Living the Two of Pentacles

Rider Waite Smith Tarot © US Games

Welcome to the International Tarot Day Blog Hop!

Following on from the Ace of Pentacles, here is my contribution to celebrating the magic of Tarot on this special day:

Learning the Tarot means having to become a little obsessed with it, but in a good way!

Simply memorising card meanings doesn't cut it. You need to connect with the cards on a deeper level, which is easier than it sounds.

One method is to immerse yourself into a card by living it.

Let's do this with the Two of Pentacles.

First, look at the image: that guy looks like he's having fun despite the choppy waters in the background, and he could drop those coins any minute.

And those ships on the horizon are just screaming sea-sickness at me.

But never mind!

He is still juggling and performing this balancing act while doing a little happy dance and wearing a silly hat.

Next, it is time for you to take some action according to the Two of Pentacles.

Be the Two of Pentacles for a day!

Here's what you can do:

1. Strike the pose
Position your body just like the figure in the image (e.g. lifting left leg etc.). Hold a coin in each hand. You can even try turning a rope into the number 8 and wrap it around the coins. See if it works, and how it feels like. If you have a silly hat, wear it.

2. Juggle with some balls (or apples)
Can you do it? Maybe you want to learn it.

3. Dance
Spontaneous dancing in the kitchen while doing the cooking.

4. Ride a bike
The miracle of balancing two wheels in order to move forward.

5. Multi-task
Many people swear by it, but can you complete all activities you do at the same time to your satisfaction? Are you feeling a little bit stressed out after that?

6. Play
Play with your children outside, play a board or computer game, play up, play a different role. Swap and change.

7. Skip along while walking
Skipping is such fun. You probably haven't done it in a long while. See how it cheers you up.

8. Surround yourself with various shades of purple
Astrologically, the Two of Pentacles is linked to Jupiter (royal violet) in Capricorn (indigo). Forget fifty shades of grey; you want 50 shades of purple - clothes, flowers, eat purple fruit and veg like blueberries and aubergines, etc.

9. Crystals to work / meditate with: Amethyst and Obsidian
Go on, take one of each and juggle ;)

10. Gamble
I am not encouraging you to be reckless with your life savings, just buy a lottery ticket and remember me, if you win.

So here we are, living the Tarot in a crazy sexy kind of way. Have fun trying it for yourself.

Before you move on to the next blog, check out my fab freebies to inspire you on your tarot journey.

Thank you for reading! Please see Liza's blog at tarotliza.com for the next amazing blog in the hop.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Cosmic Spirit Tarot and Wellness

The Wisdom of Judgement

Tarot of Quotes

Judgement is all around us, most notably in the media. All that celebrity gossip is practically begging us to form an opinion about people, who we don't actually know and we really shouldn't care about.

We are quick to judge others - by their looks, clothes, jobs, possessions, religion, status, nationality etc. - and we can also be our own worst critic.

Judgement is encouraging us to rise above it all, to let go of what doesn't concern us and to see the bigger picture without emotions and the drama.

Sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to live a happy and fulfilled life, even if it means you are not meeting other people's expectations. Be true to yourself.

"It’s okay to live a life others don’t understand." 

Jenna Woginrich

Rather than just passing judgement on someone and dismissing them for their actions, follow it up with forgiveness to avoid lingering anger and resentment.

Likewise, when people keep holding the past against you, you may need to walk away.

“If people refuse to look at you in a new light and they can only see you for what you were, only see you for the mistakes you've made, if they don't realize that you are not your mistakes, then they have to go.” 

Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

If you are faced with criticism or rejection, remember: 

Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth.

Be honest. Nobody is perfect including you. Recognise and admit you've made a mistake. It's a lesson learned. 

“More people would learn from their mistakes, if they weren't so busy denying them.” 

Harold J. Smith

Judgement may ask you to make plans for the future, find a new goal or even your life purpose:

“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.”
Buddha

Judgement may indicate that you have changed.

You have grown.

You've come a long way.

