Tarot Says, "Enjoy!"

I didn't have a specific question for my spread today.  I was just open to whatever message I might need to hear right now.

The Fool, Three of Cups, Ace of Coins - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

As it happens I'm going on another trip tomorrow, so I think The Fool showing up is referring to that.  My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary.  When I made the arrangements for the trip, we had the money needed to pay for it, but after a few home improvement projects this Summer that cost more than planned, money is tight.  Those money concerns are making it difficult for me to get excited about this trip.  I think the reversed Ace of Coins reflects those financial concerns.

However, I think the Three of Cups in the middle is telling me to relax and enjoy despite the fact that money is tight right now.  This is a very special occasion, worthy of celebrating, and I won't be doing anyone any favors if I am unable to be present in the moment because I'm too worried about money that's already been spent.

I'm going to let myself live it up! Responsibly.  We won't be spending any more money than necessary.  In fact, we're taking stuff to make sandwiches so we can eat on the cheap for a couple of meals, but this will be a time to enjoy!

Ah, I feel better now.

Peace for the Season

The beginning of Fall marks the beginning of my busy season. Fall is my favorite season, but I typically don't enjoy it as much as I should because I spend most of it stressed out and overwhelmed. Besides the holidays, this is our birthday and anniversary season. We have a celebration of one kind or another almost every week from now until the end of December. I don't know why our family decided to do all of its birthing and marrying in the Fall, but that's the way it worked out.

I was reading a guest post by Brigit Esselmont at Tarotize.com about how a beginner could learn to read the Tarot in just five minutes by using the images on the cards to tell a story.  I decided to give it a try, asking the question, "What's the best way to approach this holiday season to avoid becoming overwhelmed?"

King of Coins, Four of Swords, The Lovers - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

There's a man, well, a bunny, a bunny man!  There's a bunny man offering a modest but beautiful gift.  At his feet is a heart, symbolizing love. He stands in front of his beautiful kingdom looking peaceful and content.

I should remember that the celebrations, gifts, and gatherings are there for the purpose of loving each other.  The gifts don't have to be expensive.  That's not what's important.  Opening up my home to our extended family and friends for the celebrations is one way I can show them how much they mean to me, and that is the best gift of all.

In the next card is a woman who appears to be meditating.  She is centering herself, and in her hands she holds another heart, another symbol of love. She is surrounded by, what looks to me like, balloons.  Is she closing her eyes and catching her breath in the middle of a party?

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I should step back and take some time to center myself. During the parties, instead of worrying whether or not everything is perfect and whether or not everyone is having a good time, I can sit and let myself soak in the love of my family gathered together.  I can take a time out, even in the middle of a social event, to just be present.

The last card shows two people holding hands while traveling together somewhere. They are followed by a winged messenger, symbolizing communication.  Where are they traveling?  Maybe they are going Christmas shopping at the mall!

Maybe the message here is that I don't have to make all the preparations and gifts by myself.  I do have a partner to help me, but I have to communicate with him and let him know when I need help.  Typically, I do handle all of the holiday preparations by myself.  I buy the gifts, bake the cookies and cakes, make the meals and all the plans.  My husband is always willing to do whatever I need him to do to help, but if I don't ask, he doesn't know what I need.

Perfection is not the goal this holiday season.  Loving each other, and taking the opportunities given by the birthdays and holidays to spend time together is the goal.  I will take time out from the preparations and celebrations to breathe and be present, and I will rely more on the support my husband can offer by communicating with him so he knows what I need from him.

 

King of Regrets, Meet King of Gratitude

When I draw a card for the day with no question in mind, I seem to get no real answer.  Today I drew the King of Cups.

 

King of Cups - Gilded Tarot

The king in this card doesn't look as happy as one would expect a king to be.  He looks like he is thinking about something he has lost or maybe remembering someone he misses.  Maybe despite his high position, he has regrets and can't stop thinking of them.  They rob him of the joy he should be experiencing because he has everything a man could want in life.

