The Empress…

You deserve to reign with resplendence, so if you are not feeling quite yourself - let the Empress wrap you in the luxury of the natural world. In fact - get outside…go for a walk and see what delights she has in store for you. Your life is abundant in so many ways that you may currently be taking for granted. There are lessons to be learned from the wise, tall trees that stand in protection of us all. There is a harmonious song from the birds above that might accompany us on our day. There is beauty in the landscape surrounding our journey that can inspire and delight. We are also a part of this majestic kingdom - creating magic for others on our path forward. Allow the abundance that the Empress provides be a focus of your journey today and see where it leads you. Love and fully appreciate what she provides and the gifts will just keep coming.

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." –Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Empress - Tarot Art by Philippa Shanks

The Lovers - The Two of Wands (Reversed) - The Queen of Wands…

Let’s welcome this new month of December by re-setting our heads, hearts and spirits…

Head: Gathering and preparing to gather with those we love can trigger all kinds of thoughts. In order to give of ourselves freely, we must set strong boundaries in love. Prepare your mind for all of the emotional encounters you will have this season by creating guidelines for self-preservation and self-care, then you will truly be able to be open with others.

Heart: Let your heart cozy up to the idea that you don’t need to travel a great distance this month to truly experience the magic you have dreamed of. Hunker in and enjoy what you have - let the simple things in your immediate environment bring you the adventure you crave.

Spirit: You long for creative ownership this season and you want to be treated like royalty. What can you do to fuel the artistic side of your spirit? Also, let others take care of you more - you have earned it.

“December has the clarity, the simplicity and the silence you need for the best fresh start of your life.” - Vivian Swift

The Lovers, The Two of Wands (Reversed) and the Queen of Wands from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

The Page of Cups…

Since we have been pulling some pretty fearful cards this week with messages that have been a bit dark and twisty in their theme, I thought I’d ask what we might do to combat our current monsters. And then I pulled the Page of Cups. It’s time to get curious about feelings - yours, their’s, any you encounter. Instead of reacting, study those strange emotions you sense both externally and internally. If someone comes at you in a rage, take a step back and analyze it. If you feel an unknown anxiety rise to the surface, dive into your depths and splash around with curiosity. Not quite yourself and you don’t know why? Don’t try to define it, just investigate what might be there. Like a child with a new pet, get to know your new, bewildering sensitivities. I think you’ll find what appears in your world as a giant monster, is just a tiny, little guppy that wants attention. Happy Thursday!

"All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them." – William F. Halsey

The Page of Cups from This Might Hurt Tarot by Isabella Rotman

The Five of Pentacles…

So this week has been….an effort. Perhaps we have been suddenly confronted with financial realities that are not to our liking? You know, if you google this card’s meaning, the internet will distill this message down to “Poverty” or “Financial Hardship”, but those of us who truly connect with the cards know that it signifies something much deeper - instability that can create a sense of seclusion and hopelessness. But, when I draw this card, I find it usually appears as a wake up call. You can bend in defeat and curl up in a protective fetal position, shutting the rest of the world out, when you find yourself alone against insurmountable odds OR you can understand that the worst feelings of isolation stem from deep within and decide to bloom anyway. What is out of your reach, may not always be and eventually someone else will walk your path of desolation and help to lift you up and support you. You may feel cold and worried now, but it will be okay. You are not alone. So try not to wither - simply persist til your luck shifts. You can do this.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

The Five of Pentacles from the Witches Tarot by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans

Nine of Swords into Ten of Swords - Reversed…

I pulled these cards this morning and thought, “Oh dear - this is not what I had hoped for today.” I waited to see how they might manifest for me to truly understand the message and it has become very clear. So, the thing you had hoped would come and change your state of mind and turn your luck around didn’t quite come through - did it? You can let this news haunt and humiliate you, keep you up at night and generally make you feel awful. You can bemoan this as one of life’s biggest disappointments and let the weight of your thoughts pin you down in a very dark way. OR you can accept that it’s just not happening for you and begin to generate new and fresh ideas for your own wellbeing. If you cannot access what you need, maybe you didn’t need it after all?!? Perhaps there is an alternative solution that will clear the air in a much more holistic way. It’s done - it’s not going any further, but that doesn’t mean you are and you can’t…Put your thinking cap back on, invite positivity and get creative!

