The Magician. He is talent, ability, confidence. He doesn't give up, he knows there is a way to manifest anything, anywhere, anytime. He would be a Jesus sort of guy. Walking on water is easy. Remember who you are. He does. He has a work table behind him, and each of the elements from the Tarot ot choose from, floating right in front of him. The black wrap he wears is an apron. He is busy. He has all these ideas and his mind is racing to decide which project to start on first. If I were walking into this card, embodying him, who would I be, and what would I do with his knowledge and talent....

I would dive deeper into my writing. Fearlessly bringing all these floating ideas together to create a beautiful book to live in the shelves of Barnes and Noble. A book you couldn't put down, you would drag around with you, just to see if you could absorb just one more piece of the puzzle of the Tarot, just one more, something that would change the way you know the cards and what they say. Each of the Elements of the Tarot on this Magician Card, I would use. The Wand would be the pen and the ideas that keep my up each night writing, the channeled idea flow that won't stop until it is spoken. The Cup, my fresh ground coffee, hot and steamy, sitting right here on my desk, some would call an addiction, whatever. I love it. The Pentacle, my other job to support me as I write. The already manifest miracle of living by faith & the seat of my pants (!) and trusting the Universe to support me in my Artistic Endeavors. Thank you!!!! And the razor sharp sword, the ability to cut away, decidely, everyone and anything that does not support me, love me, and bless me. All those flowers in the background, are wild flowers that I have taken photo's of. Each is a tiny splash of color and passion that suddenly appears and then is gone. A lesson from this card, when the door of oppertunity opens, RUN through, and embrace each chance to express the Divine Artist within yourself. Have fun with it, play, laugh, and create. The Magician would be your Muse. I think the only things we leave behind us, are the things we create. Relationships, Art, Homes, Careers, Families. The David Cooperfield version of you, in your own story. Who are you and what have you created? And why not? Get busy.....

This is the Fool Card from the Tarot of Reflections Deck by Francesco Ciampi. I am going to start with this card, and work my way through the complete deck. I want to see how many things I can draw from each card.....

I am at the beginning, again. Every time I start over, I feel excited, afraid, stupid, punished, forgiven, who am I? And why can't I just find a place to be, or become a person I am content with, and just accept life and burrow in my little hole and refuse change? This must be a gift, somehow a gift, to start over and over and fall down and get right back up again. If I were the chic in this card, I would say...I am only taking what means something to me. Gotta go, have outgrown this gig and on to new faces, new lessons. In the little bag I carry, I have (of course!) my Tarot Cards, my Mary Kay stuff, something to remind me of each one of my 3 children, and that isn't something like a wad of gray hair, strech marks, and a worry stone, worn slick. I would choose something like...The crinkled up note Jonna passed to me in church, many years ago, after I had sang the song 'We shall Behold Him.' The note said, 'you really did good, mom.' Like she just noticed I could sing.... And a picture of my daughter Anna, holding her first baby. Ah, I cry to think about it. That look of love that only another mother would understand. A holy bond we share. And from Josh, a snapshot of us together in a church, the colored windows bathing us in prisms of colors. We were deep in conversation, and the looks on our faces were like we were the only 2 people in the world. It was a Holy moment, caught on film by a stranger that developed it and gave it to me as a gift. It was on my refrigerator when our house burned down. When I walked throught the ashes, it was still here, black and curled, I didn't care. It was etched in my heart. That would be there with me. 2 tiny perfect arrowheads, my father gave me. He collects them and cherishes each one. His way of saying he loves me? Perhaps. I know we don't speak the same language. Maybe the language of the heart has no words. It speaks through your eyes. I heard you, dad. No doubt, I could go on and on...the key to the backdoor of my girlfriend Janice's home, the day the house burned. A tiny key, I will never forget. A home for a few months. A safe place to sleep, cry, question, 'start over', which is what the Fool Card is. Sometimes big starts, sometime little tiny steps. It all counts. She has learned to travel light, and the white lily, a surprise lily, no doubt. Just when you think you have no hope....this beautiful lily springs up, overnight to remind you that life has surprises (good and bad!) and you never know what lies around the next bend in the dusty road. Trust, and enjoy the journey. See you on the path. Linda

This is the Tarot of Transformation by Francesco Ciampi. I love these cards, they are soft watercolors, yet very detailed and easy to read with.

The story this group of three would tell is....

I see a man of pride and dignity. He stands firm in his belief that good things come to those who wait. He is also a man of action, it appears he has hit the wall in pursuing his goals. This 7 of Swords is blocking him from seeing that the happiness he desires is right around the corner. Maybe the Swords are fears, ghosts from the past, haunting lines from the naysayers reminding him that what he wants, he will never have. Whatever. He refuses to believe that, he grasps that staff with one hand and his other hand is a firm fist. He will not be stopped. Maybe the timing has been off and he has just had to wait. That dark night of the soul that we all encounter and just love. If, just if, he can keep believing, and I think he does, there is the happy ever after card. The 10 of Cups, time to laugh, dance, shout. Time to relax and let down all defenses, as he is home free.

