Ten of Swords reversed/Eight 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.  The key word here is “perception”; since my card is reversed, there is authority and effectiveness to be had today.  Granted, confidence will eventually crumble if it is smacked down enough, but because my card is reversed, that moment has not yet arrived. The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) tells of an ending or a decline or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions, and it offers one possible response to that decline or change: moving on. Sometimes things are so broken that we are better off just turning our backs and walking away.  These two cards together are telling me not to waste energy or thinking power on things that appear hopeless.

My Thoth card is the Four of Cups.  “Luxury” is the keyword for this one, and that is not necessarily a good thing. The Four of Cups (the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, tenacious, moody) tells us that too much pleasure, or maybe too much nurturing or overprotectiveness, deadens the senses.  I need to be very aware on this very busy day that my tendency will be to stare out the window and allow my mind to shut down.  Mini-mental vacations are good, but not when there are things to be done.

My Legacy card is The Hanging Man reversed, flavored by the Three of Wands reversed. 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) presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through seeing things in a different way.  But since he is reversed, I need to avoid indecision and do things pretty much by-the-book, and I need to think about my own needs.  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 for action that tells of the excitement of seeking out uncharted areas with an optimism that says that no matter what happens, it will be good. My Three is reversed, and it is flavoring my reversed Hanging Man with a bit of a warning.  My efforts may not produce satisfaction or enthusiasm, but that does not mean those efforts are not important.  Sometimes doing things according to a regular plan may be boring, but the end result is more effective because the plan being used is one that has been previously tested and proved to be effective.

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

My horoscopes: “Some good but surprising news could come your way today, Sagittarius. Perhaps a family member or friend will call or drop by with a surprising development that directly affects you. In the evening, go out together and celebrate. Don't forget to include your special someone in your celebration plans.”

And: “Reach higher today and challenge yourself to go the extra mile. Take on this attitude in all your actions. Your lucky nature will pull you through any rough spots that you may encounter. Something may be trying to do battle with you, but you have the ability to duck away just before any major confrontation takes place. You are better off leaning toward the bizarre and outlandish as opposed to the old and stale.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  I am being reminded today that inner fortitude is key.  No matter how churning my surroundings may appear, I can create a calm amidst the storm using my Will and my belief that my Will can be this effective.  I must manage impulses so I can redirect the energies fueling them to better recipients. 

Pretty clear message today in all of my cards: nose to the grindstone!  Again.  Yep, another busy day. 

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Death/King of Swords. Death corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of natural change that cannot be stopped.  This change usually involves the potential to step upward on the evolutionary ladder, but we never know for sure, and it is that very aspect of not being able to know what is coming that can be unsettling.  Perhaps I will be dealing with the unknown today, or with secrets.  The King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) is a good judge of people and situations.  He uses his intellect to analyze, so he may not be compassionate but he is trustworthy, and he might be able to keep me grounded and ready to deal with whatever my Death card brings.  After all, the King of Swords is good at judging others, and he is good at articulating his findings.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Cups. The Princess/Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering); is a card of soft and tender energies and of getting fulfillment through connections to others, and through innocent and simple joys.  The Princess of Cups is imaginative and playful, and eager to serve, and her energies are a soothing antidote to my first two cards today.  She is reminding me that perhaps things are not as complicated as they seem upon initial examination.

My Legacy card is Judgement, flavored by the Two of Coins reversed. Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  This card makes perfect sense here, because of the presence of Death above.  After all, before I can effectively move into the transformation of Death, I will need to finish up what is still undone in this moment.  A good way to do this is to ponder about who I am and what I have accomplished.  The Two of Coins (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) in an upright position reminds me that everything always ebbs and flows, and I need to do the same.  My card, which is flavoring Judgement, is reversed, and this, too, makes sense.  There cannot be a natural ebbing and flowing if loose ends are holding me back.  Sounds like a “catch up” day is in order here, to clear some blockages.

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of the pause that comes as growth slows and degeneration approaches, usually involving a choice or a crossroad.

My horoscopes: “Are you ready, Sagittarius? Are you in shape for what's going to happen? The celestial aspects are heralding a new cycle that will be filled to the brim with activities, new people, and new professional perspectives. Let's hope that you've been able to rest up lately. If you haven't, try to schedule in some afternoon naps!”

