Fostering New Ideas

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Today’s meditation was not particularly successful, primarily because I had the helper coming and so I was trying to fit it in before she arrived.   I did… but the effort caused me to be distracted.   I’m going to try again before bed, I think.   Nothing wrong with two sessions in a day if needed.

Today’s draw is the Three of Zephyrs (Three of Swords), which has a variety of meanings depending on which system you use.  In reading with numerology, the the meaning of the Three of Air has to do with small gains and growth, groups and cooperation, communication, and the potential for “third wheel syndrome” in the area of the mind, logic, instinct, and intellect.

In the RWS system, this card is a representation of heartache and difficult times, sorrow and grief.  I’ve never really understood -why- the Three of Swords would be an emotion card in RWS, though.  It just always seemed odd to me.   It can also represent negative self talk and forgiveness, though, which I do see as of the mind.   Still…. heartache?  Grief?   As I see the Sword cards as Air, it seems like those themes would be better suited to the cups.  Just my opinion.

SO…. my take on today’s card isn’t about either traditional definition, but is about the imagery of the card itself.  What I see when I look at this card is a community working together to protect what they hold dear.  They protect the children.  They protect that new start, that new spark of life, the idea of something new and different that needs fostering and care.   The birds protect the vulnerable while still allowing for that sense of community.

This message correlates with some of what my Self Care Saturday spread I’d posted earlier today is about this weekend.  It’s about the budding of new ideas, and the protection of them.   As you mentioned in your comments, the impression I got was that in sharing these new ideas before they are fully implemented, I can run the risk of them being stolen, dashed, or killed off. (And, there‘s the heartbreak.)

That is to say, sometimes you need to give new ideas time to reside within and be sheltered, and allow them time to grow, before you share them with the world.

Deck Used: Stolen Child Tarot

Self Care Saturday (on Sunday)

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SCS

As I’ve mentioned before, these readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and are not meant as a predictive reading.

The question is… What do I need to focus on in the week ahead?

Earth – Ace of Pentacles – New opportunities in manifestation and abundance for 2nd week in a row. The little girl happily swinging, shining bright in her glass bubble is an indication of inspiration and enjoyment in exploring these new opportunities from a secure place.

Air – King of Cups – Seek out Gideon when my mind becomes too chaotic and anxieties threaten to take over. Remember he is a safe place to take refuge and a breather.

Water – Ten of Swords – If I don’t work on finding balance instead of bulking up my defenses, things are going to run the risk of going catastrophically wrong emotionally.

Fire – Queen of Swords – I often view the Queen of Swords as cold and restrained.  The clarification card expands on this theme for a message concerning caution and restraint in sharing inspiration with others in order to protect your interests.

Moving Away From – The Staff & Beauty Way – These cards in the “moving away from” position indicate that finding balance, positivity, and optimism will be a bit of a challenge over the next week.

Heading Toward (and Moral of the Story) – Middle World – Now is a good time for new endeavors, as the world and its energies support you. But, take caution to not be reckless or careless with your resources or confidences.

Decks Used: Crow Tarot, Dixit Pack #6 Memories, Mystical Shaman Oracle

 

#TarotForGrowthSeptember prompt 14 … Patience

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For the hell of it, I did the #TarotForGrowthSeptember prompt today from Instagram.

14

Question: How can I develop better patience with myself?

Reading Summary: Let out that magical childlike wonder and magical inspiration that sparks fire within the depths of my soul. It’s okay to have fun and play, even while you work hard at that which supports you.

Take Away: I’ve been pushing so hard on focusing on the business and separating myself from the more emotional and fun-loving side of things. For some reason this has been a really strong focus for me recently, and I’ve been highly judgemental with myself for the struggle involved. I’ve lost sight of the FUN that is a part of my business and my craft. It’s time to get back in touch with that aspect.

What this reading is saying is once I am able to get back in touch with the -fun- of my business and craft again, my harsh inner critic over my lack of enthusiasm will ease up.

Decks Used: Dixit Quest Expansion Pack #2

 

In the Shark Tank

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and done in the bathtub without guided meditation involved.   I do what I often do when I need some soothing, which is lying in the bottom of the tub with the shower running and watching the water drops run down along the side of the side of the tub.

