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

Respond Or Stay Seated?

When is it time to respond and when is it time to stay seated?

[Tweet “When is it time to respond and when is it time to stay seated?”]

Fenestra Tarot Queen of Pentacles
Fenestra Tarot

#affirmation Today’s card reminds me to look forward. It reminds me to keep my seat for just a bit longer. Even when prodded and poked, I need to hold my position.

The Fenestra Tarot’s Queen of Pentacles looks out from her throne. She has a soft look on her face but a determined one. This lady has learned that to keep her home and family safe, she must make sacrifices.

Sometimes those are sacrifices of money, of time, but sometimes they are sacrifices of self.

However, she’s also learned not to make those decisions impetuously. Her vision must remain on the goals she has set for her family and for herself.

I think that we all have made sacrifices of self. I think that many of us could look back and say that some of those sacrifices might have been done for the wrong reasons.

Now I try to remain seated. I try not to leap up offering soul, heart and self until I am sure it is what is truly needed from me. It wasn’t an easy lesson–and it isn’t one I always succeed at either.

What about you?

Today’s affirmation:

I am confident. I do the right thing by considering before responding. I hold my peace to learn the truth of a thing. I am a beautiful, strong, honorable human. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Queen of Pentacles, Fenestra Tarot, U.S. Games Systems Inc.

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

Work, Work, Work

Yeah. You know. Just do what needs doing. Make it pleasant or make it fast, but get it done.

Art of Life Seven of Pentacles
Art of Life

Today’s card is the Seven of Pentacles from the Art of Life Tarot. This is a rather unusual deck. It takes famous pictures then combines them with meaningful quotes to invoke the traditional message of the card.

The Seven of Pentacles is the card I call the gardener’s card. It is a reminder that hard work is rewarded. In this particular interpretation I also come away with the meaning that we all work. Even the Empress of China is doing manual labor here. Okay, so it’s pretty easy labor. Probably it is some ceremonial labor, but nonetheless, she’s doing her work.

[Tweet “I am of the mind that you can do the work in one of two ways.”]

You can bitch, moan, kvetch, whine, snivel about how awful it is to have to work.

Or…

Yeah. You know. Just do what needs doing. Make it pleasant or make it fast, but get it done.

Today I work. Today I work with joy. Pleasure in the doing carries me through the day. I acknowledge my place in the world. I am blessed to be breathing. Pain reminds me that I am alive. I seek joy in all things and in all ways. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Seven of Pentacles, Art of Life Tarot, U.S. Games, 2011

#dailyaffirmation
#affirmations
#seekjoy

Music, Boundaries and Petunias

Today’s card is a reminder that I create my own music.
[Tweet “By setting boundaries that work for me, my song has a place to be heard.”]

Paulina Tarot Ace of Pentacles
Paulina Tarot

Boundaries and borders can be scary things. We set them but then allow others to wander all over them–trampling our petunias as it were. I’m better these days about being firm about protecting what’s important to me. One of those things is my right to allow and or disallow those who bring disharmony into my world.

Every orchestra has discordance. It is what makes a song interesting. But no conductor will allow another conductor to change the way he or she conducts. It is, after all, their interpretation.

I’ve run headlong into an interpretation I do not agree with but I do like the conductor. So for now, I will play as part of that orchestra. When the song is done, I will quietly pack and leave.

This Ace of Pentacles from the amazing Paulina Tarot (U.S. Games) reminds me to focus on my own notes for now.

Today I play for me. Today I reset my personal boundaries. Today I want to be at peace with my own choices. I set fences to keep things in as well as out. I am the conductor of my own song. Loved and loving, I love each of you.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Ace of Pentacles, Paulina Tarot, U.S. Games 2009

#dailyaffirmation
#affirmations
#seekjoy

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