Happy Holidays!

Civic Center
Denver, CO, 2010

I want to wish you a very
Happy Holiday season!

May you relax and
enjoy the people around you...
and find peace.

Thank you for being a part of the
Wild Women of the Universe Community.

See you next year!

Intuitive Tuesday -- The Star (Reversed)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."  I selected The Star from the Aquarian Tarot Deck by David Palladini.

I have previously covered The Star (reversed) here and The Star. If you remember The Star card is a card of hope, optimism, inspiration and luck. Even in the reversed position, it retains a lot of its positive attributes.

Remember that The Star is a Major Arcana card (indicating a spiritual or life lesson). In the sequence of the Major Arcana cards, The Star follows The Tower. In a couple of my tarot decks, The Tower reminds me of watching television on the morning of 9/11 and seeing the Twin Towers in flames, breaking in half. On the cards, there are bodies flying out the windows, falling to the ground.

When I was going through my divorce, The Tower repeatedly came up in my readings. It indicates a significant change, the collapse of a structure or an old way of life. It typically causes disruption, shock and pain. The more locked into the structure, the more painful it can be experienced.

On the flip side, The Tower (even though painful and shocking), can also be liberating. I found some of my biggest intuitive and spiritual growth as I picked up the pieces and moved through my divorce. Perhaps you have experienced something similar in your life either with a relationship, a career, etc.

The Star is that glimmer of hope that you see or feel or long for as the dust settles. Perhaps in the case of 9/11, The Star was the way people pulled together to help, donate and pray, not only for the loved ones lost, but for our nation and for mankind as a whole.

The Star is also quite prevalent during the holiday season. The story of the first Christmas tells of the wise men and the shepherds following the star that led them to the beautiful nativity scene. No matter what your religious beliefs are, I am referring to The Star in the story being a sign of hope.

Pulling The Star for today's Intuitive Tuesday is a sign of hope...beginning with you. Hope for you, your family, your community, our world.

It reminds me of when I was growing up. I LOVED our Christmas Eve service. Still do. We'd sing familiar carols, hear the story of Jesus' birth, and end the service by singing Silent Night.

Each person was given an unlit candle as he or she walked into the service. When it was time for Silent Night, the pastors would light their candles from the eternal flame of the altar candle. The lights would dim, and the flame would be passed one candle at a time until the church was glowing -- all while we were singing one of the most beautiful hymns, Silent Night.

I feel like The Star is just like the candle lighting. It begins with me and moves out to others, spreading its hopeful light.

This season (and from here forward), may we each recognize, internalize, integrate, and radiate the energy of The Star starting right now, beginning with me, with his breath, extending to you and others. Just like scattered points of candle lights growing into a beautiful glow...by beginning with me...I can make a difference.

The Star. Amen.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Snickerdoodles

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

Who could look at a plate of Snickerdoodles and NOT have a Perfect Moment???

Last week I went to my Intuition Through Tarot group and our hostess, Suzi, had made the most beautiful looking (and delicious) Snickerdoodle cookies.

Suzi's entire house was completely decorated for the holidays. I am constantly amazed at her enthusiasm for the holidays and for life! She is a pleasure to be around and such a wonderfully intuitive woman.

Our meeting included lots of sharing, intuitive hits, support and love...and M&M's, Snickerdoodles, chocolate covered almonds, mints, coffee, etc. We decided that we'd combine our intuitive powers to make all of the sweets calorie-free. Perfect!

Kind of makes you want to join our group, doesn't it? Hanging out with intuitive women, lots of calorie-free tasty treats. What could be better?

Thanks, Suzi, for a wonderful Perfect Moment!

Wishing for a Child -- A Conception Blessing

One of my close friends, Tina, has been trying to get pregnant for several months...after enduring the loss of a miscarriage. 

Since I haven't gone through these situations myself, I can only imagine what she is experiencing, but I would anticipate that in addition to the loss and frustration of not being able to get pregnant, there may also be a sense of being alone, and possibly continually asking the question, "Why?" Of which there may not ever be an adequate response.

Last weekend I got an intuitive hit to pull together a tarot spread and an affirmation to help open the energy for my friend to conceive. Since other people (and some WW readers) are dealing with infertility, I wanted to share this with you here.

For my friend, Tina, I'd like to select a couple of tarot cards and provide an affirmation to use as you move through this waiting time.  I referenced Renee's book to create this spread, but also personalized this message for Tina.

The cards I pulled are The Sun, the Three of Cups, The Empress, The Emperor, the Ace of Wands and The World.

• The Sun is a card of opportunity, success, joy and fulfillment. This covers you, your husband and your family. 
• The Three of Cups, which is about coming together for celebrating and enjoying good times. It can also symbolize conception, gestation, pregnancy and birth. 
• The Empress (and click here) and  Emperor are the archetypal parental symbols in the deck. The Empress symbolizes powerful female energy, motherhood and fertility. 
• The Emperor is the most powerful male energy in the deck and complements the Empress as they are father and mother, husband and wife.
•  The Ace of Wands symbolizes birth, new life, virility, procreation, success in a new venture and sexual passion.
• The energy of The World supports you and your family.This is a card of attainment, harmony, fulfillment and a culmination of your efforts.

To use these cards to summons this energy, sort through your tarot deck (or use the graphic provided above) and layout the cards mentioned above. Feel free to substitute cards that you feel more accurately represent you and your situation.

Layout the selected cards and ground yourself by closing your eyes and taking ten deep breaths. Then open your eyes and say the following affirmation (again know that you can change the words in the affirmation to personalize it to fit your situation. The more personal this feels, the more powerful it will be).

The affirmation I have written includes:

I/we layout these cards to make my/our
intentions known to the universe.

