Tarot Card ~ September 30

The Moon

Morgan Le Fay

Fortune Cookie: Work with your dreams. Seek the change that is desirable now. Honor and empower the feminine aspects in you. Own your magic and use it. Today.

 

We last saw this card at the end of May. What was going on in your life at that time? Might Spirit be tryin’ to get your attention on those issues again, d’ya think? ‘

The Moon is another one of those cards that has different meanings depending on who you studied with, where you come from, and − if you’re a good reader and not just a good memorizer − the kinds of things you find your clients have gone through when The Moon has turned up to guide them.

Some readers say The Moon warns of darkness, hidden dangers and instability. [Yummy.] Some warn to be careful of distractions ~ from finally working on those New Year’s resolutions, I suppose. Others stress the “Moony” aspects of fluctuating emotion, high levels of unconscious activity and intense dreams. I find I can accept that last batch more easily.

For me, The Moon is first of all a card that betokens change.

Perhaps the change should be rhythmical and constantly evolving, like the changing of the moon itself.

In some cases I’ve intuitively perceived it to be a warning that a client should change course, NOW!

At times I’ve found it indicative of the need to accept that change will come, so get to work on determining what would be the best, happiest, most fruitful and healing way to have it – so that a substantial change doesn’t just get handed to you half-baked on a soggy paper plate.

In this deck, because of the card’s embodiment as Morgan Le Fay, I find The Moon to have other important qualities and messages. First, it is a card of feminine empowerment. So − assuming you are of the feminine gender − own your power not just as a person, but as a woman. And let yourself contemplate what that distinction might most fully mean to and for you.

Of course, if you’re masculine, this card directs that you more fully own your connection to the divine feminine, or to the artistic, intuitive, perhaps even Dionysian elements in your life.

And whether you are male or female, masculine or feminine, The Moon is a card that commands you to own your magic – whatever you understand that to be – and use it fully and well for the highest and best of all.

Work with your dreams. Seek the change that is desirable now. Honor and empower the feminine aspects in you. Own your magic and use it. Today.

Bright blessings and… YOUR magic!

Quote for the Day: It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone’s fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I’m one of Us. I must be. I’ve certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We’re always one of Us. It’s Them that do the bad things. ~ Terry Pratchett

Today’s Weather: Whack. Whack. Whack. Whack. Thunder. Whack! Tuileries dandelions. Espresso, please.

On This Date: 1791 – The first performance of The Magic Flute, the last opera by Mozart to make its debut, in Vienna, Austria.

Tarot Card ~ September 29

The Priestess

Nimue

Fortune Cookie: Know your magic. (Know you’re magic!) Own your magic. (Own you’re magic!) Do what’s necessary for you to be and feel inspired. Then use your magic consciously to benefit yourself and others.

Hmmmmm… The Priestess last appeared for us on March 1. As I see it, it’s a wonderful magic-of-any-season-kinda-card. As perfect for beginning autumn as it was for almost ending winter, then, yes? So give ye a goode and attent ear here. Or there. Or wherever.

In general, The Priestess is seen as a keeper of secrets, of ancient or arcane wisdom.

She is also known as a wielder of strong intuitive powers. So, this would be a good time to let your intuition guide you − try not to get in its way! And seek some ways to more fully engage your intuition in your everyday existence. Like dreamwork, maybe? Or… flipping a coin?

[So I suppose this would be a good day to get a reading. Or to schedule one, anyhow!] [This commercial message sloppily thrown at you by ye committee to keep Nealio from looking like ye one-off Dickens street person, complete with wild sideburns, scuzzy, crumb-filled beard and stuff.]

Some readers would say mystical studies may also appeal to you at this time, and you could take up the study of subjects such as astrology, tarot, dreamwork or other esoteric knowledge. Some would even say that incredible gifts await you; all you have to do is acknowledge that within lies all knowledge. There is some good sense to this last bit, ALWAYS!

Or, it being a weekday, this would be a superb day to go [if you can] to the Art Museum and just hang out among the unsurpassably beautiful power objects from other times, places and dimensions. Basking in their amazing vibrations can be spiritually empowering, and just sitting with them can alter [and altar] your state of consciousness as profoundly as purposeful meditation. Or go in with your favorite MP3 meditation/music, and sit by something that sets your soul on fire. Try it. Really. You’ll be amazed and enlightened and want to do it on a regular basis.

Anna-Marie Ferguson, creator of the Legend deck, sees The Priestess as indicating inspiration and a powerful connection with the collective unconscious or world soul. Also, astute psychic ability. A good time for it, as the nearing Samhain can bring periods where the realms of magic open for us! There can also be elements of a need for solitude today, so honor that if you feel it — and if you can. [I got dibs on the space under the bed!]

