Maiden of Mystery

Stones

2012-01-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Stones

I was wandering around a Bookstore in town, when this book stood out to me. Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn. I have never been a fan of Christian fiction books, but this one grabbed my attention. I bought it, brought it home, and could not put it down. I understand some people do not see how I can be a Christian, and a Tarot Card Reader. Well, I am. I was born into a religious family, and have struggled with what I honestly believe, and what I was taught to believe. And I am at peace with my faith, with Jesus, and with the cards.

This is a story about a woman, a woman that did everything right to make a wonderful home and have the perfect marriage. Then she fell in love with another man, and had an affair. A very public affair. She meets a unorthodox psychologist and begins to delve into what and why this happened. And as he began working with her, this is no easy job, as she thinks she knows why it happened. And yet, she really doesn't. As they go into short sessions, he drops questions, like pebbles, for her to ponder. She is being blamed, by her friends, colleges, family, everyone.....for the demise of the marriage. And riddled with guilt, she accepts the blame. And questions, where is God in all this mess?

During one conversation, Sully, the counselor, asks her how she is doing....and she answers, she feels like she is being stoned. You remember in the Bible, when you committed adultery, you were stoned to death. Seems we haven't learned as much as we think, as we still point fingers, and want to place blame on someone. Some guilty party. And you are stoned, word by word, you feel like you are being tortured, little by little, you die. Maybe no one can see it, but you feel it. And part of your Soul dies. Sully asks her, who do you see, holding the stones? She rattles off all the people she thought were her friends, family, by name. And especially, her soon to be ex husband. He is holding the biggest stone.

Affairs are never about sex. They are about someone that listens to you. And this wise, nutty, counselor, takes her back in time, to what her life was like, way before this other man came in the picture. Her husband was busy, distant. Expected her to take care of the house, kids, everything he really didn't want to deal with. That was what a good Godly wife should do. And she did it. Not as a couple, but as this is her job, just do it and God will fix all the problems. And don't question the husband, as he has a job also, and so much pressure, leave him alone. Don't burden him with your stuff. So, slowly, like stone by stone, resentment builds up. No big fights. Just quietly.....stone by stone. And you know how a beautiful meadow creek is, when the water is running over the stones in the bottom, it is soothing, and clear. You can see every stone. They just sort of show up, and fit together.

I had taken this picture this summer at a park, and loved the way the stones were laying, and the different colors. So I posted it for you to see.

Then I looked through my Tarot Cards, the Initiatory of the Golden Dawn Tarot Deck is used here. I looked for a card with stones on the bottom of the card. And I found it, The Devil. These stones are packed in there. No getting them out. Each one represents something one of these people are holding against the other person. This is the same pose as the Lovers Card, but love is gone now. And fear, feeling chained to each other, and believing you are in a living hell, is where this couple are standing right now.

What if you could honestly go back in time, to the first stone. And give it a name. And as a married couple, both of you could look at it, and love it, forgive it. Toss it away. Far away. And as the stones in life, start to pile up, fall down and we just walk over them, not really looking at, what we choose to not see. Don't rock the boat, no confrontation. Whatever you do, don't fight in front of the children. Act like everything is fine. Yet, you both know it's not. And what really got my attention, is how the counselor presented it to her.....one person cannot do this alone. And one person cannot have an affair alone. She had been alone in her marriage for so long...she numbed herself out by staying busy. By doing everything, keeping all the bases covered. And tried not to bother him, her husband, with her problems. He taught her to do it all herself. He taught her to leave him alone. And she learned her job very well. Then one day, a man, it could be any man, was kind to her. Talked to her and listened to her. And that was all it took. She had found a friend.

Then I looked for a Tarot Card with no stones in it. And I found The Star. Just beauty, peace, and 2 pitchers being poured by a naked, innocent woman, into peaceful waters. This chic is hiding nothing. She has told him everything, her husband, and he has listened. He has helped her pick up the stones that would block the flow of passion, love, friendship, they had at one time. Look at how high the water is, and how lovely. And they can find love again, if both of them are willing to see, who placed the stone there. And why. And they both can pick it up together, and do something else with it. How about building a real loving home with it? It could be the foundation, all the stones.....bathed in forgiveness, could now hold up the home. Hold them together. Instead of apart.

The Tarot is a pack of pictures, that bring up memories, thoughts, answers that are within you already. You just don't know it yet. And beyond fear, hate, unforgettable things, can be forgiveness. And that is where I need my Faith, as I cannot do it alone. None of us can.

As soon as you trip over the stone, pick it up, listen to it, show it to the person that hurled it at you, and talk about it. Forgive, and toss it far away. Linda

Sad

2011-12-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Sad.

As I chat with friends on Facebook this morning, a new chat window pops up.

It is my friend Clarence. He is someone I met years ago, while I was doing Tarot Reading in Elaine's lovely little bookstore, 'Renaissanse.'

He has been a minister, missionary, inventor, designer of meditation gardens, a painter of beautiful pictures, and now is nearly famous for his spiritual tweets, bits of divine wisdom going all around the world....daily.

Last week he went in for some medical tests, biopsies, you name it. Short of breath, thought it might be his heart. And what a huge, precious heart, he has. But it was his lungs. An incurable, rare, lung disease. Go home, deal with it. Merry Christmas.

If there are Angels in human bodies, whispering words of comfort, words of wisdom, words to make us stay here, on planet earth, and not want to go 'home' until our mission here is complete.....he is an Angel. When I ask, what can I do? How can I help? He answered, 'pray.' And I am.

5 of Swords. 5 words......An incurable, rare, lung disease.

Swords are forged in fire, and ice cold when perfected. I wonder what is the most painful....the struggle to breathe, the Doctor's honest answers, or the faces of his grandchildren as they grasp to understand what this means.

I believe in miracles, and so does he. Many mornings you will find him in a tiny chapel, sitting silently, reverently, waiting. For the whisper of Wisdom to float up in his heart, to tweet, to spiritually starving souls, across the waters. We all have a pulpit. Just like Moses....when he was arguing with God about how he could not do, any of the things God was asking him to do. And God said, 'What is that in your hand?' Moses said, numbly, 'a staff?' And God started to show him how many miraculous things He could do with that simple Staff. Shut Moses up for a minute. What is in Clarence's hand? Something to Tweet with. Well, he went right to it. And tweet he did. And still is, every day. You will find him here: http://twitter.com/cvposing

How about that, he is using his other name, Victor......how cool! And still speaking words of Wisdom. Wonder what kind of miracle this will be.....I'm expecting something big! L.

Joie de Vivre Tarot Review

2011-11-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

As a lover and collector of Tarot anything, I received a new Tarot deck in the mail this morning. Oh Joy! I am so enchanted by it; I have to write a review about it! Paulina Cassidy has created the charming ‘Joie de Vivre Tarot!’ Her style of art, her use of color, her images, are so delicate and perfect! I have not set it down since I received it! French, ‘For the Joy of Living’ the name truly captures that child like joy and essence. U.S. Games is the publisher.

I have searched through the deck to find a favorite card, to display for my review, and cannot find just one! So being the Pisces I am, I chose ‘The Moon.’ I also love the night, and the music of the night. Music is the language of the Soul. And she the enchanting musician center stage, Paulina has named Phantasm, with an audience of 3 mesmerized white owls, named Haze, Daze and Maze. Owls, the symbol of Wisdom, just look into their little faces, they are lost in the watery world of stars reflected on the peaceful water of the night. And a colorful dragonfly sitting on the end of the violin, cannot get close enough, I think. The decorated tree the owls sit on, for long past, has lived in the water, and under the shadow of the waves, is a sleepy starfish. I have a starfish that was a gift to me by a young girl named Christine, years ago; I still cherish it, it watches over me as I sleep. And her hair!!! How creative and lovely, not a style many may copy! We moon people delight in being different, in every way imaginable. The last thing I notice is the golden glow of the stars surrounding her as she lights up the night.

A lovely lady of mystery, and wonderful card to meditate on. What wisdom do the white owls hold for you? Take time to sit with them awhile, and see what your mediation reveals.

A must have deck for any Tarot Reader. Even the Rider-Waite diehards will enjoy this one, as on each card, is a symbol from the most traditional Tarot decks. You just have to look closely, and see what else is hidden within each playful card. Enjoy!

Baby Lisa Irwin, still missing

2011-10-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Search for missing baby Lisa Irwin continues

FILE - This file photo provided Oct. 4, 2011, by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, shows Lisa Irwin. Police and federal authorities have been searching extensively for Irwin who was 10 months old when her parents reported her missing on Oct. 4, 2011.

Someone sent me the question, of why I had not done Tarot Cards on what happened to Baby Lisa. I had, but had not posted them. As a Card Reader, you cannot have an ego....and this is so close to home, and so sad, it has personally bothered me. So, tonight, I started over, and ask again, the same questions, which I shall post, and tell you what I see. Also, I used so many cards, I only put the first 3, and the last 3 on here. I will list, beside the questions, what the others were. I am using the Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn, by Giordano Berti, sold by Lo Scarabeo.

Is Baby Lisa Irwin alive?

Yes. Very much alive. I see a wealthy woman, that has everything except children. The next card, show children around her, happily, a loving mother. I think the Star Card, represents Lisa herself, sometime in the future, a grown woman, beautiful and innocent. Never knowing what happened to her as a baby.

This is the story I got from the cards, questions I ask, and the cards I drew.

'Who took her from her bed, from her home the night she disappeared?'

Justice, Strength, and the 10 of Wands. I really studied these cards....and prayed over them, what is the answer? I seen an animal in each card. Not showing up as a person, I see an animal...and someone familiar with the Justice system, or the jail side of it, strong and fierce, very angry, and being controlled by another person, he did not work alone.

I ask, 'was it a man or a woman that took the baby from her home?'

I drew the 8 of Swords, the 9 of Cups, and Judgement. Strangely, to me it said not her mother, she was 'out of it.' Deeply asleep, or unaware. Then I see a man, happy, with food surrounding him??? And a Judgment, or decision to do something, that night. Could he have been at the place she purchased the wine? All the cups hold fruit....fruit that could be changed into wine. She was being watched, and followed. Also, I noticed in the Judgement card, someone watching from a higher vantage point....he could have climbed at tree...or been 'high' on drugs, but high enough in distance... to see in the house and know the mother was alone with the kids, and there was a beautiful baby somewhere in that house. He could have watched the father leave for work....and known the mother was alone. He was watching her.

I also got the numbers, 28, or 29....I believe the man that took her is that age. And also, in the Judgement card, shows a box, crib, bed, tomb, place you would sleep in peace, and a person lifting their arms up to be picked up by someone.....he knew where her room was and where her bed was. I just drew one card on the question, 'had this stealer of children ever been inside their house before?' I drew the Death card,' no.' He had not been there before that night. And will never be there again.

I ask, 'will this child be found and safely returned to her mother?'

The Page of Wands, The Page of Swords, and the grim 9 of Swords. No.

2 People know where she really is, and talk about it. They are the two responsible for this situation. But the mother cries and is inconsolable, with no answers or resolution. A card of pain and confusion.

I ask, 'Was the mother in any way guilty of the baby Lisa being taken from the house?' No. I drew the Princess of Pentacles, the 9 of Wands, and the Magician.

It was about money, someone waiting and watching....and a Plan. Detailed plan. I really believe it wasn't a plot against baby Lisa, but a plot to steal some child in that time range, and from that city. .....like a two week window of time....and he seen that beautiful little girl, and instantly decided it would be her. She is too young to ever remember this, or ever know the truth. I believe the mother was very trusting, felt safe, and never suspected this horrid thing would happen to her baby.

These last group of cards, are the answer to the question, 'Where is baby Lisa this very moment?' Knight of Swords, 10 of Swords, and the Queen of Pentacles.

She is with other children that have been stolen, and possibly innocent people have adopted, or paid for, as this Queen has the money and is the last card in the lineup. 3 small children show up as Angels....confused and clinging together. This was not the first child he has taken. It was for money, 2 men acting together, one the child stealer, and one the child seller. One looks like a angry animal....one looks like a saintly, fatherly figure. Someone that innocent people, desiring babies would easily trust.

As of this moment, I do not see them finding her. I think she is in a home or will be soon, of a wealthy, nice woman, who had lost a child, and would have done anything to have another baby. So she adopted the baby. Or she will. I ask if she, Lisa, is anywhere in the United States, and drew the Ace of Swords. Yes.....but such a double edged sword. Yes, but out of reach from her family.

So this reading sucks....other than I honestly believe she is alive and will be very loved. And never know the truth of her birth, or her kidnapping. She is a stolen child that has been sold. And the adopting Mother, does not know anything about this. She has been told some story that will fit the adopting scheme.

Update: I cannot get this lost child off of my heart, so I have ask many more questions or the cards, and used a Pendulum, for exact answers, and today, ( I posted this yesterday) I got a bit more information. She can be found, if they focus more on the man coming from the woods, and the diapers and wipes they found in an empty house close to her home. I prayerfully ask, for specific answers, and recieved this: She is in New Mexico, within the city limits of Los Alamos. She is safe, and in a waiting place. FYI, that was all I could discern today. The answers from the Tarot Cards aren't set in stone, just symbols and signs to answer specific questions they are ask. Sort of like a Spiritual Google. I will keep this subject updated....as I find anymore answers.

Really is a mystery

2011-09-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Just wondering......

This seems to be rampant, and I hear it every day, as a Tarot Reader. I honestly try to be nonjudgmental, but some days I just wonder what these women are thinking. And these are

Spiritual ladies. Good women, with wonderful qualities, nothing wrong with them. Except they are tired of waiting. And sick of being alone. And afraid it will never end. I am single, too. I do understand. But if you believe in Karma, or Jesus....'what you sow, you will reap,' or what your wise old grandmother would say, 'what comes around, goes around.' Then what do you really expect to happen with this choice? And what can I say to you, that will give you hope and patience? Rather than slam the phone in my ear....and find another Reader, that will tell you anything you 'do' want to hear.

The question that is bothering me so much today, is......'Why are so many beautiful women, doing anything they can think of to steal someones husband from another woman?' It makes me think of this scripture in Isaiah......

Isaiah 4:1

¹ In that day so few men will be left that seven women will fight for each man, saying, “Let us all marry you! We will provide our own food and clothing. Only let us take your name so we won’t be mocked as old maids.”

Is this true of women of our time? So desperate for a husband they will do just about anything for a man? Provide their own food and clothing, make sure they bring enough to the table, try to make sure he will choose them, over all the other single, attractive women out there. Not that I haven't done all kinds of things to try to please and show a man I was with (at that time) how much I loved them. I honestly believed I was the better woman....am duly humbled by that arrogance now. I must not have been, as I am still alone. And confused. Is this the answer, how to not end up being alone? Just pick someone you are attracted to, and go after them?

So, I ask my Tarot Cards, why, why are so many women compromising themselves, having no conscience about going after someone that is married?

These are the cards I drew.....thank you Ciro Marchetti for this beautiful 'Legacy of the Divine Tarot,' I am using tonight.

The Knight of Cups, The Moon, the 6 of Wands

My spin on this is romance, love, tenderness, someone to play with, be best friends, immerse yourself in the depths of passion. Being alone can make you starved for this, so starved, no one, not your children, or your great friends, or your Faith, no matter how strong it is, can fill that empty place in your heart. Except a man. And there he is, sharing time with you, talking to you, the way he can not talk to anyone else. Playing with this.

Then we go into the Moon Card, shadows, uncertainty, nakedness, soft candle light and secrets....illusions. This chic reminds me of Bathsheba, bathing on her rooftop, minding her own business, and King David catches a glimpse of her nakedness, her beauty. He goes for her, married or not. Not his proudest moment, and he paid dearly for his choice. As did she, and I always wondered, what was her choice? Did she even have one? Or was she lost in the mystery, the favor of the handsome King, with a harem full of beautiful women, and he chooses her? Was she smitten, or stunned? She obeyed the summons of the King....I would love to know the details of that night.

Then we have the 6 of Wands....time to go. A card of action, victory, moving on. But I only see a 'couple' in the first romantic card, they show up as stingrays....how true. Play, but you just might get hurt. Really hurt. The couple may be together in the shadows of the night, and what a night it is, but in the light of day, someone is leaving. And 'they' are not together.

Maybe this is a life lesson. We want what we cannot have, and we do not want to be left behind. Alone. I took this class, and failed miserably. So what can I say to my dear Sisters, who reach out to me for words of wisdom, answers to their questions? Sometimes I cringe, yet I tell them what I see. And I hold out hope, that love does not have to be blind, or painful, or you lose everything you are and have to be with your supposed 'Soulmate.' If he really is miserable, and has married someone he no longer shares his life with, then he should/would joyfully take care of that Other woman, his wife, and give her what she needs to have a happy life. Why can't this be a win-win thing? Maybe she can't stand him and would love to move on, but as I have been told, 'the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know.' So, I really cannot tell anyone out there what their choice should be. I will be honest, and understanding. And hope it has a happy ending. In this last card, the 6 ( and the number 6 is the Lovers Card of the Major Arcana ) shows, someone is happy. Someone has what they wanted....but it doesn't say who.

What happened to Celina Cass?

2011-08-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

What happened to her?

NH town endures 'creepy' wait after girl's death

By JOHN CURRAN - Associated Press,LYNNE TUOHY - Associated Press | AP – 16 hrs ago

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — More than two weeks after searchers pulled the body of 11-year-old Celina Cass from the Connecticut River near her house, the lack of an arrest and answers to questions about how she died have cast a pall over her New Hampshire hometown.

Sad and edgy, residents of Stewartstown are waiting — for answers about the girl, justice for her family, peace of mind for themselves. The police's inability to charge a suspect, an autopsy that couldn't pinpoint what killed her and the lingering fear that a killer is at large are hanging over folks in the one-stoplight burg with 960 residents near the Canadian border.
"Everybody's still uncomfortable, wanting some answers," said Shannon Towle, whose family owns a convenience store and gas station where people gather. "It's just creepy."

I wanted to know what the Tarot would say about what happened to Celina Cass. Using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, here are the cards I drew for answers.

What happened to Celina?

Well, Death as the first card drawn, means it happened pretty fast. The Emperor is an older man, a father, someone that thought they had power over her, or overpowered her. And the Ace of Cups, in his way he loved her, very sick way, and I believe she was already dead when he put her in the water.

Who, killed Celina? Someone that had been in a hospital, wounded and thinking there was a battle of sorts going on. Was he a Vet with PDS? He was almost child like...had happy memories of her as a little girl.

Will the killer be caught? Yes. It is someone the Mother knows. She is unsure about it....but as she thinks clearly, as she must be distraught right now.......she knows exactly who he is.

How sad, she was only 11 years old. But I think it's not how long you live, it's how well you live and touch other peoples lives while you are here. She is in the arms of the Angels.

Ace of Wands

2011-08-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

The last Ace in my series is the Ace of Wands. From the Universal Wirth Tarot Deck.

This is a 'head's up' Ace, full of fire, take action, speak up now, stand up for something or someone. That equal armed cross at the top of the wand, could mean what you do or say could be done to heal a situation.....it might not feel like it at the time, but later you would realize it was the best way the issue could have been handled. Using my alphabet letters to play with this card, here are other things I see in this card.....

A...anger....someone is fiery mad, and it's time to take action, take their power back

B...beacon...flare, signal, beam.....get someones attention

C...clue...the missing piece that fits something you are puzzled over

D...defend....a way to protect yourself, defend yourself if necessary

E...entitle....gives you the power, right, to claim what is yours, now....

F...fray....there could be a battle, family, friend, lover, finally one person says stop, and it stops

G...guide, when you are lost in a cave, you light a torch....this is your torch to guide you, use it

H...honor....someone, maybe you, are raised to a position of honor, enjoy

I....indicator....a sign when you are lost, follow it, it will guide you home

J...jaunty....life of the party, the one that stands out the most

K...key...what you use to open a locked door with, or finding what you need to accomplish your goals in life

L...lethal...stopping someone in their tracks, using force to protect those you love, force you never knew you possessed

M...mastery...complete control, knowledge or skill you use

N...neolithic....what men used in dating, some still do

O...overcome, a sign of victory

P... prize, having won the prize, holding it up for everyone to see....

Q...quell....stop fear, remember who you are and go forth in strength...

R...regain...getting something of value back after you thought you had lost it.

S...secret, only you know something, and no one else will ever know it

T...thin, someone really skinny

U...unite, joining together for a cause

V...verdict, a decision that is made and unchangeable

W...wait, stay still until you are given a sign to move forward

X...a wild card for me.....I say, finally getting something I so desire, and proudly show it off!

