How to Make New Friends as an Introvert

Tarot of Quotes

Answer: Go to places, where like-minded folk hang out.

You know it's easier to make conversation and connect with people, who share the same interests and are more or less on the same wavelength as you.

This year, due to circumstances, I had to go on a holiday on my own - eek!

At first I was at a loss and googled "holiday for singles", but I quickly dismissed that idea after realising the options available where pretty lame, and I'd take a risk ending up with bad company.

And then I had the idea to go on a spiritual retreat and found a Buddhist retreat centre in Shropshire. The solution to my problem!

I'm an introvert. I hate noise, party animals, too much booze, flashing lights, shallow conversations...

Having booked myself on the week long women-only retreat, I knew I could let my hair down, forget the make-up and not have to wear a bra.

And I was looking forward to more stimulating conversations, too, without worrying about people's reaction when I disclosed that I was a Tarot Reader.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. What have I learned from it?

• You can go on holiday on your own, but you won't be alone when going on retreat
• Be open-minded about community living. Sharing a room with three other ladies may seem risky to some, but I had the most loveliest room mates.
• Nurturing and sustaining spiritual friendships is important to overcome times of isolation and is helping you grow.
• There never was a moment when I missed TV or the internet. It was so refreshing to be away from it all completely. If World War III had broken out, I wouldn't have known. There was no radio either.
• Going on retreat doesn't mean you do nothing for a week. I was busy meditating for hours each day, doing Tai Chi and Qigong, going for walks in the surrounding beautiful countryside and helping in the kitchen for an hour every day.
• Vegan food is delicious! A strict vegan diet for a week made me lose 4 lbs. As soon as I got back home though, I needed to have a ham sandwich with a boiled egg.
• Buddhism is a gentle and inspirational spiritual path. I learned to practice the Metta Bhavana (loving kindness) in meditation and had an interesting déjà vu when we talked about the Path of Individuality (very similar to the Fool's Journey in Tarot).
• Silence can be nourishing and promotes mindfulness. Rather than constantly yapping away and being exposed to all kinds of noise, hours and even days of imposed silence created a whole new level of calmness and relaxation. For an introvert like me, there was no need to make conversation. And strangely, we all started to develop a different and more subtle way to communicate. 
• I'm not really into rituals, but I enjoyed the chanting walking meditations, the "letting-go" fire ritual one evening, and the "planting a new seed" ritual the following day.
• For the first time I have experienced women as a loving healing collective rather than backstabbing hormonal b*tches. My faith in women-only groups (with the right attitude and in the right setting) has been restored. 
• It takes a few days to get back to reality once you return home.
• A retreat is a bit like therapy and it can be a life-changing experience.
• It's fantastic to stay in touch with the lovely women I've met and hopefully will meet again in the future.

Here I am, back in my world and getting on with work, home, family and social life. But something has changed. It all feels a bit different now. The retreat has been a kind of journey, and I feel all the richer for it. 

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 

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A Message from the Page of Swords

"I keep six honest serving-men,

They taught me all I knew;

Their names are What and Why and When

And How and Where and Who."

Rudyard Kipling

Affirmation: 

I allow my curiosity to flourish in order to enrich my life with knowledge and new experiences.

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

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Five Easy Ways to Lift Your Spirits

Tarot of Quotes

Feeling like the Four of Cups today?

Bored

Dissatisfied

Can't be bothered

Sluggish

Uninspired

No motivation

And to top it all off, whilst finishing off your coffee, you realise it's gone cold.

Sometimes there is a good reason for being in such a mood. Perhaps your relationship is no longer what it used to be, or your current job is stifling your ambitions and potential. Maybe it's just the rainy weather or hormones. If this is the case, then embrace your discontent as a catalyst for change.

But if you are just experiencing one of those off-days, then there is always something you can do, to lift yourself out of your black hole.

1. Start off  with a Smile

It doesn't take much energy. You don't even need to get out of bed for that. Think about happy moments you have experienced recently or in the past; funny moments, people, movies, stories... and it's even better if you can smile just out of gratitude for being alive.