Perhaps one chapter in your life story needs to be closed, so you can begin a new one.

Recognising a new beginning.

Feeling reborn.

What to avoid: righteousness, prejudice, intolerance, self-deception, narrow-mindedness, ignorance, indecision, negative self-talk.

Affirmation: I trust and believe in myself.

⭐For more inspiring quotes and affirmations for each card, check out The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook⭐

The Healing Power of Speaking Out - A Moon Reflection

Tarot of Quotes

"Deep in my heart, I'm concealing

Things that I'm longing to say

Scared to confess what I'm feeling

Frightened you'll slip away."

- Madonna, You Must Love Me (Lyrics)

The Moon is a mysterious image of cryptic dreams and imagination, emotional fluctuations, insecurities and the need to reveal what is hidden.

The Moon is a shining light guiding you in the darkness of your soul. Deceptions (self-imposed or by others) need to be uncovered; combating rumours, assumptions and speculations; suppressed feelings expressed to avoid psychological problems.

The latter recently stroke a chord with me. Expressing your feelings is an important aspect of self-care, and if you are a sensitive person always conscious of how you make other people feel, then perhaps you tend to bottle up your own feelings for the sake of others.

The effects can be seriously harming your sanity: bitterness, resentment or a dramatic, emotional outburst that leave everyone in turmoil and confusion (including you).

It only takes a moment to tell someone how you feel, but once it's all out, you can start to rebuild your life again.

I'm talking about those significant feelings and emotions that are so often suppressed, because you don't want to inflict emotional pain on others, or because you are torn between options, or you are doubtful about the validity of your feelings.

"I don't love you any more." (But I do like your company...)

"I cannot live with you." (But maybe I just need to be more tolerant...)

"This job is making me ill." (But maybe I'm just too sensitive and need to get a grip...)

"I am gay." (But how will my family take it?)

"I am being bullied / abused." (But maybe it's all my fault...)

"Bad things happen at my workplace." (But I am powerless to do anything about it...)

Perhaps something has been bothering you for some time, you can't stop thinking about it, yet you cannot help but keeping your emotional turmoil hidden.

You keep building it up, and over time it will eat you up.

If you need to find the right words or build courage first... 

- write down what you want to say. Write a letter, but don't send it. Keep a diary, in which you freely express yourself without limitations. Create poems or stories that reflect your situation and feelings.

- paint it. Draw it. Photograph it. Use whichever way you can to unravel and make sense of your emotions, so you are ready and strong for the big moment.

Say it. Speak up. Let it out. Rock the boat.

It only takes a moment, but trust me, you will feel better for it.

A heavy burden will be lifted off your shoulders.

You can start breathing again.

It may cause quite a stir. Ripples in the water or big waves. Consequences unknown, but you can start

working things out

lifting the confusion

leaving the shadows behind

following your dreams

moving towards the Sun...


“That was one of the saddest things about people--their most important thoughts and feelings often went unspoken and barely understood.”
- Alexandra Adornetto, Halo

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

The Meaning of the Tower in the Tarot of Quotes

"The gem cannot be polished without friction." 
- Chinese Proverb

The Tower is my latest addition to my Tarot of Quotes.

I've had my fair share of breakdowns in my life, and what I've learned along the way is to make the most of them!

When you suddenly find that your body and mind can no longer function normally as a result of a major stress event, then you have two options: give up or take your time to build yourself up again.

Believe me, the latter is the better option. Taking time out, pick yourself up, heal, transform yourself and your life.

The Tower suggests destruction, shock revelations or even just a sudden realization that something in your life isn't working. 

Whatever it is, as long as you aim to get through it, the reward can be release, liberation, spiritual growth, regeneration, radical transformation.

"The world is full of suffering; it is also full of overcoming it.” 
- Helen Keller

Scariest Tower moment in literature:

“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.” - Franz Kafka, Metamorphosis

⭐View all Tarot of Quotes images in my Ko-fi Gallery⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Card Comparison: The Fool

Left: Aquatic Tarot © Andreas Schröter,
Right: Lord of the Rings Tarot, Terry Donaldson,  © U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

When I popped over to the @TABItarot blog yesterday, I was reminded how different styles of Tarot decks can offer new insights and change your interpretation of the cards.