Y...you, being handed the torch, it is your turn to carry it forth...go

Z...zest, enthusiasm, passion, fire in your belly

If I were doing your cards and this card came up for you, it would be saying for you to take action, now....of course the cards around it would tell you how, where, and why to take the action. The Tarot will give you all the details, if you just ask the right question....this answer would be a big Yes answer!

Lovely Ace of Pentacles

2011-07-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Ace in my musing, The Ace of Pentacles.

from the Universal Wirth Tarot Deck, one of my top ten Tarot Decks! This Ace is one of my favorites, as it can mean so many different things. Many symbols here to gaze at. Doing my 'Alphabet Tarot Game' I can play and come up with 26 new, old, interesting things to see in this golden card.

If I were to draw this card today, as what do I need to know today card, I would take it as a great omen. Gold, money, opportunities. Open doors in business, new ideas, right in front of me. I love this one.

Playing with the images....here are my thoughts....

A....abundance

B....buffet, more than enough for everyone

C....change, money or a play on words, a change in residence or job

D....diamond....round, shiny, set in gold, bought with gold

E....ecstasy....golden moment in time, pure joy

F....found, something lost, found and cherished again

G....grace or gift, a gracious gift, something precious

H....her. If asking the gender of a newly conceived baby, this would mean a girl.

I....indulge. share, buy drinks, buy supper, buy yourself something you long for

J....jewel, precious stone, a gem of great price

K....keep, or keeper. Something worth keeping, valuable

L....legacy, money or property bequeathed to you

M....marriage. where 2 become 1. wealth of the heart

N....nature, the material world, natural resources

O....offering...giving, sharing what you have

P....passage...such as a raise or a promotion

Q...quota...share or percentage of an amount

R....release.....to set free, new door opens to you

S....secure...one thing that makes you feel secure

T....treasure, a pirates bounty!

U...utmost, highest goal reached

V....vow, a promise of great worth

W....wealth, a profusion, riches

X....the symbol of a kiss, XOXO

Y....yours, something that belongs to you

Z....Zion....utopia, heaven on earth

One thing I love in this deck, of this Ace is, the 4 wooden branches that hold it up. Wood, something from earth, trees, roots, solid and dependable, giving shade and flowers or fruit. Producing. And delishious. Also the beautiful shining glyphs....all the astrology symbols showing how you learn to be wealthy is to experience everything and not judge it. Be it, and learn it's worth. And the leaves in the center, the miracle of growing plants, food for us, life on out planet. And the gold itself, buried all over our home planet. Most of us have a ring or gift we can hold right now made of gold. Imagine having bars of gold, some people do. Having something of great worth. Pentacles always represent solid, real, tangible, something you can have and hold onto. Or give away. It's buried in the black hills, and laying in the bottom of the ocean. It's made into jewelry and coins to stash away. And it stands for something you highly value. An excellent card to draw.

Universal Wirth Tarot

2011-05-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Ace of Cups.

The second Ace I have drawn in my All about the Aces Series! Using the alphabet, I will find something from every letter to define this card. Stretch your imagination people. Every card is loaded with ideas, images, messages.....!

A...Adore

B...Beautiful

C...Caress...the softness of the butterfly wings, tender, soft

D...Demonstrate....show someone you love them

E...Evolve

F...Famous, huge, star like

G...Golden, solid gold, real, a home for your heart

H...Home

I...Innocence, new, trusting

J...Joyful

K...Kissed, very well kissed!

L...Loved, and generous with your love

M...Marriage, happy ever after

N...Nest, a safe place

O...Open, keeping your heart open

P...Poetry, sweet lyrics

Q...Quaint, charming

R...Rely, someone you really can rely on

S...Secure

T...Temple, a place to worship God

U...Understanding

V...Vulnerable, to let yourself be open to love

W...Wealth...what true wealth is

X...I call a blank for this letter!

Y...Yes, Yes, Yes!

Z...Zeal, get really happy!

This image from this Tarot deck, is about home, safety, a beautiful golden goblet holding everything you may ever love. A precious card. One that is a blessing to draw in your daily card journaling. That lovely butterfly that has transformed and is lifting into the clouds....changing your attitude can be the same as this image. Let yourself go, abandon yourself to love. Let life change....trust it. No matter how crazy it gets in the process. Love.

Ace of Swords

2011-05-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

A Study on the Aces...

I love the variety of the art in each Tarot Deck. This Ace of Swords is from the Universal Wirth Tarot. Not a Polly Anna deck, but a very realistic view of the meaning of the cards. And another of my favorite Tarot Decks! I have been seeing many Ace's popping out of the readings I have been doing lately. New beginnings. New doors opening, new choices. That is the good news....and endings. Yeah, slammed doors, no, never, when hell freezes over....is the bad news.

So, one this one night that there is no lightning, thunder, pounding rain, I want to ponder this card. And journal about it. If this were my handy notebook I have stuck in my purse and pull out at any given moment to catch an idea that just flew by, this is one of my favorite ways to play with this card. The ABC idea. Any card from any deck will have way more than just one meaning. The longer you hold it, sleep with it, stick it on the front of your computer and just keep it on the back burner in your mind....it will show up all day. And tell you things, you never noticed before! Sort of a Freudian play on images...but this is the way I find out what is going on under my skin. Or your skin, should you call me for a Reading. Be brave, now. How many ways does this card poke me, wake me up, anger me, calm me. Teach me. Your list may be totally different.....it should be. It would be you.

On a letter I have no idea.....I name it a wild card and put whatever word pops in my mind first. Don't try to figure me out....it's futile. ! Just love me like I am......with deck in hand....and about 200 more stashed around the house....meet the Ace of Swords.

A...Ah, you have my attention, said the lobster

B...bingo, nailed me

C...the current is wicked, thought I would never get caught

D...dagger, desire, dismay

E...enough already. What, you want my head on a plate? I guess you do....

F...frigid, and I thought the water was cold....that steel blade is ruthlessly icy

G...God, Hello... I am praying, remember me? Think I need a little help here....

H...Hell, no. I may look dead, but I clean up well....just hide and watch.

I...Indignant, why are you jabbing around in my watery world? Stay in your element, Air. Now.

J...Jealous? And you think getting rid of me will fix you? Wrong.

K...Keep...me on the string? Keep me waiting? Keep me loving you? I think not. Not into pain.

L...lament.....the choices I have made that I grieve over, the doors I chose that were a blind alley

M...marriage. Ah.....how sweet that sounded. Two become one. Then go back to becoming 2....then 3

N...nettle. A wild plant that stings when touched. Enough said. !

O...Obstacle......you know, those signs life gives us, ROAD CLOSED AHEAD, or this could be a bad idea......and I just think, well, maybe the force is with me today......and it is with the other guy....

P...Pervert...yeah, I said pervert. If someone asks me how their new date will be....looks like he has one thing on his mind....if he pays for dinner, you are dessert. You might want to think about that.

Q...query....you need to ask more questions....and remember, no answer is an answer. Really.

R...red-hot. Angry. Ready to fly off their handle, right in your face. Walk away, Renee.

S...settle the score. A showdown. Maybe one fact, and much fiction. Stay calm.....run fast.

T...Tantalize...you know how it torments a person, or teases a person, to dangle it in front of them, then take it away. This Ace of Swords....could be a double edged sword. Tease or Torture, but don't Touch.

U...unravel.....a teeny fact that has been eluding you, suddenly, this one piece of the puzzle falls out of nowhere....mysterious....and timely. A gift of sorts, but may not feel like it at the time.

V...Victim. One image in this cards seems innocent. One image is intent on causing pain. And all that water to hide the evidence. Maybe, but the Truth will always come out. Just a waiting game. Then the victor becomes the victim. Karma.

W...Wait. As timing goes....this is a wait and see card. Could go any way....sooner or later. Right now....you have to wait. And then, wait some more. Wait.

X...X-Ray.....seeing inside someone. Can help you, or hurt you. There may be something in there you need to know about....this card shows up....there is a source of pain, you need to find it. Mental, or otherwise. Maybe someone has a Voodoo Doll with your name on it.....and a chunk of your hair....better think about that....

Y...You. Time to focus on yourself. Be selfish. Be sharp and keep everyone at a distance. Hold your dagger high, and put the fear in someone. Mean it.

Z...Zap....act fast. Zap whatever is bugging you, so fast it didn't even see it coming. Like a Taser. I had one of those once. Loved the way that little bolt of lightning danced across the top. Made ugly people that didn't want to hear the 'No' word, suddenly listen. Isn't technology amazing?

I still find older notebooks I have done this kind of Tarot Journaling in, and the words always change. I love how the cards bring out the deeper issues. And in an innocent, playful way. Always edgy, never dull. Not for the faint of heart. !

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day!

Using the 'Vanessa Tarot' by Lynyrd Narciso, I ask the question of the Tarot....what's the secret to being a good Mother?

Page of Coins, Knight of Wands, and Strength!

Keep your eye on the little buggers all the time, they grow up so fast, and always still need their Mother. Looks like she is trying to show this little guy how to jump in the right direction, land on the yellow spot. Maybe she's looking to see if he is ever paying any attention. Some days that would be a no. So, she fearlessly goes into action, kicks him out of the nest, teaches him to fly. But she has a parachute and safety glasses on, just in case he needs help, she's ready to be there. Courage, crack the whip. It may feel like a jungle, they are all wild animals, and they are. Just relax, your Strength is what teaches them to have Strength. It's the hard things in life that define who we are. Push them, love them, just be there for them.

I have 3 children, and love them so much. Some days I question, am I still doing this the right way? And I remember something my sweet mother in law told me....you can never go wrong being a mother, no matter how many times you screw up, if they know, really know you love them. Keep telling them. She was a great example. Good advice!

Japan, why?

2011-03-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Watching the ongoing news tonight, the pain, loss, devastation in Japan. Horrible. And the cry of one lonely voice, standing out....'what did we do to deserve this? All this....why?'

It must be a human condition to always want to know who's fault it is when bad things happen. To any of us. And especially to the ones we love or when it is you or me in the hot seat.

This may be a strange reading....but I learned a long time ago, you cannot be a Tarot Reader and have an Ego. You can be exact on some things, and others, all over the place. We read energy, patterns, intentions. Symbols. I think I am more accurate than our weather man! But so is Joe the Barber! I do trust the details, colors, feelings that the Tarot Cards invoke. But I don't know everything, so I study every day, and learn something new about the Tarot and about God, and Life. I honestly believe, in getting still with them, being precise in my question, and keeping my heart open about whatever the answer may be, helps. And then sit with them longer....just see what images pop up. Journal with it....be fearless, be playful, be humble. Ask questions, then ask more questions....

So, tonight I ask, 'why did this horrible thing happen to Japan?' And you know it could happen to any of us at any time, so go through all your hoarded stuff and donate like crazy. What you don't use may be all someone else will have in their empty closet. Back to my reading.....

This first Tarot Deck I drew from is the Rumi Tarot by Nigel Jackson. These 3 cards came out....

The Tower...2 of Stave's...The Lovers

The Tower is true, one day and devastation. The rug ripped out from under your feet. Your family, your home, your work, your life, gone. Changed. Never, ever the same. And your future? Dare we even go there with that question? The second card says 2 Wands will come together, and the quote on the cards is perfect....'I will give you sovereignty without soldiers and armies.' Without a fight. And the Lovers. It's like 2 nations marry. 2 become one. We see the 2 of Wands, the 2 Kings below, the two Wands becoming One Wand in the second layout. Again, two become one. They seem to be offering them love, gifts, hope, clean land and food. They reach out and touch them, take care of them. How wonderful that seems. But with the Ace of Wands and the Tower showing up together...that makes me nervous.

Money, Power, Passion.

I pray it is a good thing, a blessing in the midst of a horrid tragedy.

So I pull out the Universal Tarot by Lo Scarabeo and ask the same question. And I draw these:

The King of Cups...The King of Pentacles...The Ace of Wands

Two Kings come together, unify, becoming an Ace, Super power. A King of the Water, and and King ruling on land, An Olive branch is offered, accepted, sealed. Clear, clean land is in sight. A new beginning. A promise of power that this will never happen to them again. But do you see that grayish cloud that surrounds the arm holding the Ace? Storm clouds, or radiation clouds on the horizon. The country looks stark, empty. Are they being sent there to protect themselves, or others? Like lepers being sent to the outside of town....banished. But promised a shiny new proposition. When you have nothing, anything looks good. I honestly hope it will be. Trusting soul....I am not. I try. But these are Kings in Power, Kings wanting more power, more land, more people, more money.

Then just for kicks, I ask what country, or land, where would this offer or alliance come from? I drew cards that said East of them, a bit North East. So I google my handy Atlas, and there is Russia. North Korea first, but behind that, lots of land in Russia.

I ask my gifted oldest daughter what she thought these cards could mean, as I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling about the layout. She thinks it could mean the other Nuclear accident at Chernobyl......maybe this will cause a couple of our leaders to find a better way to generate energy. And get rid of this dangerous way. I pray so. That Ace of Wands represents fire.......raw fire with great power. But I don't see the sun in this card, in any of these cards. So, where did the Sun go? And 5 out of 6 cards show strange clouds. Might keep that in mind. Look up people, strange things are afoot.

I am Spiritual, and consider my own Faith strong, always seeking, questioning. And always finding Peace. I connect with Jesus, as the 'Father' image is painful for me, so I cannot see God as loving if I envision Him/Her as a Father. Or even a Mother. But Jesus, I adore. I know all the end time fear stuff. Was raised on it....and know we are all going through some kind of test at any given time here on Planet Earth. If you really read the Scriptures....you were warned to be strong, hated, people will want to kill you, and the more you are tested the happier you should be. How's that for Prosperity Teaching? But, the good news is there is a Plan. And I don't have to know it. I just have to pray and love whoever shows up in my path. And focus on one day at a time, and keep my simple faith that whatever any of us need, we can pray to God, The Huge, Awesome, Bigger and More Massive God than we could ever get our heads around, hence we see Jesus. Dressed like a human! Bet he loved that mission...One of us. But there are many others sent, with the same message, Love. These people all over the world, going through crisis, war, sickness, are our family, our human family.....please give whatever you can and help them. Fast and pray....and hold on tight. This year is one for the books. Linda

2011-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

One of my favorite Lovers Tarot Cards.....The Tarot Art Nouveau.
Now, that is a kiss. And the roses.....surrounding this card, gifts for his true love.
She looks a bit startled by his embrace, but is that not how Love is? When it comes to you, it does startle one.

May I quote from the Prophet Kahlil Gibran? His wise words of Love....

Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love. And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them.
And with a great voice, he said:
When love becKons you, you follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you, believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to you height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth....
If in your fear you would seek only love's peace and pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threashing floor.
When you love, you should not say, 'God is in my heart,' but rather, 'I am in the heart of God.'
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

And Solomon.....from 'The Song of Songs,'
My lover is mine, and I am his.
Nightly he strolls in our garden,
Delighting in the flowers
Until dawn breathes its light and night slips away. 2:16

To love is so worth whatever the outcome. And the Tarot may not tell you the outcome, that is what this card is, 'Choice.' It is your choice, your dance. Join the dance, you will not regret it. Remember, it's the things you didn't take the chance on in life, you do regret. Live to Love, and Love Extravantly.....every day! In every choice.

Raining dead birds?

2011-01-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

Raining Blackbirds ???

Times Square had the ball drop, and Brass town, N. C. , had its descending possum. But no place had a New Years Eve as unusual, or freakishly disturbing, as Beebe, Ark.

On Monday, more dead birds were found near New Roads, La.

Stephen B. Thornton/The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, via the Associated Press

Thousands of red-winged blackbirds fell dead from the sky in Beebe, Ark., on New Years Eve. A worker with the U. S. Environmental Services, a private contractor, picked up a dead bird on Saturday. Around 11 that night, thousands of red-winged blackbirds began falling out of the sky over this small city ab out 35 miles northeast of Little Rock. They landed on roofs, roads, front lawns and backyards, turning the ground nearly black and terrifying anyone who happened to be outside. The cause is still being determined, but preliminary lab results from the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, revealed 'acute physical trauma' in samples of the dead birds. There were no indications of disease, though tests were still being done for the presence of toxic chemicals. It just looked as if it had rained birds. Last count was over 3,000 birds fell from the sky.

Why?

I just had to lay cards out as to why this happened. And I drew The Sun Card, the Ace of Swords, and the Page of Wands.

What would this mean? These cards.....this answer. It was night, not sunny out. Hence I see this a innocent birds being burned by intention. I see the Page waiting for the order to use an implement of war, or harm, this Ace of Swords, to cut them down. No way do I think fireworks would kill 3,000 birds. And they all fall on one town? And it accidentally happened on New Years Eve, knowing fire works would be shot off then? Whatever.

Later now, they have said they bled from their liver and died of blood clots. Really. I think it either was laser, or some high Tc form of a vibrational zap that wiped them out. No accident. And why were the people sent in to clean them up, wearing Hazmat suits? Wake up, people. And today it was in Louisiana.....more fell from the sky? Maybe Chicken Little was right. Something is going on in the sky.....so what is it?

Papa

2010-12-26T07:04:00.001-08:00

The Hierophant

The day after Christmas, I wonder what he would say about all the holiday hoopla. I don't think this is what He is trying to teach us. So, who is He?

For me....He is Faith, God's Will, Forgiveness. Compassion, The Teacher, my Soul. The inner guidance system out Creator installed deep, deep within each of us, that tells us whether what we choose is right or wrong. Peace. Prayer, you can see Him in each face you deeply look into. You can find him in every church, every child, every flower. He is Silence......yet he speaks volumes. Our Spiritual Teacher, our vision of God, however you see God, or I see God. Life, Laughter, Tears. He is there.

And gifts....guess what, we are the gifts. We have the gifts, and the sweetest gift of all is Presence. Just to be with someone...really be there. Hold them in you heart. Just hold them. Not buy them the biggest most expensive thing....but really see them. Really love them.

I like the arms of his Throne. The ox, bowing his face in prayer. The Servant. The one that works quietly, daily, humbly. And the scroll he holds....what does it say? For each of us, is a different message. To find your message, you have to spend time with him, he will whisper the message to you. Try it....that is the Gift. Be Blessed.....

Joseph, Wands in Story

2010-10-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in awhile. Life has been hectic, as everyone knows, too well. I have spent much time meditating, praying, and feel like I would like to merge the two things I adore, together. The Bible, which I collect every translation and honor. And the Tarot. Which I believe is a gift, a Universal story, a wonderful language of symbols. All stories tell deeper stories. And I love that.

When I laid these 3 cards I drew at random....as if anything we ever do is really random, the story of Joseph flashed before me. Within these 3 cards, is his story. And your story, and my story. And here is the 7 of Wands, in his story....

Genesis 37:3-8 (The Message)

3. Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he was the child of his old age. And he made him an elaborately embroidered coat. 4. When his brothers realized that their father loved him more than them, they grew to hate him-they wouldn't even speak to him. 5. Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6. He said, 'Listen to this dream I had. 7. We were all out in the field gathering bundles of wheat. All of a sudden my bundle stood up and your bundles circled around it and bowed down to mine.' 8. His brothers said, 'So! You're going to rule us? You're going to boss us around?' And they hated him more than ever because of his dreams and the way he talked.

Genesis 37:18 (The Message)

They spotted him off in the distance. By the time he got to them, they had cooked up a plot to kill him.

Notice the number 7 of the verse above, and the 7 of Wands card. Outnumbered, pushed away. Far away. Family. Sibling rivalry. They do not kill him, they sell him to a caravan passing by, to be a slave. Rip up his coat of many colors, dip it in blood, and present it to his father, alluding to not knowing what happened to him, he must be dead. Seems like the end of the story, but really just a new beginning. And the Ace of Wands appears.....

Genesis 41:37-41 (The Message)

37. This seemed like a good idea to Pharaoh and his officials. 38. Then Pharaoh said to his officials, 'Isn't this the man we need? Are we going to find anyone else who has God's Spirit in him like this?' 39. So, Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'You're the man for us. God has given you the inside story-no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom. 40 .From now on, you're going to be in charge of all my affairs; all my people will report to you. Only as king will I be over you.' 41. So Pharaoh commissioned Joseph: 'I'm putting you in charge of the entire country of Egypt.'

Genesis 41:50-52 (The Message)

Joseph had two sons born to him before the years of famine came. Asenath, daughter of Potiphera the priest of On, was their mother. 51 .Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh (Forget), saying ; God made me forget all my hardships and my parental home.' 52. He named the second son Ephraim (Double Prosperity) saying, 'God has prospered me in the land of my sorrow.'

