Developing Your Intuition With The Tarot

Tarot of Quotes

As children we tend to rely very much on our instinct rather than knowledge and practical experience.

But over time we are gradually conditioned by society to base actions, thoughts and feelings on evidence and logic.

Now is a good time to remember the importance and power of intuition; when you have to make a split-second decision, you will most likely follow your instinct rather than logic and reason.

Using your intuition is also an important skill when reading the Tarot.

You may know lots of different meanings for all the cards, but which one is relevant in each reading you do depends on your intuition.

How intuitive are you?

There are some key rules to identify your current level of intuition:

1. You recognise an object with very little time to see it properly, usually less than a second.

Try flicking through magazines and recall afterwards the images you noticed. You can also look quickly at group photos of friends and family and identify afterwards specific people you noticed.

2. When you look at clouds, many images come to your mind.

Making creative associations through this kind of openness help you to generate new ideas and insights.

3. You can take in a scene quickly and recall details.

Look at a crowd scene and then look away. Ask yourself questions about details, perhaps individual actions, clothing, weather, surrrounding area, buildings etc. If your intuition works well, then you are not aware that you take in all this information. It all works 'automatically'.

How can you improve your intuition?

There are a few universal principles to help you develop this skill:

1. Become an expert

The more you know about a subject matter, the sharper your intuitive sense will be. So, the more you practise and read about tarot and absorb the information, the better your readings and accuracy will become over time.

This doesn't mean you have to memorise anything but simply pick up the information through practice, conversation or in written material and then let go.

This way you will automatically store knowledge in your unconscious and recall it later when you need it with the help of your intuition.

2. Pay attention to your feelings

Don't ignore that inner voice telling you that something is not quite right with the person or situation you are dealing with. Let go of trying to find 'evidence'. Instead just act according to how you feel.

3. Trust your intuition

Relax; it's not easy to reduce the input of a conscious mind, but regular exercise will help you improve.

Start a journal; record your dreams, don't doubt the validity of the messages that come through to you; be conscious of your environment and tune in.

Try pulling a tarot card at random and without hesitation come up with an instant message from the universe for yourself.

Avoid censoring your thoughts; in that moment you stop using your intuition. If nothing comes up, pull the next card. Keep going until something 'clicks' in your head and ideas start trickling.

4. Stay Healthy

Keep your energy clear; meditate, eat wholesome foods, get active and sleep well.

Regular fresh air activities will help you clear your head from distracting thoughts and become more receptive to more useful messages when they come through.

5. Observe the Moon Cycles

Discovery Tarot Course

The full moon is a powerful time for receiving intuitive messages. At this time also pay particular attention to your dreams.

Enjoy developing your intuition. After all, learning to trust your instincts will help you make the best decisions when stuck at a crossroads.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Cropping Tarot Decks

Sirian Starseed Tarot © Patricia Cori 2012

I've got a new hobby: cutting up Tarot decks! Well, not really cutting them up (perhaps in the name of art or madness I will do that at a later stage...), but removing the distracting borders of the images.

In the photo above you can see my first victim: the Sirian Starseed Tarot, which had an irritating white border (check out my review of this deck with a "before" picture). 

What do you think?

If you haven't thought of cropping Tarot decks before, and you are considering it now, then go for it! I know it takes a little courage to start cutting your beloved cards, but trust me, you will like the result, especially if you own one of the following decks:

1. Crowley's Thoth Tarot

2. Druid Craft Tarot

3. Pearls of Wisdom Tarot

4. Wildwood Tarot

5. Vampyre Tarot (see the cropped images in Lisa's post at Love Dove Tarot, and enjoy her interesting Tarot spread too!)
6. Druid Animal Oracle
7. Cosmic Tarot

and of course the Sirian Starseed Tarot as above.

All you need is a paper guillotine and a corner cutter.

Are you a seasoned cropper? Get in touch and let us know of your successes as well as disasters. Which decks would you like to trim next? Let us know! Are you a beginner and wonder if your deck is suitable? Ask me before you mess it up :)

Changing your standard deck to borderless images can have quite an impact on your readings and offer you new perspectives.

Go on, have some fun and be creative :)

Christiane

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Inspiration - Healing Yourself

“It is precisely because we resist the darkness in ourselves that we miss the depths of the loveliness, beauty, brilliance, creativity, and joy that lie at our core.” - Thomas Moore, Dark Nights of the Soul

The deepest wounds we all carry are locked in our subconscious. Deep memories and subtle impressions; unfinished experiences, rooted in the past.

The pain from those wounds comes to revisit, to block and paralyse us in the moment called now. We all know it comes without warning: "Why am I feeling this way... I didn't mean to do that... I don't know what made me say that."

Healing does not mean finding and treating every single inner scar which sends its message to haunt us.