And: “You could content yourself with saying that it isn't the moment yet. You will know what we are talking about. You are in the situation of a woman who has just ordered a new car, a rare, imported model that won't be ready for four months. While you are waiting you are going to have to keep busy. Why not brush up on your driving skills? Or better yet, take a "crash" course on car racing.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the King of Pentacles.  LOL, between the Ten of Pentacles and the King of Pentacles, I’ve got a lot of repeat cards lately with this deck.  While the King of Pentacles tells of skills and abilities already achieved and accomplished in the physical world, he also brings a message that focuses on the future rather than on the “now”: plant the seeds that are a part of the blessings you have in your possession, so you can make something new from what you have gained.

Okay then.  Yoga practice.  Yoga class.  Then Yoga practice.  And I still need some practice!

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Death/King of Swords. Death corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of natural change that cannot be stopped.  This change usually involves the potential to step upward on the evolutionary ladder, but we never know for sure, and it is that very aspect of not being able to know what is coming that can be unsettling.  Perhaps I will be dealing with the unknown today, or with secrets.  The King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) is a good judge of people and situations.  He uses his intellect to analyze, so he may not be compassionate but he is trustworthy, and he might be able to keep me grounded and ready to deal with whatever my Death card brings.  After all, the King of Swords is good at judging others, and he is good at articulating his findings.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Cups. The Princess/Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering); is a card of soft and tender energies and of getting fulfillment through connections to others, and through innocent and simple joys.  The Princess of Cups is imaginative and playful, and eager to serve, and her energies are a soothing antidote to my first two cards today.  She is reminding me that perhaps things are not as complicated as they seem upon initial examination.

My Legacy card is Judgement, flavored by the Two of Coins reversed. Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  This card makes perfect sense here, because of the presence of Death above.  After all, before I can effectively move into the transformation of Death, I will need to finish up what is still undone in this moment.  A good way to do this is to ponder about who I am and what I have accomplished.  The Two of Coins (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) in an upright position reminds me that everything always ebbs and flows, and I need to do the same.  My card, which is flavoring Judgement, is reversed, and this, too, makes sense.  There cannot be a natural ebbing and flowing if loose ends are holding me back.  Sounds like a “catch up” day is in order here, to clear some blockages.

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of the pause that comes as growth slows and degeneration approaches, usually involving a choice or a crossroad.

My horoscopes: “Are you ready, Sagittarius? Are you in shape for what's going to happen? The celestial aspects are heralding a new cycle that will be filled to the brim with activities, new people, and new professional perspectives. Let's hope that you've been able to rest up lately. If you haven't, try to schedule in some afternoon naps!”

And: “You could content yourself with saying that it isn't the moment yet. You will know what we are talking about. You are in the situation of a woman who has just ordered a new car, a rare, imported model that won't be ready for four months. While you are waiting you are going to have to keep busy. Why not brush up on your driving skills? Or better yet, take a "crash" course on car racing.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the King of Pentacles.  LOL, between the Ten of Pentacles and the King of Pentacles, I’ve got a lot of repeat cards lately with this deck.  While the King of Pentacles tells of skills and abilities already achieved and accomplished in the physical world, he also brings a message that focuses on the future rather than on the “now”: plant the seeds that are a part of the blessings you have in your possession, so you can make something new from what you have gained.

Okay then.  Yoga practice.  Yoga class.  Then Yoga practice.  And I still need some practice!

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Knight of Cups/Ace of Cups reversed. The Knight of Cups (cusp of Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) in an upright position is about feeling things strongly and without restraint or grounding.  He may appear calm, cool and collected to others, but my Knight of Cups responds deeply to life, and dreams big dreams.  He is not about power and dominance in the physical world, and thus his attributes might be underestimated.  He has a powerful connection to his own feelings and to his Inner Voice. The Ace of Cups (Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, deep, mysterious, obsessive, Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright position tells of the potential to experience deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, and a connection to those around me.  My Ace is reversed, and since it is paired with the extremist of the Cups Court Cards, there might be an imbalance today in my emotions, my perception of the non-physical world, or my interpretations of the messages of my Inner Voice.

My Thoth card is the Knight of Swords reversed.  Lots of Court Cards today.  The rank of Knight in the Thoth Tarot is equal to the rank of King in other decks.  The Knight/King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) is a good judge of people and situations.  He uses his intellect to analyze, so he may not be compassionate but he is trustworthy.  However, my card is reversed; this could be supporting and validating my interpretation above of my two Cups cards.  Looks like my power to analyze or apply logic is not so good today, either.  Sheesh.  A deep, cleansing breath and an application of patience might be in order. 

