My Number One Rule

Zentangle Rule Number One
Zentangle Rule Number One. Feel free to share

So you know that I can’t stop talking about? One of the exercises was to write down your rules. The ones that work for you. The ones that are necessary in your world. Here is my rule number 1.

What is one of your rules for yourself? These are the ones you use to build yourself up with rather than tear yourself down.

Share with me. I want to know.

And if you want to , do! If you get the downloadable version, I get a commission. And I am going to give you a free three card reading (but you have to email me or message me here to let me know. I can’t see your email or any information other than your name. 😀 )

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Zentangle Rule #1 by Arwen Lynch. Feel free to share.

Incredible, Amazing + Powerful

I wish y’all were sitting here with me so I could look you in the eye. Then you would know how much I believe in this.


I raved about this last year. I’m still raving about it. If there is one thing I would instantly repeat from last year, it would be this. And I didn’t even finish it!

WHAT?

It’s true. I skipped around and did what called to me. This is one of the most empowering things I’ve ever undertaken. is all it’s cracked up to be.

NOTE: That’s an affiliate link. If you buy the “download and print” version, I get money from it. If you buy the Amazon print version, I don’t get money from it.

Either way is fine by me. It’s that good. I’m a member of ABLA (Amazing Biz + Life Academy). I don’t use it all the time but when I do? The payoff is amazing.

My Tarot business increased 300% the first year and I only joined in June! This last year has been an increase on that increase. My mailing list went from under 100 to over 500.

Seriously this is a business tool that works. Don’t want to invest in the full ABLA? No worries. Get the workbook. Do the work. Watch your life and business change.

Yeah, I know…this is like a used car salesman’s pitch.

I wish y’all were sitting here with me so I could look you in the eye. Then you would know how much I believe in this.

It’s that good.

[Tweet “Journal prompt, “What would make me say my life is amazing? What steps can I take to get there?””]

. Even if you don’t want that, she gives away! You won’t be sorry. No really!

Okay, I’ll stop.

Did you… never mind.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!

Who’s The CEO of Your Life?

8-airToday’s card reminds me of a post from Tia Johnson. She runs The Violet Sanctuary Spa, LLC. Tia is an attuned Reiki practitioner, Gateway Dreaming™ Coach, certified by Denise Linn, Certified Crystal Healer, by Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy and ANGEL THERAPY PRACTITIONER®, certified by Doreen Virtue, PhD. Plus she’s just got this amazing glow about her.

We are in Leonie’s Amazing Biz + Life Academy together. Tia shared a post titled You Are The C.E.O. Of Your Life that really resonated with me. In this article she asked seven questions. Me being me–I grabbed my beloved Gaian Tarot to answer them.

And the reason this reminds me of the Eight of Air is because of these people sitting in council with one another. They are doing more here than just listening. They are offering advice when asked. They are supporting the speaker on their journey. They are the board members.

The Violet Sanctuary Spa’s C.E.O. Of Your Own Life Spread

1. Who are the board members in your life? That is the people you go to before you make your final decisions, explain your goals to and so forth. Make sure they are trust worthy people who want to see you thrive and be happy in what you choose to pursue and/or change in your life.

Nine of Earth–What a lovely card. This is the card of the accomplished human relaxing and taking stock of their surroundings. This is perfect because the people I go to for advice (and they may not even realize it) are those who seem secure in their own life. They post positive, uplifting things. They write about the good in their life as opposed to the bad. They are my compasses in a way because I point myself in the same direction.

On a personal, I-know-them, basis I turn to my best friend, my lover and my sister. Each of them fulfills a different type of role but all of them want to see me thrive and be happy. I trust that they will not tear me down or heap negativity into my world.

2. What are the ‘departments’ you have in your life? In other words, you have different friends for different things. With whom do you dine, go to art exhibits, party, shop? It’s best to know what roles people play in your life so that you’re not expecting more from them than what they can offer.

Temperance–This card made me smile. It’s the card of balance and moderation. I am blessed with a variety of humans in my world. I can express my creative, playful self by calling on artistic types. My writer self is nourished by other writers. I’m not much of a shopper (more of a GGG “get in, get it and get out” type.