Take for example the Fool images on the left; one is the well-known Rider Waite Smith (RWS) based image, the other is from the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) Tarot.

The Fool is one of my favourite cards in the Tarot; it's an image of enthusiasm, optimism, light-heartedness and promising new beginnings.

But my recent acquisition of the LOTR Tarot gave me a bit of a shock, when I saw the creepy shadow creature Gollum representing the Fool. The text on the card says: "Gollum, by a pool of water, considers the many possibilities open to him." 

This isn't the regular Fool I'm accustomed to, who's just started on his journey, by daylight, open-minded and carefree. Instead, the LOTR image depicts a gloomy figure at night pondering his options with a dead fish in his hands. The mood is sombre, foreboding with a hint of fear and loathing.

The companion book offers an interesting explanation, why Gollum was chosen for this image (personally, I would have chosen Frodo, who embarks light-heartedly with his friends on a journey to destroy the ring): "Gollum belongs...on neither 'side', neither that of good nor that of bad...Gollum has his own agenda, his own individual sense of right and wrong..."

Whilst I do understand somewhat the reasoning behind the choice of Gollum as the Fool, it is also apparent how much his image can change the meaning of the Fool in a reading:

RWS Fool: new beginnings, optimism, carefree, happy-go-lucky, open-mindedness, adventure, journey
LOTR Fool: lack of movement and direction, dark and gloomy thoughts, fears, no prospects, bleak outlook

What do you make of the LOTR Fool? How would this image change your reading? 

Warmest wishes,

Christiane


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Tarot & Quotes: The Hermit

"Being solitary is being alone well: being alone luxuriously immersed in doings of your own choice, aware of the fullness of your won presence rather than of the absence of others. Because solitude is an achievement." Alice Koller

The Hermit is my personality card, and it sums me up quite nicely; I enjoy my own company, solitude fires my imagination, it inspires me, and I get things done. 

Don't get me wrong; I do enjoy the presence of good and beloved people around me, but at the same time, my days of regular nightclubbing, parties and frequent tiring business trips to sustain a demanding career in export sales are definitely over, and I'm very glad about that.

The card you can see here is from my own deck-in-progress, the Tarot of Quotes. The frog lives in my garden pond tub and enjoys observing the bright world from the protective darkness of his overturned flower pot.

The quote I've chosen for this image reflects my Hermit personality. Often people mix up solitude with loneliness or isolation, but that's a mistake. 

Loneliness is unpleasant, isolation is restricting, whereas solitude is bliss. 

The Hermit in Tarot is on the threshold of spiritual ascension; having turned away from the need for excessive material possessions, his focus is now on simplicity and nature, physical and emotional well-being. 

"Inside myself is a place where I live all alone, and that's where I renew my springs that never dry up."  Pearl Buck

In a reading, the Hermit suggests withdrawal from the hustle and bustle of life, the need to reflect, simplify one's lifestyle and connect with nature. 

The Hermit also indicates that there are spiritual lessons to be learned from issues that need to be resolved; a chance to illuminate and nurture one's hidden inner wisdom and  for spiritual growth.

"No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself and thereby learning his true and hidden strength." Jack Kerouac

"When we cannot bear to be alone, it means we do not properly value the only companion we will have from birth to death - ourselves."  Eda LeShan

How easy is it for you to be alone and just simply "be"? When was the last time you took a break from your busy life? 

