On A Soul Retreat Until May 11th

Hello Wild Women Readers --

Just a reminder...I am on a Soul Retreat until May 11th!

Until then...be Wild!

Perfect Moment Monday -- Spring Flowers!

The other morning on my "long" run (5-6 miles), as I was completing the last mile, these beautiful flowers caught my attention.

It was such a long, cold winter -- unusual for where I live. It started with a SNOW (no school) day on December 8th and stayed frozen until mid to late February (snow still on the ground).

For pictures from the Snow Day, click here. Brrrr....

Finally, it started to warm up. The sun came out; the temperatures began to rise and the earth (and its creatures) began to come alive again, welcoming the spring.

Luckily I had my phone with me and was able to take a picture of the flowers. The added benefit was that I got to stop for a minute, catch my breath and admire the beauty.

Another Perfect Moment!

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

Soul Retreat

Hello Wild Women Readers --

I wanted to let you know that I will be on a soul retreat until Tuesday, May 11th.

Please check back on the 11th to see the next Intuitive Tuesday post!

Namaste!

Don't Force It!

Have you every noticed that as women we expect or want from our hair what we don't have?

• If we have straight hair, we want it curly. 
• If we have curly hair, we want it straight.
• If we have layers, we are growing it out so it's all one length.
• If our hair is all one length, a style with lots of layers catches our eye and now we want layers.
• If we have short hair, we want to grow it out.
• And when it's long, we think about how it would look if we cut it short.

I have always described my hair as, "too curly to be strait and too straight to be curly." I have thick, coarse hair with a natural wave. My hair was made for the 80's BIG hair style.

The last time I was in to see my stylist (who I absolutely adore), she and I were talking about my hair texture. I told her how much I liked it when my hair was straightened, but also said that I don't like to spend the time it takes to make it that way.

I said something about how it's curly, but not enough to look good. When I let it dry, it looks like I had a permanent, but some of the curlers fell out before it finished processing. Parts of it are straighter than other parts.

She suggested using a product that helps maintain the curl and make it more consistent across my head.

Do they really make something like that? Yes! I found it at the grocery store and have been using it ever since. It makes it so my hair can easily do what I want it to do. There is no more forcing it to be straight, when in fact, it wants to be curly.

That's not to say I won't take the time to straighten it every so often...but it's MUCH easier to just let it do what it wants to do.

It's SO much easier when I don't force it.

The other day, the "don't force it" principal played out with a decision I was making. For the past two years, I have contemplated taking a fairly extensive Yoga Teacher Training from one of our local studios. Each time I was interested, but would look at the curriculum and the schedule and feel roadblocks popping up.

Last week I finally turned in my application (and put down a deposit) to do the Yoga Teacher Training this summer at the yoga studio where I practice.  The first time I heard about the training, I felt excited. As I looked at the schedule, it seemed like it would work. It was such a different experience than before when I felt like I was forcing it to work.

The flow and ease of making the decision this time reminded me of my hair. It's SO much easier when I don't force it.

The key will be if I remember this the next time I am debating on what to do. If it feels forced, I am probably making the wrong decision. If it flows...it is probably right.

I need to remember not to force it! I'm off now to take a shower and apply my curly gel...and let my hair flow.

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- The Devil

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the Queen of Wands, a card describing the qualities of a strong and vibrant female energy.  Is it you or possibly someone else in your life?

Today’s card  is The Devil and I believe there is a message here for each of us. I selected it today from the Gilded Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore.

In its upright position, among other things, The Devil can symbolize being stuck, imprisoned by your own thoughts and desires, a narrow materialistic view of life, depression, burden, misery and the need to see things more clearly. It can also indicate the need to confront your personal demons.

In my training to be a life coach, we studied how to confront what was called, The Saboteur, which could be interpreted as a personal demon.

The Saboteur's voice refers to the ongoing stream of messages that we hear (sometimes unconsciously) that can direct our lives. The voice can be a composite of things you tell yourself, and messages you have heard throughout your life from parents, teachers, caretakers, friends, etc. The messages can be either positive or negative, and if you listen to and believe them, they can and will direct your life.

With my coaching clients, I can tell when their inner light is shining. Their voice is passionate, optimistic and full of life. They radiate with the possibilities that life holds for them. This would be like the Queen of Wands energy that I talked about in this week's Intuitive Tuesday post.

When a client speaks in his or her Saboteur's voice, it sounds negative and pessimistic. For example:

• "You couldn't do something like that?"
• "Do you think you are special or something?
• "What will other people think?"
• "You just aren't good at math."
• Etc.

