Meet Your Shadow

Welcome to the Samhain Blog Hop.

If you have just arrived from Carolyn's contribution, thank you for stopping by.

You can jump back onto the blog hop train and continue your journey by clicking on the link to Amethyst's blog at the end of this article.

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival that was celebrated on the first day of November and marked the beginning of winter and also the Celtic New Year.

As you can imagine, in the olden days this would be a dark and cold time; no wonder our ancestors would be thinking about death, ghosts and sheer survival during the harsh winter months ahead.

Today, we celebrate Halloween on the eve of the 31 October, which nowadays marks the start of the party season up to Christmas.

But if you would like to commemorate Samhain in a more contemplative way, then this year you may want to explore your dark - shadow - side, and what better way to do it than with a Tarot deck?

What is your Shadow?

It's that aspect of your personality you prefer to keep hidden. Weaknesses you'd rather ignore, blocked personality traits you dislike or may be seen as inappropriate by society; desires, fears, secrets, latent talents, suppressed emotions, your dark side.

At Samhain, the evening of Halloween, prepare to meet your Shadow and face it. Uncover and explore your hidden and true self. Acknowledge it, embrace it, make friends with it, release it or turn it into something positive.

Identify your Shadow Zodiac Card

First, meet your Shadow by selecting the opposing zodiac of your sun sign:

Emperor (Aries) – Justice (Libra)
Hierophant (Taurus) – Death (Scorpio)
Lovers (Gemini) – Temperance (Sagittarius)
Chariot (Cancer) – Devil (Capricorn)
Strength (Leo) – Star (Aquarius)
Hermit (Virgo) - Moon (Pisces)

For example, if Scorpio is your sun sign, then Taurus is your opposing zodiac, and the Hierophant is your shadow card.

Before you move on to the next step, explore your shadow card in more detail:

What does it say about your hidden personality, your fears, weaknesses and so forth? Explore the challenging aspects of the card. Which ones resonate with you?

Your Shadow is uncharted territory. And just like real shadows, it fluctuates, changes shape, becomes larger or smaller. Different shadow aspects come through at different times and in different situations.

For your Samhain exploration, pull two more cards that will focus on a particular aspect in relation to your zodiac shadow card and a task that may help you overcome or at least integrate that aspect into your life more comfortably.

Here's the spread:

1. Your Shadow Zodiac Card (see above)
2. What particular aspect do you need to focus on at this moment in time?
3. What can you do to make a positive change?

I invite you to take a glimpse into my Shadow world:

As a Pisces, my shadow zodiac card is the Hermit, which is also my personality card. What do these cards reveal to you about me that I would rather keep hidden?

Have fun exploring your Shadow and dark side with this simple spread.

Thanks for being here. Please enjoy more Samhain / Halloween explorations by visiting Amethyst's blog, and before you go, please consider subscribing to my feed.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Tarot Astrology: Sun in Scorpio, Full Moon in Taurus

Tarot of the Vampyres  © Llewellyn 2010

It's full moon in Taurus tonight, and I dare to admit that I've nearly missed it!

Trying to combine half-term holidays and Halloween preparations with a busy workload is my lame excuse, but here we are, at that dark time of the year, when Scorpio's intense emotions and transformational powers are kept in check by down-to-earth Taurus.

Since it is Halloween in two days time, I have chosen the zodiac card images for today's post from Ian Daniels' Tarot of the Vampyres; Death (Scorpio) and the Hierophant (Taurus).

2012, the year of the Hierophant, is soon coming to an end, and according to the Mayan calendar a new era is beginning on the 21 December. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, so it is an apt match with Death as its Tarot zodiac card.

Scorpio/Death as the current sun sign influence may encourage a strong urge within ourselves to follow our primal needs and emotions, which can indeed bring about long-lasting changes and an unsettling time ahead coming to terms with the new order we are creating.

Tonight, the energy of the Taurus full moon, the Hierophant, will help us determine, if we want to go all the way into an unknown, risky, adventurous direction or stay as we are, in a secure but unexciting comfort zone.

But the Taurus/Hierophant energy is not entirely a killjoy; it may prevent you from making choices that are completely mad, bonkers and regrettable in a few months time.

Whatever direction the Death/Hierophant energies are taking you over the forthcoming 24 - 36 hours, they will most likely be for the best.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Learn more about Tarot and Astrology with my Starlight Tarot Astrology Course.

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A Message from Strength

Tarot of Quotes

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. 

Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. 

Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.”

August Wilson

Affirmation: 

I create harmony by gently balancing my opposing needs and desires.

