The Lovers/Three of Swords reversed. The Lovers (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts, quick and animated, intellectual, problems or challenges; Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, sociable, dual; Zayin, double-edged sword; and the Path between Tiphareth, the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify, and Binah, female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) tells of duality, union, and personal choices.  This card is about love, but it is also about personal values. 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.  My Three of Swords is reversed, and since it has appeared with The Lovers, I should be able to perceive the big picture and be able to make choices based on logic but also based on love and compassion, and an awareness of consequences.

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; upright it indicates the possibility of getting fulfillment through connections to others, and through innocent and simple joys.  Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the theme of the day.

My Legacy card is the Six of Swords reversed/Temperance. The Six of Swords (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause oriented) in an upright position is about balance, healing, moving towards a better place, and even about learning the science behind things that work (because understanding why they work makes them more effective).  My Six of Swords is reversed, and because it is being flavored by Temperance, I am being told that right now, healing can only happen if I am able to balance the extremes of my life.  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) presents one version of the concept of balance; this balance is achieved through knowledge and experience of extremes.

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

My horoscopes: “You're practical and down to Earth, Sagittarius. Today your intuition is more active than usual. You might receive some powerful messages from the higher planes that open up new doors for you. Don't ignore them. Think about what's in them before you accept or reject them. You could also tune in more strongly than usual to the thoughts and feelings of others.”

And: “Events you might presently be unaware of could be working in your favor to improve your financial condition. Perhaps a loan which you have long since forgotten will be repaid, or a settlement or dividend comes your way unexpectedly. It could even be a gift. You might be tempted to spend it partying! Take care, however, to do this only if you honestly feel you can do it without a guilty conscience!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Two of Cups.  Nice!  The “alchemy of the elements,” and polarized energies that swirl around each other, creating one entity yet retaining their individuality.  The end result is greater than the sum of its parts, and the end result is itself a living, growing, loving entity.

I have submitted the additional information requested by Lady Lilyth, and in doing so, I re-read some of my personal journal entries from 2008.  Wow!  So many things happened that did not register with me back then!  Reading my descriptions of the meditations and exercises of that period through the lenses of time and additional knowledge has allowed me to see just how strong the "nudges" were that have brought me to the present!

This is amazing to me.  I now see that we have only to open ourselves to the message, and we will be presented with that message.  The message is there.  It is sitting right in front of us, or maybe a bit off to the side but quite visible.  Our task is to open ourselves to the possibility that yes, the message is there.  Yes, it is tailored for us, individually.  Yes, we should claim it.  Otherwise, we will pass it by and never receive its gifts. 

I remember reading in the book, The Celestine Prophecies, that there are no coincidences.  Even the simplest of events or most random-seeming meeting offers a message to us.  And like the beating of the wings of the butterfly in Africa that in the end creates a hurricane in the Caribbean, even a simple message can manifest in powerful ways.  As I read from my journal posts of 2008, I was reminded of this.  So many details, invisible to me then but available to me now thanks to my journal, were actually driving me!

As I sit and write this entry, I am pausing and looking around.  Where are today's messages?  They must be here!

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Nine of Cups/The Sun.  Well, now.  The Nine of Cups (cusp of Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about emotional satisfaction and the ability to find pleasure in feelings and emotions, and in our expectations for the day. This card is about experiencing satisfaction because wishes have come true, and because we’ve been able to make things happen the way we want them to happen.  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.  These two cards have nice, consistent energies; the pleasures associated with each of them are not permanent, but that does not mean I can’t enjoy them for a bit.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Swords. The Ace of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution authority, cunning, Aquarius and Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, soul growth, artistic) tells of the potential within the day to effectively use mental or intellectual abilities. This card makes perfect sense, as I am working with the element of Air today. I am being offered a challenge the resolving of which could bring opportunity for growth!

My Legacy card is The Devil, flavored by The Hanging Man reversed.  Oh boy; look out! The 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. A narrow view could be an issue today; I need to try not to indulge myself too much.  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 card in an upright position presents a version of balance, the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, but because my Hanging Man is reversed, and flavoring my Devil, he just might balance out those tendencies to be too attached to the pleasure of the senses.

My 6-digit date number is 6, the number of vertical and horizontal balance.  Oh-kay; sounds like a bit of balance will be in order today.  At least a bit of serene enjoyment with the knowledge that tomorrow is another day, possibly not as serene as today is.

My horoscopes: “Spiritual insights you received over the past few days could turn your thoughts to serving others. You might have a talent for teaching and choose to share what you've learned in this way, Sagittarius. You should feel especially healthy and energetic, so you may be tempted to plunge ahead. Plan carefully. Even the most admirable of enterprises needs to be faced in a practical frame of mind.”