Maybe this is a reminder to me to count my blessings. Instead of focusing on what I don't have, I should focus on the many things I do have.  I have everything a woman needs to lead a joyful life.  Honestly, all of us do because joy is not dependent on circumstances, the balance in one's checking account, or a number on the scale.

Today, I will focus on being present in the moment and I will say a small prayer of gratitude for each of the blessings I notice as I go about my day, and in that case, I could pray all day long.

It's funny, sometimes I get no real message at all from the cards until I start writing about them.

Filling My Cup

I got a slow start today.  There is so much I need to get done, so naturally, I ignored all of it all morning long.  As the day dragged on, I started to feel guilty and anxious, but I didn't know where to start. 

I've been trying to create a daily walking habit, and I didn't go walking yesterday, so I was thinking another day off would kill the walking habit dead. However, my daughter is having a guest over for the weekend, and the room she shares with her little sister is a disaster in desperate need of work.  The house is a small disaster too.  It was clean three days ago, but six people living in a little house can create a lot of mess in three days. What to do?

Since I was feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start, I pulled out my cards and asked where I should focus my energy today; myself, my little girls' room, or the house and dinner.

Ace of Cups, Ten of Coins, Page of Coins - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

The first card, the Ace of Cups, is very clearly telling me that I need to fill my own cup or I will have nothing to give anyone else.  It seems very obvious to me now, but putting myself and my walk on the back burner, in favor of cleaning my girls' room and the house would be a mistake.  I'm coming out of a long lasting depressive state, and it is critical that I care for myself, and try to keep the momentum I've developed going.

The cup holder in this card looks like she's out enjoying nature, so I'm taking some elements of the card literally today by making sure I get enough water to drink, and I went to the park and took a walk around the beautiful lake there. 

The Ten of Coins might not traditionally advise one to let their daughters clean their own room, but when I saw the two little sweeties riding the unicorn in the sky, I thought, of course this is what it is telling me.   They're both motivated to do it because they prefer it clean and because a guest is coming to stay, which is always exciting.  By cleaning their own room they will feel a great sense of accomplishment. They also get the chance to assess their own possessions, which is a very Ten of Coins kinda thing to do.

As far as the rest of the house goes, I think this card is telling me to wait until my husband comes home from work, and then the whole family can tackle the house together.  Again, this isn't a traditional meaning for this card, but there are six of us in our family, and the card has six little beings all coming together to celebrate or accomplish something.  Many times in the past when I've been overwhelmed with the house, I declare it "time for a blitz!"  I set the timer for 15 minutes, and we all work as quickly as we can to clean things up.  I am always amazed at how much we can do in such a short time when we work together.

So, I took that walk, decided to let my girls clean their room, with guidance from me, of course, and I will enlist the whole family's help with the house later on today.  Oh, and I think I'll text my husband and ask him to pick up dinner.

 

Wait for the Facts

Knight of Cups reversed - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

The Knight of Cups reversed.

The Knight of Cups rides the fish, whose home is the depths of the sea where unknown mysteries reside, and knowledge of deep things can be found.

Turn this card around and that fish has gone "belly up."  The contents of the knight's cup spill out, possibly causing more trouble.

Be careful not to react without knowing all the facts. This is not the day to "go with your gut." The situation may appear a certain way, and you may feel sure you know what is going on, but there is more to the story, so take care that you don't say or do something you regret.

"Don't Make Assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."
~ Miguel Angel Ruiz

"Assumptions are the termites of relationships."
~ Henry Winkler

 

What a Trip!

I'm headed out the door in a couple of hours, but I wanted to do a reading about something that is bothering me before I leave, and before I forget what cards came up, I'm logging them here.

Celtic Cross Spread using The Joie De Vivre Tarot

1. What covers me:  The Fool.  I'm beginning a new journey.  I'm learning new things, and have a feeling of expectancy.  Times, they are a changin'! (This is the 2nd day in a row this card has come up for me.)