I/we ask for divine guidance and assistance
in summonsing this energy.

My/our intention is to conceive a healthy child
to welcome into my/our life/lives.

Please help bring this about in perfect timing
and give me/us the patience and
faith to wait, knowing that all is in divine order...
even if at times it doesn't make sense
to my/our human mind(s).

I/we open my/our heart(s) to Your divine guidance
through this process.

And know that there is complete order in the universe.

And so it is...Amen.

May you find peace in your heart as you layout your cards and repeat this affirmation.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Four of Rods

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Today I pulled a card from my very first deck of Tarot cards, The Aquarian Deck, by David Palladini. I originally used this deck for all of my readings, but about a year ago, I made it into my own personal tarot deck.

Recently, I purchased another Aquarian Deck to use with my friends and clients. It is such a familiar deck to me and I'm sure it will bring guidance, support and comfort to the people who select this deck for our tarot readings.

I have already written about the Four of Rods (Wands) here, and noticed a key phrase from that post:

There is a peaceful, happy feel to this card. It predicts the coming of happiness and the ability to enjoy life. Potential celebrations might include marriages, adoptions, graduations, awards ceremonies, promotions and other important, positive life-changing events. It can also indicate improved family relations and peaceful times in your home.

Being the holiday season, you may be spending time with your first family (the family you grew up with). Depending on how you get along with your family, this can be a picture perfect reunion...or it can stir up anxiousness and dread (or anywhere in between).

I recently read an article in the November 2010 issue of Yoga Journal (page 55-61) called "Branching Out: Going home for the holidays can mean getting stuck in old family patterns -- or growing into something new."

In this article (which I was unable to find online), the author, Sally Kempton, talks about the dynamics that can arise as you visit with your family over the holidays. It begins with the line, "If you think you are enlightened, go visit your family."

Later Kempton said, "Memories, rivalries, and disappointments are only a piece of it. More basic is the forced encounter with parts of yourself that you thought you outgrew years ago, and the equally insidious confrontation with the ideas that family members have about who you are."

Kempton describes how easy it is to fall back into those old familiar roles (or be seen in the old roles), even if in your everyday life, you have outgrown these roles...but for some reason, just going back in your familiar (root word = family) setting and BOOM, you are 9 years old again and are known for being selfish or eating too much, or being seen as the "baby," etc.

Seeing the bigger picture may help as well. Kempton says, "No matter how different you may be from the rest of your family, you were born into this particular configuration of souls for a reason...At the very least, being with your family is a powerful spur to self-understanding."

In the article, Kempton suggests to people who have problems with their extended family to use time with them as a training opportunity. "Maybe you are training yourself to notice your own emotional triggers. Maybe you're training in compassion or in letting go of resentment."

I am excited about spending  time with my family for the holidays and even so, I found some great information in this article. What I found particularly useful was the way yoga lessons were folded into the perspective of family time as an opportunity for growth.

For example, she mentioned the yoga lesson of Seva (selfless service or karma yoga), and how it might be a great thing to focus on. Instead of getting caught up in old dynamics and possibly becoming frustrated, maybe you focus on service instead (cleaning up the dishes after family meals, wrapping presents, helping unload the car, etc.).

Kempton gives several other examples of how you can be mindful about being with your family and see it as a learning opportunity instead of a potential source of frustration.

If you get a chance to read this article, it is well worth it. Integrating Kempton's ideas may help bring out the Four of Rods (Wands) energy this holiday season so that you are focusing on your growth while being present for your family.

Remember to step into the perspective of seeing this as a training ground and a way to practice. And as my father said/says, "Perfect practice makes perfect."

Go forth and have fun while you practice with and enjoy your family this holiday season. Remember...it's an opportunity for growth.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Holidays Are About Memories

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

In my Perfect Moment Monday post a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I had a series of Perfect Moments over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Here is yet another...

This year my parents decided that instead of giving gifts to us, they'd rather spend the money, time and energy to create memories. That, in itself, is Perfect...because we don't need anything and we all really enjoy spending time together.

On Saturday night, we all climbed into a bus/limo to drive around Denver and see the holiday lights. Our teenage sons teased about us being on the "short" bus...but it was very relaxing to sit, look out the windows, see the lights, and enjoy each others company.

The bus driver, Steve, had taken the time to decorate the inside of the bus and provided soft drinks and candy canes.

He took us to downtown Denver to see Civic Center and the 16th Street mall...complete with horse-drawn carriages, holiday lights and an ice-skating rink.

After several hours of laughter and fun, we hopped off the bus, knowing that we had all just received the Perfect gift...being together.

I am extremely grateful for my family and our special time together.

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to WriteMindOpenHeart.com by clicking here.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Six of Wands

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."

I selected the Six of Wands (Rods) from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

This is a card of victory. On the card you'll notice a person riding into town on a prancing horse. He is home from the battle of the Five of Wands (Rods) and is celebrating his success. Yeah!

I could stop there because that is so positive...But wait, there's more!!!

From the book, Heart of the Tarot: The Two-card Layout: Easy, Fast and Insightful, by Thomson, Mueller and Echols, the Six of Rods is a card of doing well and getting recognition for which you've been striving. You are overcoming adversity and may be experiencing another successful accomplishment. 

Now is a time for celebration and receiving accolades.  This is a time to put your ideas into the best possible use. It's time to find an ongoing, constructive use of your abilities. You are able to influence others as well as inspire them to follow you.

There is a huge likelihood of success -- either in something you have already done (and will receive recognition for) or will do. This card reflects appreciation, possibly vindication, good news, fulfillment, reward, promotion.

A personal example...