Use the energies of the Hermit to detach yourself from the issues that make you feel stressed or worried, take time out to reflect and re-evaluate your chosen path ahead by listening to your inner guide.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 🦄

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Tarot & Quotes: The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man, Pearls of Wisdom Tarot
© 2011 Roxi Sim

"It is easy to create new things, change places or do something different. To keep that sense of newness that creates enthusiasm is more difficult. The secret of newness in life is not to do new things constantly, but to see everything you do with new eyes, new insights and a new perspective." - thoughtfortoday.org.uk

When I recently came across the Pearls of Wisdom Tarot by artist Roxi Sim, I was enchanted by its vibrant artwork and the abundant symbolism in the cards. The Hanged Man embodies spiritual consciousness, and I can feel it in this image, where brown leaves are falling from the tree suggesting the shedding of old patterns and outdated ideas in order to gain a new perspective; surrender and sacrifice for a higher gain.

The snake watching down from the top of the tree suggests transformation and rebirth, whereas the owl in the bottom right corner symbolises wisdom - wisdom gained through transformation. I could go on describing all the many magical details of this image, but instead I would like you to discover this rather beautiful deck for yourself by visiting Roxi's website, and even purchase it here.

Furthermore, a stunning limited edition Pearls of Wisdom Tarot Kit will be available in Autumn 2012. To find out more and to be notified in advance of its publication date, please visit Pearls of Wisdom Healing Experience.

"Sometimes it is necessary to let go only to see if there was anything worth holding on to."

"No object is mysterious.The mystery is your eye." - Elizabeth Bowen, The House in Paris, 1935

"The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself". - Henry Miller

"When we grow in spiritual consciousness, we identify with all that is in the world -- there is no exploitation. It is ourselves we're helping, ourselves we're healing." - Dr. V (Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy)

"Instead of thinking outside the box, get rid of the box." - Deepak Chopra

“Self-sacrifice? But it is precisely the self that cannot and must not be sacrificed.” - Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead 

What do you need to give up in order to make progress? Do you need to take time out to gain clarity? What thoughts and beliefs do you need to change in order to transform your life? 

If you have a favourite quote that you associate with the Hanged Man, then please post it in the comment box below.

Tarot & Quotes: The Empress

© Michelle Kelly

"I shall never forget my mother, for it was she who planted and nurtured the first seeds of good within me. She opened my heart to the lasting impressions of nature; she awakened my understanding and extended my horizon and her percepts exerted an everlasting influence upon the course of my life." Immanuel Kant

When I first saw the Empress of  Photographer/Artist Michelle Kelly's Tarot deck, I immediately thought of motherhood and nature, which are both perfectly blended in this stunning image. The Journey on the Evolution of Becoming Tarot deck is still a work in progress, but the Major Arcana has been completed, and will be available as a limited edition print run, if sufficient funding has been raised. Would you like to back this very promising project? You can do so here:

A Photo Based Tarot Journey on the Evolution on Becoming

Michelle is also looking for a more suitable name for her Tarot deck and is open to suggestions. If you have any ideas, maybe you can help with that, too.

The Empress symbolises the archetypal mother, bearer of life and nurturer, who is in tune with nature. Her pivotal role makes her a powerful figure, who rules with love and compassion. She reminds us to stay connected with Mother Earth, bring beauty and pleasure into our lives, and fulfil our creative potential.

"Everybody knows that a good mother gives her children a feeling of trust and stability. She is their earth. She is the one they can count on for the things that matter most of all. She is their food and their bed and the extra blanket when it grows cold in the night; she is their warmth and their health and their shelter; she is the one they want to be near when they cry. She is the only person in the whole world in a whole lifetime who can be these things to her children. There is no substitute for her. Somehow even her clothes feel different to her children's hands from anybody else's clothes. Only to touch her skirt or her sleeve makes a troubled child feel better." Katharine Butler Hathaway

What does motherhood mean to you? In which way has your mother influenced your life? Do you need to reconnect with Mother Nature? Which creative projects would you like to pursue?

22 Life Lessons We Can Learn From The Tarot

Universal Tarot © 2003 Lo Scarabeo

Instead of using Tarot to predict the future, we can harness it as a transformational tool for ourselves or those we read for. 

Each magical image in a Tarot deck offers unique guidance and universal truths throughout life. 

I've compiled a list of life lessons related to the 22 cards of the Major Arcana. Feel free to explore and add your own.

