Sunday, March 29, 2009

Temperance, 8 of Swords and the King of Swords

Spirit directed me to discuss the Temperance card today. While I wanted to pull a companion card, I ended up with two cards instead of one. These cards were the 8 of Swords and the King of Swords. Simply put, Temperance is all about patience, lack of patience and tempering one's words. When we combine Temperance with swords it can indicate that most of our problems arise from our thoughts and fears. If we can still our mind--work with keeping our egos in check, we can rise above any situation with which we may find ourselves involved.

I used Robert Place's Alchemical Tarot Renewed. His artwork is superb and my intuition takes me to a more spiritual level when interpreting the above-referenced cards. In order to improve our lives, we need to transmute our thoughts into that of a higher vibration. Dealing with our dark side and lightening this energy is paramount to change and transformation. Patience is not something that comes easily to most people. If we look more closely at this card, we see that the lady holding the urns is walking away from a path that leads to a sunset behind mountains. She appears to be walking on grass. One must remain grounded and live mindfully in order to deal with life situations--even if we need to walk away from something that no longer serves us. The bouquet of flowers that are encircled by the contents of the two urns are red and white--further reminding us of the alchemical process--transmutation of energy. I also feel that this card reminds us of the need for balance as well.

During our current economic situation, it is a challenge to remain optimistic with more and more businesses facing financial crises and people unable to find work in order to pay their bills. The fear that surrounds us, which we try to keep from consuming us, is represented by the 8 of swords. What I love about this deck is that the horned beast in front of the eight of swords may seem like a caged animal at first glance, but there is more than one way to interpret his image. Is he getting ready to defend himself? Is he checking out his options for escape--from his current situation? Or, is he surrendering to the higher power--waiting? Add the King of Swords to these two cards and you may either see the beast as a victim of his situation, or the victor.

These cards together can remind us that if we keep a positive outlook on life regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves, we can set ourselves free. Lighter energy is freeing. Keep your mind positive. Keep the faith. Stay focused and grounded during turbulent or uncomfortable times and situations. Know that temperance--patience, choosing our words carefully and choosing a new direction are needed whenever we lose our way.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Reflection on the Tarot Partnership of The Hierophant and The Devil

When I interpret Tarot spreads, I like to see all sides of the situation, whenever possible. For today's post, I used the Universal Waite Tarot deck. The Hierophant drew attention to himself before I even shuffled. So, my intent to just use one card was changed by Spirit. After I shuffled, I pulled The Devil (reversed). Looking at both of these cards, they present a multitude of interpretations--all with the theme of change. Why change, you ask? Because that's how we grow as individuals and as souls. Today's interpretation is with the reversal of The Devil.

The Hierophant represents society, rules, education, structure and belief systems. The Devil can represent bondage to the material, the lovers in Hell, and the struggle between Spirit and the physical world--entrapment.

How would I interpret these two cards in a partnership? I see these two characters working together because of the reversal of The Devil. The resonance for me is about restoring order, structure and putting a framework in place to remove the negative energies that we struggle with on a daily basis. That sounds a little bit like spring cleaning. I think so. For everything that we shut away in our minds, hearts, and bodies, we occasionally need to face our demons and air out our closets--the closets in our homes and in ourselves.

Why do we hold onto the past? Do we hope that we can go back in time so we can have a second chance or change our past and then our future? Perhaps. Time is linear--rather a timeline is linear. A timepiece moves in a circle.

Is change good for us? Yes. Though sometimes the process of change is extremely difficult. Ultimately, we all end up embracing change. Whether we face it willingly or fight it, sooner or later we must change. The rules (The Hierophant) of the society in which each of us live presents challenges. We must work with the rules that are handed down to us by our governments. Most societies allow us to have a say in how our government works. That is a gift that was handed down to us by those who who came before--those who found a way to create change.

While it may take us a long time to release the bonds of the devil, we know that if we "let go" of that which no longer serves us, we will provide ourselves with a new way of living our lives and we should be able to deal with whatever comes along.

In summary, The Hierophant shows us that we need order, structure, rules and beliefs to support us on our journey in life. The Devil shows us where we get stuck--usually it's fear or bondage to a way of life. When the rug is pulled out from under us, we should always get up and start all over again. Find a new way. If we trust, all will sort itself out--in time.

There is so much more to say about these two cards in partnership. We can apply the fundamentals of these cards to countless situations. Let me know what you think about these two cards working together. Let me know what you think about these two cards in opposition to one another.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Tuesday's Full Moon in Virgo

There was a full moon in Virgo yesterday, and like many people, I felt it. Staying focused during a full moon is never an easy task for me. I am an intuitive and I feel everything planetary and weather-related. I guess that comes with the gifts--a mixed blessing? What is the percentage of people in the world who have problems with planetary shifts? I wonder.

All in all, it was a good day and my Tarot class at Santa Monica College was very satisfying. My students--the ladies--amazed me once again. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to see their growth each week. I am able to point out their strengths and weaknesses as readers and show them how they can get out of their own way. Their confidence and abilities continue to grow. I love it when they walk out of class having learned something, totally charged, excited and looking forward to the next class. Very rewarding!

Today, I started this blog. It is my intention to use it to share my thoughts and insights into Tarot, spiritual tools and personal growth as directed by the muses and my guides. I hope you will follow me on this path.