6/14/15 Transparent Oracle Sunday

Transparent Oracle Sunday!!

23, Element: Water (West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Water is about emotions, feelings, the Inner Voice, dreams, intuition, and Water is connected to both birth and death.  Because our physical bodies contain so much Water, whatever affects Water usually affects us as well.  The image on this card also shows ripples moving outward; something to remember when we are expressing our feelings.

63, Touch (and Taste) (Within). Our senses connect us to the physical world, and the sense of Touch is the most solid and least deceptive sense; touch is the method we use to find our way around and to dispel illusion.  Taste is a part of Touch, for it is by bringing things into contact with our tongues that we Taste them.  Contact is the key here, and connection; they can be pleasant or violent.

28, Guide: Frog (West). West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Water is necessary for Frog to exist and thrive.  Frog tells of fertility and creativity, and Frog also represents the amazing transformations that occur during a lifetime.  We need to grow and adapt to the situations that present themselves, and Frog is an expert at this!  Frog has a permeable skin, so this card is also associated with healing and empathy and healing, and with partnerships.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Frog and Water are the shapes I see first; Touch and Taste are more subtle, but then again any of our senses can easily be overwhelmed.  But I’m not worried, because Frog has a permeable skin, and thus he can draw within him anything that brushes against him, absorbing, connecting, and understanding the flavors of feelings, emotions, dreams and the intuition.  I should keep in mind that empathic connections will be more prevalent through this week, as will partnerships, particularly those partnerships that deal with healing of some kind.

What a busy weekend!  I spent every day working in my garden; I really missed getting dirty!  I’m sore (but not that sore), and I still have a lot more to get done, but I feel good!

I also have a new Yoga class starting this week; I am up to five classes and now two private students!!

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5/17/15 Transparent Oracle Sunday!

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

12, Weather: Lightning (South): South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity. In the T-O, the weather associated with the South is Lightning, and oh boy, does this make sense.  After all, South is about Fire, and Lightning is about a sudden eruption of heat and flame and light.  The energies of this card are full of drama, and maybe even a bit scary at times, but they are a great way to break down and end the effectiveness of blockages.

17, Guide: Stag (South). The direction of South corresponds with the element of Fire.  Fire brings spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change through heating and separating, drying and shaping.  Stag is an impressive Guide at any time of the year, but during the Summer, when he is at his peak, he is the epitome of pride and leadership and competition.  Stag is an archetype for the Sacred Masculine, and of the God in my spiritual tradition.  Stag tells of magnificent demonstrations of prowess, and of regenerative properties and the cycles of life.

48, Venus (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 Machine.  The planet Venus corresponds with the element of Earth, and it represents all love and relationships and connections.  This also encompasses mothering, nurturing, healing, the pleasing of the senses, and an appreciation for beauty.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Stag is what you see first, with Venus appearing to rise above the horizon in the background.  Lightning brings an unsettled feeling to the mandala, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.  After all, Lightning is neutral, and it is up to us to either run away from it or make use of it.  The symbol of Venus is in the center of the mandala, and that feels important to me.  If I am able to see all of the effects of the elements and of the workings of Nature as beautiful, I won’t fear them.  Because I work with Cernunnos, and because the Stag is a symbol of Cernunnos, this might be a good time of year to work with Him in a deeper way.  Summer is arriving, along with its energy, drive and manifestation.  I have the ability to perceive these effects, and make use of them.

I spent all day yesterday in my beloved garden.  Right now, it is raining, so I can’t get out there yet, but I am hoping to sneak out there and at least cut the grass in the back yard some time today.  If the sun would just come out for a half hour and dry things, I will be good to go.  But with Lightning in my cards today, that might not happen.

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10/5/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

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

36, Guide: Bear (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.  Bear is about protection and hibernation, power, shelter and instincts.  Mother bears are fierce, yet gentle, and that is the message of this card.  I am being told by Bear that I should protect and nurture myself, but I should also make use of what I’ve learned to not only connect with my own instincts, but also to nurture and guide others.