It means

going even deeper

past those wounds

beyond those distant memories and recordings of unfinished business

to the core of our self

to the heart of our spirit

where we find the light and warmth of our own core qualities of love and peace.

They are eternally present within us; they are what we need to heal all our inner wounds. That's why this kind of deep healing is called spirituality and not therapy. (thoughtfortoday.org)

"The wound is the place where the light enters you." - Rumi

In your darkest moment, when the pain seems to become unbearable..embrace it and nurture your determination to rise into the light again like a phoenix from the ashes.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Transform your life this year: 

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Zodiac Card The Star - Aquarius

The Star is associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius. If Aquarius is either your sun, moon or rising sign, then the Star is one of your zodiac cards.

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

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

As your ascendant (or rising sign), the Star reflects how other people see you, especially when they first meet you. Your ascendant shows your natural, habitual, instinctive and spontaneous reaction to new people and situations. First impressions!

Personality Traits associated with the Star: 

Positive: independent, progressive, rational, original, inventive, witty, humanitarian, intellectual, visionary, innovative, self-expressive

Negative: impractical, cranky, detached, erratic, unpredictable, argumentative, sarcastic, rebellious, unemotional, idealistic, indecisive

The Star/Aquarius Life lessons:

• living within boundaries and structures without limiting vision and self-expression 
• combining idealism with reality 
• achieving mental and spiritual enlightenment through knowledge and understanding 
• learning to balance self-discipline (Saturn influence) with the need to be a free spirit (Uranus influence) 
• be willing and determined to be a pioneer, even if standing alone, for the greater good of humanity 
• focus on the needs of the collective without neglecting those of the individual 

The following Aquarius correspondences also relate to the Star:

Element: Air
Season/Timing: Winter (January 21 - February 19)
Ruling Planets: Saturn and Uranus (also associated with the Devil (Saturn) and the Fool (Uranus))
Stone: Aquamarine
Key Word: Independence
Key Phrase: I Know

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

Inspiration for the New Year: Optimism

Tarot of Quotes

“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.”

- John Heywood

Optimism opens a door in difficult or hopeless situations.

No matter what the crisis, anticipating positive development and outcome is power.

Optimism a way of life that restores faith in yourself, your ability and your future. A positive outlook can help you overcome self-sabotage.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

- Helen Keller

Optimism isn't about pretending that everything is fine when it isn't.

It's about accepting a situation, making the best of it and striving towards improving it, because you know that positive change and transformation is possible and within your reach.

"Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out."

- Vaclav Havel

And even if things don't turn out the way you wanted them to, as an optimist you will have had a better time trying than gloomily awaiting your fate.

Make this year a year of optimism and see how it improves your life.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and abundant New Year!

Christiane

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Zodiac Card The Devil - Capricorn

The Devil is associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn. If Capricorn is either your sun, moon or rising sign, then the Devil is one of your zodiac cards.

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

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

As your ascendant (or rising sign), the Devil reflects how other people see you, especially when they first meet you. Your ascendant shows your natural, habitual, instinctive and spontaneous reaction to new people and situations. First impressions!

Personality Traits associated with the Devil:

Positive: hard-working, practical, organised, neat and tidy, materialistic tendencies, perfectionism, persevering, disciplined, prudent, ambitious, enterprising, restrained, faithful

Negative: calculating, dictatorial, manipulative, pessimistic, grudging, ruthless, self-conscious, cautious, inhibited, serious


The Devil/Capricorn Life lessons:

• following ambition not just for material gain but also for creative expression
• learning to meet and master the temptations of life
• looking at the brighter side of life and not taking everything so seriously
• learning to be self-disciplined at times of struggle rather than escaping into addiction
• overcoming fear of failure by reasoning and developing a more optimistic mindset
• letting go of the need to control the outside world to create inner peace
• reigning in obsessive need for power by sharing knowledge and skills with others

The following Capricorn correspondences also relate to the Devil:

Element: Earth
Season/Timing: Winter (December 22 - January 20)
Ruling Planets: Saturn (also associated with The World)
Stone: Jet, Obsidian
Key Word: Ambition
Key Phrase: I Use

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

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New Moon in Sagittarius Tarot Reading

Tarot of Quotes

As promised in my previous post, here are the cards I have drawn last week for my New Moon reading.

In Tarot, Sagittarius is linked to Temperance, which indicates a need for balance, moderation, harmony, healing and spiritual growth. The card that came up right behind Temperance was the Fool.

Here in connection with Temperance, the Fool is suggesting to create balance and spiritual growth by starting afresh in areas in my life I have been feeling stuck for a while. The Fool is about being open and receptive to new opportunities without fear. Avoiding too much planning ahead and instead living in the here and now. Taking a leap of faith and trusting to be on the right path.