Friday morning as Ryan (one of my 13-year old sons) walked out the door, he reminded me about his recent selection as the Student of the Week. The Six of Wands represents not only his feelings about his accomplishments, but also my proud feelings as his mother and perhaps the appreciation and recognition from his teachers and fellow students who selected him for this award.

If you are experiencing the Six of Rods energy in your life, bask in it. Take it all in. Most times we don't give ourselves enough credit (or may not get recognized when credit is due).

If you have read all through this post and think, "I wish I could feel that way again..." then DO. Here are a couple of ideas on how to do it:

• Remember the last time you felt the Six of Rods sense of accomplishment and reward and fully embrace your feelings. The more you can step into that energy, the more you attract it back to you.
• Project it out to others to help bring that energy to you. Compliment your spouse, friend or child on something today that maybe you wouldn't normally mention. Remember the idea of karma -- what comes around, goes around. 
• Take something that seems mundane (for me it's laundry), and find a sense of accomplishment and victory in completing that task. (Note: The term "complete laundry" may be an oxymoron...can you really "complete" laundry?)

Remember that you can choose to feel this sense of accomplishment and victory at any time.

Today -- purposely generate the Six of Wands energy for yourself and others and see what happens!

Perfect Moment Monday -- Hallelujah!

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.


My good friend, and Wild Women of the Universe reader, Laura, sent me a link to this wonderful video. I clicked on it and turned to take care of something else while it loaded.



I glanced at the mall scene as the video started and found myself captivated by the scene. I love the music from Handel's Messiah because it's SO moving. What also fascinated me was that this mall food court looks A LOT like the one at our mall (and probably every other in the U.S.), but I could almost imagine it happening here and witnessing it myself.

I enjoyed watching the (somewhat staged) spontaneity of the crowd, and loved watching what must have been the everyday people enjoying this outburst of music.

This reminds me of the flash mob dance that was featured on my sister's blog, www.writemindopenheart.com of the Oprah Winfrey show featuring the Black Eyed Peas, with a flash mob scene of the song, "I've Gotta Feeling." Check it out here.

EVERY time I watch this video I get tears in my eyes and feel so motivated. There is so much collective energy!

I gotta a feeling that it will be the same with the Hallelujah video.

Just think what would happen if we could coordinate our energy more often for positive purposes?

We could change the world!

I hope you take five minutes to watch and enjoy this video and feel inspired.

Thanks to Laura for sending it to me. It was PERFECT!

Happy Holidays...and may you get caught in a flash mob scene like this during one of your trips to the mall!

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to WriteMindOpenHeart.com by clicking here.

Love It And Let It Go -- The Tarot Reading

In my previous post, I told you the story about one of my clients, Lynne, who just completed her first book. After submitting several book proposals and query letters, she requested a tarot reading. After giving you the details to Lynne's story, I asked readers to provide any intuitive insights you have that might be helpful for Lynne.

Lynne's Reading:
Here is the email I sent back to Lynne which talks about which tarot card(s) I selected and how I interpreted them. See if your intuitive hits matched mine...

Dear Lynne,

I asked the questions you sent me and felt a flowing feeling, which I interpreted to mean that the book is well on its way. All you have to do now is continue to lovingly guide it on its journey. That is...allow it to flow forward without becoming emotionally attached to it...but still loving it and the process.

You have created this idea and it is now time to let it go and become what it is supposed to be and reach the people it's supposed to reach. Your job now is to escort it along its path and facilitate its journey.

Then I shuffled the cards and pulled the Queen of Cups.  According to the book Tarot Wisdom: Spiritual Teachings and Deeper Meanings by Rachel Pollack, the Queen of Cups signifies, "being intense and deeply committed to her path, which we might call the creative path of love...she sees but also acts, and her activity feeds her dream...she blends intense feeling with manifestation." 

The keywords are: "intensity, dedication, love, someone who blends feeling with action. She may represent a creative artist or creativity itself...a sense of protection in some difficult situation."

The Queen of Cups symbolizes a very motherly, loving and nurturing energy. It also calls you to tap into your own intuitive voice. If you ever feel confused, simply tap in and follow your intuition, even if it doesn't make complete sense. This is part of your journey -- listening, trusting and acting.

You can read about this card on my blog: here (tapping in to your emotions -- but not getting hooked), here (nurturing yourself) and here (nurturing yourself and others and about using (yours or others') intuition to help you move forward .  

I asked for any other clarification on your questions and pulled the:

• Knight of Coins (reversed)
• Knight of Cups (reversed)
• 8 of Wands

Since knights symbolize change, new people and experiences entering your life, news, courage, etc. I interpreted that after two rejections (since the cards were reversed), things will begin to move really quickly (8 of Wands).

Hopefully this gives you some insight into your questions. 

Let me know if you have questions or further insights.

Lynne's Response:

That's about as good a reading on this as I could get, I think. Thank you for this. I am pleased with how well I've done my part and then let go. And keep doing my part (sending out more) and letting go. It's quite the yin/yang dance.

Don't you think I handled the reversed Knights well? I didn't take it personally, on a deep level. Instead of a rejection of my book or of me (which I may have interpreted in past years) I took it as a "this isn't the best path so I'm closing it off for you. Love, the Universe."  I'm breathing through the 8 of wands. I do feel it coming.

Do you have your Intuitive Tuesday readings categorized and on a spreadsheet by topic? Impressive. 

A special thanks to Lynne for allowing me to share her story and her intuitive reading.

Love It And Let It Go

I recently did an email tarot reading for one of my clients, Lynne. I asked for her permission to share the reading with the blog readers of the Wild Women of the Universe. Here is her story and the tarot reading I gave to her. Perhaps you can relate to these insights for a project you are working on and possibly struggling with...

My client, Lynne, first talked to me about her project over two years ago. She was in the midst of researching and writing a book on something that Lynne had first-hand experience with and a lot of passion about.