46, Mercury (Above).  Whatever happens in the direction of Above, it will happen quickly, and maybe in an unexpected manner, because there are no elemental constraints to be found.  The effects associated with this card (and this planet) of Mercury are quick to manifest; they are about connections and communications, about travel, and about the way it all happens through what seems like magick!  I associate Mercury with the Internet, and thus, with the astral realms.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Mercury is in the center of everything, and its revolutionary path crosses the third eye of Mermaid; Bear is quietly guarding, facing outward and eyes closed (although Bear is still aware of what is happening, perhaps more so because he is not relying on only his eyes).  I am being asked to look at the volotile world of my own emotions and feelings today, so that I can love myself, and learn to control those feelings in order to create a better outcome.  I am also being warned that perhaps things will happen quickly today, possibly on the Internet, and whatever happens just might push buttons within me that create sudden and strong feelings.  I need to keep alert, and be ready for anything, yet not expect a particular outcome.

I spent a beautiful day in my beloved garden.  I am sore, but very happy.

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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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8/3/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

42, Guide: Angel (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.  Angel is the Guide for the Celestial Realm, and you could say that Angel is one of the messengers who bridges the gap between us and the vast expanses of the Universe.  When Angel appears in a spread, some event or effect may have more significance than I think, and I had better pay attention.

23, Element: Water (West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Water is about emotions, feelings, the Inner Voice, dreams, intuition, and Water is connected to both birth and death.  Because our physical bodies contain so much Water, whatever affects Water usually affects us as well.  The image on this card also shows ripples moving outward; something to remember when we are expressing our feelings.

62, Dream (Within).  Within is the direction of the Self, and thus the cards associated with this direction deal with the ways our Self connects to the world and perceives the world, and the Self.  This direction is mostly abstract, and yet is our bridge to the Universe around us.  Dream is the language of the unconscious mind; our unconscious mind is constantly absorbing and interpreting information, and since Dream has no physical world limits, it can interpret that information without being bound by any limits. Thus we can see the past and the future, and talk to those who are not now (or maybe never were) of the physical world.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  This one is beautiful!  Everyone is focused on the pentagram in the center, and all energies are flowing in and out, protected by Water.  None of these cards is about physical-world manifestation.  They all ask me to look for messages around me, and then look within to find the meanings of those messages.  I need to remember that I am not limited to looking within this world, and I should include the past and the future, as well as the present, in my perusal.  I just might find something exciting!

It has been a busy weekend.  Despite the heavy rains falling each night, causing me to wait until the ground dries a bit, I’ve got a lot done in my beloved garden.  My roses are not doing too well this year, probably because it has been a wet summer.  I may need to cut them back hard in the fall.  However, the grass is very green, even in places that are normally brown at this time of the year.  My wisteria is flowering for the third time!  And the crepe myrtles are heavy with blossoms. 

Today will also be spent in the garden.  Next week is the beginning of family vacation, and I want things to be in order.

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6/22/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

8, Guide: Eagle (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.  Eagle is considered the King of Birds, and often is seen as a Divine Messenger because he can fly to such amazing heights.  He tells of being able to see into the distance, and of achievements (and associated honors) gotten through courage and focus.  When Eagle is around, courage and perspective and vision will bring great results.

33, Element: Earth (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  Earth is the element of form and substance; it is connected to physical health, to material world security (and even wealth), and to our physical bodies and physical senses, and the pleasures and pains they bring.  Earth represents the fertile, nurturing and serene side of Nature, and it represents the tangible end result of our labors.

25, Landscape: Ocean (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.  Oceans are huge and magnificent; they are considered the cradle of life.  They can be calm as glass, but beneath that smooth flat surface lurk powerful predators.  They can be rough and deadly, yet if we travel down a short distance, all is quiet and silent.  The Ocean card is about death and life, about destruction and creation; and amidst the chaos, healing and purification.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Eagle and Earth are laced together here, surrounded by Water.  I am being reminded by this mandala that perspective is very important today, especially regarding the results of my efforts over the past few days.  Those efforts could be connected to the Earth (and they have been; I’ve been working in my beloved garden!).  Emotions may not be a direct part of this effort, but they are there, supporting me, protecting me, and surrounding me.  Water has been on my mind today as well in a literal sense, because the weather has been sunny and dry.  I’ve been watering my flowers each day this weekend, and Water is indeed the cradle of life.