The departments would be Creative Arts with mini-groups for Written and Visual, Social Management which is spearheaded by my friends who love to gather to play games at their house (we aren’t much of a go out crew), and the Food Department which is most definitely led by my beloved Day Off Husband (that’s a joke we have because he’s my go-to guy for a lunch date on my day off.)

3. What executive decisions must you make? Are there people in your life that you need to release? Give them the pink slip! Is there something about yourself that needs to change? What planning and restructuring needs to be done?

Death–Whoa. The Gaian Tarot isn’t one to mess around. Guess I need to identify these folks fast. I’ve been doing that a bit but now I must focus more. I need to eliminate those who dwell in the negative.

I’m certainly not saying that there is no negativity in my life. What I am saying is that I won’t give it time. I won’t feed it. I won’t use my energy to nourish that. That includes dissing others who don’t fit my world view. I will simply disengage quietly and go on about my business.

Death. Really, Gaian Tarot? Really? Still laughing!

4. What is the purpose of your organization aka life? This one may be a tough question to answer because you may be unsure of your purpose. No worries. You can start with thinking about the things you love to do or how you have helped people. For example, are you good at and love giving advice? There’s a talent just waiting to be discovered!

Fool–Or, in this deck, the Seeker. Um, again with the literal, Gaian? If you’ve read my blog a bit, you are probably nodding your head as well. I just revisited the question that started me on this journey.

What if your life’s purpose were simply to seek joy? How hard would that be?”

That is why I say, “Seek Joy, Y’all.” And it’s why I added “Pass it on.” I want you to say that every day. I want you to write it on receipts when you pay your bills. I want you to make it the way you say good-bye. It will be international. I’m determined.
5. What are your daily functions? At my job, it’s communication and execution. I would suggest communicating with yourself, Spirit, and others each day in regards to how you feel, your needs, wants, and so forth. You don’t have to go into great detail with Spirit and other each day. Keep it simple! You can just say to someone, ‘I would love it if the weather was warmer.’ Just be expressive and get that throat chakra going! By executing, you are living, you are doing! Don’t remain day dreaming to long! Come back to the physical world and direct your energy towards something good by doing something as simple as holding the door or complimenting someone!

Seven of Fire–Another literal pull from this great deck, this is the card of the quintessential multi-tasker. I see this blacksmith as one side of the Celtic deity Brighid. She is a healer, a smith and a poet. I like to joke that she can make the sword that will bring you back to her to be healed and then write an epic poem about the battle. Lord have mercy, does this nail my daily functions. So Spirit, I’d love it if I had a better way to manage my tasks.

6. What are your goals? Make short and long term goals and work towards building a road map so that you will remain on track!

Explorer of Air–See how high he climbs? Each branch is a step towards his end goal of reaching the sky. He is the communicator of the Explorers (knights) in this deck.

Goals:

  • Publish something new in fiction as Marilu MannCai and I are working on this now. 🙂
  • Publish How A Fool Does Wander First draft is finished. Have to wrote proposals.
  • Write letter asking those two people on my BIG SCARY DREAMS list to say “Seek Joy, Y’all.” Have upped list to three. Must write letters. 😀

Those are just a few. Thanks to the , one of my big dreams for 2013 is already under way. No lie! You can do it too. It’s not too late. It’s never too late, y’all.

7. Who are the stakeholders in your life? Meaning, who has invested in you? Your parents? Your friends? Your co-workers? Strangers who believe in you? By stakeholder, I don’t mean those who provided you with financial support only, but also their time and other resources. Who were the people who believed in you from the very beginning and remained by your side? Those who believed in you just as you were about to give up. Or, those who helped you get back on track.

Child of Fire–Now this one surprised me a bit. Here is our curious young heart who is ready to feel the passion. S/he has such joy on their face, right? It’s not just the warmth that is creating that pure happiness. It’s the beauty of the fire. See it in your own mind. The red, the yellow, the blues, the white as they dance safely across the log. Know that this beauty is reflected in your own soul. You are the stakeholders in my life. You who have been here. You who have just joined me. You who gently remind me that I know so much more than I give myself credit for. My friends, my family, my spiritual brothers and sisters–thank you for being a part of this journey

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

8 of Air, Gaian Tarot, Joanna Powell Colbert, 2010

Some links in this post are affiliate links.

