Four cards for the year ahead

Let's see if I can't remember how to post on here. I'm being drawn back to my cards and the peace and connection it gives me. Connecting with my cards gives me a few moments to be mindful. Some days it's a quick "I see you" or confirmation and other days it gives me introspection that comes back into my mind over the whole day. 

I tried to jot this down in a journal, but found it lacking without being able to include the cards from the deck. 

I pulled four cards this morning to see what the quarters of the year ahead will bring. I didn't have the luxury of time, but the cards spoke loud and clear. They showed someone supporting my growth at the beginning of this year, then me doing it on my own, the second half of the year is  the "torch" being transferred and me walking down the road with peace and confidence at the end of the year. Pretty straight forward progression! 

I can only hope this foreshadows the few things I want to explore this year. 

I don't often buy myself stuff, but it so happens that with Christmas and my January birthday, I have a few weeks that are guilt free times to spoil myself. If my birthday was in June, then half this would be bought in June. This year I'm investing in things I want to learn; intro online classes for equi-tape, maybe some shadow work, still want to learn to see auras because I think it would be beautiful and my mom treated me to John Edward tickets this year after over 10 years of wanting to go. 

I often hold things I want close to my heart and don't blab to everyone who will listen. Priorities come first, then, wants change and who wants to hear me ramble for 10 years that I want John Edward tickets. I don't often put things like that first. If someone told me the same want for that long I'd get tired of hearing about it and would think it would not end up happening, resulting in an empty want. Empty wants feel greedy or impulsive. Hence, I hold my wants close... 

Today I used my Mona to Lisa deck. I continue to be amazed how clear and full this deck is. I've had this deck for 14 years and it never fails me. 

Stepping ahead

I should really rename this blog to stepping thru life instead of flitting thru life. Steps seem to be the analogy I've been using. Heh, maybe it's a new phase. 

I don't have a huge thoughtful post today but I did want to take a minute to capture what I'm doing to step forward. 

Tomorrow is a short one day retreat to start empowering my authentic self. It should help me take a few steps back into who I really am. The person I've lost sight of. 

After that, I'm going to work on establishing boundaries so I stop stepping aside. 

I feel these two things combined is a great place to start. 

They both came into my life from trusted outside friends and family. I'm talking it as a sign this is where I must start. A path to walk is better than none, one step at a time. 

Stop stepping aside and start stepping up.

Oh, how did this all get to this point? Slowly. Bit by bit. Sideways baby steps. 

When did I feel like I stopped mattering? When did I stop trusting? Why am I so withdrawn? 

I don't feel like other people like my music, I step aside. 

I go to school for photonics. I'm not great at explaining things, I think no one is really interested, so I don't talk about it. I step aside. 

I get talked over and pushed aside. 

I don't like conflict. I step aside.

I work at a company that overhauls military equipment. My job title of tech and supply support is not understood. I step aside. 

I'm an introvert in a world that thinks everyone must be an extrovert to be happy and healthy. I step aside. 

The constant unsolicited parental advice and judgment I receive despite signs my daughter is autistic. I step aside.

The world is mostly neurotypical. I am told my daughter needs to change, not that the world needs to change. I do not step aside but am silent. 

I volunteer locally, unrealistic expectations cannot be met and it's taken personally by others, despite efforts to remain professional. My whole board quits, I step down. I include details in the minutes to pass along to the next board, taking painstaking care to be professional, to include specific details and not be slanderous in any way. I pass off the minutes with insistence on reading the minutes containing information. I step aside, those minutes are not read and understood, yet it's my fault. I don't share my side and I take many steps aside. 

I volunteer again, with a disclaimer of my plans to totally change the way fundraising is done. I followed with email communication of a plan. Those plans are not reviewed, I move forward stating, no objections by a certain date means agreement. I hear no objections. I reformat plans, distribute again, give a few extra days for objections. Still silence. Next board meeting, plans are flatly turned down like it was an insult and totally improper of me to even suggest, plans are added that need to be moved on in a few days time, that I didn't want to pursue. I try one more time to provide my plan in person, I thought it was okay, I thought we could professionally move forward. It's me against them, I step aside, I stop stepping out. 