The flowers are beautiful, the grass is green, and another robin has built a nest in our wisteria.  I was trimming the wisteria, and suddenly she flew out of where I was working, and sat in a nearby tree and yelled at me.  I looked carefully, and sure enough, there was the nest!  I am hoping her babies survive; last year’s nest was attacked by a crow.  She is in a different spot this year, and I am keeping my fingers crossed.  I can’t wait to hear those little baby birds calling out to their mom when she brings them dinner.

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2/21/14

The Tower/The High Priestess.  Well, that’s an interesting pair! The Tower (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Mars (action, spontaneity, aggression, drive), Phe (mouth or speech), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Netzach (which offers the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration)) is one of the Major Arcana cards that talks of adjustments.  This one tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going that usually happens after more gentle corrections don’t bring the needed result.  I do understand what this card is about. The Tower shows the destructive effects of that element, while the Water on The High Priestess card is serene and calm and still. The High Priestess (Water; the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination; Gimel, the camel who safely crosses Da’ath, the Abyss, and thus, has the secret of life; and the Path between Tiphareth, the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify, and Kether, the source, limitless possibility), is one-half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine, with The Empress being the other half. The High Priestess is the source of the power of The Magician, the feminine version of The Hierophant, and the Keeper of the Mysteries. The interesting thing about both of these Llewellyn Welsh cards is that both images have Water in them.  Feelings and emotions have lots of power today.

My Thoth cards are The Fool reversed and the Six of Cups (“Pleasure”). The Fool corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and challenges that tend to require the use of the intellect to solve), Uranus (technology, science, radical change), Aleph (the head, youthful learning) and the Path between Chokmah (male in the electric sense, dynamic energy and the origin of vital force and polarity) and Kether (the source; limitless possibility).  The Fool is the spark that begins the idea, and the neutral powers of creativity; he is above, beyond and before the world and all its extremes. The Six of Cups (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, compulsive, deep, obsessive) is a card of innocence, emotional balance and harmony, of simple joy that begets even more simple joy by infecting all that is around us at this moment.  In an upright position, this is a card filled with harmony and an awareness of blessings

My Legacy card is the Nine of Coins, flavored by the Seven of Coins reversed. The Nine of Coins (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) in an upright position tells of accomplishment through the imposition of discipline.  My Nine of Coins is being flavored by another Coins card, the reversed Seven of Coins. The Seven of Coins (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position tells of pauses and choices and assessments within the physical world.  The pause and assessment of this card reminds us that blossoms need to fade in order for seeds to appear.  Timing is important to the energies of this card, and since it is reversed, I need to not only check things out carefully (for there is a potential for me to make a bad investment of some kind) but also I need to be patient without being lethargic.

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

My horoscopes: “Friction or other trouble on the job could cause you to want to quit, Sagittarius, but worries about money might keep you from doing it. You definitely need to reassess your situation. Perhaps a change of position is just what you need now. You may have untapped talents that could make you more marketable, and you might also want to train those talents. Think about this! And if you really think you want a change, go for it.”

And: “A rosy glow over your recent career successes could cause you to congratulate yourself over your growing bank account. This trend should continue for a while, if you keep on working as you have and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. Your relationships with others around you, particularly the opposite sex, should be especially warm and loving right now. This should prove to be a thoroughly gratifying day. Use it to your advantage.”

So far, I have taught two classes at the Studio with which I am striving to be affiliated, as a sub.  One class was a Yoga basics class, and one was a Gentle class.  The Gentle class I will be teaching for the next few weeks as a sub.  I am still in the middle of my 11-week stint as a Yin Yoga teacher, and this may end up being the version of Yoga to which I am drawn the most.  My 200 hour training seems to have prepared me to teach this kind of Yoga, and I am enjoying the process of going deeper into human physiology in order to understand how Yin is able to be so effective. 

I treated myself to a professional grade Irish whistle, an O’Brien three-piece composit whistle, and it has ended up to be a temporary setback because it is set up for adult hands.  I am having trouble once again with middle D (that is the note that gave me the most trouble when I first started to play my Dixon whistle).  This temporary slowdown is worth the effort, because the whistle has a great sound.  Hopefully by next week I will be back to the same level of playing that I was at on the day before I received my O’Brien.   