He appears to me as a guide, a friend that keeps the faith no matter what. The dark card would make me want to go take a nap and wake up when everything is all better. Just fast forward to the happy ending. But no. Life won't let you. You have to ride out the storm, earn the joy. And it is so sweet, when it finally gets here. So worth it. Don't give up. No excuses. Think from the end. Imagine what the outcome could be, should you really get your wish. And just hold that thought in focus. He guides you. I beileve we have Guides around us constantly. Angels, loved ones from the other side, people that are divine, right in front of us. We are never alone. Nice to know that. Just watch and see who shows up in your life this week, surprising you with happiness..........

Search for missing Md. publisher continues By BEN NUCKOLS, Associated Press Writer
39 minutes ago



BALTIMORE - Rescue crews using helicopters and boats searched 100 square miles of the Chesapeake Bay for a prominent publisher and former diplomat whose sailboat was found empty and drifting in shallow water.



The search for Philip Merrill, an experienced sailor and chairman of the board of Capital-Gazette Communications Inc., continued early Monday, two days after he disappeared.

"As time goes by, chances of survival are less and less," said Col. Mark S. Chaney, superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

Merrill, 72, had taken his 41-foot sailboat, the "Merrilly," out alone Saturday. He typically followed an 18-mile round trip without wearing a lifejacket, Chaney said.

Two boaters found the sailboat adrift Saturday evening near Plum Point, about 25 miles south of Annapolis and 40 miles south of his home in Arnold, and called police, officials said.

Rescue crews believe Merrill likely fell overboard since his wallet was on board and there was no damage to the boat, officials said. The wind was gusting up to 25 mph on Saturday, creating conditions that could be difficult for a single sailor alone, Chaney said.

Merrill's family issued a statement saying he had been an avid yachtsman since he first learned to sail at age 7.

"If there was anyone who could captain a boat competently alone, it was Phil," the statement said. "He just couldn't resist a sunny day with the wind at his back."

Annapolis-based Capital-Gazette Communications Inc. publishes Washingtonian magazine, The Capital and five other Maryland newspapers. Merrill took leave from publishing in December 2002 to be president and chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. His term expired last July.

He served as assistant secretary-general of NATO in Brussels from 1990 to 1992 and from 1983 to 1990 he served on the Department of Defense Policy Board. From 1981 to 1983, he was counselor to the undersecretary of defense for policy. In 1988, the secretary of defense awarded him the Medal for Distinguished Service, the highest civilian honor given by the department.

What the Tarot would say about this....

I laid out cards from the Tarot of Reflections by Francesco Ciampi, after trying about 10 times to post the pictures of the cards ( in case you are wondering why I have not been writing in my journal here, this is why....very frustrating to try over and over to post images and take the time to write, and have it not be posted or some malfunction and it disappears mysteriously. So.....bitchy today, yes I am.) I drew the Star, the 8 of Swords, and the Fool, on the question of 'what happened to Philip. And I drew the 5 of Wands, the Lovers, and the Death card on the question, 'Where is he right now?' My reading....(and hopefully I can get the cards to post so you can see the images....)

He was having a glorious day, alone, when suddenly gripped by pain, he knew what the pain meant, but kept on sailing, foolishly thinking it would go away. It didn't, and quickly he fell into the water, the place he loved the most, leaving this world. The pain was across his upper chest and neck, a stroke perhaps. I believe he knew he had a short time here, and wanted to be where he loved, on his boat on the water. I see no foul play, I see a very independent man that was fearless and lived life to the fullest. He died where he chose to die. He is happy.

After one last try to post the images, I give up. I will be back tomorrow, watching the news to see the outcome of Philip's story......

> This is the Beautiful Tarot of Dreams created by Ciro Marchetti. I drew one card (this one, the 7 of Wands) as what the heart of the matter would be for me, today. And I drew another for the crossing card, and I will have it below, it was the Ace of Wands.

Both cards are in red hues. This person is fending off 7 strong wands that are coming at him, and he is battling with only one wand in his possession. He is standing in the center of a circle on the floor, like a wrestler that has his bounderies, he also has clothing on that would say he is prepared to fight for his cause, and is unconcerned about being outnumbered. May even enjoy it. Bring it on.The symbol of Mars-Aries is in the left hand corner, and the other corner has Leo. No wonder the feeling is of fire and passion. On a personal level for me, this is all the projects I have 'in the air' right now. Some days it seems overwhelming, but without goals, without ideas I see all around me simmering, half finished, I tend to get depressed and lose my focus. Maybe I need to have 7 things coming at me at once to get me moving. And I do tend to get them finished, Rome wasn't built in a day, you know.
This is the crossing card, a single Wand. A simmering mountain, bubbling with lava and fire. My Mars and Venus are both in Aries. I like a challenge, I love creating new ideas, things no one has done before. This card would remind me to choose one project and stick with it. Stop trying to do everything, and keep my focus one just one thing, until I finish it. When you harness all this passion and fire energy, wow, it is rather intense. But, well worth it. I am working on a Quilt that is the 22 Major Tarot cards, with 3 extra blocks to even out the numbers to 25 blocks. Two of the extra blocks will be fabric art that ties in with my theme, and the final extra card will be written and monogramed with "The Tarot". That is what I want to finish next. I have about 10 of the 22 cards (blocks) done. Now to finish these up and have fun with it. I will post a picture of it here when I get it done. So, this is what I do in my spare time....!

