These Saturday 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 is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Earth – Six of Wands, Nine of Wands, Mugwort (Cycles) – Artemisia vulgaris is the “Wheel of Fortune” of the plant world. The wands here in the reading speak of having spent a long time working towards finding a sense of accomplishment and carrying that forward. The Mugwort card is a reminder that all things come in cycles and what is good today can topple tomorrow. Remember that these cycles are natural and when things feel to be turning into a down swing, it’s a temporary situation in the same way that the good times are temporary as well. Cherish the good while you have it, and when the bad times come, hold tight to the knowledge the good times will come around once again.

Air – Eight of Cups and Calendula (Shine) – With the drop coming, there is sure to be some self doubts creeping up and in around the corner.  The danger in these self doubts is allowing those doubts to turn you away from what brings you joy and the areas where you truly shine.  Calendula officinalis teaches us not to turn away from those areas where we shine, but to turn toward them and allow the skills and abilities that make you special shine brightly for others so that they, in turn, are encouraged to let their own beauty and greatness shine as well. This message is an encouragement concerning my upcoming class on Wednesday.

Water – Ace of Swords, King of Cups, Devil’s Club (Reclaim Power) – Oplopanax horridus is a representation of the strength and resiliency of one’s inner spirit and, as well as the need to allow yourself to make the hard choices and loose the sharp edge of your tongue when needed to set balance in your life. The cards here speak of the need to stay centered in your emotions and not allow the intruding thoughts and perspectives of others to rock the boat and cause disruption.  With the drop coming, this is especially important, as it creates a vulnerability that causes chinks in your emotional armor that those sneaky little thoughts and opinions from others can sneak through.

Fire – Eight of Pentacles and Ginseng (Conservation) – By being discretionary on where you invest your focus and energy, you can provide for your needs and responsibilities better than spreading yourself too thin.  Panax genseng’s lesson is that quality results and stamina both come by choosing your battles and playing to your strengths.  This week, be sure to continue that focus on keeping some space free on your plate, which will allow you to better focus on those interests and responsibilities that really matter to you.

Waning – The Brat and Pedestal – It’s time to move away from feeling “precious”. This isn’t to mean move away from not feeling valued, but it has to do with the potential for being overly sensitive and getting up on one’s high horse as a result.  Although these type of feelings have the potential for sprouting up in the week ahead, it will be important to make the conscious choice toward focusing on remaining grounded and well balanced instead, and not allowing those feelings to take control.

Waxing – Gift Revealed and Whispers of Spring –  The energies of spring create a sense of freshness and invigoration that need to be recognized and appreciated this week.  Wallow in the springtime spark that is all around you and allow it to uplift you into a lighter space within your heart and mind.  Don’t forget to have a little fun as well!

Take Away – It appears it’s going to be a somewhat rough and emotionally sensitive week this week.  The cards are reminding me that I have strength to help me through and crappy times don’t last for ever.  Instead of focusing upon the struggle and strife, I am encouraged to do my best to continue looking on the bright side by focusing on the little things that bring me pleasure even during times of darkness.  Self care this week will require that focus on these little things, as well as making sure that I don’t overload myself so that, like thinning of plants to allow air circulation and room to grow, I too have room to expand and flex in those interests I choose to pursue.

DECKS USED: BUNNY TAROT, HERBAL HEALING ORACLE, FAIRY WISDOM ORACLE