The next card I drew was the Lovers as my goal. The Lovers indicate a need to focus on relationships. Openness, honesty and clear thinking will create harmony and healing. Relationship issues need to be resolved once and for all. I know what I need to do ;)

What is the next step to take? To answer this question, I drew the Ten of Pentacles. Security and stability are important factors in a relationship, but with Temperance as an influencing energy, it is also important to combine traditional values with personal principles and needs. This can cause quite a stir ;) Blending conflicting needs and expectations will help to build and maintain strong emotional bonds. This in turn will lead to healing and abundance.

Knight of Wands' strengths (Temperance Persona card) to utilise to achieve goal: courageous, passionate, pro-active, confident, inspiring

Knight of Wands' weaknesses to avoid: Arguments, turmoil, recklessness

On the 28th December, the full moon will be in Cancer (Chariot, Queen of Cups); what will come to fruition at that time? You can do your own moon readings in 2013 with my Tarot Moon Journal.

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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New Moon Reading Spread

Tarot of Quotes 

On the 13th December the new moon will enter Sagittarius. The Tarot cards linked to this zodiac sign are Temperance and the Knight of Wands.

Why not try a new moon reading on that day?

The new moon is a good time for coming up with new ideas, setting intentions, starting new projects and making plans to be realised over the coming weeks ahead.

Temperance as the dominant energy at this time may ask us to focus on areas such as balance, harmony, spirituality and healthy living. It can also mean that our concerns in any aspect of our lives, choices and decision-making can be  influenced by these energies.

As Sagittarius is linked to the planet Jupiter, there may also be a need for growth, expansion and journeys, both internally and externally.

You can now explore a more specific issue you would like to address at this time:

Shuffle your deck well, and then hold it with the images facing you. Look through your cards until you reach Temperance. The card that is behind Temperance is what you need to address in terms of balance, growth, health and expansion.

If you want to take this reading further, you can draw another one or two cards on action to take and possible outcome.

The Knight of Wands may offer you some insight on your personal qualities you will need to utilise during this time. What qualities of the Knight of Wands can help you at this time? Which ones may hinder you and need to be avoided?

I'd love to know how you got on with this spread. Please post a message below. I will be sharing my reading  a few days after the new moon.

And if you love this kind of Tarot journalling, you may like to download my Tarot Moon Journal 2013 workbook. It's only a Fiver, a small expense that will offer you new insights and personal growth for a whole 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

Learn more about Tarot and Astrology with my new online course.

Make sure you subscribe to my feed to receive the latest articles straight into your inbox when published.

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Inspirational Messages From The World

Tarot of Quotes

Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I’ve ended up where I needed to be." 

Douglas Adams

"Every man dies. Not every man really lives." 

William Ross Wallace.

"You are not in this world to live up to other people’s expectations, nor should you feel the world must live up to yours." 

Frederic Perl

Affirmation: I am content.

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Tarot Astrology: Sun in Sagittarius, Full Moon in Gemini

Cosmic Tarot, Norbert Lösche © 1988 F.X. Schmid

Tomorrow the energies of the full moon in Gemini (Lovers) together with the lunar eclipse will mingle with those of the current sun sign Sagittarius (Temperance). What do these two cards tell us about this astrological combination? What do we need to pay attention to at this time?

We have already experienced this combination in May this year, when the full moon was in Sagittarius with Gemini in the sun, and the emphasis at that time was about healing relationships.

Whilst Temperance is asking us to focus on moderation and harmony, the airy energy of the Lovers reminds us to strive for mental equilibrium. The key phrase is "mind over matter".

Temperance suggests a need to reduce, de-clutter and discard; less is more! Combined with the Lovers this may well relate to information overload. Are you getting carried away floating around the internet reading too much stuff about other people? All that random unimportant rubbish clearly serves no purpose to your life and well-being.

The Temperance/Lovers combination is asking you to

• heal your way of thinking, and be more discerning about the information you are seeking and absorbing; avoid reality TV and celebrity gossip trash in favour of what inspires your creative potential. 
• slow down, even when the collective madness of the world around you is speeding up; let go of those constant status updates, Twitter feeds and other mind-cluttering titbits bombarding your smart phone. Instead, enjoy listening to classical music, have a calming bath, light some candles and other sensory pleasures that help you clear your mind from excess clutter. 
• reduce your anxiety levels, which may be raised at the time of the Gemini full moon. In Tarot, Gemini is also linked to the Nine of Swords, which is associated with worries and fears. Keep anything at bay that induces or increases feelings of anxiety, which can keep you from making the right connections that help you move forward, evolve or understand the bigger picture. 
• play and be creative. Find productive projects that utilise your mental energy, intellect and imagination. Best to be shared with family, friends and in social circles - playing games, cooking, crafting, telling stories.