0. The Fool
Live in the present. Don't dwell on the past..You do not know your future. Learn to enjoy the present moment and experience life in the 'here and now'.

1. The Magician
Stay focused on your goal and take action every day towards achieving it. Even with limited resources you can reach your full potential; believe in yourself.

2. High Priestess
Follow your intuition. You can listen to other people's advice, but also listen to your inner voice; do what you know deep down is right.

3. The Empress
Nurture yourself as much as you nurture others. When your own needs are met, you are more capable to take care of those who need you.

4. The Emperor
Give your dreams and ideas a chance to come to fruition. Focus on just one or two and persevere. Whatever the outcome, you will either be successful, or you will learn something.

5. The Hierophant
Learn from your mistakes and value the lessons they offer you; making mistakes is often better than doing nothing.

6. The Lovers
Spend time with the people you love and make you feel loved and appreciated in return; life is too short to tolerate anyone, who keeps making you feel miserable.

7. The Chariot
Sometimes it's good to break out of your comfort zone. Magic often happens on uncharted territory. Have the courage to push yourself to experience new challenges.

8. Strength
In your mind and spirit you are stronger than you think. Trust in your abilities to overcome any obstacles with willpower and determination. Stay positive.

9. The Hermit
Enjoy what you already have instead of wanting to accumulate more. There are simple pleasures to be had every day easily within your reach. Focus on inner rather than material growth.

10. Wheel of Fortune
You are not always in control of your destiny, but it it's up to you how you respond to the ups and downs you experience in your life, and how you perceive them. Every cloud has a silver lining.

11. Justice
Be honest with yourself and those close to you. Act with integrity and only say what you mean. Accept accountability for everything you do and say.

12. The Hanged Man
Rest assured that even a period of stagnation will come to an end. A new perspective, thinking outside the box, a different point of view will give you the momentum to take a step forward at the right time.

13. Death
Nothing ever stays the same. Things change. People change. You change. Endings can be painful, but they also lead to new beginnings. And that's a good thing. Be ready for your future.

14. Temperance
Eat less, chew more; talk less, listen more; hate less, love more; fear less, hope more; whine less, breathe more; blame less, praise more; work less, live more.

15. The Devil
Don't be a slave to the system; if you don't like the situation you're in, get out of it. Even after years of apathy, remember that you still have a choice and you can move on. Yes, you can.

16. The Tower
Pay attention to your stress levels and allow yourself time out. When you notice you are close to breaking point, slow down, take a break, breathe and relax, so you can move forward with clarity and purpose.

17. The Star
Genuinely care for people and show them kindness. Just like a guiding light, give hope and comfort when times are dark.It may also make you feel better, too.

18. The Moon
It’s no good hiding your emotions just because you want to keep the peace with others. Avoid resentment and bitterness by expressing your feelings without fear.

19. The Sun
Seek happiness for others, and you'll find it for yourself. By making others happy, you will be happy in return.

20. Judgement
No regrets. They don't work, because you cannot undo the actions you took in the past. What's done is done. Learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself.

21. The World
Be yourself. Live life true to yourself and not the life others expect from you. Embrace opportunities and challenges to develop new or latent talents.

Each card offers numerous life lessons we can embrace and learn from. What important lessons have you learned so far, and which tarot cards do they relate to?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 🦄

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Cosmic Spirit Tarot and Wellness

 

Zodiac Card The Emperor - Aries

The Emperor is associated with the zodiac sign Aries. 

If Aries is either your sun or your moon sign, then the Emperor is your zodiac card.

The sun sign reflects your conscious, expressive, outward, open personality; how you engage with people and the world around you. 

The moon sign reflects your unconscious, hidden, blocked personality traits, instincts and emotions; you feel them within.

