  My card is reversed, and it is flavoring the reversed Four of Swords.  Looks like it was good that I rested while I could, because the time of rest could be coming to an end.  That’s okay, it just means that I am one step close to attaining the time of celebration represented by the upright Six of Wands.

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that tells of movement that upsets stability but prevents stagnation.

My horoscopes: “Your strong yet steady pace may get a lift today, Sagittarius. It might seem like there's a fire under your feet, and you probably need to keep moving in order to keep yourself from getting burned. Use your independent streak to get things done the way you want them. This could be a powerhouse day for you!”

And: “Join together with others today, and you will find that you will make tremendous progress on whatever tasks you undertake. Remember that many hands make light work. There is a distinct advantage in sharing you burden with the people around you. Don't pretend to be able to tackle everything by yourself. There is no reason to strain yourself when there are plenty of willing hands around you who are eager to help you.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Three of Wands.  This is such a great card!  It tells me that I am standing on a precipice; before me stretches the great unknown, alluring and filled with promise.  At first glance, the great unknown appears to be unattainable.  The lesson here is that the next step will not appear until I BELIEVE it is there!  The power of belief!

More about our Bookends card, the Four of Swords.  This card presents stillness or stalemate, or a temporary balance of power, or a conscious choice to rest before resuming our efforts.  It does present a kind of limbo, eh?  The Legacy of the Divine card talks of rebirth after a time of quiet, and it also presents the concept of trance.  I like this interpretation!  The Llewellyn Welsh card tells of asylum, and it also presents the concept of vigil.  Holding a vigil is a silent and solitary endeavor, but even though there is not a lot of activity, there is power present. The Wild Unknown Tarot tells of physical stillness, but this one also hints at the mental power to be had from stillness. The Thoth Tarot presents a temporary balance of power, as well as the idea of following rules or being conventional.  The Shadowscapes Tarot tells of taking a respite in order to seek the quiet core that is the home of inner strength.  This is not a wimpy card, even though the traditional image shows someone resting! 

Today was the Mind/Body/Spirit Fair at Off the Beaten Path, the shop where I teach belly dance and Reiki.  We had a beautiful Fall day, blue skies and nice temperatures.  I also gave a short demo on Chair Yoga, and one of the women there, who has MS, is interested in classes.  Yay!

I am expecting October to be a wild and crazy month.  I am entering my second Saturn Return, my 59^th solar return is approaching, and at the end of October, I will complete (hopefully successfully) 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training.  I am also making my plans to visit my Covenstead for Third Degree Initiation, which will happen some time around Imbolc.  These next four weeks until Samhain I am going to make every effort to get my life organized, I am going to perform a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual Fall cleaning.  Normally when I sense the approach of some life-changing Aha! Moment, I sit back and wait.  Not this time, this time I am actively seeking that moment!

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Transparent Oracle Sunday! 

35, Landscape: Forest (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  Forest is about the results over the long term, results which happen because of fertility and nurturing and patience; Forest represents the manifestation of age and wisdom and patience, connections (and results) that are not openly apparent but rather, like roots under the ground, are all around us.  Different energies can work together; a Forest is proof of that. 

10, Elemental: Sylph (East). East is the direction of Air (dignities: hot/separates and wet/adapts), and thus of fresh ideas and new beginnings, the intellect, the mental force that strives to manifest, challenges which bring opportunities for growth, spiritual guidance, and the striving for balance between the mind and the heart. 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).

34, Time of Day: Midnight (North). The dignities associated with Earth are: cold/binds and dry/shapes, and the energies are stable, material, practical, and slow to change or try something new.  Earth is about security and stillness, and knowing what to expect; it is about strength, discipline, and physical manifestation of all kinds, and about enjoying the fruits of our labors.  Midnight is a time of peace and serenity and lack of effort (in a good way); we are done with the previous day, and the new day is just barely thinking about beginning.  This time of darkness is filled with secrets and mysteries, and dreams of things to come. 

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  What a beautiful, serene image!!  Moonlight over the woods, with the denizens of the night out to play.  The Sylphs are barely visible, hidden by the foliage of the Forest and the dark sky of Midnight, but they are there!  I have only to learn how to perceive them, and I will be able to also perceive their messages.  Sylphs remind us that those messages connected to the direction of North and the element of Earth are about well-known and tried-and-true methods, but these messages are also about creativity and fertility, and originality.  Specialties of the Sylphs.

I spent all afternoon yesterday (after a powerful Yoga class in the morning), in my much-loved garden, doing the first Spring clean-up.  LOL, I did a lot of the stuff that is not fun to do once the mosquitoes come out, like cleaning behind the cypress trees.  I cut the dead canes from the rose bushes (which are already sprouting tiny red leaves), and cleaned up around the iris patch.  Unfortunately, it’s going to snow tomorrow, so no seeds or plants are down yet, but I am crossing my fingers for next weekend.

Tonight, I met again with Rebecca, my private belly dance student.  She is preparing to enter a talent contest for Vets.  Rebecca is a vet of he Gulf War, and she is an great dancer, a pleasure to work with. 

I'm sore but happy; now back to my YTT homework!

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!

