Full Moon check in with Tarot de Marseille

Good evening Moonbeams

How are you all? I am well and in fine form which is just as well as we are busy at work and I have a lot to get through before we finish for the Christmas period.
It is great here, we finish at close of business on the 18th December and start back again on the 4th January NEXT YEAR! isn't that brilliant? I am so looking forward to it.

I had a week off a few weeks ago and I spent a few days down in London with my mum. We didn't do much really, just pottered about but on the Friday, my sister joined us and we went to The British Museum to see the Celt exhibition. It wasn't as big as I thought it was but it was interesting. The early and original Celts were fascinating with so much to offer. The only downside was that they either didn't have a form of writing or they only wrote on extremely perishable materials that self-destructed after 5 seconds. There is absolutely no direct writing on any form of their lives, all that is available is the writings of the Greeks and Romans who considered the Celts to be very alien.

I bought Alice Roberts' book The Celts and its turning into an excellent read. I will give an update when I have read more than a few chapters.

I was lucky enough to win a prize, which was lovely and so I chose Tarot de Marseille by Mary Packard. I do not have a Marseilles type deck and this was one of the few that was in English. I am looking forward to learning tarot with this deck and I have decided to christen it with a full moon check in. I can't actually see the moon from my office but I know she is out there and I will see her later.

I have been shuffling this deck for a couple of days now. I always spend the first few days just shuffling and loosening them up. Any cards that fall out just get put straight back in without being looked at so this is my first reading with this deck. Lets see what we have:

Energy & Advice: 4 of Cups and the King of Pentacles.

These cards are telling me that at this time I am comfortable in my skin and with where I am in general, currently. I will need to look to the future though and sort my plans out, knuckle down and get my plans into action.

This is definitely echoing what is going through my mind at the moment. It's all OK just now but the future I want isn't just going to appear; I need to work for it/at it.

Full Moon blessings to you all

X



Tarot de Marseille: Mary Packard 2015

In which I need a health check.

Hello there Moonbeams,

How are you all? Hope you are all well and happy and looking forward to the weekend. I have lost time this past couple of weeks and it is the end of the month already! I don’t know where time goes anymore.

A couple of weeks ago I developed a head cold that still hasn’t fully shifted. A bug seemed to have been going around that others caught whereby they developed a cold but with a temperature that burned the cold out in 2 to 3 days. I didn’t catch it. I am a very visual person when it comes to illnesses and stuff. I get a head cold and people’s eyes start watering when they look at me. I also get cold sores and not just one but many and people wince and cringe when they see me… My boss hates me having a cold, he can’t bear to look at me and keeps sending me home.

I also put my back out. I think it may have been sciatica. Golly does that hurt! I had my brother’s dog for the weekend and I bent down to put his lead on and stayed down for about 10 minutes.

You know when you knock your ankle or elbow you don’t breath for a minute and do a silent scream? That lasted about 10 minutes. I eventually got almost upright and managed the walk but it took me well over an hour to do what should only have taken 20 minutes.  So my first experience of back pain was horrible. I spent the next few days jacked up on ibuprofen, my pockets are still filled with moss agates for inflammation and lepidolite for pain relief and sciatica. I dug out my magnetic bracelet and I still have magnets in my knickers around my lower back and I haven’t been in pain for a few days now but I am still a bit twingy.

The magnets have been a great but even though they are small and covered in padded fabric at the front and Velcro at the back, I have had to wear substantial knickers to cope with keeping them in place. Ha, who am I kidding? I don’t need any excuse for big knickers, my mantra is “comfort, comfort, comfort”. Actually, my underwear is one of the reasons why I have a platonic relationship with a mythological God who is well known as a ladies man. It was one of the first things he pointed out to me!

So, I have asked upstairs about my (lack of) health and how I can better look after myself and I have been given the Aces of Pentacles and Swords.

Ok, whilst I have not been up for the uprush of any energy unless it was cocoa and scooting to bed whenever I could this is something to think about.

The Pentacles are reminding me to look after myself in a practical way through sustenance and nutrition and being comfortable. My diet isn’t bad at all but I should do more with medicinal foods to help keep my immune system healthy. I should find a way to get more strengthening herbs and similar into my food and drink.

The Swords are reminding me to be more mindful of what I do. I need to pay more attention to my thoughts and actions and look out for signs and signals that I am not doing the best I can.