The Temperance/Lovers energy combination can help you focus on mental clarity and free thinking. Collaborate with others rather than compete. Strive for new knowledge that aids health, rejuvenation and personal transformation.

How will you take advantage of the Temperance/Lovers energy mix this month? Do you feel you need a break from media overload and social networking to clear your thoughts and create more space for healthier and more grounded activities?

This week seems like an ideal time for a serious mind detox ;)

Enjoy! It will do you good.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Transform your life this year: 

Tarot Readings - Insightful guidance when you need it 

Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life.

Learn more about Tarot and Astrology with my new online course.

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Weekly Inspiration: Abundance

“Riches are not from abundance of worldly goods, but from a contented mind.” Mohammed

It’s not easy feeling rich when you have to make ends meet.

It’s tough to be poor worrying about putting enough food on the table for your family and having the money to pay next month’s rent.

As a student back in the 80s, I was badly strapped for cash whilst creating a massive student loan debt, which took me 20 years to pay off.

In those days I never felt particularly well off. Although I wasn’t starving and could afford paying for a roof over my head, there were certain things I could never afford and experience, such as fabulous holidays abroad.

Sometimes I felt disappointed and frustrated; there I was, paying off my debt by working in corporate jobs that made me ill, while others seemed to have a whale of a time buying large houses, driving luxury cars and going on fancy holidays and weekend breaks twice a year.

Thankfully, I never felt envious; I was just wondering, how these people managed to afford those expenses.

Today I know they took out massive debts to feed their desire to have it all and “to keep up with the Jones’s”.

Now that I’ve entered the second half of my life, I am far more relaxed about money (lack of) and possessions.

I have learned that freedom is more important to me, and that means owning less. Get rid of the clutter, and you’re as free as a bird.

Every time I give another charity bag away, I feel lighter and relieved.

I prefer to upcycle, make my own, buy second-hand; no longer interested in that mass produced rubbish from China. Love vintage stuff found in charity shops and thrift stores.

If you feel poor or you think you miss out compared to others, look around you and see what you have that money can’t buy:

love, health, freedom, friendships, wisdom, time, intelligence, dreams and yes, happiness

Feeling happy is your choice despite your circumstances.

You own more treasures than you think you do; look around you and recognise them.

Here are some ways to help you feel rich without money, which I have practiced over the years:

Create abundance in your life by letting go of material desires you cannot afford.

Stop being a slave to materialism.

Live within your means.

Don't be fooled by advertising. You really don't need all that stuff.

Enjoy the simple pleasures.

Have a few good friends in real life and nurture those friendships. The hundreds or thousands of friends you have collected on Facebook are quite literally just virtual (except the handful of them you know in reality).

Be grateful for your health. In fact, be grateful for all the treasures you have that money can’t buy.

Let nature cheer you up - plants, forests, the sea, animals, the weather, the sky, the moon and the stars.

Look forward to every new day and the opportunities it may offer you.

Love yourself and your body.

Spread an abundant amount of love.

Be part of and contribute towards your local community. Hard times can be a great opportunity to get together with people for mutual support and strengthen community spirit.

There is no need for expensive Christmas gifts, not even for your children. They need to learn that life doesn't depend on obtaining the latest gadget or made-to-measure trainers. Help them to escape the consumerism trap, so they can live happier lives.

Enjoy what you have while you pursue what you want.

But having a mindset of abundance doesn't mean belittling poverty.

It doesn't mean you should be content with living below the poverty line and have no aspiration to better yourself.

Yes, I know from my own experience that it is truly tough to be poor, but counting your blessings with a positive mindset despite hardship will make it easier to find a way out of poverty than resignation, blaming others, envy and bitterness.

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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Zodiac Card Temperance - Sagittarius

Temperance is associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius. If Sagittarius is either your sun or moon sign, then Temperance is one of your zodiac cards.

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

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

Personality Traits associated with Temperance:

Positive: independent, charming, generous, self-expressive, adaptable, idealistic, spiritual, open-minded, sociable, good-natured, energetic

Negative: restless, argumentative, extremist, impatient, inconsistent, boastful, lack of concentration, over-confident, self-indulgent, tendency to gamble, preachy

Temperance/Sagittarius Life lessons:

• finding life purpose as a guide, philosopher and law giver
• working in harmony with the laws of life to find true freedom
• learning to combine freedom with commitment
• practising self-restraint and weighing up carefully which risks are worth taking
• learning to balance the need to travel, pursuit for knowledge and new experiences with providing stability for loved ones

The following Sagittarius correspondences also relate to Temperance:

Element: Fire
Season/Timing: Late Autumn (November 24 - December 21)
Ruling Planets: Jupiter (also associated with the Wheel of Fortune)
Stone: Turquoise, Amethyst
Key Word: Freedom
Key Phrase: I See

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

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