Tag: Llewellyn

Love, Attitude + Revolutions

One way to actually make this happen is easy but you have to be consistent. And it feels silly at first.

VictoriaRegina_7WandsToday’s card reminds me of a quote by Rob Brezny that I love. He says, “The revolution begins at home. If you overthrow yourself again and again, you might earn the right to help overthrow the rest of us.”

That’s an important thought when you combine it with this clever Seven of Wands from my cherished Victoria Regina tarot. Here a young woman of African descent wields her pen against others. She is outmatched but has the higher ground giving her an advantage.

That higher ground for me is my attitude. Yesterday I was very hurt by someone I love dearly. They asked me to stop saying “I love you” because it threatened their partner. I reacted badly I fear. I told them that I would rather unfriend them on Facebook (but not in real life) than have to police my words. I regret that very much. He understood but I felt crappy. To put it bluntly, the whole exchange made me cry.

Then I remembered this saying from Florence Scovel Shinn.

“Change your thoughts, and in the twinkling of an eye, all your conditions change. Sooner or later, you reap the fruits of your words and thoughts.”

It seems so simple to say, doesn’t it? That what you think becomes real? It actually is very true. So you need to make sure that what you are thinking is what you choose to have in your life.
One way to actually make this happen is easy but you have to be consistent. And it feels silly at first.

Every day, take three minutes to sit quietly. Focus on all the good in your life. Not just the big good, but the little good like a good cup of coffee or a smile from a neighbor you passed on the way to the car. Every good counts for this.

When you perceive that your world is good, it will be good. I call it being a positivity magnet. Your energy will attract those that are also looking at life for the good rather than the negative. The negative is going to happen, y’all. That’s just a part of life.

It is within your power (hula hoop time) to choose what you focus on. Do you choose to focus on (and attract) negative things and people or do you choose to focus on (and attract) positive things and people?

And when we change our perceptions, we change our reality! Choose to see it. Choose to live it!

What choice are you going to make today? Stay positive, people.

I chose to embrace my own loving heart. I chose to understand that my friend’s new love is growing emotionally. For whatever reason, my expression of love for my friend seems to threaten her. So, while I mourn not seeing him here on Facebook, it will cause him less drama if I don’t post there. I simply can’t not tell him, and you, that I love you.

It feels urgently important to me. As if I don’t have enough time left to say it to you all. Silly, right?

But there it is. My love revolution is starting at home. I will take the higher ground and hold my position. I will take three minutes today to focus on what brings me joy.

Will you?

Seven of Wands, Victoria Regina Tarot, Llewellyn, 2005, OOP

Seek Joy, y’all. Pass it on.

? Let me know so I can get you your Fairy Tale Tarot Spreads eBook and add you to the seeeekrit Facebook group where we are working on this together.

Rumi, Goals + Steps

Will I achieve all my goals this year? Well, most likely not but I will achieve far more of them this time than last year. That’s a definite.

Rumi_12SwordsToday’s card is from a deck I just adore. There’s a part of me that yearns to relive my life that I must have lived in the Orient. I am so drawn to all things of this nature. I don’t know what it is.

Do you have a place that does that? A time or area of history that just calls to you? I do. I have two. One is Elizabethan England (and I have a past life memory of that that is hysterical and SOOOO not what I expected!) The other is China. I’m not as sure of the era as I haven’t done work there.

Grin. I know one or two of you rolled your eyes at me just now. Past life? Really?

Yes, really.

But what I want to address in this post is the Knight of Swords energy. The Rumi quote

“May God give you prosperity: then you will have already achieved your aim.”

is a bit of strange one. What does our mental guy have to do with prosperity? Isn’t that the Knight of Coins purview? Well maybe it is, but then again if the Knight of Swords keeps his thoughts on his aim, he will gain more than even the most studious of Coin armored guys.

Why?

Because he can see where he is going. He is focused. He has aims. He has achievable steps to reach his goal. That’s something I’m seeing so much on blogs right now. Everyone is interested in telling you (selling you) their way of achieving goals. Hell, even I’m doing that with my constant mention of this which really is all that…

BUT

What is at the core of any of this–mine, hers, his, theirs, yours?

Your individual dedication to your individual goals. Have you written them down? Have you listed the steps you need to take to get them?