57, Grail Hallows: The Sword (Below). 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 Grail Hallows present esoteric and hidden knowledge about the elements and the Tarot suit of Swords/Air.  The Sword stands for truth, authority, empowerment, nobility and destiny.  It may only be wielded by one who earns the right, and when this card appears, it tells of a higher calling that when responded to will bring the respondent into their true and destined spiritual power. 

45, Mars (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.  Well, I just learned about Mars this week within my study of Astrology.  Mars is about drive and energy and passion; it is also about striving to do things our own way, about conquest, power and aggression.  Mars can bring sexual tension, often infused with domination or submission, as well as fiery tempers.  Since Mars is connected to the element of Fire, all the traits of this planet can bring transformation.  There is that concept again.

27, Guide: Salmon (West). West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Salmon is an incredible animal; it can swim the seas and when the time is right, it can find its way back to where it was spawned.  That takes a knowledge and wisdom about where the Salmon has been; there is that concept again.  This Guide is also about cycles, tradition, and memory of what has been.

I stacked my cards and created my mandala.   Mars is a tight circle, possibly representing the path of Salmon.  The point of The Sword impales the bottom Salmon, as if holding it in place.  Drive and passion are the impetus that is motivating the attainment of knowledge and wisdom, cycles, and memory of what has been.  Holding those things in place is authority rightfully given, the foundation that brings the manifestation of Purpose.  Wow!!  Absolutely incredible mandala, and fitting completely with the events of the past few weeks, as I have completed my Shadow Work. 

To truly manifest and own this reading after I threw these cards last night, I submitted Lesson 8 of Third Degree.  Actually, I was probably done with the lesson over a week ago, but I just felt that it was not yet time to actually hit the button.  And this was the correct thing to do, in hindsight.  The exercises associated with the homework for this one were challenging, and they really came at me head on, and quickly.  It’s a good thing I was open to doing them, because they were going to happen no matter what, and if I stood in place and tried to slow things down, I just would have gotten run over.

But this is all good.  The things I learned while working on this Lesson are a part of my life and living now, and I am certain that the synchronicity that began with such strength and relevance will continue to serve me.

Tonight, I teach a bellydance workshop at the Yoga studio where I hope to take Yoga Teacher Training.  I am looking forward to sharing the dance I love so much with a great group of people. 

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Seven of Cups/Nine of Wands reversed. The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) is letting me know that there are messages out there to pick up, and choices or opportunities to access. Each of the seven cups contains what appears to be a gift which corresponds to a planet and a Major Arcana card; the Wreath corresponds with Saturn and The World; the Castle corresponds with Mars and The Tower, the Woman corresponds with Venus and The Empress; the Snake corresponds with Mercury and The Magician; the Veil corresponds with the Moon and The High Priestess, the Jewels correspond with Jupiter and The Wheel of Fortune, and the Dragon corresponds with our Sun and The Sun. Since this is a Cups card, in order to understand each of these gifts I need to also understand how I feel about the potential that each offers. I need to also remember that sometimes each of the choices offered, or the possibility of choosing at all, is an illusion. The Nine of Wands (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright tells of being pro-active in response to issues, but since the card is reversed, it seems to be telling me that perhaps today is not the day to choose one of those cups.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Wands reversed. The Princess/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) uses assertion and action in order to feed her need for adventure and excitement. This Princess is a free spirit with childlike optimism, and since the suit of Wands is associated with Fire and the Will, she can often manifest that optimism into reality. Since the card is reversed, I need to remind myself that even though I do believe in myself, in the end I may not be right or correct.

My Legacy card is the Two of Cups reversed, flavored by the Three of Coins reversed. The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) is usually about relationships which exist and are strengthened because of commonalities. These relationships could be with others, or with myself. Because the card is reversed, there may be some kind of disconnect in a relationship today. The Three of Coins (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, cunning, competence) tells me that my own creativity can lead me to both hard and rewarding work, and renown, or a good reputation. The upright Three of Coins tells me that these things can be best obtained through a group effort, but once again, the card is reversed, and possibly validating the reversed Two of Cups it is flavoring. Once again, it looks as if today is not the day to choose one of those Cups!

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number of motion that dispels stagnation.

My horoscopes: “Today's a day to daydream, although this may not be an activity you usually do. You may even feel as if you're on vacation. Let's just hope people don't ask you a lot of difficult questions, because your answers will be anything but clear. But you shouldn't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders every day, Sagittarius.”

And: “It's true that you are a unique person, but you are not the only person ever to have felt the way you're feeling right now. So reach out to someone close to you and share what's on your mind. You have a lot more in common with other people than you realize, and sharing your confused feelings will help you begin to understand that. Thinking through your problems is always important, but often you have to talk about them, too.”

And: “The value of any land investment you may have made, including your home, could well come up in your thoughts today. Whatever time and energy you've put into it is likely to pay off, and this might make a difference to you when formulating plans for the future. You might spend some time working outside, which should clear your head and enable you to get your thoughts together. A female friend could join you.”

My Sun reading: “Fasten your seat belt for a busy day. Expect sudden turns and changes. With a lucky vibe between Mars and Saturn, you achieve more than you dreamed possible. Tonight's communication is pleasant, even brilliant at times. If your inquiring mind wants to know -- ask.”

What an incredible few days I have had!