This is the Fantastical Tarot by Nathalie Hertz. What do you think? I love it! It has a goth, fun look. And is very accurate with the symbols that give you the meaning for the cards. Going into each card, I want to give you what it feels like to me, and then putting the 3 cards together, what that would say as a group. Here goes....

The Moon....She is so mysterious, meditative, calm. She has an inner focus that guides her through the uncertain path she travels on. It is dark, and could be scary, but she is unafraid. She has befriended the darkness, it is safe. I love how she wears the moon symbols all over herself. She is the moon. Woman, guided by the flow of nature. In sync with the mystery.

The Sun....He is Power. To be respected. Crackling with energy, light, no secrets here. Wild with adventure, trophy's adorn his neck, from his journey through this life. He is proud, wild, passionate. Full of life.

Temperance....She is gentle. Giving, kind, balaced. She warns of the undercurrents that can seduce you, pulling you under, away from your goals. She tells you to wait, like the tide that changes daily, she changes. Sometimes you must wait for the right time to act on whatever it is you seek, and she would guide you to know the exact time. But waiting is hard. She will tell you when to go, or when to stay. Listen.

As a 3 card reading, the first card I would be drawn to is the Sun. It grabs your attention, it radiates out with it's beams of light into the other 2 cards. The Moon is looking away from the group, alone and in silence. He seems to be waking her up, telling her to stop praying and start doing. He reaches into the Temperance card to say, let me warm the water you pour, let me bring some fun and passion into your life. She also seems asleep, her eyes closed and just going about her business. His energy would shake her from her watery cocoon, and pull her out for an adventure. He is saying that Now is the time to go for whatever it is you want. Maybe waiting has become safe and predictable. He sweeps in to pull both these cards out to play. Time for an adventure. Have fun with it!

I am going to finish up this story today. I ask what is the last chapter this couple goes through, is. Happy ending or no? I am still using the Durer Deck and drew the 3 of Wands, the Devil, and the Queen of Cups. Here we go...

From the last scene we see the man in pain, decieved and feeling like he has given all he has to the lady. Looks like they are not together now. Or ever again. He is taking a break from this mess. He has his boat out, and is out there alone thinking. Looks like he has erected a monument of sorts to what he has gone through. A rite of passage. He is getting in his boat, and going far, far, away.

The Devil is the strongest card here, and lets you know the couple ended on bad terms. No forgiveness, yet, no understanding of what went wrong. Both are hurt and angry. Both feel used. Both are looking a opposite direction. No togetherness here. Both feel like the sacrificial lamb. Maybe they both are right. I think they both had hidden expections going into this. Where is the honesty? Maybe we all have things we hope to get from the one we love. Maybe we cannot even tell them, because we don't realize it. But the stage is set, and the ones we love can really push all the triggers like no one else can. The Devil is actually one of the 4 Angels that are in the Tarot. He is the Fallen Angel, Lucifer. He rules the planet Saturn which is time, death, and fateful destiny. He brings out our shadow side, the dard side we would rather hide from everyone. He tests us. And he tested this couple. But insead of coming from a place of love and overcoming the test, they attacked each other and walked away. Well, let me tell you something, if you don't get the lesson now, it will come right back again, another way with another man and you will get the wonderful chance to make a different choice. So now...or later. Your choice.

This Queen is the gentle, sensitive one. She is finding solace in her drink. So, has she taken to dealing with issues though numbing them with something to drink? Her eyes are closed, she doesn't want to see the truth, and has had it with the boyfriend. Time out is a good thing. She at least is fully present in her card, he is distant and standing turned away. She is feeling the pain, and processing it. All she holds, beside the goblet, is a small purse. She didn't take much when she left. It really was not ever what she wanted from him. I wonder if they ever get together again and talk about what happened. I hope so. For both of them, this sucked. No happy ending here.

If this was a reading for a client of mine, and I drew these cards as the ending of this saga, I would try to get both of them to see what brought out the fears they both experienced with each other. This was real, and happy at one time. Maybe it was only meant to last for a short time. I don't know. But both made the choice to let it go. Moving on. Maybe the happy ending is ahead, but with different people. I hope so.....