Finally, the Priestess is recognized as one who can walk fully and successfully in two worlds – that of ordinary reality and its people, and that the of the higher realms and the Fay. [Time to read old books about Findhorn again, maybe? (http://www.findhorn.org/onlinecommunity/monthlythemes) Or get to know Perelandra (http://www.perelandra-ltd.com/)?]

When this card turns up for a client, I usually offer something like,

The Priestess is an important role model. She owns her magic and uses it for her benefit and for the good of those she loves.

So, one of the critical questions that I often finding myself working through with clients is, “What IS your magic?” You can’t own it if you haven’t even identified it and been willing to stake a claim to it.

And don’t try to weenie out of the discussion by assuming I’m ONLY talking about Harry Potter-caliber ceremonial high magic.

So what IS your magic?

Is it a gift for healing from your hands or in your soothing voice?

Is it a long-developed ability to coax amazing music from even the most beat-up old piano (or guitar, or flute, or djembe)?

Is it a capacity to write clearly and with passion about things that would normally be a complete yawn?

Is it the knack to lighten the mood of a tense meeting with a smile and an off-the-wall analogy?

 

 Is it a love for numbers that helps a not-for-profit manage its razor thin margin?

Is it a talent for teaching and inspiring?

Is it an ability to grow moss in the desert or sell refrigerators to an Inuit?

What is your magic? It’s what you love to do, and what lifts people around you when you do it, or what allows them some hope and healing because you do it − even if you’re stuffed away in a cubbyhole somewhere.

Know your magic.

(Know you’re magic!)

Own your magic.

(Own you’re magic!)

Do what’s necessary for you to be and feel inspired. Then use your magic consciously to benefit yourself and others.

Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bright blessings, light and magic!

Quote for the Day: And an inky-colored despair of rejection enveloped me like the black tortilla of depression around a pain burrito. ~ Christopher Moore

Today’s Weather: Diggy diggy la and diggy diggy lo! Makin’ sur le cafe be chaud!

On This Date: 1942 – Madeline Kahn, American actress is born.

Tarot Card ~ September 28

The Hierophant

Taliesin

Fortune Cookie: Get to know in a much deeper way your nature as a magical Renaissance man or woman, and bring together all of your expertise and faculties.

No, he doesn’t look like Johnny Depp. Or Keira Knightley, either. So there.

We haven’t seen this card since earlyish July. So I guess we might well need a bit of a reminder about who we may really be. Eh? Do try to actually pay a little attention this time. And I will, too.

As I’ve said before, this is a card so dense with information and direction, I hardly know where to start. So, as ever, hang on a minute while I think about it.

t t t t

t t t

t t

t t

t t

t t

t

t

Right. Thanks. Again.

First, I have heard some people refer to this card as the older, more grounded partner to The Priestess. Fine, fine, fine with me. But let’s go beyond that.

Some readers find that this card betokens a marriage alliance or servitude, but also mercy and goodness. Others understand it as indicating the making of a long term commitment or that a new, helpful guiding influence is about to come into your life. So keep an eye out for that, especially if things have been more bumpy or chaotic than normal. [Argh!]

Anna-Marie Ferguson, creator of the Legend deck, sees The Hierophant in many lovely ways. Some of my favorites are: a person with experience he or she is willing to share; a generous spiritual mentor; initiation; drawing security and comfort from one’s roots.

But also, feeling constricted by conformity to orthodoxy.

[Not THESE guys!]

You won’t find me negating any of those possibilities. But, still, I go in my own direction with a card as important as this. [Anybody at all surprised?]

When this card turns up for a client, I start off by reminding them that, in some Arthurian legends, Taliesin became Arthur’s magical helper after Merlin left the scene. (In some tales, Taliesin and Merlin stand together at the water’s edge as the vessel bearing Arthur departs for Avalon.) So it’s a card of magical assistance or guidance.

Taliesin was one of the great, archetypal Bards of the Island of the Mighty. As such [at least as I understand it] he was a shapeshifter and wizard; a wisdom keeper; a singer; a poet; a musician; and he brought all those abilities together as a healer; and a teacher; and a community mediator. Not to mention being the power behind the throne, for − in some of what I have read – you couldn’t lead a Celtic clan or tribe unless the Bards declared you were THE ONE.

So I see The Hierophant as being a kind of super, magical Renaissance man or woman, who brings together and uses (brilliantly) not only ordinary reality skills, training and power, but magical, spiritual, sacred connections and capacities as well.