If you are out and about, smile at someone passing you in the street (avoid those dodgy-looking people; a little old lady is usually safe). Chances are high they'll smile back, which is nice!

Smiling triggers endorphins in your body, which make you feel good. You don't even need to smile at people; smiling within will do. You can do this by relaxing your eyes and put on a kind attitude towards yourself and others.

Smiling within your body is a strategy found in many meditation traditions to initiate a change in your body's chemistry to raise your endorphin levels.

2. Do something you enjoy

When you feel like you are stuck in a boring and frustrating rut, take some time out and do something you enjoy. Even if it's only for ten minutes, this welcome interruption of your routine can offer new focus and inspiration.

You could listen to a track of your favourite music, and perhaps even get up and dance (provided you're in the right place for that ;)).

Have a nice cup of coffee or tea with a little treat.

Phone a friend who is cheerful and makes you laugh.

Get some fresh air to clear your head and refresh your senses.

3. Exercise

A minimum of 20 minutes exercise, such as brisk walking, will raise your serotonin (the "happy" hormone) levels in your body. You may have to really push yourself at first to make a start, but once you've done it, you will feel great. Believe me, I know!

4. Get out into Nature

There is nothing so exhilarating than a breath of fresh air in your local park or countryside. Watch the birds, look at the sky, appreciate the greenery and beauty of nature around you. In no time you are feeling less agitated, and negative thoughts start to gradually fade away.

5. Rest
Waiting can be one of the most frustrating irritations in the world. Being stuck in an airport lounge for hours or on a commuter train...sometimes the best you can do is just close your eyes and switch off from all the hustle and bustle around you.

You may also have to consider taking some rest time, if you have been working intensely for weeks on end to meet a deadline without a proper break. Nagging resentment resulting from prolonged stressful work is a sign that taking time out is essential to reboot yourself and make you feel more positive.

What's your favourite way to beat the Four-of-Cups blues?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 

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My Life in Pics - A Week In July

If you have been wondering, what's going on in my Cosmic world, then here are a few photos I've taken over the last week, one pic a day:

1. We've been having a heatwave here in the UK, and life has slowed down a bit!

2. A veggie lunch: ciabatta with red pepper spread, topped with black pepper, sun-dried tomatoes and grilled artichoke. I really want to eat less meat, and this was yummy!

3. I discovered this week that I had roses growing in my garden. The reason why I didn't know earlier is because my garden is overgrown...

4. A love reading I did before I went on a date the other day. Ah well...

5. My garden gnome. I always thought he will serve a higher purpose one day rather than just standing there.

6. And here he is! Immortalised on the Six of Cups of my Tarot of Quotes:

Six of Cups Haiku:

Hazy summer smile,

floating fantasy in a

pool of memory.

7. The neighbour's cat on her daily visit. Escaped from the baby in her house and enjoying a peaceful moment with me. 

I just wanted to post one pic, but couldn't choose. She's lovely on them all:

As you can see, it's summertime, and the living is easy here at Cosmic HQ. What's happening in your part of the world? I'd love to hear from you 😎

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 

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Overcoming Loneliness

Sirian Starseed Tarot

"All the lonely people,

where do they all come from?

All the lonely people,

where do they all belong?"

The Beatles, Eleanor Rigby

I've had my fair share of feeling lonely in my life. As an only child, I was mostly surrounded by adults when I was young, and even though my parents and elderly relatives loved me, I sometimes missed the company of friends at weekends and during the school holidays.

But unbeknown to me at the time, experiencing loneliness in my childhood developed my resilience and resourcefulness to overcome it.

I have learned to enjoy my own company and turn loneliness into blissful solitude. I'm a true Hermit personality after all!

In addition, despite being an introvert person, I nowadays don't shy away from getting out there and make new friends.

Loneliness will affect us all at one point in our lives, especially after the loss of a loved one or a relationship breakup. It can also be experienced, when moving away to a new town, where you don't know anybody.

