Seven of Swords reversed/Ace of Wands reversed. The Seven of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness) in an upright position tells of the effort to maintain things as we want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants or needs of others.  My Seven of Swords is reversed, and thus today I will be in touch with the needs of others as well as my own needs, and I most likely won’t be tempted to arrange things for my benefit only. I should be able to use my intellect to make good decisions in this regard.  The Ace of Wands (Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) in an upright position tells of the presence of inspiration that could very well bring creativity and passion into my life. Because my Ace is reversed, that Fiery passion may not be easy to rouse today, and taking action or acting impulsively might bring a bit of discomfort.  Perhaps my reversed Ace of Wands is helping me to keep my Seven of Swords reversed.

My Thoth card is the Queen of Cups reversed. The Queen of Cups (cusp of Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, and Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) in an upright position represents the energies of Water and The High Priestess manifested into the Minor Arcana.  Because this card is reversed, perhaps I won’t be able to obtain a clear interpretation of feelings and emotions today, my own or those of others; I will need to have a care so that a misinterpreted feeling doesn’t end up gumming things up.

My Legacy card is the Six of Coins, flavored by The Fool.  Oooh, nice! The Six of Coins (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Taurus, “I have,” Sensual, cautious, stubborn) brings an awareness of resources to the situation, both those that I have and those that I don’t have. This is the balance and the awareness that being rich does not mean having physical possessions that comes after the time of neediness that is the Five of Coins.  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.  My Fool is flavoring my Six of Coins, and together they have a serene and happy and generous feel about them.  We do need to be aware that physical things are not necessarily important.  Yes, we need food and shelter, but being aware of the blessings that can’t be bought with any coin is wealth indeed.  And The Fool is just the optimist to teach us this concept; he lives it!

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

My horoscopes: “Take pressing matters to the hilt today, Sagittarius, especially when it comes to romantic issues and emotional needs. You have all the data you need to make a valid point. You have a whole battalion of facts to back you up, so fire at will. Your feelings are strong and intense. Don't ignored them under any circumstances. Go with your gut instincts before you trust anything else.”

And: “Quality time spent at home with the other members of your household might bring you closer together with them. Shared household tasks, perhaps creative in some way, give all of you a strong sense of mutual accomplishment, and open the door to stronger bonds between you. Romantic relationships also go very well today and contribute to a powerful sense of optimism, enthusiasm, and excitement for the future. Have a great day!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Page of Pentacles.  Another optimistic card!  The Page of Pentacles is offering to me the potential of the Ace of Pentacles, to do with as I wish.  If I put it aside and ignore it, this potential will whither and die.  But if I nurture it and feed it and watch over it, this potential will blossom!

Another busy weekend.  Tomorrow, we close on our refinance; bills will be paid and that is a good thing.  Saturday, the Pagan Brain Trust Wayne Contingency is having their annual Solstice Salon; I can’t wait to see everyone.  On Sunday, we bring clients to dinner and a Broadway show.  Whew!!!  Busy, but fun.

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The Horned One/Seven of Wands reversed. The Horned One/Devil (Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Capricorn (“I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning), Ayin (the eye, senses), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Tipareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) tells of being caught up in the physical world and the effects of the physical senses, to the point of being bound or addicted to those things.  The Llewellyn Welsh version of The Devil, called The Horned One, is less about chains and pain, and more about connecting to Nature and the natural world to the point of forsaking the civilized world. The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) in an upright position reminds me that my own judgment is worth relying on.  However, my Seven of Wands is reversed, and perhaps it is attempting to neutralize the instincts of The Horned One.  There is danger, though, on turning my back on taking action, and I had better be certain that doing nothing is correct. 

My Thoth card is the Seven of Disks reversed.  Another reversed 7, this one called “Failure” in an upright position. The Seven of Disks (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position represents a time when we look at the fruits of our labors in order to determine if they are ready for harvest.  Crowley sees this card as being a bit more of a throwing down of the garden tool and abandoning the project, rather than leaning on the tool in order to see what we’ve accomplished. Since this one is also reversed, I just might be able to drag myself out of the weight of lethargy.

My Legacy card is The Tower (eeep!) flavored by the King of Coins reversed. 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)) tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going.  This is not a fun card, but the Legacy version also tells us that these changes could come about due to accidents as well as unforeseen and sudden breakthroughs. This card is probably telling of an opportunity to begin anew, and I am going to see any turmoil today as a good thing. The King of Coins (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the expert on physical world manifestation of all kinds.  He is reversed, and flavoring my Tower, and unfortunately he might be telling me that the unexpected events associated with The Tower might bring panic.  But forewarned is forearmed!  I’ve been through a lot these past months, and I’ve pretty much prevented panic, so I should do okay today, too.