This can also be the keeper of ancient and hidden and powerful wisdom… not a bad thing to be or to look out for.

One thing more. In the first Tarot decks created LONG ago, there was no Hierophant card. There was instead… The Pope. Why? Because, at the time, the Pope was The Absolute Pinnacle of Power and wealth, not only materially but (as he was perceived at the time) also spiritually.

So when the Hierophant shows up, I often say, “Ya wanna really grow materially? Devote a lot more quality time and effort to growing spiritually. For you, the two must go hand in hand.”

So:

Be open to the possibility of a very beneficial new alliance.

Seek for (or perhaps seek to be) a generous spiritual mentor.

Get to know in a much deeper way your nature as a magical Renaissance man or woman, and bring together all of your expertise and faculties.

Own all of that, and move toward your highest and best both spiritually and materially.

Start today!

Brightest, most diverse and magical blessings!

Thought for the Day: Sometimes humour is all we have to say the things that can’t be said. ~ Simon R. Green

Today’s Whether: Wee sleekit beasties. Artis Festivalis Interruptus. Caramel corn come early.

On Today’s Date:1787 – The newly completed United States Constitution is voted on by the U.S. Congress to be sent to the state legislatures for approval.

And for all our Jewish friends, come this evening:

We wish you a sweet new year full of happiness, wonderful health and boundless prosperity!

 

Tarot Card ~ September 27

Two of Cups

Tristram & Isolt

 

Fortune Cookie: Be there! Be open! Reach out for the ☼☼☼NEW☼☼☼ that is coming into your life! Let yourself be available to receive and pursue it. RIGHT NOW!!!!

 

 

 Hmmmmmm… This card last showed up just eight days ago. I’m glad it’s back, because I know at least a couple specific people for whom this is the PERFECT card just this minute. So, in case one of them is YOU, please pay attention and take advantage of what the card offers fer the luvva whatever you consider sacred!

 

And, once again, again, again, my interpretation of this card varies some from the norm. This kinda thing surely no longer surprises anybody.

 

Many readers would respond to this card by suggesting things like friendship, affinity, concord, union, even love. Some might say it bespeaks a complementary match, or a very solid relationship.

 

 I may weep.

  

 Dear, sweet…

Okay.

 Okay.

 Look:

 Anna-Marie Ferguson, creator of the Legend deck, finds things like the beginning of a trusted partnership, rapport and the forming of strong emotional bonds.

 Not even I would be idiot enough to fight with that, or to want to. So especially if any of those interpretations resonate with you – in terms of what you’re seeking lately or in terms of what the Universe seems to be offering today – honor it. Seek it. Go after it full tilt.

 But when this card has turned up for many clients, the intuitive information that almost always pops out of my mouth is,

 “Look:

Some amazing (or beautiful or tremendously healing or whatever) NEW ENERGY(or opportunity or person or position or vision) is trying to come into your life.

It will, if you let it, sweep you off in a

wonderful,

beautiful,

incredibly positive

NEW DIRECTION.

 

LET IT!

LET IT!

LET IT! ”

 So:

Be there! Be open! Reach out for the ☼☼☼NEW☼☼☼ that is coming into your life! Let yourself be available to receive and pursue it. RIGHT NOW!!!!

 Bright blessings and beautiful new directions!

 Quote for the Day: Enlightenment is not about becoming divine. Instead it’s about becoming more fully human. . . . It is the end of ignorance. ~ Lama Surya Das

 Today’s Weather: Partly frowsy with occasional wanshells. Stay off the ice when the zabaglione comes around.

 On This Date: 1822 – Jean-François Champollion announces that he has deciphered the Rosetta stone.

 And: 1905 – The physics journal Annalen der Physik published Albert Einstein‘s paper introducing the equation E=mc². [Sorta the same thing.]

Tarot Card ~ September 26

Three of Shields

The Homespun Tunic

Fortune Fookie: Don’t get stuck in nostalgia; don’t let the remembered goodness of things past keep you from the awesome possibilities in things to come.

 

This card hasn’t come by to talk to us since waaaaaay back in early October! Early October of 2009!!! So, if it’s important enough to come around now, we’d best pay some ‘tention!

As you have often heard me say [seen me write? Whatever.], please remember I find a Three in any Tarot deck indicates that the question being explored has to do with issues of power:

~ power games

~ power struggles

~ owning your power

~ refusing to submit to ploys that would deny you power you have earned

~ having a care against disempowerment in any area of your life

~ resisting tendencies toward disempowerment of your self

And stuff like that.

