“The gentle silence of Death takes all your sorrow, transforms it, and gives it back to you as love.” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

“What if Death threw a party, and nobody came? Happiness would die of boredom.” Julianne CeCe

As we so often realize, nothing remains as it is – all things change; generally speaking, we find this unsettling. It would seem, just as we become comfortable, we have no choice but to mix it up, change it around, or start again. Like it or lump it, change is inevitable.

But what will you DO about it?

Although often quite difficult to realize in the moment, we are ready for change when it arrives. What do we say of the caterpillar? She thought it was the end of the world, until she emerged a butterfly. And so, Death heralds the sudden, complete, and irrevocable change that marks the end of the end and the beginning of the beginning. We may not be expecting it but we can certainly embrace it, endeavor to make the most of it, once it arrives.

Don’t look back; you aren’t going that way.

When we see this card, we must immediately understand some part of the past is lost to us forever, despite our intentions or desires; no matter how disappointed we may be, we must accept this as for the best. As someone once said to me of her own life, “If I’ve got a foot in yesterday and a foot in tomorrow, I can’t help but piss on today.” (No, it was not Dorothy Parker. 😉 ). Make your plans to move forward.

You’re not bleeding. You’ll be fine. 

To be clear, I am not suggesting this transition will not be painful. In fact, I am quite sure it is going to suck out loud; there will be an amount of grieving that simply cannot be helped. As a part of healing, grief is okay; allow yourself time, space and permission to grieve whatever is irretrievably lost to you. However, do not wallow – it is a waste of time and energy, drawing darkness in while keeping lightness out – it deters healing.

((NOTE: Please be sure the loss is real in your life rather than the “what could have been” we often suffer when we do not get what we “thought” we wanted. Creating real grief from unreal images makes EVERYthing more difficult than it needs to be, and  for no good reason.))

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Life is meant to be lived, and that means doing.” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

I find the strange Winter weather has left many of us  extra-eager for the arrival of Spring; we are feeling stuck and we want to move! Who better to assist than King of Wands??

There is one thing, before you get started: Do you have a plan?

As with The Queen of Wands, there will be no waiting around – action is swift and immediate – and if you are not prepared, too bad for you. This King is not a planner, he is a doer – robust and impetuous, following his driving passions wherever they may lead – and he will not be bothered with maps or weather reports. Practical planning will be entirely your own responsibility.

TAKEAWAY: Take responsibility for your actions in advance; later will likely be too late.

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

 

“You already know what you are supposed to do. If you are honest with yourself…” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Yesterday, The World marked the end and necessarily, thoughts of a new beginning. Today, Judgement advises you need not consult your To Do List for long; you already know what you are to do next – in fact, you’ve put it off long enough.

THE GOOD NEWS:  Some personal bravery is definitely required.

THE BETTER NEWS: You are already brave enough to handle it.

TAKEAWAY: Your fear is from within, do not give in to it.

PRACTICAL MAGIC TIP: Looking for a little extra bravery? Add Witch Hazel to your morning routine! Splash a bit on your face, neck and chest – feel the bracing tingle immediately! Stretch your arms wide, upwards and outwards, lifting your head and neck, opening your heart. You will feel the energy flowing – bring on the day!

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

“Stand up and take a bow! You should be proud of yourself!” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

And with that, the show is over. 

You do not take a bow at the beginning or in the middle – you take a bow at the END – and the timing is pretty well perfect. Just as Pisces is the end of The Wheel (Pisces ends March 20th; The Wheel starts fresh with Aries, March 21st), The World is at the end of the energy cycle. You set out to accomplish something, and you have.

On to the next thing!

“On to the next thing? Is she kidding! I’m spent! I need a break!”

CALM DOWN! Take a bow and have a seat.

You can spend the rest to Pisces season (until the 20th) deciding what you wish to tackle next (we both know you have a list!), and planning your winning strategy. Reviewing the list while you have the light of the Full Moon in Virgo (today!), you may find the the practical thoughts and planning flow rather easily; you will be ready to get your next project started in earnest when the Dark Moon arrives (March 27th). You are experiencing the energy anyway, you may as well use it to your best benefit. 

((NOTE: The World is very different than Death or Tower, although they also heralds endings, because it is the welcomed ending of completion.))

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

((Queenisms can be found at Queen of Your Own Life on Facebook – check it out!))

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Heartfelt. Heart-full. Heart fool.