We've kept in touch throughout the project and when Lynne would lose steam or inspiration or needed guidance or support, she would contact me and ask for a reading.

Usually the readings didn't uncover anything that Lynne didn't already know, but having the confirmation of the cards and my intuition gave her more confidence and certainty.

After months of disciplined writing, taking some time off, and then writing again (and again and again), editing, sending out for comments from close friends and advisers, Lynne finally completed her book proposal.

She took a sigh of relief knowing her work was done. The important thoughts that she felt needed to be transcribed, the beautiful stream of information from both her heart and her head, was neatly saved on her computer. Ah....

But could she really relax? Was her work truly done?

Perhaps her thoughts were on paper, but unless other people could read her work, it would simply be 550+ kilobytes of information trapped on her computer.

Lynne realized that getting her work into the hands of a literary agent and/or publisher was the next step...and it didn't happen easily or automatically. Finally, she had her query letter ready and sent out the initial proposals to a handful of prospective agents and publishers.  And then she waited...

Lynne recently emailed me a couple of questions and asked me for a tarot reading. Her questions had to do with the book proposals she had recently sent out, after month/years of lovingly writing her book.

Lynne's Email Request:

A request for a full proposal came yesterday from two of my sister's colleagues.  Their request and my response is below.

So. My questions are: What is the state of my book, and, what do I need to know to help it manifest?

I sat down with my tarot cards, focused on her questions and shuffled the deck.

Before I provide the card(s) I selected and the intuitive insights I received, I'll give you a chance to tap in and give your impressions, maybe pull some cards, and/or otherwise support Lynne and help her find answers to her questions.

Even if you think, "I don't have an intuitive bone in my body..." you have probably already received some thoughts, feelings and insights that would be helpful for Lynne. If you are so moved, take a few moments to give Lynne some of your intuitive feedback. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.

Then tune in Saturday to find out what card(s) I selected for her and what messages I received.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Two of Coins (Pentacles)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."

I selected the Two of Coins (Pentacles) from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti. I have previously written about this card. For more information, click here.

As I read through the previous post, the key phrase for today is:

The Two of Pentacles has a juggling feeling to it, as though it's tough to get a handle on any one area of your work because they all seem to be right in front of your face.

We are officially "between the holidays." No matter which holidays you celebrate (or not), there is an energy in the air that continues to build pretty much through the end of the year.

The Two of Coins (Pentacles) is a great card for today, particularly if you are feeling stretched on a material plane. Maybe it's feeling stressed for time, money or energy (or all three).

If at times you feel as though there just isn't enough to go around, know that the Two of Coins (Pentacles) is supporting you, especially now. You are resourceful enough and can juggle your resources effectively. No need to worry.

The Two of Pentacles showed up today to soothe you, relieve you of your worries, and let you know that there is abundance in the universe. As you focus on today's Two of Coins (Pentacles) card, relax your shoulders, take a series of deep breaths, and realize that the entire universe is on your side. Ahhhh....

Perfect Moment Monday -- Encircled By Grandkids

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

Thanksgiving weekend was a series of Perfect Moments. It started with a yoga class I attended with my sister, Lori, and my Mom.  The only thing missing was my younger sister, Tami, who had to work.

The yoga instructor dedicated the class to the feeling of "gratitude," which was fitting for Thanksgiving week. In our meditation at the end of class, she asked us to think of all of the things for which we are grateful.

When the instructor asked, "Do you have five things on your list? Ten? Three hundred or more?" I imagined my list unrolling, as though it was written on a scroll. It just kept unrolling (or maybe I should say "un-scrolling"), as I thought of all of the things for which I am grateful.

When we came home my Mom and Dad hosted a delicious breakfast. After cleaning the kitchen, we gathered in the living room. I sat with my sister, Tami, on the couch and watched my Mom, sitting on the floor encircled with grand kids.

Grandma was playing a "mean" game of War, and each time the kids snickered, I knew the grand kids were either cheating or Grandma was letting them win. Either way, watching my Mom glow and smile in the middle of her grand kids...was a Perfect Moment!


If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to WriteMindOpenHeart.com by clicking here.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Four of Cups (reversed)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."

I selected the Four of Cups (reversed) from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

You know what is interesting about selecting the Four of Cups (reversed) for this particular week? When I checked to see if I've written about this card before, I have. It was during Thanksgiving week last year! Click here to check it out.

Coincidence? I don't think so.

I think it's especially cool when things like this happen. What are the chances of selecting this card during Thanksgiving week two years in a row?

In my previous post on the Four of Cups in its upright position, I said:

As you can see on the card, there are four cups -- three on the ground and one being offered from above. With this card, there is a feeling of longing or wanting more, possibly not seeing or acknowledging what's in front of you.

This is a perfect card for Thanksgiving week. It reminds us to see the emotions, feelings and life that are represented by the cups that are right in front of us...every day. Especially if life has seemed steady and somewhat boring lately, now is the time to realize what gifts you truly have.

In its reversed position (upside-down), instead of feeling discontent, this card symbolizes the end of feeling discontent, re-connecting with others, renewing relationships and having a new readiness for upcoming challenges and opportunities. With this card, you may feel both stable (symbolized by the four) and emotionally (Cups) energized and can see (and are thankful for) all of the blessings and opportunities around you.

Perhaps this year you are consistently more aware of feeling fulfilled, not only because it's Thanksgiving and we are constantly reminded to be thankful, but more because you have opened your heart, possibly changed your perspective and see the world half-full most of the time.

By simply focusing on what is right and on what we are thankful for, we can more easily see all of the good that surrounds us every day.