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Zodiac Card Death - Scorpio

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

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

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

Personality Traits associated with Death:

Positive: passionate, steadfast, intense, intuitive, perceptive, loyal, resourceful, dynamic, healing, ability to transform and regenerate

Negative: possessive, jealous, unrelenting, manipulative, secretive, suspicious, vengeful, controlling, judgemental, extreme

Death/Scorpio Life lessons:

• learn to trust intuition and sensitivity in order to heal others
• delving deep into the soul to discover and follow passions and motivations
• overcoming the desire to be possessive of others
• learning to be neutral rather than judgemental in order to be at peace
• exploring and facing the deeper truths beyond appearances to allow for personal transformation
• taming the desire for revenge and instead releasing negative energies held towards others, not transferring own emotions onto others

The following Scorpio correspondences also relate to Death:

Element: Water
Season/Timing: Autumn (October 24 - November 23)
Ruling Planets: Mars (also associated with the Emperor and Tower) and Pluto (also associated with Judgement)
Stone: Bloodstone, Topaz
Key Word: Sex
Key Phrase: I Desire

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Tarot & Quotes: Wheel of Fortune

Animalis Arcanum Tarot 
© Oephebia 2011

"Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like." - Lemony Snicket

The Wheel of Fortune is relentlessly spinning throughout our lives. Sometimes we're in luck, at other times we need to deal with a misfortune.

Most of these events seem to be out of our control, but quite often we will have done something beforehand, perhaps unknown to us, that will have led to the Wheel of Fortune moment: cause and effect, karma.

"We create our fate every day we live." - Henry Miller

In a few non-traditional decks, the Wheel of Fortune is represented by a fortune-teller; the unknown future can be scary when you want to stay in control.

The Wheel of Fortune in the Animalis Arcanum Tarot by Oephebia is a delightful image of a cat, whose curiosity and playfulness leads her to spin the Wheel. She's probably also keen to catch the bird, which no doubt will fly off any moment having already spotted the little predator. The cat is unaware of having set the "wheel in motion"; the bird flies off, just when the cat is about to pounce and in that movement may even knock over the wheel.

The cat, unaware, has taken fate into her own "paws", and in a reading, the Wheel of Fortune may suggest that you need to do the same. When this card comes up, why not spin the Wheel? Ask yourself, what can you do or change, even just for a month or so, that might have a big, positive, nurturing impact on your life? 

Of course, when we cannot find an explanation for an unexpected event that has long-term consequences, it often seems that higher forces beyond our control influence our lives. In that moment all we can do is control our reaction to it.

"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." - Wayne Dyer

Whatever fate has in store for you, it's up to you to make the most of it.

"All of us have bad luck and good luck. The man who persists through the bad luck - who keeps right on going - is the man who is there when the good luck comes - and is ready to receive it." - Robert Collier

"If you can't change your fate, change your attitude." - Amy Tan

Oephebia's Animalis Arcanum Tarot is a visually attractive deck-in-progress with a wealth of symbolism and the presence of animals on each card. The Major Arcana is nearly completed. Take a look at the other beautiful images on her website: Animalis Arcanum Tarot.

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 Libra, Full Moon in Aries

Justice (Libra) & The Emperor (Aries), Aquatic Tarot

The full moon in Aries early morning on the 30th September will bring some harmonising energies together with the sun in Libra.

We have already experienced the opposite energy combination back in April this year, when the sun was in Aries and the full moon in Libra, but due to the change, the energies of Libra and Aries influence each other differently.

While we are working on creating balance at work and in our relationships by recognising the needs of others and exercising more tolerance (Justice/Libra), we also need to be aware of our own needs and ambitions (Emperor/Aries).

Whilst we focus on the collective needs and greater good (Justice/Libra), we are challenged by new motivational energies - new ideas, visions and ambitions that help us grow, and this balancing act may create a sense of new beginnings ahead.

The full moon in Aries may help you to

• re-evaluate relationships that may have gone stale or drain you; make some positive changes or perhaps go separate ways
• be more spontaneous and use the momentum to resolve unfinished business. The easy-going energy of Libra/Justice may have led to a passive state of procrastination. Now is a good time to get things done again, especially for yourself.
• explore what is holding you back from achieving your goals, and let go of it, especially people, who don't offer you the support and encouragement you need.
• focus on being a driving force rather than blending in with the collective. Be more confident about your abilities; let go of the fear of making mistakes or not being good enough.
• seek ways to become more independent and self-reliant

Meditate on the Emperor card to invoke the positive energies of the full moon in Aries over the next few days.

Make Magick happen!

Christiane

Check out these links:

Tarot Astrology Correspondence Course

Tarot Readings - Insightful guidance when you need it

Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life

Empowering Messages from the Tarot ebook - for more inspiring quotes and affirmations for each card

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The Power Of Transformation

Tarot of Quotes

Welcome to the Mabon Blog Hop. If you have just arrived from Jaymi's contribution, thank you for stopping by. You can jump back onto the blog hop train and continue your journey by clicking on the link to Morgan's blog at the end of this post.

