Ten of Swords reversed/Three of Cups.  The Ten of Swords (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, talkative) tells of the perception of the complete manifestation of interference, powerlessness and restriction.  My Ten of Swords is reversed today, and I am being reminded just how easy it is to change my entire outlook by refusing to expect the worst.  The Three of Cups (Mercury, reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) is about connections, emotional abundance, and about blessings.  This card is validating the message of my reversed Ten: see the blessings I have because I not only have connections and support but also I am aware of those connections and that support

My Thoth card is The Aeon reversed.  The Aeon/Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start. 

My Legacy card is the Three of Swords reversed (whew!), flavored by the Page of Swords.  The Three of Swords (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position usually indicates the possibility that logic, rationalizing and the intellect could end up causing harm if they are not used with balance and compassion.  This Swords card, in some ways similar to my Ten above, is about the perception of isolation and separation and melancholy.  Also like my Ten above, my Three of Swords is reversed, and being flavored by the exciting Page of Swords.  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.  We need to think out of the box during this process of analysis, and we need to remember that expectations often manifest as reality, so we must think carefully as we analyze and remain aware that we just might be mistaken in our expectations.

My Pearls of Wisdom Ostara card is the Page of Wands.  This Page is holding a mask of flames up over his face, hiding what he really looks like.  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) tells of the coming of a spark that could create a mighty flame, if there is enough kindling and air to feed it.  And the Page of Wands is the perfect person to fan these flames!  The Pearls of Wisdom Page of Wands is holding a mask of flames over his face (so you can’t see his physical features); this is also an awesome message!  My creativity can remain a bit more anonymous; without the flavoring of my expectations things might turn out pretty good in the end.

My 6-digit date number is 10, which represents the completion of a project and the end of a cycle.  This number reduces further to the number 1, a number of potential and position, without manifestation as yet.

My horoscopes: “Your career is about to take a turn for the better, Sagittarius. New professional possibilities may come your way today. Be receptive to any invitations or offers. Your advancement may not come in the most traditional way, so you need to pay close attention. Don't overlook something that seems beyond your capabilities. Your reach should always exceed your grasp. Stretch!”

And: “There are opportunities in the aggression that may arise today, so don't necessarily look upon conflict as a bad thing. Regardless of the situation, there is a great deal of passion that is present above and below the surface, so don't underestimate the power that is available to you today - either through your own efforts, or through others'. The temperature is likely to rise quite a bit whether you like it or not.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding The Star.  No bright Sun, no illusory Moon; just gentle and soft light.  No judgment, no stress, just calm.  Stars guide us as we navigate our way home, and that is what we should anticipate when we see this card.  Hope for a time of peace, of being surrounded by security, and being surrounded by those we love. 

Yesterday was Ostara, the Spring Equinox, a day of balance and serenity and enlightenment.  For me, it was another busy day in a busy week, filled with positive efforts.  I started working on my assignments for YTT, and despite the fact that work is incredibly busy, I’ve found the time each day to maintain my Yoga practice. 

I have heard back regarding the extra work I did for my Third Degree Lesson 8, and have been given the go-ahead to move on to Lesson 9.  I am looking forward to moving on to the next Lesson.  I looked back in my records, and I have been in Third Degree Training for longer than I realized.  It was on March 20, 2007, six years ago yesterday, that I first gained access to Third Degree Training!  More than half of the time I have belonged to Sacred Mists!  Each Third Degree Lesson has ended up directly connecting to events in my physical-world life.  Beginning the year of my Saturn Return, and right around when Saturn goes retro?  Shadow Work, Lesson 8, which I just completed.  Beginning Yoga Teacher Training?  Healing and serving, which is the focus of my next Lesson, Lesson 9. 

I have needed every month of this time, of these years, to get to where I am right now.  So much growth!  So many mind-blowing experiences!  Without the awesome training I am receiving, I would never have achieved what I’ve done over the past six years.  I am once again so very glad that I found Sacred Mists.  Without this journaling that I’ve been doing since the beginning of 2007, many of the details of these amazing years would have been gone, lost in the dusty corners of my mind.  I am once again so very glad that I kept up with my journaling.

I have reached the point when I am feeling the need to get this training completed.  Maybe this is all part of my Saturn Return, which is happening this year; or maybe it is due to the recent Shadow Work I did, Shadow Work that is still having an effect on me.  Whatever the reason, things are happening within me that are nudging me forward, and that are reminding me to carefully pack away the things that are to be stored, so they don’t get lost.  This is the process that is happening within me now, this tying up of loose ends so that everything important is put in its place, before the “big move,” whatever that turns out to be.