We start online school for my daughter. It's not a judgement on public school, it just didn't work well for my daughter. It's misunderstood. My daughter is now thriving. How dare I buck the system. I step aside. 

Although online school is working better, there's still bad days. I feel like when I talk about bad days, the response is to move back to public school. This is not my preferred solution. Everyone has bad days. Public school kids have bad days. I don't respond telling others they should move to online. That's ludicrous. I stop sharing and silently move aside.

I enjoyed covid isolation! I was made to step inside and liked it.

I can no longer eat sugar. A tough thing to navigate. I quietly step aside and do my best. 

I don't feel experienced enough to offer a valued opinion. I step aside. 

I stop trusting my intuition, I step aside. 

My daughter cannot handle the shows I enjoy, I step aside. 

I'm tired, it's easier to go along with the flow, I'm easy going, I step aside. 

I numbly play puzzles and scroll feeds online to wait for bedtime. I step aside. 

I stepped aside. I did. No one made me. 

I now preemptively step aside, without needing to. 

Sometimes stepping aside is warranted. But not Every. Single. Time. 

Each time I stepped aside, I didn't respect my own boundaries and I stepped out of who I am. Authentic self lost. Boundaries overstepped. 

It's time to start stepping up. First thing this year is to remind myself who I am and start being my authentic self. Second step is to learn how to set boundaries. 

Oh, I'm sure it'll be awkward. I'm sure people won't be used to me not stepping aside. I'm sure I'll get many things wrong. Some people will like it, some people won't. But as I stop stepping aside, I step into me. 

I'm not waiting anymore.

I've realized, there's no sense waiting around just hoping things will get better. Why won't that work? Well, because if I just wait, how do I know when things actually are better? How do you measure "better" without knowing what "better" really means? There's always new problems and worries to take over when older issues resolve themselves. Life is a spiral of hardships and success. 

We NEED to acknowledge the positive changes and accomplishments instead of being pulled down into the mud. 

Pretty simple now that it popped in my head. I feel silly for not being able to see that.

We need goals to achieve, milestones to celebrate, no matter how small they seem. No matter if anyone else knows or understands. This is for us, not for them. 

It can be as small as building a time to be mindful and thankful each day. It's a good habit anyway and we tend to forget when in the midst of the fog of our minds. 

It can be as big as finally doing something we've always wanted to do but never feel like we have the time and resources to do. 

It can be, finding an outlet that helps you process and progress. (Like a blog 🤪)

One step at a time, one thing to look forward to, one thing to be grateful for, one thing to be proud of, one thing.. just one thing. Baby steps.... 

It's okay

Dear Cheryl, 

I know you know this stuff, it's nothing you haven't tried to pass onto your daughter, but it's words that you are great at saying to others but find it difficult to know in your heart and carry into your own life. 

How many times do you tell Alexiss that people can only control themself? You need not take on the weight of the world. That means not only reactions, looks and words today. That also means the reactions, looks and words of yesterday. Can you tell the difference? You need to realize that those ingrained voices of judgment and harshness were things you could not control, they were external, they were not you. They've become your own inner voice and you think it's from you, but it's not. Don't let it control you. 

That's not to say, everyone else is wrong all the time either. Some of those things could be true. Be kind to yourself, take the external feedback and use it without feeling like shit for days. Use it to make life better, use it to learn, then move on. 

Why is it you expect so much from yourself? You would never treat anyone else the way you treat yourself?

It's okay. 

It's okay to be wrong.

It's okay to need help. 

It's okay to not be perfect. 

It's okay to admit you're at end of your ability.

It's okay to rest.

It's okay to be disappointed.

It's okay to need time.

It's okay to be sad or frustrated.

But you know what? 

It's okay to be right.

It's okay to trust your intuition.

It's okay to disagree.

It's okay to share.

It's okay to be proud.

It's okay to feel smart. 

It's okay to be happy. 