And: “Today could represent a positive turning point in your life. Sudden and unforeseen advancement in life, perhaps career wise, perhaps financial, could come your way. Your awareness of new and revolutionary ideas could propel you into the position of a leader over those who share your interests. You are probably also feeling incredibly passionate and sexy! All this could come together to make you feel in control of your life. Good luck!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the King of Pentacles.  Such lovely, fertile energy!  This card tells of material world success, and the possibility of enjoying the rewards that come from not only knowledge, but lots of experience manifesting that knowledge.  Physical world resources are in good hands today!

I am spending the day alone in Cape May today, and playing catch up on the computer.  I am hoping to get some tasks crossed off my To-Do list, including a response regarding the additional questions related to my recent Third Degree homework submission.  Since it is a snowy day, I’ve lit some candles and set my computer up so I can see my yard.  The birds are flitting all over, back and forth.  Sparrows, and lots of chickadees! 

To my absolute delight, Miss Pauline woke me up last night, for the first time in months.  For those who don’t know, Miss Pauline is our resident ghost here in Cape May.  She wakes me up occasionally, either by sitting on the bed and leaning against me, or by pulling on my covers.  Last night, she pulled on my covers, and even stayed after I whispered a greeting to her. 

I treated myself and pulled a loaf of Breadstand bread out of the freezer.  Yum, sage and polenta, my favorite.  I am hoping that the Breadstand will be opening again soon; my supply is dwindling.

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Strength/The Hanging Man reversed. 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.  This is not physical strength, but rather inner strength, and it is tempered with compassion. 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 card in an upright position presents a version of balance, the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through seeing things in a different way.  My Hanging Man is reversed today, and in a way this validates my Strength card.  Assertion, maybe even a touch of defiance, but in any event action with a plan, is in order today.

My Thoth card is the Nine of Cups.  The keyword for this one is “Happiness.” The Nine 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 emotional satisfaction and the ability to find pleasure in feelings and emotions, and in our expectations for the day.  Crowley sees the happiness associated with this card as happening in part because of luck or good fortune.  However, Crowley reminds us that this good fortune won’t last forever.

My Legacy card is the Queen of Wands, flavored by the Two of Coins. The Queen of Wands (cusp of Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality, and Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) is energetic and enthusiastic, gives 100% of herself, and always has a smile on her face and humor in her heart.  My Queen is at home in a garden or a board room, and she is quite generous.  My Queen is being flavored by the Two of Coins.  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.  This Two tells me not to allow myself to be thrown for a loop by change, and my Queen is telling me to do my best, with a smile on my face. 

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 need to make some mental adjustments in order to get on the same wavelength as other people today, Sagittarius. You may not see what all the fuss is about. Don't take things too seriously and don't feel like you need to make sense of every detail that presents itself. Some things are best left unknown. Enjoy the diversity in your world and respect the differences in other people's approaches.”

And: “The newspapers might be filled with news of a serious accident or natural disaster that has occurred in a distant country. This could be the source of a lot of discussions, and you and your friends may want to take part in projects initiated by humanitarian organizations to help out whoever was affected by this event. You could therefore acquire a lot of interesting information, as well as the satisfaction of having made a difference.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Seven of Swords.  This card tells of attempting to escape responsibility, or even of attempting to acquire something that is not ours.  We do need to always remember that even if we are certain that no one is watching, they are!

The number 10!!  This one is known as the “beyond number,” because it takes us beyond the horizon indicated by the number 9 (and the fullness or completeness of manifestation).  This number is an actual family portrait of our number system, containing the numbers 1 and 2, the parents, and the children, the numbers 3 through 9. 

The number 10 also directs us back to the beginning, or ahead to the next round.  10 reduces to the number 1 (1 + 0 = 1).  If you multiply any number by 10, you end up with the same pattern as if you had multiplied the number by 1 (10 x 3 = 30; 1 x 3 = 3).  The number is the same, but it is brought to a higher level; this is the task of the number 10 . . . this is what the number 10 represents: fulfillment of a process and a new beginning. The number 10 can also be represented by 1 x 2 x 5, the parents catalyzed by the number of fertility. 