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

My horoscopes: “Your practicality and good sense prove invaluable today, Sagittarius. Those close to you might be restless and upset, and you might have to steer them in the right direction. A close friend or lover may experience a financial upset, and you could be asked to help out. This isn't a good day to make a loan, although it's favorable for helping others find their own solutions.”

And: “Some of the demands placed upon you might seem a bit overwhelming. Sometimes others seem to have no sense of what you're trying to do. The best thing for you to do now is to do what you feel you're best qualified for and then say no to the rest. You won't be serving anyone by exhausting yourself. On the positive side: Expect some fascinating insights to come to you - perhaps making the job easier!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Nine of Pentacles.  I love the message of this card.  Spending time alone, finding serenity in that solitude because of past experiences, and being able to mesh physical world experiences with an awareness of the spiritual.  That is the task; worth the effort.

Interesting energies today.  Here is numerological interpretation of today’s date, 12/12/12, from the Numerology Arts website:

“Joy, love and creativity become a guidance for [12/12/12] from which as a result of a grand change we should be brought to the higher consciousness of love. This day somehow will turn to the day of teaching that life on earth can be playful, joyful and trustful. The measures for this moment of change will be smile and hug. Therefore I am not confused that there are ‘Hug it forward’ or similar human actions all over the world showing that we are approaching a time of change now. The year of change in accordance with the energy of joyful day brings the time of boundless creativity. The abilities to imagine a positive future enhances from that day making it easier to create reality. Reality and what is imagined are not far away from each other, they synergies each other. People will be happy to inspire each other in mutual service realizing the healing affects of such a behavior. This healing effect will influence positively every single being involved and the chain of changes will cure the Earth. The huge smile that will hug the Earth will spread as a wave through the Universe bringing a message of harmony. 
The importance of everything that has been divided people for centuries, like the meaning of races, gender or nations will disappear. All these changes happen in a gentle way. Strength and integrity are there, but balanced. Awareness about polarities is there, so that duality is not a dominant thought, but balanced in between. The feeling that higher forces are working alongside will be there too, naturally as a part of each and everyone like the breathing. That will shift awareness and responsibility of self and others on the very primary plane of consciousness. Oneness is not a guiding symbol any more; it becomes a reality.”

The number 12 reduces further, to my favorite number, the number 9.  9 is truly a magickal number.  When you multiply any number by 9, then add the resulting digits and reduce them to a single digit, it always becomes a 9. For example, 6 x 9 = 54, reduce 54 to a single digit by adding them together: 5 + 4 = 9. Similarly, 8 x 9 = 72, and 7 + 2 = 9. Or 23 x 9 = 207, 2 + 0 + 7 = 9, and so forth. Any number, no matter how large, multiplied by 9 reduces to 9. From a numerological perspective, the 9 always gives fruit to itself; it takes over, like the infamous body snatchers. Any number that was initially increased by a factor of 9 loses its own identity and instead takes on the characteristics of the 9. No other number has that quality. 

When you add (as opposed to multiply) the number 9 to any other number, then reduce that number to a single digit, it always comes back to itself, as if nothing was added at all. For example, 5 + 9 = 14, 1 + 4 = 5. Or 7 + 9 = 16, 1 + 6 = 7. 24 (which reduces to 6) + 9 = 33, 3 + 3 = 6.  This, from a numerological perspective, is actually the exact opposite of what happens when you use the 9 to multiply, because when adding it, increasing the amount by 9, it does not change anything to its initial single digit value. When multiplying, the 9 takes over; when adding, the 9 does nothing.

The last of the cardinal numbers, the 9 is the most worldly and sophisticated of all numbers. The 9 has some similarities with the 6; however, whereas the 6 is a symbol of motherly (or fatherly) love, giving its love and care to friends, family and the immediate community, the 9 offers it to the world at large.

Human pregnancy lasts 9 months, there are 9 Justices on the Supreme Court, and 9 Choruses of Angels.  The English language includes 9 grammar parts (noun, verb, adjective, participle, conjunction, article, pronoun, preposition, adverb), and religion sees 9 fruits of Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control).  We use the number as a metaphor; “to the nines,” “the whole nine yards,” and “on cloud nine” are all common in the English language.  Dogs are referred to as K-9s and cats are considered to have 9 lives. 