Interesting!

$>

The Moon reversed/Ten of Pentacles. 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.  When upright, this can be a card of discomfort or fear, but my Moon is reversed today.  Thus, instead of the possibility of discomfort because of illusion, I might be able to make use of the inconsistencies that may abound. The Ten of Pentacles (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) represents physical world wealth and bounty, and the attempt to maintain the status quo.  Today that “pause and enjoy” might work for me, considering the possible discomforts that may appear.  Yes, those discomforts may in the end have no real effect, but focusing on what I have rather than what might be “out there” may be more productive.

My Thoth card is the Four of Wands reversed.  “Completion” is the keyword for this one, but not a final completion.  The Four of Wands (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, enthusiastic) in an upright position is about building enough to become established.  My Four of Wands is reversed, and it is telling me that I have not yet reached that first plateau.  But this is one of those cards that is no necessarily uncomfortable when reversed.  That plateau is there, I just haven’t reached it yet.

My Legacy card is The Empress reversed, flavored by the Knight of Coins.  Hmmm . . . a bit of an unbalance today. The Empress (which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Venus (beauty, allure, pleasure, relationships), the Hebrew letter Daleth (door or womb) and the Path between Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Chokmah on the Tree of Life (dynamic male energy and the origin of vital force and polarity)) is one half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine.  My Empress is reversed today, and I may find that the world has lost its sparkle. The Knight of Coins (cusp of Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, and Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented), which is flavoring my reversed Empress, tells of persistence to the point of being stubborn, and caution to the point of being boring.  This may not be a good pairing; he is boring and she is bored. 

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

My horoscopes: “Intuition could prove extremely valuable when it comes to dealing with a sticky situation, Sagittarius. You know all the rules, you know all the proper methods for whatever you do, but today you could be driven to make decisions based on gut feelings rather than rules or logic. Think of it as a valuable new tool for understanding how to deal with people and make the most of it.”

And: “Someone whom you care for very deeply may be having financial problems. You may want to help this person, but you could also have some worries as to whether or not they'll appreciate your efforts. Whatever form of assistance you're considering, use your intuition. If you sense that they want help, offer it - within reason. If they resist, let it go. Sometimes people have to work things out for themselves.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  This is not about having massive physical muscles.  Even the slightest of girls can hold back the crowd, if she has the Will to do so, and if she believes that she will succeed.

Busy, busy, and even more busy.  I am hoping that soon enough, I will adjust to the new things in my life, but in the mean time, I am getting my card descriptions posted!

$>

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.

14, Time of Day: Midday (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.  Midday is also a time of peak power, the peak of light and illumination for the current day.  This is a time when shadows are small and seeing clearly is easy, but this moment of clarity is not permanent.  Soon enough, the shadows will begin to grow once more.

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.

I then stacked my cards to create my mandala.  For some reason, this one feels contained yet powerful.  Steam can be powerful in this way; if we create steam in a container the pressure can move a train.  I think these cards are talking about power that comes to us from without, from what we have experienced and from what we have learned to control, but this power can also come from within us.  It can come from our intentions and our Will, and it can come from the ways that we personally perceive the world and interpret our perceptions.  Today is a day for me to perhaps understand these two concepts, so I should take advantage of this.

Today I attended my first Yoga Teacher Training Intensive, which lasted from 11 am to 7 pm.  Wow, did I learn a lot already.  I have assignments to do over the next weeks, before the next Intensive in April, and I can’t wait to dig in.  But for tonight, I am giving my brain a break, so I can absorb what I’ve learned.

 $>

King of Pentacles/Two of Cups reversed.  The King of Pentacles (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the expert on the physical world, on physical world resources, and on physical manifestation.  He is reliable, good with money, and not only has knowledge but is able to manifest that knowledge as skills and abilities.  He tells me to be brave, but to act using by-the-book and proven methods. The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) tells of love and connections, usually having to do with feelings, relationships and commonalities.  Reversed, this card tells me that in order to make the best use of my physical world resources today, I may need to think on my own, and be a bit more firm than compassionate.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Swords.  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 situations as well as our emotions and feelings, and the messages of our senses.  This card has a lot in common with my King of Pentacles, but my Princess also is able to think out of the box, even if she tends to analyze rather than connect to the world around her.