Tarotscopes: March 31 – April 6, 2013

Gaian_3Group002It’s Sunday so it must be time for Tarotscopes. Happy Easter to those who celebrate this day. Happy Too Much Candy day to the rest. Have you snagged your copy of my Fairy Tale Tarot Spreads? Well why not? Snag away!

    • AQUARIUS Three of Earth Who can help you move forward? Create a mastermind group. Join a network. Connectivity with community is the key this week.
    • PISCES Five of Earth Strong desire to hide. Strong need to take shelter. Examine reasons. Make sure you aren’t just hiding. Face facts, darling.
    • ARIES Six of Air Good time to join w/others of a like mind. Celebrate successes large & small. Embolden others to achieve. Show the way.
It’s not too late to start your incredible year!
    • TAURUS Guardian of Fire Nurture passion. It must be fed or it will go out. What have you neglected? Turn your energy towards yourself. Feed your fire.
    • GEMINI Hermit Study time. Allow space in your world to learn. So much to know but first you must create a quiet space in your world.
    • CANCER Guardian of Earth Others come to you for comfort. Make sure your energy is there. May have to dig deep to find your own strength. It’s there.

Coming Back to Life Ecourse

    • LEO Star Seek guidance from your dreams. Goals out of reach? Extend your soul. Stretch your heart. Reach!. It’s closer than you think.
    • VIRGO Four of Air Nesting is good. Home brings harmony. Let your thoughts be guarded for now. Share only with trusted family and friends. Potential.
    • LIBRA Eight of Water Old tapes holding you back? You’re the only one who can free you. Sinking in emotional muck? Let go of the anchors. SWIM.
Lost? Need to find joy? I can help.
Lost? Need to find joy? I can help.
  • SCORPIO Six of Water Gather with friends. Remember the love. Reconnect to hearts that have been missing. Fill up on solid connections. Reminisce.
  • SAGITTARIUS Lovers Go for it. Deepen current relationships by talking about long-term goals. Create new loves by reaching out to them.
  • CAPRICORN High Priestess Secrets don’t always need to be shared. Mysteries should remain mysteries. Your own intuition is your best guide this week.
Starts 4/1. Click to open up your own creative self. Male goddess types welcome!
Starts 4/1. Click to open up your own creative self. Male goddess types welcome!

P. to the S. Want to laugh your butt off? Bet this makes you laugh til you cry!

Are You Mossy?

GEM78_5This card reminds me that a rolling stone gathers no moss. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it.

On the no moss side, you are assured of a constantly changing view. You will never be bored if you are always on the move.

On the moss side, you would find time to rest and time to sink your roots down into a place before gallivanting off again.

I’ve been both, I think. I’ve lived in Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Utah, and Colorado with several repeat stops in both Louisiana and Texas.

One of the pluses of that gadfly behaviour was the chance to make and maintain friendships all over the country. Thanks to finding the internet (that was in Michigan), I met people I would have never met.

The first stop for me on the internet was pre-world wide web days. In fact, as I write this, I’m wearing a sweatshirt that proudly says, “use your modem to dial.” Oh yeah, those were the days. My first home on the ‘net was a place called Grex. It was magical for me. It’s still out there too!

I found a place where there were areas to be myself as well as areas to play in fantasy worlds as another character. I think it was the first place I exercised my creative writing other than via letters with Cai who is the other half of Marilu Mann.

The Four of Swords here is from AGMuller’s Gemstones and Crystals Tarot. While I don’t necessarily agree with all the choices this deck makes, I love moss agate for the Four of Swords.

Have you been a rolling stone? Where did you roll to?

Have you gathered moss? Where were you when you first felt that idea of “Oh, this is what it feels like to belong?”

I’m challenging you today to use 180 seconds of your day to focus on one of those questions. Then tell me about it.

Four of Swords, Tarot of Gemstones and Crystals, AGMuller 2007

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

I’ve learned how to take my mossy and non-mossy self to the next level with Leonie Dawson. You can too. Click the graphic below (aff link) to learn how. I have belonged since last May and it has truly galvanized me. I’d love to have you join me on this journey.

ABLAHeaderPink

How Do You Show Caring?