My Legacy card is the Queen of Swords, flavored by The High Priestess.  Well, there is a clear message! Queen of Swords (cusp of Virgo, “I serve,” practical, sensible, work and service oriented, and Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, grace) can be considered a Minor Arcana representation of the Justice card, which is about responsibility and the relationship between “cause” and “effect.”  This card is telling me to nurture my mental and intellectual abilities, even if they might not be serving me well today.  I need to face the truth.  Simple, yes, but also difficult.  And I need to remember that intent is powerful, and can in the end tip the scales in my favor. 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), the other half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine; The High Priestess is the source of the power of The Magician, the feminine version of The Hierophant, and the Keeper of the Mysteries.  She reminds me to listen to my intuition, to be open and receptive to all messages, and to be aware of everything.  She is flavoring my Queen of Swords, in a good way.  These two are powerful, and they are a lot to live up to!!

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

My horoscopes: “You don't have to answer to society's cultural values, Sagittarius. If most of your work is organized around an activity that's considered fashionable, you will never succeed in feeling good about yourself or your creations. You're too motivated by meaningful activities to spend your time with frivolous ones. Today's aspects will push you to cut yourself off from all that doesn't resonate deeply.”

And: “It isn't because your new projects demand such precision that they are causing you problems You still have a tendency to think that details impede you from gaining a global vision, but this is simply not the case. There really is no conflict between the long-term view and the short-term needs. You just think that the latter gets in the way of the former. Try thinking of the details that you find so annoying as stepping stones to your larger vision.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Pentacles.  LOL, I keep getting this one and the King of Pentacles.  The work has been long and hard, and has required focus, but I could be at a nice place right now, surrounded by physical world bounty.  The enjoyment and sensory delights are all around me, and if I can connect to them and then share them with others, that would be awesome!

“Busy” is my middle name.  If I can make it through the next two weeks with everything intact, I should be good.  I’m up to the challenge!

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 Ten of Wands/The Hierophant. The Ten of Wands (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) tells of being taxed to some perceived limit, or of feeling as if we are out of gas at the bottom of a hill.  The suit of Wands corresponds to Fire, and when Fire runs out of fuel, it dies away.  The point here is that I may be feeling overburdened, but perhaps this is because I am looking at the big picture.  I have taken on these responsibilities willingly, and perhaps if I look at them one at a time, rather than all of them at once, I might be able to get a better handle on things.  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.  The Hierophant guards tradition, ritual and ceremony, he lives it, and he shares it with others.  He dedicates himself to meeting his responsibilities, for the higher good of all.  Looks like he’s telling me to grit my teeth and get some stuff done.

My Thoth card is the Knight of Cups reversed. The Thoth Knight corresponds with the rank of King in other decks.  The Knight/King of Cups (cusp of Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, and Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling mysterious, obsessive) in an upright position is the expert on emotions and the subconscious, mainly because of his life experiences.  These will not be effective pursuits for me today because my card is reversed.  I may not have the focus necessary to direct my feelings or to hear and react to my Inner Voice.  Most important is that I not become cranky if things don’t go as planned.

My Legacy card is the Two of Swords flavored by the Ten of Coins. 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 are controlling our thoughts and actions.  The isolation associated with this card can bring the possibility of some kind of deception into play; the serenity experienced because of isolation may not actually be reality.  The Ten of Coins (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented), which is flavoring my Two of Swords, represents physical world wealth and bounty, and the attempt to maintain the status quo.  Okay then, isolation just might bring a mistaken perception that all is going well in my physical world.  I should look twice before deciding what to do, and I should remember that I need input from more than logic.

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

My horoscopes: “Low biorhythms could have you feeling a little depressed. You may tend to doubt your goals and abilities. Don't let this send you into a fit of gloom, Sagittarius. All is better than it seems. Realize that today you're likely to blow every little setback out of proportion. Give everything you try your very best effort. Go out tonight and have a good time!”

And: “The fire in your belly is heating up, and you may find yourself quite anxious to prove an important point at this time. Don't be surprised if you ram heads with someone on an issue that is charged with political jargon. Be careful of buying into someone's mind-set without doing the research to actually see where this person is coming from, and what exactly it is that he or she wants from you.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Swords.  The energies of this card spiral around us in an ever-tightening circle, making events appear dire.  Sometimes there is nothing else to do but ride the wave, and then pick up the pieces once the water recedes.  Sometimes, though, the discomfort is caused by the ending of delusion; we can only hope.

Well, Lesson 10 of Third Degree is 95 percent completed.  I should be able to submit it by the end of the weekend, at the latest after my YTT Intensive 4, which is this Sunday.  Today, I will be auditing class number 3 of the required 4 and then doing more of the YTT homework, and I will be attending three practices this week as well.  I should be in good shape for this weekend’s Intensive.

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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.

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.