Hope this magical day brings you up on cloud nine!

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The Tower reversed/Four of Swords. 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)) in an upright position tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going.  My Tower is reversed, thankfully, so even if challenges do present themselves, I should be able to hold things together.  I do need to remember that this card is here, even though it is reversed.  The Four of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position can represent a pause or truce or mutual deterrent, a time of silence and isolation, and a time of being cut off from the world, yet still remaining alert.  This card can represent a time of healing, and perhaps it is clarifying the message of my reversed Tower. 

My Thoth card is The Moon reversed. The Moon of the Tarot Major Arcana corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same), Pisces (“I believe,” feeling, suffering, soul growth, duality), Qof (the back of the head), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), is about feelings and emotions and instincts and the subconscious.  In an upright position, this can be a magickal card or it can be a mysterious card.  Reversed, the picture could be a bit foggy, hard to understand, or even a bit scary.  My Moon card is reversed, so I need to be aware that things may not be as they seem. 

My Legacy card is Temperance reversed, flavored by The Hanging Man. 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 in an upright position it is one of the Major Arcana cards that presents one version of the concept of balance, but it is reversed.  Temperance teaches us balance through the knowledge of extremes, but for today those extremes are not in balance at all. 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); this one presents another kind of balance, balance that comes to us thrugh surrender, and about seeing things in a different way.  The Hanging Man is flavoring my reversed Temperance, and perhaps it is clarifying Temperance, the way that my Four of Swords is clarifying my reversed Tower. 

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of the pause that occurs as growth slows and degeneration approaches; usually this pause is accompanied by an assessment of some kind, and even a choice of next step.

My horoscopes: “Today, Sagittarius, you probably aren't going to feel very friendly. You're most likely to want to sequester yourself at home and not see or speak to anyone. If your need for solitude is that strong, indulge it. You won't do yourself any good by forcing contact with others. You might feel a little out of sorts physically, so it's especially important to eat right and get lots of vitamin C.”

And: “Physically, you should be feeling especially energetic and full of stamina. Reading, or sitting behind a desk, won't go well for you today. You're likely to be feeling restless and rather antsy. This is the perfect day to go for an all-day workout, or participate in sports. At some point you may feel exhausted, but that will pass. You'll get your second wind soon: In the evening: Go out to a movie, concert or play.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Death.  The Shadowscapes Death card shows the phoenix, and this is a perfect metaphor for the concept of Death.  Death is an ending, a one way trip into the unknown; the cool thing about the phoenix is that it also shows rebirth and a new beginning.  An optimistic version of Death!

Today is the first day I have felt even close to 100%.  I am still coughing, but I haven’t been light headed at all.  Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

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Three of Swords/Queen of Wands reversed.  **gulp** The Three of Swords (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) usually indicates the possibility that logic, rationalizing and the intellect could end up causing harm if they are not used with balance and compassion.  I need to remember not to panic despite the fact that this is the one card of the entire Tarot that makes me nervous.  My own perception of a seemingly negative situation could be marred or inferior; it is important that I remember that reality may not be as bad as I think. The Queen of Wands (cusp of Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality, and Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) in an upright position is energetic and enthusiastic, gives 100% of herself, and always has a smile on her face and humor in her heart.  My Queen is reversed today, so I might have some trouble accessing energy and enthusiasm, or possibly self-doubt could rear its ugly head. 

My Thoth card is The Empress reversed. 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.  The Empress is about creativity, fertility of all kinds, a deep connection to Nature and the nurturing of others, and an enjoyment of the senses.  My Empress is reversed, and that means all these bounties could have a negative effect on me today.  No sense in getting drunk on Nature; perhaps a bit of discipline is in order.

My Legacy card is the King of Swords reversed, flavored by The Chariot. The King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) in an upright position represents a good judge of people and situations who is inspiring and courageous.  My King is reversed, and boy it sure seems like my ability to see clearly, inspire enthusiasm and believe in myself is impaired. The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions.  This card is about avoiding temptations, and perhaps today the temptation I need to avoid is the temptation to bag everything and give up.  My Chariot is flavoring my reversed King of Swords today, and in a way, it is flavoring my entire reading.  I think what I need to remember here is that even if the end result is not good, I need to keep connected to my own Will; trying and failing is better than surrendering.

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

My horoscopes: “Try to see the positive in people, Sagittarius. Relax and don't get so worked up over your internal drama. You're the one responsible for creating this turmoil. Find comfort in a creative project. Do something that you love to do that makes you truly happy. There's an expansive feeling in the air that's likely to amplify whatever mood you project.”

