Embracing Change?

Part of my daily practice is to write. I like to pull a card (Lenormand, Tarot, Oracle) then write about what it brings up in me. In our current climate, change has been a topic seemingly from everyone.

  • What do we do about change?
  • How do we create change?
  • How do we change things that are changing?
  • Can we change ourselves to adapt to our new climate?

And so it goes. I don’t think the discussion is new. I do think it is louder, more vociferous, more in-my-face than it has been. I also think it is showing me things that I cannot condone.

Violence in thought, word and/or deed is a big one for me.

All of that was on my mind when I wrote down the question for the day.

How can I embrace change more effectively?

If I am honest, I can admit that I was pretty sure I knew what my answer was. I would just have to embrace change as it came.

But the card I pulled forced me into a deeper way of looking at thing. A more profound yet far simpler answer was waiting for me in the turn of a card.

Using the Housewives Tarot (Quirk Books 2004), I flipped over the Three of Pentacles. And here is part of my journal entry.


Housewives Tarot Three of Pentacles
Housewives Tarot

Interesting. She’s doing the work to reinforce the shelf while the other three look on. Why are they not helping?

And that’s it in a small, encapsulated natural holder: nutshell. She doesn’t care that they are not helping. That they seem to be judging her work. She’s doing the work that needs to be done.

Her arms/hands are the tools. Left hand is a hammer. Right hand is a screwdriver. She didn’t have to stop to grab tools. She is Tools.

The work doesn’t scare her. She is as cheerful as a robin greeting spring. This isn’t about her. It isn’t about them. It isn’t even about the shelf.

It’s about the work itself.

She would be fixing something else if not this shelf. She’d be creating more plates. She’d be inventorying her environment to see what needed doing.

She would just do. It is where her joy is. In the doing.

Not the doing for others.
Just the very act of doing.

Today I do what needs to be done.


I end each journal entry with an affirmation. I tell my clients that affirmations are best said out-loud. I advocate that they are done three times three. By that I mean, say the affirmation three times. Do that three times a day so that you have a total of nine. Bare minimum!

And say them out loud. Look yourself in the eye in the mirror when you do this. Our brains process what we hear differently than when we read the same thing.

So what will you do about change? My answer turned out to be to just do the work that needs to be done. I guess the Universe is kicking me in the rump telling me to stop worrying about the efficacy of what I do and worry about the DO part of what I do.

Today I do what needs to be done. I know what I see that needs doing, but I don’t want to put words into your mouths. Instead please let me know in the comments what you will be doing.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

The Future Is Cancelled

Japaridze Tarot Seven of Gardens
Japaridze Tarot

#affirmation There’s a difference, I feel, between being a realist and being the person who stomps on your own dreams. I think this card shows that difference.

In this card from the new (and gorgeous) Japaridze Tarot, the suit of earth/pentacles/coins is represented by Gardens. That’s an easy translation for me.

Traditionally the 7 of Coins is the card that shows a man resting while his garden continues to grow. He has been doing hard work but he is taking a much needed break.

Some of us would poo-poo the idea of needing to take that moment. Surely there is something else that can be done. Finished hoeing? Well get to the beans to see if any need harvesting. No? What about the shed? Wouldn’t your time be better spent organizing your tools so you could be more productive?

And so it goes. There is always something else that needs doing. Always one more task you cross off your list.

But what about the dreams? What about the expectations? What about the future?

[Tweet “Future won’t come if you don’t keep working!”]

Really? Stop working and see what happens. Tomorrow gets here as surely as today fades into the past.

I’m not saying don’t work at all. I’m not saying don’t cross things off your to-do list.

I am saying that it is critically important to give time to dreaming.

Maybe you should put that on your to-do list?

Today’s affirmation:

Dreaming brings me joy. Downtime is good time. I allow myself space between the busy busy moments to dream. I honor the dreamer in me. Today I take time to dream a little dream of joy. Today I honor the emptiness so that it may be filled with dreams. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Seven of Gardens, Japaridze Tarot, U.S. Games

Vampires, Generosity + Writing

Learning about receiving from the act of giving.

Gaian Tarot Six of Earth
Gaian Tarot

#affirmation I’d like to chat with you today about generosity. It’s a concept that many of us are very comfortable with—from one side. It’s hard to be on the other side though. And that’s what this card, the Six of Coins is about.