Personality Traits associated with the Emperor: 

Positive: pioneering, confident, energetic, ambitious, dynamic, taking the lead, enthusiastic, generous, taking responsibility, competitive, inspiring, courageous

Negative: short-tempered, impetuous, controlling, impulsive, self-centred, restless, headstrong, impatient, dictatorial, intolerant, violent

Aries life lessons: 

• inspire others with your ideas
• learn to delegate without imposing or demanding
• resolve conflict by developing empathy
• learn to listen rather than speak
• keep focusing on your goal, be patient and persevere
• plan ahead; look before you leap

The following Aries correspondences also relate to the Emperor:

Element: Fire
Colour: Scarlet-Red
Season/Timing: Spring (March 21 - April 20)
Ruling Planet: Mars (also associated with the Tower)
Stone: Diamond, Ruby
Key Word: Action
Key Phrase: I Am

⭐Learn more about the Aries cards in the Tarot or check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology Course⭐

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Tarot & Quotes: The Fool

"We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time."
- T. S. Eliot, The Four Quartets

You can find thousands of quotes from famous people on the internet. These quotes can be funny, inspiring, sad, thought-provoking or clever, but each of them also expresses the quintessential meaning of at least one card in the Tarot deck.

When I started writing my eBook Empowering Messages from the Tarot in 2009, I came across the following inspirational quote in a self-help book: "Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise"; immediately I thought that this sums up the Fool perfectly. In that moment, my idea of associating quotes from famous people to Tarot cards took shape, which I think is another powerful way to understand and remember individual card meanings.

It's also great fun to find suitable quotes in literature; Alice in Wonderland, Frodo Baggins and Anna Karenina are classic examples of the archetypal Fool setting out on an adventure. Along their way, dialogue and events can be associated with Tarot cards. Here are two more quotes I found in books that represent the Fool:

"You have brains in your head. 

You have feet in your shoes. 

You can steer yourself 

any direction you choose."

- Dr. Seuss

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop." 

- The King in Alice in Wonderland

If you enjoy reading fiction, poetry or biographies, you can make your own Tarot card associations with the stories. When you come across some interesting dialogue or description of an event, think for a moment which Tarot card could fit, and how you would gain a deeper understanding of the card you have chosen. Why not give it a try today? And what would be your favourite quote for the Fool?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane


Transform your life this year: 

Tarot Readings - Insightful guidance when you need it
Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life
Tarot eBooks - Great value, innovative Tarot study material

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Tarot Astrology: Sun in Pisces, Full Moon in Virgo

The Hermit, The Moon (King's Journey Tarot) © Chanel Bayless

The Tarot is a magical tool to explore the mysteries of life, and once you are more familiar with its astrological correspondences, you can gain deeper insights into the universal energies influencing you and your environment.

Today we have the full moon in Virgo; the Tarot card associated with Virgo is the Hermit. The current sun sign is Pisces, its corresponding Tarot card is the Moon. How do these two cards reflect the current energies surrounding us?

We see the Hermit sitting in his cosy cave surrounded by his tools: books, maps, crystals, pictures, glass vessels and navigational instruments. He represents the archetypal alchemist, who is dedicated to seek knowledge and explore the wisdom of the universe. 

The cave represents the earth, the fire in the background is the warmth and core of the earth; the Hermit is deeply connected to the earth. In his solitude he reflects and is dedicated to make sense of the universal mysteries surrounding him.

Key Meanings: withdrawal, guidance, introversion, physical healing, nurturing the soul, isolation, solitude, retreat, disconnection, need to feel safe and secure, spiritual advisor, reducing material possessions, living a simple life, humility, prudence

The Moon depicts a woman, who is drawn towards the large full moon rising above the sea between two pillars. The gravitational pull of the moon is strongest when it's full, so at this time of the moon cycle we have the best chance to manifest our harboured intentions, as indicated by  the pregnant woman in the image, who is about to give birth. 

The Moon and Pisces are associated with water, the element of feelings, emotions and love. The various cycles of the moon reflect the changing and unpredictable nature of our feelings and emotions, which cannot be controlled.