It was very soothing, but I think the coming to you after and talking with you helped more.

Today’s draw is the Knight of Brine, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy in the area of emotions, creativity, relationships, and intuition.

What I see when I look at this card is a fierce warrior in a moment of gentleness and communion.  The shark boy is clearly a creature of strength, and even the expression on his face speaks of a warrior’s spirit, and yet he holds one of the most delicate creatures of the sea in his hand, communing and communicating with it  (as shown by the seaweed that is surrounding them each.

This message is a reinforcement of what we’ve been speaking about today in working through what’s coming up with my trip.  It’s about finding that fierce “Katumi” spirit under smooth calm and quiet.  It’s about allowing room for vulnerability beneath the shell, present but protected.    It’s about not closing yourself off so harshly that you literally create a box that’s sealed and allows no air to breathe.

Deck Used: Stolen Child Tarot

Communicating with Spirit(s)

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This week’s question from the Pagan Perspective YouTube channel is a two-in-one, both of which deal with spirit communication and sensing energies.

spirit

First, I think I need to set some parameters about what “spirit” means in this post, because in the metaphysical world there are two very different common definitions for this.

  1. Spirit can refer to what I define as “the elements and energies of creation, evolution, and balance”.  It is the ‘universe’ aspect.  It is the deity aspect.  It is the Fae aspect.  It is the aspect of the spirits within trees and nature.
  2. Spirit(s) can refer to communicating with ghosts and the deceased.

With that out of the way, the first question in this week’s topic is….

Shadow_sun:
“Does spirit communication play a role in your practice?”

As I have mentioned before, I have a sensitivity to energy in general.  I am not more specifically attuned to the spirits of the deceased than any other type of energy.  Is it possible I can sense them in the clairsentient type of way that I sense most energy?  Absolutely.  But I’m not attuned to it to the point where I would consider it as communication.

This is why, as well, that I say that I do not do mediumship in my tarot.  Could messages be coming through from the deceased on the other side?  Yes, they could be.   But I am not able to differentiate that energy out, let alone identify it as a specific person.

On the other hand, connecting to ‘spirit’ as mentioned in the first definition outlined above is something that I connect and communicate with daily as a part of my daily devotional.   I reach for and welcome elemental energies into my devotional, and into most of my spell crafting and spell casting.  I also connect with and communicate with energies of ‘creation, evolution, and balance’ at the same time and in the same ways.

At these times, I am not usually asking anything from these energies, but rather inviting them to join me in my work should they wish to participate, and expressing my gratitude for their participation in my life as a whole.

This is, in my opinion, different than when I am sensing energies and reacting to it, such as sensing danger and taking evasive measures regardless of the fact that there does not -appear- to be any danger present at the moment.   This, too, is a type of communication, but it is not initiated by me and is entirely receptive (or perceptive of some inner sense) in its nature.   Is it possible that on the receptive side of things I am mistaking what I sense and consider to be from one source (such as spirit definition #1 or my own instincts) as the other and vice versa?  Absolutely.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am also an auditory –> tactile/olfactory/gustatory synesthete.  This means that there are a lot of crossed wires in my brain where my hearing is concerned, and this sometimes can result in experiences can be confused with my energy perceptions as well.

The second part of today’s subject was more of a request for a topic, and that is….

Althaea Ratliff the Religion:
“General communication with spirits and feeling spiritual energy through body parts. (I feel through my right leg, my friend feels through their spine.)”

I feel like I’ve mentioned this somewhere before, but I couldn’t find it to link the post, so maybe not.  The process of my sensing energy is primarily physical in nature and is not always pleasant.

It usually starts in my solar plexus, travels along the insides my rib cage around to my back then up beneath my shoulder blades to eventually surface and span out under the skin over my shoulders and up my neck to my scalp.    How this sensation comes across, whether it hurts or not, whether it tingles or stings, whether it moves fast or slow, where along that path I feel it most succinctly… all of those factors and more determine how these sensations are then interpreted.

I think, for those that can sense spirit (or spirits), energies, etc, that this is pretty normal. Normal in that everyone is going to experience it differently, and it’s how well you tune into those experiences that speak on how well and how clearly they will speak to you.

Take It Slow

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and focused on going with the flow and learning from what comes.

