Tarot Ritual for Change

I'm nearing the final phase of my pregnancy and the need for sleep is overpowering. Only 5 more weeks of work and trying hard to live in the moment. The future holds love, uncertainty and major ignorance or insight into what that future may hold. The past holds a foundation of contentment, acceptance and being, a theme and lifestyle I want to continue.... And then there's the aches, pains and concentration of moving around today that give me no choice but to be aware of the space I contain at that exact moment in time.

I have slacked off spiritually, but am wondering if that's my way to bring my baby into the world unbiased, allowing them to learn and choose the path that works for them. I do give thanks and find awe and beauty everyday, I have not totally become cut off from the divine. I look forward to a year off from work filled with discovery and growth... me and the new addition.

I think I'm falling for the Mona Lisa Tarot. After working with my Merry Day I found I did not feel as compelled to collect or read with other decks. The Merry day pulls me in and pops out at me. However, I'm feeling pulled to the Mona Lisa after reading there are consistencies and non linear stories within the images. Call it impulse, but I think I just may purchase it this weekend! While zooming around the internet I found this interesting tarot meditation and thought I'd document/share it.

Below is a portion of the article from Llewellyn.. linkage
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A Tarot Ritual for Change
To begin, set up your altar with a black cloth. Place an ear of corn on the left side, a beeswax taper candle in the center, and a chalice of wine or grape juice on the right side. If you like, cast a Circle. From your favorite tarot deck, remove these cards: the Hanged Man, the Empress, the World, the Three of Cups, and the Two of Pentacles. Settle yourself in front of your altar and light the candle. Take three breaths, slowly exhale, and place the Empress face up in the center of the altar. Focus on the energy of the protective Earth Mother. See a sphere of brilliant green-earth energy surrounding you and comforting you.

Continue meditating as you cover the Empress with the Three of Cups. Visualize all that is good and abundant in your life and give thanks. Think of what you have harvested in this year, what projects you have completed, and what rewards you have gathered. Enjoy the feeling and be proud of your achievements. Then, place the Two of Pentacles atop the Three of Cups. Imagine the cycle changing, and accept that life is ever-moving and that there is always more to do. Think about the things you've accumulated—ideas, concepts, beliefs, and material goods—that might get in your way as you shift into a new cycle.

At this point, place the Hanged Man over the Two of Pentacles. Envision yourself making the sacrifices necessary to open the doorway for change. Imagine what you need to remove from your life—faltering friendships and relationships, old goals that are no longer applicable. See yourself now, making changes and creating a space for new experiences and people to enter your life. Know that if you have the courage to make room, positive change will come.

Lastly, place the World atop the Hanged Man. Feel the Wheel turning, and feel the Universe responding to your call. Know that serendipity will fill your life as you let go of outworn and outdated concepts and ideas. By surfing the crest of the Universe, you flow with the current of change rather than attempt to ride against it. Now pick up the chalice of wine or juice and toast yourself, this holiday, and the spirit of change. For only by embracing the void can we hope to attract new experience.