There are many ways that this card is portrayed. One of my personal favorites is this one from Joanna Powell Colbert’s Gaian Tarot (OOP/hard to find). You can, I think, still get limited edition copies from Joanna at http://www.gaiantarot.com.

[Tweet “What lessons do we learn in receiving? How has your life been changed?”]

We are all in the know on how to be kind to others. How to be generous of self, spirit, time and even money. It is a definite feel-good to help another out. Think about how much joy you get from saving an animal or helping a friend or stranger.

Now put yourself in the position of that friend or even that stranger. Imagine what it must have taken to ask or just to stand there silently on a corner waiting for someone to roll a window down and hand you a quarter.

Could you smile and say thank you?

In my life as a writer, I’ve been showered with so much generosity. So many authors who have taught free or discounted courses. Who have volunteered their time at conferences to lead workshops. Who have answered questions on writers email lists without ever expecting to be paid or compensated in any way.

One of those is Colleen Gleason. I first read her book “And The Rest Falls Away” when it came out. I didn’t know her then. I simply saw a gorgeous cover with an evocative title. When I read it was a vampire novel set in Regency England? Oh yeah, had to have it.

And it was that good.

RestFallsAway99Grab your own copy at just .99 for your Kindle.

The book turns a lot of “romance musts” on their ears so be prepared.

Colleen also has a Facebook discussion group for Gardella fans.

I wanted to say thank you to Colleen who, as a New York Times Bestselling author, doesn’t have to say boo to those of us not in that hallowed membership. She’s always been truly gracious, not to mention fricking funny. I guess you can say I’m a fan–grrrl. 😀

Just know that the book is only on sale a few days this week so don’t delay. You know your Kindle wants it.

Today’s affirmation:

I accept what is given to me. I honor both the giver and the gift. I remember that sharing what I have is an honor. I am blessed beyond measure. I give thanks for the pleasure of being alive. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Six of Earth, Gaian Tarot, Joanna Powell Colbert

Hype, Reality + Responsibility

Today is about hyperbole vs reality. Who’s responsible?

[Tweet “Today is about hyperbole vs reality. Who’s responsible?”]

Tarot of the Zirkus Magi Governor of Rings
Tarot of the Zirkus Magi

Today’s #affirmation is brought to us by a man who thought he could take down P.T. Barnum. He was so huge that they called him the father of the modern circus. He single-handedly brought Jumbo the elephant to America.

Okay, so a lot of that is hyperbole…or to use the more common shortened version–hype.

This Governor of Rings is James Anthony Bailey who was born as a McGuiness. His career as a circus owner/ringmaster was legendary. He had his own show then joined with P.T. Barnum. They eventually joined with the Ringling Brothers to form what is a still active circus troupe.

Many of us dislike circuses now for the treatment of animals. I’m going to put that aside for now. Instead, I want to shine a light on this card. The traditional name is the King of Pentacles. He is often seen as a bit of a stick-in-the-mud Mr. Banks type by me.

His role in the Tarot is often that of taskmaster, banker, rule enforcer. Here he’s been given a different hat (top hat, even) to wear. This man is now a ringmaster of a circus. He must do more than point out the amazing acts and beautiful girls. He also is responsible for the overall financial success of his endeavors.

And more than that? He is the ultimate yes-or-no in many people’s lives. Their livelihood depends on this man. It cannot be an easy thing to have that much responsibility. I imagine he understood “heavy is the head that wears the crown” on a very personal level.

Responsibility happens.

I am responsible for making sure my bills get paid, my animals get the food and medical attention they need and so on. Some days I’d like to chuck it all to go live in a cave. But the reality is, responsibility exists.

So that brings us to today’s affirmation:

Today I am responsible for my own happiness. Today I remember to choose to be in a good mood. Today I remember to celebrate my ability to be responsible. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!

P. to the S. Are you going to do #NaNoWriMo this year? It’s my first year as a participant. Usually I’m teaching a workshop instead. I finally made the workshop an eCourse So if you are doing it, come find me! I’m TarotByArwen there.

Governor of Rings, Tarot of the Zirkus Magi, Douglas Thornsjo 2014

Blank Walls

Discussion of the Ace of Pentacles from the Crystal Visions Tarot

[Tweet “What is the potential of a blank wall?”]