2. What crosses me:  The High Priestess.  I'm feeling undercurrents of tension around me, but I don't know if I'm being hyper-sensitive or if I should trust my gut.  I'm worried too much about the motives and thoughts of others, and while maybe I am feeling something that is actually happening, this awareness is not helping me.  Or maybe what I'm calling an "awareness" is really just an over-active imagination.  Best to give the benefit of the doubt in these situations.  God knows, my sensitivity has gotten me into trouble before when I've reacted with not enough information.

3. What is below me (the root of the issue or history that is relevant to this situation):  Page of Cups.  I have newfound joy, and I'm excited to share this with friends of like mind.   My mind is bursting with ideas about things I could make or do, and I want to talk about these ideas, share them and get feedback.  Still, this card is also a reminder to trust my intuition and view the situation with love and compassion. I constantly work to think the best of those around me, and do try to give the benefit of the doubt.  I need to fall back on that now.

4. What is behind me (the recent past):  Five of Cups.  Depression.  I am coming out of a period of hopelessness and depression.  I still need to guard against falling into negative thinking and inactivity that keeps me depressed, but it is behind me at the moment.

5. What is above me (my desire or possible outcome): Eight of Cups.  Leaving the past behind in search of new horizons.  I'm on a journey, but it is my journey alone.  Whatever support I gain along the way is helpful, but ultimately, I am going to have to do the work that needs doing.  This is a time of growth and gaining a new perspective.  Like The Fool, this card says change is coming, and I am welcoming that change, even if it is sometimes a little scary. 

6. What is before me (future event or next step):  Ace of Wands.  I'm boldly moving forward on this adventure! Strong creative energy is ahead, along with a spiritual awakening.  If I think I am just waking up from a depressive sleep now, just wait, baby!  The future holds more.  I'm just beginning to see what I can do and be.

7. My attitude, thoughts and feelings about the situation:  Ten of Swords.  Ugh. Yes.  I'm feeling abandoned, ignored and neglected.  It seems nobody is interested in my growth and excitement.  I'm that little bunny in the Page of Cups card wanting to share what I'm learning, hoping to bring that excitement to the lives of people I care about, but every attempt to start a dialogue is met with silence.

What I need to remember is that it's not all about me.  Everyone has their own path, their own priorities.  My goals are just that. Mine.  I need to accept the gifts people bring to my life, give back, and draw on the support I do have.

8. My environment:  Six of Cups.  I have many sources of joy in my life; children, friends, a wonderful husband.  Besides that, I do have many past successes.  I can remember those and pull that energy into my current situation to help me chase my dreams.  I have many talents and abilities, and it's important to remember that.

9. My hopes and fears:  King of Cups.  I want to heal my life and by healing mine help the people I love find their joy and passion too.  However, the King of Cups has come up for me before telling me that I am far too dependent and validation from others, and that is my current fear, that others are not approving of my ventures, or that I need their praise and validation to move forward.  This card, besides reflecting my hope for emotional and spiritual wholeness, is telling me that I can have that whether or not I gain validation along the way.  This is my journey, and it is up to me to find the strength within to complete it.

10.  Outcome:  Strength.  Ah! I will find the strength within that I need to complete this journey.  In fact, the journey, itself, will strengthen me.  I can expect to accomplish what I am setting out to accomplish, and the changes that are coming are good ones! 








So many cups in this reading and so very appropriate!  This is, indeed, a very emotional time for me.  This reading speaks so much of new beginnings and changes, and that is what I've been trying to manifest in my life for a very long time now.  It seems I may finally be getting there!

I'm feeling blessed and encouraged now, and ready for that trip!  (Both the trip I'm taking today, and the life journey ahead.)

 

Adventure to Come

The Fool - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

Today I'm packing for a trip.  I'll be out of town for a few days, so it made me smile when I drew The Fool.

When I was a little girl I used to pretend I was going somewhere exciting, and I'd pack a few things in my red bandana and tie it to a stick, just like I'd seen somewhere.  I longed for new adventures, and right now I find I'm feeling something similar.

The little bat in this fool card is pulling on her belt.  Is he trying to keep her from going away, or is he trying to save her from a fall over the cliff?  For me, right now, it feels like the tug of things that are holding me back.

