Intuitive Tuesday -- Eight of Swords

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

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 Eight of Swords from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore.

Eights can represent reorganization of ideas, thoughts, materials and emotions. Eights can also indicate power, success and stability. The suit of Swords usually indicates thoughts and conflict.

The Eight of Swords is a card about feeling trapped. On today's card, you see a woman who is handcuffed and blindfolded, surrounded by swords. She is trapped in a prison of her own making. Her thoughts and beliefs about a situation are keeping her stuck.

The energy of the Eight of Swords can be frustrating, not only because you feel trapped, but also because you have an inkling that YOU hold the key...but you can't remember where you put it!

You might also feel fear, because you don't know how to free yourself. Try as you might, you can't think your way out of this -- especially if you use the same thoughts, logic and reasoning as you did when you first got into this mess. The more you struggle, the more stuck you become.

It reminds me of when I get a knot in my shoelaces. At first, I pull on one of the ends to see if the knot will somehow slip out. No luck! Pulling only seems to tighten the knot, making it even more impossible to unravel.

My kids do the same thing. They pull their knotted shoelaces in an effort to loosen them, but tighten the knot instead.

By the time they bring the shoe to me, it's usually a huge knotted mess. My best course of action is to look closely and find a looser strand in the lace so I can begin to loosen it gently, coaxing it from being so stubborn.

It's the same with our thoughts. If we stick to what we've always known (pulling the knotted shoelace), we have no new way of looking at or moving through our situation. We are applying the same "solution" that keeps NOT working and the knot gets tighter.

No wonder we get frustrated.

Today's card -- the Eight of Swords -- indicates not only feeling stuck, but gives you some clues to loosen the knot. By reorganizing your thoughts (in the tarot deck Eights = reorganization and Swords = thoughts), YOU hold the key!

If you are feeling stuck now, instead of reacting with the same thoughts, why not pause and try something new and different? If you have no idea what that might be, ask a trusted friend for help in unraveling your knot.

Your friend may provide some insights for you, but what I find is that just talking through it with someone else, helps me to identify my roadblocks. Sometimes my friend doesn't have to say anything and I work myself up to and through my own obstacles. Other times, a friend can ask a thought-provoking question at the right time and BOOM! The answer appears!

The next time you feel stuck in a situation, think about your shoelace being knotted. Pretend as though you've pulled really hard to get the knot out and it's not working...how can/will you change your approach to help you find freedom -- from a knotted shoelace...and/or a tangled situation?

Remember what the famous tarot reader Albert Einstein said about the Eight of Swords (OK. He wasn't known for his tarot reading abilities but the same logic applies):

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking
we used when we created them.

Perfect Moment Monday -- What A Hike!

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WeeblesWobblog.com. According to Weebles, "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.  

On Saturday, Tom and I took a hike on one of my favorite trails, Independence Rock  -- part of the Colorado National Monument (which is currently being considered to become a National Park through Senator Udall).

What a beautiful morning we choose to go hiking. Wow!

Below you'll see some of the pictures we took along the way (spectacular), but the climax of the hike happened as we were on our way back down the trail. We looked up and saw a big horned sheep  walking up the trail!

He wasn't in a hurry and wasn't at all bothered by us being so close to him. At one point he was less than 20' from us. He only barely ventured off the trail as he walked casually past us.

I've never seen a ram this close. It was amazing...and Perfect!

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

Tom and Independence Rock

Me and Independence Rock

Along the way...

Independence Rock At A Distance

Intuitive Tuesday -- Knight of Coins (Pentacles)

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

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 Coins from the Legacy of Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti.

Knights typically indicate something that is about to happen, new people or experiences and an energy that change is in the air. It can also represent a young person who is a seeker, someone who is curious and interested in gaining knowledge...a student or apprentice.

Coins (or Pentacles) have to do with material things, being resourceful, money and the business world.

The potential meanings for today's card may include:

If the Knight of Coins represents a person in your life or traits that you possess, it may describe a person who is down-to-earth, possibly good with money, intelligent, responsible, diligent, honorable, helpful and good with his or her hands.

This person (or you) is reliable, trustworthy and patient. If this represents a person other than yourself, a Knight probably represents someone who is your equal -- sibling, co-worker, etc. -- as opposed to a Queen, King or boss.

