((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT IS ALREADY AUGUST?!?!?!?!?!?!?! 

We are in the back half of August, summer fun supplies are on the clearance shelves, and some school districts returned to work this week. Summer is over – it is definitely time to begin planning for Fall, and of course, Winter.

The cards above bring to mind the Grasshopper and the Ants; there is joy but also work to be done, there are pleasantries as well as disappointments. It is never to late to start again in a new direction, to work on a new plan.

The August Full Moon has several names (Google is your friend, check it out – the full moon names are fascinating), and I have chosen Herb Moon as our focus for August 2016. For the purposes of this reading, let us presume the following:

• Herbs are important to you; cooking, healing, spells, etc.
• You grow your herbs in your own patch of outdoor garden.
• You live in a seasonal climate (Winter is on the way!)
• Harvesting and preserving herbs is a priority for you.

Writing to you from the American Midwest, we have reached the point of the year when we must think about gathering, harvesting, preserving. Preparations for Fall and Winter must begin; we do not want to find ourselves lacking.

STEP 1:   REMOVING CLUTTER. Ask yourself: Do I need it, use it, love it? No? Away it goes. This is true for everything – physical stuff, bad habits, old ideas, unhealthy relationships (with people, money, food, whatever). When you remove the clutter from your life, you make room for the arrival of new experiences and the presence of improved relationships. Once clutter is removed, you will have a better grasp of what you have and what you need.

STEP 2:  PLANNING. I love a good list, don’t you? Your post-declutter inventory should generate a list of necessary tasks and supplies – as an example, I need jars for storing dried herbs – and you may begin working the list, item by item, without pressure or panic.

STEP 3:  GRATITUDE. Be grateful. You have many blessings, some are more obvious than others, and you should be grateful for all of them. No matter what your difficulties may be, if you are not naked and homeless in a desert without water, you have reasons to be grateful. Be grateful.

STEP 4: RITUAL CELEBRATION. Share your gratitude with friends, family, loved ones. This does not need to be extravagant or “religious” in any particular way – personally, I am having a Very Merry Unbirthday get together for no particular reason other than I want to – when you share happiness with others, you celebrate gratitude.

Enjoy the rest of August; the snow will be here before you know it.

((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))

 

 

((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))

Life asked Death, “Why does everyone love me, and hate you?” Death answered, “Because you are beautiful lie, and I am a terrible truth.” Unknown

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell.))

It is important to remember death (and Death) are not the end but rather, a transition to a new beginning. Everyday, souls leave this platform of life for the next as new souls arrive for a human experience. Although we may forestall departure, it is always inevitable – perhaps that is why we should never get too comfortable.

TODAY’S TAKEAWAY: Appreciate your time and place in this space – if you do not like it, make changes until you do – because our time here is too short.

“Take nothing for granted. It’s great to be alive.” Lyn Bremer (WXRT)

((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND!!!!

As many of you know, the weekend reading is usually three cards (one for each day) working together to express the overall energy of the weekend* – NOT THIS WEEKEND!!

The prevailing energy this weekend is entirely about The Hermit; independent, mindful, steadfast, solitary.  

Weekends are often full of busy-ness (errands, social occasions, family time, etc.), and certainly we must attend to various needs and obligations, but this weekend is best spent without such distractions. This weekend will yield better results if you spend it focusing on your own agenda; invest yourself in your own priorities.

The Spirit of The Hermit does not require strict solitude so much as a reservation of self – adjust your thinking about what you “must” do. Does the family need toothpaste and toilet paper? Dispatch someone else on that errand. Party you don’t want to attend? Send flowers with your regrets. Exhausted by the thought of preparing? Order in and feel free to use paper plates and plastic utensils to ease clean-up.

HOWEVER, if you want to be alone, if solitude appeals to you, if you want a genuine break from your usual routine, this weekend is the perfect time to withdraw yourself to any solitary activity that appeals to you.

And as always, enjoy the weekend.

*Keep in mind energy does not keep to clock or calendar and all readings speak to the arrival of the energy but not necessarily the departure; maybe the reading feels more appropriate to you on a Monday or a Tuesday, that’s fine!

((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))

((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))

((All images courtesy Google Images and Facebook.))

((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))

((All images courtesy of Google Images and Facebook.))