Samhain blessings to you all

Take care

BB x

 Images: The Mythic Tarot, Juliette Sharman-Burke

 

New Moon spread 13/10/15: Mind, Body and Spirit

Good evening Moonbeams,

How are you? I'm shattered already and it is only Tuesday night. My mum hasn't been too well and she is suffering the side effects of some medication at the moment. I'm sure she will bounce back but I just have to acknowledge my parents are getting old; and they get ill now.

Anyway, back to the matter in hand. Tonight is the New Moon moonbeams which means what do I need to focus on this lunar cycle? Last night I (eventually) got rid of what no longer serves me, ready to have a clean slate for now.

I have been using a pretty heavy deck for shadow work this last 2 weeks and I really felt the need to pick up a light and airy deck tonight. My Linestrider has stepped up and offered herself for my needs.

I shuffled and asked Spirit what I need to think about this particular cycle in relation to my mind, body and spirit and we have The Knight of Swords, The 9 of Cups and The 2 of Swords.
I am very grateful that they are just minor arcana cards. I have had a lot of majors already this month.

Mind: The Knight of Wands

This is very apt. I have been pulling cards that have called on me to be creative, or to start being creative or to stop drowning my (latent) creativity before it has a chance to show itself. I have started a project to see how creative I can be and I am seriously going to need this chaps energy to help me. I am not looking for the finished article, just a proper effort to see how I can channel the creativity that Spirit keep pushing me to acknowledge.

I need to make sure I do some of it every day. I have read that it takes 31 days for something to become a habit. Is this right? If I purposefully do some of it every day for 31 days, then hopefully I will be in frame of mind to do something creative every day.
I was keen yesterday on day 1 but today was a bit of a struggle and tomorrow will be a challenge but I will make sure I definitely do something with it before my head hits the pillow tomorrow night.

Body: The 9 of Cups

Ok, this is a mystery to me. There is no way I feel 9 of Cups about my body at all. Unless unlike the mind card that will help me all month, this card is just confirming how I feel at this moment. I am stuffed full of a wonderful dinner :). I am struggling to keep my eyes open and I just want to go to bed and sleep and dream of wonderful things.

Spirit: The 2 of Swords

Well I think this is a fairly standard state of mind for me with regards Spirit. I adore Spirit. I can't imagine a life that didn't involve Spirit but there is always conflict, well there is on my side. I question and argue and even deliberately wake myself up from lucid dreams if I am not happy with what they want to share with me.

I am taking from this, that my relationship with Spirit wont get any easier this cycle. Still I am always grateful to have my relationship, even if it is rocky. I would hate for them to leave me.

In Summary:
I need to concentrate on creating. It does not matter what I create or even that there is something to show for it at the end, I just need to willingly put myself in a position of being able to create something. No doubt I will eventually find a path or medium that suits me and which enables me to express myself but for now, what is important is that I make the time and try.
My body enjoys being fed but it doesn't enjoy being tired. I really need to get a better grip on myself. One of my lessons is learning to not take on so much. When things/people/issues leave my life I must not rush to fill the gaps. I need to learn to be simpler and do a few things well instead of a lot of things haphazardly.
Spirit will continue to try to help me and I need to learn to be a bit more gracious. They have repeatedly pointed me in the direction of creativity and I know they will help me with my body. I just need to stop being awkward.

Well, good night moonbeams.
Wishing you all a smooth and comfortable ride this lunar cycle.

BB x


Images used by kind permission www.linestridertarot.com

Theme of the week: 11/10/15

Good evening Moonbeams,

 

How are you all this fine Sunday evening? It has been a lovely weekend here but, as usual, vanished far too fast. 

My chap became a great uncle on Saturday which is fabulous and the first of the next generation in that family. Mother and son are doing well so that is brilliant news.

I have been very thoughtful this week as I am doing shadow work this month and so far it has bought up some real eye openers. I am not going to share information here as it is mainly a journaling exercise. What is not surprising is a number of issues that were highlighted last month have appeared already this month. The main theme so far centres on Cups. I have drawn 7 Cups, 6 Major’s, 2 Wands, 2 Pentacles and 2 Swords and we are only on the 11^th. I haven’t done todays challenge yet and that is a 3 card draw when I get round to it later. What has been coming up from the cards and the questions is that I need to create more, or stop stifling my creativity. This is hard, I’m not too sure how and where to even begin to be a bit creative. Hopefully this month will throw out some inspiration.