The topic for today is an intriguing one: which Tarot cards or spreads signify most truly the power of transformation? What is my personal, ultimate tool of the Tarot that offers me the ability to transform my Self and my circumstances into something new, different and better than how I began?

Let me share with you the simple truth: the Tarot on the whole is a tool of transformation. The moment I picked up the cards all these many years ago and started learning the Tarot, it slowly but surely transformed me from someone full of insecurities, who was just reacting to events, situations or circumstances, to actually taking control, living more mindfully and making things happen.

I don't do readings for myself every day. In fact, I rarely read for myself, but each card in the Tarot teaches me a lesson on a daily basis. Every time I read for others or when I teach the Tarot, it offers me new insight and wisdom.

The Tarot teaches you universal life lessons and patterns. When you decide to learn Tarot, you become the Magician, the initiator of transformation, the archetypal alchemist, who has all the tools and ingredients to create and make Magick happen in your life.

Gradually, you tune into yourself, others and your surroundings. You become more aware. You gain foresight. Understanding. A healthy level of detachment. You learn about the cycles of life, death and rebirth. You learn the art of self-empowerment.

Tarot of Quotes

The process of transformation rarely happens overnight. In Tarot, it is symbolised by Death. The ending is its climax, which generates a new beginning; the moment when the caterpillar turns into a butterfly. What the Magician has started is culminating at this point.

It's not straightforward and can be uncomfortable, even emotionally painful at times. You have to learn to let go of your old Self, which isn't always easy.

Once you are mindfully aware of your transformational process, you start to embody Temperance, when you begin to perfect the mix of new lessons learned, behavioural patterns, ideas, beliefs and attitudes.

You start to make things work, create harmony and balance by coming to terms with the changes and getting accustomed to your new situation. You learn about making compromises without losing out.

Your journey continues through darkness and light, setbacks and progress - will you make it to the World and fulfil your true potential?

Tarot of Quotes

When you start to engage with the Tarot as a tool for self-development and spiritual growth, you will notice its profound effect on you over time.

If Tarot is your passion and part of your life, how has it changed you over time? 

An example of a transformational Tarot spread can be found here.

Thank you again for your visit. Before you move on to enjoy Morgan's blog hop contribution, please consider subscribing to my feed.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Zodiac Card Justice - Libra

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

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

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

Personality Traits associated with Justice:

Positive: balanced judgement, mentally, active, self-expressive, communicative, diplomatic, a need for unity with others, easy going

Negative: indecisiveness, sentimental, changeable, lack of confidence, sometimes too easy going, vengeful

Justice/Libra Life lessons:

• striving for harmony and balance without being indecisive
• acknowledging truth and live with integrity
• creating harmony in relationships
• expressing grace and beauty through artistic endeavours
• avoid cruelty and need for revenge when feeling angry or hurt
• nurturing firm but fair leadership skills

The following Libra correspondences also relate to Justice:

Element: Air
Season/Timing: Early Autumn (September 22 - October 23)
Ruling Planet: Venus (also associated with the Empress and the Hierophant)
Stone: Jade, Emerald
Key Word: Harmony
Key Phrase: I Balance


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

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A Message From Temperance

Temperance symbolises the creation of the perfect alchemical mix of opposites to create harmonious balance and healing.

“Three rules of work: 

out of clutter find simplicity; 

from discord find harmony; 

in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” 

Albert Einstein

Affirmation: I carefully balance opposing needs and desires to create harmony.

For more inspiring quotes and affirmations for each card please check out my ebook Empowering Messages from the Tarot

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The Power Of The Moon

When I was working on the creation of  my Tarot Astrology online course, I was pondering about how the planets affect us in everyday life. 

I'm not sure how much their existence in our solar system influences us here on Earth, but I keep an open mind and certainly know about the proven power of the moon, without which our planet would be unable to sustain life.

Knowing that the moon regulates the tides on Earth, its gravitational pull not only affects the oceans but also us human beings (plants and animals, too!), who consist of around 75% water. 

The waxing and waning of the moon regulates women's menstrual cycles, hormonal balance, and it is pretty certain this as a result affects our moods and feelings.

Astrology, developed and practised for thousands of years, has picked up on that, carefully examining the planetary influences over a long period of time. 

In the ancient world, astrology and astronomy were closely linked, whereas nowadays it is strictly divided between the science and exploration of the universe and the esoteric practice of consulting the stars for guidance.

More people nowadays live more consciously with the power of the moon. 

