“An honest look at your own actions will show you exactly how you came to this place.” Barbara Moore

((Ten of Wands. The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Victory and victim are not just related words but related experiences.

Obviously, we would all rather be victors than victims but as we so often hear, heavy is the head that wears the crown. Why do you suppose that is?

Despite the obvious overwhelming responsibility, it is actually a fairly complex mix:

• past deeds (“guilt” accompanied by shoulda/coulda/woulda)
• current responsibilities (even a king answer to his people in some ways)
• future deeds (possibly worse than the past – who knows!)

This is no less true for each of us; our battles are hard-fought, our victories heard-won, but that does not necessarily mean all is well. We may feel overburdened, mentally exhausted, morally bankrupt, spiritually diminished, emotionally overwhelmed, or just plain tired – and none of it matters because we must keep moving forward. 

When Ten of Wands arrives, you must face the full reality and result of your own actions, whatever they may be – like or lump it. Please keep in mind every day is a new day, a new chance to try a different way, make a different choice. If you feel over-taxed by the way you have been doing things, choose differently today.

As always, your behavior is entirely up to you. Choose wisely!

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

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Once again, the Ten of Cups appears with a clear message of appreciation; count your blessings, appreciate your tribe (friends, family, loved ones, etc.), and express your gratitude with your heart.

We have a Full Moon today – the perfect time to say

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

to The Great Divine Universe for every blessing you have ever received, every lesson you have ever learned, and every disappointment that was a blessing disguised.

ENJOY YOUR BLESSINGS!!

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

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Assessment. Empowerment. Kindness.

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

Yeah! Me, neither!

Despite the almost seven weeks to the official “start” of Autumn, I think we all know a) Fall starts when the kids go back to school, and b) the weeks will fly by impossibly fast. So this weekend, take an inventory. Check your To Do List for outstanding entries such as errands, shopping, projects, or activities; it is time to cull the remaining items – which are necessities? which are unrealistic in the remaining time frame? Distill your list for best results; if a purchase is likely to yield a better price near Christmas than Back to School, put it on a different list! Use your resources wisely; control what you can for the best outcome.

Also, and I cannot stress this enough, HAVE SOME FUN!!!! This is the only August of 2017 you will ever have – ENJOY IT WHERE YOU CAN!!!

PRACTICAL MAGIC TIP: Drink iced peppermint tea for a pick-me-up during the day; it boosts positive energy and draws good luck – perfect for running errands! 

((Summertime in Chicago includes Buckingham Fountain!))

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

“I built this ship it is my making, and furthermore my self control I can’t rely on anymore; I know why…” Robert Plant, Ship of Fools 

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

“What you resist, persists.” C.G. Jung

LOOK WHAT HAS RETURNED TO US!!!! The Six of Swords – yet again! – with a message of flight – yet again! – for anyone, and everyone, who has yet to take their own pathway – yet again! 

TAKEAWAY: GET A MOVE ON!!!!

Whatever you are waiting for – “perfect” weather, the “right” time, “enough” money – KNOCK IT OFF!!! Conditions will never, ever, EVER be ideal – they’re not supposed to be! – and you are burning serious daylight!!!

• GOOD NEWS: August is here, there is a whole lot of serious energy this Leo Season; POWER UP!!!
• BAD NEWS: August is already here, there is some seriously intense energy afoot, and EVERYONE is powering up.

Time to face the facts: It is time to move along – on your own pathway, on your own steam – and it is NOT going to get any easier for continuing to wait around. 

BEST OF LUCK!! OFF YOU GO!!!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Slow and steady may not win a sprint but you can count on it finishing a marathon.” Anonymous

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Not every defeat is spectacular; not every victory is glorious.

Most of the time, we are living our daily lives quietly, and to the best of our abilities – nothing fancy or noteworthy, just sleeves rolled up, getting it done.

Our progress may be slow (often immeasurable) but each day builds on the last. Just as a steady trickle of water can carve a canyon, our small victories build to large gains over time; think savings accounts, diet plans, business building – the results NEVER spring up over night.

This Knight appears on the horizon, marching at a steady if unhurried pace; he will certainly get to his destination, having accomplished many things along the way. And as always, he is exactly where he is supposed to be, when he is supposed to be there. Do not be surprised if he is not interested in celebration beyond a good meal and a comfy bed – he will arrive tired (but not much worse for the wear),and looking only to rest and refuel before he must start off again.