What is an exact duplicate is that so far my greatest fear/challenge is the 2 of Cups! No doubt I will receive some clarity on this over the month but it is beginning to bother me.

As the month is being taken care of in challenges and is a huge learning curve, I have asked upstairs what I need to be considering for the week ahead:

Energy: 8 of Coins

 

This is the card of the artisan, the craftsman and the artist. I think I got this card twice last month. Ok, universe, I understand what you want from me. I do. I just don’t know how to go about it. I can only hope that I will spot the opportunities when they present themselves (don’t hold your breath though. The universe is a bit subtle and I am a bit dense). It is so odd; I have never considered myself to be creative in any way. Some people just seem to be naturally creative or artistic and it shows in every little thing such as what they wear or even how they can present a simple sandwich. I have always considered it a skill for which I have zero aptitude.

Apparently, I need to find some creative spark from somewhere… Anybody got any spare?

Advise: 10 of Wands
 

I have to let some things go. I am taking on too much and getting nowhere with any of it. It is better to do a few things and well instead of making a mess of a lot of things. A mess of a lot of things seems to have been my motto for quite a long time now. Of course this is easier said than done. How many commitments can I let go? Which ones do I have to stay with because I have signed on the dotted line and therefore can’t abandon, even if I wanted to? How do I prioritise them?

I suspect that some things will naturally leave my life because that is the way of the universe. The trick will be not automatically rushing to fill the void and therefore keeping up with doing too much.

Maybe if I don’t fill any gaps, I will find some inspiration to be a bit creative or to dabble in a few things and see which creative avenue talks to me.

It’s all a bit much; all I really ever want to do is eat and read.
Talking of which, I have recently got a cracking new book about the supernatural landscape of the
British Isles. It talks about how stories of giants shaped the physical landscape and how giants came to be in Britain. As the book progresses I will learn about how the tales of kelpies, black dogs and dragons came to life and somewhere in all this glory there will be tales of my beloved green man. Seriously, all I want to do is read.

Because I am also getting addicted to oracle cards, I have pulled a card for the week too:  Convolvulus: Find a flexible and easy going approach.

 

 

Well Moonbeams, wishing you all a happy and fulfilling week

BB x

Images used by kind permission www.fountaintarot.com

Plant Ally cards by www.lisamcloughlinart.com

 

Theme of the week: 04/10/15

Good evening Moonbeams,

how are you all? I am stuffed. I appear to have spent the weekend on a feeding frenzy and I now feel like a beached whale. I am not sorry and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm just not keen on the feeling I have now though, hopefully I will sleep it off and be back to good again tomorrow.

I am doing 2 challenges this month. One is a shadow work challenge that I am not going to share here. I haven't done todays challenge yet as I am still digesting day 2 and day 3's cards... October just isn't going to be long enough at this rate. I am also doing another straight forward challenge that has already hit the nail on the head and I will share that in a day or two when I have a few cards to go at.

For this evening though, I have sat and shuffled and asked upstairs what I need to think about for this week and I have been given The Star, the 8 of Cups (2nd time in 2 days) and Base Chakra.

Energy: The Star

I like The Star. Truth be told  like all the Major Arcana cards, but I do like The Star.  The Star talks to us of hope and that is always a good thing. You may be hoping on the impossible but the fact that you still care and still hope is, to me, uplifting.
The Star is the peg on which you can hang you hopes and dreams whilst you are working on them. You take them out, dust them off, darn any holes, tweak them here or there, hold them and cherish them. They can be long term or not but they are a measure of what you hold dear.  This is a week to look at my dreams, are they attainable as they are or do they need tweaking? Are they still valid or do they need to be dismantled and re-forged as something new?

                                                                                                                            


Advise: 8 of Cups

I quite like this card too. Okay, there are probably 2 cards in a deck that I dislike, so generally I am going to get cards that I am comfortable with or can wok with.
The 8 of Cups is telling me that I need to draw the line under anything that no longer serves its purpose and move on.  There is nothing here left to work with, go find new pastures. Stop loitering.











Theme: Base Chakra

Whoop,  I love chakra's and the base chakra gives us so much to work with.  This is the chakra that gives us our get up and go as well as our feeling of being grounded and connected. This is knowing that your safety net is in place so that you can go flying.