Now…

My interpretation of the Three of Shields goes way off the beam from any other source you’re likely to experience. That’s because of my take on the part of the Arthurian tales illustrated by Anna-Marie Ferguson in her Legend deck. (More on that in a bit.)

Anyway, I see the Three of Shields as warning us not to disempower ourselves, (or not to open ourselves to being manipulated by others) by getting lost in nostalgia when we ought to be grabbing life by the [____kindly fill in the blank___] RIGHT NOW! and flying toward our highest and best.

When this card comes up for a client, I affirm that it’s appropriate to honor the good things that have been − in a situation, a relationship, a business, a job, a home, a time in life.

BUT it is deadly important to not just get stuck there, in the past, drooling over what had been and quivering in fear because things must change.

As I said to one client whose eldest child was about to go off to college,

“Look, I know ya wanna grab him, roll him up in a rug and shove him under the bed where he’ll be safe and sound. But if you do that, he’ll NEVER be the brilliant, amazing human being he can become. And that would be because of your choices.” She got the message, though she didn’t like hearing it much just then.

Which leads me to the short version of the story in the card.

The homespun tunic was a garment made − by hand − by Percivale’s mother for him to wear as he set off on his quest to seek a place at Camelot.

[The back story is that her husband, a minor king, was killed while off on a chivalric quest. She then promised herself that her son would know nothing of knights, of chivalry, or even that he was a prince.

She and her retinue went off to a small castle in the wilds of Wales, far from the ways of Court and King. Despite her efforts, at age fifteen Percivale spied what he thought were three bright shining angels travelling through the wood – on horseback. He told his mother, she asked him what he saw… and she knew the jig was up.

She told him of his heritage, and that by his birth he was entitled to aspire to knighthood.

She asked him to hold off on following his bliss just until she completed a beautiful tunic for him to wear on his quest. She made the garment, and sent him off on his quest. Shortly thereafter, she died of a broken heart at his leaving.]

That’s the part of the story that gives me my interpretation of the Three of Shields.

Percivale, you see, went on to be one of the greatest champions of Camelot, and one of only three knights holy enough to achieve the Grail.

But because his mother became stuck, and then distraught at the loss of her expected/desired way of being, and the life she wanted Percivale to have, she lost the gift of being around to see him achieve the brave, brilliant, shining, astonishing, world-shaking things he did. NOT NECESSARY! NOT! NOT! NO! NO! NO!

[Do you get the impression I feel a bit strongly about this?]

So, honor what you honor.

Desire what you will, harm to none, with love, for the highest and best of all.

But don’t let the goodness of things past hold you back from the beauty and power and healing of what can come. And know that what CAN come may far surpass your happiest dreams.

Bright blessings and a beautiful, fulfilling future!

Quote for the Day: What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now. ~ Anon.

Today’s Weather: A hairy-nosed wombat through the afternoon, broken up by periods of mild fat substitutes.

On This Date: 715 – Ragenfrid defeats Theudoald at the Battle of Compiègne. [But then, you knew that.]

Oh, and: 1983 – Soviet military officer Stanislav Petrov averts a likely worldwide nuclear war by correctly identifying a report of an incoming nuclear missile as a computer error and not an American first strike.

Tarot Card ~ September 25

Seven of Swords

The Sword in the Stone

Fortune Cookie: Own your power and reveal it to the world. Be yourself. All of yourself. No ego. No apology.

 

OkayFine! This card last appeared exactly one moth ago. So… What are you up to lately that obligates you to really own your power for a change. Eh?

Eh?

As You may remember my having said JUST RECENTLY, I’m always glad to see this card, because the clients who have turned it in a reading, and really honored the direction it gives have benefited tremendously.

Soooooooo −

As I ask whenever this card comes up for us,

We all remember the story of the Sword In the Stone, right?

Well, sort of. Maybe. A bit. You think?

What’s important for our understanding of the Seven of Swords is to know that Arthurian legends contain at least two sword-in-the-stone stories.

This one takes place long after Arthur has become king, and involves the introduction of Galahad to the court of Camelot. It’s a story that has been known in and told with a number of variations.

Here’s the essence of the story as it has come to me in my own Shamanic journeying. [And my stealing from various ancient sources.]

The Camelottish folk were all gathered for the Christian feast of Pentecost (or Whitsun ~ the 49^th/50^th day after Easter) when they saw a haayyyuuuuge red marble boulder come floating serenely down the river and right up to Camelot dock, as it were. Gleaming and protruding from said big red stone was an ornate sword so beautiful and magical it had an aura of its own.

In some versions of the tale the rock was engraved with the words,

“This sword shall only be drawn out by the Best of Alle Knightes.”