I am champing at the bit, pining for my garden.  Daffodils are about 3 inches high right now, but more cold weather is on the way next week so I won’t do cleanup yet.  Soon, though!!!  Soon.  I am hoping to see the first buds on my Lenten rose when I walk my garden tomorrow.  Spring is on the way!!

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11/3/13

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

This is a powerful day, New Moon and a Solar Eclipse!!  All this power shows in my cards. 

63, Touch (and Taste) (Within). Within is the direction of the Self, and thus the cards associated with this direction deal with the ways our Self connects to the world and perceives the world, and the Self.  This direction is mostly abstract, and yet is our bridge to the Universe around us.  Our senses connect us to the physical world, and the sense of Touch is the most solid and least deceptive sense; touch is the method we use to find our way around and to dispel illusion.  Taste is a part of Touch, for it is by bringing things into contact with our tongues that we Taste them.  Contact is the key here, and connection; they can be pleasant or violent.

7, Guide: Blackbird (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.  Blackbirds are known as gatekeepers, which concept is very relevant to me right now.  Blackbirds acquire and then protect territory, and thus they can guide you to other realms, or they can do their best to shut you out of them.  In Celtic myth, the Blackbird is said to have the ability to bring concepts or visions from the astral realms into manifestation on the physical plane (because Blackbird can enter more than one realm, just as blackbirds can exist on land and in the air).

12, Weather: Lightning (South): South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity. In the T-O, the weather associated with the South is Lightning, and oh boy, does this make sense.  After all, South is about Fire, and Lightning is about a sudden eruption of heat and flame and light.  The energies of this card are full of drama, and maybe even a bit scary at times, but they are a great way to break down and end the effectiveness of blockages.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Yep.  This about sums it up.  The Gatekeeper (Blackbird) who allows me to comprehend (or prevents me from comprehending) my connection to all the realms of life, and my place in those realms.  I’ve been feeling that these connections were blocked or corroded in some way, and from the message of this mandala, an opportunity to blow those blockages out of the water is upon me.

Today’s energies are hugely powerful.  We have the ability to see inward brought by the New Moon, which are deeply emphasized through the solar eclipse.  At my location the eclipse is only partial, but even so, I need to take advantage of these energies today. 

I spent all day in my beloved garden, working on Fall cleanup in the back yard.  LOL, I am sore!  But things look good.  Maybe next weekend I can work on the side and front.

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8/5/13

Two of Swords/Ten of Wands 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.  The serenity of this card happens because we are vigilant and on guard, and because we choose to not receive or acknowledge as valid the information that comes to us from the outside.  While the effects of this card are not good over the long term, shutting out the world for just a bit of time can be beneficial.  After all, this is how we meditate! The Ten of Wands (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) in an upright position tells of being taxed to some perceived limit, or of feeling as if we are out of gas at the bottom of a hill.  My card is reversed, and perhaps I am being told that my perception of being overburdened is fading.  A good night’s sleep could be a factor here, and I had one last night.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Disks. Aces present potential only, and the Ace of Disks (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, and perhaps the physical world is where I can have the most impact today.  Crowley calls this card the root of the element of Earth, and thus it tells of all possibilities within that element, from the very best to the very worst.  I need to be aware of that potential in order to infuse it with good intentions!

My Legacy card is The Hanging Man, flavored by The World reversed.  The interesting thing about these two cards is that they both have the red-clothed jester on them; on The Hanging Man, the jester is upside down, and on The World in an upright position, he is standing upright, his arms out by his sides, perfectly balanced.  However, my World is reversed, so the jester is upside down in this card, too. The Hanging Man corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and emotional, sensitive and imaginative energy that tends to move deep, and attempts to take the same path as in the past), Neptune (inspiration, spirituality, magick, enchantment, dreams, altered states), and the Hebrew letter Mem (water, stability and balance, the reflective quality of thought), and presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through seeing things in a different way.  This is a similar message to my Two of Swords up there, but more sweeping and far-reaching in nature.  I am being told that there is a benefit to be had today in pausing quietly, and in focusing inward.  The World, which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, stable and practical energy that is slow to change), Saturn (discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance), Thav (mark or sign), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world) is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand.  My World card is reversed, and it is flavoring my Hanging Man.  Perhaps this card is reversed because today the end result is not important.  Today is about just perceiving what “is” rather than what “will be.” 

