Inspirational Message For The Weekend

Aquatic Tarot © Andreas Schröter

Friday is usually a happy day for most people, so I thought I'd share with you an inspirational thought about Death, which I received in my inbox the other day.

For me it's the quintessential summary of this widely feared card, a message about detachment and renewal we can all embrace in a happily liberating way:

Die Alive

To the unenlightened, death comes but once a lifetime. To those who have chosen to become enlightened, there are a thousand chosen deaths before it's time to leave the body and move on. This kind of death is the releasing off all our attachments, from false identity to opinions, from people to possessions. 

Cutting the subtle threads of attachment frees the spirit from fear, and when the time comes to move on, it's like 'shooting the breeze'. 

Dying alive is simply letting go of all you hold fast to in your mind. It doesn't actually mean losing anything, simply changing your relationship with the things in your life today. 

The greatest pleasure for every soul is the result of choosing the living death called detachment. Why? Because attachment is a form of slavery, and it all takes place in our own minds. And the result of detachment? Real freedom. - Thoughtfortoday.org.uk

Enjoy your weekend!

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 Astrology: Full Moon in Scorpio, Sun in Taurus

Hierophant, Death
Aquatic Tarot © Andreas Schröter

The full moon in Scorpio will be opposite the Taurus sun on 6th May this year. Astronomically, this will also be the largest full moon of the year as it will be closest to the earth. In Tarot terms, we will experience the intense energy combination of the contented earthy Hierophant (Taurus) and the deeply feeling, emotional Death (Scorpio).

On the one hand, we may feel grounded and secure, but beneath the surface intense feelings may be brooding - passion, desire, elation, sorrow - we will need to make sense of emotional needs we are suddenly  confronted with, and let them unravel and be expressed with integrity.

Taurus loves simplicity, structure, routine and engagement with people on a straight-forward level. Put Scorpio into the mix, and we are faced with the desire to get deeper on an emotional level, which will make our interactions with people a little more complicated.

The Hierophant/Taurus energy can be superficial at times, but Death/Scorpio is emotionally intense; we will feel the need to read between the lines, to question our limiting habits and fears and seek passion and intimacy. Power issues may arise, and we are urged to uncover our own inner power rather than succumbing to helplessness and despondency.

The full moon in Scorpio combined with the sun in Taurus energy is a benevolent combination, and it has the potential to be transforming and regenerative, but perhaps not entirely without discomfort. Use this powerful energy to:

• getting rid of old things
• stop unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking alcohol
• work on resolving intimacy issues
• any kind of research
• psychic, psychological work and self-examination
• assessment and review of your spending and finances
• letting go and moving on from past issues
• transform negativity or make a clean break

What to avoid: brooding, making assumptions, manipulation, suspicions, surrendering to doubts and fears

The Death/Scorpio full moon may reveal some painful emotions, but they can lead to moving out of stagnation towards positive change, which will be grounded in the earthy security of the Hierophant/Taurus sun. A great chance for spiritual cleansing, healing and renewal by facing your demons without fear.

How are you making use of the Taurus/Scorpio energies this week? What additional insights does the Hierophant/Death combination on the image above offer you?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Introducing: The Tarot of Quotes

A couple of weeks ago I started creating my own Tarot deck based on my life, the places I have visited and how I see the world around me. 

It's a personal project using my own photography and inspirational quotes from famous (and not so famous) people, that have influenced me over the years.

My aim is to complete the Major Arcana by Summer 2012 and make it available as a download. 

So far I have already created five Major Arcana cards, and above you can see my Magician.

Watch this space for more images coming soon!

Have a great weekend,

Christiane 



⭐Update December 2024: All images of the Tarot of Quotes can be viewed and downloaded from my Ko-fi Gallery⭐

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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.

The Power of Faith

I was pondering Faith the other day. Not faith in a particular religion, but faith in yourself, the people you depend on, nature, the universe, the Wheel of Life and whatever higher force you believe in.

Nurturing your faith is letting go of control, which quite often can be a heavy burden lifted off one's shoulders. We cannot control everything around us. When I let go of control and just have faith that all will be well despite uncertainties, I feel a sense of relief and lightness coming over me.

When something doesn't quite work out the way I want it to be, then faith helps me to acknowledge its purpose and value, which I will discover at some point.

Mind you, faith goes hand in hand with doubt, but it's also accompanied by trust. Nurturing your faith and trust will weaken doubts and fears, which many people suffer from today, and I think that's why the above quote spoke to me when I read it.

Perhaps its message will inspire you too to relinquish control and just flow with faith not only to alleviate life's burdens but also have the courage to pursue your path with conviction and optimism.

Christiane 

Transform your life this year: 

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Zodiac Card The Hierophant - Taurus

The Hierophant is associated with the zodiac sign Taurus. If Taurus is either your sun or moon sign, then the Hierophant is one of your zodiac cards.

As a sun sign card, the Hierophant may reflect your conscious, expressive, outward, open personality; how you engage with people and the world around you.

As a moon sign card, the Hierophant reflects your unconscious, hidden, blocked personality traits, instincts and emotions; you feel them within.

Personality Traits associated with the Hierophant: 

Positive: Stable, dependable, traditional, practical, tenacious, warm-hearted, persistent, determined, placid, constructive

Negative: complacent, inflexible, stubborn, possessive, self-indulgent, greedy,  resentful, jealous, self-centred, inertia

Taurus Life lessons:

• enjoy the simple gifts in life
• balance worldly security with internal serenity
• be open to change and adapt to new ways
• release your past and move forward through forgiveness
• develop values of a spiritual rather than material nature

The following Taurus correspondences also relate to the Hierophant:

Element: Earth
Season/Timing: Spring (April 21st - May 21st)
Ruling Planet: Venus (also associated with the Empress)
Stone: Emerald
Key Word: Possessions
Key Phrase: I Have

Curious about combining Tarot with Astrology? Check out my Starlight Astrology Self-Study Course

When Love is Lost - Tips on How to Recover from a Breakup

Relationships can break down for many reasons. 