Yet despite millions of people going through such upheaval in their lives, loneliness seems to be a taboo subject. Nobody wants to admit that they feel lonely. Everybody pretends to be busy and living exciting lives. The reality is often different and rarely properly addressed and resolved.

If you are going through prolonged periods of loneliness, here are some tips to help you overcome it:

Simply Deep Tarot

1. First of all, you need to know that feeling lonely is a choice. It's not something you need to put up with. You can beat loneliness by changing your mindset and also take some practical steps.

2. Don't be ashamed to admit that you feel lonely. Tell a friend, a family member or work colleague you trust. You will be surprised about people's reaction; most of them will want to help you.

3. When you work all day in a busy environment and come home in the evening to an empty house, loneliness can easily overcome you, especially when you have dinner by yourself.

You have two choices to deal with this: either you feel sorry for yourself, or you appreciate your time alone as a welcome opportunity to relax and unwind from a hectic day at the office.

4. Learn to enjoy your own company; this is often a challenge after a relationship breakup, when suddenly your partner is no longer there for companionship. Yes, this is tough at first, but it will get better in time. Gradually, you start enjoying your big bed and the absence of someone snoring next to you.

5. Loneliness is an opportunity for you to get out of your comfort zone. Reaching out and making new friends can be a daunting thought, but you need to give yourself that little push and get out there. You are not the only one feeling alone; check out Meet-Up and other online socialising platforms to find new friends in your local area. Activities range from meeting for drinks, restaurant meals, cinema and day trips to holidays abroad.

6. Sometimes mental health problems such as depression and anxiety can turn a person into a recluse, due to lack of energy or feeling scared to leave the house. If you think this is you, then your first step is to see your GP, who may refer you to a local peer support group.

Humans are social creatures. The best way to overcome loneliness is by connecting with people, but also create balance with quality, nourishing me-time.

The video clip below is an inspirational message to all the lonely people out there. If you are one of them, please watch it. I'm sure you'll love it.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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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

Tarot Haiku: Five of Cups

"Let's be friends", you said.

Part of me is still useful,

The rest discarded.

How to write your own Tarot Haiku:

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry consisting of exactly 17 syllables.
Syllables are arranged in three lines of 5-7-5

Pick a card. Describe what you see, express your emotions, capture a moment of beauty, a glimpse of nature and the seasons, or a poignant experience.

Explore your cards in a new way. Enjoy!

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 🦄


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A Message from the Tower

“Sometimes you've got to let everything go - purge yourself. 

If you are unhappy with anything, whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. 

Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.” 

Tina Turner

Affirmation: 

I face upheaval and uncertainty with the knowledge that it brings new beginnings, a fresh start and ultimately transformation and rebirth.

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Moments of Joy

I don't need to travel the world or go bungee-jumping to live life to the full. Here are those little blissful moments I have enjoyed this week in my simple yet abundant life:

• gardening on a sunny day
• the smell of freshly cut grass
• discovering the frogs have survived winter and now live in my pond
• a curious robin nearly landed on my finger
• the dawn chorus overpowered by the blackbird's out-of-tune tweeting
• a new Tarot deck delivered by the postman
• yummy porridge with chopped nuts, linseeds and sweetened with brown sugar
• my first cup of coffee in the morning
• the neighbours' cat purring on my lap
• meeting up with friends in the evening to chat about books and Games of Thrones over a glass of wine
• walking back home late at night on deserted roads...eerie but exhilarating 
• creating more Tarot cards and deciding to run a win-a-personalised-Tarot-card competition...the response made my heart sing..and you can still enter, if you read this before the 12th June 2013 
• watching G-Force with my son, and we were both laughing our heads off
• anticipating mid-term break; no need to get up early this week
• after many years I've managed to get the number of emails in my inboxdown to ZERO...I'm feeling so much lighter and organised
• sitting in the garden watching the sunset with a glass of wine and listening to the wildlife

What are your moments of joy this week? 