If you've listened to and believed these thoughts and never questioned their validity, you know what it's like to be stuck in the energy of The Devil. Remember that the first times you heard these messages, you were probably growing up and the people saying them may have been important (possibly well-intentioned) people in your life.

And be careful with these messages because they can sound logical and true...or at least at some point in your life, you believed them. Perhaps you've never gone back (in your big grown up body and mind) to determine if they are still true for you.

Today's card invites you to listen to your own internal dialogue. What do you hear? What messages are there? Are they true? How do they impact you and your life?

Pulling The Devil today may be drawing your attention to your inner demons, but remember that you have the power and energy of Intuitive Tuesday's card, The Queen of Wands, to face and overcome your personal demons...and NOW is the time to do it.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Queen of Wands

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?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today’s card comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. It is the Queen of Wands, a court card which can symbolize qualities within you, a situation or a person or people in your life.

Meridee, (my friend who taught me how to read cards) always depicted me as a Queen of Wands. This Queen has a fiery energy, is extroverted, outgoing and makes things happen. I'll take THAT as a compliment!  :)

And remember, we all have the traits of ALL four suits. Even though one may be more prominent in our personalities, there are times when we call on each of the suits to help us in our every day lives.

As you read the words, notice what images, thoughts, feelings, etc. come up for you. These are your clues to determining the meaning of today's card for you.

The Queen of Wands is a strong, independent, energetic woman. According to Janine Renee's book, Tarot: For a New Generation:

"She is the Queen who most looks and acts like a movie star: regal, dynamic, glamorous, and commanding.

As an idealized personality type, she is warm, energetic, sincere, and has a sparkling personality. She is likely to be intelligent, competitive, and ambitious.

It seems she is always busy because she pursues so many interests...She is likely to be career-minded...Whatever she does, she is willing to step in and take charge." (pages 294-295)

By reading the description above, you may have someone who comes to mind. Does this sound like anyone you know (or possibly YOU)?

If pulling the Queen of Wands symbolizes a person in your life, what influence does she have on you right now? How can you benefit from this woman and her Queen of Wands traits? Is there something here for you to learn?

If pulling the Queen of Wands has to do with YOU, where are you exhibiting these traits or possibly where do you need to be exhibiting these traits?

For example, if you have been wondering how to create change in your job, pulling the Queen of Wands card today might prompt you to actively and assertively go after what you want. Wands tend to experience and create success in their lives. How can you bring this about?

The message for today is to tap into the Queen of Wands energy that is present in your life -- either in another important person or in you.   My guess is that you already have a pretty good idea who or what this is referring to. Use your intuition to gain a better understanding of the meanings for you today.

If you are like me, this has to do with these Queen of Wands within me. If so, my question to you now is, "What would your life look like if you were to turn up the volume on your Queen of Wands energy?"

Perfect Moment Monday -- Spring Blossoms!

Each spring our neighbors' apricot tree announces that spring is here by blossoming the most beautiful white flowers.

What started one day as a couple of flowers at the bottom of the tree, spread out to include the entire tree just one day later.

There is a feeling of newness and being refreshed during the springtime -- not only with the plants, but also within me, as though things are just about ready to blossom.

And seeing this beautiful apricot tree today reminded me how beautiful growth can be. Growth doesn't have to be painful. In fact, it can be quite beautiful!

Happy Spring!

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

Teenage Brains Part 3: Just A Housewife

The other morning while the boys were getting ready for school, Ryan called me over to the breakfast table where he was eating his cereal and reading the Sunday comics.

He pointed at one of the comic strips, The Family Circus, and said, "Mom, that's you."

It may be tough to read, but there is a Census worker clarifying this mother's occupation as, "Just a housewife." The cloud above her head shows her many jobs as "just a housewife" including: cook, chauffeur, gardener, laundress, nurse, accountant, seamstress, referee, veterinarian, news commentator and teacher (to name a few).

At least Ryan realizes that I do SOMETHING and am not always on Spring Break (see Teenage Brains Part 1: Always on Spring Break)!

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- King of Cups

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the Five of Cups, a card of feeling distressed, regretful, disappointed, depressed...and sad. 

Today’s card  is for Loralie and it comes from the Gilded Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore. Loralie's comment was:

This card doesn't come as a surprise at all for me, as I am going through a lot of those feelings with a situation with my teenage daughter. As she continues to grow, she continues to make mistakes.