If the Knight of Coins refers to a situation, it indicates an area of your life where you are making tangible progress. Because of your diligence and responsibility level, this card may confirm that you are taking a sensible course of action. Your work is methodical, logical and practical.  With the Knight of Coins, slow and steady wins the race.

How does this relate to your every day life? If referring to a situation in your life, the Knight of Coins probably has message for you about your work, new employment, potentially property or finance issues. Because it is in its upright position, it indicates that you are on the right track, even if you don't yet know it or have proof. You are making slow and steady progress...so stay the course.

The Knight of Coins...a personal example.

Last week I wrote about one of my kids, Ryan, and his determination to stay in an honors math class. His level of determination and also what he's learning -- mathematics, Algebra, etc... are all symbolic of the Knight of Coins.

The fact that this is a Knight and not a Page (which indicates more of a child), shows me that Ryan is growing up. This is just one area of his life where he is exhibiting more mature behavior. Thus he is represented by the Knight and not a Page...in this situation.

As you read through this post, is the Knight of Coins a person in your life (if so, who?), or does this card possibly represent traits that you posses or a situation you are experiencing?

Use the energy of today's card to give you the determination and assurance you need to confirm you are on the right path and that you are making steady progress.

To me, the Knight of Coins is a great confirmation that Ryan is well on his way towards success. We'll see if that success is evident in his math class...but regardless of his letter grade, he is learning and displaying great maturity. And for me, that is awesome!

Perfect Moment Monday Night Football

Tom and I enjoying our Perfect seats!
Note the cover above us and the rains and empty stands behind us.

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WeeblesWobblog.com. According to Weebles, "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.  

Living in Colorado almost my entire life, it's no wonder that I'm a Denver Broncos fan. So what is a Broncos fan and her hubby (a Bears fan) doing at Arrowhead stadium for a Monday Night Football game? 

Tom and I attended a week-long military training last week at Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth, Kansas. When I say "we," I mean that we were both in school learning about leadership, communication, personality styles, etc.

Our view of the field...with our drinks and snacks in the foreground.

Even though the classes were excellent and the guest speakers were some pretty important (high-up, four-star type people), the real draw was visiting Tom's brother and his family who are stationed there temporarily.

Part of the fun included getting special tickets for veterans to attend the Monday Night Football Kansas City Chiefs game.

Wow! They have some pretty intense fans in KC. Almost everyone was wearing red, faces painted, some wearing full Indian chief headdresses. And most of them didn't like the fact that I had on my Denver Broncos sweatshirt and Tom had on his Plummer jersey (I wonder why???)

Our assigned seats were in a new standing room only section on what I believe was the very top of the stadium. The funny thing was that the section was SO new that no one (not any of the twenty or so "Event Staff" people) knew how to find it. In the course of a half-hour we got so many conflicting directions to get to our seats...it was almost comical.

The stands are red and almost completely full...until the rain came down (for almost the entire game).

But once we got there, there were several people standing around, and one lone table overlooking the balcony. We immediately claimed it!

The BONUS? If you look carefully in our picture, you'll notice a cover above our heads, and pouring rain coming down behind us (but not on us). The stands are almost empty because for most of the game it poured...and not just little, but a lot.

But from where we sat, we could see the entire field, had a TV above our heads, and a cocktail table to rest our drinks and snacks on. It was PERFECT!

In fact, it was one in a series of Perfect Moments that happened throughout the week...of which I'll share more soon.

The Chiefs won and it stopped raining just long enough for us to get out to our car. How perfect is that?
 
If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to Weebles Wobblog by clicking here.

Intuitive Tuesday -- The World (Reversed)

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

As I prepared to select today's Intuitive Tuesday card, I got an intuitive hit to feature The World (Reversed). I pulled this card for one of my clients last week and felt like the messages I received for her, not only were directed at her, but also to me, and quite possibly to you.

This week's card is taken from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore.

The World is the 21st Major Arcana card in the tarot deck.  Major Arcana cards usually indicate more spiritual, life lessons. This card indicates the end of a cycle, culmination, harmony, fulfillment, etc.

But I selected The World in its reversed position (upside-down), which may indicate a feeling of being SOOOOOOOOOOOO close, but not quite "there." This can be in any area of your life or in several areas. It's a place where you seem to be bumping up against an invisible wall.