In one of the workshops I give called the ABC's of Success, I talk about releasing things that happened in the past, especially things that help to keep you stuck.  During the workshop, I have participants do an exercise where they list a couple situations from the past that they'd like to release. For each situation I have them answer these two questions:

1. What is one positive thing you learned or gained from this experience? If someone has a hard time thinking of a positive aspect from a terrible experience, the group can brainstorm together. For example, if someone hates her boss, maybe the thing to be thankful for is that her boss is giving her a great reason to look for another job or go back to school.
2. Are you ready to release this situation and the energy it holds over you? Sometimes consciously asking AND answering this question helps your mind release the past so you can be free to live your life in the present.

This Thanksgiving week, let's not only be thankful for our many blessings, but consciously release anything from the past that is holding us back. By letting go of old energy, there will be more of you HERE in the present to enjoy and be thankful for what is here for you now -- Four of Cups (reversed).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Perfect moment Monday -- I Love Compliments

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz "Perfect Moment Monday is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

Last week I saw a woman who I met through my work at the Chamber of Commerce and hadn't seen in almost a year. Linda was one of the small business owners (and Chamber volunteers) I simply adored while I worked there.

EVERY time I see Linda, she has a smile on her face. She seems to have a great outlook on life, is very positive, and she and her husband (her business partner) go over and above others in customer service.

Last week I saw Linda at the gym. She was working in a group with a personal trainer and I was on the elliptical trainer. We waved at each other and said hello as I walked by her on my way to the locker room.

Today I received an email from Linda that absolutely made my day...not only by what she said, but the fact that she took the time to write an email to me to say hello and give me this feedback.

Here's the email:

Hi Sheri,

Honestly every time I see you I think you just get younger and younger looking!! So sorry that it took me a minute to realize that was you on one of the torture apparatuses at the gym.

Hope you are well and enjoying all the fun of growing sons.  They are fortunate to have such a fit mama...... fitter than most teenagers these days:-)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Hugs,

Linda

I still have a smile on my face. I am very touched.

I wrote back thanking her for her sweet words and for taking the time to write to me. I am convinced that my warm power yoga practice has a lot to do with how I look and more importantly how I feel. My entire body (mostly my back) feels so much better now that I am regularly practicing this style of yoga. I feel fortunate to be able to teach yoga to others, knowing that they may also be experiencing these kinds of benefits.

I pause today to recognize yet another Perfect Moment. I am VERY grateful...for so many things.

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to WriteMindOpenHeart.com by clicking here.

Intuitive Tuesday -- The High Priestess and the Three of Cups (Reversed)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."

I selected The High Priestess  from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti. Since I've previously selected this card (click here for more details), I asked for more clarity and selected the Three of Cups (reversed).

What do these two cards -- The High Priestess and the Three of Cups (Reversed) -- mean together?

The Three of Cups (reversed) may indicate either not getting along with a friend or friends, feeling lonely or left out and/or finding no reason to celebrate.

Remember that cups are emotions and having three of them upside-down may feel sad. What once may have brought you joy, now brings you pain. There may be a strain in an important relationship in your life and you may feel the need to be alone for a while possibly to help heal the friendship.

I have previously written about the Three of Cups in its upright position here. Among other things, the reversed position can mean the opposite of the card's meaning or it can mean the energy is blocked or you are not quite ready to move onto the next phase of this cycle.

The High Priestess is one of the Major Arcana cards and represents spiritual knowledge and intuition. Tuning into your High Priestess energy is like tapping into your Higher Self.

Even if something makes perfect, logical sense on our human plane, your High Priestess knows much more about the situation and will guide you forward based on that wisdom (if you let her). When people talk about having intuition, it means they recognize and trust their High Priestess energy.

A personal story...

The two cards together shed light on a situation in my life regarding one of my friendships. We met almost twenty years ago and shared many things including ideas, spirituality, family, divorces...and working together.

Did your red flag go up on that last one, "working together?"

Over the years our lives have woven in and out, sometimes we are like two peas in a pod, and other times our paths become parallel. The "peas" periods have coincided with times we have worked together...because we were physically together a lot during those times.

A couple of years ago, we were working together, but it was time for me to leave...and so I did. Our paths became parallel once again. And just like before, I thought things were OK, just separate.

Two weeks ago, I got a nasty email from her, chastising me for leaving -- not only the job, but our friendship as well. What changed? How did our parallel paths lead to this?

My "pattern" reaction would be to respond immediately, apologize and make up (I am a middle child = mediator/peacemaker). But I wasn't sure what I did wrong?

Feeling frustrated, I consulted my inner voice, my High Priestess, and pulled some tarot cards to help me find clarity.

Our relationship followed a pattern that was unhealthy for me. When I stepped out of the pattern, the relationship didn't work any longer. An A-HA moment!

Recognizing the pattern reminded me of why I got divorced from my first husband. His moodiness could no longer control me...which made him furious. I refused to stay in the pattern...and our relationship ended.

In the situation with my friend, my High Priestess helped me to see that falling all over myself apologizing would be stepping back into my old patterns...which weren't and aren't true for me any longer. So I didn't.

The Three of Cups (Reversed) calls for being separated for a while to allow natural healing to happen.  And so, I wait, with love...listening to my higher voice. We'll work things out if and when it's meant to be.

If you are experiencing a Three of Cups (reversed) situation in your life, or if one pops up in the next couple of weeks (holidays are a great time to stir up old relationship patterns), tune into your higher voice to help you stay true to YOU.

Your High Priestess has some words of wisdom for you...if you will simply tune in and listen.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Military Ball 2010

Perfect Moment Monday was started by www.weebleswobblog.com and is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. According to Weebles' creator, Lavender Luz, Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

Last week we celebrated Veteran's Day. If you didn't have a chance to see the video I posted on the holiday, check it out now. It is worth the four minutes of time (but have a tissue box nearby).