Friday night, I went to the Wayne Contingency Homestead for a Pagan Brain Trust get-together. As always, after talking and listening to the others talk, I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose, of validation, and of connection to the others in the PBT. How lucky we are to know each other, and to have each other in our lives at this time. Each of us is filled with our own unique Purpose, and we all seem to be able to link together and offer support to the others in exactly the way they require.

As I drove home late Friday night, or LOL, I should say, early Saturday morning, at about 1 am, I watched the waning moon over Route 80. I love the energies of the waning moon! There is a lovely, sensual and very interesting “friction” that I feel when I look at the moon hanging low in the Western sky yet pointing East. Yes, the full moon fills me with such power, but the waning moon seems to move against the flow, so to speak.

Saturday was Off the Beaten Path’s Mind/Body/Spirit Fair, and my dance classes performed our skirt dance. They did such an awesome job! Dancing with seven other girls, each wearing a different colored skirt, was incredible!! Congratulations to all of my students: Elizabeth, Jen, Katherine, Pat, Anne, Melissa and Jess!!

We had eight friends staying in Cape May, and we managed to walk and bike and shop, all under the sun. Yesterday morning, as I drove North from Cape May, I was treated to the salt meadows at high tide. The water filled all the channels to the brim; more lovely energy!

And as often happens, having a series of days with focuses mostly on the physical world has helped to clean out the last of the cobwebs, the left over lethargy from the Winter months, and has brought me a new and clear and deep connection to my energy self, filled with new potential. And, my connection to the Divine energies around me is also refreshed; hence, my experiences of late with physical world phenomena and the energies associated with them.

The 20th Path is about illumination and the acceptance of spiritual experiences as real, even if they cannot be measured or described to others. But there is more to this Path than just acceptance; indeed, the process of exploring the teaching of others that is a huge part of my work with the Tree of Life and with my Third Degree Training at Sacred Mists is ongoing. The big difference here is that I am finally feeling convinced that I have the right to call myself an Adept.

In “More Simplified Magick: Pathworking and the Tree of Life,” Ted Andrews says that the magickal gifts of this Path are the wand, the lamp and the Eucharistic host. The wand presents to the seeker entry into the world of magic and mystery, the lamp sheds light on the darkness and guides the way, and the Eucharistic host commits us to the more spiritual aspects of life itself. The thing about this kind of learning, this sacred seeking to know myself, is that sooner or later, I need to step up to the plate and acknowledge that I am not only tied to my Craft, but also that I am willingly offering myself to be bound irrevocably to my Craft. Simply reading the lessons and doing the homework assignments are not enough now; at this level, knowledge only becomes wisdom because I earn it. Only by doing – or by not doing – can I hope to understand . . . to know. As my dear friend, TL/IC often reminds me, I cannot unsee what I have seen and I cannot unknown what I know. I can only go forward, I can only strive to see more and to know more. What I have accomplished through hard work, and through the pain of defeat and the pleasure of success, pushes me onward. I have no other choice, and this is not a bondage but rather a comfort.

LOL, I just went back and re-read that last paragraph. It does not flow at all, but the things I am trying to say here are not easy to say. Not yet, anyway. And yet, they are momentously important, even if I can’t explain why they are important. Something has happened to me over these past few days. I have made some kind of commitment, or passed some kind of threshold, without even realizing that a time of change was upon me. Somehow, entry has been gifted to me without my even having to realize that I needed to ask for it. I am taken aback, for difficult tests have become the norm as I have entered the deeper parts of my studies, and I accept with my heart and my mind and my spirit that the tests need to be difficult. So why has the gift of the 20th Path been given to me with no test?

Is this the gift of sacred grace that comes through Tiphareth? I am surprised that a glimpse of it would come now, as I still have nine Paths to delve into. Or is it the joyful acceptance of the love offered to me by my Patroness (a love that I will be glorifying within my new BOS once I start working with it), the love which gives me the courage to openly accept the next step in my personal evolution, whatever that step happens to be?

“We all come from the Goddess, and to Her we shall return like a drop of rain flowing to the ocean.” These are not my words; they are lyrics to a song I heard on YouTube. For some reason, they are meaningful to me right now.

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Seven of Cups/The Chariot reversed. The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) in an upright position lets us know that there are messages out there to pick up, and choices or opportunities to access. The bad thing about this card is the heaviness about it. It is almost as if I won the lottery and had all these choices being presented to me, jumping up and down and yelling, “choose me, choose me.” The only thing is that once I look at them all, I just might end up deciding to keep my money in my pocket. The Chariot 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), and is related to emotional control and the training of our emotions so that we can use them to bring greater good into our lives. This card in an upright position means action, and since it is reversed, and it is combined with another emotionally heavy card.

My Thoth card is the Six of Disks reversed. “Success” reversed, and this card keeps being thrown from my Thoth Tarot; Uncle Al must be trying to tell me something. The Thoth Six of Disks (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position has a heavy feel to it, and I guess in a way that makes sense. The thing that we need to remember about success is that it takes maintenance; we can’t just reach the appropriate level and then sit back; rather, we must keep alert and do what we have to in order to keep momentum alive. The traditional message of this card is related to resources, both those we have and those we don’t. My Six of Disks is reversed, though. Hopefully that means the heaviness associated with Crowley’s version of this card won’t combine with the emotional heaviness of my first two cards.