Crystal Visions Tarot Ace of Pentacles
Crystal Visions Tarot

Today’s card reminds me of empty spaces. It makes me think of what is coming to those empty spaces. I guess in a way this is the potential of a blank wall.

Here we see the Ace of Pentacles from the Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso. And yes, that is the Stevie Nicks song she is referring to.

A pentacle is woven between two trees with vines growing around it. Beneath it are crystals, gems and more of the vine. It is what is beneath that calls to me in this picture. The potential of the crystals that grow there.

I must tell you that I’ve had and used this deck since it came out. I’ve just now seen two women in this deck. Ha! Tarot never fails to surprise me.

So here’s to growth and empty spaces and surprises. Just like an empty wall in a home, this card waits to be filled. It’s an offering to us…a promise of good things to come.

Today’s affirmation:

I am open to abundance. I walk into prosperity. I fill up my world with beauty and joy. I am strong. I am light. I am love. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Ace of Pentacles, Crystal Visions Tarot, U.S. Games Systems Inc.

Of Gods And Aces

Of Gods And Aces — A god, an ace and a bone walk into a bar. What’s next?

[Tweet “A god, an ace and a bone walk into a bar. What’s next?”]

The Wooden Tarot Ace of Bones
The Wooden Tarot

#affirmation Sticking with the Wooden Tarot, today’s card is another of the ones that gives me pause. Actually it is one of four that give me pause for the same reason.

Aces, to me, are seed energy. They are the potential of the suit. A.L. Swartz has chosen to rename the aces to god. So we have the God of Bones today rather than the Ace.

Of course, as I write it out, as usual I come to an understanding. The all seeing eye in the triangle (a nod to the Illuminati I think) floats above a generic figure where hands float with a bone between them.

Seed energy. Beginnings. Potentials. This is the Earth suit in this deck. I would call it Coins or Pentacles in a more traditional deck.

I am reminded of the Christian story about God creating Eve from Adam’s rib. While that’s not a rib bone (unless I miss my guess), there is a magic waiting to happen here.

So many cultures use bones. My friend Fiona Robinson at Open Roads Coaching does bone readings even today.

Okay, A.L., I think I understand why gods are aces in your deck. Well played, sir. Well played indeed.

Today’s affirmation:

I am potential. I am possibility. I am the beginning of my own next great event. I breathe in ability. I breathe out creativity. I begin again today. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

God of Bones, The Wooden Tarot, SkullGarden.net

NOTE: I have added a (c)A.L. Swartz to the images to protect the artist’s rights.

The Joy Challenge: Day Five

Wait. Day five of the joy challenge includes yelling at your mother???

Joy Mum White
Joy Mum

Day five is here. It’s a bit grey here in Texas, but OH the temperature. I haven’t seen 70 in the morning in ages. It’s bringing me a lot of joy right now.

Have you looked yourself in the mirror yet to say this, “I am a joy seeker. Joy finds me. I am a joy magnet.” ??

I did…sort of. I looked myself in my reflection in the laptop screen. Hey! That counts.

Tell me some little joys that have come to you. One of mine was a pair of house wrens on my back porch. One of them wanted to make a nest in the can holder on my camp chair. The other one was obviously not impressed. I laughed at their antics.

You?

Oh! Today is Tarot Blog Hop day so the monthly Tarotscopes will be up tomorrow.

Oh SHUT UP Mom! is my discussion on the Queen of Pentacles. It includes an original spread.

[Tweet “Wait. Day five of the joy challenge includes yelling at your mother???”]

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Joy Mum White, Stephanie Arwen Lynch-Poe, 2014

Why Hula Hoops Beat Procrastination

Thoughts on hula hoops helping beat a really bad habit.

Crystal Visions Tarot Ace of Pentacles
Crystal Visions Tarot

Today’s card reminds me that hula hoops are an important metaphor in my life. This goes back to something my sister told me. I can’t remember who told her but the saying goes like this.

I can only control what is in my own hula hoop.

So stand up. Now hold your arms out as if you were holding a hula hoop about yourself. Swing your arms to the front and back and to the sides. Get a feel for how much space that is.

You control everything inside that hula hoop area. It’s all yours. You are mistress or master of your domain. Anyone inside that circumference must bow to your wishes.

Anything outside of that circumference?

Repeat after me…not my circus, not my monekys.