Maybe it is time to leave a few familiar things behind.  I've been thinking it for a while, but only recently have started to feel strong enough to build something better for myself.  There are several old habits I can identify immediately that need to go, but otherwise, I'm not sure what direction I'm headed or if it will work out for me.

But this card is telling me to move forward even though I'm not sure where the journey will take me.  That adds to the adventure, no?  So, I'm packing my real bags for a camping trip and my metaphorical bags for a spiritual trip.  Whee!

“We all want to break our orbits, float like a satellite gone wild in space, run the risk of disintegration. We all want to take our lives in our own hands and hurl them out among the stars.”
  ~David Bottoms

 

Giving and Receiving

I got out for another walk today.  It felt wonderful!  While I walked I paid attention to my thoughts and was careful to say encouraging things to myself.

I pulled three cards again today. I didn't assign any position or question to the cards, just left it open to whatever message I might need to hear.

Queen of Coins, Five of Coins, Six of Coins - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

 There is that lovely Queen of Coins again!  This is the third day in a row she has come up, and when I see her today it feels like a hug and like she's saying, "Atta girl! Keep up the good work."

And look at all those coins.  I did wake up feeling worried because finances are tight right now.  That deck we're building has ended up costing more than we budgeted for it, and my husband and I have an anniversary coming up with reservations to a bed and breakfast that I don't have money set aside for yet.  The Five of Coins is telling me to rein in my spending to prepare for upcoming expenses, while offering encouragement that the money situation will work out.

The Six of Coins is a reminder that I have many gifts to offer, not just material gifts, but spiritual gifts and gifts of friendship and service.  At the same time, I need to remember to balance giving and receiving.  Earlier this Summer I had a realization that I have a difficult time receiving or even acknowledging the many gifts that I give. So, I've been working on learning to receive from others, whether it's an offer of help, a compliment, or even a smile from a passing stranger.  Today I'm seeing how important this is for me.

Dr. Christiane Northrup wrote an article that explains why it's so important to learn to receive called, "Is it Better to Receive?" and this paragraph is a perfect description of what the Queen of Coins means for me right now:

"Take care of your body and your health. Every time you take your vitamins, eat organically grown food, read articles on my Web site, lift a dumbbell, or sit down to meditate, you are giving back to yourself. You are including yourself in the circle of gratitude and caring, and filling your cup so that you can drink fully. You are most helpful to others when you come from this place. This is why healing your own life is the best gift you can give another."

 

Surrender and Love

I was so inspired by my reading yesterday that I went out this morning and took a walk. It was a nice walk, and I was really proud of myself for getting moving again after being in such a slump.  I was listening to my music and enjoying the scenery when I just started bawling.  I never do that.  It was so weird.  I wasn't sad or mad.  I think I was just enjoying myself and feeling joy.

 Later I bought myself a new blouse and got a haircut, but first I drew three cards.

The Hanged Man, Queen of Coins, Page of Wands - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

I think it's interesting that two of these cards showed up for me yesterday.  They are telling me that I need to accept myself, as I am right now, while I continue to take care of myself.

I tend to withhold things from myself because I don't weigh what I want to weigh.  I don't buy myself new clothes, and I only take the most basic care of my appearance.  It's that old perfectionism again.  Why bother with jewelry, pretty clothes, or makeup when my body is so unattractive?  And then I don't go out into the world because I'm ashamed of how I look.

These cards are saying, "Enough of that!  Accept who you are right now.  Make the most of what you've been given.  Feed your body and your soul well while you patiently wait to see the changes that loving yourself, really loving yourself, will bring.  In the meantime, get out there and live life! Find joy!  You deserve all of this right now."
 

It's Just That Simple

Okay, one more spread about how to get my butt in gear. This is getting tiresome, even for me. I did a past/present/future spread about accomplishing my goals, more specifically losing weight, because that is the issue that has me the most unhappy.