My sweet fiance' reminded me recently that she will continue to make mistakes in order to achieve that growth and I know that he is right. It is so frustrating to see your child flounder around trying to figure out who they are and where they are going. I can't help but get caught up in the emotion of it all.

I have a book titled, "Yes, Your Teen is Crazy", which gives an excellent view on how to remember that they are actually "brain-damaged" individuals for a few years and if we remember that, then we can be the rational person that they need in order to get through it all.

The Five of Cups definitely helps me to remember that this is temporary and all part of a larger cycle. I'm so glad to have this insight! Thank you :-)

Loralie -- and for all of us -- if the King of Cups indicates a person in your life, it will most likely be a loving, fatherly-type figure, an emotionally stable man, a man who is easy to talk to and/or someone who is likely to promote the atmosphere of harmony and understanding.

When I pull the King of Cups, it is most often my DH. He is the strong, loving, fatherly figure in our family who is nurturing, playful, loving...yet firm when necessary.

In the situation you described above with your daughter, your King of Cups is most likely your fiance, who not only supports you, but provides love and support to your teenage daughter. Having pulled this card in response to your comment tells me a couple of things.

First, your fiance's energy provides tremendous support for you as a person, but more specifically for you as a mother. As you learn to better understand how his energy combines with yours and realize the effect it has on you, you will be amazed at how powerful your partnership becomes -- especially in your role as parents.

Your partnership has a synergistic effect. That is, it is not simply your energy + his energy = the sum of your two energies. Instead the energy will be magnified and the partnership will reflect an entirely new, more powerful energy.

The King of Cups tends to have experience, wisdom, compassion and kindness and will also be a great listener. Welcome this energy into your life and learn how to blend your energy with his so each of you feels more powerful than if you stood alone.

The King of Cups also is a predictor of marriage -- perfect for an engaged couple -- a blessing on your partnership and the sacred contract that you will fulfill in your life together.

Let us each be grateful for the King of Cups energies in our lives today. Whether it be your husband, a supportive brother, a father or fatherly figure, or perhaps a boss who exhibits Cups qualities (nurturing, compassionate, loving, etc.), this card was drawn to remind you of the King of Cups energy supporting you.
 And that kind of support will help each of us through the times and moods of the Five of Cups.

If you know who YOUR King of Cups is, perhaps pulling this card today is a hint to recognize him in some way and let him know that you are grateful for his energy in your life.

I am grateful for the King of Cups energies in my life -- which include both my DH and my father. In fact, I will make it a point to let them know that I am grateful for having each of them in my life. My dad is visiting this weekend, so I have the perfect opportunity to let him know how thankful I am for his energy and support.

Who is your King of Cups and is there anything you'd like to say to him?



 

Intuitive Tuesday -- The Five of Cups

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?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today’s card comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. It is the Five of Cups, a card of feeling distressed, loss and possibly feeling disappointment. Even though this doesn't sound positive, read on to better understand the message that's here for you today.

I know this isn't the most positive-looking card, but when I pull what seem to be "negative" cards, it reminds me of when I read my horoscope and it doesn't sound great. For some reason I find comfort in knowing that the situation and the associated feelings are not a surprise. It also reminds me that I will get through this.

If reading about this card today invites you to feel nervous anticipating the Five of Cups energy, maybe you can find comfort from the fact that the card was pulled...and perhaps by simply knowing this, it will make it easier to get through it, grow from it and move on.

The message I give to all of my clients is that we all have free will. Sometimes knowing ahead of time helps me to better navigate (or avoid) the situation and/or my reactions to it. The heads-up helps to prepare me. Hopefully it will do the same for you.

The Five of Cups is a card of loss, disappointment, feeling distressed and wondering where things went wrong. Cups signify emotions and in the card above, you can see that three of the cups are broken and she is desperately hanging onto the other two (that are empty).

If you find yourself in a situation that has left you feeling regretful, blaming yourself, sad, and disappointed, this is the energy of the Five of Cups.

One thing that is comforting about this and any other Minor Arcana card (Ace through 10 in all four suits), is that it is a situation in our life that usually comes and goes. It is part of a larger cycle, and in the case of this card, the cycle involves emotions (Cups).

The energy of a Minor Arcana card is like a mood that can come on and leave just as quickly. So don't get too stuck in this energy. Acknowledge it; sit with your feelings and see what's there for you. Sometimes being with your feelings can be very therapeutic.