Key Meanings: imagination, feelings, insecurities, doubts, dreams, cycles, worries, love, mysteries, illusions, deception, moodiness, fluctuations, emotionally volatile, instinct

Virgo/Pisces balancing energies and qualities: earth/water, service/empathy, craft/inspiration, rationale/intuition; science/spirituality, nature/metaphysics; building solid foundations under our dreams and visions; healing by making sense of confusing situations; feeling love without attachment and dependency; grounded and secure amidst the ever changing rhythms of life; bringing order to chaos.

The Virgo/Pisces combination of earth and water is benevolent, making this a positive time to explore and develop what we feel passionate about:

• projects and artistic endeavours require your attention to detail
• grow and nurture relationships with unconditional love
• gardening work/ sowing seeds/ planting bulbs/ re-potting plants
• have a haircut or manicure; ok, you may be laughing now, but grooming at this time is apparently more effective and the result longer-lasting (looking after your body will also enhance your emotional well-being)
• reflecting on issues whilst on a solitary walk through nature will help you gain more clarity
• de cluttering and simplifying your life to reduce emotional baggage

What does the Virgo/Pisces combination hold for you? How do you make use of its energies at this time of the year? What activities do you get involved in to balance your physical and emotional needs?

Share your thoughts; I'd love to hear from you!

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Cosmic Spirit Tarot and Wellness

 

Entering the Spirit World

©  Chanel Bayless

What makes the King's Journey Tarot extra special is the additional suit of Spirit, which is modeled on the kabbalistic Tree of Life. The ten numbered Spirit cards represent the ten Sephiroth, where the Ace represents Kether, and Ten represents Malkuth.

The Spirit suit has been designed to represent our inner sanctum, where the four traditional suits and indeed life flow in perfect balance. It holds our core beliefs, which can change depending on our experiences over time, but their force always influences our essence, our daily lives.

The suit of Spirit in the King's Journey Tarot offers an additional subtle nuance to a reading. Spirit can emphasize a need to nurture spiritual balance and well-being. With the Spirit suit we can explore virtues and vices as well as spiritual gifts that are available to us.

The symbol of the Spirit suit are glowing sperm-like shapes; here in the Ten of Spirit they light the way towards the ghostly figure in the doorway. This card is associated with Malkuth, the material world.

Keywords for the Ten of Spirit: choosing the right path by rejecting anything that is damaging or suppressing; choices are made for spiritual not mundane gain; spiritually guided teachings, initiation and acceptance into a spiritual group or secret society; passing through a gate / ascending to the next spiritual level, no turning back; guardian angel

Virtue: Discrimination (in the sense of discernment)
Vice: Avarice (excessive greed)

When this card comes up in a reading, it may ask you to evaluate your lifestyle, especially in connection with material gain and attachment to possessions. Journey inward and explore your true purpose in life; focus on spiritual fulfilment.

Affirmation: I choose what is good for me to reach spiritual enlightenment. My wealth is spiritual fulfilment.

What is your attitude towards accumulating money and possessions? Is gaining material wealth your purpose in life? How do you nurture your spiritual needs? 

How do you feel about the addition of a Spirit suit in a Tarot deck? Do you feel it works well, or do you think Spirit is already integrated in a traditional four-suit deck?

Let me know; I'd love to hear from you!

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Spring is in the Air!

©  Chanel Bayless

It's getting warmer, the birds are tweeting, and this image of the Princess of Swords is a welcoming sign that Spring is well on its way. 

In the King's Journey Tarot the Princess of Swords is one of the prettiest I have seen. The Swords characters in a Tarot deck tend to look a little glum, strict and plain, but here we see a hippy-esque, flower-power princess surrounded by butterflies playfully wielding a sword and swirling around on a meadow in the countryside; you can even imagine her giggling away, so unlike the Princess of Swords, but for the first time I can remotely identify with her (with my sun sign in Pisces and moon sign in Cancer, I am a solid member of the Cup family... most of the time ;)).