When our neighbors saw the Veteran's Day post, they called to invite Tom and I to the annual Military Ball last Friday evening.

In the center of the dance floor was an empty table with the chairs tilted in as though they were reserved. At each place setting was a hat from each of the major military branches -- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. In addition our first responders -- police, fire, and emergency medical -- were also honored.

The keynote speaker was the National President of the Blue Star Mothers, an organization made up of mothers who have or have had children serving our country.

One of our other neighbors then spoke about the Vietnam War Memorial that he helped to create at the Colorado Welcome Center. He also led the cake cutting ceremony where people from all of the military and first responders helped to cut eight cakes to serve for dessert.

It was a beautiful dedication to the people who fight for our freedoms. I was honored to be invited, and especially excited to have such a handsome date. :)

It was Perfect!

Happy Veteran's Day -- All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Me and Tom standing at the National WWI Museum

This year my hubby and I visited the World War I Museum in Kansas City. It was a very powerful and wonderfully done museum. From the poppies underneath the walkway as we walked in..to the "trenches" we were able to see close up. There were fabulous movies, descriptions, time-lines, weapons, uniforms, maps, planes, etc.

The question with this war (and probably all others)...is why? Why did this or does this have to happen?

The answer: I don't know, but it does happen.

My hubby has been deployed stateside several times and also did a tour in Iraq in 2004 - 2005. Even though his unit did great things while they were there (built roads, bridges, schools, met local people, etc.), and they didn't lose anyone, Tom is still quite humble about his experience and acts humble and almost shy when people shake hands with him and thank him for his service.

Each time I have the honor to be with him when he is at his monthly drill, I get to see him in his uniform (quite handsome), and it's neat to see people address him with such respect. I see the look on our sons' faces when soldiers (not much older than our boys) salute Tom and call him "Sir."

Yes, that's the Tom that those boys wrestle with, talk back to, and most importantly love. He is the man behind the uniform...my husband and their step-father / adoptive father.

So today, I celebrate Veteran's Day, thanking all of the people who have fought for our freedom, whether in a uniform or not.

My Dad is one of those people, whose passion for freedom is exhilarating! He recently visited us and showed this touching 4-minute video to his grandsons...and it seems appropriate to share it with you today.



More pics of our trip to WWI Museum:

He's SO handsome. Kinda makes you want to salute!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Intuitive Tuesday -- Knight of Rods (Wands)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week." I selected the Knight of Rods or Wands (Reversed) from the Aquarian Tarot Deck by David Palladini.

Remember last week, the card was the Ten of Rods/Wands (reversed). Selecting the Knight of Rods/Wands this week indicates movement and action in your life. You have moved through the ten energy possibly by being the Knight of Rods/Wands.

I have previously pulled this card from another deck. You can click here for more information. 

Thinking about fairy tale knights, they are typically the characters who go off on a quest to search for something and possibly return with more wisdom, stories, and the satisfaction of learning something new. By stepping outside their comfort zone, they find the courage to go past what is known, and grow.

In my yoga practice, we play with our "edge." In each pose, I ask the students to find the postures and play with their edge. How can they push their "edge" just a little...to find growth? 

Today I'd like to surround one of my kids with Knight of Rods/Wands energy. As high school basketball tryouts approach, he has decided NOT to try out...and yet I know he is very talented in this area.

My suspicion is that he may be intimidated by the other kids on the team, the competition, and the fear of being cut.

I remember feeling completely disappointed by trying out to be a sophomore cheerleader (yes, me...), and being disappointed when I didn't make the 8-women squad (out of 600+ sophomores, half of them women). I was crushed.

So I can relate to not wanting to put myself out on the line, with the possibility of growing, but also the possibility of feeling foolish and rejected.

In my journal this morning I wrote about this situation and got an intuitive hit to surround my son with positive, courageous energy. And then I pulled this card for Intuitive Tuesday and know that this is confirmation of my earlier intuitive hit.

By pulling the Knight of Rods/Wands today, I am surrounding me and my son with this energy. I am in this energy circle to support him as he makes this decision...and allow him the space to make it, and support him either way.

And for him...I wrap him in the Knight of Rods/Wands energy to give him the courage to express his gifts in this world based on confidence, love and faith.  

Who in your life today may need a little Knight of Rods/Wands energy? 
 

Perfect Moment Monday -- Turn on The Heat

Perfect Moment Monday was started by www.weebleswobblog.com and is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. According to Weebles' creator, Lavender Luz, Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

I know the picture this week is hard to see, but if you've ever been involved in a tournament, you know that this is a tournament bracket.

Over the weekend, Bryce and Ryan (my twins who are 13 1/2) played in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Their team's name was The Heat.

I was their coach, which mostly consisted of organizing and implementing substitutions (which can be difficult because no one ever wants to go out, and teen boys will let you know about it -- especially when they are related to you). I also kept the (unofficial) score, and did a lot of cheering and sideline coaching -- "block out your man; great shot; pass to your teammate, etc."

This tournament is dedicated to a high school boy who died in a freak automobile related accident...which is a great reason to donate and to play. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games.

We arrived at 7:30 a.m. to register and played our first game at 8 a.m. Because we lost (by one point), we went to the Consolation bracket. Our next game wasn't until noon.

So I hung out with the boys, walked to a nearby restaurant and watched them eat a ton of food, and returned in time to watch a couple of games and warm up for our second game.

We won! So our next game (the Consolation Championship) was at 2 p.m.

We won again! Which is why I am sharing with you a copy of the bracket, showing that The Heat won the Consolation Championship.

The boys (and their parents) were ecstatic.

I was so proud of all of the boys on the team, but especially proud of my two. They played well together, worked hard and had a lot of fun.