He ends up in Egypt, a slave, a handsome slave the master's wife desires. He refuses her advances and is lied about, sending him to jail. From jail, he interprets dreams, still the dreamer. When Pharaoh has 2 disturbing dreams, no one can understand them. Suddenly he is remembered as an accurate Dream interpreter, and is sent to stand in the presence of the King and tell him what the dream's mean. He says his gifts, abilities come from his God, still holding onto his faith, even after all he has gone through, he impresses Pharaoh and is suddenly moving from the jail, to the Palace. Number one, (The Ace of Wands) next to Pharaoh. A miracle. But not the end of the story yet....

Genesis 45:1-5 (The Message)

1. Joseph couldn't hold himself in any longer, keeping up a front before all his attendants. He cried out, 'Leave! Clear out, everyone leave!' So there was no one with Joseph when he identified himself to his brothers. 2. But, his sobbing was so violent that the Egyptians couldn't help but hear him. The news was soon reported to Pharaoh's s palace. 3. Joseph spoke to his brothers: 'I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?' But his brothers couldn't say a word. They were speechless-they couldn't believe what they were hearing and seeing. 4. 'Come closer to me,' Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. 'I am Joseph your brother you sold into Egypt. 5. But, don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives.

The 9 of Wands, he opens up to his brothers, lets his wall down, weeps, embraces them. Then he forgives them, even telling them not to ever feel badly about selling him......imagine that. He now sees that God was always behind every step, every seemingly bad turn of events. God had a plan....He was exactly where God wanted him to be. And he sees his Father again, even provides for his brothers and family.....giving them the BEST of Egypt. Should give us all hope. All the horrible mistakes we make, can be somehow turned into blessing. By God.

Tarot of the Divine Legacy by talented Ciro Marchetti. Thank you!

Tarot 101: The Chariot

2010-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Beautiful Chariot

Number 7 in the line up of the Major Arcana.

The Chariot.

I have been reading, devouring, the new book by Kim Huggens, ‘Tarot 101’.
Just love it. You need to buy it, if you want a new way to see the cards.
I picked it up this morning, and it fell open to page 43, ‘The Chariot.’
She goes into depth with each card, explaining and giving you questions to
ponder, or journal with, as I am doing right now. She talks about how
different the ‘Chariots’ can be, from deck to deck. True. And each
different angle of the Chariot, can invoke many different images to the
Reader of the Cards. I pulled out the Chariots from ‘The Bohemian Gothic
Tarot,’ by Magic Realist Press, ‘Shadowscapes Tarot, by ’Stephanie
Pui-Mun Law and Barbara Moore, ‘Universal Wirth Tarot’ by Lo Scarabeo,
Torino, and Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn, by Lo Scarageo, Torino.
And here they are….

Part of the journey of the Hero’s Quest. Here are some
of her questions, and some of my answers. So, enjoy!

What quest am I on
currently? Today, I would say I have lost my map. This last year has been
quite a ride in the Chariot. Not easy, and sometimes my Chariot has seemed
to be broken. Literally. I need to think about where I want to go from
here, and plan to get to a destination. Life seems to have had other
lessons for me. Just when I think I have a plan, No. Road block ahead.
Turn around, Stop. Start over. I think I will meditate on this card today,
see what comes up.

How do I approach a new challenge? I study it to death.
I read everything I can to know everything I can, to think I have all
bases covered. Sometimes that works, most times not. Each challenge is
unique in it’s own way. And is a Journey in a Journey. Being the Pisces
that I am, I don’t like conflict, or confrontation. Yet the Chariot would
say, take control. Plan, do it.

So, who is driving, today?

On some of the Chariot Tarot Cards, the guidance, or power that directs
the Chariot, seem be other things….statues, set in stone, weathered by
time yet wise. Excitedly playful unicorns, an easy journey beginning in
the clouds, taking you anywhere, just let go, let the Chariot go where
ever it wants to go. Men/people, advisors, inspiration, not trying to do
this alone. And wild horses….dust flying in the wind, black and white,
choose something, and race toward it.

How quickly am I making progress? It
would appear, slow. So slow. But, on another level, things from the past,
unfinished things, have shown up in my life, and are now finished. Maybe
they were detours I needed. It wasn’t like I sought them out .Really didn't want to go there. Life set
them right in my path. And I rode them out, until they were finished.

Where has the Charioteer come from, and where is he going?

He has come a
long way. He has learned so many things, and unlearned so many things. I,
personally, know you can make plans, set in stone, and it does not happen.
So what do you do then? Get mad, at yourself or the Powers that Be? Or
ride out the storm, see where life takes you? I am there. I trust in Life,
the Universe, God. I will make it to my goal, maybe not in my or your
timing, but Life’s timing. I think my favorite Chariot card, from these 4
chosen ones, is the one with the Unicorns pulling it. She has let go, is
enjoying the ride. Made an Altar, written out Prayers, put my favorite Angels on each 4 corners, chosen my favorite Tarot Cards to watch over the process, add some beautiful stones, my ivory pearl Rosary, and a beautiful candle to burn as often as I can. Or/And stuck her desires on her Vision Board, and goes there
in her mind, just to visit and feel like she is already there. And let
Life be Life. Sometimes it feels like someone else is driving, and maybe
some days, that is a good thing. Let someone else drive the Chariot. And
relax, knowing the places and people you need to be with, the lessons, the
joys, will be there when you get there. But make your list and have a
plan, anyway. I have done that. And stop trying to control everyone and
everything. Only one of these Charioteer’s seems to be in Control mode.
And he is stirring up a lot of dust, making a big show of it. Ego.

The 2
images that guide the Chariot, seem to be the 2 choices you always have.
Life always gives you at least 2. And I think, both ways may take you to your
destination. So, either way just has different scenery. You really can’t
screw up. Just keep going. So, get out your Chariot card today, and see
what it tells you, see what journey you are on, or getting ready for. And
play with it…enjoy the ride. And buy the book, you will love it.

The Llewellyn Tarot

2010-07-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

The 8 of Cups.

Painted by the talented Anne Marie Ferguson, part of the 78 Tarot Cards from The Llewellyn Tarot. One of my very favorite decks, so beautiful. And a book I have been reading by Paul Fenton-Smith, 'The Tarot Revealed.' I do believe I have everything he has ever written, and eagerly await more. Keep writing Paul. For some reason his take on this card, and his way of looking at the cards, really resonated with me. Has given me some new ideas of what I see here, and where she is going.

This card has flipped out several times this week, even in other Tarot Decks I may be using to Read with....here it is. I, personally, don't usually see it as a happy card. It feels dark, only moonlight to guide her. And rough terrain, she seems to be clad in a very covering night gown, must be cold, damp out there. Holding something in front of her, white, something white? A blanket? A cape? Her hair seems drenched with dew...just laying stuck to her shoulders and back. She is leaning forward, using a wooden pole of a crutch to help her climb over the rocks and the mud that seem to be in her path. I think she is barefooted. Seems to be moving slowly. The rocks look dark, slippery, mossy, water crashing over them. You cannot even see land, just the spot she stands on, maybe it goes out to the right side of the card, it may be a path, or a dark forrest. It looks traveled before, this dark ghostly path. She may have not found it yet, or she may not even see it yet. She seems to have gone as far as she can go, right to the edge of the land. Right on the edge. Ever been on the edge? Not my favorite place to be. And the golden cups. 8. I have always thought it strange how they are arranged, being a tad OCD here, I want to straighten them out. Line them up. But thanks to Paul, I see this is good. I love his ideas, and one of them is to know your Tarot. Know all the cards. Know the one that comes before this card ,and the others in their line up on the 1-10 Cups in the Minor Arcane, know what the numbers stand for, gather all the information about this card, before I add what I feel about this card, my own Gestalt twist to it.

If I step back in time, here are the 5,6 and 7 of Cups. What may have happened to bring her to this dark night, sad and lost, 8 of cups card? 5 of Cups, a loss. Grief, this too shall pass, a gray flood of emotion that matches the gray overcast sky. Yet, hope, as 2 cups still stand, behind him/her. Unnoticed. When he does have time, to get past the spilt cups he will never have again, he walks into the 6 of Cups card. Ah, such happy memories, the sweetest friend to share them with. Home, and a big tree to climb, pets and blooming flowers, jonquils, must be spring. A time of hope. Then, moving into the 7 of Cups, knocked back down on your knees. Choices, confusion, which way is the right way? She weighs her options, and makes a choice. The choice adds another Golden Cup to her collection, but at what cost? 8 is the number for the Major Arcana Strength Card. This calls for a time of strength. Inner strength, maybe outer strength. Going through something you aren't sure you can make it. So you look in those cups, which before were full of many choices. Now they sit empty. Yet, hope springs eternal. She has arranged them with one off to the side. Room for one new one to rest with the collection. But where is it? That is what she is hunting for. And that is why she is leaving, even in the dark of night. Unsure, and no compass but her heart....she is moving on.

If you lay the next card down, she walks into the 9 of Cups card. The card of joy, your wish coming true. Her gamble paid off, and listening to her heart, was the right thing to do. Even thought she appeared alone, and no brilliant guidance from well meaning friends. She walks on. In the 9 of Cups, she is surrounded by golden cups, and sunlight, and her pure white veil blowing in the wind! Look back through the cards....was it the white dress she wore as an innocent child in the 6 card? Then a white cape to protect her, in the 7 of cups card? And the 8 of cups card....it looks like a security blanket she clings to in the dark. Looks like all she carries away, except the club (Ace of Wands?) she is leaning on? In the 9 card, it billows in the wind, a lovely veil. She is blessed with Grace and Glory as she sits in the sweet meadow that was a miserable dark marsh in the card before. And life gets better....really! From that card she gets ups and walks into the 'I am so happy and home, and loved. The pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow. Her white veil, now an apron to wear in her happy home with her husband and children. The dark stream that once looked so scary, now tumbles joyfully around the sitting golden cups. Her children play in it. No ghosts here. And the final card here, the Page of Cups. The missing cup from the 8 card, held up with a couple of fish in it. The white cloth is still showing up, as a tunic, decorated with a royal blue satin sash, and a sage green cloak to cover the fearless Page, as he steps on the rocks in his leather boots and protective clothing. I say he is the child in the 10 of cups card. He was holding a fishing pole and enjoying the clear blue water, filled with fish, fun, happy summer days. It feels like the person going through the passage of the cups cards is a female. Ah...emotions. The heartfelt things only girls are supposed to cry and then dance for joy, when the sun comes back out, and the test is over, right? But this Page feels like a male. A young man with such passion, hope, visions of art, music, joy. Maybe his mother has been the one going through the lessons of the Cups cards....and he has watched and learned. Now is his turn. He has such excitement, can see into his future and only see good things. Such is life as a teenager. But life brings these lessons to us all, and that is good. She, his mother will be there, to comfort and guide him as he makes takes his own path into the world. No one can do it for you. But they can listen, and care.

'Tears endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.' Psalms, true!

So, thank you Paul! I no longer look at this card as a sad, dire, dismal card. It is only a place in the dark, we all have been there and will go back from time to time. Life lessons. Looks like the golden cup to fill the empty spot on this card was so worth it to go after. Take the risk, it is so worth it. !

2010-05-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

It is good to be Queen. Don't you think? I was out wandering in a local park, camera in hand, and found this lovely flower standing up, waving in the breeze, all by itself. Well, not really. Surrounding it was a field of yellow flowers. And I have no idea what their real 'flower' names are, I just loved them. Sorting through the stack later, I found this one, and the Queen of Pentacles from Ciro Marchetti's Divine Legacy Tarot, are a divine match. The colors, the symbols, the ladylike beauty of Mother Nature.

She, this Queen in green, gold and white, is a blend of ..... Paula Dean, wonderful cook, loves to feed everyone. Martha Stewart, talented, can do anything with your home or garden, or your money. For good or evil. But her intentions are good. She knows how to grow things. Make money, with just about anything laying around the house. If she is a full time Homemaker, she has the coolest home on the block. And if she works outside her home, she loves real estate, flipping houses, decorating on a dime, maybe banking, investing, she know how things grow, and no sitting around watching TV for her. She has things to do, and not enough time to do them.......and she has a little group of her own ducklings following her. A soft, loving Mother, and great Wife, she can do just about anything. And make it look easy. I can imagine her loving her huge garden, taking her veggies to the fresh food market, handing out samples of her baked goodies, having a bit of time to chat with everyone. Gracious....funny, not afraid to get her hand dirty, loves her work. What ever it is. And flowers.....talk about the 'green thumb.' She has them blooming all over.

One another level, I see her as very Spiritual. She understands the Laws of Nature. Plant a seed, watch it grow. What you reap, you sow. She is patient, but can decide the whole garden is done, and rip through it with her garden tiller, bury the old, finished plants. Embrace the new. Cycles, she loves them, and understands them. I love how this plant mimics the star on her forehead. She has Wisdom, Patience, feeds your soul as well as you tummy. In a field of 'ordinary' women....she stands out. And different.....she enjoys that. Who wants to be like everyone else. No cookie cutter mom here. Her husband keeps quiet about her....can't let it out how lucky he is. She wrote the book on Sex. She knows all the ways to pamper him. Touch is a way she makes love. He melts under her tender, massaging hands. She knows how to keep him coming home. She is his home. Her heart is a safe place to be, as she protects, fiercely if need be, all she loves. In her Tarot Card, here, she reminds me of a Southern Belle. Emily Post, maybe? Need to keep the rules. But another side of her could be some sexy chic, mud wrestling on Saturday night, making stacks of money, having a blast with all her crazy friends. If you need advice, she will give it. You will at first be comforted, then slapped silly with: why did you do that, knowing it would go there? Ms. Practical. Do this, get that. But she will have a plan to get you out of trouble, and can charm everyone around her, with her soft, delicate side, as she gets exactly what she wants. And they never seen it coming. She is my hero today. Think I will get out, find some flowers growing in the wild, bring them home to enjoy. Remind me of her.

Shadowscape Tarot

2010-05-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Are these not absolutely beautiful cards? Designed by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, and Barbara Moore, the deck is called 'Shadowscapes Tarot.' And the book that comes with the deck, is awesome. Thick, full page pictures of each card, artist descriptions and intuitive descriptions. Her artwork is delicate, detailed, and full of images. And her interpretations of each card, not your usual little white book descriptions. I love it. Bought 2 sets the first time I seen it.

I drew these cards today, at random. Sit with them, waited until this story floated up. See what you think, they are the Page of Wands, The Hanged Man, and the Two of Swords.

Once upon a time,

there was a young man. Handsome, eager, zealous. Filled with faith, joy. So much, he could not hold it inside his heart, so he sang, and played music. And his music was so sweet, it was told that the music drove demons away. Demons named Fear, Depression, and Greed. Anyone that heard his music, notes plucked from stings of harps, and lyrics from his innocent, pure heart, they were relieved of whatever torturing their suffering was. He was a bit naive about the ways of the world, how life could test you. He thought he had this gift of song, and the King favored him. Life was sweet.

As time passed, he had many exciting adventures. Some, so glorious he danced in the streets, and others so painful, he wept through the long night. And he learned, this is called Life.

One day, he was so excited! He had the idea to build the most exquisite temple, a most Holy place, filled with music, gold, shimmering jewels, ah, so lovely he could hardly wait to get started on it. He sketched, and planned, he envisioned it, could almost touch it. A knock at the door, a messenger. The message was to stop. Stop his plans for the beautiful temple. Put them in a box, pack them away. Wait. It was not meant to be, for him to build this Holy house. But the messenger promised, one of his sons would build it. How sad he was. No matter how many reasons he could think of, that he should build the very best Temple, he was told no. No.

There were many great things he had done in his life, and quite a few great mistakes he had made. And sure enough, a diligent scribe to write it all down. Horrible details, everything. You have to know how it broke his heart to pack his dreams, plans for this Temple filled with music, and let them sit there until one of his sons would grow up. At times they were quite a rowdy bunch, he despaired they would ever grow up. And what if none of his sons wanted to build it, finish the vision he started on parchment paper? The Wise voice inside his heart told him not to question. And gave him no reason. No answers. Someday, it would be built, but not by him.

So, he was told to stop, pack the plans, the gold, the jewels away. Let it go. And he died not seeing it built.

This story is about enthusiasm, joy, adventure. Stop, wait. Then, no. 2 paths ahead, and both are a NO. Ever felt like that? Like why? And what happened? Why have the vision, and the tools and you are ask to give them to someone else?

Did you recognize the story? It is about King David, the young shepherd boy that sang to the sheep, then sang for the King. It is about his joy at building God a beautiful Temple. Then here comes the Prophet Nathan, with a message. No. Stop. Put it away. Your son will build it for Me. So he did what God ask. Sadly.

And his son Solomon did build it. Most magnificently. I believe David could see it shimmering from earth to heaven. So lovely it was. What he dreamed, started with a pen and ink, was now a vision of beauty. Done.

Sometimes it's just not our job, and we have to let it all go. Walk away. And trust.

2010-04-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, a man named Guy, I was engaged to at that time, and I went to New Mexico, ate guacamole every day, visited every Prayer Chapel we could find, lighting candles, holding hands and soaking up the Holy Silence, a sweet memory. We stumbled upon this site, walked all over the place. It is the Aztec Ruins National Monument. I took piles of pictures, and just recently came upon them, and found this one. Clearly you can see the white image in the picture. This was taken with a 35 mm. Minolta camera, I had not gone digital yet. And is original, no enhancements, no Photoshop. Having Ciro Marchetti's 'Tarot Of Dreams,' front and center on my desk, I just had to ask the Tarot what was in that picture? And these 3 cards came out. What a story!

The Queen of Swords, The Knight of Wands, The 4 of Wands

Do you see what I see? The white vague image in the photo almost reflects the Queen of Swords, woman with the sword held in front of her. Even in one place the light goes up and down, like the silver sword. Her white feathered wings, seem to be reflected at the outer corner of the window. Indians decorated with feathers, maybe not white, but in the afterlife, she may carry white feathers. 2 round grinding stones sit in the window. I remember kneeling down and peeking in little stone fireplaces, they had placed in a corner of each little room, to heat and cook with. Made out of the same type of rock as the building was made from. This Queen of Swords, a woman that could use a sword or sharp knife to hunt, skin, or protect herself and her children, if she had to. Or possibly is was a Prayer Stick, they used these also and decorated them. Either way it was used by her to fight a battle, and protect her famliy.

On the Knights front side, he carries a round, engraved, golden shield. Look up, on the unfurled flag, is another golden orb. Part of a symbol on a huge orb, this fiery yellow circle grabs my attention, then connects with the fire the dragon is breathing. These two, Knight and Dragon, dressed for battle, ready to go.

And the 4 of Wands card, a open door, in the photo, past the window, a closed door. What once was a door, is now filled with stones and clay mortar. And look at the strong wooden wands, they show up as sturdy poles in the door and window, to hang beautiful woven blankets with. For privacy and beauty. More wood seems to brace the top of the window.

So, when I ask the Tarot, tell me about this photo, this is what I get....

They were married, these walls, stones, all that is left of their home. She spent more time there than he, I think it was her home. He was off doing man things, riding his horse, wild and beautiful. He was younger than her, I feel like 1o months younger. He was playful, spirited, wild. She was strong, smart, edgy, a bit of a wild woman herself. They don't feel like a quiet, boring couple. The cards feel like they were 2 passionate, talented, decorated-maybe tattooed lovers. Marriage didn't soften them, it fueled them, they fought like they loved, wildly. He died first, the last thing he seen was his horse. And the Sun, as he melted into the golden rays of the Sun. She, a widow. I do not see her remarrying, he was a hard act to follow. When he ascended into Grandfather Spirits homeland, he took her heart with him. A part of her still lingers at the window. Watching and waiting for him to come home. If those walls could speak, (and I believe they can!) these two Aztec (Pueblo) Indians gave the neighbors something to talk about. Of course, now she is with him. A glance in the door of the 4 of Wands card shows golden prisms of light, a beautiful place they rest. Talk about happy hunting grounds. They are there.