My Legacy card is the Two of Wands reversed, flavored by the Ten of Wands reversed.  Hmmm . . . personal power and overdoing it, both reversed. The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) in an upright position tells of power, influence and authority.  This card is related to the Will, and it tells me that today is not a day to exercise my Will in an unbalanced manner.  My reversed Two of Wands is being flavored by another reversed Wands card. 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 Ten of Wands is reversed, and along with my reversed Two of Wands, I am being told that perhaps things are not as dire as I perceive them to be.  Even so, since both of these active cards are reversed, I may need to stop and assess, carefully.

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

My horoscopes: “If you've been concerned about your health for any reason, Sagittarius, today your medical professional could give you a clean bill of health. You will believe it, because you're likely to feel wonderful. Stress has vanished, at least for now, and your energy and enthusiasm are higher than they've been for a long time. Enjoy yourself. Go out with some friends. You've earned it!”

And: “If you are feeling in a bit of a rut, there is no one to blame but yourself. Why not get out in Mother Nature for a bit today? You can go for a brisk walk, or arrange to meet friends at an outdoor jazz concert. Sometimes last-minute plans are the most fun. Your friends will be delighted with your initiative, and you are all bound to have a great time. A break from routine and some fresh air are just what you've needed.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Wands.  This Queen loves to showcase her creative abilities; she is comfortable in the spotlight, and in fact, she glows when she shares her energies in this way.  She exudes confidence and skill, and a great sense of humor; she is not arrogant but rather, confident in all of her abilities.  Including the ability to laugh at herself. 

$>

Eight of Wands reversed/The Sun. The Eight of Wands (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright position is a card of action, of quick developments, and of pulling it all together so things can be completed.  This one has the power of force behind it, and it is reversed.  Things may not be moving too quickly today, and even if they appear to be moving, I had better hold back.  The Sun corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), our Sun (the inner core of a person or situation), Resh (the face; reason), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest in the physical world) and Hod (provides analysis and communication), and tells of a time of enlightenment and peace that comes after the completion of some ordeal.  This card has been appearing for me lately, both upright and reversed.  Today it is here with my reversed Eight of Wands (which is also a Fire card), and since the energies of The Sun are also about pausing, I will bask in the warmth from without today, rather than using activity to warm my core.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Disks reversed. 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.  My Ace is reversed today, and this might be a warning that I don’t know what I think I know.  Wealth is not always good; it can be a heavy burden that holds us back.

My Legacy card is the Ace of Wands reversed, flavored by The Star reversed. Another reversed Ace, and another reversed Wands card.  The Ace of Wands (Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) in an upright position tells of the initial emanation of enthusiasm or inspiration that could very well energize an entire process or project.  Since my Ace is reversed, the seed may be there but circumstances are not encouraging germination.  My reversed Ace of Wands is being flavored by The Star, also 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, the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) is the “good will to all” card.  Upright, The Star is about optimism and faith, synergy with the world, and an awareness of that synergy.  My Star is reversed today, and that could mean suppressed expectations, or a flat, humdrum feeling.  This makes sense because of the reversed cards in my spread today.

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

My horoscopes: “You may feel rather introspective today, Sagittarius, and decidedly out of step with everyone else's frenzied pace. You're a thoughtful person with deep spiritual beliefs. It's understandable that you may sometimes feel disheartened by all the consumerism and conspicuous consumption that fills society. Try not to let this get you down. Try to focus instead on your reasons for being happy.”

And: “Household chores might be more of a drag than usual today. Still, you're apt to feel that you have to get them done so they won't be hanging over your head - and this could put you into a very downhearted frame of mind. As a result, you might work far too hard and render your mood even worse. Pace yourself, get help, and don't worry about what's left undone. There's always tomorrow.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  I had this one the other day, too.  This card is telling me that I can’t just be physically strong; I must also be emotionally strong.  I must believe that all will be well, and that I will succeed in the end. And I must believe that the journey itself is worthy.

This has been a rough week for me.  I don’t “Spring Ahead” very well, as I am not a morning person.  I have had trouble sleeping all week, and I have had trouble getting up in the morning.  Hopefully I will be able to regulate myself this weekend.

My first YTT Intensive is this Sunday!  If that doesn’t rev me up, nothing will.

Happy Pi Day, everyone!