The Sun of yesterday segues seamlessly into a weekend custom-made for friends and lovers; Spring is vibrating the air around us while it carbonates the blood within us – we are crawling out of our skins with a sense of anticipation!

(And we have a Full Moon!!)

As is so often the case, you will want nothing more than to follow your heart – that is okay, just be sure to take your brain with you. And above all else,

Enjoy the weekend!

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

“Dance with me! Because life is amazing!” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

FINALLY! A blessing that is not in disguise!!

Unlike Three of Swords, The Sun brings good news and clarity we are happy to have – and just in time, too!

We are well overdue for some good news! 

Keep you eyes and ears open today – good news is lurking about but may not be readily apparent when you are not looking (imagine the sun hidden behind clouds – you know it is there but you still have a chill). Also, do not forget the lessons of the earlier part of the week; endeavor to be gracious in all things – do not gloat if you receive amazing news. (NOTE: Although Karma sees all, you will be forgiven a private happy dance if you are alone in your own home. 🙂 )

The week is almost over, things are looking up – just don’t look directly into The Sun!

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

“A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right?” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

WRONG!!!

As we know,  Fives bring chaotic energy, Wands bring high passions, and together, casual conversations turn into arguments. An extension of yesterday’s warning (read here re Five of Swords), today we receive a reminder:

We do not need to attend every argument to which we are invited.

Seriously, sit them all out today – do not be lured into any drama, do not rise to any bait – choose to fight another day. Today will be better spent  watching the chaos unfold; note methods, motivations, and agendas. This is an opportunity to gather important intelligence for future dealings.

If you absolutely must enter the fray (and I suspect you did not try hard enough to avoid it, by the way!), speak last; think twice, and do not repeat yourself. Most importantly, do not be moved from your position for any reason other than a genuine change of your own opinion (specifically, no copping out to end the situation – you chose to fight, so fight!)

PRACTICAL MAGIC TIP: Looking to cleanse your space (or yourself) but cannot burn sage? Use peppermint! A few drops of essential oil in spring (or filtered) water, shake vigorously and spray anywhere you wish to cleanse and increase positive energy. ADDED BONUS: mice, and most insects, HATE the smell of peppermint and will likely stay away. 

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

“He may have all the swords now, but I warrant someone will find something else to stab in his back.” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Winning isn’t everything, and sometimes, it is the worst thing.

As we all know, everyone loves a winner, right up until they start to take him apart, because what “everyone” truly loves is watching a spectacular fall from grace. In the absence of spectacle, random losses will suffice and any grave is suitable for dancing.

TAKEAWAY: Remember the importance of grace, win or lose; people are less likely to seek comeuppance from “good sports.”

Be brave, do your best, pull no punches, and may the best person win!

But never forget: WATCH YOUR BACK!

PRACTICAL MAGIC TIP: Tiger’s Eye increases courage, strength, and bravery – keep a piece next to your bed at night to help you sleep safely, and recharge your vim and vigor for the next day. Follow it up with a morning shower including rosemary and mint (no shortage of high quality bath products on the market – pick one you like, no muss no fuss), and start your day ready for whatever comes your way!  

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

 

 

“We cannot hurry this; we have our methods.” Barbara Moore

((The Steampunk Tarot, Moore and Fell))

Monday: Nemesis or Opportunity?

Mondays represent a constant source of new beginnings – like it or not – and with that said, here we go again; back to school, back to work, back to projects. Nothing to see here – move it along.

Only, and this is the rather important bit, there is plenty to see here. You may feel bogged down by bureaucracy, or perhaps you are losing patience with people/situations, and you are experiencing a growing sense of frustration.

BAD NEWS: You cannot change the process.

GOOD NEWS: You are not helpless.   

TAKEAWAY: Do not be afraid to ask for help.

It may be too late for proactive but let us presume you can stop the bleeding; read your landscape, take your inventory,  make a plan. Six of Pentacles indicates help is available if you know how to ask for it – do not allow your pride to be your obstacle. ((NOTE: Generally speaking, pride is very expensive – most of us simply cannot afford it.)) 

PRACTICAL MAGIC TIP: Suffering from frustration? Wear turquoise! This hardworking powerhouse helps stabilize moods by dispelling negative feelings and aligning our inner energies (chakras), helping us to feel balanced within as well as without. Our renewed sense of calm helps us release our frustrations. Personally, I prefer necklaces but any piece of jewelry will do the job (you can always keep a piece in your pocket). BONUS: Add the color turquoise to your wardrobe for extra oomph.

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