Four of Swords, Two of Swords, Knight of Coins - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

The time for reflecting is over.  Self-reflection is all well and good, but not when it's being used as an excuse to avoid taking action.  It is time to make a choice, and while this choice may seem hard, you know exactly what you need to do.  If you make the choice and follow through, you will succeed.  Nothing can stop you, but the choice is yours.

Argh!  Yes, I know this, but where will I get the strength, the determination, the self-discipline I need to make the necessary changes?

The Hanged Man

If you are waiting for a magic pill that will make you feel like exercising and making healthy food choices, you will be waiting for a very long time. The choice is yours.  Until then, you might as well get comfy hanging in suspension.

Okay, Okay.  I'm getting the picture.  What next?

Treat yourself with compassion while you take care of yourself in a way that will manifest the changes you want to see.  Nourish your body and feed your soul.  You have the resources you need to do this.  Take a steady, balanced approach, and reach out to others for support.  LOVE YOURSELF!









 

Routine Change

A new tarot deck that I purchased arrived in the mail today. It's filled with such whimsical images that make me smile. I drew a card from it today, and must admit I didn't know what to make of this one.

The Hierophant - Joie De Vivre Tarot
 

I could interpret this card, as it pertains to my situation, many ways.  Is it suggesting I return to some of my faith traditions?  In the past I have found peace and many spiritual insights through those traditions, and I have been somewhat disconnected in the last few years.  Or should I create new traditions and rituals?

Maybe it's saying I need some routine.  Maybe I need to adopt (again) an exercise-no-matter-what routine.  During my walk yesterday I prayed and reflected.  I've tried to adopt a daily walking routine, but I resist routine and structure, and I can't tell you why.  I recognize how helpful certain routines would be to me, but have had trouble adopting any routine whatsoever.  Well, that's not really true.  I do have a routine;  it's just a mind-numbing, fattening, difficult to change routine. I think I need to start with believing I can change, not a new message for me.

Maybe I need to seriously consider that yoga class I have been thinking about taking.  I've wanted to practice yoga, but I need a little more guidance than a DVD or a book can provide.

I'm not sure what this card is telling me, but as I head into a new week, I think I need to take at least a step today toward one of these ideas that have come to mind.

“Tradition is a guide and not a jailer” 
~William Somerset Maugham

“You can be a beacon of inspiration by doing no more than your daily routine. And, yes, it must be a different routine than what you have now.”

~Rodney Lovell

 

Blessings

As part of my "hermit-ing" today I did a reading for myself. I borrowed one from an article written by Alec Satin. I was thinking that today would be a good day to reflect on my blessings, and in this spread the reader discovers what blessing she brings to herself, the blessings her family and friends bring, and the blessings from Spirit.

Blessings: From yourself – From your loved ones – From Spirit

Nine of Pentacles, Nine of Cups, Ace of Swords - Revelations Tarot

I could not have pulled three more perfect cards for this spread. Whenever I feel touched by God in some way I always cry, and this spread brought sweet tears.

I mentioned in this post that the Nine of Pentacles represents all that I hope to be, and in this reading I'm being told that this is who I already am. I bless myself by creating beauty in my environment for myself, family, and friends. I work with the resources I have to make a loving, safe home. I am that Nine of Pentacles woman, and it was just so encouraging to see that maybe that is true.

My family and friends bring happiness, joy, and support in every single area of my life. It's really true. I do have a wonderful, supportive group of people surrounding me, and sometimes I isolate myself so much that it's easy to forget and not see the bounty around me.
 
Spirit brings truth, clarity, power, insight, and protection from fear.  This is so true.  Alec Satin wrote about this spread, "This is a surprisingly encouraging spread. Try it when you’re feeling down," and he was not lying.  This was a beautiful reading full of encouragement. 

Ah, Solitude.

I didn't post yesterday's card because I didn't like it. Ha! It was the Five of Wands reversed.

Five of Wands - Revelations Tarot

 It was probably appropriate. I had had a tiny spat with my husband the night before and was still feeling sulky in the morning when I drew the card. So, maybe it was saying something about conflict resolution, yada, yada, yada. I wasn't in the mood. It's all good now. I spent the day at the beach with my daughters and was too tired for arguing or for working it out when I got home. It was really a non-issue, anyway, just a lack of communication.

