Samhain

 

Take time to connect to the magic that surrounds and abounds. 

I have noticed many a farmer in their fields this last week bringing in the last of harvest. Celebrate the year and those we have loved as we prepare the Winter ahead. Appreciation of the Earth and Life. Light a candle in remembrance of our ancestors, family, and friends.

Get to it

 

"Judge not less ye be judged"  I have judged others and myself throughout my days. These days I am less inclined to pass judgement on others (still working on it) but I am still a bit critical of myself; my self-acceptance is a work in progress. Last night I read an excerpt from 'The Book of  Hope' by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams.  I am in awe of her work and all that she has done to promote World Healing and a life well lived. In comparison, my life has come up short. I know there have been accomplishments, but was it enough?  Will I face judgement when I leave Planet Earth and move onto that Next Place for not doing more?  Guess I will know when I get there. I am hoping for a 'sliding-grade scale.' Until then there are still things I can do to make a difference, for me, for the World.

The Fountain Tarot

Illusion or real?

 

Is seeing believing. Magic, wonderment or a parlor tricks?  Are those bits of unexplainable coincidence, synchronicity, or just random acts?  Whatever they grab our attention.  I like to still believe in the magic of the Universe. Something to hold onto.

The Fountain Tarot

Intriguing

 

This group presented themselves this morning, the cards kind of stuck together. I noticed that on either side of central card the images are insubstantial, not fully present, like whispers of past and future.  I wonder if most of my daily struggles are based on those whispers, shadows of things past and not yet or may never materialize?  Doing some research since my cardiac event, it seems stress is the major contribution factor, more than genetics or diet to arterial plaque. Can all those thoughts and concerns of yesterday and tomorrow be what really clogged up my arteries?  Bogged me down in fight or flight? Something to consider.

The Fountain Tarot

Residue

 

There are days we need to detach from the world and retreat. Quiet solitude and reflection. The rear-a-view is not the wisest observation point, but still, required from time to know where we have been, as to choose where we go. The residue of our past can weigh on us heavily. Take the time to rest and recharge. Good advice.

The Fountain Tarot

Middle way Indeed!

 

I am lost between a decision made and the motivation to get the task(s) completed. In as such, a feeling of being a disappointment unto myself is starting to take hold. And that is not a good thing. If I am not on my side who is? In asking that question, I realize a good many years I was not on my side. Now I have to come to know that I am the most important person to me. Life doesn't come packaged in a neat little box and those trials and tribulations are part and parcel of everyday living. Coming to terms with not getting things done lickety-split doesn't mean failure, just means I need to 'temper' my expectations and proceed at pace that allows me to get things done and just not give up when I don't get them done 'right-now.'

The Fountain Tarot

Front Guard

 

With this Page holding the ace of swords in a front guard position it might suggest being a bit cautious today, mind my thoughts and not get carried away by them.  But...my very first thought on viewing the card is to have a bit of fun with my sword(think happy thoughts).  A young boy presented with a sword would automatically assume an un-guard position and look for some sword play time. So for today, I am just not going to take myself so seriously. Get over myself and have a bit of fun. Play time anyone?

The Fountain Tarot

Thought into Action

 

This Ace of Swords is similar to the Fountain Card in this deck, of which I drew yesterday. Yesterday I was pondering my disinterest in most everything.  The shorten hours of daylight is a contributing factor for sure, but what about the listlessness that is enveloping me? I was recently reading an article about the anti-inflammation eating program. I have been viewing most food labels since my cardiac event, and I am dismayed at what the labels reveal. It really may come down to eating mostly a whole foods - vegetarian diet. I have made a few adjustments and I  am thinking I need to commit more to those lifestyle choices. I think this Ace of Swords is giving me the nod to put those thoughts into action and see if my energy levels change, and my blood chemistry.

Ohh, but what about Thanksgiving and all the wonderful treats that are served? 😕

The Fountain Tarot

Apathy

 

I have been feeling disconnected lately. Not sure what or why. We all have been here at this crossroads. No inclination to move forward. Shaking our head with a grimace on our faces. Something unsettling but not really. Nothing to really pinpoint our resistance or dissension.  Hopefully the Fountain draw today suggests a glimpse of a moment of lucidity. Like a stream of sunlight through the crack in the curtains, announcing dawn.