Bryce is a guard and is not afraid to take an outside shot or take it to the hole. And boy did he. He just kept taking it in, shooting, passing, etc.

And Ryan...WOW... Ryan played great today too. He blocked out, got the rebound, took (and made) a bunch of shots. It was awesome!

On the way home, Bryce said, "Mom, if they held a tournament like this every weekend, I'd want to play." And in his next breath he said, "Mom, we'd go broke." And I smiled, knowing that both statements were true.

The entire day was another series of Perfect Moments -- not only because we won, but because I love basketball and I really love being with my boys.

Perfect!

Intuitive Tuesday -- Ten of Rods (reversed)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week." I selected the Ten of Rods or Wands (Reversed) from the Aquarian Tarot Deck by David Palladini.

In its upright position, the Ten of Rods/Wands symbolizes the weight of the burdens you carry. From Palladini's book that accompanies this deck, he says, "a person under tremendous pressure; oppressive situations; feelings of dissatisfaction, guilt and remorse."

I selected the Ten of Rods/Wands (reversed) earlier this year from a separate deck, but the meanings are similar. Click here to read the complete post. Here is an excerpt from that post to help describe the Ten of Wands (reversed):

Today the Ten of Wands is reversed, which means that if you have been feeling stressed or pressured with your responsibilities or deadlines, you will find some relief...as though your load is getting lighter for some reason. Either you have delegated or deleted some of the things that were on your plate, OR your perspective has changed, possibly by changing your thoughts and beliefs about the situation and the role you play.

The reversed Ten of Wands may also indicate that you have been preparing for some changes in your life, possibly subconsciously, and are getting ready to more fully commit to your new direction.

This card indicates that you are getting rid of the things that have been weighing you down and are starting to feel some relief...as though you've been holding your breath and have just opened your mouth to allow the cool air to rush into your oxygen-starved lungs.

Since I have already selected the Ten of Rods/Wands (Reversed), I pulled another card today (intuitive BONUS) from the Messages of Life deck by Mario Duguay.

Today's card holds some clues as to how you have or will find this freeing energy. The card I selected is called, "Self Love."

Duguay's cards are so beautiful and have deep, meaningful messages accompanying the artwork.You can click here to check it out or go to your local (metaphysical) bookstore.

Today's card, "Self Love," says:

 I love myself and accept who I am, as I am.

It is not my ego that I love;
rather, it is what is divine in me, the purity of my Being. 

I take the time to care for myself and to enjoy life.

In doing so, I stop searching for the external things
that create only an illusion of filling my emptiness.

These two cards together (Ten of Wands/Rods reversed and Self Love) say something important to me today.

Sometimes the reason I feel burdened is because I have added too many activities into my life, so much so that things feel busy and crowded.  At first it appears as though I have no control over my level of busyness...as though it's someone else's fault that I'm this busy.

But when I look at it, I control what goes into my schedule and the priority I place on each activity.

Have I added things into my schedule forgetting this? Have I tried to fill an emptiness in me with activities and stuff -- possibly in an effort to distract me and/or help me to feel better or more complete?

The Ten of Rods/Wands (reversed) describes for me the feeling I get when I realize that I have created this level of busyness and stress...and know that I have the ability to release what no longer serves me.

Just as the Duguay card says, "I stop searching for the external things that create only an illusion of filling my emptiness."

The Ten of Rods/Wands (reversed) is a reminder to me (and possibly for you) to imagine the feeling of releasing the unnecessary burdens I'm carrying, re-prioritize my activities and let go of what no longer serves me.

Sometimes I know immediately what needs to go, and other times it's not as clear. When it feels murky, I go to a gut level and "feel" what rings true and what doesn't, using my heart more than my head -- feeling over logic.

If I know what needs to go, but am not clear how to do it, I ask the universe for help. Then I wait and allow the magic of the universe to help release what no longer serves me.

This is when I've witnessed miracles in my life. My priorities become more distinct, appointments clear from my calendar (either by my doing or someone else's), and I release activities that are keeping me busy, but not fulfilled.

I'm always amazed at what is possible and what opens up for me when I simply ask for help.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Gateway Getaway

Perfect Moment Monday was started by www.weebleswobblog.com and is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. According to Weebles' creator, Lavender Luz, Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.
 
Last year my we won a gift certificate from Gateway Canyons through our local United Way campaign. What a treat!

Not only did we have a beautiful drive to the resort, complete with the changing fall colors, but my sweet hubby and I also got time away from the usual demands of our lives.

With all of the kids taken care of, we were free to relax and enjoy our time together. After checking in we went on a date to the Paradox Grille for a couple of drinks, snacks and then dinner. Our conversations were uninterrupted; we laughed and enjoyed each others company.

Courtyard between our room, the fitness center, the general store and the Paradox Grille.

The next day we enjoyed a relaxing breakfast and borrowed vintage bikes to tour around the property. 

View from our room looking left.

View from our room looking to the right.

I am VERY grateful for this special time with Tom.
The room was fabulous!
The views spectacular!
The weather gorgeous!
It was...Perfect!

Intuitive Tuesday -- Three of Wands (Reversed)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week." I selected the Three of Wands (Reversed) from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

In its upright position, the Three of Wands indicates the successful birth of an enterprise, a new project, exchanging ideas, brainstorming, and exciting energy as a new idea takes form and you can see the possibilities.

In it reversed position, however, this energy might be blocked or delayed.

If you feel like you're spinning your wheels or feel like you're putting a lot of effort into something and not seeing the results you expected, that is the energy of the Three of Wands (reversed)...you feel like you are generating lots of energy...and for what?