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

My horoscopes: “An invitation to an important social event could come today, Sagittarius. This may be a chance to meet important people who could advance your career in some way or who might be involved in a field that interests you. Your own energy and enthusiasm won't be lost on them. You will obviously be speaking from the heart when you discuss what's on your mind.”

And: “You are like the snake rising out of the basket today. You have the ability to be quite sneaky, and also quite entertaining. The jokes will be non-stop, and other people will be tremendously amused by your sense of humor. Let yourself shine. You may find that a bit of conflict crops up at certain times during the day. Try to shake it off and not make such a big deal out of small issues.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Page of Wands.  This Page is the fiery spark that initiates action, maybe even action that pushes us outside of our comfort zone.  The end result may be unknown, but the rush is there to enjoy! 

I literally spent the entire day yesterday in my beloved garden, preparing for family vacation, which is next week.  My lower back is a bit cranky today, but I got quite a bit done.  My garden is beautiful!!

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8/4/13

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

43, Sun (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.  The Sun brings light and warmth into our world, and thus life can exist.  The light illuminates truth, and the warmth brings wealth, success and happiness.  Our sun has a corona, so The Sun tells of charisma and brilliance.

22, Weather: Rain (West). West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Water is about emotions, feelings, the Inner Voice, dreams, intuition, and Water is connected to both birth and death.  Rain is cleansing and nourishing, and this kind of weather can often bring dissatisfaction.  However, I also see Rain and it’s quiet, dark and cozy sensations as providing a time for rest and renewal.  Many are melancholy when it rains, but we need the rain to grow and live.

57, Grail Hallows: The Sword (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.

I then stacked the cards and created my mandala.  This one is interesting.  It appears that the Rain is radiating from the center of the Sun, and the energies of both cards are radiating outward.  Then, we have The Sword, slicing down the middle of both the Sun and the Rain, as if pinning them in place.  This message is simple and very clear: I have the authority to control both the Sun in my life and the Rain in my life.  I can’t control whether the Sun shines or the Rain falls, but I can use each for my own Higher Good.  Love this!

I spent the entire day in my beloved garden.  We just finished eating dinner; we will head over to a local restaurant to hear our neighbor sing jazz standards; then it’s bed for me!

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7/7/13

Transparent Oracle Sunday!!

12, Weather: Lightning (South): South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity. In the T-O, the weather associated with the South is Lightning, and oh boy, does this make sense.  After all, South is about Fire, and Lightning is about a sudden eruption of heat and flame and light.  The energies of this card are full of drama, and maybe even a bit scary at times, but they are a great way to break down and end the effectiveness of blockages.

47, Jupiter (Above). Jupiter is about expansion, intelligence, justice and optimism.  It reminds us that we are all leaders, and that we have a responsibility to choose our thoughts, words and actions with care because we do have effects on others around us.  And while doing this, we also need to keep our sense of humor, or things will go bad quickly.

20, Elemental: Salamander (South). The element of Fire manifests as spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change; its dignities are hot/separates and dry/shapes.  Salamander is also intense in personality, but this one is about consumption of fuel, and the changes and transformations that happen through consumption of fuel.  The changes presented by Salamander are more transmutation than transformation or metamorphosis.  Salamanders are actually known for putting out fires!  This is because they consume all fuel and then the flames themselves.  They are true experts, and know just how to handle Fire and its tricky nature.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Wow!  Who would think that the element of Fire would be corralling the expansion of Jupiter!  Incredible power in this mandala, and I’m not sure just what will happen as a result of these energies, but something will!!

Lots of sun and fun this 4^th of July weekend!  Awesome weather, awesome company, and everything has been perfect!

We had company this long holiday weekend, and we had an awesome time.  The weather cooperated completely, hot, sunny, and not too much humidity.  We biked and walked all over the place, spent late afternoons on the beach.  Thursday night we saw fireworks, and Friday night we went to dinner and a show (Jackson Browne) in Atlantic City.