Just in case you would like more information, thank you Google, about the Indians that lived here, I am including this....
History

The Pueblo Indians are believed to be descended from the three major cultures that dominated the region before European contact:
Mogollon, an area near the Gila Wilderness
Hohokam, archaeological term for a settlement in the Southwest
Ancient Pueblo Peoples or the Anasazi, a term coined by the Navajos[1].
Historically, they supported themselves mostly by maize agriculture, although they lived in one of the more arid regions in North America. European settlement began in the late sixteenth century, but the desert surrounding the Rio Grande Valley precluded massive intrusions into Indian land until the mid-nineteenth century. As a result and despite forced conversions to Catholicism by the Spanish, the Pueblo tribes have been able to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle. There are now some 35,000 Pueblo Indians, living mostly in New Mexico and Arizona along the Rio Grande and Colorado River.
These peoples were the first to successfully revolt against the Spanish in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which expelled the Spanish for 12 years. The code for the action was a knotted rope sent by runner to each pueblo; the number of knots signified the number of days to wait before beginning the uprising. It began August 10, 1680; by August 21, Santa Fe fell to 2,500 warriors.[2] On September 22, 2005, the statue of Po'pay, (Popé) the leader of the Pueblo Revolt, was unveiled in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. The statue was the second one from the state of New Mexico and the 100th and last to be added to the Statuary Hall collection. It is the only statue in the collection created by a Native American, in this case, Cliff Fragua, a Puebloan from Jemez Pueblo.
Most of the Pueblos have annual ceremonies that are open to the public. In many cases, one such ceremony is the Pueblo's feast day, held on the day sacred to its Roman Catholic patron saint. (These saints were assigned by the Spanish missionaries so that each Pueblo's feast day would coincide with a traditional ceremony.) Some Pueblos also have ceremonies around the Christmas holidays and at other times of the year. The ceremonies usually feature traditional dances outdoors accompanied by singing and drumming, interspersed with non-public ceremonies in the kivas. They may also include a Roman Catholic Mass and processions.
Formerly, all outside visitors to a public dance would be offered a meal in a Pueblo home, but because of the large number of visitors, such meals are now by personal invitation only.
Culture
Historically, the Pueblos were large communal buildings; each family lived in a single room of the building, but if a family grew large enough, side-rooms were added. Among the Jemez and the non-Tanoan-speakers, ownership of the room was largely matrilineal, from mother to daughter. Thus if a Hopi, Zuñi, Keres, or Jemez man were to divorce, he would move from the home of his former wife to the home of his mother or a sister. The other pueblos were patrilineal.
The pueblos are unique among Native American dwellings in that they are constructed as apartments, the flat roof of one level acting as the floor and front yard of the next, with ladders connecting the floors. The walls, especially on the ground level, had no doors or windows—only entrances in the roof. This, coupled with the fact that many were built on the tops of mesas, made the pueblo easier to defend from attack.
Men were expected to tend the fields. They would defend the community in war societies; tribes such as the Navajo, Comanche, and Apache were their traditional enemies. The Spanish successfully re-conquered New Mexico after 1692 by allying themselves with the Pueblo people against their traditional enemies (although events in the 1800s were to modify these political alliances).
Pueblo prayer included substances as well as words; one common prayer material was ground-up maize—white cornmeal. Thus a man might bless his son, or some land, or the town itself by sprinkling a handful of meal as he uttered a blessing. Once, after the 1692 re-conquest, the Spanish were prevented from entering a town when they were met by a handful of men who uttered imprecations and cast a single pinch of a sacred substance.[3]
The Puebloans employed prayer sticks, which were colorfully decorated with beads, fur, and feathers; these prayer sticks (or talking sticks) were also used by other nations.
Cloth and weaving were known to the Puebloans before the conquest, but it is not known whether they knew of weaving before or after the Aztecs. But since clothing was expensive, they did not always dress completely in the European tradition until after the conquest, and breechclouts were not uncommon.
Corn (maize) was a staple food for the Pueblo people. They would use pottery vessels to hold their food and water.

Legacy of the Divine

2010-04-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, and the book 'Writing Poetry from the Inside Out', by Sandford Lyne, I write.

From each card, a word

from each word, a thought

and each thought, poem-sketching.

The World......Open

The Wheel.....Life

Temperance.....Reverence

9 of Pentacles.....Gardens

Walk the Garden's

path

reverently.

Watch tender stalks

burst

born of precious seed.

the pounding rain

the burning sun

cold, wind of change...

life.

Let the Angels

open you

tenderly perfumed, velvet petals

dance in today's light

you are beauty.

2010-01-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

From the Rime of the Ancient Mariner...

The Moving Moon

went up the sky.

And nowhere did

She abide;

Softly she was

going up,

And a star

or two abide.

by Samuel Talyor Coleridge 1772-1834

Space.com

Tonight's full moon will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. It offers anyone with clear skies an opportunity to identify easy-to-see features on the moon.

This being the first full moon of 2010, it is also known as the wolf moon, a moniker dating back to Native American culture and the notion that hungry wolves howled at the full moon on cold winter nights. Each month brings another full moon name.

But why will this moon be bigger than others? Here's how the moon works:

The moon is, on average, 238,855 miles (384,400 km) from Earth. The moon's orbit around Earth – which causes it to go through all its phases once every 29.5 days – is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse. One side of the orbit is 31,070 miles (50,000 km) closer than the other.

So in each orbit, the moon reaches this closest point to us, called perigee. Once or twice a year, perigee coincides with a full moon, as it will tonight, making the moon bigger and brighter than any other full moons during the year.

Tonight it will be about 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than lesser full Moons of the year, according to Spaceweather.com.

As a bonus, Mars will be just to the left of the moon tonight. Look for the reddish, star-like object.

Full moon craziness

Many people think full moons cause strange behavior among animals and even humans. In fact several studies over the years have tried to tie lunar phases to births, heart attacks, deaths, suicides, violence, psychiatric hospital admissions and epileptic seizures, and more. Connections have been inclusive or nonexistent.

The moon does have some odd effects on our planet, and there are oodles of other amazing moon facts and misconceptions:

A full moon at perigee also brings higher ocean tides. This tug of the moon on Earth also creates tides in the planet's crust, not just in the oceans.

Beaches are more polluted during full moon, owing to the higher tides.

In reality, there's no such thing as a full moon. The full moon occurs when the sun, Earth and the moon are all lined up, almost. If they're perfectly aligned, Earth casts a shadow on the moon and there's a total lunar eclipse. So during what we call a full moon, the moon's face is actually slightly less than 100 percent illuminated.

The moon is moving away as you read this, by about 1.6 inches (4 cm) a year.

The moon illusion

Finally, be sure to get out and see the full moon as it rises, right around sunset. Along the horizon, the moon tends to seem even bigger. This is just an illusion.

You can prove to yourself that this is an illusion. Taking a small object such as a pencil eraser, hold it at arm's length, and compare its size to that of the moon just as it rises. Then repeat the experiment later in the night and you'll see that the moon compares the same in both cases. Alternately, snap two photos of the moon, with a digital camera or your cell phone, when the moon is near the horizon and later when it's higher in the sky. Pull both photos up on your computer screen and make a side-by-side comparison.

Astronomers and psychologists agree the moon illusion is just that, but they don't agree on how to explain it.

The Golden Tarot of Klimt, Tarot of the Divine Legacy, Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn, Universal Fantasy Tarot ( And FYI, I think I have them posted in reversed order or my writing about them. So, be creative here, and look at each card from the right side of the page, to the left. ) It is just one of those days...

This Beautiful Moon.

All the books, say all different things about what this card means. As they should, they are written by many brilliant people, that see the Moon through their own perception. I go by the Art. Or how I feel when I see this card. Or what other cards show up with it.

Today, I really feel this card. The Woman by Gustav Klimt, curling up, eyes closed tightly, in a fetal position. Naked....out there. Really out there. The Beautiful Lady in Ciro Marchetti's Moon card, she, basking it the glow of the full moon. Soaking it up.,A site filled with mystery, seduction, silence. The depiction from the Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn. A place you don't want to be. Spooky, haunted wild animals roaming....the crayfish with sharp claws....waiting to slice your feet. The Moon's face...somber. Go away. We don't want you here. And the Universal Fantasy Tarot Moon. Finally more than one person shows up here. But who are they? You cannot see their faces...hidden by wild heathenish masks. The look hungry to me, and fierce. Warriors on a hunt. Someone you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.This is all an Illusion. Really. Don't believe what you see, as you can't really see the truth. You are wandering around in the dark. Stop. One way to go 'with' this card, and reap the benefits of drawing it, is to sit with the memories. To let the past float up. To cry. To feel it. And to wait for the Sun to come up, light to flood your path. Morning will come. It will. So, maybe go back to bed, curl up with hot cocoa and read. And pray. And just let whatever has been hidden, lurking in the corners of your soul...come up.

2010-01-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

at my gate

 the hoarse frogs

 keep singing

 
A loyal, tired warrior,

standing, waiting, listening, with his faithful friend. 

He, by the beautiful white stallion, 

looks past the remains of the broken gate.

The battle is won?

Or is it, 'one' is still standing.  Barely.

Hoarse, from calling...

are any of my wounded brothers, alive? 

Glance over here, 

and see tearful eyes, seeking yours. 

There was just one.

Who quickly cast off

his heavy sad helmet.

And stands away from the fallen.

You both shall sing again...

on another day.

Issa Haiku

The Rumi Tarot

2010-01-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

After posting this morning, I had reread what I had written. And I was shuffling the new 'Rumi Tarot' by Nigel Jackson. This card fell out. Talk about signs. Can you read what is written on the bottom of this Knight of Staves?   

'The Alif rejoices and fulfils your wishes.'

Ayliffe (Alif) is the lady that just passed, I had written about. I looked up what this could mean, and why it is on this card, from the book, 'Guide to the Rumi Tarot.' 

It says, and I quote, 'A majestic Knight dressed in an orange and green tunic and steel helmet is depicted seated on his horse. He bears the scepter-stave and also a bow and quiver of arrows. He rides through a hilly landscape against a blue sky with white clouds. 

The verse alludes to the Alif, which is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet; in Sufi esoteric symbolism, it stands for the supreme unity.

The Knight of Staves is a symbol of initiative, drive and FEARLESS QUESTING INTO THE UNKNOWN.'

Meaning: Departure from the familiar, Intuition, CHANGE OF RESIDENCE, Emigration, Stable financial sense.  

and fulfils my wishes?   

Thank you....so very much, they are, in just a moment, being posted on my bulletin board right here by my desk.

She definitely is fearlessly questing into the unknown, with her new change of residence. Those mischievous twins.

2010-01-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

Issa

winter withering--
amid the storm
a sacred lantern

-Issa, 1821

This has been quite a winter. The ice on the inside of my window, makes a lovely pattern of lace. It greets me each morning as I sit down with my fresh coffee, at my computer. And read the morning news. And pray.

These cards depict how I feel today.

Heard that a friend died yesterday morning. She would have been 97 on the 24th of January. Yes....what a long life. How blessed she was. Really. One of her daughters by her side, holding her frail hand as she passed from this life, to her next. I bet there was huge party as she parted, her husband had just passed last year, and many friends and loved ones, no doubt gathered around her, embracing her, catching her up on what they have been doing on the other side. And I don't believe sitting around strumming harps is on the agenda. They call it Heaven for a reason...and she is happy. Like dancing happy. I can feel it.
I remember staying at her house during a huge family reunion, in the summer of 1980. Having to go upstairs to find a quiet place to nurse my baby son, who happens to turn 30 today. His birthday. Sweet Joshua. It must have been the hottest summer on record....I really think it was. And young, prudish me, I could not nurse him in front of anyone. So, here we hide....in sweltering heat....stuck together. Poor child, I bet he would have loved some icy cold milk from one of those cows standing around that yard filled with family, in Iowa. But no, mothers milk is best. Whatever.
Ayliffe. She was my mother in law's, identical twin sister. Mother in law. What a term. Constance. She was my real mother. Finally, life had given me a mother...one that adopted me into her family, into her heart. She was my best friend. Sadly, she died when Josh was just one year old. But my 2 little daughters, who were 6 and 9, they remember her sweet ways.
Last year, my genealogist daughter, Johnna, sent me recent a picture of Ayliffe. I have not seen her in years. She looked exactly like my 'mother' would have looked, if she would have still been here. Ugh. I could not even keep the photo out. Had to put it away. Maybe I am still grieving for the one, dear lady that mothered me. So, as of yesterday, the twins are together. Reunited. Two little girls that shared the same place under their mothers heart for 9 months....now together.

winter withering.....the season of winter. harsh, sad, cold. so many out of work, homeless. hopeless. their souls withering. passing to a new way of life, one way or the other. winter. followed by spring. that seems a long reach, today. can't even go there.

amid the storm....fox news. storms, and more storms. storms in the atmosphere, storms in the homes, storms in the news. find someone worse off than you, not hard to do. help them. another friend of mine came home to a burnt house with all her furniture strewn around the yard, charred. broken windows, broken spirit, this is the second time her house has caught fire in 3 years. and they say lightening doesn't strike twice in the same place. wrong. find someone to hold, tight. maybe a good book, or a long nap. and wait it out. and pray.

a sacred lantern.... on this hermit's card, his sacred lantern sits. someone once said to me, the lantern holds the light of the star, from the 'star' card in the tarot. I like that. he found the star. hope. harnessed it. uses it to guide him in his dark night of the soul. lonely, solitary time. and that turtle, ugh, time passing so slowly. yet this card gives me hope. maybe just a glance of it, but hope, nonetheless. he is ok. maybe older, way wiser, and understanding of life's cycles. this too shall pass. find a safe spot, wait it out. and I noticed he is studying a skull, pondering maybe, who this was, what their story was. matches the first card, death. death is the story is over, or the story is just beginning. a new story. that's why the star gives us hope. there is always a new beginning. count the stars, if you can see them tonight. that many new beginnings, still there for me, for you. ponder that.

http://cat.xula.edu/issa/

2010-01-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

Issa

I love writing. I love poetry. And I love Haiku. I found a site online, you can click on it below, all about Issa. I also love things written long ago. And his life, his wisdom, is very much needed today. For the next few weeks, if you read my blog...you will get an entertaining lesson on Issa. I am taking his story, about his life, and selections of his writings in Haiku, and giving them to you using the beloved Tarot Cards. The deck I have chosen is 'The Tarot of Durer.' The art is by Giacinto Gaudenzi. Every day I am on a emailing list, and get a Haiku from Issa. And I shall post it, with the cards that depict it. Or, my version of it! Each card, shall give you a vision of each line of his poetry. What do you think? As you read his story...in time, you will see he was very wise, and experienced much loss in his life. Yet, he wrote. All the time. Maybe it was his therapy. We all need that. And I so enjoy seeing the world, through his eyes....or his words. They live on.

my home village
in an ugly mood...
the winter rain

-Issa, 1821

http://cat.xula.edu/issa/

Issa in Haiku Tradition

Chronologically, Kobayashi Issa appears third in the order of the four most prominent haiku poets of Japanese tradition.

About Issa

One of the four foremost poets of Japanese haiku tradition, Issa is in good company (Bashô, Buson, Issa, Shiki).

He was born in the little village of Kashiwabara in the mountains of Japan's Shinano Province on the fifth day of Fifth Month, 1763: June 15 on the Western calendar. He died in the same village on the 19th of Eleventh Month in the old Japanese calendar year that corresponds to 1827: the equivalent of January 5, 1828 on the Western calendar. In the long time between these dates he learned the art of haiku (then called haikai) and wandered the length and breadth of Japan, writing everywhere he went. Though his real name was Kobayashi Yatarô, he chose Issa (Cup-of-Tea) as his haiku name. He called himself "Shinano Province's Chief Beggar" and "Priest Cup-of-Tea of Haiku Temple." A devout follower of the Jôdoshinshû sect, he imbued his work with Buddhist themes: sin, grace, trusting in Amida Buddha, reincarnation, transience, compassion, and the joyful celebration of the ordinary.

Barnes and Noble Party

2009-12-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! I wanted to post something very special today, and when I received this poem from my good friend Jerry Mac Johnston, I knew it was exactly what I would love to share with you. Sometimes, the very best gift you can give someone you love, is not wrapped in shiny, expensive paper. But scribbled on a wrinkled napkin, as you sip on your last cup of coffee, for the day. And it comes straight from the heart.

I am placing my interpretation of his beautiful poem, with the Tarot Cards that depict it, using the Victorian Romantic Tarot, wonderfully created by Karen Mahony.

Here we are together, yesterday at Barnes and Noble...wrapping gifts for the Writers Group we both belong to, Sleuth's Ink.

1st place in the members only ' Poets and Friends' category. His poem...Stars for Sale.

STARS FOR SALE

I did not do such a good job
of watching over you
and I know at least one
who would say
I have no right
to ask you for anything
Yet I have a wish
When I die
buy a star in my name
Trees in Israel
or Yellowstone
seem much too transient
for my purpose
I want each night
for you to be able to
look up
point to a star
and no matter how random
it might seem
be able to softly say
Sorry
it didn't work out
Dad

Stars for Sale
I did not do such a good job
of watching over you

and I know at least one
who would say

I have no right
to ask you for anything

Yet I have a wish
When I die

buy a star in my name
Trees in Israel
or Yellowstone
seem much to transient

for my purpose

I want each night
for you to be able to
look up
point to a star
no matter how random
it might seem,

to be able to softly say

Sorry
it didn't work out
Dad

Thank you Jerry Mac...this was lovely.

2009-10-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

This is the very Halloweeny, Beautiful Bohemian Gothic Tarot by Magic Realist Press....aka Karen Mahony. And I love it! So artsy, dark, interesting....

I laid out cards for tonight...as I am going to Halloween Party, taking this deck with me to entertain my masked, costumed friends, want to see what lies ahead, in my future.....

The 7 of Cups, The Chariot, and the Moon

I love the mask the Charioteer wears....I have a black feathered mask I am taking to wear. Maybe. The masks, how we love the masks. Maybe we need the masks. And they are a gift, not a curse. Who is it I shall really be?I don't know yet...she is waiting to get there, see who comes out to play.... In the 7 of Cups, I can be anything. Imagine this....she is in her own fantasy world. A scarlet red drink? I choose a frosty Coke. I do not drink or smoke, so the Party Girl I am not. But this may be fun.....And the stairs behind her, she is going down. Down to a part of herself she wants to explore...Or maybe she is climbing up, to sneak out the rooftop opening...climb out of her boring life, into someone else, in the dark of night. This handsome man with the majestic Black feathered wings...he is robed in rich blood red scarlet, just a wrap. Seems to be barely holding onto it. Looks like a Chippendale Dancer on Halloween. That would me nice tonight....! Those massive stone carvings of the dark and light woman. We all have the dark side. Be honest. Get to love it. It is a Universal law, people. Just like the Law of Attraction. The Law is of Polarity. There will always be equal amounts of dark, for light. Day...night. Masculine, Feminine. Ying, yang. Tonight is the night to play in the dark side....dance the night away with your fears...And the Moon. Ah, I just love her, and her white wolf, howling in the darkest hours of the night. She is in deepest blue. Blue....one of my favorite colors. She is quiet, watching. Farther out in this card, is an image of a person crying. Alone, sadly in the night. Yet not alone, as she is watching vigil, compassionate from a distance. Pearls are woven in her hair, and a silver crescent moon adorns her long, luxurious hair. She blends with the night, unnoticed, just there. She is the night. Absorbing it. Feeling it. Being it.

FYI. I think I was the quiet one watching. It was entertaining....and I did blend with the night...unnoticed. I kept sneaking outside, to get away from the smoke, and gazing at the Moon and stars. Felt more at home there. In the quiet, in the dark.
It was fun....I came alone, and I left alone. I met up with friends....but it was really nice to come home to my home. Looking at those cards now...I see they might be saying...your party will be an illusion...not what you think. Go ahead and drive, enjoy the view. The best view will be the stars and the moon. And it was!

2009-10-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

So, Tuesday morning this week, I do my daily layout of my cards. I use the beautiful Fenestra Tarot. I have my coffee....all is quiet...peaceful...and I draw these 3 cards. I think, gee, I wonder what these are saying to me. So, I think...maybe I am stressed, from talking all the time, and need a man to distract me from my work. Or, maybe I have too many things going on...I have really gotten into making Fabric Postcards, fun and artsy, but sort of over commited myself to doing several of them. But, got them done on the deadline, mailed out. The Emperor looks heavy....strict. Maybe it means I need to be a bit stricter about that 10 pounds...wands....I have been wrestling with...speak an affirmation out loud about it.

The 10 is a card of too much....over the limit...over doing it....
The Page of Wands...zealously showing someone your point of view....talking to them...giving them an important message...
The Emperor...Big Daddy, someone in power, the Boss. Someone controlling their environment....