Of course, pretty much every guy lined up to have a heave at it, jostling, grunting, bragging, swearing, betting, whooping, loudly discussing potency inducers, passing around bottles of Armor All, quietly discussing horseback hemorrhoid and chafing remedies ~ about what you’d expect of boys in chain mail in groups.

They all had a go. And failed. Failed flat. Game over.

Then a new, completely unknown young guy quietly walked up to the stone. Without a word, a hesitation or a glance in any direction, he took hold of the sword and pulled it from the stone like light piercing deep, clear water. He then simply turned, walked back up to the castle and took a seat at the Round Table.

Thus was Galahad’s presence and stature made known to all, and thus did he rightfully sit in the Siege Perilous, a seat at the Round Table so strictly reserved for the Best of Alle Knightes that it was fatal to anyone else who sat in it. (There were beefcake bimbos who tried. Of course.)

Which brings us to the interpretation of the Seven of Swords. [You did trust I’d get around to it eventually, didn’t you?]

Traditional readings of this card are pretty much downers, with words like “dishonor,” “futility,” and “lone wolf” tossed about. Some readers talk about a person who is intelligent but unorthodox [that would be me], or suggest that it recommends vigilance against unexpected danger.

Me, I see wonderful and positive things in this card, especially as it is portrayed in the Legend deck. Anna- Marie Ferguson, creator of the deck, by the way, sees it as betokening inspiration, enthusiasm, and the instilling of hope, faith and strength.

[Anybody out there NOT up for that? If so… GET HELP. Now. NOW!]

When I work with a client and we turn this one up (and it’s amazing how often it shows up in the career section of a reading), I say,

“Own your power.

Own.

Your.

Power.

Own it WITHOUT EGO

but also WITHOUT APOLOGY to anyone.

Be yourself.

All of yourself.

Be who you really are.

And get going at it.”

The Seven of Swords indicates that it’s truly time for you to own your skills, abilities, gifts, potentials, intentions ~ your POWER ~ and let yourself begin to move in a new direction with new purpose.

Now that we are into the late days of summer, with all its unique magics, opportunities and challenges it is good to remember this:

we honor our Creator and The Earth by becoming more and more who we truly are for the highest and best of all.

So own your power. Reveal it to the world. No ego. No apology.

Bright Blessings!

Quote for the Day: In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.~ Buddha

Today’s Weather:Wild whimsy bouquets. Celebration for a grey dey. Green eyed cats. Orange dal.

On This Date:1513 – Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa reaches what would become known as the Pacific Ocean. [Pretty Seven of Swords!]

Tarot Card ~ September 24

Ten of Spears

The Green Knight

Fortune Cookie: How will you go on a wonderful, transformative spiritual adventure? Now!

Hmmm… Kind of a nice card for the second day of Autumn, and a saturady at that!

We last saw this fellow about a month ago. So do kindly pay attention then, won’t you? I mean, it’s not like I have nothing better to do than crank out the same old information once every month or so, year in and year out, all throughout eternity. Or maybe… I mean, it’s a niche, after all…

Nemmind.

Altogether now:

Tens in any Tarot deck betoken the

end of one cycle and

the beginning of another,

or even the end of one way of life and the beginning of another. So, if I were reading for you today and this card came up, I’d ask:

How do the things you have been experiencing – and more importantly, how do the things you have begun to long for in life just now – represent a strong message to you that you must allow yourself to acknowledge the end of a cycle and the powerful potential for you to move into something wonderful and new, even miraculous? How can you keep that in front of you not only today, but all through the autumn? [Because you should, you know.]

Then I’d say:

Beyond that general information about cycles, I believe the Ten of Spears says in no uncertain terms, “You. Yeah, YOU! Go on a spiritual adventure. Let yourself be open to new and incredibly transformative experience. Keep a sharp eye out for integrity, in yourself and in those around you – particularly teachers, leaders and spiritual directors (and even Tarot guys). And seek spiritual renewal through the wondrous. Yes, starting RIGHT NOW. Get going! DO IT!”

So, in consideration of the fact that it’s time for you to begin an entirely new phase of your life, and in consideration of the fact that I’m reading for YOU today, let me be a little pushy and ask a couple readerly but obnoxious questions. [Doofus reader clears throat, straightens vest, cleans french fry grease from shirt, looks for lost fries, if any, for a snack, stuffs them in vest pocket, clears throat again]:

What ARE the spiritual adventures and transformative experiences and magical evolutions you’ve always hungered for but never really had the courage, or time, or cash, or whatever to pursue?