In Summary:

I am acting from a position of strength which means I can take the time to examine and assess all in my life. From this I can sort out into various piles. The pile to throw out as it no longer serves me. The pile to keep as it is worthwhile and the pile that is worth mending and fixing as there is still a lot of benefit to be had.
I have to be ruthless though in sorting my piles. If it is to go, it is to go. Am I keeping things for the right reason? if not, let them go. If I can get rid of some of the clutter, I should be able to see the bigger picture again.

Have a good week
BB x

The Wild Unknown Tarot used by kind permission www.thewildunknown.com
Connected and Free: The Alchemist's Oracle by Inner hue

The Alchemical Tarot: Deck Interview

Good afternoon Moonbeams

Its Friday, and the sun is shining and it is supposed to last a few more days yet. Hopefully we will be able to get out tomorrow for a good mooch around somewhere new.

As you will know, I have spent September indulging in a love affair with The Alchemical Tarot (4th Ed. Robert M. Place 2015). I used a tarot challenge on Instagram as a means of getting to know this deck. It turned up 2 days before the challenge and so it was a bit of a risk committing myself but I am so glad I did.

First off, the size is great 7 X 12 cm so easy enough to use for average sized mitts like mine. The card stock is good too. Initially I thought they might be a bit flimsy but they have stood up to 30 days of continuous use with barely a scratch or scuff to show for it, which I am so pleased with.

Practically pristine



 The box, understandably, is now showing signs of wear and tear but I have bought the deck a new home and I believe it will be very happy in it.

The images on the decks are clean and clear to read. For a deck based on Alchemical symbolism, the images are surprisingly un-cluttered.  I am not fully au fait with the full range of symbolism but each card has the element to which it belongs in one of its corners, usually a top one. The colours are also symbolic with White, Red, Yellow and Black referring to an alchemical  stage. I bought the book that Robert M. Place has updated regarding Alchemy & the Tarot and the historic connections. It is fascinating, although slow going for me. It has a huge section on the individual cards for reference.

Whilst I believe I am going to continue enjoying this deck, I have decided to "interview" my decks going forward to get an idea of what each one has to offer. So I am starting with this one.
Thanks for this spread go to Beth of Little Red Tarot.

Card 1: Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic?

8 of Vessels: I am intuitive and creative and I will help you to focus and remain centred in the now.

Card 2: What are your strengths as a deck?

5 of Swords: I am here to help fix what is broken. I will help you to let go of negative thinking and help you to believe that anything is possible.

Card 3: What are your limits as a deck?

6 of Wands: I will help you to love and honour yourself but beware of enemies once you start to progress.

Card 4: What are you here to teach me?

5 of Wands: To be creative from a place of centred-ness and connection to the universe/divine/Anima Mundi

Card 5: How can I best learn and collaborate with you?

4 of Vesssels: By being open to change and growth. We must break down the old to welcome in the new

Card 6: What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?

Lady of Swords: I will help you to sing your song.


This is brilliant. This deck is going to help me on my journey with guidance and love. Things will need to change but they will change because I desire them to and not because of any major traumas such as The Tower or to a lesser extent The Wheel.  These are all minor arcana cards and they tell me that the everyday is going to be taken care of.

I feel fully justified in adoring this deck.

Enjoy your weekend
Much love

BB x

Summary:

September challenge - Part 4 and round up.

Good afternoon Moonbeams,

How are you all? I'm fine but currently having a hot flush as I had to scoot into town for work and it was roasting! I am not complaining at all, I would always rather be warm than cool. English weather is a marvel and I am wishing and hoping very, very hard that this warm stretch lasts through the weekend.

Cracking on with the last few days, we have:

Day 28: What is lacking in my life?
Temperance

 

Basically balance and magic.  Sometimes the truth hurts to hear and whilst I know my life is currently lacking, it still smarts to be told so. 

Day 29: How can I change this?
8 of Staffs

By chopping down the dead wood. In other words, don't take on so much or let some things go to free up time, energy and resources for what matters.

Day 30: What does October hold for me?
The World

I have come full circle. I have had some truths that I have been avoiding bought to my attention. I have asked questions I wouldn't normally ask and got some surprising and illuminating answers and I have been pointed in a couple of directions for answers and lessons that will help me on my way.