And I leave, have an appointment across town. So I am just a tad late. Get half way there, and see the bright flashing lights of a police car....right behind me. Me? Surely not me. Yes. I get a ticket for speeding. Well, everyone else was going the same pace as I was...I urgently explain, as he has is ink pen poised over that yellow citation pad. And yes, I try to talk my way out of it, to no avail. 51 in a 35 mile zone. When I get back from the appointment....I see these cards still out on my desk. And now I know....you are going too fast, you cannot talk your way out of it, and you will be a little intimidated by Mr. Policeman. The Tarot Cards have such a sense of humor...don't they. I surely did not see this in the cards....but later I did. Learn something new every day. I do.

2009-10-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

Still looking for Pictures in Pictures

Today, the Universal Waite Tarot, is where I find matching cards, for my pictures. This young, curious boy, is my beloved grandson David. He is peering inside the box that held the Nigel Jackson Tarot Cards. Just like the Page of Cups, he is wondering, what is in there? And what would this mean, a fish in a cup? A talking fish? Cards that tell stories? Cards full of colorful images, who are these people on these cards, and what are all the pretty pictures? He is already an artist. My own Page of Cups, with crayons, markers, ideas....he already has every superhero down pat. He will draw the story, then ask me or anyone else around with a pencil to write out the story to go with his picture. He believes in 'talking fish.' I liked how the back of the card he is holding had the same circle that the Ace of Pentacles has. He's holding it so gently, and obviously focused on something, an image, intently. Knows there is a story here...just got to get the details. And at this tender age, they have no problems with imagination. He can give me a run for my money, as a reader. He inspires me!

The soft colors of the Universal Waite deck, are the same soft colors in Davids pictures. I see an arched gate on the Ace, with blooming Surprise Lilies, and a mysterious landscape beyond my vision. He sees the same thing, and when I ask him what is past the gate? He can give me a story about the boy in the other card, he is there. He is standing by the lake we cannot see, and is all dressed up for a play at school. Looks like he is having a fish sandwich for lunch.

Sometimes, when I get caught up in the stacks of books with all the 'professional' meanings of the Tarot....I need to go back to looking through a child's eyes. Just play with them. Stop trying so hard, and just let the images tell the story. The wilder the better. And have David over, find the Hulk, Iron Man, and Cat Woman in the cards. And let the characters tell the story. Or let the child lead me....

Pay attention to the Pages, young ones, curious and questioning ones, around you. They don't know the rules yet. And what we are yet to learn, is who wrote the rules? Listen to their wisdom. Wow, even Spongebob has some pretty good advice...never knew that until David shared it with me. Go backward in time, and tell your own story. And make it a good one...tell it like a 4 year old would...

2009-10-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

Morning Glory

Every day the symbols from the Tarot show up around us. Just takes a second to pause and notice, what that symbol might be telling you. I was outside with my little yappy dog, and seen these blooming Morning Glories. So delicate, and white. Pure, innocent. I grab the camera and take their picture. I pick up this deck of cards, The Fantastical Tarot, and here is the same picture. A healthy, green, winding vine, reaching up from the ground. Holding onto something metal, a thick cable cord in one picture and a thick heavy sword in the other. Two open white flowers, almost a third.

If I were just drawing a daily card to think about...I would think this would mean (Gestalt, here) marking a spot. The Sword has been stuck in the ground, not needed. Yet, it's there, ready, should it be needed. And long enough for these wildish flowers to wrap around it, decorate it, bloom---Mary Englebreit's...'Bloom where you are planted?' Yes. They have bloomed where they were planted. Or where the wind of fate blew them. You think they are angry about where they are? Doesn't look like it. Looks like they're very happy. Open to the Sun, showing off. Holding on. Simple. Trusting. Looks pretty easy, wonder how they do that. There have been storms here, and wind. And lightening. And they are on a metal cable...could get fried. They don't care. Reminds me of when Jesus told his groupies, 'Think about how the lilies grow. They don't work, or make clothing.(ha! and I am a Seamstress, and am sitting in a room-right now, filled with fabric, patterns and the Work of making clothing!) Yet, not even Solomon in all his 'glory' (morning glory!) was dressed like one of these flowers. If that is how God dresses the wild grass, how much better will he dress you! After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is gone. Your faith is so small. Don't spend time thinking about what you will eat or drink. DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT. People who are ungodly ( have no God to trust, turn to, depend on?) run after all those things. Your Father knows that you need them. Luke 12:27 (really? He really knows what I need today?)

Well, seems to be a theme here. I added the symbolic meaning for Morning Glories. And it says, they bloom in the morning, and die in the afternoon. Well, that sucks. Yet, sometimes life feels so fleeting, fast. And past. And yet, somewhere in here, there is hope. They have seeds that fall, (lots of seeds!) never have to be replanted. Life replants them. They come back every year, no one has to work at planting them, and it says they don't take to 'repotting' well. They are where they are supposed to be. And they hang on and just bloom. Cool.

The Morning Glory in Chinese Art

The star-shaped morning glory is symbolic of a single day each year in which the Chinese lovers, Chien Niu and Chih Neu, are allowed to meet. According to Chinese lore, Chien Niu was a boy star who was entrusted to take care of water buffalo in the heavenly kingdom. A girl star named Chih Neu was put in charge of seamstress duties. They fell in love, and the romance caused them to neglect their duties. In anger, God forced the young lovers to be separated on both sides of the Silver River and allowed then to meet only once during the whole year.

Seamstress Duties!!! How funny. And only allowed to meet once a year. It must be getting time for my yearly date!

Morning Glory Facts

The morning glory is aptly named, as the flower blooms in the morning and dies by the afternoon. The flowers are funnel-shaped and prefer full sun. Morning glories will grow in poor, dry soil. They are a vine flower and are highly useful for trellises where they reduce the heating and cooling costs of buildings.

And they make themselves useful.....saving heating and cooling costs....how funny.

Look around you and see what shows up, and the card that matches it. Write about it. It will give you a message...what you need to know, to know you are ok. Really ok.

2009-09-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Every day, I journal. I draw 3 cards, I ponder what they could mean for today. I read my Bible. Edgar Casey read his Bible every day. He was one of the most popular mystic's....and he humbly realized his gifts were of a higher realm. Gifts from God. And he desired to be guided by God. Not ego, not fame. Just simply use his spiritual gifts to bless whomever may be showing up for him that day. The Bible grounded him, as it does me. I will always be the granddaughter of a Pentecostal Minister...and never forget his wise teachings to me. Somehow those teachings weave into a larger pattern of who I am today. And what I believe today.

So, as I am reading my 'Message' (translation) Bible, I am thinking of the beautiful Surprise Lilies, that I seen, the last time I visited my Mother. Huge clusters of them, everywhere I looked, their delicate stalks barely able to hold up, all those dainty pink blooming flowers. As I am opening the Bible, glancing around to see what I should read today, I see the word 'lily' stand out. And I read this....

1 Kings 7:19 (The Message)

15-22 First he cast two pillars in bronze, each twenty-seven feet tall and eighteen feet in circumference. He then cast two capitals in bronze to set on the pillars; each capital was seven and a half feet high and flared at the top in the shape of a lily. Each capital was dressed with an elaborate filigree of seven braided chains and a double row of two hundred pomegranates, setting the pillars off magnificently. He set the pillars up in the entrance porch to The Temple; the pillar to the south he named Security (Jachin) and the pillar to the north Stability (Boaz). The capitals were in the shape of lilies.

Jachin....the 'J' on one of the pillars in the High Priestess Card, and Boaz....the 'B' on the other pillar. One represents Security, and the other Stability. I never knew that. How cool! And the pomegranates are there, behind her. A double row of 200, that's a lot of pomegranates. Some think the fruit in the Garden of Eden was pomegranates....not the poor apple that's been blamed for mans downfall.

I also found this...'The completion and printing of the first bible included elements of the Torah, known as the Old Testament. The references to pomegranates remain intact, including the passage: “Let us go early to the vineyards to see... if the pomegranates are in bloom—there I will give you my love.” Song of Solomon 7:12'

And...'During the Persian wedding ceremony, a basket of pomegranates is placed on the ceremonial cloth to symbolize a joyous future. In Turkey, after the marriage ceremony, the bride throws a pomegranate on the ground. The number of arils that fall out are believed to indicate how many children she will have. In Crete, when a bride enters her new home, the groom hands her a pomegranate. In China, a picture of a ripe, open pomegranate is a popular wedding present, expressing the wish, "May you have as many children as there are seeds!"

POM Wonderful: www.pomwonderful.com

And about the Lily....'In early paintings, the Angel Gabriel is seen handing a bouquet of white lilies to the Virgin Mary. In other paintings, the saints are bringing vessels full of lilies to Mary and the baby Jesus. In another legend, a visit to the tomb of Mary three days after her burial found nothing in the tomb except large bunches of lovely lilies. Artists have often used the lily to represent the Resurrection of Mary. The white petals of the lily are said to represent the spotless body of the Virgin Mary and its golden anthers are said to be her soul glowing this heavenly light.'

Lilies and Pomegranates, and the beautiful High Priestess Card.

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

2009-08-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

What happened to Carol Daniels?

Oklahoma pastor found dead inside her church

ANADARKO, Okla. (AP) — Authorities say a pastor in southwest Oklahoma was killed and her body was found inside her church.

Carol Daniels' body was found early Sunday at the Christ Holy Sanctified Church in Anadarko, Okla., which is about 60 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.

Investigators say they have no suspects in Daniels' death and few leads to follow. Authorities did not say how, when or where she died. Officials on Sunday spoke with several people who gathered around the building after hearing about the killing.

Authorities say Daniels was in her mid 50s and lived in Oklahoma City.

Her church is in a small A-frame building that sits along a main road in the Caddo County town of about 6,600 people.

Using the new, Beautiful, Legacy of the Divine Tarot, by Ciro Marchetti, I am asking questions of the Tarot, about what happened to Carol Daniels?

In the first row of cards, my question was simply.....'what happened?' I drew the Sun, the 7 of Wands, and the Moon.

She was a 'light bearer', of the Truth. She was protecting something, or someone. Would not give the killer what they wanted. I see the Moon, which stands for Mother issues, and the Sun, sometimes a play on words...did she have a son? Or someone she thought of as a 'son?'

Second question, Who did this to you? second row of Cards....Page of Cups, The Chariot, The Emperor.

Someone she trusted, someone running away. A man and a child? A childish man? A man wanting something she had, taking it, running with it. What did he want?

He wanted to fight for something he thought was his. The Knight of Wands, the 6 of Cups, and the 7 of Swords. Hurry, get this done. He rashly thought he deserved it, in his childishly 'fantasy' mind, he was going to take it one way or the other, even steal it. He was angry, petty, mean. A rebel.

And the last row of Cards....'What was this about, how can I solve this mystery?'

The Page of Pentacles, the 5 of Swords, and the Empress.' Again, a child and a mother. A bitter young man, full of vengeance, hurtful words, like daggers. She, never in fear, only compassion and love, a true Mothers love, understanding the pain, the anger. Offering him what she could offer, he wanted something else. And he took it. Her life. Her.

There could have been an older man, and a younger man. One watched, was a lookout for the other. Strange as it seems, I see the younger man as the angriest man. The man that killed her.

In this layout, I use sets of 3 cards. And I notice the numbers...the Chariot=7, 7 of Wands and 7 of Swords. Mystery numbers. Was this person a Mystery to her? Someone she never understood, never really knew? I believe she did know him, as she seemed to welcome him and show no fear in standing up to him. He is one the road, not there in that town. Running. The main thing he stole from her was her life. I don't see anything else here that indicates he wanted money, or items to cash into money. He wanted his mother, or a mother. And she had been that to him. Somewhere inside him is a wounded child, and she could see that, and still loved him. Her last card is the Empress...utter Compassion.

I believe he will be found, caught. His own conscience will convict him. He will tell someone else about this....a possible drunken confession, and he will be discovered. He wants help. He is desperately crying for help. He will get help, but not the way he wanted it. This group of cards, just screams....'Past life scenario.' This group of 3, have been together before. And will come back and do it again. The Moon, Emperor, Empress, Sun.....father, mother, son....going deep into the past. Not resolved this time around. And she, killed in a Church? Or somewhere else and brought to the Church? A holy place of sanctuary. Years ago, it would be the only safe place from someone that wanted to hurt you. In 2-3 weeks the truth will come out. Maybe 2-3 days. Fast. She is ok.....her soul is at Peace.

Anyone other readers out there, care to add to this post, feel welcome. I appreciate your insight, and your comments. Even negative! I am still a student...always will be. Linda

Victorian Romantic Tarot

2009-08-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this....!

I was sent an email from the Yahoo Personals, someone was checking me out...flirting with me. So, I pull up this profile from a man named 'Fred' from Fayetteville, AR. He is 63. This is what his profile says....check it out if you don't believe it...really.

'My ideal match must love muscle cars especially since I own a Z06 Corvette 6speed. She must also not not loose bladder control easily. It would also be helpful if she were able to fit comfortably into the bucket seat. My only other requirements is that she be kind, thoughtful, open minded and have a sense of humor. (Definitely having all of her hair is a plus and be able to "dress up" for special occasions is also right up there.) Bossy, red-necked, overbearing women should not even attempt to respond.

And just for fun, I drew these 3 cards on Fred. As I have many callers, including myself, single, looking around for Mr. Wonderful.

I am using the Victorian Romantic Tarot. This is a serious romantic reading, you know. Ah, 10 of Pentacles, Knight of Pentacles, and 4 of Cups. The cards say....

This man has a lot of stuff. Property, things. Possessions. He wants a lady to bow before him, kiss his hand in homage....he is a real treat. Well, he has that fancy car, you know. What else would a single woman be looking for? And seems another woman has had an accident there....hope he had plastic covers on that thing. I bet he does now. Well, he's still shopping, not to sure if anyone will 'fit' what he wants.(Hence the fit into his bucket seat...whatever.)Has all her hair....how does he know if she has all her hair? Get a picture of her from 5 years ago, and compare hair, here? Will he obsess over the hair in the sink? Or secretly check out her hairbrush? I wonder why he hasn't posted a picture of himself. And does he have hair? Or teeth? Or is it just the 'stuff' he has to offer? Well, not really. It is his stuff. You would be his stuff. And that 4 of Cups....he would find something he didn't like about you....So what is his problem? I think the answer is in the first card. He has had someone he really loved, she was the one that helped him acquire all this stuff. And she is gone. He really wants her back...and no one can fill her dainty little shoes. And some women out here would really try to. And be never what he really wants. I'm thinking I really do like my dog....and I have so many great friends....single's not so bad.....
Ah, the dating games....how fun! He's still free, girls! Go get him!

2009-05-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Lady Justice

I have been carrying Corrine Kenner's newest book around, 'Tarot for Writers,' and finding all kinds of new ways to see my cards! I am using the Nigel Jackson Tarot, well, I have trimmed the sides off...hey, I paid for it, it's mine. And they are so big, hard to shuffle. And I am a Seamstress, with too many pairs of sharp scissors. And I love the way without the borders, they lay together. Like a picture that just melts together. This is just one way of having fun with them, make them yours. Trim them, write on them, play with them all the time. I do.

I was studying the book again and found this suggestion....write about something insignificant. One little thing on a card that no one really notices. I pulled this card at random.....and found something to write about. Do you see it? Something only a woman might notice, or a man with a foot fetish. She has no polish on her toenails. Her feet are bare. I cannot see her finger nails, they seem to hidden from view. But I do see her unpolished toe nails. I wonder why this is what I see. I am a detail person. I want the tiny, vivid, every scrap, details. She looks like a woman that's worked hard and long to be in her position of 'higher' power. She is dressed in blue, love that color. She is simply dressed, she had 9 circles of gold over her heart. 9, the number of perfection. A ornate gold crown, and heavy gold sword, and a big set of golden scales.Empty scales. Sitting in a golden throne, high and alone. Cool, fluffy white clouds blow about her, rest below her, she sees from a high vantage point. She knows much. Has to. Why is her hair blue? Is she ancient? I think yes, and no. She is ageless. She is a Universal and Spiritual Law. She embodies it. The insignificant details.....her bare feet and toes, show me she is humble. Vulnerable. She walks gently. Softly. She is not about beauty, she is about truth. She doesn't really care if you see her or not, she wants you to see the scales, the sword, the crown. That is who she is. When she's not at work, maybe goofing off at home. She is still barefoot. And relaxed. And just herself. I see her with a new novel, curled up with a cafe mocha, easy to be with. She knows what no one says....and she needs no adornment. She is pure. Real. Cool.

2009-05-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Where is Madeleine McCann?

One day this week, on Oprah, Madeleine McCann's parents were on the show. I am always curious what the Tarot will say about missing people. She has been missing for 2 years now. That is horrible. And not a clue what happened to her. I am using the beautiful, newly released, Touchstone Tarot by Cat Black. Utterly gorgeous. I ask......

Is Madeleine alive?
These cards I drew....the Ace of Swords, the 6 of Coins, and the Queen of Cups.This is a yes. She is very much alive. Looking at every symbol that stands out, I see this....

She is alive. She is in the possession of a wealthy woman. A powerful woman. A woman that gets everything she wants, and bought this child. This stolen child. She has many takers to do her business. They are well paid, and she is quite happy. She lives in a cold country. North. Mountains, very high. She is not questioned, as she has information on people she would use against them,if she had to. She keeps Madeleine from the outside world, thinking she is protecting her, yet she is the one the child needs to be protected from. She desired a child young enough to not remember her family, not remember anything. And yes, I believe a man was paid to steal this child from her family. They had twins also, maybe that was a nice gesture, he did leave the twins. Whatever. I believe he was watching the family...waiting for just the right moment. She is unhurt. She is well taken care of. She knows only what she has been taught by this lady. Sad. But she is still alive, and there is still hope.

I ask, will she be found....Yes.
I drew the Judgement Card, the 9 of Cups, and the Ace of Wands.

She will be found. Someone knows this story, and knows the lady with the child. I am so glad they did the age progression of the child, I believe that will be how she is recognized. Her family's wishes do come true, in one day, they will receive a call, and they will have her back. I believe it will be within one year. Their prayers will be answered. They will be happy again. I see this beautiful Angel in the Judgement card, watching over her. And her family. The truth will come out, as it always does. The thief will get caught, and the woman with everything will have nothing. Call it karma, or I would rather quote Jesus....what you reap, you sow. Cause and effect.

Pray for her, and her family. And the person that makes the call that will tell us where she is. She will be found.

www.findmadeleine.com

2009-05-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

My scanner is broken. I can't post the cards I usually scan and do readings on, so for now, I decided to just write. I miss the writing....

I was invited to a Writers group meeting on Saturday. I am going. The speaker is a Psychic, and does not like the Ouija Board or the Tarot Cards. A friend of mine confided this to me, so I will restrain myself from plopping them out on the table in front of me, as I usually do. I guess she is a 'real' psychic. I immediately grabbed my soapbox, and as I have time and time again, came to the defense of the Tarot Cards. The Ouija Board, I have never had any interest in....so that didn't bother me. But the statement about the Cards....that does bother me. I think it must go back to a time I was taught they were evil. The devil's tools. Seemed he has many tools, just about anything that's fun seems to be his. The first deck I ever seen was the Mythic Tarot. And I just loved them. Artsy, detailed. And how cool, ask questions and the answer floats up from the layout, with details and all kinds of extra tidbits about the question. I was hooked. So, I battled. Were they evil or not? I am a studier....I got the books, looked up the history, listened to both sides. Packed them under the bed....what was the answer. I prayed, and waited, and kept searching for an answer. Good or bad, Godly or Devilish...This is my answer. They are a tool. A box of beautiful artistic cards. The pictures invoke deep reactions, sometimes playful, sometimes sad and deep. Gestalt. They have only the power we give them. I think of it like this....think of a beautiful handcarved knife. Displayed in a woodblock in your kitchen. I could see that knife, and panic. Say, I don't like knives, I was cut by a knife one time, had to have stitches. Bled all over the place. Keep that away from me, it is evil. Or, I could say, how cool, a knife to cut my bread with. A knife to clean away the stuff from the veggies, so we can eat them, nicely cleaned. And my steak....it will be fantastic it cut my steak with. It's a tool. A knife. It is maybe a deadly weapon in the hands of a robber, or a healing tool in the hands of a surgeon. Or an artist's tool in the hands of a wood carver. But, until you hold it, or use it, it's just metal and wood. Same with the Tarot. The cards are an extension of whoever is reading with them. You see the symbols from your filter of your belief. I read every book that is written about them, study, soak up every word, love it. They are a way to use my imagination, and intuition to create a story, with the answers popping up. If you want to play, are open to other views than your own, play with them. Play is the key word. Whatever your reader tells you, will resonate with you. Yes or no. Above all, listen to your heart and follow what you feel to be true. Cards or not. Usually they verify what you already are thinking might be the answer. But, I don't know that. I just tell you what's in front of me....and let you decide.
Maybe I'm just lazy. I could, pull the answers out of thin air, really pay attention to the symbols all around me, and do a reading with no tools at all. But each artist has his tools.....and to paint the very best most beautiful picture for you, of your options and answers, I love to use my tools. I get way more information with my tools. I consider them gifts. And thank every Tarot artist and designer, so very much for creating such beautiful works of art. I love them. And I am very proud of the tools of my trade. I anxiously await each newly published deck that comes out. Preorder, love that. Keep them coming.