Now, given that you and I are

~ a.) Looking at the specific energy you are being asked to embrace to start this (perhaps suddenly new) cycle, and ~

b.) Bearing in mind that you are being asked to accept, own and foster this energy and therefore this transformational nature of yourself over an extended period (so you don’t think you hafta have it all together by dinner Saturday) ~

c.) What dreams, hopes, changes will you PLEASE actually give yourself permission to believe in andREALLY pursue so as to have achieved them by, say, a year-and-a-day from now?

(Okay, for you Capricorns, Virgos and Aquariuses {Aquariusae? Aquamarines? Aquadoodles?} you have my permission to take a minute and write the answers to those questions down in a list on paper. Aquarians — like me — will have lost the list by lunch anyway. Virgos will have the list memorized, backwards and forwards. With neat little inked-in squares at the head of each point. Obsessive little bug… Ummm…)

d.) And what are one or two baby steps you can take today and this week and this month and this season to begin the concrete process of demonstrating your commitment to this new cycle and to beginning your quest? (Aquarius, that would mean finding the list. Or even typing/printing out the questions and taping them above your desk. Or to your forehead. Or making them into a tee shirt. Writing them on your palm. Anything!)

So, will you love yourself and the world enough to take those questions on — for the “New” You (new cycle, new way of life, new whatever)? We’d all sure appreciate it!

By the way, here’s some info about how other folks see the Ten of Spears:

Some view the Ten of Spears as a card of

~ oppressive energy that is overcome to achieve success (So know that you may indeed feel challenged by the nature of the changes or goals you give yourself permission to go after, or perhaps by those around you who don’t get the point.)

~ disguise or false seeming (That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for integrity in those you connect with, and perhaps even in yourself and your own motives, dammit!)

~ an awesome task which is successfully accomplished through perseverance (You deserve to take on something awesome. That’s what’s worthy of you and your true nature. Besides, that’s why you’re HERE right now. Right?)

So, for today and for this “New” You:

How will you (how would you wish to) end one cycle and begin another?

How will you go on a wonderful, transformative spiritual adventure?

How will you be open to miraculous experiences, and recognize the miraculous nature of your life and of yourself?

How will you guard your integrity and seek for it in others (even Tarot guys)?

How will you make this the most beautiful and wondrous of times

starting today, starting now?

Bright blessings and miracles!

Quote for the Day: Logic, my dear Zoe, merely enables one to be wrong with authority. ~ Dr. Who

Today’s Weather: Morning ragas. Evening rollas. Daoine Maithe all through the bottom of the garden.

On This Date: 1979 – Compu-Serve launches the first consumer internet service, which features the first public electronic mail service.

And: 1942 – Gerry Marsden, English singer (Gerry & The Pacemakers) is born.

For a wee touch of nostalgia:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loyRYFUYg9g

Tarot Card ~ September 23

Four of Swords

Isolt of the White Hands

Fortune Cookie: Carve out some time to just be at peace, take it easy, do what’s comfortable and healing; just let the river flow on by.

 

 

Okay, kidlets. We only just saw this card on Sunday. And just under a month ago before that. So we obviously need BIGTIME reminders about how we need to go about our lives at the moment. And since this is the card for the Autumn Equinox (which occurs on 9/23 at 5:05 am EDT), it is the card for the entire fall season.

I said THE ENTIRE FALL SEASON. [Just wanted to be sure you were paying attention.]

So who needs that reminder, huh?

‘Cos as squirrely as the world has been lately, in a time when pretty much everything and everybody seem [seems? whocares] overwrought and strained to the gills, this card’s guidance surely does make a lotta sense.

Now, as I normally ask at the top of the post for this card:

Which one of y’all isn’t getting enough rest, enough recuperation, enough time far from the madding crowd?

[Headline: Tarot Guy Once Again Blown Into Low Earth Orbit by Draft as Readers All Raise Hands to Flip Him Off.]

Look into this card and its advice, then, will ya? But don’t just make it another item on an overly long to-do list. Seek a way to make DIFFERENT choices.

The Four of Swords, then, is a card of respite and recovery. It speaks of moving from a stressful environment to a place of safety, calm and comfort. [Regular Tarot Post readers know I prefer under the bed. If not under the floorboards. Or maybe the Netherlands.] It really is time to take a rest, have a break, maybe have a holiday or in some other way remove yourself from current pressures.

Some readers find that this card speaks of solitude or hermit’s repose. Others see it as predicting renewal. (We likes renewal, do!)