I had planned to post something on here each day, but have been sick with allergies. Sorry. I drew cards to add to the story I had started last week. Here is what I drew...the 10 of Pentacles, the 6 of Pentacles, and the 10 of Swords. The previous post ended on a good note. Things are about to change....

The man has become complacent. He has stopped trying to impress his lady and win her love. He feels like he has bought her everything she could ever want, why is she not happy? He thinks that by buying her 'things' he is giving her what she wants. Not true. He has been rather generous and it appears she has a beautiful home, money in the bank, all the comforts of life. But I see no cups in the group. He looks like he is sleeping, not at all aware of what she really wants. And she is no where here in the cards, she has withdrawn and is gone. He hasn't seen that she is gone yet.

This 6 of Pentacles says he has given and given, and whatever she wants, she could easily have. Except for his heart. His heart (spirit, symbloized by the bird in flight) is gone. Money is where his heart was. One the bottom coin the Lion of Leo stands out, so he appears very proud of what he has accomplished, and is generous with it. But sorta in a way that draws attention to him. Again, he gives to get attention, and not out of love. They seem to not talk. Just make assumptions. Bad idea.

He has now seen the light. Like the light at the end of your life and the tunnel is before you to go in a completely different direction. A Death of sorts. Pain is a great catalyst. He is flat on his back in pain. And his money and everything he owns isn't helping him get help. The Swords can represent mental anguish. And this looks like he is in misery. He feels betrayed, stabbed in the back and left out in the cold. She is gone, and he has his stuff. But that is all he has, and stuff will not hold you at night. I think he is remembering things she said, things she ask for, like little things that didn't cost anything. And he was just not interested. He went outside and sat by himself. Counting his money. Sad. This lesson is for him, as he is here alone, she is somewhere else. I will see if the Tarot tells us where she went, and if she is coming back. Tomorrow....

Adding to the story from the previous cards, we have the 2 of Cups show up again, the Sun Card, and the Ace of Swords. So, our story goes like this....

The two together, happy and reconnected, have now remembered what they love about each other and found each other again. I would say they have met for dinner, maybe had details to talk about that were important. They touch, hold hands, connect, they look deep into each others eyes, and they wondered, why were we being so stubborn about wanting what we wanted that was really not that big a deal. Hours pass, and they are caught up in each other, and realize, this is what is really important, this is what I was looking for, and here it is, right in front of me. They leave together....

The Sun, they play, feed each other grapes, talk, laugh, relax. The Angelic part of themselves they had forgotten, now emerges and they know that whatever it was that seemed so important, now is minor. They are together. All is forgiven, that song, 'I can see clearly now, the rain is gone', is how they feel. The stormy pass they were going through is now just a memory. They are blessed, they have found what is real, and warm, and home. Going into the next card...

The Ace of Swords. Now they need to really talk about whatever the problem was. Honestly. I see the 2 tiny foxes in the card, safe under the mothers watchful eye. I would see the 2 little ones as the couple, and they have weathered the storm, now they are starting over, but gently. The older fox, I think would be a older mentor, someone that has lived long and would be nonjudgemental for them to go to for advice. They choose to come together and be 'one' again. But with better ground rules, and adding time to play. That seems to be the theme. They forgot how to have fun with each other, and got selfish and mad. Today, the cards say they are happy. And focused on fixing the problem, working through it. What they have seems to be worth hanging on to.

Appears they have learned they can accomplish more together than apart. And no one else out there can replace what they had. And they had more than they thought. So revel in it, enjoy it. Today is a good day for them in the cards. Let's see what tomorrow brings.....

Continuing on with the story from the Durer Tarot, from yesterday...today I drew the Knight of Wands, the Strength Card, and the 9 of Pentacles. And so the story goes....
The last images we seen were the 2 lions going in different directions. The Lion shows up in the Center card again, in the Strength Card. Knights always represent action, and the first card is the Knight of Wands, he is the 'don't fence me in' kind of man. He has his back straight, and appears packed and ready to move on, in a new direction. Without her. And he has a very prickly club to wack anything or anyone out of his way as he is going. There is a tiny splash of pink on his helmet, another tiny lion is wrapped in a pink cloth, looks like it is tied there to remind him of who he used to be, and he wanted to mount it there for all to see as he declares his independence. Pink, that would mean he has remembered what he loves, and is going in that direction. And today, he loves his freedom. He is looking one way and the horse is looking another. Seems he still has not found a partner that wants to go the same direction as he. And that may be what the next card tells us...

'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink', a decision is requiring determination and goes into a power struggle. This would say to me, that he will really have to fight to get whatever it is he is really wanting to do with his life. It also reminds me of Jacob wrestling with the Angel in the Bible. Sometimes our Angels take on other apperances, and we cannot see that what challenges us is a gift. (I question that daily, let me tell you.) The Course in Miracles teaches us that we are only sent Angels. We just do not know it. And have forgotten who we really are. I believe that. This man now is stipped of the shirt on his back and wears only a loin cloth, and a wreath of green vines of Victory. How funny, the man with a 'loin' cloth is wrestling a 'lion'. The lion is bigger and wilder. I would put my money on the Lion. But, we humans have immense power when we make up our minds to do something. And we can be fearless. He has gone for the Lions weak spot, his throat. By choking him, he loses his power, is reduced to jelly.