2009-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Orbs....what are they? What does the Tarot say they are?

When I am not reading, playing and studying the Tarot, I design costumes, unique clothing, and artsy quilts. This is my friend Don, he works at the Zoo here in town. He ask me to create a Pirate Costume for Halloween, to wear to the Zoo.
Also he entered a Best Costume Contest, at this bar his daughter was dancing at, with the coolest group of Bohemian Belly Dancers (I have pictures of them too, really fun!). I had a blast. And he won first place.....!

So, here we are arriving at the party, and then, a friend said to him, look like a real pirate....so he made some scary face for the camera. She took all these pictures with a tiny digital camera. The only lights in the place were red stage lights. So, who or what was in front of him, and then moving over to the side of the next picture?

I had a sweet lady client of mine here for a reading this week, she has the most unique 'orb' pictures....and we were doing cards on what or who they could be. According to the scientists, it is dust particles....on the lens of the camera. I really doubt it. Well, not here. A mass of dust moving around the dance floor? Yeah....right.
Her pictures made me want to post these pictures, take another look. See if I could find anything I had missed her before.

His father is deceased, we wondered if it might have been him. As Don and his daughter Missy were her together, maybe Dad was hanging out with us. It wasn't frightening....we didn't even know it was there until the pictures came up. What do you think?
I drew 3 cards from the Tarot of the Golden Dawn, asking what 'these' Orbs would be. And this is what came forth...

The High Priestess. The Justice Card, and the 4 of Wands.

Looking for Orbs...or circles in the cards, I see the swirls of energy all around the High Priestess. She is also known as the Female energy of God. Sophia, the Goddess of Wisdom. She is pure energy...female, creative,
the Womb of life.

Looking for a circle in the next card wasn't easy. I finally found it
in her golden headband. Encircling her thoughts of truth, her mind....manifesting outward?

The 4 of Wands...a card of marriage....sometimes, or bringing two elements together, blending it into one. And another circle, a golden bowl, two hands from
Source mixing up a scarlet, flaming mix, with an ample, satisfied woman watching. Creating, cooking something up. Energy. Mixing....Manifesting.

So what would the Tarot be saying about the Orbs in the pictures from the party?

I see a woman, the cards were all showing a female. He was not married to her, but loved her, as she loved him. I think she is standing in front of him, then moving around the room, but there for him. I believe she was a woman that died, maybe not really intending to. She shared part of his life, still finds comfort in being around him, even after death. She was fascinated with his Pirate getup, she wanted to come to the party. He knows who she is...a lady he has never forgotten. But until I laid out these cards today, I did not realize it was her. Well, it is. Maybe they shared a Pirate past life together....who knows. She waits for him on the other side. How cool!!!

My personal opinion, is, they are people without a body. They show up as circles of energy, hovering over us, watching over us, just hanging out with us.
What do you think? And do they show up in your pictures? Look closer....they just might....! It's all good....Linda

2009-01-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

Who is this woman?

Using writing prompts from this beautiful Empress, Corrine Kenner. I was drawn to the page, 'Character Sketches', in her book Tarot Journaling. My copy is quite worn out. That just means I really love it. And I do!!! She has another book, 'Tarot for Writers' coming out the first of February. I have already pre-ordered it. Yes, I have all the books, and all the decks. Can one have too many? No. !

Imagine, I am a writer for some really, snazzy women's magazine. And my assignment is to find an amazing woman to write about. Well, I wouldn't have to look to far away. I happen to be surrounded by amazing women. Ah, choose just one.
My editor gives me a stack of photos to choose from. Women from every walk of life. And this woman is the woman I choose.
I am to write about why she is dressed up, as she is in this picture. So, if I were to meet her for coffee at Starbucks this afternoon to chat....this might be what you would hear, should you be evesdropping next to us.

It's so nice to finally meet you! This is the most interesting picture of you...can you tell me some personal things about yourself, and why you are dressed up like this in your picture?

I would love to....my name is Emma. I will not tell you my age, as I feel ageless! Like I have lived forever, and will always be here! I live in the country. I love to be surrounded by gardens, flowering gardens. Animals, baby animals. I have a big front porch, with a swing on it. I have coffee there, watch my grandchildren play. If you were to come to my home, you would feel so comfortable, you would never want to leave! I love to cook, and I would feed you healthy, nourishing foods. And fresh baked apple pie. You must have dessert!
I am married, very happily married, with a house full of children, grown and tiny. I am thrilled with each new baby that comes into our family, a new gift from God. And the wisdom of the children, they are the teachers. We need to listen to them. Not train them to be like us...we have it backward. My favorite things would be my hot tub, outside on the deck. Surrounded by trees, stars at night. A glass of wine....my husband....I am a happy lady! I also do interior designing. Keeping a beautiful home is one of my favorite things. I have a group of girlfriends. We get together, once a month or so. Have lunch, listen to each other, are there for each other through whatever we may be going through. And my church. That is my safe place. To have a haven to run to, when I am worried about my family, I need my church. I have worked outside my home, but really don't like to. I love being home to do my freelance jobs. I really enjoy taking naps in the afternoon. And having quiet time to read. And write. I want to be ever available to my husband, or my children, should they need me. My joy comes from seeing them happy. As a mother, my rewards may seen small to some. But, for me, it is the best gifts life has to offer. Special memories I treasure....making my daughters wedding dress and veil....arranging her hair right before she walked down the aisle...my husband, his tummy full, his heart happy, holding him through the night. Listening to him, loving him.....the last time my oldest daughter came to visit me. She came up behind me, hugging me, said, I really have missed you, mom.......my son, seeing him smile, eat, sleep, knowing he can tell me anything, and I never judge him. I would do anything to protect my children. And the grandchildren...how can you love those little faces any more? Your heart just expands bigger than you imagine.

The reason for the picture, I was playing around with my girlfriends, we were dressing up, and I choose this ensemble. The red dress. Power color. Passion, blood red. The golden, sequined top, a shimmery piece of art. The light catches the sequins, and prisms of colored lights shoot out everywhere. The playful face under her chin....sticking it's tongue out. Life is just a hoot. Play with it. Take nothing serious. The bronze helmet. I do not choose to hear the bad news about the world. Or the what ifs.....I have been knocked down by life, and I have fought, fiercely, and won. I am still standing. My one arm appears to be going right through the wall. And it is. Nothing is a wall for me. I am a mother. I can to miracles. And I do them daily. And, the little person in my other hand. My children. I see them as adults, fearless, happy, arms wide open, embracing life. Needing nothing but what I have taught them, and knowing I still and always will hold them in my hands and heart. I must say, being a wife, and a mother, and a grandmother, has been the very most rewarding job I have ever had. I do not regret one single moment of this journey. The hand the rocks the cradle, truly does rule the world. Remember that.....

Each Tarot card with all the different images, colors, style of clothes, you name it....will mean something to you. She is my card for today. I think I'll wear red lipstick just for her.....

2009-01-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

A girl from Moab....

The pictures on the cards, the images, the reactions they invoke from the readers, and the inquirer, are amazing. I love the Gestalt method of reading the cards. Goes deep, pulling out memories, hidden in dark corners, ready to face the light. Ready to be healed. Also, reminders of who we are, and where we are going. Or the choices on the path, where we can be going. Or not. And why.

This morning, with a steaming cup of Earl Gray tea, I am journaling on these 3 cards from the Victorian Romantic Tarot. 6 of Swords, Queen of Swords, and the 9 of Pentacles. I started writing a story that seemed to be floating up from these cards. Then I thought, this story has already been written. Long time ago. And still has the same wisdom, and lessons for any woman (or man,) out there, willing to listen. It's in the Bible, the story of Ruth. These cards depict her journey. Her personal journey. With no man in her life, to help her, support her, guide her. A wonderful mother in law, and I had a wonderful mother in law once, she was my true mother. And other images that show up in the cards, mirror her path, her story. My own version....Cliffnotes by Linda...

A loyal wife and mother of two sons, all hungry, starving, move to the country of Judah. The 'settled' there, was not there true home, and they did not plan to stay. She, displaced, of her friends, family, faith, loses her husband by death. The 2 sons marry women from that area, then the 2 sons die. From where she was sitting, she could see not light at the end of the tunnel. Nothing. Hearing there was now food in Bethleham, the 3 women gather what they can carry, and start the journey home. (the 6 of Swords card) Well, home for Namoi, but a strange land for the daughters. She decides to send them home to their family's, their faith. Maybe they can find husbands, homes, and happiness again. Bless them, thank them, just let them both have a chance for happiness. She has given up on ever finding that again. Stripped of everything she had, she lets the last 2 people in her life, her only family, go. Orpah, goes home. Sadly, leaves. Ruth clings to her, vows to stay with her, even vows to follow her faith, change anything about herself that would represent her past, become someone new. Whatever it takes.

They travel on, and on and on. Finally get to Bethleham. Namoni now calls herself 'Mara', 'the Almighty has made me very sad.' A widow (Queen of Swords, woman of grief, sorrow), and both her beloved sons, dead. One small beam of light, follows her around, the younger widow. Ruth.

They arrive at the beginning of the barley harvest. Timing is everything, don't you think? And a rich relative, handsome, no doubt, needs workers for the harvest. And Ruth, time on her hands. She decides to become a harvester. And she does very well. Gets the rich, handsome land owners attention. He favors her, protects her, blesses her with extra piles of grain, falling right on the path in front of her. ( here I must say, if men just knew this one thing about women....really. They could get any woman the wanted. Do something to make her life easier. Just one thing. Change the oil in her car....fix her front door....take the dog to the vet...get the idea? Being in her shoes today, isn't any easier than it was for Ruth, then. Many single women are widows, maybe not by 'death', but by divorce, by life. Alone, they may have a mother in law, or a friend, to hold them. But not at night. And the burden of supporting everyone is overwhelming. I wonder if she ever cried on the way to the harvesting field. I think she did. But she hid it from everyone. Got to be strong. No one likes someone needy. Act like you have it all, and you will. I do believe that. But until you do, some days you cry.)
O.k. Back to the story....Ruth asks Boaz, the handsome landowner, 'Why have you been so kind to me?' Surprised by kindness. Some days, it's just one nice thing someone does for you, and that's enough to keep you going. One nice thing. His kindness, changed her life. I think she started to dress up a bit, become trusting, even happy. And hungry no more. Acquired some curves, and he noticed. Yes.

The rest of the story, for another day, goes to the happy ever after place. But for now, she began to be happy, feel valuable, make friends. She was still humble, appreciative, honoring her mother in law. Just doing every day what she needed to do. Small gestures. Small steps. Looking in a mirror, maybe the only thing that looked different was her eyes, and her smile. That's enough. She had come a long, long way. From another culture, country, family, status, occupation, appearance. She was a different person. A happy one. And very content. That's enough for today. Bless where you are, love it. It's the right place. Watch for signs on the path, even crumbs....showing you the way, home. Love ya...

Initiatory of the Golden Dawn

2009-01-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

Come fly with me.....
Using the Initiatory of the Golden Dawn Tarot, these 4 cards flew out of the deck this morning. Fell right out as I was shuffling. One way to get my attention.

The Tower, The Ace of Wands, The Princess of Wands, and The Magician.

And what story would these cards tell? I think they reflect the changes we're going through, all over this planet. Every level. Every person. And they give good news....

The Tower....everything that is/has/will seem to fall apart, is meant to fall apart. Sucks, I know. But look beyond it. You can and will have so much more than you have, or have ever had. This is just life, shaking you up a bit. Let it go, don't fight it. Actually laugh at it, watch in fascination as it morphs into....

The Ace of Wands....A smoldering ember, on an idea simmering in the back of your mind. You haven't had time to do it, or money to make it, or a friend to believe in you. Guess what, today it the day! Dig out the idea, feed it, get it burning, plan your future. Remake yourself, you have this very powerful Ace to open whatever door you want to pursue.....

Princess of Wands....Passion, fire all around her, enthusiasm, look at this idea!!! I have a vision, I can see it as already finished, selling all over the world, helping people, blessing me, my family, yes! She is the cards that 'speaks' with fire, get it moving, clear the path. She can see inside the crystal ball, the future. And she can't wait to get there....

The Magician....Everything comes together. Timing is perfect. All the elements are right in front of this man. His hands are open, ready to create. He is a Master of Creation. Whatever that idea was from yesterday, he has done it, or will fearlessly do it, now. The golden yellow of his tunic stands out against all the blazing red's of the other fire cards. He is is confident, intelligent, clear, focused. It's already done....

Looking back at the placement of these cards, and having stacked them like this to scan them for this posting, nothing is by accident! Look at the Magician looking up at the Tower Card. He was the man that fell, and the Princess of Wands was the woman that fell. They seem to have disappeared in the Ace, but not really. Maybe they were healing, resting, waiting. That was a long way to fall. He is looking back on that day, and seems to be contemplating how this all needed to be exactly as it was, to bring both him and her to the place they are right now. Stronger, experienced, knowing they hit the wall, and lived to tell it, and even turned it around into something to create, write about, overcome.Laugh about. It was a gift. All of it.

2009-01-22T18:57:00.001-08:00

Using the Writing Prompt...'Double Dare, finish the story. Start with: She said
I double dare you.....'

I drew three cards from the lovely Llewellyn Tarot, probably my all time favorite deck. These are the 3 cards I drew.

The Ace of Pentacles
The 5 of Cups
The Three of Pentacles

She said, 'I double dare you to put your money, every dime you have, every dime your mother has,
on your crazy idea for that business, you keep talking about.'
He had, had the idea for a long time. Just simmering under all the daily stuff that seemed to
take up space in his head. She was over the whole, what if, fear thing. Well, what if you
lose it all. What if you have to pay back everyone you know for the next 10 years. So what. At
least you took the chance. She believed in him. Well, truthfully, his apprehension wasn't unfounded. He'd taken chances on a couple of his ideas, and lost the farm.Well, lost the savings.
She didn't care. He was a man before his time. An inventor. High on life, full of ideas, or singing the blues, and bemoaning the path destiny drug him down.
Where was his, enthusiastic leap into the unknown, fearless, what the hell spirit? It was there. And the 'double dare' challenge just
put the fire under his sweet tush. Start with 3. Just 3. Three clients, then decide. Or let them decide. But do it. And he did. And it worked! Well worth the wait, rocky road, and the push from her. Ah, a happy ending.Now he's writing books on how to do it. And she just smiles, knowingly.

If you were sitting right in front of me, just saying, tell me something. Anything. The dreaded 'general reading.' And I drew these 3 cards for you. This is what I would say....

You have the sweetest opportunity for taking a chance to make some big money. An offer is coming out of the blue, to you. At first, you will be giddy, seeing previews of your new life, full of new toys, and new adoring friends, and shiny diamonds. And....then the reality hits you. You tried something like this before, and it seemed good, but you hit the wall.
Will you be willing to take the chance and try again? Can you go back in time and see where you need to correct yourself? I say, take the chance, but give it 3 months, take baby steps. I see that spiderweb, fragile, yet bravely waving in the breeze here. This can call for precise, delicate actions. All you need is one step at a time. Don't expect to get whatever you are shooting for in one month. Just relax. You have this great Ace, a Powercard!!!! Keep it up your sleeve for when you need it most. And stop crying over things you could not, or cannot control. You have you, believe in you. See the money, it is stacking up beside you. As you are working your plan. I love the quote the Prophet said, 'work is love made visible.' And it is. And the money will be there!

And you won't even notice, as you are having a party just doing what you love. So, do it. Just do it. And you can give your card reader a great tip today.

2009-01-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Improv...

Some readers of Tarot, love to have the good old Celtic Cross layout, as the only 'real' way to read the cards. Not me. I have tried about every layout 'someone else created.' And must say this is my very favorite. 3 Cards. Maybe 3 more cards, and then 3 more cards. But, let the cards tell the story.

Let the story, tell you the story. Trust it.
Sort of a Tarot Improv.
Don't have a category it must fit in. Don't have just one meaning that card could mean. Just sit with it. Let it float up. It will tell you the story. Have fun with it.

I randomly drew these 3 cards from the Alchemical Tarot by Robert Place. Love his
precise artwork, symbols, colors.

Knight of Vessels, Temperance, Knight of Swords

Softly gaze on the cards...let one image stand out....let the story come...

I see the Knight of Swords, he is in full battle mode. Looks neck and neck with a mean dragon. See the bones of the last guy that jumped that dragon? His face helmet looks like an undersea headpiece. He dives right in. Loves the fight. And his shield, gold, a fierce lion's face glaring at the enemy. Right on top of the dragon, going for the jugular. The only bare skin I see is his hand, gripping the heavy sword. Doesn't show much, skin, emotions, plans. Just passion, and commitment to getting the job done. The man to call if you need someone to fight for you. He is hungry, zealous, professional. Loves mind games, challenges.

Moving to the other Knight, he draws my attention. Both are Knights....equal in rank. This Knight of Vessels has another way to fight his battles. The, kill'em with kindness way. He seems to woo the fish to him, befriend the little fellow. Show it the pitcher, isn't it pretty? Next thing you know, he sweetly gets the fish to joyously jump into the pitcher. He did have to wade out into the water, but not much. And the whole picture is one of calm, clear, quiet, except for the lapping water on the shore. Like he knows how to catch the fish, by thinking like the fish. Gentle, kind, funny, a sweetheart. Accomplishes the goal. Easy does it. His mantra.

In the center is the Lady / Angel Temperance. Barefooted. Out in the wild with only a red gown and cape to protect her. She holds a silver chalice, she has the look of confidence, another chalice mirrors the first, upside down. The path behind her shows how far she has traveled, her experience, her wisdom. And the terrain of the jagged mountains in the far distance, rough, she has scars. Now, standing on the tender green grass, of the mountain top, she calmly poses. Shows us the blooming flowers, 2 colors, red and white. Colors of healing. The clouds of smoke that surround the flowers, pale blue and pale pink. Male, female. Blended into one. Working together. Manifesting blooming flowers. Out of thin air. When I look at the dark pink area behind her, I see it as a shadow, of the mountain she stands on. Gestalt here. Each one of us could see something different. So, she has had to face her shadow, to climb to the top of that mountain. Ah, the shadow lessons. 'You will NEVER see ME do that.' Yeah...you just signed up for the lesson. Join the rest of us humans.

She is also the only Major Arcana card here, the others are Minor cards. No less important, just different in placement. She has gone further, knows more. Says less. Just lives it. Doesn't fight it. Knows it will all happen in time...let time pass, trust it.

If you were sitting in front of me, and these were the cards you drew....here is what I would tell you....

You have 2 ways of accomplishing your goal. The easy way, or the hard way. You can have whatever you desire, time will bring it to you. Why not enjoy the scenery while you wait. Or not. You want it 'right now?' Jump on it...but you may lose some sleep fighting the dragons that go with the battle. Is it worth it? Maybe. Depends on what you want. Example here, say you want to lose weight. So, do you attack the goal? Sign up for gastric bypass, order some program from an late night info commerical, max out the credit card, sign up for a gym membership you never use. Or, do you take the time to journal, maybe pray, ponder, why you choose to eat the foods you eat. How you can gently love yourself and let go of the weight. Walk a little more, move a little more. Baby steps. Find the reason under the weight. Listen to it. The weight is protecting you from something, what would that be? You can attack it, but unless you know what the dragon is, how can you slay it?
Lady Temperance says, time is on your side. Face the shadow, walk through it. Befriend it. Even love it. Then watch it melt away.
And watch the weight melt away.

Just 3 cards have so much in them....let them tell you....

2009-01-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

Using a writing prompt, to tell a tarot story, is 'Gypsy'. My deck of choice today is the Universal Fantasy Tarot by Paolo Martinello. Sci-fi, vivid colors, and can really stir your take on the cards. Just go with it...this is a really artsy deck. I love it.

