Find the Light

 

Five of Coins - Joie De Vivre Tarot

The Five of Pentacles is one of my least favorite cards to see in a reading, but this version of it offers hope that I don't see as readily in other versions.  That's why the Joie De Vivre Tarot is one of my favorite decks.  I always choose it when I need a loving, gentle voice.

The thing that stands out for me in this card is the light being offered by the candles.  My message for today is when you're in a dark place, look for the light, and there is always light.

"Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby."
~Ruth E. Renkel

Cool Calm Waters

Six of Swords - Joie De Vivre Tarot

I drew the Six of Swords two days in a row.  It's a comforting card to me because I've always seen the swords on the shore as troubling thoughts, and the swan is carrying her, me, through calm waters to a brighter shore, leaving those thoughts behind.  I like this version of the six of swords as opposed to the others where the woman travels in a boat with the swords.

Yesterday was a difficult day.  I woke at 4:00 in the morning with worries looming large.  Those worries stayed with me throughout the day, but I had a nice long sleep and I'm feeling better today.  Seeing this card again makes me smile because it's telling me to leave those swords where they are, dip my feet into the cool calm water, and let myself be carried into brighter days. 

The card also tells me there are still some things that I may need to let go of.  There are still some things that are not serving me well, and it's time to move on, and, as difficult as it may seem, it's for the best.

Diligence

Eight of Coins - Joie De Vivre Tarot

I woke up extra tired today, and I was feeling no part of my new morning routine. I'm still playing with it; trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. I decided to skip the yoga, even though it's just a quick stretch. I was just too tired.

I sat down and pulled the Eight of Coins and the phrase that came to mind was, "Hard work yields results," blah blah blah.

After a little pout, I got up and did my yoga.

 

The Greatest Love of All

The Lovers - The Joie De Vivre Tarot

I've decided to draw a card a day again.  It's been a while since I had a daily tarot practice, but I'm changing up my morning routine and testing different things to develop one that works for me.

Today I drew The Lovers and it's interesting to me that the entry for today in Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening is about loving ourselves first; compassion for ourselves is a spring from which love and compassion for others flows.

Reading from this book or other inspirational material is another element of the morning routine I've decided to try for the first time today.  I've been going back and forth on this morning routine thing, wondering if I should make it all about me and taking care of myself or if I should use it to get some things, like housework, done .  When I focus only on loving self-care I start to feel a little guilty.  Am I being a bit self-centered?  Shouldn't I focus on being a responsible adult and getting necessary work done first?  Work first, play later?

The messages I'm getting this morning tell me that I must care for myself first.  It's not selfish, it's crucial.  It's a morning routine, not my entire focus for the day, and in starting with nourishing my own mind, body, and spirit I'll be better equipped to take on all those other responsibilities.