And: “Today is a good day for you to complete tasks. You will find that there is a great urge to bring things to completion. Do not keep things hanging any longer, and don't keep waiting around for other people to pick up the slack. It is important for you to initiate the final push on projects that have been sitting around collecting dust for quite some time now”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Two of Pentacles.  The message of this one is similar to the Major Arcana Temperance card.  The Two of Pentacles reminds me that sometimes in order to be in control of the big picture, we can’t be in complete control of every segment.  In order to juggle you’ve got to let go of the pieces you are juggling, and in doing so have confidence that we’ve tossed the pieces with skill, and that they will fall exactly where we expect them to fall.

I slept very deeply last night, and hardly woke up to cough at all, and that is good because I did not feel well all day yesterday.  I was afraid I was slipping into a relapse, but thankfully all is well. 

Boy, this must have been some case of bronchitis.  Even up to yesterday, any exertion caused me to be dizzy and light-headed, caused me to shake and tremble, and caused me to break out into a sweat.  I’ve been keeping busy, not laying around, but I’m moving slowly, resting often.  Up till yesterday, I was feeling as if progress was being made each day, but yesterday I just felt lousy.  Not tired enough to go back to bed, but definitely weak and foggy.  I listened to my body and went to bed very early last night; hopefully that will help.

I have been attending Yoga class each day, once again listening to my body and being gentle with myself.  The only time my brain feels clear is after one of those classes, so I am loathe to miss one.  Yesterday I also attempted to do a bit of stretching on my own; I did not feel up to much but it was a start.  Perhaps I will be able to add a bit more today. 

I do think it was quite interesting that during the height of the discomfort associated with this session of bronchitis I was able to perform one of the exercises from my Third Degree Lesson, the invocation of a specific Deity during a ritual, with ease.  In fact, during the time that I had a high fever, I was very much aware of my Patroness as She spoke to me.  I could feel Her presence, Her essence, very easily, and was drawn to perform that exercise/ritual despite being sick. 

Could intense discomfort be a stepping stone that assists us in raising our subtle awareness out of our physical senses by making the messages of those senses so uncomfortable that we tune them out or leave them behind? 

Hmmm . . .

In thinking about this, I was brought back to the Sephira called Yesod; here is a bit about this Sephira. Yesod (which means Foundation ) is the ninth Sephira on the Tree (right above Malkuth, Sephira number ten, which corresponds with the physical world), the third on the Pillar of Balance, and like the Moon, which is the heavenly body most easily reached from our Earth, it is the most easily reached non-physical Sephira of the Tree.  Yesod provides the life force that animates our physical selves, so in a sense, we are always experiencing Yesod.  Yesod contains the astral or etheric plane, and it is within Yesod that we build thoughtforms and intentions.  It is the sphere of illusion, and like the Moon, which appears to grow and shrink but actually stays the same size, Yesod is the whole of our visualizations of that which is not yet manifested in physical form.  Yesod is not only the last step before physical manifestation, but it is the first step after physical manifestation as well.  Our physical bodies are born and die within Malkuth, but our personalities are born and die within Yesod.  This sphere is the home of the Self, and of the Dark Night of the Soul.  Only after we dispel the illusion of failure and do the work to achieve forward motion once again will we truly understand the energies of Yesod.

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.

All of this is experiential in nature and very inner in manifestation.  And yes, we can deliberately access these effects through consciously choosing to turn off the messages of our physical senses and perceive instead the messages of our more subtle senses.  This often takes practice and training to achieve on a regular basis (although some are more easily able to attain this non-physical perception than others).  But it seems that, at least for me, experiencing certain physical discomforts combined with a high fever is enough to partially separate my subtle body perception from my physical senses.  After all, heat causes energy to intensify and raises the vibrational tone; perhaps the Sacred Essence is not only higher and purer in tone, but also warmer in temperature, and thus a fever can act as a natural invitation for that Essence to connect.

Not that I want to be sick, but that just might be cool!

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Page of Pentacles/King of Pentacles. Interesting; the Pages are inner/immature and the Kings are outer/mature.  The Page of Pentacles corresponds with the season of Spring (Aries, “I want,” action oriented, enthusiastic, competitive; Taurus, “I have,” sensual, physical, cautious; and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, sociable, dual, intelligent), and tells me to not be afraid to concentrate on what is effective for me today, rather than what is not effective.  This focus will most likely have to do with my physical world in some way: career, finances, home or health, and the focus will be more about activating potential than managing something already in place.  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 a pillar of the community; he is reliable, predictable and knowledgeable, and turns everything he touches into gold.  Add in that promise and optimism of the Page, and wow!