This card also serves as a reminder to let it go. The more you cling to the Five of Cups energy, the more you can prolong it...which can hinder your growth.  I read a great quote today in a newsletter that said:

"You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present."  (by Jan Glidewell, as quoted in the Academy of Yoga newsletter).

If you have Five of Cups feelings today, recently, or experience them in the next couple of days, feel your feelings. Acknowledge how you are feeling by writing in a journal or talking to a good friend. Ponder what's there for you to experience and learn...and then let it go. Move onto the next phase of your growth and learning cycle. It's only when we unnecessarily prolong our Five of Cups feelings that we can get stuck. 

As my sister used to remind me when I was going through a tough time, "The sun will rise again tomorrow..." and it will...no matter how difficult the Five of Cups possibly feels right now. And know that this card also signifies that no matter how sad you feel, there is something  that remains to be salvaged from the situation.

Your job is to move through it and figure out what is here for you to learn...and then move on.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Alien Ship or Perfect Moment?

Easter Sunday was a series of Perfect Moments. From start to finish, I had a GREAT day!

It started with an Easter Egg Hunt and a brunch with a thought-provoking conversation about the meaning of Easter, religion and spirituality (and yes, my three teenage sons were sitting at the table participating!).

The highlight of the day was hiking with my family on a beautiful trail on the Colorado National Monument.

One of the reasons this hike was perfect is because my boys (who had previously labeled hiking as "stupid and pointless") were all eager and excited to go on the hike.

They not only hiked on the trail, but jogged almost the entire way up and back. They had SO much fun and all three got along. Usually one is left out as two of them buddy-up. But on Easter, all three were included.

As DH and I hiked along behind them, we wondered if maybe an alien ship had kidnapped our teenage boys and dropped of these "Easter" boys who were happily participating in our hike.

After our hike, we got ice cream and later ate a family dinner. Like I said...it was a beautiful Easter Sunday, full of Perfect Moments!

In the end, we decided that it wasn't an alien ship that had descended upon my family. It was just another (perfect) expression of a Perfect Moment...a series of them!

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

Feeling Completely Protected

Since the first of the year I have been studying the Course In Miracles. The book includes a Text, a Workbook for Students and a Manual for teachers.  Each day I read and practice one of the lessons. There are 365 lessons in the Workbook and the idea is to do one lesson a day for a year.

It's been interesting to see how my study of the Course In Miracles overlaps and weaves together with my yoga practice. My yoga instructor has explained that yoga is a practice of un-learning. We are un-learning how our bodies move, how we breathe and how we have become disconnected from our physical bodies.

The Course In Miracles also seems to be an un-learning of sorts. Each lesson provides a quote or main idea and some insight on that thought. I like the once a day format to help me stay present with what I am learning.

Today's lesson had some great quotes that I wanted to share with you. 

Lesson 50: I am sustained by the love of God. 

Here is an excerpt from Lesson 50:

"Only the Love of God will protect you in all circumstances. It will lift you out of every trial, and raise you high above all the perceived dangers of this world into a climate of perfect peace and safety. It will transport you into a state of mind that nothing can threaten, nothing can disturb, and where nothing can intrude upon the eternal calm of the Son of God."

A couple of lessons from the previous days were, "God is the strength in which I trust," and "There is nothing to fear."

It's impossible for me to describe to you what practicing the Course In Miracles and practicing yoga has meant to me during the past year, but know that I've experienced some huge shifts...and I expect even more shifts to follow.

My parents knew someone who was studying the Course In Miracles who told them that if someone can make it to Lesson 50, he or she most often will continue and finish the Course. Today I mark the Lesson 50 milestone and am looking forward to continuing my journey.

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- Nine of Coins (Pentacles)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the Emperor, a card that indicates strong male qualities in you, around you and can also indicate a person in your life.

Today’s card  is for Kaleene and it comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. Kaleene's comment was:

Jeff, my husband, is my Emperor today. Jeff starts a new job today as a full-time culinary instructor for an all boys’ school in Golden. We have been waiting for this job for a long time and now that it is here he is stronger, more confident, and will be able to provide the financial stability that we have been praying for, for years.

When I first read the posting I thought of last weeks card and thought about it carrying over to this week about my boss. I took a chance and talked to my boss, male, about a progression plan to move up in the company over the next few years, I hope to have a very long career with them. He has been a very strong power in my life over the past year and a half and even more so over the past two or so weeks as I now know he is fully supportive of my plans to grow professionally.