My Legacy card is The Emperor, flavored by the Six of Cups reversed. The Emperor (Fire, hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change; Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive; Heh, window, illumination; and the Path between Tiphareth and Chokmah, dynamic male energy and the origin of vital force and polarity) represents the power of the mind and of intentions to shape the world. The Emperor is about taking responsibility, he is about power and control over himself and/or others, and he is about manifesting his good intentions through ethics and order and stability and structure and regulation. The Six of Cups (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, compulsive, deep, obsessive) in an upright position tells of beneficial connections with others. The card is reversed, and is flavoring The Emperor; I apparently may have trouble receiving satisfaction from any efforts I expend today to exercise my authority. I need to refrain from looking to past events, and perhaps take them into consideration as I plan for the present and the future; perhaps those past events don’t apply any more.

My 6-digit date number is 8, the number that tells of a focused response to the beginning of degeneration that is the number 7.

My horoscopes: “You should feel and look great today, Sagittarius. Your charm and social skills are at a high level, and your joviality and gift for conversation should make you a welcome guest at any social event. And you should be invited to a lot of them - perhaps too many! Enjoy this special time of sociability and friendship.”

And: “Your gift of gab is greater than ever today, so do the world a favor and talk to as many people as you can. Conversations about anything -- from the weather to your deepest hopes and dreams -- are going to keep you interested, intrigued and popular. This is a great day to talk to strangers, too, so don't limit yourself to the folks who are already listed in your address book. Shock a stranger by asking what his or her favorite Rolling Stones song is.”

And: “You enjoy caring for others and you intervene regularly in their lives to guide them. Ironically, today, you are the one who needs advice. You will probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clear view of your own life. You could decide, today, to take the necessary arrangements for a trip abroad.”

My Sun reading: “A ‘business’ Capricorn Moon accents all the good stuff like approval, assistance, and profitable ventures. You can be a real winner in a lot of ways. A ‘romantic’ Venus works magic. Speak to a significant someone of love tonight, because you've been thinking about what you want to say.”

To sum up the 21^st Path: I need to visualize what I want, but I also need to remember that life will contrive to give me what I need, event if what I need does not resemble in the slightest what I want. Needless to say, working with this Path is presenting me with many opportunities to learn and understand this. It also reminds me that the results are not necessarily affected at all by either my wants or my needs. The Wheel of Fortune, the card connected to this Path, corresponds with 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), and tells of coming change and reminds us that sometimes change is inevitable, and happens in its own time and its own way.

Monday was a truly awesome day. I went out to work in my garden at about 11 am, and was just finishing up by 7:30 pm. Lovely day!! Not too sunny, but at least it did not rain. Right around 7 pm, I felt a change in the air; things had suddenly gotten cold and damp. When I looked up from the bed I was weeding, I was thrilled to see fog swirling around me. How had the fog snuck up on me like that? It was so beautiful. For the last half hour that I was out there, the rest of the world was gone, disappeared in the fog, and I was surrounded by peace and the beauty of Nature.

The rest of this week has been a time of cleaning up and cleaning out. I spent a lot of time going through my clothes, getting rid of things that I haven’t worn in years. LOL, I tend to wear the same group of clothes, and since my weight varies, I need to have two sets of wearable things. Usually, though, I end up also having a set of “once I lose this last five pounds I can wear this” clothes. I got myself into a ruthless mood and chucked a lot.

I also spent some time cleaning up my inbox. I still have more organizing to do there, but I got a good start on things. Looks like this week is kind of a dus week (*grins at Curly*), Blog-wise, but the “housework” needs to be done occasionally.

My Book of Shadows should arrive tomorrow!! It is being sent priority mail with delivery verification, so I am able to track its progress. Right now, it is actually in New Jersey! I really can’t wait to hold it in my hands, to feel its energies. Then, I’m going to need to go through my personal rituals again, do some last-minute tweaking before I immortalize my own Tradition into my permanent BOS.

Tomorrow night, the PBT will be getting together for the first time in a while. I really miss sitting around the table and talking to the Wayne Contingency, face to face. We all have a lot of catching up to do.

Saturday, our belly dance class will be performing our Skirt Dance at the Off the Beaten Path Mind/Body/Spirit Fair. I love the dance we have created!! I can’t wait to perform it. Then, I will be heading down to Cape May, to a full house of company; the OPC is having a golf outing!

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Death/Five of Cups reversed. The Death card corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of transformation or change, both voluntary and involuntary. The Five of Cups (Mars, action, aggression, drive, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, mysterious, obsessive) tells of the cloudy sludge that is stirred up when still waters are disturbed. This card in an upright position reminds us not to give up hope, even if there are a few snags in the day; because it is reversed, I just might be missing the spiritual blessings in my life, which don’t cost any money at all.

My Thoth card is The Star reversed. The Star (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts; Aquarius; Qof, back of head; the Path between Malkuth, the physical world of action and outer, physical reality, and Netzach) in an upright position represents love kindled by hope for humankind. It tells me that the act of giving itself is the greatest gift of all; the image of this card depicts this concept, as the figure pours the elixir of her love back into her creations, distributing the love to all whether they deserve it or not. The card is reversed, so the power of love has not yet reached its full strength, but it is a part of the equation.