I spent all of today working in my garden, and oh boy, did I get sunburned.  My shoulders are red like the lobsters we had for dinner on Thursday.   All that Fire mentioned in my spread today must have been a literal warning! Back to reality tomorrow.

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Transparent Oracle Sunday! 

18, Guide: Horse (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. Horse is basically about going somewhere; after all, humans use Horse as a means for transportation.  Because the ability to get to where you need to be and thus, transform yourself is perceived as having authority, this card also represents sovereignty, the kind of sovereignty the stallion has over his herd.  This leadership is maintained by courage, strength, and skills learned through a lifetime.

2, Weather: Wind (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.  Wind brings chaos and unpredictability; a stiff breeze can disrupt order, or it can clear away the cobwebs of stagnation.  What we need to remember is that we can’t control the effects of the Wind, only deal with them.  Sometimes we are rewarded for bravely accepting the effects of Wind, by receiving inspiration.

17, Guide: Stag (South). The element of Fire manifests as spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change; its dignities are hot/separates and dry/shapes.  Stag is an impressive Guide at any time of the year, but during the Summer, when he is at his peak, he is the epitome of pride and leadership and competition.  Stag is an archetype for the Sacred Masculine, and of the God in my spiritual tradition.  Stag tells of magnificent demonstrations of prowess, and of regenerative properties and the cycles of life.

I stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Stag and Horse fit together so that the two of them combined seem to be filling the entire circle.  The hooves of Horse, his method of travel, are interspaced with the horns of Stag, his method of exhibiting his prowess.  While the image itself does not imply motion (despite the Wind and the leaves being blown around the image), it certainly implies power.  Stag seems to be emanating from the center as he looks confidently at me, while Horse is circling in the background; is the Wind from their motion?

I spent much of this weekend sweating and toiling in my beloved garden.  I loved every minute of it!  Nice dinner in the yard, and we are heading out to hear a neighbor sing jazz standards.  Heaven!

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!

33, Element: Earth (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  Earth represents stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change; its dignities are cold/binds and dry/shapes.  Earth is the element of form and substance; it is connected to physical health, to material world security (and even wealth), and to our physical bodies and physical senses, and the pleasures and pains they bring.  Earth represents the fertile, nurturing and serene side of Nature, and it represents the tangible end result of our labors.

13, Element: Fire (South). The element of Fire manifests as spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change; its dignities are hot/separates and dry/shapes. Fire has often been used as a representation of Spirit or the Divine, and this makes sense.  Fire brings transformation, animation or life, courage, and intent.  Fire has its dangers, though; it brings transformation through destruction that brings new birth.

49, Saturn (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.  The planet Saturn is about structure and boundaries, and about constricting energies within a particular format, often involving time. 

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Well, this one is sure pretty obvious.  The Earth and Fire triangles oppose each other; the points of one are in the middle of the sides of the other.  There is a precarious balance here, and the grounding energies of Earth are currently being balanced by the transformative and animating energies of Fire, but oh boy, things could change pretty quickly.  These currently balanced energies filled with the potential to crash and burn are being held together by Saturn, and the concepts of keeping within a structure and a timeline, and understanding just what my boundaries are.  This means not only doing what I can to keep within the boundaries, but also it means making sure those boundaries are realistic.  I could waste a lot of energy attempting to meet unrealistic expectations!

I had two lovely days in Cape May.  Friday, I headed down a bit early so I could spend a bit of time in my garden.  I cut the grass, deadheaded my roses, tamed the wisteria, and grounded the last of my angst into the earth, as compost to encourage new growth.  Our company for the weekend arrived just as I came out of the shower.  We went to the front porch for appetizers and a nice glass of chilled white wine.  Then came dinner, and some great conversation (as well as quite a bit of laughter!).

Saturday morning I went for fresh bread and some lovely fresh-picked salad greens.  The day was perfect, blue sky, nice breeze; we ended up spending the entire afternoon sitting in the yard.  A pair of catbirds were with us the entire time, and a pair of cardinals joined us briefly.  Birds are feeding babies now, so they are as busy as I am!

Yoga Teacher Training Intensive number 5 today!  I’m up early, getting a few things done before heading out to learn about chakras and Ayurveda (our focuses today).  Have a marvelous day!

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