“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” - Marilyn cos Savant

The Nine of Swords into The Ten of Swords (Reversed) from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant

Seven of Cups…

Life’s choices can dazzle or frighten you - sometimes both. There is a lot to consider on this Monday evening. I was curious so I hit the internet for some data on choices and I found this little nugget, “It's estimated that the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day.” Well, that’s alarming. It’s hard to know, when you are presented with so much decision making, what is truly the right option for you. Sometimes your ego will lead you to a nefarious selection and many times what you think you are choosing is not what it seems. But, choose you MUST, so what are you waiting for? Use the remainder of this Monday night to meditate on all of the key points in the current decision you must make. Trust what your heart tells you. Make that choice. You got this.

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” -Nelson Mandela

The Seven of Cups from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

Judgement…

You miss so much when you are always on the go - doing, doing, seeing and doing. This week, close your eyes and listen to the music of the universe. You will start to hear the magical cacophony of harmonious sound that is the soundtrack of your existence. At first, when you listen, it may sound chaotic and dissonant - like an orchestra warming up before the show. But then, the familiar and not so familiar sounds will blend with joyful precision to accompany you on your journey. Let this music inspire you as you proceed through your daily tasks. Feel the groove of each moment by dancing to the sounds in your own subtle or not so subtle way. The more you connect to this universal playlist, the more meaning it will reveal to you. Hidden in its melodic and percussive phrases is a secret message for you to decipher. Dance until you are filled with ecstasy for life and you will hear it.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” -Plato

Judgement from The Mystique Ephemera Tarot - Art by Oat Montien

Page of Pentacles - Reversed…

Lazy cat weekend is in full effect under the full moon! Not feeling motivated to get stuff done?!? Good - don’t do it. If you don’t have the energy, it’s likely because you need a little down time to rest and relax. If you are easily distracted, perhaps you need that distraction because you are meant to focus on something else. Doing nothing might be the remedy for whatever is plaguing you. Be curious, get playful and break your own unspoken rules. Allow yourself the joy of this moment of anti-inspiration. Free your mind and spirit from expectations and embrace the beautiful nothingness.

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” - Winnie The Pooh

The Page of Pentacles (Reversed) from a deck I just don’t know and…I’m doing the bare minimum tonight so…

Four of Pentacles…

Today is a good day to be a lazy, lazy cat. Heck, this weekend is yours for loafing with a languorous disposition. Sit on a perch of all that you have acquired. Be selfish and stingy, if you like - you’ve earned that right. For the moment there is no place you have to be and no thing you must do, so take advantage of this time and do what you prefer. Nap times are encouraged and mindless activities should be prioritized. You know you can’t languor this way forever - that soon enough you will be back out in the world giving and sharing of self. So, why not enjoy the safety of your cozy realm by delighting in the lackadaisical realm that you find yourself in. Indulge in the moment and do not even care at all what is lurking on the horizon. Protect what you have by fully enjoying it. You do you, lazy cat…

“You gotta know when to be lazy. Done correctly, it's an art form that benefits everyone.” ― Nicholas Sparks, The Choice

The Four of Pentacles from Tarot of Pagan Cats by Lo Scarabeo

The Magician…

Hey, Magic-maker! (Yes, I mean you.) Use what you got to manifest something spectacular today! If you are feeling lackluster about what is at hand, bring the magic needed. You may think you are not capable or that you don’t have what you need to conjure a wondrous experience…but you are wrong. All components for pure sorcery are at your fingertips and the most important ingredient lies within. Believe that you are radiant and full of power and you will know exactly how to enchant this day and the days to come, not only for yourself, but for all whom you encounter. Potential for potency is yours for the making. Happy Wednesday, you bewitching creatures!