My Legacy card is the Five of Cups reversed, flavored by the Two of Coins reversed. Hmmm . . . all reversed cards, except for Death. And another Five of Cups reversed. Looks like things may end up exactly as expected today; no surprises. The Two of Coins (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) tells me that everything always ebbs and flows, and since we can’t stop change we must learn to live with it and go with those flows. I can’t let myself forget that “harmony” is created by the blending of different, sometimes conflicting, ingredients.

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

My horoscopes: “Ambitious plans for your future could necessitate your giving a lot of attention to practical matters, such as finances. This could be a drag, Sagittarius, but if you're serious about your ideas, it needs to be done. A friend, probably a man, could pitch in and help you make sense of everything. Don't try to get it all done today. Your mind could get overloaded, which might discourage you. Take it slowly.”

And: “Maybe you feel like sleeping late, getting up slowly, cooking a big batch of pancakes and doing a whole lot of nothing at all, all morning long. Go for it! You've been working really hard lately, and you've accomplished a whole heck of a lot. You've more than earned a morning off. Call in late and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.”

And: “Today you might hear a rather distressing rumor about one or more people whom you know, or perhaps about your working situation. Don't be surprised if more than one person phones or e-mails to fill you in on this. However, this information might not be dependable. It could be totally based on misinformation, or even outright lies. Try to track down the facts before you make yourself crazy over it.”

My Sun reading: “People know exactly what buttons to push when Venus conjuncts Pluto. As they say, ‘then it's time to grow new buttons.’ Tonight's lunar transit stimulates enormous emotions from the very depths. The square with Mercury doesn't help communication. Make popcorn and watch a movie alone.”

I am thrilled to say that I have two of my Pagan Brain Trusters in my new belly dance class! What a treat to be able to see them both two nights in a row, and share with them something that is so much a part of who I am and where I have come from. E has taken classes with me before, but for J, this is a big step. And for all her fears, she took to belly dance like a natural.

My dance classes focus on movement, on how the movement feels and looks, and on the benefits to be gained from the movements. We move along with music because it is hard for us to **not** move when there is good music playing. And we move together, as a class, not to be able to dance professionally as a cabaret dancer, but rather we move together because we are keeping alive a sacred dance which has been used since prehistory to honor and connect with the Sacred Feminine.

I have been doing some thinking about the requirement of some for a coven initiation in order to be considered a “true” Wiccan. I think I have found my own peace about this. When Wicca was more of an underground spiritual path and needed to remain hidden, things such as tradition and lineage and a fixed method of growth within the Craft were only taught in a face-to-face manner. Wiccan covens are stand-alone in nature, and this has always meant that there is no universally accepted sacred text (although we do have such works as the Rede and the Charge, they are not absolutely required), no universally accepted “seminary” or training school and curriculum, and there is no single person who speaks for all Wiccans. People could only learn about Wicca and become Wiccan through the teachings of a coven. Because the catalyst which offers our Craft its power and effectiveness is its personal, experiential nature, many in the past found that the easiest way, and in many cases the only way, to learn how to access the Wiccan Mysteries was to find someone or some group which had in his/her/their possession a successful, proven formula or recipe for tapping into those Mysteries. To me, this complicated task of passing on of the Mysteries of Wicca is the source of the requirement that dedicants can only become Wiccan by being initiated by the leaders of an existing coven. This concept was necessary at that time in order for the Craft to continue to exist.

Unlike Dedicants of the past, who could most likely only receive instruction and information from an established coven, the Internet and the amount of information out there in books and public classes makes experiencing the Mysteries more possible for solitaries these days. In Wicca, heredity and lineage have their place, but so does evolution; as a spiritual Path, Wicca has changed since its inception. The important thing is that none of the concepts and beliefs that are core to Wicca should bind us or be a burden that holds us back; they should be foundational supports for new growth. In Progressive Witchcraft, Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone remind us that it is “. . . spiritual training [that] must take precedence, as apostolic succession is actually alien to Pagan practice.” Our most important task as Wiccans and Seekers is not that we keep the processes of our spiritual ancestors intact at all costs, but rather it is that we learn the feelings and emotions and meanings behind the words and the actions and the instructions and the Traditions. There are many coveners who never achieve this task.

There still remains only one way to become a part of an established Wiccan Tradition, and that is indeed initiation by the coven’s High Priestess and/or High Priest. However, this is not the only way to become Wiccan or to initiate into and experience the Mysteries.

This is work of the 31^st Path. How cool is that?!

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The Star reversed/Judgement reversed. Well, interesting. The Star in an upright position corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts), Aquarius (“I know,” friendships, the group, society), Tsadi, the fish hook (experience or thought), and the Path between Yesod (patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world) and Hod (provides analysis and communication). Looks like I won’t be moving on and leaving behind a crisis, and I won’t be wiping the slate clean either today. No definite steps forward, no releasing of the past.

My Thoth card is The Hermit reversed. Hmmmm . . . another reversed Major. In an upright position, The Hermit corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes), Virgo (“I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented, sensible), Yod, the 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 (crosses Da’ath, forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured). He refers to hidden things and to finding answers from within. Looks like I might have trouble seeing the hidden things, or the answers to the questions. Oy.