The Fountain Tarot

Expectation

 

Caution: Rough Day ahead! 

Will it be a rough day because some days just are? Or will it be a rough day because the suggestibility of this card is now framed in my mind and I will make it a rough day because I thought it?  Do I stay home to avoid any possible mishaps or challenge myself to get on with it and deal with whatever may come my way? 

We do what we must given the circumstances. Today I will meet any challenges head on a hope for the best.

The Fountain Tarot

Appearances can be deceiving.

 I don't feel confident and resourceful today.  Maybe this Queen of Pentacles in fact is in Reversed mode or even Sideways.  Things need to be done and taken care of, so on these days you try to put on your happy face and proceed the best that you can. I hopefully will get through the day unscathed. And if not, in true queenly fashion I will deal with that as well. On days like this it is good thing to remind myself of the blessings I do enjoy and let those beneficial thoughts help carry me through the day.

The Fountain Tarot

Questions

 

A leap of faith. 

I am ready to give up my resistance to the change that I need to embrace.  That of course is easier said than done.  I wonder if the Fool has it right, by casting off all the things that bound her and start out on a new journey unencumbered?  Can we cast off our resistance, expectations, fears, and all  the rest of the endless list of things that entangle us?  How much of our identities are entwined with our lifestyle and things that we surround ourselves with? What few things would I pack in my knapsack if I would leave all the rest behind?

All those questions, they also bind.

The Fountain Tarot

It takes Strength

 

Much as I would like, I cannot bring everyone I love with me on my journey. It is not disloyal moving forward and allowing them to move along on their journey at their pace. We all change when we are ready, even when suffering we must clear our own hurdles along our paths. It doesn't help me to stay and suffer with them. Letting go with love, we are each accountable for our own progress. 

The Fountain Tarot

Shadowlands

 

When the shadows gather it is easy to slip into worry and let dark fears overtake us. If we can gather ourselves and work through the issue(s) and get some perspective we just may be okay. It takes work and time, but the  shadowlands are not a place to linger, at least not very long. Sometimes the darkness helps us appreciate the light and joys of Life. 

The Fountain Tarot - Andi Todaro, Jason Gruhl, Jonathan Saiz

Ode to Marie

                                                      GONE FROM MY SIGHT

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.   Then someone at my side says, "There, she is gone. "  Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull, and spar as she was when she left my side. And she is just as able to bear her load of living weight to her port.  Her diminished size is in me - not her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There she is gone," there are other voices ready to take up the glad shout. "Her she comes."  And that is dying.

Death comes in its own time, in its own way. Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it."  Anonymous

Starting point return

 

This Queen of Wands seems to be wrapped in a cloak of misery. Maybe life has become too challenging and she has decided to cast off those things and status as a queen. Sometimes the expectations of others becomes too much to bear. Can she leave such things behind and with her steadfast companion return to the journey of The Fool? 

The Tarot of Durer

Letting go

 

One of my sister's four-legged family members is coming to the end of her days. What a lovely and wonderful girl she is and has been.  When I lived with my sister for the better part of a year during my recovery nine years ago, she was a steadfast companion during those days. When I drew this card I thought there was no doubt about the imagery. Death is at hand.  The draw of Death mostly signals endings and changes that are upon us, and sometimes an actual death may occur.  I love that beagle girl, and Cassie will always be a part of my heart. Will today be that day?  When she is ready I hope she moves along and does not linger in pain and fear.

The Tarot of Durer

Core beliefs

 

The other day I was going through a forgiveness meditation; reflecting on all the mistakes, big and small that I have made during my 64 years. Many of which I am sure to have forgotten. The biggies, they kind of stick with you.  Can we forgive ourselves?  Is there really anything to forgive? We are born human and that in itself can assure us of making mistakes. We are as the saying goes "Only Human".  Mistakes are part and parcel of living. We learn by them. Those experiences are part of our make-up. If I had not experienced them, I would not be who I am today, they make up some of my core beliefs of myself. Lean into acceptance and let go of the 'good' or 'bad' labels and release them. 