The story along with this guided meditation was about a man that lived in a hut with no door, and that one day while he was trying to meditate, a cat wandered in and laid down in his lap. He got up and picked the cat up and tossed it back outside, then returned to meditating, but the cat came back again. This went on for some time before he finally gives in and allows the cat to stay. The cat settles in his lap for a whole thirty seconds, and then wanders out on its own.

Sometimes? You just have to go with the flow. A lesson that this man learned from the random appearance of a cat.

Today’s draw is a double without a jumper, which is the Ace of Brine and the King of Oak.

What I see today when I look at these cards is when your heart speaks, sometimes it is a good idea to center yourself before you act and take your time with where it leads.

New ideas, new projects, creative inspirations, and budding feelings often cause us to run towards whatever has struck our interest rather than walk. The snail and the octopus in the Ace of Brine speak of a slower, more dexterous approach. Overlaying that is the King of Oak. He is regal and serene, grounded and steady. He speaks of an earthy abundance that, to me, represents an energy of strength and restraint. Not restraint as in saying “no”, but rather restraint as in taking your time and practicing moderation.

And again we come to moderation. Today’s cards are yet another perspective on moderation, which is an ongoing theme of late. This is not surprising, as it is something that I need to work on.

The traditional meanings for these cards include…

The Ace of Brine (which is the Ace of Cups) is a representation of beginnings, new starts, potential, and opportunities in the area of the emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

The King of Oak (which is the King of Pentacles) is a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of resources, finances, manifestation, and the physical world. This leads to themes that include authority, stability, wealth, and abundance.

Deck Used: Stolen Child Tarot

 

You Have What You Need

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Today’s meditation was twenty minutes long, and was not a guided meditation.   Instead, I settled in to focus solely on my breathing and a full body scan that started at the top of my head and worked its way down through my body, one part at a time, to the tips of my toes.  I then expanded that awareness back up through my entire body, and outward into my environment.

Today’s draw is the 17th card in the Major Arcana, the Star card. This card is a representation of hope and/or despair, faith and/or loss of faith, renewal, spirituality, and disconnection and/or interconnectedness.  Often, when I see this card, I read it as that interconnectedness and faith, especially in a one-card draw where there is no other cards to turn the meaning in a different direction.

The imagery for the star card in this deck has an otter with its belly exposed, eyes filled with alert interest while comfortable within his environment.   His environment supports him, all that he needs surrounding him and providing for him. What I see is a deep connection to environment and nature, while allowing openness and vulnerability.

This is an important message about trusting that life will provide for you.  Trusting your connection with what fills you with comfort.  It’s a message about not just trusting yourself, but in life itself and your environment, that it will assist you and support you.

Sometimes I feel like I have to do everything myself, and I push myself hard to make sure things are secure and I am provided for.   This card’s appearance is a reminder that I AM provided for.  I don’t have to be that towering push for strength all the time, nor do I always need to fight for every little thing I have.

It’s okay to let go and wallow in what you have, now and then, rather than always pushing for more.

Deck Used: Stolen Child Tarot

#SpeakingUpForMyBeliefs (non) VR to Shadow Harvest

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Although this hashtag was created by Shadow Harvest back in August, I originally saw Amethyst Ascension’s reply that she did the other day.   I found both of their thoughts on the matter very interesting.  I think that this topic is one that most people are a bit awkward with, whether they are under the pagan umbrella, or just of a different religion to whatever is being worshiped in the moment.

Essentially, the question is what do you do in situations where you are stuck with people worshiping where there is an expectation of the “accepted norm” of following along, or risk standing out due to lack of conformity.

church

The example given was being a pagan at a Christian wedding where they request everyone to bow their heads to pray during the ceremony.  This included mention of certain scripture or vows that you do not agree with personally, or have an issue with.

For me?  This also fits into when I visit other people’s homes.  J’s parents like to hold hands and say Grace before they eat.   Out east, some of my family also say Grace (without the hand holding, because my family is NOT a touchy feely type of family).

So…. what do I do?

First, I accept that I can’t control what other people do, I can only control my own actions and behavior.