It's okay. 

Love always,

Cheryl

To offend or be offended

After years of not being my authentic self, not wanting conflict, not wanting to offend, it's becoming increasingly difficult on my mental health. This year it's all come to a melting point and I just can't anymore. Why is it I'm willing to let others offend me and just smile and nod instead? I certainly have trust issues that I now need to heal before I totally become a hermit. 

I'm saying this here, because I'm not alone. I'm saying this to acknowledge that I'm awkward in social settings. I'm saying this to hold myself accountable. It means we can move on. 

It doesn't mean we need a big conversation. Baby steps... 

You know, I'm okay with different opinions. Have been for a long time. If you aren't, or find yourself judging others, anger at others, you are not only shutting down their one thought or option, you're shutting down a relationship you could have had, you're shutting down openness to others' unique perspectives. You could be shutting down a whole person. 

Maybe I'm overly sensitive, always have been, that's not going to change. But I do value two way relationships, actual connections, respect and not judging differences. 

Perhaps I got so used to masking, I don't even know who I am anymore. 

I'm not everyone's cup of tea, but I need to get back to being my genuine self or I'm heading for an absolute shut down. 

The only opinions I think are proper to keep to oneself is about someone else's life or path. I don't pretend to know anyone or their mind or feelings as well as my own. I know I have a gazillion more thoughts and feelings than I share, so you probably do too. You are a lifetime of experiences and history that all bring you to today. When asked opinions of what others should do, I typical ask leading questions to make them think and come to their own conclusion. It's too much pressure telling other people what to do, what if I am missing important information, little nuances and factors left out? What if there's one part of their life experience not mentioned? Too much pressure if you ask me. I'll make you think and help you do the work though, then you are assured to get the way that works for you, and if it doesn't work, you can't look back and say I swayed you. 

For starters, tis the season and I keep quiet about not being Christian. This isn't new, it's been about 20 years. I do believe in God, I just don't believe He is our one and only savior. I believe science is not opposite to beliefs, I do not believe other religions are wrong. I think they are the same with different cryptic perspectives. I believe you can be spiritual without being religious. I respect common Christian holidays but give homage to the pagan wheel of seasons. 

Blessing of the Book of Shadows (BOS)

Within this simple book, words and letters I keep
May they hold pure intent full of love and spirit deep
More than simple words be found
Spirit of the Divine, Ancestors and Light abound

Words spoken with heart are powerful indeed
Be true and hold fast to the Rede
Manifest in love and light
May inner light grow and shine a'bright

I call on the elements to transform words into Spirit power
In this right and ready hour

Powers of North, the East below,
Help me to live, to learn, to grow.
Lend your strength and stability,
To practice the Craft and with love be free.

Powers of East, the Wind, the Sky,
Watch over these pages with thine eye.
Your wisdom and knowledge, for these I do ask,
That this book be worthy of the Craft and its task.

Powers of South, Fire, and the Hearth,
Help these Shadows to prove their worth.
Infuse them with all your Healing and Passion,
So only good comes from the Work that is fashioned.

Powers of West, the Water and Sea,
Change and growth are granted by thee.
Bless these pages with all that you know,
That righteous readers may learn and grow.

For free will of all,
And harm of none,
As I have willed it,
It is now done.

So mote it be!

Original plain text by me (Cheryl Ryder)
Italic portions from Blessing of the Book of Shadows by Silver Ravenwolf

Book/Journal Blessing

Kid’s Book of Shadows or Mirror Book Blessing
==============================================
By air and fire and water and rock
Elements protect this book
From wandering eyes and prying looks
I shall keep it as I learn and grow
and all my wisdom it will show
For free will of all
and harm to none
As I have willed it
It is now done
So Mote it be
Blessed Be
By Fianna on the Pagan Prayer Project(PPP)

The Modern Morning rite by Modernwitchalex on PPP
Supplies: A White candle, candle holder, matches.
Time: Rising sun (Morning)
Location : Near a window where the sun can be seen, or outdoors.