This morning I drew The Hermit.

The Hermit - Revelations Tarot

I felt a sense of relief when I saw this card.  This week, I've made a point of spending time with family, visiting my parents on Thursday and a picnic at the beach with my girls on Friday.  And then earlier in the week I spent time with relatives who came over to help us build the deck, not to mention the whole fiasco with the decking material.  Too many  days in a row of going and doing and talking tends to tire me out. I deal with that by getting on the computer and reading or playing games.

Today, The Hermit is telling me to get out by myself, away from the computer, to recharge my batteries a little.  Maybe there is a better way to refresh myself than just adding more noise in my head via computer games and social media.  Maybe a walk would be good, leaving the iPod and headphones home, leaving me alone with myself.

“Many people suffer from the fear of finding oneself alone, and so they don't find themselves at all.”
~ Rollo May, Man's Search For Himself


 

Communing, Communion, Community, Communication

Queen of Cups - Revelations Tarot

 As I look at this card, the Queen of Cups, the first thing I notice is the cup that is being held out as if it is being offered to someone.  It reminds me of  the sacrament of communion in the Catholic faith, in which I was raised.  Looking more closely I see the reflection of the queen in the cup. 

It would be good for me to give some of myself to others today.  As an introvert who spends so much time in my inner world, it's easy for me to become self-absorbed.  I've been very focused on my goals, my feelings, and my spiritual growth, but getting stuck there isn't healthy.  Today I will offer the cup of myself by reaching out and communing with others, which, practically speaking, means getting my butt off the computer!

“One can acquire everything in solitude except character.”
~ Stendhal, Five Short Novels of Stendhal: The Duchess of Palliano, Vittoria Accoramboni, The Abbess of Castro, Vanina Vanini and The Cenci

“Allow the way to your great work to be guided by your service to others.”
~ Mollie Marti

 

In Which Tarot Saves the Day (Maybe)

We've been working on a home improvement project that has needed doing for years. We're building a new deck out back. Every year we make plans to do it, but the project has never materialized. Until now. We are past the planning stage (Halleluia!) and today materials were delivered.

Supposedly, we were getting a smokin' hot deal. My husband's cousin is helping us with the project and he knows a guy who had an overstock of material due to a mistake. He said he could get it to us for $500.   At the time my husband's cousin mentioned that we had $2000 to spend on the project.

Well, guess what. The guy picked up some extra stuff we were going to need for the project, just to be nice, mind you, and the final cost for the materials was $1750.

I was pissed! First of all, I'm settling for colors and materials I did not want, but conceded to because the price could not be beat, but now if that's the price we have to pay, we won't have enough money to finish the project.

My husband's cousin reminded the smarmy dude that they talked about $500 and that we still had railing and other finishing material to purchase.

 "Oh! I forgot about the railing! Well, we'll figure out something that makes us both happy," says smarmy asshole guy.

He knew what we had to spend and figured out a way to get as much of that for himself as he could. Besides which, the beams he brought weren't even all standard size.  They were three different widths.  Urgh!  I was ready to have everyone haul the materials right back out front and go somewhere else to buy the stuff.

My husband and his cousin went out to Home Depot to see what it would cost them to get the material there and to pick up some other supplies, and while they were out I did a reading asking what I should do about the situation.

I pulled three cards: the King of Wands, Ace of Cups and Three of Wands.

King of Wands, Ace of Cups, Three of Wands - Gilded Tarot

The King of Wands is my husband's cousin.  He is full of hyper-active energy and the guy who will help us get this job - that has been only a wish and an idea for years - done.  The Ace of Cups is how I'm feeling, and while it usually means something more positive, right now it means rage. That eye is me because I know this guy is a cheat who is masquerading as a friend.  The moons in the ace represent the deception. The Three of Wands shows that this project is well under way.