Well I have finished the September Challenge and I have been looking back on the month and tallying it all up. What stands out immediately is that of the 30 available days I got a Major Arcana card 9 times, that is almost a third of the month. This didn't mean that the month was a tidal wave of major activity, it was highlighting how much my inner world has changed/is changing/needs to change when I pull my finger out and get on with it.

From the minors, Cups appeared 7 times, followed by Wands 6 times, Pentacles 5 times
and 3 Swords. From this, the majority of my evolution is taking place in the inner realms of intuition and feeling. I also need to work on my creativity as an opportunity for expression and growth. I am also being asked to look very hard at my physical place in the world and my well-being and I am going to ignore the swords, as they barely registered, and I don't really like them.

In this there were 3 Aces. 2 Wands and a Cup, reminding me that the energy is there, I just need to tune in and use it.

What I liked very much is that I got a visit from each of the Queens over the month, the Queen of Cups liked it so much she made a repeat visit. I also had a King and 2 Knights call by so all in all it has been a very well rounded and action packed month.

This was my first Tarot challenge and I have enjoyed it immensely. The regular practice is incredibly helpful and has helped me realise just how much I really do love working with cards.

So much so, I am doing a couple of challenges this month. One is very similar to the Septemeber Challenge and for that I am going to use The Wild Unknown. The other, is a darker one and is steeped very heavily in Jungian psychology and is based on Shadow work which seems a very appropriate way of spending October; for this I am going to be using The Bohemian Gothic tarot deck.

All the brightest blessings of the season to you all

Take care X


Deck used: The Alchemical Tarot (4th Edition) Robert M. Place 2015

September Challenge - Part 3

Good afternoon Moonbeams,

How are you all? We are experiencing a wee bit of an Indian summer here in England and it is glorious to be outside watching the seasons change. The leaves are turning and falling, the fields have been harvested and turned over and the air is thick with swarms of midges and other insects all enjoying themselves.

I am enjoying an afternoon to myself and thought I would take advantage of the quiet to catch up on sharing my September Tarot Challenge. It has been very illuminating so far and we still have a few days to go. I thought I would just try this challenge and then probably not bother again, unless I wanted to use it to get to know a new deck, but, I am a bit addicted…

Anyway, October is a few days away yet so back to the here and now, September.

Day 13: Messages from my physical body

The Queen of Swords:

This Queen represents choice and so I believe this to mean my body is asking me to choose wisely in what I put in it and to make sure I look after it. After all, it is the only one I have.

Day 14: Messages from my emotions

8 of Coins

Steady away. Is this a good thing or do they want more fizz?

Day 15: Messages from my intuition

7 of Vessels
 

There are many paths, they all have value and a purpose but trust in my higher self in order to choose the “golden” cup/path that best serves my higher purpose.

This will be hard. The universe tends to be a bit subtle and I usually miss the hints and nudges… I’m a bit dense that way.
 

Day 16: Messages from my soul

Ace of Wands

 

All things worthwhile need energy and passion. There is an opportunity for something new, feed it and make it flourish.

Day 17: What does my higher self need from me?

5 of Coins

 

In the Alchemical, this card speaks of spiritual poverty. I am being reminded that I should remember and honour my spiritual side. It will help to bring me into balance.

Day 18: Who is my Spirit Guide?

The Empress

An earthy, generous woman; someone nurturing.

I decided to pull a card from the Druid Animal Oracle as well for this one and I was given The Hind.

The Hind is a link to the Sidhe and also to the Hag Goddesses. I am definitely embracing my inner crone.

Day 19: What do they want to tell me?

3 of Cups

Society, community and friendship.

In the Alchemical, this card also speaks of the aspects of the triple Goddess, which ties in nicely with the Hind

Day 20: How can I connect with them?

The Hermit

The Hermit represents conviction, perseverance and meditation. I have to believe, keep faith and meditate regularly, not just once a blue moon. Good advice.

Day 21: What beliefs do I need to challenge?

King of Swords

Intellect isn’t the answer. I need to trust my intuition and not look for the logical explanation (every single time)

Day 22: Where do I need to seek more knowledge?

Queen of Wands

I have a choice; which path do I want? Well the King of Swords has just told me to trust my instincts and not analyse the issues. So, what feels right?

Day 23: What goals do I need to set?