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.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Interesting that I threw this spread in the middle of a heat wave, eh?  The simple interpretation is that today is going to be hot and extreme, and maybe the best thing I can do is take shelter and rest.  LOL!  Okay, seriously, let’s take this a bit deeper, just in case.  It is interesting to me that the three flames coming from the three corners of the triangle representing Fire seem to be separating or isolating the three Bears.  Everything is surrounded by Desert, as if that Desert was the den that the Bears were resting in.  It certainly looks as if I am being asked to take an active part in my spiritual growth by using intense experiences to bring transformation.  I am also being reminded that sometimes the safest way to bring on an intense experience is to temporarily focus inward and shut out as many outside influences and sensations as possible.  Might give this a try!

So, I swear I saw an armadillo by the side of the road yesterday, when driving home from Cape May.  An armadillo?  Could I be seeing things?

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Ace of Pentacles/The Hermit. Aces present potential only, and the Ace of Pentacles (Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, social) tells of the presence of potential that is connected in some way to the physical world.  It looks like there is lots of fertility around me, and perhaps all that is needed is my own essence to act as a catalyst. The Hermit corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, practical and stable energy that is slow to change), as well as Virgo (“I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented, orderly), Yod (open hand, touch), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured), and is about searching within for a deeper meaning, often through solitude bordering on discomfort. Today, though, there does not seem to be any discomfort **crosses fingers**, although there is solitude.  I spent the day once again in my garden, and after weeding and trimming, I gave everything a good watering.  At one point, I paused, as a painted lady butterfly landed in the wet soil and paused, I assume getting a drink.  These sunny, breezy, dry days must dehydrate even the butterflies.  Good energies, these two cards. 

My Thoth card is the Four of Cups.  “Luxury” is the keyword for this one, and that is not necessarily a good thing. The Four of Cups (the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, tenacious, moody) tells us that too much pleasure, or maybe too much nurturing or overprotectiveness, deadens the senses.  It is way too easy to just sit and enjoy the beautiful weather today, but I need to get back north soon, and I think I will take this card to heart.  No talking myself into staying a bit longer!

My Legacy card is Temperance, flavored by The Star.  Oh, nice!! Temperance corresponds with Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Samekh (the tent post), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world of action and outer reality) and Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify), and this card presents one version of the concept of balance: balance achieved through knowledge and experience of extremes.  This means I should be real good at handling challenges today; let’s hope there won’t be too many.  The Star, the next card numerically in the Major Arcana, is flavoring my Temperance card.  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, and while it can hint at some unexpected darkness, it also tells me to be of strong heart, for things will turn out okay in the end.  I can handle that!

My 6-digit date number is 11 (Archangel Uriel), which reduces to 2, the number of balance, polarity, and the energy of “distance between.”

My horoscopes: “You can look forward to an enjoyable day, Sagittarius. Neither family matters nor career issues will cloud your spirit, as everything seems to be proceeding smoothly and according to plan. Moreover, the day's aspects seem to be inviting you to be a little more adventurous than usual. Any artistic or romantic undertaking will be especially fulfilling.”

And: “It is possible that you will meet an individual who affects you in some extreme way in the coming days. Today the planets are aligned in a concentrated, "masculine" position that is going to push you to manifest the transformation that has been incubating inside of you for several months now. Hang on, it promises to be an interesting ride!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Pentacles.  Hmmm . . . I sense a theme over the past few days: a sort of finishing of a cycle in the physical world.  And finishing in a good place, too!  The main thing to remember about these kinds of energies is their tendency to be affected by inertia.  Blessings in the physical world?  Take them and create something new out of them!  That’s real prosperity!

I just finished reading “Alex & Me,” by Irene M. Pepperberg.  I think just about everyone has heard of Alex the parrot, and his amazing ability to communicate with humans.  I lived with a blue and gold macaw and a yellow napped macaw for well over a decade, and I certainly can vouch for the fact that while birds will certainly make noise just for the sheer joy of hearing their own voices, they also can use words or labels to communicate with us. 

There was a quote at the end of the book that really touched me.  This was said by Deb Rival, a board member of The Alex Foundation: “Alex taught me the meaning of oneness.  What I learned from him also supported what I always have known to be true: that there is just one Creation, one Nature, one good, full, complete Idea, made of up individuals of all shapes and designs, all expressing their oneness with one God.  We are not different because we look different, but we all reflect the eternal beauty and intelligence of one Creation in our own peculiar way.  It’s what makes up the whole – this textured fabric of though and existence. . . .”  Cool, eh?

Oh, and before I forget, the June issue of PaganPages.org, with my column, Tarot Talk, is available here: http://paganpages.org/content/2013/06/tarot-talk-30/ .

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