Start the morning prayer by facing your window where you can see the morning sun. Breathe in and out nine times, while focusing on being at one with the universe. Once you have reach a awareness of peace. Face the sun with your candle and light the wick with the intent that the universe is fill with all sorts of possibilities and anything is possible. Close your eyes for a minute, See yourself in your mind eye being happy and seeing all your dreams, wishes and goals come into reality. Now place your hands over your heart and say :
“ I align myself with the energies of the sky, the earth and celestial universe. I call upon the God, the Goddess and spirit within me. I call into myself your strength your courage, your freedom and love. So I may accomplish today tasks all in your honor and creativity.”

“ In the utmost perfection of myself, In which I am a reflection of the divinity that is within me. I bless my mind, body and spirit in the utmost perfect love and prefect trust.”

Now close your eyes and smile, while feeling good about yourself. Knowing that yes you are a goddess or a god.You are them and they are you.

Next raise your hands towards the heavens and say :
“ I dedicate myself to my Lord and Lady and the mysteries of magic. I now welcome all positive and wonderful opportunities into my life. May we walk always and forever in your eternal love and light. Blessed be.”

Close your eyes one last time. See your goal, wish or dream manifesting into reality and you being happy with the outcome. Once you lose the image. Snuffle the candle and now you can head out and start your fabulous morning.

Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change. - Erick Golnik

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE: Psss-s-s-s-t-t, S-h-h-h-h-h-h! Around the bend, in the unseen, arising from the very uncertainties that may now seem to taunt you, there are some amazing surprises, awesome twists, and spellbinding coincidences about to emerge that you can't even now imagine. Mooo-hoo-ha-ha-ha-haaaa, The Universe via The Pagan Musings

Spreading Your Light
from the The Pagan Musings on Facebook

Spreading Your Light

How You Affect Others Daily

Everything we do or say has the potential to affect the whole; imagine how powerful that is.

As the pace and fullness of modern life serve to isolate us from one another, the contact we do share becomes vastly more significant. We unconsciously absorb each other’s energy, adopting the temperament of those with whom we share close quarters, and find ourselves changed after the briefest encounters. Everything we do or say has the potential to affect not only the individuals we live, work, and play with but also those we’ve just met. Though we may never know the impact we have had or the scope of our influence, accepting and understanding that our attitudes and choices will affect others can help us remember to conduct ourselves with grace at all times. When we seek always to be friendly, helpful, and responsive, we effortlessly create an atmosphere around ourselves that is both uplifting and inspiring.

Most people rarely give thought to the effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our awareness of the effect we ultimately have. Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person’s entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other’s lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.

To ensure that the effect we have is positive, we must strive to stay true to ourselves while realizing that it is the demeanor we project and not the quality of our wondrous inner landscapes that people see. Thus, as we interact with others, how we behave can be as important as who we are. If we project our passion for life, our warmth, and our tolerance in our facial features, voice, and choice of words, every person who enters our circle of influence will leave our presence feeling at peace with themselves and with us. You never know whose life you are affecting, big or small. Try to remember this as you go out into the world each day.

dailyom.com

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE: Some people are happiest when they have something to be unhappy about. Let 'em have it. Not you, The Universe

“There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.” Minnie Aumonier

Another thought from me

Of all the choices and experience, they've brought us to the here and now. So many lives we have in front of us, the choices are ours to make, our lives are ours to follow.

Tarot of Metamorphosis

I just knew I had to have this deck when I spotted it because of how unique it was not because I was drawn to the images. It is based on RWS with a spin that every card's base is about change, a concept that I believe drives us and makes us who we are. Every choice and path we take in life changes us and changes others around us, usually for the better (even if we don't think so in the moment).

As I riffled through the images some were extraordinary and surreal while others had me scratching my head or turning up a lip in distaste, but it was apparent that all had something to say. Reading through the book, I was awestruck at the descriptions with the Major Arcana and how it took the regular meanings one step left and deeper but remaining true, I was mesmerized and pulled into my inner reflective being. The Minor Arcana had me scratching my head to grasp the heart of the cards, but when I did a quick layout I found that this is a very strong intuitive deck with a quick wit. Often straying from the artists original meanings for the cards as the images seemed to touch me, sometimes irritate me but all spoke aloud. I've included the LWB meanings to show the contrast.