My Legacy card is the Five of Wands reversed, flavored by The Empress reversed. Hey!! What’s up with the reversed Majors? The Five of Wands in an upright position represents Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical), and it represents a struggle that appears at cross purposes. It is reversed, so the struggle is not an issue today. Whew!! That one is better reversed. The Empress in an upright position corresponds with Earth, Venus (beauty, allure, pleasure, relationships), Daleth (door or womb) and the Path between Binah (female receptive energy, the origin of form and structure) and Chokmah (male in the electric sense, dynamic energy and the origin of vital force and polarity). She represents feminine ruling power, fertility, and the enjoyment of the senses. Those things may not be my focus today, and the lack of strife may not be rewarding for me. Er . . . what?

My 6-digit date number for today is 3, the number of new creation from balance and polarity.

My horoscopes: “Matters regarding love and romance are in your favor today, Sagittarius. You'll find that love comes to you when you least expect it. There's a powerful creative force within you that will be most rewarding if you put it to use for some sort of artistic endeavor. A strong yet erratic urge may call you into action, so be ready to respond with your entire being.”

And: “The vibes other people are giving off may affect you to an unusual degree now, so if someone's emanating crummy energy, give them a wide berth. Your internal state and the bigger picture are closely connected at the moment, so it's important that you're in a positive, supportive environment. As for those with the negativity going, well, you can always check back in with them a little bit later -- maybe next year.”

And: “Some of the information you receive today may not be sitting too well with you. This is probably because you have failed to prepare for what you knew was inevitable. If, however, you have prepared yourself well, this information should not even faze you. Perhaps there is a piece of gossip that is floating around that is making you uneasy. Don't combat this energy by starting more gossip of your own. You will only make the situation worse by making it an even bigger topic of discussion.”

Well, I am totally confuzzled about the messages of my Tarot cards and my horoscopes today. No morning after, no opportunity to clean the slate, no effectiveness at looking within for answers, no connection to my senses, and no minor “turns ta” either. I don’t get it. I’m documenting this here because the message might become more clear over the next few days. To pull four Major Arcana cards out of five cards for the day is big enough, but to have all four of those Majors reversed is sort of a red flag to me.

The Mind/Body/Spirit Fair at Off the Beaten Path was today. We had such fun belly dancing! My class did a wonderful job, and E from the PBT, and Danielle, came, and they joined us! I was thrilled that E was able to fit us in!! She has a busy weekend, as she is starting her new job on Monday! Yay!! And it was so good to see Danielle again.

My drive to Cape May was peaceful and uneventful. The late Summer/early Fall energies are so beautiful that they are almost overwhelming. I hope that the beautiful weather will last at least until early afternoon tomorrow, because I am longing to go back to the trail at Cape May Point. We shall see.

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The Tower/Three of Pentacles. The Tower (Fire, hot/separates and dry/shapes; Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression; Phe, mouth or speech; the Path between Hod, the providing of analysis and communication; and Netzach, the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) is usually a card of warning; it tells of a potential change that will be all-encompassing, and it warns me that I need to make use of the energies associated with the change rather than fighting them. As I have learned over the past weeks, there is intense energy to be had in these chaotic situations, and if I work hard and remember what I have learned so far, I will surf the wave all the way to the beach rather than being knocked down and pounded into the sand. Those are the key words: “remember what you have learned and experienced already, and make use of what you have gained so far.”

My Thoth card is The Universe reversed. The synthesis that comes with this card can sometimes manifest itself through delay. Because my card is reversed, it may be very likely that delays will be presenting themselves. I need to remember that even delays offer useful energies so I should still persevere while keeping this card in mind; after all, I did not pull The Hanging Man, who surrenders to the effects of the day.

My Legacy card is The Star, flavored by the Nine of Swords. Hope tinged by worry is indicated today by the presence of The Star (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts; Aquarius, “I know”; and Tsadi, fish hook, experience or thought; the Path between Yesod, patterns and images emerge that may manifest into Malkuth; and Netzach, the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) and the Nine of Swords. LOL, the worry appeared when I threw my first card! Interestingly enough, The Star immediately follows The Tower in the Major Arcana, and today they are bookends to my cards of the day, and in a preferable order. I may have a hard time avoiding worry, but the destruction of The Tower is balanced with the new hope of The Star.

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number of motion imposed on stability in order to prevent stagnation.

My horoscopes: “Today will be like playing a game on your home field, Sagittarius. You have fans out there supporting you and you know the territory. Take advantage of the little things that you have going for you. There is a dramatic force at work that may be erratic but extremely powerful as long as you can maintain control. Stay focused on your goals. True happiness is only a small step away!”

And: “When you set your mind to it, you're the best at analyzing situations and seeing the deeper meaning of things. Recent events may have the people around you in a tizzy, but you can take a shrewd, clear-eyed look at what is really going on. Not only do you know just what to do to make things better, but you're aware of exactly how much work it should take to get you where you want to go.”

And: “Today may be a good day for you to spend some time creating. While many Sagittarians are known for a love of sports, an innate artistic streak is commonplace. The joy of creating something is immeasurable and the process of getting to a finished product can be very enjoyable and therapeutic as well. Crafts, baking, cooking, and gardening are all activities conducive to this. Take time to express yourself through your favorite hobbies today.”