My Thoth card is the Four of Wands reversed.  “Completion” is the keyword for the Four of Wands (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, enthusiastic), which in an upright position is about building enough to become established, or celebrating the successful efforts of the Three of Wands.  My Four of Wands is reversed, but this makes sense to me.  Flat feeling?  Apathy?  Burdens?  Yep, after being very sick for a week, those are all relevant!

My Legacy card is Temperance, flavored by The Hermit reversed. 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 it is one of the Major Arcana cards that presents one version of the concept of balance.  I am being reminded once again that I have more knowledge regarding extreme situations and conditions than I realize.  My illness this past week has in a way been like my experiences during the Hurricane, just originating from within me rather than from outside.  My Temperance card is being flavored by The Hermit reversed.  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.  Upright this card tells of a solitary Seeking, but my Hermit is reversed.  Today is the day for me to begin to move my focus from within me, and back out into the world.  Time for a bit of contact with some healthy people!

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

My horoscopes: “Don't let other people's insensitive actions dictate your mood today, Sagittarius. Your state of mind is your responsibility, and you should work to come to a point at which you have full control over what you feel at all times. If something isn't working out, let it go. This isn't a good time to try to stick a square peg in a round hole.”

And: “This isn't the moment to adhere to one particular philosophy, whatever it may be. You may feel frustrated by your inability to figure out which path to take, but ultimately this is very good for you. Continue to search around with your little flashlight, weak as it seems to you, because this is how you are going to get solid faith back again! Best of all, it will be a faith tailored just for you!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Judgement.  Judgement represents a final adding up of costs and credits, and then a settling of the bill.  The Shadowscapes Judgement card asks us to weigh our debts against a feather; tough task!  In the end, we benefit if we are objective and honest in our judgment process, particularly when regarding ourselves.

I am still alive.  I am two days without a fever, but still having deep, bone-shaking coughing fits.  And tired, I’m very tired.  Inch by inch, I am moving back towards good health.

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The Moon/Four of Swords reversed. The Moon corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same), Pisces (“I believe,” feeling, suffering, soul growth, duality), Qof (the back of the head), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), is about feelings and emotions and instincts and the subconscious.  The thing that makes The Moon so uncomfortable is that often we have trouble discerning the source of the message of this card.  That just makes us uncomfortable; the unknown always does that to us.  Our imagination can be our friend when we use it to think out of the box in order to be creative, but at 3 am, our imagination is often not our friend.  The Four of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position can represent a pause or truce or mutual deterrent, a time of silence and isolation, and a time of being cut off from the world yet still alert.  Because the card is reversed, I am being told that there will be lots going on today and I should be a bit careful that I don’t overdo it. 

My Thoth card is the Seven of Cups.  “Debauch” is the keyword for this card. The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) represents the distraction, sensory overload and dissipation that can happen when we are presented with too many enticing choices. The traditional image of the Seven of Cups shows seven cups, each filled with what appears to be a wonderful gift: the Wreath (Saturn and The World); the Castle (Mars and The Tower), the Woman (Venus and The Empress); the Snake (Mercury and The Magician); the Veil (the Moon and The High Priestess), the Jewels (Jupiter and The Wheel of Fortune), and the Dragon (our Sun and The Sun).  All are enticing, but each possibility contains a hidden danger.  Crowley sees this card as representing a tendency to sink into the mire of false pleasure, usually with a complete disregard for my own safety.  There is nothing active about this card; the number 7 tells of a pause or slowdown, and the suit of Cups represents water, which seeks the lowest spot to pool and collect.

My Legacy card is the Two of Coins, flavored by Strength reversed.  Hmmm . . . The Two of Coins (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) reminds me that everything always ebbs and flows, and I need to do the same.  My physical world needs a bit of juggling today, and I will need to adapt quickly.  The Strength card (Fire, hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic energy; Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical; Teth, sieve or basket, digestion; and the Path between Geburah, the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed, and Chesed, the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured) is about having the strength and the patience to endure and focus, however it is not about brute physical force.  Today my Strength card is reversed, and it is hinting at weariness, an inability to focus, or maybe even illness.  My reversed Strength card is flavoring the Two of Coins, and I guess I had better look for the humor in any situation that arises today, because while I may be expected to juggle, I might have a bit of trouble keeping my eye on the balls.