I asked a few questions to help me get to know this deck and give me some practice with it.

1. What is your most important characteristic?
What a strong image Temperance is! An hourglass type vessel with a back lit human form opposite a dark skeleton adored in gold. What struck me was the balance of life/death, adornments/bare, light/dark. Seeing the onlookers rapt in what's before them a seer opposite standing separate and apart but available for an exchange of words with a few easy steps or perhaps a simple glance. I found the answer to this question was that it is about balance and showing that balance to others willing to look with my help.

The LWB's description is: "Metamorphoses of the Psyche. balances the opposite polarities of existence in an inner meta. that renews the human being. Pursue the harmony you seek, avoid stagnant situations and crystallization, both mental and material.


2. What are your strengths as a deck?
The Hermit is a great and wise sage that appreciates the power of silence.
This card told me that it's strength is great wisdom that hovers above much and sees much if we listen.
Again I stray from the intended meaning in the book, but will include it here for interest of reference and for the curious. "Metamorphoses of Silence. The most important transformations are those that need the most time. Be patient and let your personaily be tranformed and adapt to the needs of your higher self, whose voice can be heard only in the inner silence."


3. What are your limits as a deck?
This is one of the surreal images that, while beautiful, also repels the part of me that looks first and asks questions later. With this deck I can see that images are in a constant state of change themselves and with peculiar artwork and flourish, meanings not always what they seem. How can a card irritate me and please me at the same time!?

"Chalices represent the metamorphoses of myth. the great reservoir of the collective human unconscious varies according to the culture. There are countless legends that tell of metamorphosis, allegorical and mental mirrors of profound spiritual tensions, at times covered up but never completely forgotten. "

"The 6 of Chalices is the change in memory. The past was lavish with changes that turned out to be positive. Harmony. Love that is strengthened through oneself. (Myth of Philemon and Baucis)"


4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?
This is one of the cards I'd seen online and one that made me want to see more. Immediately I'm whisked away on a short hike not far from home. Climbing the incline and coming across an alcove like the one in the image, a monsters open mouth, teeth menacing. But to master fear and brave a closer look transforms those teeth into protection. This card told me to reign myself in and master...something. That something left undisclosed and yet to discover.

My intuitive feel for this card is the closest to the book's description, "The Metamorphoses of energy. Even the most frightening and aggressive force can be sublimated through metamorphosis. Strenth helps us correctly channel the lowest energies, transforming and purifying them. Be careful of excessive trust."

5 & 6 were the shortest of answers.

5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
The Knight of Pentacles smiled, his bike already in motion forward as he beckons "suit up and ride".

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
"The sky is the limit, you'll see an immediate truth and you'll see of how things are sometimes different under the surface"

New deck interview spread by FireRaven on Aeclectic Tarot

Tolerance can be easy

When we learn to accept and respect that our differences are a part of our collective consciousness, tolerance becomes easy. Cheryl Ryder

Secrets of the Playing Card

Secrets of the Playing Card documentary linkage!

Not sure how long this documentary will hold anyone, I ran it in the background.

Tarot is around the 24:00 mark

more quotes...

When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem.
But when I've finished, if the solution isn't beautiful, I know it's wrong.

~ Buckminster Fuller


In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth,
and have begun striving for ourselves.

Buddha

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life...Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. - Steve Jobs, Founder, Apple Computers

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Maria Robinson

"Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity."
- Sean O'Casey

Indigenous Rights Quotes

Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents,
it was loaned to you by your children.
We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors,
we borrow it from our Children.

We are more than the sum of our knowledge,
we are the products of our imagination. "

Ancient Proverb

Although we are in different boats you in your boat
and we in our canoe we share the same river of life.

“You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.”
C.S. Lewis

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.
~ Ferdinand Foch

How can I get the most Life Bang for my Life Buck?