All of the "Emperors" in my life are aligning at the same time; Even the Emperor within me. - Kaleene

The card I pulled for you today is the Nine of Coins (Pentacles), which I also pulled in February. You can check it out by clicking here. It seems like a great card for you and the situation you described. Some of the key points from this previous post include:

The Nine of Coins is a card of accomplishment and independence. This woman has worked hard and possibly faced some difficult situations (the storm in the background). Now she stands alone enjoying what she has created -- her beautiful garden.

With the Nine of Coins energy today, how can you pause and reflect back on your hard work and enjoy the lovely garden you have created. Even if you are still in the midst of creating and/or in the middle of the project, you have accomplished something and this card's message today is to encourage you to realize what you have done and enjoy the platform you have built.

Since I recently pulled this card, I pulled another card for you from the Message of Life deck by Mario Duguay.  You can click here to check it out or go to your local (metaphysical) bookstore.

The card is called, Welcoming Happiness, and I think it goes well with the Nine of Pentacles.

Welcoming Happiness: Divine Love manifesting in me, through me, and around me attracts all that I need for the greatest benefit of my soul. As I work to increase my inner Light, I become the emanation of love and Joy. Thus I reap the happiness and beauty of all that I have sown.

Combined with the Nine of Coins (Pentacles) energy (above) this is a perfect combination to remind you to acknowledge your hard work and all of your accomplishments...AND take a few minutes to relax and be grateful for the beauty and bounty you have in your life.

Isn't that a great message for all of us today?

Intuitive Tuesday -- The Emperor

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?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today’s card comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. It is The Emperor, the fourth Major Arcana card in the deck. The Emperor is one of the strongest, most powerful male energies in the deck.

This card can indicate a strong male in your life, your own male qualities (even if you are a woman, this would indicate the qualities we more often associate with men), or an energy of power and control (but not necessarily over-powering or over-controlling).

This is an energy of self assertion, knowing what you want and not being afraid to assert yourself. The Emperor's energy gives structure and order to things, bringing a feeling of everything being under control.

This card represents stability and a strong foundation, law and order, rational thought, ambition, structure, strength and leadership. As Marchetti describes it in the book that accompanies this deck, the gifts of the Emperor are, "confidence, command, presence, authority."

In my life, I have Emperor qualities as well as Empress qualities. By pulling this card today, perhaps it's a sign to lean more heavily on creating structure and order in my life, using my power and authority to provide strength to my family system, my clients, my writing and my world in general.

Although the qualities of the Empress (mothering, nurturing, compassionate, etc.) are also valued, sometimes conviction and strength are exactly what is needed. I try to combine both the qualities of the Emperor and the Empress to give loving boundaries and rules to my kids.

Pulling the Emperor might also be a reflection of my DH returning from a two-week business trip. This card would welcome his familiar male, fatherly energy back into the household to provide leadership to all of the testosterone beings in the house (our three teenage sons). 

Where in your life should you call upon your Emperor qualities? Perhaps this card is a reminder that it's OK to lean on your Emperor strengths or on the energy of a strong male in your life.

Know that this card reminds you that you are strong enough and have the resources to handle whatever comes your way. Use the Emperor's energy wisely and to the fullest...and watch what happens!

Perfect Moment Monday -- Spring Fever!

I got it...Spring Fever, that is.

This past week it was sunny and clear (at least a couple of days) and I couldn't wait to be outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine!

My friend, Loralie, and I took two hikes, one on Serpents Trail and one on Liberty Cap trail.  Both trails are part of the Colorado National Monument, one of the many beautiful attractions in Western Colorado.

In the first picture, you can see Loralie and me doing tree pose (I am the one on the left). In the second picture, you can see me at the top of Liberty Cap trail. And in the third picture, you'll see both of us on our hike on Serpents Trail.

The great thing about hiking Liberty Cap is how distinctive the rock formation is...one that you can easily see from almost anywhere in town.

So as I was driving around transporting boys that afternoon (my nearly full-time job these days), I pointed out to them the huge domed rock at the top of the Monument that I hiked to that very day. They were duly impressed (as much as teenagers can be).

One last thing...I know it's hard to tell from the photos, but Loralie has beautiful blond hair and my hair is brown. We have been asked at least four times over the past eight months if we are sisters. And with all of our similarities (and differences), we have claimed each other as sisters...or should I say, "sistas," and possibly twins separated at birth!

I have a great time with Loralie and when we get to spend time together, it usually turns into a perfect moment!

Isn't that what good friends are for?

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

Surya Namaskar - Sun Salutation

In reading my Yoga Journal the other day (I love this magazine), I came upon an article called, "Shine on me: Start your day with reverence for the sun and harness its life-giving energy with Surya Namaskar."