The Tarot of Durer

You know that you know

 

Instinctual knowing. You know that you know.  Go with that. It is always best to listen to the innate knowledge that comes from within. 

The Tarot of Durer

Group endeavor

 

Don't let despair over a difficult situation over take you.  You can persevere through this phase and clear the path to that which waits next.  

Late yesterday afternoon I felt like I was in the midst of a new cardiac event.  Actually I have had several moments like that. Anxiety. Fear for what the next episode might bring.  I think I may need to join a cardiac support group. Sometimes that just what we need, others that have faced the same trauma. 

The Tarot of Durer ~ Lo Scarabeo Pietro Alligo

Strategy

 

Take a small idea, and work with that.  Part of us always wants to grab the big brass ring, but little favors of shiny success also move us in the right direction. Keep your eye on the big picture and keep to the slow and steady progress. 

The Good Tarot

Lift off

 

I could hear in my mind the flap and snap of sails with the wind passing through and over them and I let my mind drift.  I wonder if I found my happy thought, where it would take me?  

I think of the cards in the Tarot usually as a procession from one to the next, a story line. When not sure what a card might mean I can review the cards on either side to help with what might be revealed to me. When I look at the Six of Swords between the Five and Seven of Swords, which both portray taking things that don't necessarily belong to us, or letting or thoughts lead us astray; since we are in the realm of Swords, I wonder about the Six? The Six of Swords takes us away from the Five only to find ourselves back at the Seven of Swords, repeating lessons needed learning. Hopefully so we can skip pass the hardships of the Eight, Nine, and Ten of Swords and sail on to clear and bright blue skies. No more hard and buffeting winds or thoughts, just clear sailing.

For just this moment

 

Uncertain about feelings; sometimes it is best to turn away and leave the chaos behind and spend time in solitude.  A healing journey can be as short or as long as needed.  There are no time-lines for when the hurt and distress evens out. It comes when it comes. Every moment of healing is a moment of renewal. Give Time, time.

The Good Tarot

Pearl of Wisdom

 

Listen for it. A shared word may be just what I am waiting for. A nugget of wisdom from another that gives me a feeling of wonder and hope of something new.  Just over there...a doorway to something new and wonderful. 

The Good Tarot

Life is Good

 

A lovely reminder to take the time to appreciate all the wonder and gifts we have in life and yet remember that external influences do not make us happy. My meditation this morning was "Making Self-Care a Priority, doing good for yourself in mind and body. Gratitude for all the bright-blessings we have is a good place to start on Well-Being. 

The Good Tarot

Pat on the back

 

I hope that whatever this King has to say to me is good, and wise, and compassionate counsel.  Otherwise I am in no mood to listen to do this don't do that.  How about a nice pat on the back. 

The Good Tarot

The rest is incidental

 

You can create and collect all the external comforts and still be left...wanting. The truth can be come clear that having money, home, companionship and all sorts of stuff and still you may not be happy. So it follows that not having those things really never had the power to make you happy.

Late last night I had a 'sort of' home invasion. Somehow my phone number ended up on a nasty, smutty group text. Most of the numbers began with a area code of 512 and mine is a 502, so a possible miss-type. I finally worked on blocking most of the numbers and the assault pretty much ceased, and still I was left unsettled and a bit irked in my happy little home with Kitty.

The Good Tarot ~ Colette Baron-Reid

Introspection

 

There are days that we may not want to be where we are at, but quite possibly be exactly where we need to be. Give the moment careful consideration and find the inspiration to solve the the dilemma. Things have a way of working out.

Celestial Tarot

Pat on the back

 

When every step on the daily path seems a struggle we need to reach deep within for the fortitude to continue. We can work to move ourselves beyond our perceived limitations and persevere. Nothing like a good hard days' work to get a feeling of satisfaction.  Want to get it done, just do it.

Celestial Tarot