August requires slow and steady to win the race!

Make good use of this energy as you will need it; the astro-weather is full of turmoil this month (check out Ruby’s Readings and Sarah Martucci for tips, tricks, and warnings about this!), and it will be INCREDIBLY TEMPTING to blow off everything and hide (OR WORSE, come out swinging at every opportunity) and frankly, there is just too much to get it done by extremes.

Put on your sturdiest shoes, eat your Wheaties, and get to work, one thing at a time.

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

“Take nothing for granted; it’s great to be alive.” Lin Bremer

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

What home holds your heart? Where is the place? Who is the person?

When your mind wanders, where does it take you?

THINK ABOUT IT!!!

And when you realize who / what / where your heart leads you, embrace it with gratitude. And never forget:

NOTHING IS PROMISED. 

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

 

“Fire all of your guns at once and explode into space!” 

Born to Be Wild, Steppenwolf

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell)) 

We exit July with 100% commitment to making the most of the eclipse season we are entering as August begins, and it all begs one question:

What have you been waiting for?

Are you looking for something? A message? A sign? A clear pathway? An invitation? A new start? A conclusion? Whatever it is, keep your eyes wide open because its ETA is RIGHT NOW!!

Will you win, or will you learn?

As we have heard (and reminded ourselves) so very many times, we can’t always get what we want but…sometimes, we get what we need. Gifts can be disappointing just as disappointments can be blessings. You may feel elated or crushed but it doesn’t matter anyway because that’s the way it is; with an attitude of gratitude, take a bow or take your medicine. 

PRACTICAL MAGIC TIP: If you find yourself feeling anxious, cultivate your morning stillness with lavender tea (rather than peppermint), and wear rose quartz around your neck. If you find your thoughts spinning away from you, touch the quartz and remind yourself (out loud) “I have no need to create any extra anxiety for myself.” FOR EXTRA OOMPH! write your anxiety on a piece of toilet paper, crumple it up, drop it in the toilet, tell it “BE GONE!” and flush. You can do this any time, as many times as you like, with any anxiety – vague or specific – you wish to banish. REMEMBER: YOUR INTENTION MATTERS. If you are sincere in your desire and intention to banish something, that is what will happen. Be happy. Be safe. Be well.  Welcome to eclipse season.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Faith. Welcome. Fortune.

  July is almost over, we have shifted into Leo Season, and Back To School Shopping has begun. 

YOWZA!! That’s quite a bit of change happening all at once!!! 

The Summer is moving very quickly, and the astroweather is beyond ridiculous (Mercury and Uranus stationing for retrograde have been added to the mix – check in with Ruby’s Readings for full scoops!). It’s a very good time to lay low, take good care, and be patient with everyone around you.

I can hear you, “IS SHE KIDDING???? DOES SHE HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH THERE IS TO DO??????” 

Yes, I do know about all the things that absolutely must be done. 

Care to guess what else I know?

Don’t bother, I will tell you:  most of them will keep a day or two. And I know something else – YOU know that, too.

The sky is not falling – give yourself a break and enjoy the weekend with some peace and quiet. You’ll thank me later.

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

“By taking a time-out and quieting our minds, we are more likely to receive a divine message or inspired solution.” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

This message could not be more clear: TAKE A BREAK!!

It’s not just a question of slowing down; you must cultivate stillness for yourself – just a little bit of absolute stillness. If you can find the peace in quiet stillness, messages and inspiration may sneak inside – a whisper on the wind, perhaps.

PRACTICAL MAGIC TIP: Peppermint tea is ideal for an early morning ritual of quiet stillness. Create your own tea ceremony with kettle, cup, spoon, etc. Once your tea is ready, sit down in a comfortable place and position, and sip slowly, deliberately, and with gratitude for the promise of a new day. The stillness you cultivate here will bring a peace you can draw from throughout your day; the peppermint tea will energize you for your day (and peppermint draws positive energy/luck to and through you!), and messages from The Universe can whisper in your ear. Enjoy every sip, have a lovely day, and spread calm where you can.  

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

((Buddha Doodles can be found on Facebook – check it out!!))