Ace of Wands

This is the card of beginnings, so where do I want to go? The King has said, don’t think about it. The Queen has offered me a choice and the Ace is beginnings.  I have a clean sheet, what life do I want to lead?  I will take the hint of 2 wands on the bounce to seek out something creative.

Day 24: What resources do I have to help me?

9 of Wands

 

This talks of my adaptability and willingness for change, to evolve and to sacrifice the old for the new.

Day 25: Where will these Goals lead me?

Knight of Vessels

On an adventure through the unconscious mind with messages and synchronicity; and a good dollop of wonder thrown in too.

Day 26: How can I stick to my goals?

The Wheel of Fortune

By stepping back and observing. Don’t get caught up in re-acting. Learn to distance myself from the ups and downs and then I can find my true centre/soul

Day 27: Where do I need to express creativity?

Ace of Vessels

By following my desires.  Learn what makes my soul sing and embrace it.

Well this has been a mixed bag with Swords, Cups, Coins and Wands plus a couple of major Arcana and courts. Quite balanced on the whole I think.

This has asked a few questions of me that I haven't included here with regard to my goals and I am still doing some work on what my path should be and where I want to go.

This is really interesting and I am really chuffed with what The Alchemical Tarot has been showing me. It really is one of my favourite decks and I still haven't picked up another deck in the whole of September. I shouldn't show favouritism like this.

Enjoy your week Moonbeams and don't forget the full moon tomorrow night and the Luna eclipse for my neck of the woods is also tomorrow at the ungodly hour of 1.12 am and on a school night too!

Take care all BB x


The Alchemical Tarot. Robert M Place (2015)
 

New Moon check in

Good evening Moonbeams,

Hope this finds you all well and happy. I can't believe the weekend is over now (nearly bedtime) and it is back to work tomorrow.

We had a great day out in York and we got a table in my favourite pub for lunch, which was lucky. It is the Golden Fleece and allegedly York's most haunted pub. I snap away in there hoping for Orbs on my photo's... I never get them but I am always hopeful.

There was a rescued bird sanctuary exhibition on in the museum park and apart from all the usual owls and hawks, this one had a raven and an eagle. They were huge and I spent no where enough time gawking at them. They were absolutely glorious specimens.

As I was so taken with these birds I decided to use Oracle cards instead for my New Moon check in, to see what I need to be learning this cycle. To keep it simple I have only used one deck and I am not surprised to see an Eagle in the cards, I also wouldn't have been surprised to have seen a Raven but not to be this time. I also wouldn't have been surprised if Merlin had shown up as I dreamt about him a night or two ago. He was lost and I gave him directions to his destination :). I also dreamt about Jonny Marr but that was a totally different scenario...

So, what do I need to know?

Mind: The Eagle

The Eagle soars and sees the full picture. He is not interested in getting side-tracked in the little details. When you can see the big picture, you are in a position to make your decisions accordingly. The Eagle is also telling me to pray. I have always had a bit of an issue with praying as I have always found it hard work. I believe absolutely in a divine source but I don't really understand the point of praying and rarely pray and this last month I decided to give it up totally, which was incredibly easy to do. Apparently it has been noticed so I had better make the effort again.






 

Body: The Mystery
Tell me about it...

This is the last card in the deck and "this marker directs you into the unknowable mystery of your journey." Actually, I am just going to type out this meaning in full.

"This marker directs you into the unknowable mystery of your journey. It is the sacred place where all things are created but are not yet formed. It points the way to pure power and potential, which meets the magic of intention. it tells you that the magic unknowable forces of destiny and fate are working in your life. the forces that you can never fully understand or control are, indeed, weaving their magic around you to help you fulfil your true purpose.
There is however, a warning to be humble here: The Mystery reveals itself only when it chooses, and not when or how you demand. The cosmic laws operate here outside of time and space, outside of human influence and intellect. Only hindsight will reveal their patterns. Only Trust and the deepest faith can be your allies when the mystery appears as a sacred journey marker on your path.
Sometimes it may seem as if you're going backward, but truly, if you look at a spiral, it goes up, back and around, reaching upward, although it may seem for a time that you are not. You are indeed progressing. Trust the mystery, and keep going!
For now, trust that the thread of your life is woven into the pattern of the mystery with beauty, grace, strength and purpose. this marker is an auspicious and profound omen that shows you that you are on the correct path"

I'm not too sure how much I like a piece that asks me to Trust three times in relation to the unknown.
It sounds more like a warning. Generally,  I am happy that the future isn't carved in stone and that I don't know what is going to happen. In relation to my body though, it just sounds like S**t is going to happen and I just have to go with it. To be honest, I wish it was the menopause as then it is a process that I know will end.