I have (because of that ) and one is already in the bag. Another from last year was put on the back burner because I didn’t think I could do it. I wasn’t convinced enough in my own aim to write it down with actionable steps. So it kind of floated into nothingness.

I have to put that back on my list. With steps to achieve that goal.

Will I achieve all my goals this year? Well, most likely not but I will achieve far more of them this time than last year. That’s a definite.

So what goals will you write down? How many steps will each take? Dream big, darlings. Dream big. I’ll be telling you soon about my first big goal that has come to be already. Promise.

Knight of Swords, Guide to the Rumi Tarot, Llewellyn, 2009

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Illuminate, Illustrate & Dream

I see this as a call to illuminate my heart more. To bring color and swirls in. Be more decorative. And that does tie into this lovely card from the Rumi Tarot.

Rumi_7CupsToday’s card reminds me that an illuminated heart is a lovely thing to own. It’s an even lovelier thing to share. Not because of the quote on the card, but because of the header on the back of the book that goes with this deck.

What does it mean to you to have an illuminated heart? For me, I read that word in two ways. One is the common “lit up” way but the other way is the idea that illuminating something is to decorate it. The Book of Kells (oooh look! One you can color on your own!) is an illuminated (and illuminating) book for me.

Another of those is this that I’m doing. We’ve just had a discussion about the 100 things we are each choosing. I’ve confessed that I’ve written down about eight. Someone else, who’s done this workbook in the past, shared that hers included fun, fanciful things like eat a purple cake with sprinkles. Her advice was to loosen up a bit–to play some more.

I see this as a call to illuminate my heart more. To bring color and swirls in. Be more decorative. And that does tie into this lovely card from the Rumi Tarot.

Here we are told

the present world is but a dream the sleeper imagines to be real.

Seems a bit chastising in a way, but what if the dream we are having is one where the present world is moving towards joy? What if we all focus on the same dream of good coming out on top? What then?

Wouldn’t that be a lovely reality as well as dream?

Illuminate your heart first. Then watch as the light spreads decoration and hope to the person you are closest to and then from them to the next.

We are strong human beings, y’all. Imagine how fierce and strong we are when we focus on the same thing. Just dream how marvelous that could be.

A whole world with illuminated hearts…

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Join me on my and then friend me here on Facebook so I can get you into the group. We are thrilled to have you join us.

7 of Cups, Guide to the Rumi Tarot, Llewellyn Publications, 2009

Abundance, Webs & Fear

Not to worry about what I don’t have but to appreciate what I do. One of my very favorite representations of the Empress, the Gaian Tarot’s Empress is a perfect card for today.

Today’s card is a reminder to me to celebrate the abundance of life as it is. Not to worry about what I don’t have but to appreciate what I do. One of my very favorite representations of the Empress, the Gaian Tarot’s Empress is a perfect card for today.

Some of us celebrate Thanksgiving. Some of us celebrate the First Harvest. Some of us celebrate a chance to gather with friends and family. Some of us celebrate a chance to be alone. Whatever and however you choose to spend this day, I hope you will carry this one thought with you.

I love each of you. I struggled a long time with the concept of unconditional love. Today, right now, I get it. I understand that it is not about you. It is not about me. It is about allowing the Universe to channel joy and love and a simple appreciation for life through me and through you.

We are a web lit up with joy and happiness. Even if your first response is a sarcastic one that rejects your place, you are here as well. I understand fear, darlings. It kept me out of my own place in this web for years.

Seek joy, y’all. We are waiting for you. Pass it on.

Gardener, Gaian Tarot, Llewellyn 2011

Arguments, Choices & Swords

I think it is a good thing to be selfish as times. It can be nurturing to your inner child to know that someone is willing to be a little greedy and eat the last cookie.

Today’s card is a reminder that life can present us with hard choices. Do we do what we want? Do we do what someone else wants? How do we choose between those two things?

Toddler Arwen roars and waves her tiny T-Rex arms shouting, “ME ME ME ME!”

Adult Arwen sighs and wrings her probably-need-more-moisturizer hands, asking, “Am I being selfish?”

The Two of Swords is a very internal argument of self. Both choices have merit. I think it is a good thing to be selfish as times. It can be nurturing to your inner child to know that someone is willing to be a little greedy and eat the last cookie.

Similarly, it can be empowering to the adult self to know you have saved the last cookie for someone you love to enjoy. There is a joy in not telling them that you put the cookie back (okay, maybe I sniffed it too.)