In the article, they quote a man named Christopher Key Chapple, a yoga instructor and a professor of Indic and comparative theology at Loyola Marymount University.

To Chapple, ""Surya Namaskar is nothing less than the embodiment of the Gayatri mantra, a sacred prayer to the sun," which goes like this:

"As we sweep our arms up and bow forward, we honor the earth, the heavens, and all of life in between that is nourished by the breath cycle," he says. "As we lower our bodies, we connect with the earth. As we rise up from the earth, we stretch through the atmosphere once more, reaching for the ski. As we bring our hands together in Namaste, we gather the space of the heavens back into our heart and breath, acknowledging that our body forms the center point between heaven and earth." (Yoga Journal, March 2010, page 77-78)

Isn't that beautiful? The article goes on to describe and demonstrate Surya Namaskar Sun Salutatation.

I've done thousands of Sun Salutations and will think of this mantra each time I do it...and I wanted to share it with you.

Namaste!

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- Knight of Swords

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the King of Swords, a card that indicates a strong, intellectual influence in your life -- possibly a person, you, or a situation you are facing.

From Tuesday's comments, it seems each of the readers had a definite intuitive hit as to what or who this card was referring to.

Today’s card  is for Ailey and it comes from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore. Ailey's comment was:

This seems an easy call for me as far as how to interpret the King of Swords. I've really stalled out on my job search lately and have been trying to get myself going again. Fuzzy feelings is a great way to describe my lack of energy regarding continuing the search; feeling discouraged, hopeless, like it's all for naught so why bother, etc. I certainly need to cultivate more of the King's qualities to spur me on down this path I must travel til I reach destination:  Full employment".

Pulling the Knight from the same suit (swords) as Intuitive Tuesday's King of Swords emphasizes the need for rational thought to help you through this situation. In fact, in each of the reader's comments, there was a theme of not leading with the emotions and putting more thought towards the decisions and situations being faced.

I see a difference in "feelings" vs. intuition. When I am referring to feelings, I am referring to your emotions. Intuition refers to the inner voice inside of you that knows. It's your gut feel. And sometimes it's hard to tell the difference because our feelings/emotions are so strong that they seem to permeate the entire decision-making process.

This is where your Ring of Truth (being able to recognize your intuitive voice) comes in extremely handy.  If you need a reminder on how to do the Ring of Truth exercise, email me and I'll send it to you.

Knights herald changes in your life. There is an energy and a restlessness that goes with this pending change. The suit of the knight determines where and how this change will come into your life. Just as you think of a knight in a suit of armor, knights can also call upon your strength and courage to take you through your next "battle." That's OK. You 'e ready for it!

Knowing that swords indicate thoughts and conflicts, the Knight of Swords would mean an important event related to your thoughts and possibly conflict that may soon enter your life.

Calling upon your Knight of Swords qualities, your situation calls for swift thought and quick thinking...based on your experience, knowledge and intuitive guidance (yes, intuition even in the realm of swords can help you to sift through the thoughts running through your mind).

Ailey, in regards to your job search, the Knight of Swords would indicate that it is time to jump back on your horse. Brainstorm new ways to reach potential employers, revisit avenues that you have already explored (if you think there may be a possibility of re-opening possibilities), and use your mind to come up with new ways to solve your problem.

Have you ever played with or tried to solve a Rubik's cube? It's as though in your job search you have been flipping the sides of the cube all around, trying to get all of the colors grouped together on their respective sides of the cube. As much as you play with it, you may get one side "solved" only to see that the rest of the cube is a colorful mess.

This is where you can keep applying the same system of fidgeting with the cube...or get help by either asking someone who knows how to solve the problem or look it up on the Internet or get a book or watch a video of how to solve the Rubik's cube...OR peel off the stickers and put them on the correct sides (cheating??).

You see? There are many ways to go about solving the Rubik's cube, but it may be futile to try to keep doing what you have been doing.

It's the same in your job search. What other resources can you call in to help you make progress towards finding your full time job? The Knight of Swords asks you to use your powerful intellect and figure this out (even if it means not solving it all yourself).

And for all of us who struggle with a similar question of how to solve our own situation or make our own decision...think about using the power of your intellect to come up with new ideas. Brainstorm. Ask for help. Get the courage to try something new.

And if it helps, go out and buy a Rubik's cube and sit it on your desk to remind you to use your Knight of Swords qualities to move forward.