Whether it was a brief affair or a long-term commitment, if your heart was in it and you expected it to last, you are likely to feel emotional pain and an overwhelming sense of loss. 

This can pull you into a state of depression unless you have the determination and willpower to heal from the experience and move on.

As a Tarot reader I often get asked questions like "Will he come back to me?" and "Will he get in touch again?" 

The answer is most often *no", sometimes "perhaps", and even if it was "yes", what are you going to do in the meantime?

Waiting? 

Putting your life on hold? 

Being miserable? 

Counting the days?  

Turn into Miss Haversham?

Or would you rather get on with your life without the cretin, who broke your heart, embark on a new exciting adventure and find new love along the way?

If you have the urge to ask the above questions, then it may reveal the following about you: the break-up happened recently, you feel hurt and are on a low, and most likely you haven't moved on yet. 

You may even be hopeful to get some good news, positive answers to your questions, but rather than asking questions that hold you back in the past, here are some more empowering ways to help you overcome your heartache and get back on track towards new and positive opportunities ahead:

1. Accept it's over. 

He won't call, and he won't be coming back again (and if in the unlikely event he did, then that would be an interesting surprise!). 

Acceptance creates clarity, and you regain power over the situation, rather than letting him control you with the decision he's made. Yes, the ending is a blow, you miss him, but the world is still spinning, which is good news after all.

2. Try not to remember the good times you shared; this can be deceptive, and it can hold you back in the past. 

After all, your relationship broke down for a reason, and that reason (or even more than one) wasn't the lovely times you shared and the fun you had together. Instead, let your logic work out what went wrong. 

Remind yourself of the bad times and quarrels you had. After a while you will realise the ending was for the best, and it makes sense.

3. You need to focus on a positive future ahead. 

Every minute of the day you need to remind yourself that you will be happy again, and that new love will enter your life again in good time. 

Do something every day, that cheers you up and makes you feel good.

4. Avoid succumbing to negative thoughts and self-pity. 

If you find yourself regressing into depressive thoughts and memories of your lost relationship, stop there and then and ask yourself to postpone thinking about it until a more convenient time later in the day. 

Set a specific time, and keep those moments short, perhaps 5 - 10 minutes at the most.This is a tried and tested psychological tool; you don't ignore your issues, but at the same time you restrict the amount of negative thinking. 

Gradually those moments will get shorter and become less frequent, and you will start feeling better.

5. Learn to read Tarot cards! This is a magical opportunity to heal yourself through your grieving process with the help of the Tarot. 

Self-development and spiritual growth at times of adversity are the greatest gifts you can give yourself and will always be an enlightening legacy borne out of a negative experience.

There is no need to spend lengthy time of study to get almost immediate results; simply start using the cards by pulling a card every day to answer the following question: What can I do today to help me heal and move on?

If you feel you want to invest more time into your Tarot studies, then you can also opt for a guidebook or self-study beginner's course. 

If you are going through a rough emotional time, you will discover that the Tarot can be a great self-help, therapeutic and healing tool, offering insightful and empowering messages at emotionally difficult times. 

Learning the Tarot may very well help you to start feeling better and get back on track.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Please check out this wonderful video about how to get over "being dumped"; if you are in this position at the moment, you will find it helpful:

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Cosmic Spirit Tarot and Wellness

Inspirational Message for the Weekend

If you feel you need to do something new, something different...sometimes we just need to have a little encouragement to bring excitement and adventure back into our lives. Perhaps this message is just for you...follow the bird...;)

Feel free to share this image (unaltered) on the web. Have a great weekend!

Christiane 

Wishing You A Fantabulous Easter!

Here at Cosmic HQ we're already enjoying our Easter treats. Remember, if your chocolate melts in your hand, you're eating it too slowly!

Enjoy your weekend,

Christiane 

Tarot Astrology: Sun in Aries, Full Moon in Libra

Justice, Emperor (King's Journey Tarot) © Chanel Bayless

I have already examined the Emperor as zodiac card of the month, and as it is associated with Aries, the current ruling sun sign, we may all feel its urge to be more spontaneous and initiate changes or new ventures in our lives.

With Spring and warmer weather on the way, we may even be bold enough to take risks with little regard for possible consequences.

The Full Moon in Libra may stop pioneering Aries in its tracks. Whilst we have the desire to charge forward and fulfil our needs under the Aries influence, Libra (Justice) acts as our conscience and makes us plan ahead.

We may be torn between choices, weighing up our options more carefully before making decisions. This could result in some awkward moments: the Emperor's (Aries) fiery passion reigned in by Justice's (Libra) airy reasoning; emotional drama or frustrated by limitations.

But being aware of the current Aries/Libra influence, we have the chance to strive for harmony. After all, fire and air signs do complement each other. At this time you will fare better, if you think before you speak or make that impulse purchase.

 Libra may well stop you from embarrassment or wasting your money. The Aries/Libra energies may also encourage extrovert people to withdraw, and introvert people to be more outgoing. These energies are all about creating balance.

Look after yourself, but also be considerate of others; this applies to your private as well as working life. Take the lead, be pro-active, but at the same time be fair, objective and composed at times of tension or crisis. The Libra/Aries energies may also help you to resolve relationship issues with your heart and mind.

How do you feel the current Libra/Aries energy is affecting you? Take a look at Justice and the Emperor; what special message do they offer you at this time of the year?

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 & 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?