Second, it depends on the situation.    Do I wear my pagan jewelry when visiting a church?  Absolutely.    I do not see it as a disrespect to the church, but rather feel I am presenting myself as… myself, and showing that I have come FOR a reason.   I’m essentially saying “although this is not my faith, I’m here for you”.

This follows as well with prayer.  No, I do not participate in the bowing of my head and entreaty to their god.  But I am there for it.  I’m standing tall and projecting my own well wishes, my own hopes for their future, my own entreaties to my own entities and energies.   I don’t know their religion.  I don’t know their beliefs.  It would, in my opinion, be disrespectful to pretend to be doing something I don’t know anything about or does not follow MY beliefs.  It would be, essentially, being deceptive within a sacred space.   And for me?  That’s not okay.

hands

As for Grace…  In J’s parents home as well as other people’s homes when they want to say Grace?  I will hold hands if it is a part of their tradition, because I believe this creates a circle of energy that goes beyond prayer and into intention.   But, I do not bow my head and pray their prayer.  Instead, I again put out my own entreaties to my own energies and entities.  Entreaties that will align with the spirit of saying Grace, and will add to that circle of energy created in that moment.

This is how I deal with these situations.

There are plenty of times when life has required me to intentionally hide my faith.  There have been places I have traveled where personal safety made it an imperative.  Personal safety trumps everything else, including my feelings of being disrespectful by being dishonest in a sacred space.  That aside?   I do me, and I expect others to do them and LET me do me.

Sometimes Shit Falls Apart

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and focused on how the benefits of a calm mind created by daily meditation assists in a better life.

This was a very apropos topic, considering the card that I pulled today (more on that below), but I do agree with the topic for the guided meditation today.   I have noticed that on the days where I do not manage to fit my meditation in during my morning routine, that the day seems harder, longer… and just overall a bit more stressful.

On a side note, something else I’ve noticed is that if I hit the snooze in the morning… I feel way crappier when I get up (and throughout the day) than I do if I just get my ass out of bed when the alarm goes off the first time.    I think I’m going to have to ban myself from hitting snooze, or rolling back over for more sleep when I wake up early on a day I don’t need to.

Today’s draw is the Tower card of the Major Arcana.  This is a card that is representative of sudden, abrupt, and unavoidable change.  I think that a lot of people look at this card and have an immediate “oh shit” moment, and honestly?  Me too.  Not because I think it is a bad card.  I don’t.   But, like many people, I hate the process of change.  The end result?  Probably great… usually great.  You adapt and you move on.   The process?  That shit sucks.

When I look at this card, I see that ‘oh shit’ moment.   I see the struggle, as the beavers prepare to fell the tree and the bird that called the tree home grabs what he can and makes a run for it.

What I see isn’t something I see.  It’s something I feel when I look at the card, but am unable to pick apart and explain HOW I get there.   And that is that evolution is inevitable and required.   Shit has to fall apart in order to make way for better shit to come forth.  Sometimes?  It feels like the end of the world, but like the depression that sometimes nips at my heels and at other times swallows me whole… there IS an end to the chaos, and things always fall back into balance again in the end.   The key is to ride it out, and strive to stay safe through the process.

Deck Used: Stolen Child Tarot

 

Rest and Recovery

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Today’s meditation…. turned into a nap.  It wasn’t intentional, but that’s how it went.  It was just a really stressful and very long day, and once I managed to stay still and quiet my mind, the sandman cracked me on the head and sent me to sleep.

Today’s draw was the Ten of Zephyrs, which is a representation of endings, restoration, and resurrection (among other more negative connotations) in the areas of intellect, the mind, logic, education, and instinct.  Some of the more negative meanings include resisting closure, painful endings, deep wounds, and betrayal.  The other side of this coin, though, is that it is also a card of recovery, healing from said wounds, and moving on.

What I saw (and see) in this card today is not a predator looking over prey, but rather that the vulture is watching over the birdboy as the boy rests and recovers from whatever has washed him out so egregiously.   It reminds me of you, and of our current situation as you watch over me and care for me while I not just recover from the drop, but work at bolstering myself for the trip coming up at the end of the month.

I know you are there.  I know you are watching.   You make me feel safe enough to let my guard down and work on myself, even with that keen gaze upon me the whole time.  For you?  Vulnerability is okay.

I love you.

Deck Used: Stolen Child Tarot