 

Anna-Marie Ferguson, creator of the Legend deck, finds such things as healing, gentle soul searching, convalescing and regaining strength and direction in this card. [And I’ve been finding a lot of clients the past month or so are expressing a feeling of lack of direction. So Looky Here you guys! Today’s the day! Go after something new and better and healthier!]

To me, the Four of Swords says:

“Now! Today! [Especially because it’s a Friday!] Make a mini-retreat! Give yourself time and space to rest, recharge, recuperate. As Anna-Marie Ferguson also says, this card recommends you leave a stressful, chaotic situation in order to clear the mind and reevaluate plans ~ so you can refine your sense of where you actually want to go!

Please try hard to carve out at least half an hour, if not most of the day, to just be at peace, take it easy, do what’s comfortable and healing as you let the river (and pretty much everything else) flow by.

And send prayers for those who are in no position to do so.

Bright blessings, peace, calm and healing!

Quote for the Day: Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. ~ White Queen

Today’s Weather: Standing stones. Balanced eggs. Mooncakes and libations to trees.

On This Date: 1909 – The Phantom of the Opera, a novel by French writer Gaston Leroux, is first published.

Tarot Card ~ September 22

Seven of Cups

The Questing Beast

Fortune Cookie: Go after the joy. Seek it, quest after it, demand it! And for pity’s sake, at least be sure you can actually define what it is − or what it would be, if you had your druthers − for you.

What a great card for the last day of summer in the northern realms! And it’s a GREAT and also actually useful card for consideration any day at all. At all. Any? Day?

Any?

So are we ready to pay attention? Huh? Huh? Eh?

That’s good, because it’s an important card with a very solid reminder. A reminder of what?

A reminder that we [most of us who are over five years old, ennyway] really need to work on joyfulness in our lives. I know. Sounds couter-intuitive. Right? Well, toobadpayattentionI’mtalkin’here.

So. Joyfulness. My advice would be to stop reading this, have a Guiness or a Mimosa or a tequila sunrise or an Irish coffee or some God Bud pancakes or strawberry cough brownies, or a…

Oh, wait. The blog police are scanning the office. Mindsniffing for fumes. [Creeps.] But that doesn’t mean YOU shouldn’t enjoy yourself in any of the ways suggested.

 

 

Anyway…

We really need to work on joyfulness in our lives. Really.

This is another card where my interpretation may diverge a tidly, tadly bit [or a monster bunch] from that of other readers. And I’m pretty joyful about it.

Some see the Seven of Cups as recommending opening to visions through contemplation. [My astrologer Mary Ellen tells me this is a big year for me in that realm. Guess I better clean out the meditation room.] [Where is the meditation room?] [Oyeah. It’s behind that pile of books on Feng Shui and vegan grilling.]

Mustn’t argue with opening to visions through contemplation, ever, unless you’re ready to have the Storm Troopers of Light come kick yer butt all across the floor, not to mention several dimensions, with at least one of them being Texas. And gold lamé spacesuits with emerald wings and ruby go-go boots first thing in the morning are more than I can handle.

 

 

 

See what I mean?

Some readers find the card dictates that the querent (questioner) has a choice to make, and must decide upon one of various options. [Like, maybe where to put the old Vox amplifier, kayac, blue aluminum Yuletide tree, statues of Grover Cleveland and pile of books on Feng Shui now that I’m clearing out the meditation room?] [Or whether to continue reading this silly sh… Ummm… Stuff.]

Anna-Marie Ferguson, creator of the Legend deck, sees this card as betokening – among other things − fantasy, whims or perhaps a bizarre turn of events. Right up my alley. [My office cat refers to my desk as Eddie Poe’s Bizar Bazar.]

I, however see the Seven of Cups as the card of utter, total complete joy and joyful abandon.

There may be some need to stay at least a bit grounded, so you DON’T go completely off into the realm of fantasy in a

“҉ ҉ ҉ Wow, look at all the pretty colors! ҉ ҉ I’ll betcha I can too live on air and rainbows and weird herbal pancakes ҉ ҉ ҉ !” kinda scenario.

But [but! but! but! but! but!] this is also the card of

Fairy Favors,

creativity and

clear vision

around attaining true desires.

[Legally, mind.] (And, as I said to a client in a recent reading, it really does imply that you’re going to do some meaningful work on defining and owning what your TRUE desires in this life actually are!)

Right?

Thought so!

And this can be a great, great time to do some wishcraft around becoming reacquainted with the Green Fey Friends down the garden way now that Summer is nigh past, and work to re-earn the Fairy Favors they offer.

So go after the joy. Seek it, quest after it, demand it! And for pity’s sake, at least be sure you can actually define what it is − or what it would be, if you had your druthers − for you.