All the Princesses (or Pages in other decks) herald new beginnings, activities and experiences; here, the Princess of Swords is on a quest for new knowledge, a fact-finding mission or discovering the truth about a situation. She doesn't mince her words when she communicates with others, sometimes oblivious to social etiquette, and she may even at times lack respect and empathy for people around her.

But on the other hand she seems like she's enjoying herself in this image; living for the moment and radiating confidence.

Keywords: smart, curious, inventive, emotionally detached, a keen observer, well-spoken, honest and direct, experimental, impulsive, seeking mental stimulation

Empowering Messages from the Princess of Swords:

• Think things through clearly without jumping to conclusions
• Use logic and reason
• Keep trying; trust your abilities to overcome obstacles and reach your goal eventually
• Research facts, expose the truth
• Be fair, acknowledge different points of view
• Act with integrity, be true to your values, beliefs and ethics
• Set high standards
• Stand up for yourself

Affirmation: I pursue new ideas with focus and determination. 

What new mental activities would benefit you at this moment in time? What changes would they bring? How would they improve your situation? What is holding you back?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Transform your life this year: 

Tarot Readings - Insightful guidance when you need it 

Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life

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Daath - Discovering your Divine Light

©  Chanel Bayless

Following The World in the Major Arcana, Daath is one of the two additional trumps in the King's Journey Tarot. 

After the Fool's accomplishment of self-realization, Daath makes perfect sense; now that the Fool has established himself in the world, he looks up to the universe and turns his attention to spiritual ascension and enlightenment. 

A new era has begun; the Fool no longer feels the need to jump off the cliff into a new adventure, he now wants to build on the experiences he has gained so far. 

It's no longer about physical needs, a home, money, career, relationships, dealing with the ups and downs in life; instead of fulfilling his ego's needs, the Fool now focuses on the needs of humanity - giving back to society, volunteering, detaching from material and personal desires, giving purpose to everything he has achieved so far, giving his life meaning, creating harmonious balance between body, mind and spirit. 

The Fool moves from being selfish to being selfless and self-giving; he is looking at the bigger picture. This way his Divine Light will reveal itself to him.

Daath (Hebrew "knowledge")  is the unification of the 10 sephirot of the Tree of Life in perfected state of infinite sharing. Perhaps we can view Daath in the King's Journey Tarot as a harmonious unification of all trumps in the Major Arcana. 

There is no need to delve deeper into the Kabbalah and the Tree of Life, in order to understand the meaning of Daath in a reading; as I understand this card, the main keywords are as follows:

Turning knowledge into wisdom, practicing detachment from ego and the physical to live for humanity; finding purpose in life; appreciating all experiences you have gained so far and realizing they have made you the person you are today; acceptance of the past, present and your destiny; finding inner peace; giving back to society; philanthropy, holistic living and lifestyle. 

Quotes inspired by Daath:

“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.” 
― Joseph Campbell

“Nin knew how much humans loved money, riches, and material things—though he never really could understand why. The more technologically advanced the human species got, the more isolated they seemed to become, at the same time. It was alarming, how humans could spend entire lifetimes engaged in all kinds of activities, without getting any closer to knowing who they really were, inside.”  
- Jess C. Scott, The Other Side of Life

“The greatest create of power you have on earth, whether you are an angel, a spirit, a man or woman or child is to help others.” 
- Anne Rice, Servant of the Bone

“Ye know full well that the meaning of life is to find your gift. To find your gift is happiness. Never to find it is misery.” 
- Terry Pratchett

“If you want to reach a state of bliss, then go beyond your ego and the internal dialogue. Make a decision to relinquish the need to control, the need to be approved, and the need to judge. Those are the three things the ego is doing all the time. It's very important to be aware of them every time they come up.”
- Deepak Chopra

"The word enlightenment conjures up the idea of some superhuman accomplishment, and the ego likes to keep it that way, but it is simply your natural state of felt oneness with Being."
- Eckhart Tolle

“I-Want-Peace: I is ego, Want is desire; Remove ego and desire and you have peace.”
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Where is your place in the world? How do you embrace Daath into your life? 

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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