A Good Day

Ten of Pentacles - Revelations Tarot

This card reflects how I feel today after a walk with my oldest daughter in a chilly light drizzle, cooking and playing a game with my other daughters, and a nice phone conversation with my husband: accomplished, hopeful, happy, grateful.

Grateful!

5 of Pentacles Reversed - Revelations Tarot

Ah! A light at that financial tunnel, and as it turns out, this is absolutely true.  Remember I mentioned that home repair project we couldn't quiet afford?  Well, we have received a gift that will cover the cost of it.  Grateful!

The Second Arrow

Five of Cups - Revelations Tarot

Instead of beating yourself up for mistakes of the past or crying over your empty cups, hold onto what you have and move on.  This card is the reason I came home and made a healthy lunch instead of buying a Polish sausage and diet coke after my Costco shopping trip. 

I decided not to shoot the second arrow.

You Are Worthy

Eight of Wands, Nine of Swords, Nine of Cups reversed - Revelations Tarot

Worrying about what others are thinking of you will only impede your progress.  Your self-worth is determined by you, not by the thoughts of others.

"Self worth comes from one thing -- thinking that you are worthy."
~Wayne Dyer

Ready, Set, Action!

Justice, Five of Pentacles reversed, Ace of Swords reversed - Revelations Tarot

Enough thinking about how to get out of that rut.  Act now, and you will be rewarded for your efforts.

"Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all."
~Norman Vincent Peale

Hooky Playin' Hubby

Three of Pentacles Reversed - Revelations Tarot

Perhaps this card is referring to the fact that my husband stayed home from work today. He hurt his back last night, and he had a project he wanted to complete today, so staying home seemed like a good thing. As much as I like having him around I was a little disappointed because I wanted to have a productive day. Usually when he stays home we encourage each others' lazy tendencies.

The day started out looking like that would be the case. He played a video game, and I felt a tiny bit resentful that my family had messed up the kitchen and nobody was picking up after themselves. Things improved later, though, and as far as productivity is concerned, it was a good day. I made dinner, did some laundry and got some housework done. I made some green juice too, which is the first time I've done that in a couple of weeks. So, maybe this card is simply referring to a day off in the middle of the week for my husband.

 

Baby Queen of Cups

Queen of Cups Reversed - Revelations Tarot

I know exactly how to connect this card to my day in a sweet and whimsical way, which might surprise because the reversed Queen of Cups is anything but whimsical.  She is manipulative.  She is given to emotional outbursts.

Zach Wong, the creator of the Revelations Tarot says on his website:

"She is a temptress. She pulls on emotional strings. She dances and dazzles with her magic and charms with her flirtatious promises of happiness."

These descriptions make me smile because I am thinking of the baby we had the pleasure of babysitting at my house today.  She is just a year old, and she had us wrapped around her little finger.  She would shriek when she didn't immediately get what she wanted, and she would reward us with huge smiles the minute we complied with her wishes.  Babies don't mean to manipulate us, but they've been given cuteness and charm, and our sweet little guest sure had a way of turning a houseful of big people into her servants.  It was fun.


 

Happy Father's Day

The Hierophant - Revelations Tarot

It's Fathers' Day, and we continued our tradition of making a special favorite meal for my husband. He was King for the day, which just means we wouldn't let him help make dinner or clean up afterwards.  We also took cards and white chocolate truffles to our dads, my husband's and mine, which has also become a Father's Day tradition.

Besides our Fathers' Day rituals I worked on two new daily rituals of my own, and did my morning yoga and had my breakfast smoothie.


“Tradition simply means that we need to end what began well and continue what is worth continuing”
~ Jose Bergamin


 

Hopeful

The Star - Revelations Tarot

I drew The Star this morning, and it was the perfect card for the day.  When I see this card, the word, "hope," comes to mind.  In fact, the companion guide for the Revelations Tarot says,...

"When this card is drawn, it is implied that there is hope in your life.  Hope can come from within you to drive you further in life and down your chosen path, and it can also inspire others around you to achieve their goals or to carry on." 

That is exactly what is happening right now in my life.

The sun was shining.  This is the third day  in a row that I've done a little yoga in the morning, and it's the third day in a row that I worked in my garden. 

I noticed when I walked around the house there was a zip in my step.  Instead of lumbering around like the effort was just too much, (Many days it really has felt like it is just too much.) I walked with purpose and a faster pace.  I even danced around to the music I was listening to on the stereo.  My kids called me a goof, but I could tell they were happy to see me happy.

I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.

 

Break Free - Swim to the Surface

Eight of Cups - Revelations Tarot

I pulled the Eight of Cups this morning with the intention of looking for connections to it throughout my day.  The first thing it reminded me of was the sun salutations I've just begun practicing.  The merman swimming to the surface almost resembles someone in the extended mountain yoga pose.  I also connect to this card because I'm trying to leave behind habits that no longer serve me while trying to establish new healthier habits.  Still, I am holding onto some habits for the pure hedonistic pleasure of them, and maybe this card is telling me something better awaits if I could only let go.

 

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

 

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

Commiting to Myself

Today I drew the Judgement card. Again. I was none too happy to see it come up only three days after I drew it the first time on this issue of accomplishing my goals.

Judgement - Revelations Tarot

It's a reminder that evaluating my life and making decisions is not enough.  I also need to follow through, and there's no point in putting it off any longer, which I have been doing.