Living Tarot EXERCISE: Ask this question on your own behalf, using any deck, any layout: "How can I get the most Life Bang for my Life Buck?" Interpret the question, and the cards, in your own way, and tell us what you got.

I broke this out into getting the most from life for my body, mind and spirit, each one being one card. I used my MerryDay tarot.

Body - 8 of Pentacles (keyword Master craftsman). I've been struggling with health issues for years and this tells me to seek out a specialist in his field. There are small green dragons surrounding him, could this mean someone who also takes a more green approach and does not jump to give a prescription!

Mind - Queen of Pentacles ( keywords; composed, cultured, kind) She wears a crown of antlers and animals beckoning for me to join her. She tells me to continue my study of Arianrhod and possible seek a seasoned teacher who is gentle and not present only for her own purposes.

Spirit - 4 of Swords (keyword meditation) Surprise, surprise! I've not had much alone time since welcoming a daughter into our family and the topic has been coming up with conversations, which is typical for me. The world usually repeats what it wants me to know and do until I catch it.

I'm noticing a a strong symmetry in the visual representation of these cards, court female in the centre, males on the outside looking in, roman numerals on the outside cards. Amazing stuff, as I believe taking care of body mind and spirit as leading to truly balanced life.

I usually don't find big surprises when reading my own cards and often pull cards just for confirmation or a "nod of approval". Sometimes I wonder if it's just me projecting what I already know in my heart into the image, but the 4 of Swords blatantly tells me without "reading" into the card and changing it's intent..

Goodies for me!

It's not typical for me to spend money on myself and when I do it's a very reserved decision. Being a mom makes me feel like I deserve a little splurge. Contrary to my excitement and showing off pictures, I'm not materialistic in any way. I see these supplies as a commitment and investment in my spirit. I've been following a pagan path coming up on two years now!

I can't wait! Finally supplies to fuel my spirit work! Christmas money combines with birthday money for online fun! Watch how many times I check the mailbox til they come in!


Wooden Drawer Triple Moon Herb Cupboard from metapot.com- Whether you are a herbalist or private practitioner of herbal lore... or if your just the kind of person who goes nuts over having lots of little nooks and crannies to hide things in, these herbal storage boxes are just the thing for you! Standing 8 1/2" tall at the peak, and only 4 1/4" deep, these herbal storage boxes have a small cupboard, drawer, and lifting top lid built in! Inscribed with hand-carved triple moon designs on the top, front, and sides, these wooden herbal storage boxes leave nothing to be desired.




Celtic Black Onyx Athame from metapot.com - Adorned with Celtic knotwork and set with a single large black onyx at its center, this slim, letter-opener style athame is made of lead-free pewter and measures 6 5/8" in total length. Multiple glittering glass gems decorate both sides of this enchanting flat-handled athame in blue and gold.






Cast Iron Cauldron 2 3/4 inch diameter triquetra from metapot.com - Crafted of cast iron and standing a discrete 3" tall and 2 " wide, this squat cauldron rests on three, " legs and has small handles set on either side of its 2" diameter rim, through which is looped the metal carrying handle. Coming complete with a lightweight cast iron lid and an embossed image of a triquetra on both front and back face, it makes a wonderful addition to those who do not have the space on their altar for larger cauldrons or for those who simply wish to decorate their home or desk with this cauldrons small but powerful presence.




Winter Ice Crystals in a witch bottle necklace - Sacred Mists Shoppe - This is a bit of a twist on an actual Witch Bottle. This little bottle is filled with freshly aromatic menthol crystals derived from peppermint oil. Menthol crystals look like natural little clear quartz points and are wonderful for clearing sinus passages, bringing relief to stuffiness brought about by colds and the flu. A natural nasal clearing remedy, it may also help reduce headache pain as well.

Wear the witch bottle necklace during daylight hours or place in your purse or pocket. When in need of relief, simply open the bottle and softly breathe in the aromatic natural fragrance. Keep tightly closed and please, do not share with the kids. Menthol crystals are very strong and potent. Do not get into the eyes. For adult use only.