The lady appears in the cards now, she is the last one in the layout, calmly petting her Golden Eagle. She has found another way to accomplish what she desires. Seems she had read the book on manifesting, and has decided to go at this from another angle. Work less, and do more. She has her eyes closed and I see her in medidation. She focuses on what she desires and lets it come to her. The line of beautiful golden coins on the brilliant banner behind her, show off her accomplishments. She wears the latest fashion in her attire and even a fancy hat with a lavish plume. 'A feather in her hat.' She is quite successful, but has found another way to get what she wants. A very effective way. I think the story is this...

He is very Aries, and will fight to the Death to get what he wants. And uses Power and Ego to get it. She is quiet and gentle, and uses another kind of power to get what she wants. They are on different pages as far as a couple, but the cards do not tell us yet where this story goes. She may be waiting for him to show up and choose to take her on his journey wherever life is taking him. Or, she may be tired of his selfish antics and all the stunts he is pulling to show off in front of her, are not really working any more. He can walk around his loin cloth for someone else to ohhh over. She likes he companionship of her Golden Eagle. Who knows what he may turn into in the next layout of cards. Sort of like the frog turning into the Prince. We shall see....

This is the 3 Card Layout, and the cards I drew today were from the Durer Tarot Deck. The 2 of Cups, the Tower, and the 2 of Wands. The Beloved Tower. I almost put these back in the deck and redrew. But no, I think I will just sit with this and see what comes from these three cards. The first card that stands out is the Tower. Appears two people are grasping at each other, as something they have built together comes falling down around them. A third person is jumping from, or being blown out of the top of the solid stone house. This reminds me of the Titanic movie, when they said that was a ship that would NEVER sink. And it sunk. This looks like a house that is solid, rock solid, and it is destroyed. By fate? By an electrical bolt from a storm? And it's placement in the 3 cards, is second. So, they first card is happy, they are sharing everything, they are soooo happy, and care free. Then, in a moment, everything changes. Black storms pound their life and they just stand there in shock. They make it through the storm, but just barely. Going into the next card, another 2, you see 2 lions. Has this Tower experience turned them into beasts? One of them has his claws out and is reaching for something foriegn to him. A prickly porcupine. And completely out of his reach. The other is snarling and walking away, they are not holding each other any more. They are wanting different things, and their choices are very opposite. Are the two battered posts what was left from the home, and a few scattered rocks, the left over bricks that once held the home together? I am tempted to draw more cards to see where the story is going, but not today. Tomorrow. And I will see where the cards show me the once happy couple, go. For the next 7 days, I will keep this story going. And use the same deck.
I started a Tarot Group last night at the Library here in town. Had a wonderful turnout and alot of fun! I rebooked the room for next month. So we will be meeting in the Santa Fe Room from 6-9, in the Library Center on Kansas, on Thursday evening, May 11.
I thought it funny, that out of that many people attending the class, no one had the same deck. That just represents how different each one of us is, and what we are interested in. Yet we share an interest in the Tarot. How cool.

This deck is the Labyrinth Tarot by Luis Royo. It is so beautiful, and soft, the Major Arcana have vivid details, erotic images. The Minor Arcana are traditional in keeping the symbols of the element, and just arranging them in different sequence as they move up from Ace to 10. I think using this deck, makes you use your intuition more. You don't depend on the pictures for information, you use whatever floats up and whispers to you. Then you add the images from the Major Arcana and the Court Cards, and you have a different spin on the interpretations. Today I drew 3 cards at random. The King of Spades (Swords), the 6 of Spades (Swords), and the Moon. While scanning these, I came upon a picture of my brother Randy,(my daughter Johnna was here last weekend and scanned a pile of family pictures to copy.) Strange (maybe not,) that Randy and these cards came up on the screen one after the other. He died in a car wreck 10 years ago. He was such a pistol. I feel him around me, and seems he is hanging out today. If I were to read these 3 cards as what would Randy have to say to me, it would be....

I stand at the front door, I watch over you. I am protecting you, I am as fierce in death as I was in life. A warrior, a protecter, always armed and dangerous. Where you are going is bringing up mirrors from the past, this 6 of Spades would say you are in a calmer place, and you can see light up ahead. Tread lightly, the Moon still rules your world, and nothing is as it seems. Pray, relax, wait. He reminds me of one of the howling dogs, baying at the moon. He was loud and full of life. I see all the blues and the gold in the layout, and with the Moon so strong, the only Major Arcana card here, it would say, stay put, you are depressed and wanting to break free from what you 'think' is holding you back. But wait.