My Pearls of Wisdom Full Moon card is The World reversed. The Universe/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); it is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand.  My World card is reversed, and perhaps I will have trouble tapping into all that integration and involvement and understanding.  But, it is there!  Even if it is reversed, and the energies are not connecting.  Yet.

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

My horoscopes: “A friend or family member is slowly poisoning your relationship, Sagittarius. A misunderstanding between the two of you will ultimately prove beneficial in the long run. Why? It makes you realize how uncomfortable you are with vague, ill-defined relationships. Today would be a good day to write a letter to the person in question. You're likely to find the results gratifying”

And: “Imagine yourself as part of a magnificent choir today. Your role is to sing beautifully and melodically but yet you must be aware of the voices around you. Make sure you are not drowning anyone else out with your song. Make sure to keep yourself well integrated into the events of the day. Don't try to become overbearing but at the same time, make sure that your voice is indeed being heard.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Judgement. The concept of “judgment” is presented in an optimistic way, as an evaluation “to recognize and to appraise with an unbiased mind and honesty to oneself.”  Judgement performs the same service as The Tower (its energies clear the way, presenting opportunity for new or further growth), however this card offers us a bit more control.  We can choose to access its energies, or we can fight them.  However, fighting them might kick us right back to that Tower and its chaotic destruction.  Better to check the bill for accuracy and fairness, and then pay it.

Really??  I can’t be coming down with bronchitis.  Can I??  Damn.  I can’t believe this.  I’ve got a fever; I guess I’m not imagining this.

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Knight of Swords/Justice. The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is outspoken, assured, alert, and logical, as well as rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  The Knights are all about extremes, and because this Knight is of the suit of Swords, so the extremes are connected to the workings of the mind and the intellect.  These extremes are double-edged swords that could be beneficial or destructive. 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).  The traditional image on the Justice card usually contains a two-edged sword, so there is a connection between the Justice card and all the Minor Arcana Swords cards.  Justice represents fairness and equality, and achieves those things through the application of truth.  It is a card of karma, but it is also a card of good intentions, and that is very important.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Cups. 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) tells me that today is filled with the potential for experiencing deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, compassion for myself or others, attunements and connections.  This card represents the birth of these things, and like any newborn, this birth brings potential not yet realized. 

My Legacy card is the Seven of Swords reversed, flavored by the Five of Cups. The Seven of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness) in an upright position tells of the effort to maintain things as we want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants or needs of others.  My Seven of Swords is reversed, and that means today will bring an acceptance of the wants and needs of others, and an enjoyment of connections to others.  The Five of Cups (Mars, action, aggression, drive, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, mysterious, obsessive) tells of an emotional setback, or perhaps the belief that a wrong choice has been made.  Perhaps there would be a sense of loss associated with the reversed Seven of Swords; after all, by valuing the needs of others we are abandoning our own needs.  The Five of Cups offers the message that sometimes if we look at the situation in the opposite way than we are accustomed to, we might see some benefit.  This also makes sense when taken with that reversed Seven of Swords. 

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that tells of the motion that upsets the stability of the number 4, in order to prevent that stability from turning into stagnation. 

My horoscopes: “Now is the perfect time to say something to someone that you've been meaning to say for quite some time, Sagittarius. Get it out in the open. Keeping it inside will only eat away at you. Stop worrying about the consequences and make the move. Today is the time to be bold and aggressive. Other people might respond in a similar fashion, so if you dish it out, be prepared to take it.”

And: “You may find that there is an aggressive stir to your emotions today. More than likely, this feeling will command your attention and ask you to be stable and reasonable regarding all the tasks you undertake. Be honest and understanding. No one will understand your obscure metaphors and jokes unless they have some practical use. Water your plants and mow your front lawn. The closer you can be to the Earth today, the better.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Five of Cups.  This one tells of the refusal to find pleasure in what we have, and it tells of a pining for what we don’t have.  The problem with this kind of outlook is that by finding sensual delight in that pining, we miss out on other pleasures that might be right behind us, waiting for us. 

Back to reality today!  So far, it seems that I just get myself into a real good pattern, and then something comes up to upset things.  Kind of like the descriptions of the Five of Cups!  Yep, I ate too much this past vacation, but for the first time I seem to be not too bothered about this overindulgence.  I’m back to exercising, to going to Yoga classes, and to eating right. 

Let’s see how long this stretch lasts!

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