I've been learning a little bit about the elemental dignities using the Golden Dawn system and applied that here for a little more clarity.  The wands are fire and the cups, water.  Fire and water are enemies and weaken each other.  Knowing that, I am concluding that  I, represented by that eye in the middle, could potentially hinder the progress we are making.  If I insert my anger into the middle of this  situation I may just watch my ship sail away.

So, I'm leaving this up to my husband and the King of Wands to figure out.  It's not easy for me to stay out of it and trust that it will all work out without me keeping an eye on everything, but I believe that is what this reading is advising me to do.

Update: The King of Wands (Hubby's cousin) and my husband did, indeed, work things out with the materials guy to my satisfaction. :-)

 

Patience

Seven of Pentacles - Revelations Tarot

Remember, there are no shortcuts, not for what you are hoping to accomplish. Laying a strong foundation will pay off for the long term.

That deck that I've been hoping would come together more quickly will get done, but getting everything level and doing the job right from the ground up is important. So, waiting for the help from people who know what they are doing is worth it. Even though there is no work being done on it today, I can look out and see what was done yesterday, knowing that more work will be done tomorrow.

Those fitness goals will take a lot of time, and though it seems I'm making no progress at all, the truth is, I'm laying a foundation of loving and believing in myself.

 Patience. Again. Patience. Not my strong suit, but maybe that's what I need to learn most right now. Slow and steady wins the race.

"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."
 ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau

"The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen."
~Ralph Marston

  

Pep Talk Time

Nine of Wands -Revelations Tarot

Time to dig deep, and go for it, girl! Know that there will be setbacks, but be patient and keep on going. You may have had trouble up till now getting the momentum you need to accomplish your goals. Maybe you are tired and don't think you've got what it takes, but the only way to fail is if you give up, and you are not going to fail. You've got this!

“When you are going through hell, keep on going. Never never never give up.”
~Winston Churchill

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
~Japanese Proverb




 

Escaping Limiting Beliefs

Eight of Swords - Revelations Tarot

I'm resisting committing to the changes I need to make because, if I'm being honest with myself, I don't believe I can make those changes for the long term, and if I don't make the changes permanent, what's the point?  Any effort will be a waste when I go back to old habits and lose any ground I gain.

This is a limiting belief that keeps me bound to the same patterns, but as the Eight of Swords is telling me today, I'm a prisoner of my own thinking.  I am the one holding onto those binding ropes.  The swords behind me are only a perceived threat because I keep my eyes closed.  Any time I chose, I can flip this card into the reversed position. I can loosen the ties and pull off the blindfold.

Today is the day to start believing I can.  I will.

"Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you have to believe."
~Mark Victor Hansen

Coolness!

I read a post over at Tarotize.com called, "The Magick of Your Name Tarot Spread," and I haven't done the whole spread, but I did use the formula to calculate the card that corresponds to my life purpose.

 The number turned out to be 9 - The Hermit.

The Hermit - Shadowscapes Tarot

This card resonates deeply with me.  The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator places me in the INFJ personality category.  INFJ's and The Hermit share many of the same qualities.  We're private, introverted, spiritual and intuitive.

A description of The Hermit card at Biddytarot.com says:

"The Hermit Tarot card suggests that you are in a phase of introspection where you are drawing your attention and focus inward and looking for answers within. You have a strong need to understand, not just at the surface level but to really know why life is the way it is. The Hermit reflects that your consciousness has moved inward and you now realise that the truth and understanding you seek is within yourself and not in the distractions of the outside world. This is a perfect time to take a step back from your day-to-day life and deeply contemplate your motivations, personal principles and values." 

This describes, not a "phase" for me, but my everyday life as it has always been.  So,...perfectly.

But the coolness doesn't stop there.  Siddaleah is not my given name.  It is an online persona that I've used for years.  I chose it because I liked it and loved the book the name came from. (Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood)  I modified the spelling a bit in a way that is meaningful to me and to make the name my own.  I calculated my life's purpose using my given name, but just for fun I calculated it for my online persona, Siddaleah too.  I wondered if the real me and the online me were much different from each other.  Siddaleah works out to correspond with The Hermit too.  How cool is that?!