Ugh.  It's just that, although I'm sorta miserable in my little wallow, I'm also pretty comfy here.  It's going to take some effort, and oh my God, TIME to get to a better place.  I know it's going to take consistent effort over time, and I'm feeling resistant to making the commitment to myself.  I'm also too impatient.  When I don't see results pronto, I tend to give up.  So, I'm still having to wake up and smell the coffee!  

Mmmm, coffee.  Speaking of which, I could use another cup before I get busy. Sigh.

"All great masters are chiefly distinguished by the power of adding a second, a third, and perhaps a fourth step in a continuous line. Many a man had taken the first step. With every additional step you enhance immensely the value of your first."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson


 

Stop Repressing

Today I drew the Two of Cups reversed, and in reference to the question I have been asking this week, "What one thing can I do today to help me move toward accomplishing my goals?" I was a little confused about how to read that.

Two of Cups Reversed - Revelations Tarot

My first thought was the card was telling me that I'm not loving myself, and that I need to be doing that.  That felt too cliché, as true as it is, and I also thought maybe, given that the card was reversed, I should find out what others have to say about this card reversed.

This paragraph at Crystal-Reflections.com did ring true with me:

"Become receptive to "limiting" feelings - allow yourself to feel deeply - transform any "limiting" feelings and maintain your inner balance. Think things over - put aside your anger and allow a new perspective to develop - deter anything which arises from undesirable external situations and allow your inner peace to radiate outwards. Try not to repress your emotions - learn to emotionally regenerate and revitalize yourself. Recognize that you are capable of experiencing great happiness even in the driest of times."

The part about trying not to repress my emotions was especially on point. I avoid what makes me feel anxious, and just about anything can make me feel anxious if I feel I can't perfectly handle the job before me. Instead of looking at that anxiety for what it is, I avoid it altogether, and that avoidance and procrastination creates more anxiety, which I deal with by one of my various methods of escape.

So today, I'm going to face one little area of my world that makes me feel anxious, and I'm going to let myself feel that anxiety, and then I'm going to stop procrastinating and tackle the job!

“Good enough is good enough. Perfect will make you a big fat mess every time.” 
~Rebecca Wells, The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder

Play Like a Child

I spent a lot of time reflecting on the card I drew yesterday and how it pertains to my situation. I did make some decisions and decided to view this as a new start for me. I also decided to continue drawing a card a day asking, "What one thing can I do today to help me move toward accomplishing my goals?"

Today I drew the Six of Cups.

Six of Cups - Revelations Tarot

 Today is a good time to think about past successes, revisit what has worked for me in the past.  This card also tells me that I would do well to let myself feel joy, like I did as a child, without being weighed down by worry and responsibilities.

As I go about my day, I don't need to do so while carrying everything that worries me along with all of those responsibilities that I feel I'm not quite meeting.  With that weight on me all day long, it's no wonder I feel compelled to escape from the moment I wake till the moment my overworked brain lets me fall asleep.

Recognize past success, live in the moment, and experience unhindered joy.

"Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do." 
 ~Jean de la Bruyere

 

One Thing

Over a month ago I was playing around with a new phone app I installed called "The Goddess Tarot". I reflected on my question, which was "What do I need to do to move forward with my fitness goals?"

I drew Nine of Pentacles.

Nine of Pentacles -Goddess Tarot

At the time, I had been thinking that gardening would be a good way to accomplish two of my goals: get into better shape and fix up my poor neglected yard, so I couldn't help but smile when I drew this card.  It was such an encouragement to me.  I saw a woman in a beautiful garden wearing an expression of peace and serenity.  This woman was on the verge of accomplishing every one of her goals.

The dove, at her fingertips represents, to me, the Holy Spirit, a creative force outside of us and inside of us that loves us, directs us, and provides everything we need.  It's a reminder to me that I can't ignore my spirit, and that God loves me and wants me to find joy and passion in my everyday living.

Since then, the Nine of Pentacles has become a card that represents all that I hope to be.  When I look at any deck, I always check out the Nine of Pentacles first.   She is a woman who has such a balanced energy.  She is at peace with herself.  She is confident. She creates beauty wherever she goes, and she derives pleasure and joy from the beauty around her.  She sees God in all things and draws on divine wisdom in all of her earthly dealings.

Today, I set the Nine of Pentacles down, and considered the question, "What ONE thing can I do today to help me reach my goals?"

First, I think it's helpful if I define my current goals:

1. Lose weight.  I'm unhappy with the way my body looks, but I'm even unhappier with how it feels and what the lack of energy prevents me from doing.
2. Fix up - declutter - decorate those problem areas of my home that weigh me down every time I look at them.
3. Fix up my yard and lay the groundwork for a vegetable garden next year. (build raised beds, research, order seeds, etc.)
4. Find something or rediscover a creative pursuit that fills me up.  I have several things that come to mind, but I don't have the energy or resources to get back into any of those passions.  I need to, though.  I'm filling the gap with counterfeit self-love, anything to escape or busy my mind so I don't think about how bored and depleted I am.

Nine of Pentacles - Revelations Tarot

What one thing can I do today to bring me closer to my goals, which are represented by the Nine of Pentacles above?

Judgement - Revelations Tarot

Judgement. Perfect. It's time to make some decisions.  I know what needs to be done.  I understand how my own actions have brought me to the place I am now.  Today I need to reflect and reevaluate.  I need to look at the pieces of my life, my habits that are no longer serving me, and I need to make a decision about those things.  What has to go completely?  How can I make my environment more conducive to success?  Time to stop escaping and finally take an honest look at the matter.

This is a perfect card for a new start for me.


"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen." 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson