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. 

Perfect Moment Monday -- Friendly Rivalries Part 2

Tom lowering the MSU Spartan flag from our flagpole.
Is that a smile on his face?

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.
 
A couple of months ago, I wrote a post about our wonderful neighbors, called Friendly Rivalries...the first part of today's sequal.

In the first post I shared how much we enjoy our neighbors...and see almost everything eye-to-eye EXCEPT perhaps college sports...football to be specific!

Last weekend my husband's team, the Michigan State University (MSU) Spartans, played the Michigan Wolverines (our neighbor, Steve's, favorite team) in football.

If you read the first part of the story, you already know that the men of the households placed a friendly bet. Whichever team won, the winner's team's flag would be proudly displayed on the other person's flagpole...for a WHOLE week!

And so, staying true to his word, after Michigan lost to MSU (34-17), Steve took the green MSU flag emblazoned with the white "S" and marched over to his flagpole and raised it up high. This must have been tough for him because he grumbled and moaned the entire time while raising the flag up the pole. (See pictures below).

It probably made it worse that we were all watching and cheering him on, my husband showing little to no sympathy.

When we returned home yesterday (a week later), the green Spartan flag was neatly folded on our counter with a note from Steve:

Thank you SOOOOOO very much for the pleasure of flying this fine flag a full week at my house. I have had a number of calls asking for my help in the Vet Sciences since everyone thinks I went to "Moooooo U" -- Steve

We were lucky that this year MSU is off to its best start in over seven years (stats proudly stated by my hubby). We'll see what the rest of the year brings and I'll be curious to see if the boys bet again next year. Perhaps it will become a tradition???

Steve snatched the flag and marched across the driveway.

Steve grimaces by simply touching the flag.

It looks painful...

The Spartan flag flew high all week...much to Steve's chagrin.

Checking Off Your Bucket List

Wild Women blog reader, Kaleene, celebrates her birthday on 10-10-10

Remember a couple of days ago when I gave an intuitive interpretation of the date 10-10-10. Click here to check it out.

The previous week, Kaleene had commented on the Intuitive Tuesday post and asked about her upcoming birthday that was to happen on 10-10-10.

She emailed today to let me know she had a fabulous birthday. Her Mom and hubby surprised her with a chance to do some indoor sky-diving, which was one of her bucket list goals!

Kaleene emailed me some photos of the event. Wow! That looks like a lot of fun!

She also said she had time to ponder some of the questions I posed in the 10-10-10 post.

In her own words:

I do feel like I am at a new beginning with my relationship with my hubby, we are both growing up together and not apart.  I have hit a road block professionally and am finally seeing the light to getting out of the funk I have been in and looking at new possibilities.  

I know I have a long road ahead but I am open to "opening" those doors.  I feel fresh and anew today.  

If I can "sky dive" I can do anything. :)

Yes you can do anything!

What wonderful insights. May you keep this perspective as you move ahead and create change and balance in your life.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Nine of Wands (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 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 Nine of Wands (reversed) from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

Can you feel the overwhelm in the picture on this card? The man leans forward on his wand that is pressing into the ground. It's as though he barely has enough energy to hold his head up and doesn't have the strength to go on.

In Marchetti's book that accompanies these cards, Legacy of the Divine Tarot, he gives the following descriptive words for the Nine of Wands (reversed):  "Unprepared, scattered, ill health, weakness of character."

Do you feel this way? Have you just about had enough? Are you under the weather or possibly feel as though your defenses are down?  If so, that is the energy of the Nine of Wands (reversed).

When I feel this way, it tends to compound on itself, like a downward spiral. I can intellectually know that things will get better, that this will pass, that a good night's sleep (or chocolate) will help -- and all of that is true -- but when the Nine of Wands (reversed) is present in your life, sometimes it's hard to believe.

Even though it can be overwhelming, know that you have all of the resources you need to turn this card (and its energy) right-side-up.

In its upright position, the Nine of Wands means that you are able to stand your ground, stand up for yourself, not take things personally, and feel like you will make it through anything that comes your way.

How can you make this energy shift? Know that it's not an exact recipe (because it changes with each situation), but here are some of the ingredients. Your job is to discover which ingredients feel right to you and then determine how to put it together to make the energy switch.

Note: you may also have some ingredients that you add on your own to make this shift. If so, please feel free to use and share with the rest of us.

Some of the ingredients for turning the Nine of Wands (reversed) back into its upright position include:

• Get a good night's sleep or take a nap. Sleep (and time) can act like a re-set button.
• Focus on having patience and give things time to work out. Even if things look and feel terrible now, remember that this is just a slice of the story. It's not over yet, so be in the moment and allow things to be as they are, knowing that they will change (maybe not soon enough, but they will change).
• Find a way to maintain your faith in the universe that things truly are in order (even if it feels messy right now) and ground your energy (re-connect to mother earth). This might include praying, pulling tarot cards, writing in your journal, meditating, visualizing, talking with a good friend, taking a walk in nature, etc.
• Visualize the changes you'd like to see. Don't get stuck on the HOW, but focus on the vision of WHAT you want to bring about. Be specific with what it is that you want and then allow the universe to figure out HOW. It's too hard to mastermind and control everything in your life, so why exhaust yourself trying?
• Instead of wasting your energy on what is wrong, focus on what is right (even if you have to be creative).  For example, if your boss is making you crazy, maybe you can be thankful for him giving you the motivation to find a new job!
  
• For clients who experience uncomfortable feelings with any of the tarot cards, I ask them directly, "Are you ready to switch this energy?" If not, we talk about what's keeping them stuck and go from there.  If they ARE ready to switch, I have them say it out loud, with confidence and conviction. "I am ready for things to change. I am asking for things to change. I pray things will change. I am grateful as I find patience while things change." It's amazing how powerful this can be.
• Connect with someone who cares, who will keep your confidence, and someone who loves you. Let this person know that you are not expecting  him or her to solve your issue, but to simply listen, love you and have compassion for where you are now. Know too that he or she may use these same qualities to kick you in the butt in an effort to help you to move forward (tough -- yet effective -- love).

I think you get the idea. Can you share any other ingredient ideas with the rest of us?

The beauty of selecting the Nine of Wands (reversed) card today and connecting here with the other Wild Women of the Universe readers, is knowing that you are not alone. We have all felt this energy, may still be feeling it now...but at least we have the support of fellow travelers on the (sometimes difficult) path of life.

Perfect Moment Monday -- What's Important In Life

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 was the beginning of the middle school basketball season, which commences with tryouts -- three days of playing with all of the kids to find out who will make the all important A Team.

Last year both Bryce and Ryan were on the A Team and had a great season. Their team was undefeated and won the end of the season championship tournament. It was awesome to watch (especially for me because I am a basketball player myself).

This year Ryan made the A Team, and Bryce made the B Team. It's not that their skill levels are hugely different, but Ryan has already had a couple of huge growth spurts, while Bryce has been progressing a bit more slowly (even though they are twins). Right now Ryan is about six inches taller than Bryce...and in basketball, height makes all of the difference in the world.

I got the phone calls on the last afternoon of tryouts. Ryan called and said, "Mom, we're done early with practice. Can you come pick us up?"

I asked excitedly, "Which team did you make?"

"A Team," Ryan said and paused. I knew without asking...but still asked to confirm. Bryce was on the B Team.

Minutes later the phone rang and Bryce was on the phone. He was very upset. "Mom, I didn't make A Team. I'm on B Team...and I'm not going to play. I'm gonna quit!"

Having twins I know that this will happen, but knowing so doesn't make it any easier when it does happen.

That night Bryce was still very upset. So much so that he had a hard time falling asleep. Both Tom and I went in to talk to him, but he did not want to talk.

A few minutes later, he came upstairs and cuddled next to me on the couch. My sweet hubby got the nice cozy blanket from my bed and wrapped us both in it. Somehow just sitting with Bryce was better than any words I could say.

As if from heaven, I realized that I had placed three books next to me on the couch so I could look through them after the boys had gone to bed. These were the journals I kept for each of the boys during their first years of life. I found them earlier that day and wanted to look through them.

There the journals sat, just waiting for me to notice.

I grabbed the one that had Bryce's name on it. He looked up and said, "What's that?" So I explained.

He asked me to read some of it to him...and so I did, beginning with the entry I wrote prior to his birth.

Here's a sample of what I wrote when Bryce was three weeks old:

Dear Bryce -- Just the other night I was looking at your foot and told your Dad that your feet would take you to places we would never see, both geographically and into the future. Your path here will be different form mine and from everyone else, including Ryan.

You have a special purpose, and my job is to teach you what you need to know and help you listen to your inner guidance.

I  believe that listening to your inner self is a difficult thing to learn, even though it's probably one of the most natural things we can do.

I think your inner voice helps you to find your purpose and live a life that takes you toward your purpose, even if at times you are unsure what that purpose is.

No matter how busy your life becomes, always take time to listen to yourself.

We didn't make it very far before Bryce asked to go to bed; he was exhausted.

Spending time together, reading through these thoughts and messages soothed Bryce and helped him find the peace to go to bed and the courage to go to practice the next morning. He chose not to quit.

Seeing him move from feeling completely defeated to finding his courage to continue on, was a Perfect Moment for me (not to mention snuggling with my 13 1/2 year old kid on the couch...because that was pretty perfect too).

What About October 10, 2010 (10/10/10)?

Three versions of the 10th Major Arcana card, the Wheel of Fortune.
From the Mystic Faerie Tarot, The Enchanted World Tarot,
and The Gilded Tarot decks. 

In my last Intuitive Tuesday post that featured the Two of Swords (reversed) and The Moon (reversed), Kaleene commented and asked about her upcoming birthday on 10/10/10. 

With these numbers, it looks to be an exciting day -- not only if it's your birthday, but for everyone.