 

Spirit: Trust

They are asking me to trust a lot here...

The first line "Do you have issues with faith?"  I have complete faith in a divine creator/source. For everything else though, I believe I am completely winging it. "Do you trust the Mystery?"  I am living the mystery.  Apparently this marker is insisting I Trust in order to move on. This marker is telling me that the divine order will be what it will be and all will reveal it self in its own time. I understand this perfectly, I know that divine timing is correct and things happen when they are supposed to happen.
Also, I am being asked to be discerning in who I trust. I am fairly easy going and I am happy to trust most people until I am proven wrong, on the whole it works well for me and I am rarely disappointed in people. Obviously I am being asked to be on my guard though. With regard to trusting my relationship with the divine, this marker is advising me that the trust relationship can only fail on my side when I forget who I am, I am a spark of the divine in temporary human form and I need to remember who I am.

Well this moon cycle, I am being reminded to keep my connection with the divine, to soar high and free. To maintain a conscious connection through prayer and to trust. Trust that the divine pattern will unfold as and when it will and to remember my own divine spark.

Lots to think about here and to meditate on, moonbeams. It seems like there could be some adventures waiting to happen, we shall have to wait and see.

Bright blessings to you all on this New Moon.

BB x


Images used by kind permission of Colette Baron-Reid. The Wisdom of Avalon Oracle Cards

September challenge - Part 2

Good evening Moonbeams,

How are you all? I hope the weekend is treating you well so far.  I have nothing to report from today but I am looking forward to going to York tomorrow.

The tarot challenge has thrown up some interesting questions this week:

Day 7: Who can I rely on for strength?

The 4 of Swords:  My Higher Self, obviously :)
This is the card of meditation and self reflection. I have all the answers within, I just need to dig deep.

Day 8: What skills do I have?

The Queen of Coins:
I have it all, I just need to own it and be it. I love this card, she is the attainable version of my birth card, The Empress.

Day 9: What are my limits/weaknesses?

Queen of Cups:
This card is telling me I am neither one thing or the other. This particular Queen is equally at home in the water and in the air but she cannot survive solely in one. I think my flexibility at being at home anywhere depending on circumstances is a weakness in some situations.

Day 10: How can I accommodate my weakness?

Queen of Cups...
By being flexible... Gotta love the way the universe talks to me sometimes, clear as mud.

Day 11: What is my current energy level?

8 of Coins:
Standard and even which sounds about right really, I am not lacking in energy, more in how best to channel or utilise it.

Day 12: How can I improve this?

Knight of Coins:
By looking after myself. By protecting and nourishing my mind, body and spirit.

So no Major Arcana this week as the questions have been more personal and intimate which makes sense for the army of court cards turning up. 3 Queens and a Knight are a good way of assessing yourself and knowing where and what I need to be looking at.

All these cards have been about acknowledging myself and looking within for my best interests. A very enjoyable week indeed.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Much love

BB x


Alchemical Trot (4th Edition) 2015 Robert M Place

Something for the weekend: 11/09/15 Water and Fire

Good afternoon Moonbeams,

How are you all? How has your week been? Mine has been a bit of a rollercoaster and I am looking forward to the weekend for lots of sleep and not much else.

As you know, I attend a circle in Morley, and on Monday I had the joy of facilitating the circle as the boss was on holiday. On the whole I think I managed 4-5/10. No doubt I will get feedback at some point, I know some will be kind about me but I also know others won't be. I enjoyed the experience immensely so even poor feedback wont upset me, it will all go towards improving and growing.

I have had a couple of hiccups internet wise this week again but my office got hard wired this afternoon so hopefully my day time internet will be strong and consistent now. Hot spots at home are still dubious. I may have to bite the bullet and get an actual phone line and internet connection... maybe.

But, back to the weekend, what do I have to look forward to? Sunday will see us mooching around York for a few hours meeting up with my chaps daughter and partner and his parents who are passing through York on their way back "oop" north. So that will be fun and I hope the weather is nice for us to be out in.

What does upstairs have to say though? The 9 of Cups and The Ace of Swords.