Let yourself renew your belief in and commitment to your happiness, and be open to the myriad magical ways the universe may offer to bring it to you. Let yourself be open to surprises and miracles in that regard. And open to a little Fairy Magic today!

Joy! Joy! Joy!

And JOY!!!

Bright blessings!

And don’t forget joy!

Quote for the Day: Too many people live the lives other people think they ought to, following orders they don’t agree with, for causes they don’t believe in. They live lives that don’t matter, that touch no one and change nothing. ~ Simon R. Green

Today’s Weather: Marigolds. Mums. Butterflies and blue jays. Transpersonal wee folk uploads.

On This Date: 1869 – Richard Wagner‘s opera Das Rheingold premieres in Munich.

There are 100 days remaining until the end of the year.

 

 

Tarot Card ~ September 21

The Fool

Percivale

Fortune Cookie: Follow your bliss! Follow your bliss! Know what your bliss is!!! Follow your bliss!

 

Isn’t that a GREAT picture?

Okay, Y’all: We last saw this card toward the early end of June. Therefore, we’ve all had plenty of time to work with its good counsel and direction.

So which one of you is still holding out on following your bliss? Hunh? Hunh?

Not!! Good!!!!

Anyway, I’m always grateful when this card comes around again, for prolly more reasons than I can count. Sometimes I think this may be the most important card in the deck, for us and for the world in this time. It is in fact the FIRST card in the deck, which should give you some idea of the weight it carries.

 

Just as significant, it’s the antithesis to that common state I see so very often: folks lassoing their own private gloom clouds, knotting them in place just above their heads and walking around beating themselves with a stick [riding crop, electroshock device, or small laser, if budget permits] while chanting that ever-so-helpful mantra, “Life sucks. The world is doomed. Life sucks. The world is doomed. Life sucks. The world is doomed, and I’ll probably be first in line to get whacked.”

If these are in fact transformational times [and they are], then that is ZACKLY the wrong thing to immerse yourself in! No? Yes!

So, back to the card.

 

Da Ful: this card does not mean that you are a fool or are inevitably going to be foolish today ~ at least not in the normal way our culture perceives foolishness.

I call this The Joseph Campbell card. It’s the card that says, “You. You. Yeah, you!! FOLLOW YOUR BLISS. NOW! With joy, hope, excitement and expectation. NOW!!!”

This is therefore the card that offers you permission to go off on your own great and profound personal quest, just like Percivale did. (And he became one of the three greatest knights of all, y’all!)

The important aspect (and for some of us, the hard work) is:

to actually KNOW what our bliss is (or would be/could be) if we would own it.

Because you see, when we get kinda down or times are tough, THAT is often the first knowing or believing or hope that goes RIGHT out the window.

So, as I have written before, this is the somewhat rambling response I’ve given to a few clients when they’ve asked,

Follow my bliss?

What the hell does that mean?

 

You start by knowing what your heart’s true desire is [provided it’s moral, of course. At least mostly. And pretty close to legal.] If necessary, take some time to hone your understanding of what that means to you, for today, anyway. Do it over an extra cuppa if that’s all the time you have. But do it.

Do!! It!!!!

Then, no matter how impossible or illogical it may seem, like −

I’m gonna write a children’s story about an orphan boy who goes to a school for wizards, and it’s going to be so beautifully done it’s going to earn me enough to support myself and my family for the rest of my life. In fact, it’s going to make me the first person to ever earn a billion dollars from writing fiction! [Like THAT could ever happen!]

 

− take your first single SMALL step on the path that follows your bliss.

And see what that leads to.

Then take the next step.

And see what that leads to. And so on.

The difference between The Fool and some other Tarot cards that offer permission to follow your own unique path is that The Fool in particular says,

“Stay connected to your heart, moment by moment.

Know that your heart may change, and so your direction may change, moment by moment. But DO NOT allow yourself to think less of yourself, your efforts or your path because of that. Go where your heart tells you and you will achieve more than most will ever even hope for.”

This is the card of the Sacred Fool, the Holy Fool; the one who is open to divine inspiration and honors it by following his or her bliss, harm to none and love for all, always.

IF we know our hearts truly truly;

IF we honor that which truly resonates for the Highest and Best,

which is always one with OUR Highest and Best;

IF we

follow

our

bliss.

Wishing you a day of magic, and the sacred, and your true path.

Brightest Blissings!

Quote for the Day: I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. ~ Douglas Adams from The Long Dark Tea-time of the Soul

Today’s Weather: Widdershins wobblers.

On This Date:1937 – J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is published. [THAT’S following your bliss!]