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl

The Magician - Tarot Art by AlexielApril on Deviant Art

The World - Reversed…

Sometimes the world around you is chaos and you just feel like you are in a nosedive. It’s hard to stay positive when so much around you has been upended and life feels more than a little precarious. It’s therefore very easy to go to a dark place, when turmoil is what you are experiencing. But, rest assured that you are not the only person in such a state. My sincerest advice - light a candle, let the world around you swirl and focus your intention on that tiny little flame. Let it’s light fill you with hope and the understanding that this moment will pass and soon, everything will make sense to you once more. Reflect upon this - you may be (like that candle) the tiny light that someone else needs when their world gets turned up-side-down. Keep the faith and shine your light against all odds.

“Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark.” - Katrina Mayer

The World - Tarot Art by Iricolor on Deviant Art

The Knight of Cups…

We are on the cusp of the holiday season, so why not get swept away in magic and romanticism?!? Let your mind wander into a territory that feels forbidden and welcome all foolishly amorous notions. Overflowing emotions should be on your agenda as you set forth into this season. See if you can dream so freely that your heart just gushes with love. All fantasies are allowed as you quest in the direction of something or someone that will awaken your passions. If you need inspiration take sometime tonight to find a picturesque spot (even if it’s just in a book or a movie) - a place to set the stage for your own vision of what is possible in love. Monday night is an excellent night to hatch your plan for a fairy-tale existence.

“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” – John Green

The Knight of Cups from the Arcanum Tarot Deck by Renata Lechner

The Emperor - Reversed…

Jump into the idea that you do not have to play by the rules this week. In fact, take the time you need to invite more light-heartedness and old fashioned fun into your life. Let go of strong and stern opinions on how things must be done. If you have obligations, approach them in a very different way than you think you have to. Creativity and left-of-center thinking will work to your benefit, so long as you are cheerful in your line of action. This might feel slightly rebellious, but I think you will find that you like this new found freedom. If you still feel like you must be in charge, rule your mini kingdom with an unconventionally joyful spirit. Be spontaneous and carefree in every moment and welcome the idea of leading with the heart, instead of rules and regulations .

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."-- Confucius

The Emperor - Artist’s Rendering - Unknown

The King of Pentacles…

This weekend your well thought out and methodically implemented plan will pay off. Abundance was always yours for the taking, but you needed to open a pathway for it to reach you. You have been diligently working toward that goal, both internally and externally and you are going to be rewarded for all of that effort this weekend. Allow yourself to indulge in the luxurious results this endeavor provides for you. You have taken the lead and therefore, you deserve the riches that pour upon you! Whether it’s money, a ravishing new personal vibe or a lush and vibrant experience, soak it all up with great reverence for your own success. If you feel moved to, share your secret with others, so they understand their own power to attract bountiful wealth of spirit. If you don’t feel moved to, that’s ok too - you are in charge of how you will celebrate this windfall.

“True abundance isn’t based on our net worth. It’s based on our self worth.” - Gabrielle Bernstein

The King of Pentacles from The Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson

The High Priestess…

I woke up this morning feeling crunchy and a little bit affronted by the world around me, but when I pulled this card it was a powerful invitation to a chance for a very different experience. The High Priestess welcomes you back into enlightenment and deeper understanding. Pass through her magic threshold and step into the secrets that you already know. She lifts your spirit by reminding you of who you truly are. You will see that everything you perceive outside of this realm is external and deceptive. What truly matters is what lives within the sacred space of self. Close your eyes to connect with your intuition. Close your eyes and let the chaos melt away. Close your eyes and embrace your true gifts. Close your eyes to see.