When you are in tune with the lunar influence on your life, you can make use of it to your advantage.

For example, you can use the different phases of the moon to make things happen:

New Moon (the waxing, growing phase): starting something new, new ideas are created, planning and research, learning something new and building on what you know to reap the rewards in the future.

Second Quarter (half moon, gibbous): what was started during the New Moon phase, is now beginning to take shape and manifest; check plans, review, adjust, take the next step towards your goal.

Full Moon: a time of fruition, fulfilment, achievement, culmination, pinnacle, reaping rewards - depending on the efforts during the previous phases.

Waning Moon: a time to rest, reflect and letting go; banishing, moving on.

Some farmers and gardeners use the phases of the moon to aid their work. 

They tend to sow seeds and transplant young shoots during the waxing phase of the moon, whereas during the waning phase they cultivate, harvest, prune and mow the lawn.

If you want to give up smoking (or any other addiction), then you can stop smoking on the first day of the new moon - the first day of your new life as a non-smoker. 

By the time of the full moon, you may have overcome the worst craving, and the most dangerous time of a relapse is behind you. 

During the waning phase you are less likely to slip, and you can finally let go for good.

The Moon Cards in the Tarot

In Tarot, the moon is associated with the High Priestess, The Moon and The Chariot (the moon rules the zodiac sign Cancer, which is assigned to the Chariot).

The moon is also associated with the following Minor Arcana cards:

Six of Pentacles, Four of Cups, Two of Swords, Nine of Wands, Seven of Swords.

What are the lunar qualities associated with these cards?

In Astrology, the moon symbolises the cycles of birth, death and rebirth, and is associated with feelings, emotions, intuition, the unconscious, instinct, self-nourishment and femininity.

Here are some ideas for the moon cards:

Six of Pentacles: feelings about money and charity; feeling good about your own generosity, or feeling uncomfortable about receiving financial help. Balancing fluctuating circumstances; unstable finances (temporary or freelance work can create periods of high and low income)

Four of Cups: moodiness; low self-esteem, boredom, pessimism; succumbing to negative emotions, reflection.

Two of Swords: contemplation, on the verge of a new beginning; finding answers within (the blindfold is meant to prevent external influences - in the RWS deck this image resembles that of the High Priestess).

Nine of Wands: recuperation, evaluation, weariness, protecting one's feelings, insecurities.

Seven of Swords: secrets, deception, misguidance, lies not yet uncovered, trickery, not all is as it seems, conspiracy, hiding the truth, shady character.

As you can see, the planetary associations with Tarot cards can offer some interesting and insightful new meanings and interpretations.

This is only the beginning of Tarot Astrology. 

If you would like to learn more, please check out my new online course, in which you can learn in-depth the magickal connection of Tarot & Astrology and its practical application in readings.

Christiane

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A Message From The Lovers

Tarot of Quotes

"A relationship is a three-part journey: 

First there's infatuation. 

Then there's conflict – the part where most people jump ship. 

The third part is becoming an active participant in your partner's feelings, and that's the method to the madness." 

Alanis Morissette

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Tarot Astrology: Sun in Virgo, Full Moon in Pisces

We have come to the time of year, when the zodiac wheel has turned and the combined sun/full moon energies are repeated, just flipped over. For example, we have already experienced the Pisces/Virgo combination back in March, but then is was the Pisces sun combined with the Virgo full moon. Although it is the same mix, the energies shift.

The forthcoming full moon in Pisces on the 31 August is also the second full moon this month, a rare occurrence called a blue moon. Because it is in Pisces, it will be a powerful moon, likely to create shifts on an emotional and psychological level.

The full moon in Pisces (Moon) encourages us to be more in tune on an intuitive level with our environment and the people we engage with. We become more 'aware' without 'knowing', it can leave us unsure, but we need to learn to trust our senses for now to make wise choices.

Combined with the sun in Virgo (Hermit) we will be experiencing a positive and beneficial energy combination. 

While the Virgo/Hermit energies encourage introspection and the pursuit of higher spiritual knowledge and wisdom, the Pisces/Moon energies provide a supportive influence, potentially leading to a shift in our consciousness.

Old patterns of beliefs, habits and attitudes may change, it can be transformational, and it will feel good!

You may find that you

• become more understanding and caring of others rather than being quick to criticise or condemn
• turn self-pity and resignation into willpower and enthusiasm for life
• confront difficult situations with courage rather than fear
• become more aware of your abilities rather than feeling insecure
• avoid crowds of people in preference of solitude and quiet introspection

The forthcoming combination of the Virgo/Hermit sun with the Pisces/Moon full moon is one to embrace and cherish. Make sure you tune in and let its energies work some magick on your mind and spirit.

Christiane

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