Of course, this doesn’t really provide an answer for “which do I choose” but that’s pretty much how I read Tarot. 😀 My clients always tell me I that I helped them but left them with new questions.

YAY ME!

I do warn folks that I tend to leave you with homework after a consultation. Tarot, for me, is introspective and self-challenging. I think you need to empower yourself by understanding WHY you make certain choices. Whether those choices are good or bad really isn’t the key ingredient. Do the choices empower you and encourage you and emphatically push you to be a better person.

That’s the real question. And, in a loop-de-loop way, it is also the answer to which choice to make, isn’t it.

Two of Swords,
The Gilded Tarot (Book and Tarot Deck Set), Llewellyn 2012

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!

Nurture, New & Swans

I’m so tickled to have folks subscribed that I thought I’d give them a treat just for them. There’s another treat tucked in there as well, but that’s just for them.

Today’s card reminds me of all the things I have to do. I see this gorgeous girl focusing not on all the adults around her but on the baby in her arms.

She, like me, is focused on something new, something coming. She sees the potential in this flightless cygnet and so do I. I’ve been working on my newsletter today along with my monthly Tarotscopes podcast. Did you know I’ve been doing them for several years now?

This month, my newsletter readers will have their Tarotscope podcast announcement earlier than anyone else. I’m so tickled to have folks subscribed that I thought I’d give them a treat just for them. There’s another treat tucked in there as well, but that’s just for them.

If you want to get yours early or want to see what my treat for my November newsletter subscribers is, you can sign up.

So what are you nurturing right now? Are you remembering to focus on the beginning rather than worrying about the end? Do you gaze out your window looking at those who are doing what you want to do or are you keeping your eyes on the prize, the project, the promise you made to yourself.

You can let others lift you up and show you the way like our Page of Swords (Shadowscapes Tarot) is doing. But never forget that you are the one sheltering that new beginning. You are the one watching it carefully to know when it has wings ready to fly.

What do you nurture today?

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!

Page of Swords, Shadowscapes Tarot, Llewellyn Publishing, 2010

Tarotscopes 10/28 – 11/3

So how was your last week? What is this week looking like? Do tell teh Arwen! I love hearing from you.

  • AQUARIUS What will U harvest? What will U plant? Never take away more than U can put back. Weeding excepted. What must be let go of?
  • PISCES Love! It’s in the air. Just hold yr arms out to let the joy rush in. Let others show U their love. Don’t be shy, you deserve it.
  • ARIES Careful. When U believe what they say about U, it can tie U down. Only accept what lifts U up. Manage yr addictions, please.
  • TAURUS Group projects successful. Gather w/ friends. Make some joy to put away. Bank that laughter like it’s gold. Smile sustainability.
  • GEMINI Sometimes U must walk away. Community that doesn’t sustain U isn’t for U. Seek again, dears. U have companions on this walk.
  • CANCER Choices? Stop dithering. Pick 1 or lose them all. The beauty is U won’t lose. Unless U refuse to choose. Drink deep. Commit.
  • LEO Joy finds U & lights U up. Don’t be surprised by passion flaring up in good ways. Single? Get ready to be wowed by someone.
  • VIRGO Stop waiting to be filled up. DO IT YOURSELF–just like everything else. This is about yr attitude, precious. So start smiling.
  • LIBRA Emotional exploration is scary but necessary. Write that love letter. Let it out. U need to go deeper if U want them to. Lead.
  • SCORPIO When U join w/ other to make mindful community, things happen. Good things. Amazing things. Reach out. Link up. Create family.
  • SAGITTARIUS Yes, U do need to take that risk. Pack a bag. Hit the back roads for a bit. U can always come back. Opportunity is shouting.
  • CAPRICORN HPS Some mysteries need to be left alone. Knowing everything about everyone may not be in your best interest. Keep your counsel.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

I did this week’s Tarotscopes with my beloved Gaian Tarot, Llewellyn Publications, 2011

10 of Earth, Gaian Tarot

Safe, Secure & Apples

There won’t always be apples! That tree could die. It could get cut down. He might fall from the tree. And what about that rabbit anyway?

Today’s card is one that never fails to make me smile. Even on a day like today when I got news that I didn’t care for, this little boy examining his apple makes me happy.