For this reading I am using The Byzantine Tarot (2015) from Cilla Conway and John Matthews. I was lucky enough to win this deck back in July when I attended a Tarot conference. The universe sent it my way so let's see what we have.
Actually, I have been reading a lot of deck interviews recently and I think I shall do a series of "An interview with ..." and work through my decks, especially those I use a lot.

Energy: 9 of Cups

This 9 is reminding me of the joy in life. I have the energy to dance through life at this time and to look at the world with good will and harmony. This energy will help me to tread lightly and skip and dance over hurdles and through problems.

Energy needs to flow in order to flourish, once it stands still it can stagnate or get stuck. I need to find my rhythm and get in the flow and enjoy it.

Advice: The Ace of Swords

In this deck, Swords relate to the element of Fire as they refer to the military arm of the Byzantine empire.

This Sword advises me to wield the sword of power to cut through the detritus to get to the heart of the matter. It also counsels cutting off the ties and conditioning that no longer suit me or help me. This is a freeing card, it says find what is important and let the rest go.

This is good, upstairs have made sure I have the energy and the tools to get to the heart of the matter without getting side-tracked or bogged down with the surrounding bumf. This is very encouraging indeed, roll on the weekend.

BB x

 

 

Byzantine Tarot (2015) Cilla Conway and John Matthews

Back from my holidays and a September challenge

Good afternoon Moonbeams,

It’s been a while since I last wrote anything and I have missed it. I had a week’s holiday with no internet access at all in Cornwall which was absolutely lovely, and I can’t wait to go back and since then I have had so many internet problems, it was getting weird. I can’t seem to find a hotspot in my house anymore for some reason (I don’t have a telephone line so no direct access). I used to have a brilliant hot spot in my bedroom which was great as I could just prop myself up in bed and crack on, no more…

Also I had trouble with internet access at work which was a nightmare. I didn’t have internet and thus any emails for a week whilst it got fixed. But, touch wood, that seems to have got sorted now.  I have basically been in the social media wilderness as my phone internet hasn’t worked at home or at work either.  In itself it hasn’t really been a problem though.  I haven’t missed it.

What I have been doing though is a tarot challenge, 30 days and 30 questions which started on the 1^st of September. I haven’t done anything like this before and I was curious and I also thought it would be a good way of acquainting  myself with a new deck.

I have used The Alchemical Tarot (4^th edition) by Robert M Place (2015) and so far the questions and cards have been:

Day 1: The Theme of September: 5 of Wands

This is creativity, passion, energy and enthusiasm for a project or cause. A connection with the divine leads to an unlimited supply.

Day 2: What do I need to focus on?  9 of Cups

This is a reminder of my achievements and accomplishments. They are the firm foundation on which I can stand with confidence.  Be proud of my victories, both big and little, celebrate the good instead of dwelling on the trials and tribulations.

Day 3: What do I need to release? The Devil

This is a reminder of my darker side, my shadow side. I am trapped by my shadow however it is manifesting and it needs to be acknowledged and integrated back into the whole of my being.

I did some work on this later and apparently my current fear that needs working on is the 2 of Cups…

Day 4: Why do I need to release this? Temperance

 

For balance and harmony in my being. Is my lack of a commitment to commitment keeping me off balance? I am also aware that I need to continue working on bringing balance to my Mind, Body and Spirit.

Day 5: What lesson do I need to learn? Judgement

I need to draw a line now and assimilate all I have learned and experienced in order to reconcile my past and move on to a new phase of my life. This is a reminder to move on myself, willingly and consciously before the universe moves me on forcibly.

Day 6: How will this help me? The Hanged Man

In The Alchemical Tarot, Robert has this to say: The Hanged Man represents a fall in terms of ego or self-image. It may also represent the loss of material things. He may, however, represent a willing sacrifice that is made to further a career o relationship. At the highest level, he represents initiation in to a spiritual mystery, but at the lowest, he simply represents suffering.

Well so far there have been 4 Major Arcana out of 6 cards, seems like September is shaping up to be a bit of a challenge. To be honest, I am feeling this is more likely to be a seasonal challenge that is going to be seeing me through autumn as one month simply isn’t enough to process major arcana lessons especially when I have 4 so far and they are biggies.

Anyway, I am still enjoying it and we will see what next week brings.

Take care everyone and have a lovely and comfortable week

BBx 

BB