Gaian_6AirToday’s card reminds me of the importance of sharing and caring. It’s how I see a perfect world–where we all support one another and lend a hand or ask for help. I’ve asked for help recently and received it. I’ve been asked for help and given it. It’s something we should all practice.

One thing I don’t do enough here is to share others and their blogs. I read a ton of them. I participate in several blog sharing groups where I get to read some brilliant voices. These aren’t professional writers although some are. Most of them are just fellow humans walking a similar path. Some are pagan. Some aren’t. Some are liberals. Some aren’t. I wanted to share some of the ones that have recently moved me.

Recently I read something so profound. This woman is in the Leonie Dawson group that I love. Jacqueline Gates talks about overcoming a huge personal block here. It made me cry. I met Jacquie via the Amazing Biz+Life Academy. Just so you know, that’s an affiliate link of mine. I recommend that group to just about everyone I meet. You can join the full thing for $199 or check out one of the e-courses if you prefer. And she has free offerings as well.

I can’t remember how I found this blog but she makes me laugh. She’s currently taking a short break from blogging. This is the post that first introduced me to Awkwardly Alive And Pleasantly Peculiar’s writings.

It’s hard for me to pick just one of Sibylle’s posts so here’s a link to her whole blog. She’s a cool witch living over on the other side of the pond. I find her to be very uplifting!

I know you are thinking, “What about Tarot, Arwen. Isn’t this a Tarot blog?” Well, yes and no. I like to mix it up even though I am heavily on the Tarot side of things. Did you know I crochet? If you want to read a fabulous blog that mixes crochet, beautiful pictures and an amazing voice, go read Lucy at Attic 24! I’m extremely fond of her monthly mosaic posts. And while I’m on the crochet kick, don’t miss Planet June. She does these amazing amiguri patterns. I also enjoy her wildlife posts featuring critters from her own South African backyard.

Now about those Tarot blogs. I have so many I can’t share them all. A great daily Tarot blog is Chloe over at Inner Whispers. I love her daily draws. Plus she’s a total Tarot Enabler since she uses different decks every week. This post is an excellent example of what she does. She’s got her own deck in progress with Wil Worthington. Check out the Celtic Lenormand coming soon from U.S. Games!

Someone who doesn’t blog daily is Alison Cross. Her blog focuses on the court cards. And, since I love the Game of Thrones books, I love her blog name. She shares interviews with other Tarot folks as well. Ali is the past chairman of TABI. She recently interviewed the amazing Mary K. Greer.

Now for one last non-Tarot blog. This is from Halina, another member of the Amazing Biz+Life Academy. She shares about her own ideas on Inner Spring Cleaning which I just loved.

Rather than go on and on about the many Tarot blogs I love, I’ll stop there. I’d love to hear about your favorite blogs as well. How about leaving me a comment with a link to a blog you love. Since this post is about others, let’s share someone else’s blog instead of our own. 😀

Seek Joy, Y’all. Pass It On!

Six of Air, Gaian Tarot, Llewellyn

Is This The Answer?

So the other day, Jodi Chapman’s blog turned two. She shared a video in which she asked three questions. So I turned those questions into a Tarot spread.

The Jodi Chapman Asks Spread

Click for larger
Click for larger

1. What does your soul want you to know?

This terrific Three of Cups tells me that my soul wants me to know that it is okay to trust and to love. It is more than okay. It is satisfying and fulfilling to have deeper, more meaningful relationships with others.

There’s a fear somewhere in the back of my heart still that I’m not enough. It’s one I fight every day. Do you? Some of the tricks I use are to face that fear squarely. I tell it out loud that I’m more than okay and that I’m more than good enough. I work on myself to stay positive.

It occurs to me that I don’t do that always. There’s a group of friends who like to trash talk one another–and I’m in the thick of it when it gets going. I have to decide if that is okay or if it is not working for me.

I love that the three characters here each have a different tool in front of them. Not your average three gals, are they?

2. What makes your soul sing?

Oh the Six of Swords and the fabulous flying machine! They are off on an adventure, aren’t they? I love this card of high-flying thoughts and focused forward movement.

It does make my soul sing when I look at my goals. When I review what dreams I’m working on bringing into fruition. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! The Create Your Incredible Year Workbook+Planner has galvanized my life, y’all.