Please do share them below...I'd be happy to hear from you 😃

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Journal Yourself Happy
Creative Journaling Kit

Do The Hustle Tarot Spread

This is me in my flares
ready for the Tarot Hustle ;)

I rarely share YouTube videos on my blog, but the one you're about to see has blown my socks off, so you better watch it, too ;)

It's been created by Carrie Paris for World Tarot Day (25th May), and I discovered it on Jordan Hoggard's Google+ page today.

I never thought it was possible to combine Tarot with a dance move, but it works! And the spread is just fantastic.

Don't delay any longer, get groovy with the Tarot Hustle, and let me know what you think ;)

Enjoy!




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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You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Raising your Vibrations with Tarot

© J. Ahrendt

The latest buzz phrase that keeps popping up on the internet is "raising your vibrations".

I rarely fall for new age pseudo-speak; "cosmic-dimensional" and "self-harmonisation" make me laugh, but this one I love.

It simply relates to the energy and vibes we all radiate, and we can certainly do something about those on a down-to-earth, practical level.

Don't underestimate how your presence can affect other people around you.

Even when you put on a brave face or try to cover up emotional turmoil by keeping up appearances, on a subconscious level negative vibes such as anguish, fears, sorrow, resentment, low self-esteem, suppressed emotions and insecurities can be picked up by others.

This can have a detrimental effect in relationships, at work, when you go for an interview... Learn to be aware of your vibrational level and nurture it to make things work for you.

Raising your vibrations means increasing positive energies you are sending out into the world.

It is very much rooted in the spiritual realm, tuning into your soul and inner wisdom to boost qualities such as confidence, self-worth, optimism, grace, contentment, humility and unconditional love.

How can you raise your vibrations?

Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:

• Think positively
• Encourage others
• Be less judgemental
• Become more tolerant
• Practice forgiveness
• Clear negative emotions
• Show compassion
• Become more aware
• Live in the present
• Practice gratitude
• Let go of attachments
• Take time out to relax
• Meditate
• Take responsibility
• Empower yourself

Sometimes we are unaware of the energies we radiate, and when we do recognise being at a low point, a little nudge with the Tarot (or Oracle cards) can help lift you up again.

Ask the Tarot:

1. What is my current level of vibration?
2. What can I do to raise it?
3. How can I maintain it?

For this sample reading I have used the Sirian Starseed Tarot:

Sirian Starseed Tarot © Patricia Cori 2012

1. Two of Crystals (Two of Pentacles)

I'm getting good vibes from this image: a man is standing by the sea holding two beautiful crystals in his hands. He is looking up at the blue sky. The elements of air water and earth are present in this image; it is a harmonious mix.

This card describes the vibrations of someone, who is in tune with nature, but is also aware of the need to create balance in their lives; perhaps a choice to be made or ways to figure out how to integrate them

Creating this balance isn't always easy, and that can show occasionally in the energies that radiate from this person.

2. Five of Orbs (Five of Swords)

The juggler in the image doesn't realise (or care about) the two orbs that lie broken on the ground, yet he keeps on juggling in a remote spot on a little rock by the sea.

This image suggests the need to pay more attention and care to communication, choosing words wisely and looking at the bigger picture. Perhaps the juggler feels superior in some way, but this attitude only isolates him.

Avoiding battles and opt for cooperation instead will raise vibrations. Focus on creating a win-win situation in a conflict rather than trying to win at all costs.

3. Abundance (The Empress)

Maintain and even further raise your vibrations with the constant flow of love; love for others and for yourself, self-care and nurturing others.

Feeding and harnessing your creative talents and forces, being in tune with the natural flow and embracing the beauty that is present in the here and now.

Why not try this spread today to raise your vibration? For more inspiration, check out my Cosmic Faery's Journal workbook.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

A Message from the Ten of Swords

"Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life." 

J. K. Rowling

Affirmation: 

Now that I have nothing more to lose, I am free to start again. 

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

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