The number 10 is found in many spiritual traditions.  Egypt suffered ten plagues, Odin gained wisdom on the tenth day after hanging on the World Tree for nine days, Demeter searched for her daughter, Persephone, for nine days, finding her on the tenth, Odysseus wandered for nine years and returned in the tenth year; there are ten Christian graces (love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, prudence, meekness, temperance) and ten Sufi veils or obstacles of perceiving the Divine within us (desire, separation, hypocrisy, narcissism, illusions, avarice, greed, irresponsibility, laziness, negligence), and the Pythagoreans saw ten pairs of cosmic tensions (limited/unlimited, odd/even, one/many, right/left, male/female, rest/motion, straight/crooked, light/darkness, good/bad, square/oblong).  And of course, within Jewish mysticism, the number 10 is manifested in the Tree of Life, the Kabalah. 

The number 10 is also found in nature.  Lobsters, horseshoe crabs, crabs and crayfish have 10 walking legs; the squid has 10 tentacles, many citrus fruits have 10 sections.

Next, I will sum up what I’ve learned, and then apply it.  

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The Chariot reversed/The High Priestess reversed. 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), in an upright position tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions.  This card, for me, can be about dealing with positive and negative emotions; we can’t get rid of those things, only control and channel them to our highest good.  Today may not be about directing my feelings, and while a bit of undirected flow can be beneficial, I need to remember that without some control at some point, I won’t move forward. 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.  Upright, she is about unlimited potential, but she is reversed.  Looks like the message would be generally similar here, whether these cards were upright or reversed, as they kind of balance each other out (one is about control and one is about the unknown, which does not fit into any form).  However, today, with both cards reversed, I will need to remember that my tendency might be toward the physical world, in an unbalanced way.

My Thoth card is The Hanging Man. 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 card presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through seeing things in a different way.  My Hanging Man is kind of validating the first two cards, especially that reversed Chariot.  The Hanging Man holds his legs in the same way that The Emperor sits, only reversed, and this card could very well be telling me that the surrender indicated by the reversed Chariot is okay, as long as I get something valuable from that surrender. I just need to be sure that any suspension or sacrifice is being done deliberately, and not because I’m waiting for someone else to get things done; waiting for a bit is okay, but too much surrender ends up giving up the power to choose. 

My Legacy card is the Page of Cups reversed, flavored by the Three of Swords.  Oy.  Okay then.  The 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; upright it indicates the possibility of getting fulfillment through connections to others, and through innocent and simple joys.  Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the theme of the day.  My reversed Page of Cups is being flavored by one of my least favorite cards, the Three of Swords. 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.  This Swords card is about isolation and separation and melancholy, but these things are actually perceptions, my perceptions.  If I believe I am alone, then I am alone.  However, this belief could be causing the very separation that I fear!

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

My horoscopes: “Family members could spring some surprising news on you today, Sagittarius. This news may concern people you know or perhaps a family member has some interesting plans of his or her own that you weren't aware of. Although positive, this news could throw you for a loop. It should definitely cause you to alter your thinking in some way. Don't let emotion overwhelm logic right now.”

And: “Jumping around from one lily pad to the next may be the only way for you to stay afloat on a day like today. This is fine as long as you keep moving. There is no room for stagnancy. Stay on your toes today and keep things light and energetic. There is a great deal of information flying around today thanks to the active celestial energies.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Nine of Pentacles.  A perfect focus for today!  We spend a lot of time learning and striving, and honing our skills.  But sometimes it is beneficial to take a walk, all alone, and connect the results of those inner efforts to the world around us, and to the workings of Nature that are Deity.  Today is one of those days!

I’ve just come back from a walk on the beach.  What a great way to clear my head!  The sun is shining, the sky is a gorgeous and intense blue.  And it is WINDY!  There was a group of gulls standing by the water (which was amazingly calm, given the wind; did I mention it was also windy?); they kept taking turns shooting upward into the air and then diving and swooping as they caught a gust of wind, then landing back down to watch as another gull took to the sky. 

I found some awesome treasures, too: two small whelks, a piece of coral, a lovely Cape May diamond, and a sea anemone!  Thankfully I brought a small container of rum to offer to the ocean, in thanks for past gifts.  Looks like I am in debt, but that is fine with me. 

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Transparent Oracle Sunday!  My cards:

53, Guide: Sidhe (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.  The Sidhe can be a wonderful Guide when we are attempting these things, for she is both a source of creation and of responsibility.  The Sidhe cares for the earth and Nature; just like us, she is a part of that realm.  But the Sidhe is also connected to the non-physical world more than we are, and thus can be a Guide who teaches us how to see things in a different or unique manner.  And if we work hard and are true to our Purpose, we just might get some support along with our guidance; this partnership can achieve extraordinary things!

39, Guide: Wolf (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.  Wolves are seen by many as dangerous, even evil, but we should always keep in mind when we are working with Wolf that he is the ancestor of the dogs we humans love so much.  Wolf has a strong sense of family, and of rank within that family.  Wolf can communicate over great distances, and has the stamina to travel those distances in the first place.  Wolf has keen instincts, and a strong urge to protect his territory.