'You are in a bus depot in New York. A gypsy appears out of nowhere and hands you this card. It is the 4 of Cups card.' See 7 things on this card, and tell a story.

a man trying to sleep outside
a cold, dark place with naked trees
an angel? a devil? offering him a golden cup?
rich, thick purple blanket
beautiful sword sheathed
layers of clothing, cool leather outfit
his pose, almost fetal, defensive

Using the 7 images that appear on this card, a story begins:
.......It almost seems impossible for me to go back to that split second when.....

my phone rang at 4 in the morning. A night I will never forget.

Randy had called me several times that week. 'Let's go have a steak dinner. Now.' I was busy working. Said, wait a few weeks, my job had me tied up 6 nights of the week, for 6 more weeks. Later. Wait.
I was sort of proud of him. He had just gone through a stint in jail. Selling drugs. Was set up by someone he trusted. Just seemed like an easy way to make fast money. Is there such a thing? The offer came from a woman, a woman the thought loved him, to help him out so much. And they could split the money. What an offer. Don't worry about it, just do it. She would protect him. So, he did.

When he gets home from his long, confined, seeming to never end, room with bars, he has no where to go. Sleep somewhere, not here. Go away. So, he took his stuff, favorite stuff, blanket his sister made him, sword his father left him, black leather biker jacket his big brother (when he wasn't mad at him) gave him. And moved away. Maybe a fresh start is what he needed. But that didn't seem help.

So he thought, maybe I should see her. Jane. She must still love me. I need to see her, talk to her. Find out why she did this. Why this happened the unbelievable way it did. Must be a huge mistake. She loves me. She must. And she'll help me. I think she will.

So, he sojourns back, to where the chapter of this part of the story, began. Her house. But, before he see's her, he needs a drink. Strong drink. Feels like he needs Jack Daniels to protect himself. Just a couple of drinks. Little did he know how right he was.

Four in the morning. Who could be calling?
An unfamiliar man's voice, asks me, 'are you awake?' I am. I say 'yes.' He says, 'I am your mothers neighbor, Dan.' I vaguely remember him. 'Yes.'

These words still echo....am I still asleep, is this a dream, a nightmare?
'Your brother Randy was in an accident. Lost control of his truck, ran off the road, hit a tree. Was killed instantly.'

A cold, dark place with naked trees. The last thing he seen. But, the last place he was, was at her house. Jane' house. No one knew if it was an accident, or on purpose.

True story.

Each card has so many symbols, colors, images. They evoke deep reactions. Things buried so far down, like rings in a tree. Working with a card, journaling with it, can bring up some strange stuff. Just sit with it. There's a message for you. From your soul. Where do you think the messages come from? I believe from deep within each one of us. Our soul. And each one of us would have a different reaction to the same card. Play with them. Get to know them. Let them open up Pandora's Box. Trust what they evoke. There's no wrong way to read them.

Maybe I needed to think about Randy today. Miss him. Just need to feel it.

2009-01-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

Using the writing prompt.....'Haunted House. You are going to spend the night in a haunted house, what do you take with you.' I am using the Bohemian Gothic Tarot by Karen Mahony, love it! I drew these 3 cards at random...if there is such a thing as random. Not. Three cards to tell me what to take with me for my little creepy vacation.

The Tower, too creepy.
The Sun, I see 2 Suns shining on this card.
The King of Wands, and his friend in the shadows.

Looks like it may be a great night for huge thunderstorms, lightning, if there is any electricity, it will go out. Take along some candles, don't be wandering around the courtyard, could be stuck by lightning. Or...maybe bring a taser. Good idea!

And two Suns....double vision? Blinded by the light? A white horse to ride out of here on, if you last the night? Or maybe this is a little ghost, wanting attention. A child playing pranks. Lights flicking on and off. Sounds of childish laughter, running in the halls. Or a child peeking around the corner, you see just a glimpse. He is there.

Ah.....a man. Taking a man is a great idea! And letting him have a friend on speed dial just in case the place is really haunted. This man looks brave and fearless. Qualities you need in a dark scary place. Maybe he's a Paranormal Investigator, has all the hi tec. gadgets to show where the ghosts are dancing. Cool.

If these three cards came up in a general reading, I would say they say this:

Watch out, you are in for a surprise that scares the wits out of you. When you find out the truth, you will be happy, it's all good. Be ready to take action, act like a pro, calm, have a plan. Think John Wayne. What would he do? Look for he gift in the hall of mirrors....it's right there in the middle.

2009-01-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Using the writing prompt...'Love Letter Story,' what story would these three cards tell?
I see the older man, in the center card, dressed in vivid, colored clothing, even a bright gold scarf wrapped around his head, accenting his wise smile. He has it all, and never takes it for granted.
He is the man with the 'love letter story.' And he has never told it ever before. Just kept it hidden away in his heart. It is precious, he is saving it for a very special time. So the story will be honored and remembered, and cherished.

The first card tells the story, the third card tell the where the story goes. The second card is the heart of the story. And here is the story....Linda's version....!

It was as though an Angel brought them together. No other explanation would do. She from one country, Paris. He from Germany. It was war, not the time for love. Be prepared to die, not live, or look up one day from the morning newspaper, in the local coffee shoppe, to see the face you know that you know. It has always been in your heart, almost as though you have looked in every woman's face, untill now, and today, you have found what you didn't even know you were seeking. How do you describe it? There are no words to describe it. Home. That is the word. Your heart has found it's home.

From where he sits today, he loves to go back in his stack of cherished memories...see her for the first time again. And again. And the love letter? He wasn't really fond of putting his thoughts, or feelings of her on paper, how does one do that? But, before he left her country, he did it, wrote one letter, made sure she was to receive it after he was gone. He left the choice of staying in touch with each other, up to her. Being realistic, knowing he may not be going home, he wanted her to know, how very much he loved her, and if he did make it through this horrible war, he would find her. If she wanted to be found. She did write, and pray. And love him. And later, he did find her, and take her home with him, as his wife. She kept that letter, with all her most valuable things.

One day their son feels he has to give up, on his love, for circumstances take them down different paths. He thinks his father would never understand the tears he cries inside his heart, how could anyone understand? Mother gets the letter, quietly hands it to father, who takes the son outside to the garage. Time to talk. He reads the letter to his son, and tells him the story of how impossible it seemed that he and his young, beautiful, Parisian love would ever find a way to be together. Yet, an Angel was always there to guide them, give them hope, and signs, they would be together. And they were. Pass on hope. Tell of the path you have walked...leave crumbs on the path for those you love to follow.

Someday, the letter will be passed to the two sweet, granddaughters. When they despair of love, and miracles, and Angels. A letter, just paper and scribbled words, hold precious gifts. Family. Hope. Love. That little love letter, lives on.

2008-12-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Bohemian Gothic Tarot by Karen Mahony. Just so fun to read with! Many decks are filled with soft colors, only happy thoughts...this one is dark, fun, really has many images to use, to read with. The artwork is beautiful. My deck of choice today!

I ask, what do I need to meditate on today...and drew these 3 cards.
The Nine of Wands, The High Priestess, and the Hierophant. Nice group.

The person in the 9 of Wands, is tired, has had it. Is just waiting for it to be over...whatever he's been going through. One more hurdle, and home free. Is guarding what is his, and ready to attack anyone foolish enough to try to take it away from him. The lovely High Priestess is draped in deep, dark blue, patterned silk. Wearing purple (color or royalty) underneath, and a jade green covering on her hair. A color of a healer. The columns that are in her background are dark, and light. Polarity...contrast....choices. The Hierophant is in deep thought. I see a nun in her dark coverings, glancing at him, through the lattice work behind him. He wears the deeper purple, with a burgundy cap. He holds a scroll of paper....holy writings, no doubt. The way the church has always done what they have always done. Do not change it, and do not question it. Just shut up and show up. Ah. Together these 3 would say....
I am tired, but still seeking Wisdom, Holy knowledge. I have followed several paths that lead me right back to where I started. So, maybe I was on the right path and didn't know it. Maybe I am trying to hard, and it is right in front of me. The High Priestess is my favorite card here. She is Holy Sophia. The feminine face of God. She is my mentor. She seems relaxed, calm, waiting, knowing it is all well. Plenty of time. Whatever is yours, is yours by Divine right, and no one can really take it from you. So, don't be afraid, and do not fight to hang on to everything. You don't have to. And guess what....! Holy words are being written every day! God is still talking, to each of us. Don't make it so hard. Relax. Think I will design a deep blue silk tarot bag to carry my cards in. It will remind me of her.

2008-11-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am using the writing prompts from Corrine Kenner's book, 'Tarot Journaling.' I love this book, and tell every Tarot lover to buy and use it. Turn to page 145, please.

I am the 7 of Swords. Spiritually, I feel: stuck. Like I have worked through many issues...but have a couple I am still unable to deal with. But I am working on it. Not there yet.

I am the King of Pentacles. When I pray, I pray to: God, a compassionate, gentle, Being of Light. I drew this King of Pentacles at random, that impresses me. For I reach to feel the security this King has attained. But, in Spirit, I feel that feeling of 'it will all be ok.' So, it will.

I am the Ace of Swords. When I pray, I pray for: Clarity. Wisdom. Strength. Vision, Passion. I pray about everything. Literally.

I am The World Card. I have always loved: finding out what the end of the story is. Maybe that's why I love the Tarot. It gives me a glimpse of what is coming around the corner. But always gives me choices, also. This card shows a lady dancing in joy, having mastered all the lessons she was sent here to learn. A card of victory. Thank you, I need this one. !

2008-11-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

Anne Pressley

Police: Arkansas TV anchorwoman Anne Pressley attacked in home

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Monday, October 20th 2008, 2:58 PM

Pressley">

Anne Pressley

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - An intruder beat and stabbed a popular TV anchorwoman in her home during a possible robbery, and left her with life-threatening injuries, police said Monday.

Anne Pressly, 26, was found lying in her bed and bleeding from severe wounds early Monday, police spokeswoman Cassandra Davis. She found non-responsive and bleeding from the head, Davis said.

"She was beaten and there were some cuts to her body," said Davis. She said the cuts were stab wounds.

What happened? I followed her story when it first came out, and tragically, still am following it, and asking the cards, what happened?

WHO is responsible for hurting her, taking her life? The 2 of Cups, the 7 of Swords, and the 10 of Pentacles. A man smitten with her. A sneaky man, that was watching her, chasing her, a man with money. He did not need her money. He may have worked with her at some time, and he really liked her. I think she was kind to him, yet she did not lead him on. She just thought he was friendly, and harmless.

WHY did he hurt her? The Knight of Cups, Temperance, and the 6 of Wands. He desired her, had waited and waited....was tired of waiting for her to let her walls down and let him get close to her.She seems innocent about what his intentions were. He was hungry for her, he was fierce about her....lost all control and just decided to surprise her with his affection. She refused him....he overpowered her, he lost it.

WILL they ever find out who did this...and catch him....Ace of Pentacles, Knave of Cups, King of Wands. Yes. They know who he is right now. They have papers with his name on them, and know where

he works. The are just waiting....and yes they will catch him.

DID she ever feel in danger from this person? 2 of Wands, Knight of Wands, and Ace of Cups. No. She thought he was very interested in her, seen him around a lot, was that a coincidence? She even may have liked him. But not loved him. Or wanted him.

I pray he will be found, and all the questions will be answered. Sadly, it will not bring her back. My prayers are with her family.

2008-09-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

In your own words.....

Using the writing prompts from Corrine Kenner's, 'Tarot Journaling" book, I am writing about 3 cards. Universal Fantasy Tarot Deck is my pick of the day!

My favorite card is________ because_______. I chose the Sun Card, because.....
the first thing I think of is the song, 'I can see clearly now, the rain is gone....I can see all, obstacles, disappear'
Happiness, victory. You are riding the white horse, above everyone else...and going the way you want to go. The golden sun is above you, guiding you, no shadows in this card. I love it.

I don't understand the_______ because______.
I don't understand the 2 of Cups card. They are meant to be together, they are right there, looking at each other, mirroring each other. But miles apart. Why is this so hard? Is he having a vision? A dream? Is she for real? Or his fantasy woman? And what is he doing? Just having a drink. Well, she is too. Maybe they both need one. I think I need one right now. He is all covered with armor. Has to protect himself from what? Her charms? Her beauty? Whatever....time is wasting. Find her. Be with her. Enjoy her. Stop dreaming and wake up. I like a man that does something. Even if it's wrong. Move....

I really dislike the______ because_______.
The 8 of Swords. She looks like she is bound, gagged, tied up. And what is that thing that has her in it's grip? Today, it would be food. I do not smoke, or drink, well, maybe just a little. But food, that's my trap. I hate it. I don't even like most of the crap I eat. I just eat. I think it's too fill up another place in me. Emotional eating. That sucks. I don't like this card, because she cannot see her way out. She is really blocked. So, how could she get away. Maybe she's not supposed to get away. Maybe she's supposed to just sit there until someone comes along and helps her. Can't fight it alone. I always look at the next card in the lineup of the Tarot, to see what will happen next. It would be the 9 of Swords. She's unbound, her hands are free, she just cannot stand to look at the monster. Ah, look closer, she is peeking at it. Well. Baby steps here. Making progress. The monster now is only a shadow. Moving away from her. She is cornered, but free. Good deal. Time will help. She is still sitting down, kneeling down. Well, a good place to start, is on the floor. Only way is up. I may watch and see if any of these cards show up in my readings today....they have a funny way of doing that. bye....

2008-09-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

I am using the 'Mona Lisa Tarot' with the writers prompt: you are standing on the side of a closed door......

I randomly drew the Hierophant, the Stars, and the 6 of Wands. Here is the story....

The young man desperately needed an answer. He sought the path to God. He followed all the rules, listened to the knowledgeable. Read all the books. Wore the right clothes. Hung out with the right people. Silence. Nothing. No answers. Seemed to be only closed doors surrounding him. Ok. Maybe there was another way. He sought out the palm reader. He paid all the money he had....she held his hand. She listened. She gave him all the answers she had. It helped, but it wasn't the key to the closed door. What was the door? Fear. Only he held the key. Courage. The courage to listen to the whispers in his soul. And trust himself. To know the path to God is right where he stands. To listen to himself, to overcome the demons he holds at bay, behind the door. Let them go. They run from light. Be the light. This first card looks like he is seeking answers in the graveyard. 'God is not the God of the dead, but the Living.' The answer is not there. This could be described as, digging up bones. Leave them buried. Leave them in peace. The key is inside him. Stop running, open the door. Reminds me of the term, 'a ghost in the closet.' Well, set him free. Sometime the closed doors are'nt even locked....just closed. He opened the door. He faced his fears. He is victorious. Cool.

Archeon Tarot, Edgy, I love it

2008-08-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for new ways to use the Tarot for Journaling. Today, I pulled out a great book on Journaling...'a Writers Book of Days' by Judy Reeves. I look up the prompt for today...Aug. 23, and it says, 'Something's burning.' Images that haunt you. Ok. I use the Archeon Tarot Deck that I love, haunting images that work perfect with haunting questions. I draw these 3 cards at random. Well, nothings really random...the Queen of Cups, Death, 5 of Wands. Oh, joy. What a great draw to write about. I must need to do this. So, I will.
Something's Burning:
I just dreamed this last week, actually a nightmare, black smoke was pouring through the vents in the house. I panic, dialing 911. I have had a fire. Just about everyone in the world can tell a scary story about fire. Right now I have a white candle burning as I write...scented 'Fresh Cotton.' Fire keeps me warm in the winter, heats my water, cooks my food. So, using these three cards as my story prompt, what is burning. My desire to change the way I see things. The desire to let go of what I can't fix, stop trying so hard. The images I see from these cards are...a gentle lady holding her golden cup, gazing into the future with hope. The grim reaper, sweeping away what she doesn't need, the soulless man, a hand print marks his chest, as she declared he's out of time. Stop.
This is about my father. The smoke, the panic, needing help. Someday, this will make sense. Now, I just have to trust there is a plan. And I don't have to understand it...I just have to relax. Let go of the outcome. Stay soft, stay hopeful. Stay. Don't run, don't hide. It's all good. He told me just last week, he has prostrate cancer. Ugh, hard to even type. At his age, they think the cure is worse than the disease. So, to quote him, 'if I can get in my boat and catch one more fish, that's a good day.' Something's burning...the desire to talk to him, say what I can't say. Make it all better. Heal all the years and years of scars, hidden and stuffed under the bed. Until they sneak out at night, waving at me, reminding me they are still there, through my dreams. Think I will call him tonight. Yeah. Give the ghosts a rest.

2008-07-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

the Fool, here we go again

Using the Fool card from the Carlo Maltese Deck, the Universal Waite Tarot Deck, and the Universal Fantasy Tarot Deck, what do I see. The Joker from Batman, the comedy/tragedy mask, taking a leap off the edge of the cliff...and I see no net here. Has his dog here, the dog seems to be saying, ahh, maybe you better think about this. I think I will just take another path here, let you jump and I'll meet you at the bottom. He, the Fool, hold a staff, or a huge banner, not the shy guy. Has plans for his future, is just a little too optimistic, maybe, or just naive enough to believe he can fly. Maybe this is Faith in Action. History is full of'em....Joan of Arc, the Wright brothers, Christopher Columbus, look around, there are some right on your street. Really, each one of us lives this card. We all have a story. Following the path of the Fool, here I go.....

The Fool...I believed I was one of the best Seamstress's ever, and did costumes for 2 shows in Vegas, that was fun!!!

The Magician...was my birth coach for my daughter Anna, got to see my grandson Averys tiny face be born, and today is his birthday, Happy 15th birthday, kiddo!

The High Priestess...Taught classes for a year at the Library Station, on the Tarot. Had a wild and crazy group there, was well worth it.

The Empress...My new baby, a business idea I had, am now selling my artsy wares online, keeps me busy between Tarot readings...

The Emperor...Cleaned out my storage unit, took control of the clutter, and stuff I have held onto for too long. Gave it to Avery to sell at a Garage sale, for his laptop fund.

The Hierophant...Have noticed with daily meditation, my readings are changing. I am seeing different things in the cards. They seem to melt together, the story comes through in vivid detail...

The Lovers...Made peace with someone from the past. Was able to let it go.

The Chariot...Just about have my car paid for...yeah!!!

Strength...wasn't feeling well, took myself to the Dr. and ask for every test they wanted to use. Got back great results....that was sort of scary.

The Hermit...still hide at the bookstore with a stack of books and mocha grande.

The Wheel of Fortune...ugh, this is my cousin Diana's idea....Just the other night, WE put money together and bought a few, I shall not say how many, $20 scratcher tickets. We did not win.

Justice...Made the decision the cut out the people around me that lie to me. No more chances. Done.

The Hanged Man...Can feel like I am going to move, but not sure where. Just feel it. Am simplifying my life, so the moving will be easier. When it happens...

Death...I bought a sweet, tiny, Yorkshire Terrier. She needed much more attention than I could give her. I gave her to a friends mother, she adores her, they're both happier. I loved her, and let her go.

Temperance...Stopped making myself crazy dieting. Eat less, move more. Duh...

The Devil...Got a new charge card from Dillards....decided to chop it up and toss it. Yeah!

The Tower...Some major thing with the wheel of my car broke, and it cost a fortune to fix it. Wasn't in the budget..ugh.

The Star...Went out with a girlfriend to listen to a Blues band...danced with a sweet, hunky man...several times...that was nice.

The Moon...Have been writing more, still working on the book, it's coming..slowly.

The Sun...Hearing my grandson David tell me he loves me. In his dutchy 4 year old language. Precious.

Judgement...Was willing to go back in time and take full responsibility for something I was blaming someone else for, happening. Johnny, I didn't make the best choices there, either. But I learned alot from it. Pain...ah the great teacher.

The World...A small group of girls and I get together weekly, and make manifestation scrapbooks. Then get together to see what we have manifested, and celebrate!!! It's working...!

Take a chance, I used to have this as my motto...'no guts, no glory.' Pretty good motto.

2008-07-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

Eavesdropping......

Say you pick this card out of your deck, just at random. As you gaze into it, suddenly, you are inside the card. You can see them, but they can't see you. She is called the 'High Priestess.' Or here, the Gypsy Fortuneteller. In this getting to know this card better, stretch of my imagination, and I have a really great imagination, this is what I write. Covering the 5 'W's, of who, what, where, when, and why, I listen to their story....