$>

The Queen of Cups reversed/The Fool. The Queen of Cups (cusp of Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, and Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) represents the energies of Water and The High Priestess manifested into the Minor Arcana.  In an upright position, she encourages me to face my feelings and emotions, for I should be able to interpret them in an effective way.  However, she is reversed, so I may be dealing with illusion rather than instinct.   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 his powers and energies are neither positive nor negative, but they are optimistic.  This card is about beginnings of all kinds, and about not having a plan but rather, listening to impulse.  The problem with this is my reversed Queen of Cups; if she was upright all would easy, but she is reversed.  I can certainly take advantage of The Fool’s energies, but I need to remember that I might not make the right decisions so I need to think twice. 

My Thoth card is the Eight of Swords reversed. “Interference” is the keyword for the upright Eight of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable talkative, dual) which tells of a confused and restrictive response to obstacles, or the interferences that happen when we just have bad luck.  My card is reversed, so it looks like I won’t be comfortable with this self-imposed isolation.  I may need to break free, and thankfully luck will be with me.

My Legacy Card is Justice reversed, flavored by the Six of Wands. Justice is a card of adjustment, and it corresponds with the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick, animated energy that usually brings problems or challenges that bring growth), Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Lamed (ox goad; training or teaching), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Geburah (the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed). This is also a card of karma, and of being accountable for our decisions and actions, in other words, of a willing acceptance of responsibility. My Justice card is reversed, though; and it means that there is a potential today that a lack of integrity will be in plan. The Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge. The Six of Wands is about victory, and it is about those people standing by the side of the road, watching the parade and cheering.  Which will I be?  Since the Six is flavoring the reversed Justice, I may end up the winner in the end, but I had better be real careful about the methods I use to win.

My 6-digit date number is 10, which represents endings; it reduces further to the number 1, the number of position and potential. 

My horoscopes: “A friend could be having financial troubles and ask you for a loan, Sagittarius. You like this person and understand what he or she's going through, so you want to help. But it could be a while before your friend is solvent again. If you make the loan, remember the adage about never lending anything to a friend that you aren't willing to consider a gift. Don't depend on immediate repayment.”

And: “Expect to see heads turn as you walk down the street. You have a mysteries quality about you today, and both men and women respond. Who is that woman in the dark glasses? You laugh it off, thinking that the real mystery is why they're responding this way to you. It's just one of the quirks of life that just when you're feeling frustrated and low people interpret your despair as mystique. Go figure. Know that your dour mood will pass soon enough.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  This card is about courage and about calm composure, and the patience to let things happen.  This card is telling me to have faith that success will come, even if I can’t quite see it yet.  Perfect card for today, valuable message!!

It has been a strange day.  Busy as can be, and productive.  No time for more of a post than this, but as you can see from my cards, things are strange. 

$>

Transparent Oracle Sunday!  My cards:

26, Guide: Otter ((West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  The first thing I think of when I see the Otter card is joyful playing.  Otters are known for their play, and play is a sign of intelligence and awareness.  Otters are at home both on Earth and in Water; they form strong family bonds, and work hard to protect their group of family or friends.   All while playing tag!

13, Element: Fire (South). The element of Fire manifests as spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change; it’s 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.

29, Guide: Turtle (West). Water is emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same; its dignities are cold/binds and wet/adapts.  Water is Turtle’s environment, but not only Water, for like Otter, many Turtles are at home on Earth (and in fact, Turtles lay their eggs on Earth).   Turtle offers us an opportunity to learn about protection; not the kind of protection that shuts out the world but rather, the kind of protection that allows us to dive deep and explore the unknown without fear.  Turtle is also slow and steady, is patient, and endures; Turtle has a long lifespan, and has existed relatively unchanged since ancient times.  Turtle’s shell shows us how to exist in spite of the churning eddies of life, without being affected by them.

I stacked my cards and created my mandala.  This one is a bit chaotic; Fire is in the center, Turtle seems to be emanating from the points of the Fire triangle, and Otter is circling around, creating an outer boundary.  If Fire represents transformation and new birth that comes out of destruction or stress, then perhaps I am being told that the transformation is happening now.  Because I have been able to look within, with patience and with the knowledge that I am safe (and well-supported by others), I am able to bravely turn outward and accept my transformation process.  My “family” is by my side, and if I am able to keep in touch with the simple joys associated with experiencing life and living, nothing can stop me. 

I saw lots and lots of raptors, driving home from Cape May yesterday. All kinds of hawks, and a bald eagle in Cape May County!  Are they coming back early?  Does this mean an early Spring?  I hope so.

$>