What a glorious weekend we had!! Friday night I left for Cape May at about 4 pm; got down in less than 3 hours!! That is a true miracle; normally the Friday night drive for a holiday weekend with awesome weather predicted can take 4 ½ hours or more. After a smooth trip, I sat down to a lovely dinner cooked by P & J; lobster stuffed with crabmeat, salad and fresh corn; yum!! Saturday morning we walked early, then went to the beach. We ate dinner out, at a local restaurant called Frescoes. Sunday morning, we got out early. We biked to Sunset Beach (about a 7 mile round trip) and then walked on the beach for a bit. After returning and eating lunch, we headed back to the ocean. S & G cooked ribeyes, corn salad, green salad and local corn for dinner, then we headed back to the beach, frosty cocktail in tow, for the Cape May Fireworks. Yesterday morning we went back to Sunset Beach, just in time to watch the tide change in a small stream (probably one outlet of Davey’s Lake in the Higbee Beach Wildlife Preserve). It was so cool to watch a shallow and still stream filled with huge clouds of minnows change into a deep stream flowing inward, filled with pulsing and dancing jellyfish, some with beautiful red markings and others with gracefully undulating streamers, filled with stinging cells (I can attest to this; a bit of pain but nothing worse, thankfully), all within a period of about an hour. We timed that one perfectly!

All the days were hot, but because the humidity stayed well below 40%, all of the nights were lovely. M & S, and M had a great time and were charming, and the dog was a pleasure, as always. LOL, the dog did not want to leave!!

The icing on the cake is that my drive up this morning was uneventful, and I had one of those lovely “reconnect” meditations that happen when I spend a few days really focusing on the physical world and physical world interactions. I was told that my efforts to raise personal energy through exercising my muscles and increasing my strength and flexibility are achieving wonderful results, and I was also told that true spiritual ecstasy can be attained by accessing my personal energy field through using the movement of strong, flexible muscles. Sacred movement indeed!

I did some bodywork this weekend, and set up more for next weekend. I am also going to contact Lisa and offer her a Reiki attunement. I’ve gotta keep the fire burning, as Helen is fond of saying!

My belly dance class resumes tonight, after a long hiatus of several weeks. I miss dancing, and I look forward to seeing my regular students. I also have another Tarot workshop on Thursday; last time I had two students and I am hoping that they will return. I will be emailing Elena my Reiki writeup, and scheduling that as well.

Back to reality!

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Ace of Pentacles/Ten of Cups. Not bad. Today is a day that will be filled with potential for the initiation of beneficial projects in the physical realms. But they won’t happen on their own; the soil may be fertile, but I am the one who needs to plant the seeds and then nurture them until they bloom. Today may not be the day for actual tilling of the soil, but I certainly will be very able to visualize a rewarding end, and visualizations have powers of their own.

My Thoth card is The Universe. Aaahhhhhh, I have been waiting for this card in an upright position! Synthesis is happening for me, finally, and ideas are integrating and manifesting. Nice validation of that Ten of Cups.

My Legacy card is The Fool reversed. In an upright position, this card represents the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts), the planet Uranus (technology, radical change, innovation) and Aleph (open minded learning), but since it is reversed, I am being told that I need to hold back a bit on manifesting and making use of new and untried ideas. Looking at all the cards, it seems that I have made some good achievements, but it is not yet time to leave the big pond (in which I am a big fish) and move up to the next, larger pond and become a small fish.

My 6-digit number is 8, which is a slightly weaker echo of the Balance of the number 6.

My horoscope for today: “Whether or not you willingly participate, you'll certainly play a key role in the action, Sagittarius. At times you'll feel like the pivotal player whose actions decide the fate of the game. Now you must close your eyes, take a deep breath, and find the answer from your heart. Don't look to others for support, because they'll have their own agendas and ideas about what you should do. Only you know what is best.”

Well, it has been a while since I have posted here, but this is one of the busiest weeks of the year for me. At work, our big project is out of my hands finally, except for the last moments before submission, which will be on Monday afternoon. I did two very in-depth Tarot readings this week, one for my niece and one for a friend of Elizabeth’s, which was live. Most of my readings are either via email or chatrooms, so this was a much appreciated opportunity to do a reading for someone face-to-face. I needed that reminder of how powerful a Tarot reading can be when two different energy fields are joined together like that.

The Norfolk Botanical Gardens bald eagles have two eaglets!! The second one hatched this morning, and I am so excited. I watched this pair of eagles lay and then raise three young last year; what an amazing experience. Here is the link for the cam, if anyone wants to watch these eagles raise their young: http://www.wvec.com/marketplace/microsite-content/eagle-cam.html.

Well, we are in the midst of another nor’easter, but thankfully it is too warm for snow, or we would be experiencing another 2 foot weekend, with high winds. I think we are going to have a beautiful Spring this year because of all the rain we had both last year and just recently. Looks like I will be spending lots of time in my garden!! I also vowed to create a corner somewhere that will be maintained in honor of my Patroness, Danu. I have two possible locations in mind, but I will wait until further into Spring to decide.

Miss Pauline woke me up last night for the first time in several weeks. She sat on the bed, and I could feel her leaning against me.