Here is his picture, he was my baby brother. I love you, Randy.

These are the Princesses of the Lovers Path Tarot by Kris Waldherr. These chicks are the messengers of the Tarot. When it comes to getting the messages across, they get the job done. They each have their own realm to rule over, and it would be...

The Princess of Arrows, she rules the Air realm. She is the little spy that watches every move and reports the details, in living color. She welcomes changes, rushes to meet them. She has a red ribbon flowing in the wind, that would accent her passion for her place in the Court cards, and her love of being the messenger that carries the words you just might not want to hear. Sometimes her messages are one's that stir you to action, or anger, or revenge. She rules the mind, so she can play mind games like a pro.

The Princess of Coins...she is all about the money, security, and what's up at work. She has all kinds of ideas of how to improve on just about anything, and make money doing it. She loves to create, and make things happen. She is patient, and knows that money will come. She also loves books, and school. College. Furthering her education, of course, to make more money!

The Princess of Staves. She is on the go. She reminds me of the old time mail carriers, on a schedule and with her hair on fire. She will bring you messages of important news, things to act on RIGHT NOW. She is the only one of these four that is on a horse. She looks like Joan of Arc, on a mission.

The Princess of Cups. She is the tender, sweet messenger. She doesn't want to hurt anyone, and tends to sugarcoat the contents of whatever she needs to say. She may talk with art, or symbols. She hears messages from the 'other side'. She is the Channeler of Spirit. And the comforter of the four.

Each have a talent, and use it well. When they come up in a reading, it can mean many things being talked about, or discussion being placed on the table from all these different angles. Watch them show up in your readings, they have something for you to hear. Gossipy little group, they are.

I was out taking photo's this week of the tree's in bloom. And the flowers.How beautiful....

Mary Winkler, 32, is jailed on charges of first-degree murder. Authorities say she confessed to shooting her husband but they haven't revealed a motive.

The news media were not allowed inside the church, but those who attended the service said the minister was eulogized as a devoted husband and father.

Barbara Letson of Decatur, Ala., said Eddie Thompson, one of two people leading the service, didn't mention Mary Winkler by name or describe what happened.

"He just said, we're puzzled. That's the word he used: puzzled," Letson said.


Every week I choose an article from the news to draw cards on. This seems quite a mystery. I am using the Durer Tarot Deck. So, my number one question, would be, why did she shoot her husband? I drew the 4 of Pentacles, the 2 of Pentacles, and the Hanged Man. She felt stuck in a situation that was about the money. She was needing something and had felt passed over again and again. The cards say he stuck money back, and she would get half of what she really needed. Then I drew the Ace of Wands, the Star, and the Hermit. She had just started a new job, and happy to be away from him. Even alone. She was overwhelmed and had lost her will to keep trying to make this relationship work. She just wanted to be alone. When I ask the cards, 'what went through her mind, right before she shot him?' I drew the Page of Pentacles, the 6 of Pentacles, and the Chariot'. Again, it was all over money, something was said about her spending money, and she had, had it. All she wanted was to get in the car and never see him again. Usually it isn't the big fight, or something major that is the last straw. It is one tiny little thing, and you just snap. You go somewhere else, and you may not even know you are there. And they are not even aware you are gone. You LOOK like you are there. But your spirit is gone, and you just want to go somewhere far, far, away from the pain. Even in her pictures, she is calm. Reserved, dead. Her spirit has been crushed out of her, little by little. And everyone is ahead of her in the line for his attention. I ask the cards, 'how is she feeling about what happened with her husband, right now?'. I drew the 3 of Pentacles, the Moon and the Tower. I believe she sees the 3 daughters as the 3 pentacles. And she is worried and shocked about what happened. She has had a total breakdown and with the Moon there, I would say some of this is Postpartum Depression. I had it with one of my 3 children, and it was a very real thing and not something I want to ever go through again. I ask the cards, 'did he ever know she needed help?', and I drew the Justice Card, the 8 of Cups and the 9 of Cups. He knew she cried alot, and she told him she felt highs and lows, like bi-polar. I think she felt so alone, and he couldn't figure out why she wasn't happy, he had given her EVERYTHING.Or so he thought. But the Justice card is blind, and cannot see what is right in front of it. This white dove in the 8 of Cups, is so sad, and so alone and tried to put on a happy face, and it just didn't work anymore. She wanted to be free. Free of him. Not the kids, just him. I ask the cards, 'how did he really, really treat her?' I drew the 6 of Wands, the 5 of Pentacles, and the Knight of Swords. He was condecending, the never gave her what she really needed, she was the last on the list to get his attention and love, and he was always going somewhere important. More important than her. If men only knew. You know that sentence in the Marriage Vows that says, 'for this cause, shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh, so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.' Mark 10:6-9 Nothing can come between the 2, not children, not the church, not even God. Not his congregration. Not money. She was pushed away. And felt alone. How sad. I think I wonder, why this minister had a loaded pistol in the house. Just wondered.