Galvanize

I can see where I’m going and have steps on how to get there. Want to join me? You can. It’s never too late to start building, creating, .

3. What dream are you ready to leap into?

Now here’s an interesting response. Another Cup card (emotions rule the Cups) but one of the more morose ones, generally speaking. Yet I see this as truly one of my dreams.

Why?

Do you see his position? He’s relaxed. He’s settled back. True, his expression might be that of a pouty baby, but his feet are up. For me, I’ll forgo his facial whine and focus on his posture.

Those two books on the desk are very important as is the scroll to his far right. The books are the two I have in progress–both are non-fiction Tarot books. The scroll represents four letters I must write if I am to take the first step of one of my other Scary Big Dreams.

And see the fourth cup? Up on the shelf behind him? That one is so beautiful compared to the plain ones on the desk. I am ready to grab that cup and fill it up with even more joy. That’s the dream I’m ready to leap into.

To show you how to seek your own joy using Tarot as a tool.

Do you want to have a conversation with me about how to seek your joy? About how to find your bliss? Are you ready to get honest with yourself and do the work?

I’m here when you need me. Contact me and let’s set up a time to spread the cards to see where you need to correct your own course.

If you join my newsletter, you will be able to take advantage of the newsletter-only discounts I sometimes offer.

I really think Jodi asked some great questions, don’t you? Check out her Coming Back to Life eCourse here.

Now tell me what your dream are you ready to leap into?

Steampunk Tarot, Llewellyn Tarot, 2012

Seek Joy Y’all, Pass it on!

What Are Your Dreams?

But the big dreams? The ones that are so scary I might as well say I am going to run for President? Those dreams? Yeah, those.

WakingWildSpirit_3FireToday’s card has so much to love. It’s a very unusual interpretation of this card. Normally you see someone standing waiting on something to happen. But in the Waking The Wild Spirit (Poppy Palin, Llewellyn, 2002) we are offered a different scenario.

The fairy could be born of the sun behind him. He holds a lantern with a candle (makes me think of the Hermit and his lamp). He launches a moth from his finger. A hedgehog waits beneath the mushroom…and is that angel’s cap to the bottom right?

For a card of waiting, there is a lot happening here. I like that for this card. If you follow the numbers, the ace of fire is about the potential of passion while the two is about a passionate partnership. It could be said this is the results of that passion. 😀

He’s come together with someone else to create something magical. Now he must pause for the results.

What about you? It’s nearly the end of February. For those of you working through with me (and it’s not too late!), where are you in your exploration of your Incredible Year? From our Facebook group, I know some of us are feeling a bit overwhelmed. The biggest sticking point seems to be the “100 Things” list.

I admit that I haven’t written down 100 things I want do do this year. And, grin, some of my list has been written down AFTER I have done it. But it is helping me remember that there are things I want to do.

Do you know that these things are not great earth-shattering events? They are small, nurturing things mostly. I think the biggest one on that list is “fly a kite on the beach.” Not going to change the world with that one, am I?

But the big dreams? The ones that are so scary I might as well say I am going to run for President? Those dreams? Yeah, those.

I have written two of those down along with steps to get there. One is already a done deal. I just got the final illustrations from Lisa Hunt and will be adding them to my Fairy Tale Tarot Spreads eBoook. Those of you who got the non-illustrated version will get the new version free. And I’ve made the decision to beef up the verbiage just a bit as well as shuffle a few things around.

What are your dreams? What do you want to do this year?

Want to know what my other dream is? The scary, big one? I want to hear one of three people say, “Seek Joy, Y’all” to an international audience. No, I won’t tell you who they are other than they are all female and very famous.

So what’s holding me back?

All I need to do is write three letters and mail them. Then I have to wait to see what happens.

Of course, while I’m waiting, I’ll be launching another moth into the air because I am not willing to pause this year. It’s too important. I’m creating my incredible year.

Are you? It’s not too late.

Can you commit to 180 seconds today to write down your dreams? You don’t have to show a soul. Just write them down and then list the steps to get there.

Three of Fire, Waking The Wild Spirit, Llewellyn 2002

Seek Joy, Y’all. Pass it on.

What Do You Not Like?