This afternoon I will be working with Helen on our possible new business. I will be missing the SMPDA Meeting, but this is a great chance for Rowan to stretch her wings a bit as Co-Director. And whew!! Crossing that off my list makes me feel better. Everything else I need to do today does not need to be done at one particular time, so I will be able to be flexible now.

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Queen of Pentacles/Justice. Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes) of Earth, plus Libra (we are), the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts), and Lamed (ox whip, to learn), are correspondences of the energies presented by my Welsh cards. I will be able to tap into my nurturing skills today, although I need to be careful that I don’t get too caught up in keeping things safe because that would end up as constriction. My actions of this day may be important, and I need to keep aware of this, as well as keep alert for the results of past actions, for they may be apparent today.

My Thoth card is the Knight of Swords; back to Court Cards again! This Knight represents the powers and the dangers that come along with operating through the intellect only, without the added balance of the other elements. I need to be very aware so that I can take advantage of the positive sides of this concept yet guard against the possibility of the negative sides manifesting in my day.

My Legacy card is the Ace of Wands reversed. This card reversed was in my throws for yesterday, as a Welsh Tarot card; it is the purest essences of the element of Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes) and the season of Summer (Cancer, I feel, Leo, I am, and Virgo, I serve) are to be found in the upright Ace, but since it is reversed, I need to be careful because the element of Fire and all of its potential will not be presented in a balanced way today.

Today’s date reduces to the number 6; according to Crowley’s Naples Arrangement, this is a number of both horizontal and vertical balance. Good number!! And I will need it, for my cards contain lots of Earth, Air and Fire, but no Water to balance things out. Looks like I will need to actively manifest Water today.

My horoscope for today: “While long-term trends in your life may not be going exactly the way you want them to, Sagittarius, you certainly have plenty of short-term pleasures to enjoy, especially today. Feel free to indulge in things that you might normally say no to. There is a great opportunity now to form an extremely powerful bond with someone close to you. Find this connection by immersing yourself in the things that you love to do the most.”

My belly dance classes are doing great! I have three new students for my three week class (which mainly consists of Belly Dance Stretch), and I may have two more new students for the six week class (which also includes choreography). Awesome!! This means that I already have the $300 put aside for the BOS that I am hoping to commission Lisa to create for me. Now, I can start saving for the June Thai Massage three day workshop that I am hoping to take. Yes!!! Raushanna is hoping to add Thai Massage to her repertoire. How absolutely cool is that??!!

This morning I was drawn to send Mystery some Reiki after I completed my usual morning ritual, before I released my Reiki-filled chakras. Mystery received her Reiki attunements from Lady Raven a week ago today, and she has been experiencing all the classic symptoms of an energy field detoxification: thirst, tiredness and emotional releases. I think she is getting a handle on the changes happening within her four bodies, but still I felt I should send her a blast of Reiki this morning. I will also be performing my second “professional” (LOL, read “paid”!) treatment for someone this evening.

And just as I completed my morning ritual, I tapped into that place in my mind, behind my third eye, as usual (since this past weekend, when Danu showed me this place), and I heard my Patroness whisper “Be aware today; there are things to be noticed.” I will do my best to be aware, My Lady Danu.

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The Chariot/Strength reversed. Both of these Majors in the Welsh Tarot show a man riding a white horse through water; the man on the Chariot looks very kingly, while the man on the Strength card looks skilled. The Chariot represents Cancer (I think), Cheth (enclosure) and Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts), and Strength, the next card numerically in the Majors, represents Leo ((I am), Teth (basket or sieve), and Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes). The Chariot, the more outwardly visible of the two cards, is actually feminine in gender, while Strength is masculine. The Chariot is about being able to control the emotions with the mind; these emotions are not suppressed, but rather trained. Strength is the next logical step: it tells of rising about those emotions through being courageous, and through applying patience and gentle perseverance. Since the Strength card is reversed today, even though both of these Majors have been showing up lately, I am not yet ready to take that next step shown by Strength. I still need to work on “training” my emotions.

My Thoth card is the Seven of Disks. Funny, I drew this card, if I remember correctly, a week ago exactly. Crowley,s “Failure” does not specifically foretell failure; instead it warns that responsibility can be taken to the point of becoming a restriction, and it appears that I need to remember this today. Sheesh, and I have lots of things on my to do list.

My Legacy card is the Two of Coins reversed. Jupiter (expansiveness, justice, fortune) in Capricorn (I build), reversed. Okay, I get it!! I may not be very effective at juggling a lot of tasks today. I promise . . . I will take some “me” time!!

Veeeery interesting messages today!! Since yesterday’s cards were sooo accurate (not only did I have unexpected company this weekend, which is very cool, but the Student Council meeting was cancelled at the last minute; how is that for accuracy??!!), I am certainly going to be paying attention to today’s cards.

Helen and I had an awesomely productive afternoon, but LOL, I think I will be a tiny bit sore tomorrow morning. I did a one-hour belly dance stretch class with her; no choreography, just intense belly dance stretches and foundation movements. Then Helen did a yoga class for me. We are both very excited because these two disciplines really work well together, and I don’t know of anyone else who combines the two, without actual dance classes. We may have something here!! Helen left me with a series of yoga poses to practice, and she is going to work on some of the belly dance moves, and then we will do this again in two weeks.

I am excited!! This my be exactly what I was looking for!!

Now, it’s time for some of that “me time” I promised myself.

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