Please Listen to Me, the Magic of Unsent Letters

I love my job. Every day I get to talk to fasinating people from every corner of the world. They are all just like me. With all the varied experiences we encounter, coming here to planet Earth, we get wounds as part of the package. So, how do we heal these horrible gashes in our soul? I believe the Universe has also given us all the tools we should ever need to heal ourselves.

I hear the questions. I hear your pain...your confusion...the resignation. Is this it? Is this some Cosmic Joke? Where are the instructions on how to survive? Not only survive, but thrive, enjoy the ride, laugh, know the secret. I do not know all the answers, but I have found ONE! The pen IS mightier than the sword.

We all should have learned the art of communication, by now. WRONG. That is the bad news. Sometimes we feel like we don't even speak the same language. We wait for the perfect moment to come up to address an issue, which never does. The timing thing leaves something to be desired. And then, one little push, and out pours everything that has ever been stored in our memories through the eons of time. And usually it is not the happy memories. Great entertainment for the spectators, not so great for the person in the hot seat. And not only do we NOT get the desired result, which I think was to be listened to and validated, but we attack the very person we so wish to connect with and bare our souls to. So, then it goes from bad to worse. James Earl Jones quoted, 'One of the hardest things is having words in your heart that you can't utter.' How true.

I have found a way to speak. To scream. To whisper. To bare every deep feeling. To ask for what I need. To pray. To see visible results. It is not always easy, but I feel this is easier than how I chose to address issues, in the past. To attempt to get the person I want to talk to, to listen to me. When the feelings, the questions, the anger, the pain is right there. Grab a pen and a piece of paper. I actually buy neon colors of printer paper. Reds for anger, passion. Green for gentle healing dialogues. Oranges for LISTEN TO ME. Yellows for happy, thank you, I wish I could see you and touch you, messages. Pinks for, I think I love you. Every color can have a special signifiance, even the color ink pen or marker can add extra energy to your letter.

Write. Write every thing that comes to mind. All the unanswered questions. All the feelings, the words are colors and the pen is the paintbrush. You take the canvas of your soul and paint every emotion vividly and passionately. Once you have written your heart on paper, you visualize a bird. Any bird. Carrying your letter, tied with a ribbon, stamped with a wax seal, to the person you want to talk to. But can't. See the beautiful bird, or nappy old raven, you choose, maybe pigeon carrier, see the bird drop the letter into the hands of the person you want to talk to. In your mind, see the person read it, feel every emotion they would feel as they read your words. Then see the letter melt into the heart of the person, dissolving and permeating into their essence. Watch the face of the person, and see how they react to your letter. The shred or burn the actual letter. Release it, let it go.

Stand back and watch...within 3 days you will have some kind of confirmation from the Universe that the person got the message. Through a dream, or a phone call, or in person. This is one of the most profound ways to heal any situation. Write it out and let it go. You will be astounded at how things start changing and strange things start happening. The Miracle Zone. Try it and email me, my link is on this site. Let me know how it works for you. I know it is working for me. I think I will finish this and write an unsent letter to someone right now....try it and see. You will be astounded. Linda

This is the Angel at the Memorial Garden here in Springfield. She represents all the victims of abuse. She looks like she has cried until her face is marked by her tears. The bricks in the sidewalk around her, are engraved with the names of people that have died, needlessly. She weeps for the unjust. I love her.

This is the Fool, the first (0) Tarot Card from the Nigel Jackson Deck. I am using Corrine Kenners writing prompt on page 93, of her Tarot Journaling Book. Just love it. All kinds of ideas and inspiration for all the tarot addicts out here. Thank you, Corrine! This is the 'Your own Fool's journey'. Starting with the Fool card, I will list the Major Arcana cards and a memory that card brings to me. My own journey from there to here.

0. The Fool...I believed that if I was the perfect wife and mother my 17 year marriage would last forever.

1. The Magician...I devoted myself to being the best 'Seamstress' around, and found out what I really was, was a talented Designer also. Cool.

2. The High Priestess...Had a praying Grandmother that said my prayers with me every night I lived with her. I still remember that every night now. Thank you, Grandma.

3. The Empress...Had a mother-in-law named Constance, that loved me so much, and she taught me how to be a mother. My daughter Johnna has her figure and her spunky spirit. My daugther Anna has her hands. She lives on...

4. The Emperor...My grandfather George gave me the best Christmas gift I ever had. I was 7, and he ask me what I really wanted. I told him. He found the biggest, fanciest, most beautiful Bride doll and gave her to me for Christmas.I got exactly what I wanted! What a sweet gift.

5. The Hierophant...I got really mad at God and ripped my Bible in half. Then felt guilty, and took my last $20 and went across town, purchased another one. Was on the way home and the motor in my car caught fire and all I got out of the car was me, my purse and that new Bible. And I didn't even have a quarter for the pay phone to call for help. But I had that new Bible. Think that was an accident?