Each bottle contains 3ml of menthol crystals and the bottle measures 1/2 by 2-1/4 inches, is adorned with a Snowflake charm and comes on a 20 inch black ribbon.

Wanderers Compass - Tolkien Quote - Sacred Mists Shoppe - Beautiful, satiny patina on a stamped-pewter casting which reads the famous words by J.R.R. Tolkien, 'Not all those who wander are lost." The quote seamlessly circles an easy-to-read, fully functional plastic-dialed compass rose.

Comes set in a handmade gift box inserted with a quote that reads, "And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course." -Kahlil Gibran




Quill, Parchment and Ink - Sacred Mists Shoppe - Kit contains 2, 8.5" x 11" sheets of parchment paper, 1 bottle of Anna Riva's Dove's Blood ink, and a genuine porcupine quill pen. Easy to use, simply dip the quill pen into the provided bottle of ink and write on parchment paper, or on any other writing surface. Quill is so durable and sturdy, it can also be used for inscribing on your candles.

The Star of Aquarius Spread

All below quoted from llewellyn's journal titled January: Winter's Deep Healing

Like the phoenix soaring out of the ashes, healing is a sacred act of creating something new from the old. Everything in our lives affects everything else; no one area can be isolated. Proper healing is a movement towards spiritual completion. By understanding how our habits, emotions, and sense of spirit affect our health, we can initiate healing. At any given moment, we are either in a state of wholeness, or are ill and seeking to return to wholeness. Pain, like winter, is a natural part of life that allows us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

The Star of Aquarius
The winter stars shine brightest in January to guide navigators in the dark nights. The star is a symbol of enduring spirit that shines despite the surrounding forces of gloom. The Star of Aquarius spread below represents hope, renewal, and belief in a new and better life. The sign of Aquarius begins in January and is known for its global vision and power to inspire. Your gift from the Star of Aquarius is a healing awareness of yourself—as part of the whole stellar pattern in the winter sky.

Star of Aquarius
The Star of Aquarius spread allows us to examine our healing needs. The first card sets a focus, while cards two through six expand upon it. Ask these questions as you turn each card:

1. Focus. What causes me the most pain? What is my priority in healing? Where do I begin?
2. Strengths. What are my strengths? What are my resources, gifts, talents? What do I need to nurture?
3. Self-understanding. What are my beliefs? How can my current insights start the healing process?
4. Obstacles. What obstacles to healing do I face? What situations in my past block my growth?
5. Advice. What concrete, creative action can I take to support my healing?
6. Overview. How does my healing relate to a larger picture? What does my pain tell me about the story of my life? What will I gain as a result of healing?

The Hanging Man

The universe shuffles and without physically picking up a deck, a card is chosen for me to meditate on in this moment in life. This card seems so straight forward but each deck I own presents it in different images that only add confusion and a feeling of "too much information" I could not seem to process. What has continually amazed me with tarot is that it speaks to me in a way I understand and doesn't often present cards to interpret that I cannot grasp. Until such a time as the universe.. shuffles.



As I walk a cobbled path, in my own thoughts of anger and despair of having a life change thrust upon me, I'm angry and for the time, as unhealthy to my spirit as it is, I'm enjoying rolling around in my anger. I must let it go.. but not just yet, just a few more days I tell myself, then I promise to dig deep within my heart and find a way to let it go, leaving the old life and self behind to take this new path and grow into a new self as the world wishes. A figure hanging upside down startles me out my own thoughts and I as I shake my head I can't help but think and judge "What a fool, what the heck is he doing, does he have no pride and concern for what others think of him, hanging around like that...a grown man!?" My angered state pauses from directing inward for long enough to look at him with disdain and judgment. As I give him a wide girth and walk on past he beckons me, "I've been at this a long time, sacrificing my pride and turning my world upside down just to make sense of it all. Now it's your turn."