51, Gateway: The World Tree (Below). The World Tree is a powerful symbol in many cultures; in Wicca, the Tree is seen as representing the cast circle, and it is seen as a gateway to the Underworld.  The World Tree is about initiation of the most exciting kind; it tells of the ability to tap into the knowledge and wisdom that is a part of me through my ancestors, and it tells of the ability to connect with non-physical beings.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  When thinking solely about the meanings of the cards, the message is clear: I can’t forget what I am attempting to grow out of, and any creative abilities I seek to manifest must be focused on while remembering my responsibilities.  If I hang in there, I will be able to effectively protect what is mine and what I am responsible for maintaining, and still find that new spark of information that will act as a catalyst to encourage me to move forward. 

Looking solely at the mandala, I see that Wolf seems to be moving at cross-purpose to Sidhe, or maybe Wolf is attempting to prevent Sidhe from continuing on as things are now.  Perhaps there is a choice here: focus more on the non-physical creations (and the risks attached to them) or focus on my foundation and on those who look to me for physical world sustenance (and by mitigating risks, possibly missing opportunities to move forward).  The World Tree is acting like a container, forcing Sidhe and Wolf to see and acknowledge each other, and maybe encouraging them to work together.   Is this mandala similar to the Tarot Major Arcana card, Temperance? 

It makes perfect sense that the messages presented are a bit muddled or conflicting, or at cross-purpose.  That, after all, seems to be the theme of late.  In a way, this makes sense to me.  I’ve churned up a lot of stagnating sludge, and as all that yuck is filtered, there is bound to be some confusion.  I think the right thing to do is to continue to keep my goals in my field of vision, no matter how cloudy that field may be.  I need to acknowledge the extremes and I need to accept their value, but I can’t be completely distracted from my chosen path.  Yep, I can certainly make minor modifications, but no despair is allowed!

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The Emperor/Justice. The Emperor corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Aries (“I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) and the Hebrew letter Heh (window, illumination), and represents confidence, authority, and the archetype of the Father.  I am being told that today, order and structure and a willing acceptance of responsibility need to be the themes. The Emperor is reminding me that rules are there to support and guide me, and plans are meant to be followed.  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 card is a powerful pair to The Emperor because it focuses on cause and effect.  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.  Each of these cards taken alone has a powerful, outer, active message; having both of them appear together is a very clear indication of how this day should progress. 

My Thoth card is the Two of Wands.  “Dominion” is Uncle Al’s keyword for this one, and it is another active card. The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) tells of power, influence and authority.  This card is related to the Will, and it tells me to actively manifest my authority.  This one is one of the Minor Arcana cards related to The Emperor, and thus is validating both cards above. 

My Legacy card is The Magician, flavored by the Nine of Swords reversed.  Whoooeeeee!  More active, outer power!! The Magician corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick and animated energy which usually presents problems or challenges), Mercury (reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication), Beth (house; builder) and the Path between Binah (female, receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Kether (the source, limitless possibility).  The Magician is a card of action, and of confidence, and it is another of the cards that have a personal significance to me (it symbolizes the gifts I was given after Hurricane Sandy).   The Magician is a bit more metaphysical than The Emperor and more likely to use unusual methods rather than tried-and-true methods, but it is cool that both of these cards have appeared in my spread today. The Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) in an upright position represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused, and usually unproductive.  My Nine of Swords is reversed, and it is flavoring my Magician (and due to the relationship between The Magician and all the other cards above, it is flavoring my entire spread), and since it is reversed, this card is reminding me that if I feel the need to be a bit cautious today, this need just might be a bit reasonable.  After all, the other cards are all out there and active and filled with authority and power.  None of my other cards would sit up at night worrying about what they did yesterday or what they need to do tomorrow; so just a bit of worry could be the balance and objectivity I need. 

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

My horoscopes: “Today's energy will help you take steps toward getting things in order, Sagittarius. Tackle the drawers, closets, storage rooms, and cabinets. Organization is a good activity for today. Creating order brings a sense of peace and personal control. Mental organization like goal setting, budgeting, or scheduling will add to this feeling. Sift through and clean out as many corners as you can”

And: “A lot of phone calls or e-mails could come your way, perhaps involving conversations about spiritual, metaphysical, humanitarian and/or astrological matters. Friends could refer you to books or websites that could prove especially informative for you. Don't be surprised, however, if some of them seem a bit too way out for you right now. Remember that you're only gathering information. You don't necessarily have to accept it all as truth.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Seven of Cups.  This card lets me know that I may be tempted to indulge in fantasies today.  This is not in itself a bad thing, for visualizing goals in detail can encourage us to work to attain those goals.  However, keeping my entire focus on the possibilities of the future could end up causing me to step into a hole in the ground and break my ankle.  That ouchie will prevent forward motion.  Be careful!  Be aware!