Why does he examine the apple? Do you think he is looking for the bad spot? At his age? Nahhhh, he’s just looking at the pretty, shiny red surface. He’s considering where to sink his teeth in. He’s considering how much he will share with his lop-eared friend. He isn’t worried about where the next apple will come from.

In fact, our Child of Earth from the Gaian Tarot is pretty secure in the knowledge that there will be more apples where this one came from. I mean all he has to do is climb that old apple tree behind him to get more.

And the adult in some of us is thinking:

There won’t always be apples! That tree could die. It could get cut down. He might fall from the tree. And what about that rabbit anyway? It might run off! It could get hit by a car or eaten by a coyote.

Child of Earth don’t care.

The Child of Earth understands that his basic needs are taken care of. He is secure and safe.

And that’s what really matters. If you are not secure and safe when you read this, stop reading right now and make that happen. There are places and people who will help you.

If you are secure and safe when you read this, stop worrying so much about that next dollar in your bank account. Let this moment–this one right now–be your joy. You are not in a situation that requires police or medical intervention. You are safe. You are secure. There are more apples coming. The bunny is your guide to joy today so hop along, darlings. Hop along.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!

Child of Earth, Gaian Tarot, Llewellyn Publishing, 2011

Burdens, Busses & No

Today’s card reminds me of that children’s game Pick Up Sticks. Only this is a less fun adult version. In this version, instead of only picking the sticks that won’t bring the pile crashing down, you are to pick up as many sticks as you can. The goal here is to see how much you can carry.

Oh! Did I mention that you will also have to keep moving and probably get asked to pick up more sticks as you go?

WHAT?

I know, right. Sounds unfair. I mean who says you have to pick up all these burdens and do all this stuff while you are just trying to move down the road.

Um.

Well.

About that. The person asking isn’t nearly as the person saying, “Yes, I can do that.”

And if you aren’t sure who is agreeing to this, then, sugar, it’s time to check your mirror again.

At some point, you must slam your foot down. You must learn to say no. How on earth can you find joy if you are doing so much busy work? And yes, some of that “if I don’t do it no one else will” crap is just you saying “I need to feel needed so I’m going to do this”.

Sorry, but it is. Reality check. If you got hit by a bus today, someone would take up where you left off. If you say, “No, I can’t join that committee”, trust me, someone will step up.

One of life’s little secrets? You don’t have to do it all.

The 10 of Wands here (from the Witches Tarot, Llewellyn, 2012) shows someone trying to carry a huge bundle up a rocky road. He’s been at it so long, looks like some of those sticks have sprouted. So he’s going to have more work.

What can you let go of? What is just filler? What is just you being a bit afraid to be alone? That being alone isn’t life-threatening. It can be a chance to meditate, do some YOU work.

So practice it with me. “No, I can’t.”

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

10 Wands, Witches Tarot, Llewellyn 2012

Whips, Sticks & Carrots

Today’s card is from a very direct little Tarot deck. There’s little to wonder about here. The creator of the deck has repurposed the Magician into a very believable new idea. Motivation. So what motivates you? Carrot or Stick?

Our Magician holds out a shiny gold trophy or a whip as your two choices. A gold fish is cramped in a too-small-for-swimming fish bowl. Behind him you can see the signs for Cancer and for Scorpio. Water, anyone?

I just told a client last night that a fish grows to the size of its environment. Sometimes you have to make your escape for the deeper waters, the bigger pond. But what makes any of us actually take that step?

Let’s face it. It’s not easy leaving your comfort zone. If you have gotten used to the idea of where you are (even if it’s not where you want to be), you may not be willing to risk it.

Better the devil you know, right?

WRONG! What if you never make that move? What if you never break for the finish line? What if you never step out of the hamster wheel you’ve allowed yourself to think of as progress?

That’s the whip.

Let’s look at the trophy instead. What if you succeed? What if you find a job that makes you wake up before the alarm goes off? What if you create a family of friends who truly understand you and help you become better each day?

Don’t stay in a bowl that’s too small, y’all, Swim out. Remember Dory? Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. Just keep swimming.

When you need motivation, focus on the carrot for yourself. We have enough outside forces ready to apply whips and sticks. Love yourself. Love that bright and shiny you in the mirror. Tell yourself every day what a marvelous human being you are.

And know that you are. Be your own carrot, darlings.

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!

Motivation, Bright Ideas Tarot, Llewellyn Publications, 2005