She is a woman with a gift, an uncanny ability to read the future. Ruby, her name is Ruby. Looks like she has several other gifts to go with that, and may be doing a little advertising about those too. She feels like a girlfriend, like someone I would like to hang out with, hear her stories. Tonight she needs to get out of the house. Laugh, talk, bring her cards out to play. Make some money. This feels like a version of the 'Cheers' bar, local, loud, safe. The alligator on the wall, makes this feel like it's in Louisiana. Long time ago. She has a large red book with her. I think it's hollow, filled with her secret stuff. Her tarot cards, her candles, her herbs...little things she finds showing up. Like fallen bird feathers, shiny stones, sea shells. Most people wouldn't care to really read this huge book, so her private treasures are safe, hidden in there. She's holding his hand, reading his palm. Thomas, his name is Thomas. His life line isn't looking to good here, might have to peek in the cards and see what his options are, it's all about choices, you know. It's getting late, last call for drinks, he has been mesmerized by her leaning toward him, getting close enough to smell the scent of the musky oils she anoints herself with nightly. Why is he there, in her corner? He's getting ready to board the ship after the bar closes. Will he make it back home safe? Will he get rich on this treasure hunt? Will his wife be faithful to him? Better be careful asking some questions. The truth can be something he may not want to really hear. She sees a rough ride on the sea, and yes, they take a ship. He is injured, but not fatally. There is gold, but he has to share. A happy crew. But not enough gold to risk his life for. Let the others fight in the front of the fray, stay back, you will be hurt, but not die. She whispers secrets about his passage mates, but is strangely silent about his wife. Maybe that means all is well at home. He will be back again, when the ship returns. She will tell him what he needs to hear to give him courage, and the wife, he can face that battle, when he is ready. Not tonight. Maybe, the moody ocean and bloody battles fought out there, are easier to face, than the silent wife. Sort of makes you wonder why he is out at the pub, instead of home taking care of business. Oh well. He slips a gold coin in her tiny hand, holding it just a bit longer than needed, and joins his crew mates for one last drink. She gathers her cherished stash, and quietly slips out the door. Everyone has questions, her business is good.

The High Priestess, is the Keeper of Secrets. She may see all things, but she may not say everything she sees. Sometimes, she waits, to tell them the story. Maybe the story is still being written? Sort of a choose your own ending story. Our lives. Let her guide you, but you make the choices for your life. So, make some really good ones....

2008-06-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

'Something' Tarot Reading

Using the very beautiful, vintage looking, 'Old English Tarot' by Maggie Kneen. One of my favorites, I love the gentle art, the graceful imagery, the soft colors. In this age of vivid sci-fi Tarot, this deck is a welcome deck to play with. Even the backs of the Cards, look like a favorite old red Quilt, stitched by someone that loves you. Nice.

Using these 3 questions with these 3 cards, here is my reading:

Something to Think About....5 of Wands

I see black crows scarfing down the garden. Reminds me of the plagues of Egypt. Maybe this is from going shopping, for food, and I cannot believe the prices. Being a '5' can mean being at a crossroad. I usually shop for whatever I am hungry for at that moment...wow. I am starting to even make a list, sort of budget. Have a plan. Be aware of how I have wasted food in the past, appreciate it just a bit more, and be wiser in my choices.

Something to Do....The Devil

How funny! I think I need to 'be' the Devil. Embrace the dark side. Had a phone call from the past, last night. I thought someone had died, why else would THAT person be calling me? Ugh. The Devil is actually one of the four Angels of the Tarot. The fallen Angel. The one on my shoulder whispering, go ahead and take the call. And I did. Maybe it was closure. Isn't that what we call it when it really is mucking around in the past and wondering why the hell whatever happened, happened? A trip to Hell, with this charming escort. Another version of 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' Don't you love that one? One good aspect of the Devil, is being stubborn, bitchy, holding that person on the line while you tell them your version of the truth. Torture him just a bit. Ah, on the the next card...

Something to Love....the World

I love this card. She dances, naked and beautiful. Each image on the corner of the card, the Angel, the Eagle, the Bull, and the Lion, represent all the aspects of the Astrology Signs. She has been tested by them all, and passed the test with flying colors! The wreath of Victory is hers! And what do I have to celebrate? Saturday night was very, very good. Ah. I think dancing is the secret to her smile...!

Linda

2008-05-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Always looking for a new way to lay out the Tarot Cards, I was listening to the news this morning, heard them say.....when someone is in distress in the water (this being a holiday weekend) , remember this : Reach, Throw, Don't Go. I thought, hey, a new layout! Thank you.

I am using the brand new- hot on the market, 'Mona Lisa Tarot by Mark McElroy.' Very different, I have to stop and look at the images again, they have many things to find in each detailed card. Not your typical deck. I like that. Rebel I am.

Reach....The Hanged Man

Throw....9 of Cups

Don't go....6 of Cups

One child in the center of this card is reaching. Someone holding the puppets, has them just out of reach, it's a game, a show, wait until it's over, and you can touch them then. In the next card, this man has eaten everything he wanted, and more. Is blessed, and has even more right there by his side. Everything he wants, right there. The next card shows someone helping another person get to the top of the hill. Reach out...

Putting these in context with the 'reach, throw, and don't go' layout, this is what I would think...

Keep your goals right in front of you, keep reaching, the time will come and you will understand why you could not touch what you wanted. Just wait...Look at what you do have, and what you can give to others to bless them. Today, don't try to lift anyone, stop trying to fix everything. Just stop. Or, if that is me that is reaching up for the help, stop. Maybe I'm not ready for the next step, yet. Just wait. Go back to the center card and just relax, stop trying so hard.

There are so many fun things to do with the cards, just have fun with them. It's not all about dire predictions, bad news, this will happen and you have no power over it. Remember this is your life, free will. The choices you make today, determine where you are tomorrow. And the cards reflect that. Choice, and change.

2008-04-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Visiting the Dark Side.... The new Bohemian Gothic Tarot by Karen Mahony...you will love this one! A Vincent Price sort of deck.

I drew 3 cards to journal with today, got the Page of Wands, the Chariot, and the 7 of Wands.

The center card draws my attention, focus.

Setting goals, which way do I proceed, to accomplish what I want?

The seven of Wands is next, push everyone away....I have to do that to work. I really don't understand why I have to explain that issue. I have to focus, and stay centered, and feel the answers to the questions.

I guess if you think doing card readings is just, pull it out of a hat and blabber on....then it would be easy. Well, it's way more than that.

The Page of Wands is my mentor today...she is holding a little book that looks like a deck of Tarot cards! And a Wand that looks like she will whack anyone that gets in her way. Soothing music is being played by her friend in the background. No other distractions going on here.

I like what the Prophet said, 'Work is love made visible.'

I love what I do.

One thing that stands out in this layout...the front of the Chariot, the 2 women. One dark, one light. Walking the fine line of the dark side, we all do it everyday. Our shadow, always with us. Our fears, our challenges. And our friend. If you get the chance to check out this deck, do it. You will love it!

2008-04-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

8 of Swords Day

Was taking a little break yesterday, drew one card to think about. This is the one I got. Grabbed Corrine Kenners book, Tarot Journaling, found some questions to use with this card, here is what I get....

Survey the Grounds
Not much ground here. Tied in knots. In time out. Wounded and bandaged, can't see how to get away, or where to go. At the edge, stuck, no answer's an answer. Silence. What happened and how did I get here? And how do I get away? Wait. Just wait. Help could be on the way, but I see no help today. I see nothing. The center card is from the Magna Tarot, he looks like he is in a hospital gown,his ankles are bound, the swords stabbed in the soft earth, form a barrier, he cannot walk away. He is sick, confused, looking for something, anything that may be a sign to show him the way out. Ugh, no signs. Nothing. The first card is from the Archeon Tarot. Dark blue, the blues. Yes. Left behind. Forgotten. Striped naked, tied to the stake. Let's burn her, she's a witch. Or a bitch. Or just a really smart woman, that has answers for everyone but herself. The last card is from the Tarot of Reflections. Dark, bound, fierce wind whipping her hair, her gauze coming unbound. She's coming undone. Anyone care? Anyone see? No. Very alone cards. Must be the answers are all inside of her. And she'll find them. As she waits. Cries. Prays.

The Safe Haven
If this was a safe haven, even though it doesn't look like it from here....how would it be safe? I see no one around to torture her anymore. They have left. Moved on to find another person to hurt. Safe. I love that word. It says you can sleep, you are being watched over, maybe by Angels, yes, by Angels. Haven, heaven, sort of. A place of suffering, transformed into a place of peace. Strangely. And you don't know how. It just happened. While you slept. You can't do much from this place of being stuck. So, just go to sleep. Stop trying to fix it, think your way out of it. Just do nothing.

My take on the Swords, is they have no timing. It's a mental thing. A choice. Or a double edged sword. Or pile of them. Nothing is happening here. Except going inward. Processing, praying. Waiting. Help could be on the way, or not. The good news is her tormentor is gone. She is bandaged, that has to have been done by someone other than herself. A friend, a kind person to listen to her. Care.

Just another day in paradise. This too shall pass.

2008-03-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

My dream last night...

I dreamed last night, I was walking down a hall, narrow, and an empty comforter and empty pillow sham fell from up above me. I picked them up, and walked on, holding onto them. I was in a line of girls, we were being 'shown' the way to go. We were in this big room, 'they' were telling me where I could sleep. There were wide steps, and a woman/girl was on each one. I could see no place for me to go. I didn't fit in anywhere. She said...go up there, and find a place. I walked as far as I could. There was no spot for me. So, I just laid down, right there in the corner. I fell between a crack in the floor and the wall. I was scared, but before I could get out, the 2 walls of the house smiled, and the Big house hugged me, the house was holding me.

When I interpret dreams, on Keen or otherwise, this is how I do it. I go back into the symbols of the dream, look at what stands out. Then I see a story of what the dream is saying, in the language of symbols. I will show you here....

I dreamed last night, I was walking down a hall, narrow, and
walking, going somewhere, down-inner chambers, the hall, a place many doors may seem closed, but can open. Narrow, hard, feeling pressured, squeezed.
a empty comforter and empty pillow sham fell from up above
empty, nothing left, sad comfort, and empty pillow, a sham, not what it appears. Fall to me, I grab them, hold onto them. Keep on going...
me. I picked them up, and walked on, holding onto them. I was
many females are here with me, others are showing us the way
in a line of girls, we were being 'shown' the way to go. We
to go, we all end up in the same place.
were in this big room, and they were telling me where I could
who is telling me? Should I be listening to them? I don't know.
sleep. There were wide steps, and a girl/woman was on each
sleep, rest, shut up. Wide steps, each one had someone on that step. I could see women on every step.
one. I could see no place for me to go. I didn't fit in
What step do I belong on? I could see no place for me to go, I don't belong here, I should be married, with a family. I was a good wife, good mother. I don't fit in this single scene. I don't know where to go to get out of this place, where is the door? I keep listening for direction, and it seems to keep getting worse. Sadder. Empty. Help me.
anywhere. She said, go up there, and find a place. I walked
go up, higher, reach higher, just go. Find a place, any place. Doesn't really matter.
as far as I could, there was no spot for me. So, I just laid
I have gone as far as I can, and find no spot for myself. Exhausted, I just laid down, gave up.
down, right there in the corner. I fell between a crack in
fell between the cracks, how funny. cracks on the floor, couldn't get much lower, really. and against the wall, I am against the wall. Or I have the wall, a really high one. That seems to be the only sure thing I have, is the wall.
the floor, and the wall. I was scared, but before I could get
I am scared, this is not where I thought I would be. Ever.
out, the 2 walls of the house smiled, and the Big house
before I get out of where I am, 2 of the walls smile. A really big sweet smile. Like this is all so funny, and not what I think it is. It is a big house, I cannot see all of it. Maybe the walls know more than I do.
hugged me. The house was holding me.
They hug me, hold me through the night. The house is there for me. It holds me.

Last Saturday was my birthday. I went out for a late lunch with Julie, one of my best friends. I come home, worked on Keen. Am feeling sorry for myself, wish I was out with a big hunky man, celebrating this passage of my life. I have to practice saying how old I am, it's not coming easy this year. But, no date, I am home alone. I go to sleep about midnight. 3:30 in the morning, a neighbor,Pat, beats on my door, 'the apartments are on fire' she screams. I open my door to see about 12 fire trucks, red flashing lights, right in front of me, and thick black smoke everywhere. 2 units, (cold terms for 2 small homes of someone I have waved at while getting my mail) are burning. A furnace caught fire. Just an accident. Could happen to anyone. We are all sent away for the rest of the night/day, all power and gas lines are shut off. Go somewhere. Come back later. I am standing in the parking lot, in the strangest outfit,( try grabbing clothes in utter panic, dressing while you assess what you should grab, may never see again, and run down the stairs at the same time.) Almost funny. But not. I go have coffee, and wait awhile, where can I go at 4 in the morning? I finally call Meme, a friend,and ask to go there, feels rather humbling. Is humbling. My daughter Anna says, you should move, now. Today. I cannot. Yet, I am afraid. And I hate being afraid. I think this event triggered my dream.

For every one that calls me for readings, and is alone, searching for the love of their life, I am there with you. My dream says I have listened to every voice that tells me how to do it. I am in a huge group of women, at every step of the journey, and I can't even find a place I belong, being single. I am so utterly discouraged. Tired. I decided to stop dating, if you could call it that. I call it being rejected by men you would not even really 'normally' consider dating. And what self esteem you might have a shred of left, gets pummeled into nothing. Hence, just find a corner and lay down. Give up. I painted my sewing room, and my bedroom. Am working on the rest of the walls. Ah, the walls! I am decorating my WALLS! But, my walls seem to be the only thing protecting me, they actually are smiling at me, happy to be painted, and decorated. They are holding me. I had spent a fortune on a silky comforter and pillow shams. Painted the bedroom walls, and the colors hated each other. Sold the whole bedding set on Ebay. Bought another set. Don't know if I like it or not. But I love the wall color. Reminds me of my favorite lipstick color, a rich burgundy. Very girl-y. The expensive bedding brought only 'empty' feelings. No one to share it with. Small or no comfort. Painting my walls seems to be making sense. And get this, I live in the corner, of the big apartment building. 2 walls are where I sleep, in the corner. Those 2 walls hold me at night. Even in the fire, I was safe.

And so are you.

If you ever want to know what your dreams are telling you, call me. It can be fun decoding them. Or profound. I think I'll finish painting all my walls. See what else they say in the next dream.

2008-02-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Universal Fantasy Tarot....I love it. Sci-fi images...vibrant colors. My kind of deck. The cards I randomly drew are 7 of Swords, King of Cups, and the Hierophant.

First I draw one card....but I can't stop at one, so I pick 2 more. I need them to tell me what the first card is saying. I am doing the 3 kinds of reading, best, worst, and spiritual. Humor me, I like to see how much I can glean from each set of cards. I think I have an overactive mind, some people call it ADD, and one guy even called it, a steel trap. Ha, I don't think he meant that as a compliment. Whatever. On to the story....

Best News: Once upon a time....this guy is on a quest. He sees all kinds of challenges around it, but he is more than up for it. He has a goal, is listening to God, knows this is the thing to do, just not sure how he will do it. But, his heart is in the right place, and he is a man of faith. Sort of like David, fighting the giant. He can to it, just let him try. His faith is big...!

Worst News: Look at that river, he'll never be able to cross it. And that shield, what will that protect? Looks pretty, and shiny, and the banner waving through the air, he has a mission. Being that King of Cups is sitting there, meditating, me might have got the idea this was something God required as a test of faith. A 'how much do you love me' thing. But guess what, read about Grace. Trust in the person he prays to, and stop trying so hard to prove who he is. Who is he trying to impress, anyway. Looks like between the raging river, the dragons surrounding the craggy castle, and the stormy dark skies, he needs to just wait on further instruction. Go back to the center card, pray. Get focused. This could be a spiritual battle, or something he needs to fight with other ammo. Just wait, you don't have all the info yet.

Spiritual : 3 stages of being. Young and eager, ready to take on anything. Mature, confident, in touch with your feelings, and relaxed. Just go with the flow....see the sailboat in the background. A wise man. From the path he has taken, he is now a guide for others. He sits on a grand throne, and has a beautiful armor protecting his body. He also has a picture of a woman he gazes on. He has found his inspiration, and honors it. He has faith, chooses his battles well. Wonder it this man is free Friday night, looks like my kind of man. Yes!

2008-02-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my Aunt Roberta, when she was just a young girl. She died yesterday. A devout Christian, and I mean strict Pentecostal. Is no doubt, very happy in her new heavenly home. She was the kindest mother, wife and aunt. We are all here for such a brief time....but not forgotten (for good or bad, and in our family we never forget any little detail.) My, well disciplined children, would to steal popsicles out of her deep freeze on the back porch. I think she kept it full of popsicles for all the neighbor kids to get into. I love you.
Linda

2008-02-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

This chic adorns the wall in my living room. She holds a book, like a little High Priestess! I was playing with my camera, and loved this shot. She looks soft, defenseless. Gentle. I usually draw Tarot cards, jot down whatever comes to mind...but tonight I am using some pictures from my home, as my prompts. Her calm face reminds me, it will all be ok. Wait. Just wait.

And these beautiful yellow flowers, a gift from my grandson Avery. I had a rough day....he was so sweet to think about me. Would this be the Sun Card? The colors. Red and gold and yellow. Yeah. This did make me happy. I know I 'read' cards, but really the symbols are all around. Just look.

The World Card? Angels, books full of words of knowledge.Is it finished, or is it just starting over again? I love how the word 'miracle' stands out....I really lean on that, hard. Every day.

2008-02-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

Loving What Is.....
A great book by Byron Katie. I read everything she writes. And I practice what she preaches.

I had something strange happen this week. I dreamed about the man I was engaged to 4 years ago. In the dream, I had 3 white pieces of an beautiful outfit. One lace blouse, a long skirt, and a vest. I just loved the lace blouse. He and I were arguing, and I couldn't find my white clothes. I ask him where they were, he said he gave them to someone else. I was ripping mad. And I woke up. Tonight I draw these 4 cards, at random. Just to see what might show up.

If I were to give just a few words for each card here, the 3 of Pentacles : 3rd time is a charm, working at it will really fix it, try harder. The Tower : coming unglued, explosions, surprises, can you believe this? The 4 of Pentacles : I have it, I think I have all my bases covered, it's mine. The World : Walk away a winner, walk away with nothing on your back, and don't care or need it. Victory, maybe.

So, I am at Barnes and Noble, getting my book fix. I look up, and there he is. I have not seen him in years. I just dreamed about him the night before. I am really shocked. He is looking for me. He hugs me....wants me to come outside and see his little Yorkie. I go outside. We talk.....and I reach out and hug him, and say, I love you. I will always love you. And I start to cry. He tells me he loves me. And I hurry to get to a lunch appointment....and wonder what just happened. He is married now. Has it all. Has lost weight, has the dog, the skinny wife, the new house, the new car, has everything. Why look for me?

I think the cards pretty well say it all. He would have been my 3rd serious try at love. I really tried. Then I tried harder. It all fell apart. And I tried harder. And I got mad. Mad at him, mad at myself. Mad at life. It was over, I moved. I couldn't decide if I won or lost. Ever felt like that? Felt like a rollar coster ride....that would never end. And when it did, I cried, I slept, I started over. I was just numb.

When I use Katie Byrons suggestions for working through something that just keeps showing up...I go through her list of questions.

What belief am I working on? That if I would have tried even harder, I would not be single right now. Not sitting here alone. He is not alone.

Who would I be without that thought? I would be ok. I wouldn't feel guilty, or punished for not trying hard enough. I think this goes way back to my marriage of 17 years. Try 'till you die. Well, almost. So, If I turn the thought around, like Katie says, it would be....He didn't try hard enough. And how can I turn it around to myself....I didn't try hard enough....to love me, to give me what I needed. And turning it around the other way, I didn't try hard enough.....how did I not try hard enough....I didn't trust him. And turning it around again...And how did he really try? He let himself love me. He let me redecorate the kitchen (no small thing, after about a thousand fights), and he loved it. So, how has my thinking hurt me? By believing a real relationship takes enormous amounts of work, never ending, just gets more work. We were never on the same team. No wonder it was so hard. We both had the 'keep your back covered' thing going.

I feel like, what the cards say is, I really did try hard enough. And it is a happy ending. And when I seen him, I do love him. And I'm glad she is married to him. Maybe it was just closure....it was sweet. And I passed the test....! I stayed tender, and forgiving...and grateful. No small thing....! Oh, and the 3 pieces of the white outfit from the dream....I have thought about that. I really just loved the white lace blouse. The others didn't seem to match, they were just white. A blouse covers your heart....the rest weren't important, and I didn't really care to lose them. But he gave them all to someone else....another woman. I had lost my heart to him....but after seeing him the other day, my heart is ok. White, purity. My motives were pure....and he knows it. A good ending....I think.