The Three of Wands (reversed) is your clue to look to the Two and Four of Wands to remember why you were initially excited about the project (Two of Wands) and look ahead to the goals you set to remember where you are going and why you are moving forward (Four of Wands).

• The Two of Wands is a card of opportunity and new beginnings. 
• The Three of Wands symbolizes a new project. Remember threes mark creation, expansion and growth.
• The Four of Wands is a card of feeling content with your achievements. 

It reminds me of the story, The Wizard of Oz, just after Dorothy's house lands in Oz.

The Two of Wands is the excitement of the beginning of the yellow brick road. It's the Two of Wands energy behind the song, "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" that leads Dorothy and Toto down the bright yellow path...complete with the promise of Oz.

The Three of Wands energy happens along the path when Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man, each having their own reasons for continuing on to Oz.

The Three of Wands (reversed) is when they meet the Wicked Witch of the West, the flying monkeys, and the poppies that put them all into a blissful sleep. At these points they may have forgotten where they are going and why.

The Three of Wands (reversed) energy can be dark, unknown and scary. You're stuck in the middle of the path. You've moved through the initial excitement but can't see the goal...YET. 

Be patient as you continue on your journey remembering why you initially started this project. This is the energy of the Four of Wands. In the Wizard of Oz, this is that far off view of the beautiful "Emerald City." It is your goal, the vision that keeps you  moving forward.

If you find yourself stuck in the energy of the Three of Wands (reversed), here are some tips:

• Two of Wands: Remember when you had this wonderful idea and feel the excitement and energy you had just thinking about the possibilities.
• Four of Wands: What goals did you set out for yourself towards the end of the path?
• Up-righting the Three of Wands: Combining these two energies (Two and Four of Wands), create one small step that you can/will take to move forward.
• Repeat as necessary.  :)

By simply looking back, and by envisioning what's ahead, you can and will move from this space of feeling as though you are wasting your time. This will help you to flip the Three of Wands back into its upright position and continue on your way.

Lookout 10 of Wands...Here I Come!!!

Perfect Moment Monday -- Tarts Teach Tarot

Suzi (The High Priestess) and Lydia (The Fool)
hosted their 2nd annual Halloween party

Perfect Moment Monday was started by www.weebleswobblog.com and is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. According to Weebles' creator, Lavender Luz, Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.
 
I've mentioned the "Tarot Tarts" a couple of times on my blog. This is the name my Intuition Through Tarot class gave to our group, which is now into its third year of studying tarot and intuition together. What started out as a quest to teach/learn tarot, has turned into a group coaching circle that uses tarot and intuition to help us all move forward in our lives.

You can check out a post from St. Patrick's Day and the Tarot Tarts by clicking here.

For the past two years, two of the Tarts, Suzi and Lydia, have hosted a Halloween party. Last year's theme was astrology, and this year's theme was TAROT! Each person was asked to dress up like their favorite tarot card. It was a ton of fun.

During the evening, Lydia and Suzi gave an overview of tarot including the history, the structure of the deck, different spreads that you can use for readings, and fielded questions about the art of reading tarot cards. As I watched them talk about all that they had learned, I smiled.

These are some SMART Tarts! They have not only learned about tarot cards, but have integrated this tool into their personal gifts (both are extremely intuitive women), and the other methods they use to tap in, including astrology, angel cards, art, etc.

It was amazing to see the party-goers open and eager to learn about tarot. Whether you use the cards as a way to give yourself or others readings or as a personal meditation tool, the cards can be very powerful for your personal development and spiritual quest.

Thinking back to our first Intuition Through Tarot class, I can see how much personal growth all of the Tarot Tarts have experienced (including myself)...and I am grateful to have been a witness to not only their growth, but to my own.

Just being at the party with these beautiful intuitive souls...was a Perfect Moment!

Intuitive Tuesday -- The Strength Card (We All Need A Little Now & Then)

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life and ask, "What messages are here for me ?"

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week." I selected The Strength card from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

This is a very powerful Major Arcana card (which typically signifies a spiritual or life lesson and in this case having to do with your strength).

In Marchetti's book that accompanies these beautiful cards, Gateway to the Divine Tarot, he provides an interesting description of this card and some very powerful words.

In this card you see a woman surrounded by some very powerful beasts..."but she seems calm and without fear.  Indeed, she is controlling them, but not with physical force, which would be futile. She stretches out her hand, emitting a glow of inner energy. These beasts are not caged or chained, but nevertheless they are controlled by this force of will alone. The power is within us."

He continues, "...this card is about having inner strength in order to gracefully deal with life and its problems in a manner that exhibits hope, courage, and compassion."

Some of the key words for The Strength card are: self-confidence, inner strength, power, discipline, fortitude, willpower, and courage.

For more information on this card, click here for a previous post on The Strength card. In that post, I mentioned facing a situation with grace and power to help you move forward. That kind of strength is powerful no matter what you are facing today.

Another meaning for The Strength card has to do with health and vitality. 

• Today I am sending one of my good friends (and a Wild Women of the Universe blog reader), the energy and power of The Strength card. Her beautiful dog (named Faith), has been sick and is in the hospital. May she and her dog find Strength as they move through this.

• Another Wild Women of the Universe reader's (and one of my good friend's) high school son lost one of his teenage friends over the weekend in a freak car accident. And so, I am sending strength, energy and love out to not only my friend and her son, but to the girl and her family as well.

I'm sure you too can think of people (perhaps yourself or others) who could benefit from the powerful energy of The Strength card. If so, take a moment to look at the image above, summons the energy of this card, close your eyes and imagine sending this energy to anyone (and everyone) who could benefit from having a more Strength today.

The beauty is that the energy of The Strength card is unlimited. Send out as much as you'd like, being grateful that you are able to help energetically...and know that what you give, you also receive.