What is your Modus Operandi when faced with something you just know you won’t like? Have you ever thought that gut feeling might be fear? That maybe you have brought in your own prejudices into the mix?

Efflorescent_8StrengthToday’s card reminds me that sometimes I must try what I think I won’t like. I have to experience things firsthand. Parents have to do this all the time to their children. My mama was pretty strict in some areas. One of those was the “three bites” rule. I’ll bet many of you have been through that on both sides of the spoon.

Here we see a lion seeming to grimace or growl as a woman tenderly hugs him. He isn’t ready for this gentle touch. He wants to go rage and roar and rip things up. But he’s allowing her this intimacy because of trust. What we don’t know is how she built that relationship. I doubt it was instantaneous.

How do you build relationships? What is your Modus Operandi when faced with something you just know you won’t like? Have you ever thought that gut feeling might be fear? That maybe you have brought in your own prejudices into the mix?

I have. I just knew I wouldn’t like yoga. I knew it would hurt my back. I knew I would ache afterwards. I’d look stupid doing all those weird poses and people would laugh at me. But I bartered two readings for a private lesson anyway. I did that because I really liked the two guys I was reading for. Their partnership makes me smile.

Then I put off doing the yoga class until I realized my heel dragging was inconveniencing someone else. So I went.

Yeah, you know the end of this story, right? Loved it. Wanted to do it every week. Haven’t yet but that’s on my this year list. And you can still join me in creating your Incredible Year. It’s never too late.

So for your 180 seconds today, can you commit to trying or exploring something you are sure you don’t like just in case it’s just fear holding you back?

And for the record? I’ve tried lima beans and beets. It’s not fear. It’s really that I do not like them. 😀

Seek Joy, Y’all! Pass it on!

Strength, Efflorescent Tarot, Katie Rose Pipkin
(I own two of the black and white version)

Who Will You Stand Up To Today?

Here we see the character being tormented by the PuppetMaster. This is an age-old battle between these two. I can’t remember the kneeling figure’s name but his nemesis is controlling his mind. He’s lost in old memories, old worries, things he can’t control.

FradellaAdventure_9SwordsToday’s card is one of my favorite renditions of this card. For those new to my blog, I’m a bit of a collector of decks (understatement). Here is the agonizing, tail-chasing, nightmare-suffering poor poor me Nine of Swords.

From one of my favorite decks, the Frank Fradella Adventure Tarot (US Games, 1992) interprets this traditional card of worry in a slightly different way. Here we see the character being tormented by the PuppetMaster. This is an age-old battle between these two. I can’t remember the kneeling figure’s name but his nemesis is controlling his mind. He’s lost in old memories, old worries, things he can’t control.

If I were there, I’d whisper in his ear, “You don’t have to control it all. You don’t have to make retribution for all your mistakes. You are fine just as you are right now.”

I’d hold his hand and urge him to stand up. Not just to the PuppetMaster who has the power to manipulate dreams by turning them into nightmares. No, it isn’t enough to stand up to his nemesis here.

He has to stand up to himself. He has to look himself in the eye. He has to believe in his own power.

I’ve been here. Have you?

Pretty crappy place, eh? (Did I mention I was good at understatement?)

So what will it take for you to stand up to yourself?

What will you need to be able to look yourself in the eyes so you can see the amazing person that you are?

Who will you reach out to today to ask for that friendly hand squeeze, that heartfelt hug, that flash of a grin?

Will you stay on your knees allowing someone else to turn your dreams into nightmares?

No, I didn’t think so. Let’s kick our personal PuppetMasters to the curb, darlings.

Feel yourself wrapped up in a hug from me. Know that you are just fine as you are right this moment.

I don’t care if your hair isn’t brushed, your bank account is overdrawn, you suffer from any number of physical ailments. I don’t care.

What I do care is that your heart is open, your mind is free and that you understand the two rules to a joy-filled life.

1. Seek Joy, Y’all.
2. You can only control what’s in your hula hoop.

Know that I love you.

9 of Swords, Frank Fradella Adventure Tarot, US Games 2002

Seek Joy, Y’all. Pass it on.

P. to the S. If you are still thinking about , the contest is over on Thursday but it is NEVER too late to start your incredible year. 😀