If we all focused less on the trauma-drama of others, how much happier we would be. If we simply provided space to listen them and let go of trying to fix them, we could get to the real meat of our day.

Our own stuff.

Yep, it’s a really highly developed procrastination technique. The more I can worry about your shit, the less I have to work on my own.

[Tweet “So which will it be today? Useless worry or meaningful work? It’s your choice.”]

Today I focus on my own needs. Today I listen to others and let go of any misguided notion of fixing them. I am in charge of my own experience. I can only control what is in my own hula hoop. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Ace of Pentacles, Crystal Visions Tarot, U.S. Games 2011

#dailyaffirmations
#affirmations
#seekjoy

Gardens, Winter & Hope

Yeah. Always looking for the bad can’t be good

Tarot Of Trees 7 Pentacles
Tarot Of Trees

So today’s thought comes from wondering about my garden. I have a tiny patio garden going with tomatoes, peppers and basil. I was going to say herbs, but really, it’s just a heirloom basil out there.

Each plant is growing to the best of its ability. I was thinking how many projects I have going. Each of them is growing to the best of their ability as well.

I have a memorization project going on and, I’m proud to say, I’ve got them down almost pat. Repetition and a cool memorization technique learned from the fabulous Donnaleigh de La Rose helped there.

I also thought about how sometimes gardens and projects must be protected from the chill of winter or the lack of water or the harsh summer sun. Or the words that mimic those energies.

How often have you had something you were very excited about? You dreamed, plotted and planned. You develop what you think is an amazing idea then tell it to someone.

And that someone sees nothing but failure. Nothing but loss. Nothing but the myriad ways it could all go wrong.

“Someone’s already written that book.”
“Someone’s already taught that subject.”
“People will laugh at you.”

So many wintery words, drought-inducing thoughts and heated remarks can decimate your garden of dreams. And many of the people don’t even realize what they’ve done or what they are doing

I don’t blame them (generally speaking.) I blame our society. We’ve been taught to look for potholes and traps and enemies. We go through live expecting someone is out to get us. There’s even a funny catch phrase that goes, “Just because you think someone’s out to get you doesn’t mean they aren’t.”

[Twitter “Yeah. Always looking for the bad can’t be good.”]

So today I stay excited about my work. Today I am my own cheerleader, my own publicist and my own fan. Today I work to give birth to my passion, to my dreams, to my hopes. Today I believe in me. Loved and loving, I love each of you. Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Seven of Pentacles, Tarot of Trees, Dana Driscoll

P.S. Got a book you want to write? Need a hand? Try my 33 Day eCourse Tarot for Writers to finish that book.

Cookies, Horns + Thank You

Hell, you resist a 7 year old with green eyes, curly hair and a box of sugar. Not. Happening.

EfflorescentTarot_6CoinsToday’s card makes me stop and think about how difficult it is to give me a compliment. I invariably insult the person trying to be nice to me. I blow it off. I ask them if they are meaning to talk to someone else.

[Tweet “In a nutshell, I’m graceless when it comes to saying, “thank you.””]

Why is that?

Is it because a lot of our raising is based on humility? On not tooting your own horn?

I still feel weird when I tell y’all about stuff I have for you. Even the free stuff weirds me out some days.

And I’m a pretty damned good sales person all in all. In fact, when I was a little girl, I got in a lot of trouble for my Girl Scout cookie sales.

Why?

Well, they told me the sales were to help us go camping more. Y’all, I loved (and still do) camping. So I humped those cookies from door to door selling them for .30 a box. I did a great job too.

Hell, you resist a 7 year old with green eyes, curly hair and a box of sugar. Not. Happening.

Then the boom came down. Neighbor lady asked my mama why her niece was selling the same cookies for .25 a box.

BUSTED.

I had to go return every nickel. lol

But now, when I know I have a super product with a great price point and folks raving about it, I cringe and have to make myself remember to tell you about it.

I cringe in the same way when someone tells me I look nice or did good or whatever. I want to ask them who they really meant to say that to or what they really want from me.

When did we lose our ability to just say, “thank you, I worked very hard on it so I appreciate your kindness” or just, you know, “thank you.”

Journal prompt for today is, “What’s the hardest compliment for you to hear? Why?”

6 of Coins, Efflorescent Tarot, Katie Rose Pipkin, self-published

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.