Today feels like a lazy, rainy, long day. I am using The Victorian Flower Oracle from Magic Realist Press, designed by Karen Mahony. I use these cards when I feel like playing with something other than the Tarot. An interesting mix here. I like to look at the center card, and let the story tell itself from that card. The card meanings say....A farewell, A hidden romance, A threat. Who would I be saying goodbye to? Perhaps a man that remains hidden, maybe he was always hidden. In that card, I see the 6 candles, barely lit. A shadow falls over Camillia's face, she is hidden, or is the truth hidden from her? The farewell card is tossing a bouquet of blue forget-me-not's into the river. Time to let the water wash it all away. Time to really let go. And why? Why would it be time? A suitor shows up, dressed to impress. He leans in toward the lady, and what response does he get? She is rather prickly. Doesn't let anyone get very close to her. Instead of her delicate soft hand, extended to him, he gets at huge thorn. But, look, he was prepared for her 'who are you, what do you want and and why are you here?' He wears thorn-proof yellow gloves! He's prepared for her! She is so charming. Quite the challenge, and I'd say she's well worth the mating meneuvers he goes through. Under those thorns, she's soft pink and white. She's tender, gentle hearted, easily bruised. Hence the protective attire she wears. It can come off. But not yet. I think the man she's tossing in the river, is why she needed the thorns . This new beau looks like a donkey. A democrat? Humble? Stubborn? Long suffering? Very different from her. An interesting mix. I see a red ribbon tied in a fancy bow, with a tiny golden key hanging from it. The key to her heart? He looks like he's ready to stay awhile and enjoy the show. And with those yellow gloves he might be just the guy to fearlessly take the thistles from her. Ah, she loses her hiding place. But maybe she wants to. Whoever he is, he's a real threat to her singleness. I hope he packed a lunch, this just might take him awhile.

I think it's time for a nap....

Last friday night, I was asked to speak at the Unity Church Single's Group, on the subject of the Tarot. I wanted to have fun with it, so I designed a layout for each of the expected 25 or so people that were to show up. It's a rainy, cold night. I get there, and about 40 excited singles were enjoying the pot luck dinner that preceded my session. I brought various Tarot decks for them to use, and foam boards with the Tarot cards gluesticked to them. I know that will just horrify the traditional tarot people, but hey, it's a good way to explain the sequence of the cards, and have them all together where they can see them. So, I call my layout, 'The Lovers Spread', and I give them each a blank envelope and a blank piece of paper. And the copy of the card layout spread sheet. We have a blast. They are completely out of control, and cannot ask enough questions, or stay in their seats. We're supposed to be there for one hour. Well, three hours later, as they are flipping the lights on and off, to run us out of there, one quiet older gentleman is sitting over at the far table, appearing completely confused at what his cards are trying to tell him. So, I go over there, and ask if I can help. The questions I ask them to ask, were:

1. 'Who' do you see for me in this card, describe this person.

2. 'What' will it be that brings us together?

3. 'Where' are they , on the path to being with me, right now?

4. 'When' will this passionate interlude take place?

5. 'Why' are we meant for each other?

He had drawn these 5 cards, I have posted above. The blank paper was for a question only they would know, and the envelope was to write the cards they drew out, and what they seen in those cards. The answer to their question was somewhere in the symbols, and only they would find it.

As you see the cards he was sadly looking at, I flinched at first glance, then with my ususal upbeat attitude, I searched for a happy ever after story here. Quite challenging. He could only mutter, I don't think there is anyone out there for me. I will always be alone, and I wish I hadn't even done this silly card thing. Personally, I believe the answer is right in front of us, cards or no cards, and if you elimaniate the fear factor, what good news can you find in this group of cards to tell this guy? I jumped in, and said, 'she appears to be new widow. She is in mourning, and not looking for a new mate yet. She is angry and bitter at the loss of her husband. She has suffered, as you have. You will meet her at a support group, or a Spiritual group, and talk. You will find you have much in common, and a friendship will cautiously grow. You know her right now, and have spoken with her. Not knowing she will someday be your Soulmate, you both are blinded by pain, and this pain will be the catalyst that brings you together. Through both your losses, you find happiness you both have never, ever found before. She is tall, slender, silver longish hair, and soft blue eyes.'

He smiled, the sweetest smile, and said, 'I know her! I know who she is!' He hugged me, he eagerly grasp the papers with his reading now printed out on it, to his heart, and said, 'thank you so very, very much.'

Some days it's hard to be a reader. To honestly listen to clients/friends in crisis situations, and find good news there. He was the reason I was to be there that night. I appreciate all the others that had fun and participated, but the joy on his face.......makes me love what I do. I hope I meet them ( he and his lady love) someday, when they are together, strolling hand in hand, with the hard past behind them both, and nothing but happiness on the path ahead of them. I really do believe in happy endings. He made that friday night, a happy memory for me. Cool.