Since my recent Shadow Work, I have been experiencing spinning, wandering, pushing-and-pulling, and confusing energies.  Lots of challenges and bumps in the road, both physical world and emotional/spiritual, are appearing all around me.  The uncomfortable and unpredictable eddies of energy swirl around me, bringing new sludge and discomfort, stirred up from the depths, for my consideration.  I do understand that things can’t be all roses all the time, and I accept that these periods of discomfort are necessary.  As I am fond of saying, these discomforts scour away the bugs stuck on the windshield of life, so that I can see more clearly where I’m going.  I am doing my best to not take these inconveniences and bumps in the road as personal assaults, but sometimes it’s not easy to remain optimistic. 

Could this be a test?  A chance for me to determine if the things I’m focusing on are reeealllyyy what I want to do or create or manifest?   I like this idea.  If I accept the discomforts as having a purpose, it makes them a bit easier to bear.  I have handled much worse, and the idea of testing each of my focuses to determine which ones are worth maintaining and which ones need to be gently released just might be a good plan for today.  Talk about turning lemons into lemonade, eh?

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Three of Pentacles reversed/Queen of Pentacles. The Three of Pentacles (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, cunning, competence) in an upright position tells of competence, planning and teamwork, and apparently those things will not be running smoothly today. Looks like if I want something done, I will need to do it myself. The Queen of Pentacles (cusp of Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering, and Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning, authoritative) is very good at sustaining the physical world, keeping things dry and cozy and safe and orderly.  The good thing is that she handles things, all things, in a very matter-of-fact way, which could be a good thing today.  She is resourceful as well, and if teamwork is not a part of today, she will need those resources, and that ability to make the best use of them.

My Thoth card is the Seven of Cups reversed.  “Debauch” is Crowley’s keyword for this one. The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) in an upright position 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).  The Thoth Seven of Cups also tells of being mired in pleasure, or addicted to it.  Because my Seven of Cups is reversed, I may be able to focus in a beneficial way today as far as my emotions and feelings are concerned.  This is good!

My Legacy card is the Seven of Coins reversed, flavored by The Hanging Man. Another Seven.  The Seven of Coins (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of pauses and choices and assessments within the physical world.  Because my Seven of Coins is reversed, there may not be many pauses today, or chances to catch my breath.  What makes this truly interesting is the card flavoring my Seven of Coins: The Hanging Man. 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 card presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through seeing things in a different way.  Perhaps my Hanging Man is reminding me that even if my physical world is rushing to and fro, I can still rise above the chaos (and perhaps willingly give up the pleasures of the physical world) and find some quiet time.  The clarity this will bring, and the opportunity to see my world and my feelings in a totally different way, just might enable me to learn something.

My 6-digit date number is 8, the number that tells of the conscious and purposeful attempt to slow the degeneration of the number 7 in order to maintain for a bit longer the balance of the number 6.

My horoscopes: “You may find that today brings great physical strength and energy to you, Sagittarius. Given this, you may really want to do some tough, challenging physical work. This is certainly the day for it, so why not go for it? Do some yard work or clean out closets, cupboards, drawers, and filing cabinets. Consider donating items that you don't use anymore or plan a garage sale to make some bucks.”

And: “It's a new day, and a good day to let your warm and caring side show. Take the time to smile often and to chat with as many people as you can. They will be drawn to your friendly personality, and you will all enjoy sharing time together. If you find that someone is having a rough day, why not let them know that you care? Spend a few minutes listening to their problem and show them that you really understand.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding The Tower.  Eeep!!  The message of the Shadowscapes Tower is that even the most secure, deeply rooted, well supported structure can be destroyed in a moment.  We can’t expect that nothing will change, and it is not healthy to believe that we are eternal.  Yes, life goes on, but for life to go on in a healthy way, there must be endings.  Woe to those who fight these endings!

For some reason, the energy of the past few days seems to be somewhat at cross-purpose.  These difficulties, while uncomfortable, are (hopefully!) not earth shattering.  Please, don’t let them be earth shattering!  Even my cards today reflect the confusing nature of the energies today.  I am remaining calm, though, and trusting that in the end, all will be well.

This evening, I submitted my application for Yoga Teacher Training.  The first step!!

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