The hanged man, ironic how he hung just off of my beaten path until I was ready to take a second look. Holding true the unusual concept of this card, others looking at the hanging man awkwardly thinking he's just silly and has no idea while under the surface, and to those willing to stop and chat, he's got a lot to teach us if we just leave preconceptions behind. Keywords being change and sacrifice.

Since unpacking the Animals Divine Tarot I've left it aside for other decks that fit RWS and are less abstract in their images. I haven't warmed up to it as a reading deck but the images and artwork memorize me. Despite leaving it aside I remember first thumbing through this deck and finding myself drawn to the Spider Woman (the artists alteration of the hanged man). This card is an image that has stuck with me since I first gazed upon it and it is the only card in the deck that I can visualize without having to open the box and riffle through the deck to find. Unconventional as the Animals Divine deck is from RWS, the Spider Woman is an image that can create even more confusion, but the intent has a depth that others don't have. The companion book listing the symbols within the card tell it all.

"The web is a matrix of all life. Our actions have a karmic effect and can affect other lives in far-reaching ways. The stars help illuminate our progress as we contribute our own unique threads to the ever-changing design. The spider is the great Mother, our teacher, guide and weaver of destiny. A feather signifies her ability to expose truth despite our possible resistance to acknowledging it. the circular motif reminds us that life is continuous and ever-evolving. changes are inevitable."

Two of my other decks also change the image, no wonder my confusion and inconsistent ingrained recollection of the meaning of this card.

Again the Hanged Man is totally revamped in The MerryDay tarot but strikingly similar to Animals Divine. Looking closely I see the same web reappear in the top left corner and find comfort now that I understand what it symbolizes. While the man is not hanging or looking silly, he is deep within thought. The wheel behind him alludes to changes and traveling a new path. Again feathers re-emerge in this image, as in the Spider Woman! I'm amazed at how different the two cards are while the intent is almost identical. I'm still stumped on the symbolism of his feet being bound by what looks to me like an extension of the water and waves at his feet. The water heals as he exposes his sole (soul) to it's movements.







The Mona Lisa brings back the fun and playful aspect of the Hanging Fae and demonstrates that we are not the ones who pull our strings!





So I drag my heavy feet forward, heavy with anger tied to a past path made of what now feels like concrete and a path I cannot follow. Much like tipping a jar containing fine colored grains of sand, I raise my heavy feet and peer around at a world that seconds ago was so familiar and comfortable, fit like a glove..except for the too tight stitching and the fact that left thumb always felt a little too short...

As the sand transforms, pouring into new shapes as beautiful, unique and special as the last, my old perceptions change slightly, the things I clung to look harmless despite their menacing oppression, some even seem to fit into the "ridiculous" and "of course it was wrong for me". It's all clearer that my negativity of late has stemmed from holding onto to something that's no longer mine. Pining for something that now, cannot happen and is no longer my truth. Everything has changed, I need to sacrifice my old self, accept it and live in the moment I'm living.

With a whoosh I sweep back onto the soles of my feet, feeling the solid ground below me, centering me and bringing me to the exact spot in life I am meant to be in. My step is lighter as I turn to look at the way I came and am able to I look back to the person I was just moments before and know that while she can't come the whole way, she'll always be here.

I curtsey to the Hanged Man, thanking him for his powerful wisdom, apologizing for my haste in my ignorant opinion of him filled with superficial judgment because he's so odd and his background seemingly mundane. Perhaps another day I'll come back and ask him to tell me his story of how he came to hang upside down and how he knew it would help despite the awkward looks and unconventional approach.

Yule blessing

Solstice Blessings to you my friend, the light returns and rejuvenates the spirit within, may you bask in it's powerful embrace and step foot anew and step lighter.

randomness

from pagan musings on FB

DAILY AFFIRMATION: I look beyond appearances to know what is real.

DAILY QUOTE: You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note. - Doug Floyd

DAILY AFFIRMATION: I choose beliefs that bring me aliveness and growth.

Asking and Receiving
Asking and Receiving Prayer and Meditation Put very simply, prayer is when we ask the universe for something, and meditation is when we stop and listen...
By: The Pagan Musings