6. The Lovers...Had the sweetest lover, he wrapped himself around my heart, like no one else ever has. The joy was worth the pain. Choices...he didn't choose me.

7. The Chariot...Was terrified of roller coasters. My 16 year old son, Josh talked me into going with him on one at Silver Dollar City. We rode it over and over. Had a blast.

8. Strength...My Yorkie, Bailey died this year. I love that silly dog. I still have not gotten another dog. Still working on this one....

9. The Hermit...I am alone, work alone, sleep alone (#@^*#$@), but I am using my time wisely, writing a new best seller book.

10. The Wheel of Fortune...Moved from my hometown 12 years ago, to Springfield. Hated it at the time. Now, I believe it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

11. Justice...(karma) Had a girlfriend that hurt me beyond words. The truth always comes out. All the stunts she pulled are in a police file today. How sad.

12. The Hanged Man...An unresolved issue with my father, my not be resolved, may never be resolved.

13. Death...Sang at three funerals this last year. Family. Hard, and have not sang in public for 12 years. But, I did it.

14. Temperance...Impatiently looking for the perfectly diet to lose the weight I want off, now. Still working on this one...

15. The Devil...got audited by the IRS.

16. The Tower...The apartments my daughter Anna and her baby Avery, and my other daughter Johnna and a roommate lived in, burned to the ground, while we were all at work that day. But for the grace of strangers, we would have been homeless.

17. The Star...I got to work on Barbra Mandrell's last tour, clothes. Flew with her band to Vegas. She is a doll. Fun, fun.

18. The Moon...Where I feel tonight. Nothing seems to be working out, and when I try to force it, it goes even worse. When you don't know what to do, stop, and take a nap.

19. The Sun...Taking artsy pictures and designing Scrapbooks for my kids to fight over.

20. Judgement...Deciding to leave my fiance of 4 years, as he choose 'Charter & Coke' over me. Hard choice.

21. The World...Seeing the world through my grandson's eyes. Watching them play with their light sabers from Star Wars, and knowing they really will fight the dark side, at some time in their life. And may the Force be with them. Light does overcome darkness. What a gift, they are.

Here is a picture I took of another Angel. I just love her. She radiates Peace. Aren't her halo's beautiful?

The Knights of the Deck. And this is the 'Lovers Path' Deck, very romantic I must say. These guys are the action men. Youngish men. Full of ideas and impulsive leaps of faith in fearless abandon. The Knights in this deck are called 'Princes'. They have the same meaning, and rank third in the Court card order.

The Prince of Cups. Here is the Romeo of the cards. He is so cute, charming, poetic. He is the Knight on the white horse every woman is looking for. His horse must be wandering in the sand on the beach in this card, I don't see him anywhere. He is idealistic, and a lover of life, people, animals. He would really give anything he has to make the world a better place. Loves art, music, writing, daydreaming. Wrote the book on romance.

The Prince of Wands. He is looking at this huge mound of rich dirt behind him, and has an idea he needs to do, right now. The most impulsive of the group, he tends to act first and think later. He can be the hit and run man, like in matters of love, he is right there, 100% rocking your world, then gone like the wind, and good luck finding him. Off to another adventure. Hard to hold on to, has things to do and places to go. Usually without you.

The Prince of Arrows (Swords). He is the computer whiz. And can think it faster than he can do it. He is always far away in his head, but when he comes back to earth, he is your best friend and can really talk and make sense. He is a lover that goes by the book. Not too much imaginaion here. But lets you know what he is thinking and where you are on his most important list. And you want to know what they are thinking? I would think about that.....

The Prince of Coins (Pentacles). Here is the worker. He is figuring out how to make money and alot of it. In dating, he likes the chic to pay her own way, and have a great job and cool place to live, doesn't like anyone leaning on him too hard. He will work 2 jobs to get the fancy car, and the best of the best. In love, he is slow......I mean you begin to wonder if he even notices you. Dress in green, it's his favorite color. But when he finalllllly gets around to be your sweetheart, he is quite intent about staying with the job until is is finished. Get my drift, gals? Plenty of time he will spend on you, and then back to business as ususal.

When any of the Princes or Knights show up in a reading, it means action is being taken, and the cards around that indictate what kind of action and the results. Usually these guys have horses with them, as they need to get somewhere fast. But in this deck, it shows them carrying an item to tell you what they do. I think that of the four here, my favorite is the Prince of Arrows, he is angelic, with wings and the color red. He holds a bow and arrow with a heart on the tip. He is Cupid, and he appears to be looking down on Earth, and finding the right match for the seeking single people. He will do the thinking for us, we can just show up, and watch him at work. He would be my pick today. And those white fluffy clouds around him, just make me want to go back to bed. It is Sunday, the day of rest, you know. Maybe a nap later.....