“Close your eyes and you’ll see.” - Joseph Joubert

The High Priestess - Art by Jean Redman

Nine of Wands - Reversed & The Hanged Man…

As you trudge through all of life’s challenges it’s easy to look over at that person who seems to have it all together and feel so jealous. This feeling can build in a way that overwhelms your thinking in a negative way - Why can’t I? Why shouldn’t I? Why didn’t I? How come? Instead of comparing yourself to that person and allowing yourself to spiral in questions and negativity, stop for a moment and really study them. They may not have always had it all together. In fact, they may not have it all together right now. They may have more status and appear to be floating through life effortlessly, but perhaps they are just forcing themselves into a different view of what is and isn’t available to them. Maybe they are opening themselves up to possibility and not guarding themselves from advancement, despite the cards they have been dealt. Let your understanding of who they really are in this moment shift and I think you could stand to learn a great deal. Heck, approach them, take them out to lunch and ask them how they do it!!! In this moment, you can let competition develop in your mind, or you can find inspiration in the journey of another. You choose….

“You are not competing with anyone else. You are only competing with yourself to do the best with whatever you have received.” - L Tom Perry

The 9 of Wands (Reversed) into The Hanged Man from the Rider/Waite/Smith Deck

Three of Pentacles - Reversed…

Collaboration is wonderful, but it’s “Do it yourself” Monday! I mean, you have what you need and you know how to get it done fast, so why waste time including others in this endeavor? Your way will be more efficient and you know how to do it best. Also, the clock is ticking and precious time will sneak away as you try to let everyone else know how to best undertake this process. Pretty straight forward. Don’t let your team distract you. Get to work.

“If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.” - Napoleon

The Three of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Cosmic Tarot by Norbert Lösche

The Ten of Wands - Reversed…

You have been gathering up so much responsibility! This can make you look very beautiful and prolific to others, but it is absolutely weighing you down. It’s time to sift through all that you are carrying and make some clear decisions about what you are ready to let go of. Think of this week as an episode of “Hoarders” - each time you are confronted with another heap of garbage, assess it with keen focus. You will know what should be discarded, what you must keep and what goes in the “maybe” pile. At the end of the week - confront that “maybe” pile. I think you will find there isn’t much there that you truly need or want. Set those nagging responsibilities and obligations loose. Chuck what isn’t fulfilling or enhancing your journey. You will then be able to better dedicate yourself to the people and situations that are. Lighten up, dear hearts - you deserve to feel free.

“Those mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” -Najwa Zebian

The Ten of Wands (Reversed) from the Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

The Ace of Coins/Pentacles - Reversed..

Oh, fall! This season does have a way of highlighting a sense of loss, nostalgia for things you once had and a tricky kind of internal sadness that will creep in. This Ace (reversed) has appeared for us twice this week and it is pointing to a feeling we may have that there is nothing really tangible to grab onto in this moment. A reducing level of sunlight is starting to wear on the psyche. The squirrels are furiously gathering their acorns to hide themselves away for winter, but what have we to collect before the great freeze confines us? Perhaps you live in a warmer climate, but still face another month gone by and you had hoped to have more to show from it? Well, you are not alone in this, so hold onto the idea that many are experiencing the same feelings. And, please know that you remain protected and loved. Just like those squirrels, get ready to nest in and enjoy the riches that a the new year ahead has to offer and know that better days are coming…

“Autumn, melancholy soul, love and grief color your bones.” - Angie Weiland-Crosby

The Ace of Coins (Reversed) from The Gateway of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti

Four of Cups - Reversed…

If the gloom of disappointment has struck this evening, it’s ok to indulge it for the moment. Sometimes you just just have to accept that life isn’t going as you had hoped. Perhaps there’s a missed opportunity that has you down or maybe you just aren’t feeling good, health-wise? Introspection and awareness of your emotional experience can be good, but you don’t want to retreat here for a long amount of time. Let yourself sit in the discomfort of these feelings for tonight, but recognize that tomorrow is a new day and you have the power to change your mood. Splash around in it for now and throw yourself a big old pity party, but understand that this, too, shall pass and soon you must get on with living and greet the new day with a new attitude.

“Self-pity in its early stages is snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable.” - Maya Angelou

The Four of Cups (Reversed) - Tarot Art by Matilda Marin