With The World (reversed), it can feel like you are stuck in a rut, waiting for change, but fearing it at the same time.

By now you probably have a good idea what area of your life is bumping up against the energy of The World (reversed).

If so, it may be helpful to revisit the previous Major Arcana card, Judgment. Perhaps you still have some lessons to learn at this stage of your journey.

Here are some questions to ponder and possibly write about and explore in your journal regarding Judgment and The World (reversed):

• If you truly stepped into your life purpose, what do you fear people would think or say about you?
• What part of you and your gifts is calling to you to come forward without fear?
• What could you become if you believed and allowed?
• Who or what would change in your life if you integrated all of yourself (the "good" parts the "bad" parts, the scared child, the sophisticated executive...etc.)?

As you open up to your own fears...and not just think about it or talk about it, but FEEL it and live it, you will see these barriers cracking and crumbling. The key is not to get stuck in approaching the issues intellectually, but integrating them emotionally.

Once you trust and your heart opens, knowing that you are completely blessed, The World card begins to shift back into its upright position, indicating fulfillment, attainment, etc.

Another cycle is just around the corner as you begin, once again, with The Fool card (both the last and first card of the Major Arcana).

With this, you signal to the universe that you are ready to move on…and the invisible wall disappears (Is that possible?).

Perfect Moment Monday -- He's Growing Up!

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WeeblesWobblog.com. According to Weebles, "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.  

This past week was spent on the phone with teachers and counselors in an attempt to help Ryan in his math class.

The day before school started, Ryan's schedule got changed to include Honors Math. We were not overly surprised because he has scored well on his standardized tests over the past several years and he received an A+ grade all last year in math.

Last weekend he was upset because he was struggling in Honors Math.  The teacher was testing the kids to make sure they were placed correctly. Unfortunately, if he hasn't been placed correctly, his biggest fear is being returned to a regular 8th grade math class and being teased about not being smart enough...a valid concern in middle school.

But, we don't want him struggling all year, getting bad grades...just to say he was in Honors Math. Not worth it!

In talking to his teachers, I found out a class was offered over the summer for kids who were moving from regular math to Honors math, to help prepare them and bridge any gaps in their education. We didn't know about him being moved up in time for him to take this class...nor did we know that this class even existed.

His teacher sent home some Parent Pages to help stimulate my Algebra memory chip that hasn't been accessed for some time.  :)

Ryan and I worked on his homework Wednesday evening, preparing him for his test on Thursday. Unfortunately, he struggled on that test too.

Friday, he came home and said that his teacher may be sending home "the letter" suggesting that he be moved back to regular math.

But...and here comes the Perfect Moment...Ryan told her he'd like some extra work over the weekend so he could catch up and stay in the class.

Did you fall off your chair? I almost did when he told me.

Again he amazed me when on Friday evening -- even though his older brother had two 9th grade girls over to hang out -- Ryan asked me to help with his math pages.

Voluntary homework on a Friday evening. I almost fell off my chair again!

Ryan and I sat at the kitchen table reviewing linear equations, graphing, slope, y-intercept, etc. for over an hour. By the time we finished, he was able to do the equations forwards and backwards.

I've been marveling at his attitude and level of maturity ever since. And I'm sure I'll continue to be in awe...until the next time some silly teenage comment comes out his mouth.

But for now...I am savoring this Perfect Moment!


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

Intuitive Tuesday -- Ace of Cups

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

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 Ace of Cups from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore.

Selecting the Ace of Cups may indicate that somewhere in your life you are richly engaged in your emotions and there is an excitement you feel in your soul about something or someone.

I have previously written about the Ace of Cups. If you'd like to read the previous post, click here. One of the key descriptions of this card is:

The Ace of Cups has to do with deep, overflowing emotions, the start of new emotions, new love, friendship, peace and abundance. It can also symbolize childbirth, pregnancy, motherhood, romance, health and psychic abilities.

A personal example:

I recently finished my Yoga Teacher Training. Woo Hoo!

To graduate, we took a final exam (16 pages of hand-written short answer/essay questions).  In addition, each student completes a "solo," which means leading a 75-minute class for the other teacher training students, other teachers, and the studio owner...complete with music, lights, spray, quotes, etc.