Here are my thoughts on 10/10/10, a few days early so you have time to ponder this once-in-a-lifetime event:

Let's look first at the number 10. In the tarot deck tens indicate the end of a cycle, completion, transformation...and time for new beginnings. Based on your comment on Tuesday's post, it looks like this would be a welcome change. Kaleene, you said:

I almost cried reading these cards. I am exactly in this place right now. I have been in such a funk that after a lot of conversations with my best friends, Jeff my husband, Janelle, my childhood friend, I am starting to come out of my darkness and beginning to see the light again. To find happiness and wholeness in the present. To feel valued and appreciated. very cool!

It sounds like things have been tough, but you are beginning to see the light. That is exactly the essence of the tens. You've moved through these cycles and are ready to start again. And know that this is in all of the areas of your life which are represented in the tarot deck through the suits:

• Wands (energy, creativity and action)
• Swords (mental energy, intellect, thoughts and conflict)
• Cups (emotions and feelings)
• Pentacles (resources, earthly, materialistic, business)

What does 10/10/10 mean for the rest of us?
As you approach 10/10/10, reflect on each of the areas represented by the suits and the energy of the ten, to see how and where you've found completion. For example:

• What is the cycle you've come through in this area: Wands/energy, Swords/thoughts, Cups/feelings, Pentacles/materials?
• When did the cycle start? What happened in the middle and towards the end?
• Looking back, what did you learn in each area: Wands/energy, Swords/thoughts, Cups/feelings, Pentacles/materials?
• Knowing what you know now, how could you have better applied your energies from each area: Wands/energy, Swords/thoughts, Cups/feelings, Pentacles/materials?
• What lessons have you learned in each area: Wands/energy, Swords/thoughts, Cups/feelings, Pentacles/materials?

Don't spend a lot of time word-smithing or thinking of the "right" answer. Simply reflect on this cycle and find clarity on the lessons you have learned..so that you can take this wisdom with you as you begin the next cycle.

Know too, that some of the learning and revelations may still be in process, so be patient with yourself as you learn and recognize these lessons.

When relating the three tens (10/10/10) to the Major Arcana, there are some interesting connections that can be made.

• The tenth Major Arcana card is the Wheel of Fortune, which indicates a change for the better. The Wheel spins continuously and for every down there is an up -- and vice-versa.  If things have been tough up until now, you may have been on the downside of the cycle and are reaching the top again.
• The higher octave of the Wheel of Fortune might also be the 19th card in the deck (1 + 9 = 10), which is The Sun. This is a card of success, fulfillment, opportunity and joy. 
• Another related card is The Magician (the first of the Major Arcana cards = 1) just as the 10 comes down to a 1 numerologically speaking (1 + 0 = 1). The Magician's gift is helping you realize the gifts YOU have...and encourages you to apply these gifts in all areas of your life.  

Yes, 10/10/10 has the potential to be a very powerful day for all of us, and especially for you, Kaleene, because it is your birthday.

Happy birthday! I'm excited to hear what you do with all of this fantastic 10 energy on your birthday and as you move forward in your life.

And, if you would like more in-depth information about the upcoming year, I have a 6-card Year Lesson Tarot Spread that is ideal for birthdays. Email to let me know if you would like more information.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Two of Swords and Moon (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 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 Moon (reversed) from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore.

I've already written about The Moon (reversed) here and talked about its effects on lifting the fog so you can see more clearly. This includes not only what is on the surface, but also the unspoken, intuitive thoughts you have or feelings that you can't explain, but know to be there, valid...and right on.

Since I already posted on The Moon Reversed and its qualities, I shuffled the deck and asked for more clarity on the meaning of this card. The card I selected was the Two of Swords (reversed)...which I have already covered here.

The Two of Swords (reversed) shows that you have been stuck in your thoughts, but are now beginning to see things clearly...and in the process, freeing yourself.

When you combine the meanings of these cards, especially in their reversed positions (upside-down), it might indicate that you are making progress and/or moving through some situations that have kept you stuck for a long time.

If you haven't quite gotten to that open, clear space yet, be patient because these cards indicate that this clear energy is prominent now, or possibly just around the corner.

Since I have already selected The Moon (Reversed) and the Two of Swords 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, "I Discover Who I Am."

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, "I Discover Who I Am," says:

I no longer put myself down
or see myself as having limitations.

I discover my inner wealth and
become aware of my true self.

 I am in touch with all of my needs and
am not concerned about the judgments of others.

I marvel at all the beauty and all the possibilities
available to me as a Being of Light.

I learn to recognize what is Divine in me.

By combining the meanings and essence of these three cards, it indicates that you are finding clarity in your life by gaining a deeper understanding of who you truly are and what you are here (on earth) to do.

And with that clarity brings freedom...and peace.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Gorgeous Sunrise

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.

As fall creeps in, day by day, it's getting darker in the mornings when I get up...and the sun sets just a bit earlier every day. Although I'm sad to say goodbye to this summer, I also love the fall.

I am usually the first person in the house to get up. It is my job to make sure all three boys wake up to their alarms and get to the bus stop on time.

In the midst of the morning routine, my hubby walked out the back door, and I was greeted with this gorgeous sunrise. It was SO beautiful that I grabbed my camera and took a couple of pictures.

The boys already knew that this would become a Perfect Moment Monday post...and they were right!

I love where we live, and sunrises like this confirm it for me...every single day!

Perfect! 

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