I did my solo last Tuesday evening and was the last of the teacher training students to do it -- luck of the draw. I was excited and nervous all at the same time.

About ten minutes into the practice, I had what I call an "emotional high." It's when I have an overwhelming connection with a higher energy and for some reason I almost feel like crying...not sad crying, but more like happy crying, as though I am doing exactly what I am meant to be doing at that point in time. It's very spiritual.

All week I have been feeling Ace of Cups energy for my own yoga practice, and for teaching. It's new, challenging and just a great experience to see people moving so gracefully from pose to pose. It's breath-taking.

When two teachers needed subs for their classes on Thursday and Saturday mornings, my Ace of Cups energy was activated. Before I could even think about it, my mouth opened and I committed to teaching these classes.

My name is actually on the schedule. I teach the Monday 6:15 a.m. class. I'm official!

Each time I teach, my Ace of Cups feelings are re-ignited.

My goal is to get ten classes under my belt. Each time I teach, I get more comfortable and connect a little more with the universal teacher in me. It's been an awesome experience!

I'm curious as to what Ace of Cups feelings you have in your life... It can be about a person, a situation, your career, education, children, etc. You probably already have a pretty good idea what area of your life you are experiencing the Ace of Cups energy because of your excitement and motivation to keep moving forward.

At its most basic meaning, the Ace of Cups is about feeling alive. What a great card for today!

Perfect Moment Monday -- Labor on Labor Day

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WeeblesWobblog.com. According to Weebles, "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. 

I can't believe it's been 15 years since I was pregnant with James, my oldest.

This picture shows me after a step aerobics class the Friday before he was born the following Tuesday.

Appropriately, I went into labor on Labor Day (I must have this thing about following the rules) and had him the next day.

Fast forward 15 years and he is thinking about driving...and girls...and music...and the wonderful things he has to look forward to as he grows up.

This is his special weekend. It's SO special that he typically has three days off to celebrate!

James is a wonderful young man and I am SO proud of him.

His birthday is a Perfect Moment and a reminder of a very special Perfect Moment that happened 15 years ago.

Happy Birthday James!

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

What's Taking Space In Your Life?

"The space for what you want is already filled
with what you settled for instead."

                                            Richard Bach, author of Illusions,
                                            Jonathan Livingston Seagull, etc.

The other day one of my friends, Paula, called me and wanted to let me know how much her tarot reading and the PSYCH-K work we did had helped her in making some significant changes.

The two modalities (tarot and PSYCH-K) work beautifully together. The tarot reading helps uncover an emotional slice of what's happening for my client, and possibly what thoughts, beliefs and blocks are keeping them stuck.

Paula's reading was one that seemed as though every card that I placed into the spread was specifically chosen for the question she had asked. We both had the "Twilight Zone" feeling...you know, the one that feels like a really weirdly coincidental synchronicity is happening right in front of your very eyes!!

We talked about her beliefs and blocks and and used PSYCK-K (which also has the "Twilight Zone" feel) to balance for those beliefs.

After leaving our sessions, Paula made some significant changes in her life including leaving one of her part-time jobs to pursue one of her personal passions, nutrition and educating people about their food choices. She has blossomed as she has stepped more fully into your purpose and her passion!

If you'd like to check out Paula's Food Blog, click here.

I was touched because last week she took the time to call to let me know how things were going and how much she appreciated and valued the work we had done.

Interestingly enough (input Twilight Zone music here), as we were talking I looked at my computer screen.  Pulled up on the screen at that very moment was a file of some of my favorite quotes. The one in the middle of the screen was the one at the top of the page, "The space for what you want is already filled with what you settled for instead," by Richard Bach.

This quote speaks to me (especially in light of some of the changes I have made recently), and when I read it to Paula, she said it was exactly what she had gone through in shedding the old...in order to welcome the new.

In my life, I have tended to play it safe. That is, I wait for the net to appear before I jump. Perhaps our test of faith is to listen and follow our intuition...and THEN allow the net to appear. That's what I've done as I've made some recent changes and now I am patiently and faithfully awaiting what's next.

I'll update you on some of my recent "sheddings" in a future post. But for now, I wanted to share this quote with you to see what's taking up space in your life?