Butterfly Journal Fourth Month: Awareness (Entry #1)

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Julianne Victoria
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Art by Josephine Wall

Last month’s journal topic was Faith, and with the journaling process of the first three months of Butterfly Journal I feel I have accomplished a great amount of healing. I left off the last entry saying: I am now curious to see how this increased faith in myself is going to manifest in my life…  And this leads nicely into the prompt for month #4:

With self-reflection, truth, and faith we have begun to clear our view of ourselves and of our lives. This clarity of sight brings awareness to our every-day living and being. We begin to see better not only what is going on around us, but also what we think, feel, and do; as well as how our thoughts, emotions, and actions affect others.

For the fourth month, observe yourself: what you think, what you feel, what you do, and the energy all of these put out towards others and into your environment. Are the effects positive or negative? You may notice that the more self-aware you become, the more positive you think, feel, act, and affect the world around you.

The dream series that I had documented in previous journal entries seems to have also come to a stage of completion. I have had a couple of dreams where I had very briefly returned to my old house, but everything there was white and bright, as if washed out and cleaned out by the light. The slate has been wiped clean, and now the new is free to manifest.

Even though some of the past and some “what if’s” were still clearing out, my thoughts, a powerful form of energy in itself, have been mainly focused on visualizing how I wish my life to unfold. Thoughts sometimes line up for years before they manifest in the three dimensional world, but I also know that we need to take action to help bring our wishes and goals to fruition. As long as we do not let feelings of fear and worry hold us back, things will fall into place when the time is best for it. We need to have faith in the process so that we do not try to force things to happen when all has not yet lined up.

The biggest awareness challenge in my current situation, however, is in dealing with my mother. My mother has Alzheimer’s and I am one of her main caretakers. She is a very difficult person, to say the least, so figuring out how to handle her has been very challenging. She had other mental issues before the addition of Alzheimer’s, so “normal” positive interaction is sometimes futile. As this month goes on, I am going to evaluate as aware as possible how this situation affects my thoughts, feelings, and actions and how those affect her behavior and reactions.

To read all previous Butterfly Journal entries, Click Here.

If you are interested in embarking on your own journey of transformation, you can purchase Butterfly Journal for under $10 from Create Space, Amazon (and international stores), or Barnes & Noble.

To learn more about and read reviews for Butterfly Journal, Click Here.

For a glimpse into the world of Alzheimer’s, check out my article in Caregiver Magazine.

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Animal Spirits: The Hawk and the Falcon

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Julianne Victoria

Early last week as I was working on one of                                                                                my blogs, three times I heard the call of aRed-tailed_Hawk_w13-1-034_l hawk or falcon fly by above me. Like the owl I had never seen nor heard a hawk or falcon in the city before. The next day as I was walking my Alaskan Malamute pups two red-tailed hawks were circling and gliding above us for a few minutes. Again the next day, while hiking up a hill, another beautiful hawk circled around and then flew off. Birds in general are considered messengers of spirit, and with three calls and three sightings over three days, I knew this was an important message.

Hawks and falcons have very keen and clear sight, and are very observant and aware. They are also known for retaining long-term memory and the bonds of relationships. These qualities made them both excellent hunters, but also enabled humans to develop falconry, a mutually respectful hunting relationship built on loyalty and teamwork.

Hawks and Falcons represent:

  • Messages of Spirit
  • Keen Vision, Attention, Awareness, and Memory
  • Relationships and Teamwork
  • Protection, Courage, and Guardianship
  • Wisdom, Intelligence, Concentration, and Creativity
  • Truth and Illumination
  • Rebirth and Recalling Past Lives
  • Power and Understanding Energy and Healing

220px-Re-Horakhty.svgHawks and falcons are also thought to carry the souls of ancestors and assists souls on their journey back to the spirit realm. In Norse mythology, the Valkyries shape-shifted into hawks to carry the souls of slain warriors to Valhalla in Asgard, the realm of the gods.

As symbols of renewal, radiance, and healing, hawks and falcons are also affiliated with sun gods, such the Ancient Greek Apollo. In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra and the god Horus (sometimes these two are combined) are depicted with the head of a falcon and sometimes a hawk. As sky gods they watch over man below, and as sun god(s) they illuminate and protect the earthly realm. Ra also presides over the underworld, carrying and guiding souls that have passed on.

The number three, and trines, is an auspicious number. It represents creativity, abundance, and self-expression, all of which comes through and develops with relationships and community. The messages of my hawk encounters are many-layered, but I do know that they have affirmed that I am on the right path.

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The Empath Guidebook Review and More…

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Julianne Victoria

EmpathGuidebookThis past month I’ve had the honor of reading and editing two books by psychic and empath Gary Leigh. The first one is The Empath Guidebook. Though written by Gary based on his personal experience, growth, and development as an empath, it is written in a conversational format with one of his channeled guides. They take a look at many of the signs of being an empath as well as give information and guidance to help with some of the challenges that come with it, such as setting boundaries and avoiding burnout. In addition they give advice on diet and various healing and vibrational therapies, and discuss in depth the Bach Flower Remedies and the healing benefits for each one. The Empath Guidebook is a helpful tool for both the new and advanced empath, and it is available for Free! It can be downloaded from Gary’s website the Empath Zone here.

i-am-the-phoenix-cover-2Gary’s second book is called i am the phoenix. This book is an autobiographical journey of Gary’s life as it spiritually unfolds, or as he says: my bizarre and crazy life. Gary always felt he was different. As his life unfolded so did his awareness and understanding of his psychic and empathic abilities, as did his awareness, understanding, and acceptance of his guides, past lives, and the past life connections from Ancient Egypt, who have appeared in this current life.

Gary’s main guide is Thoth, the Atlantean and Egyptian Being or god of knowledge and wisdom. Thoth guides Gary through his journey of healing and growth, and isn’t shy about giving his two cents either! Gary’s guides are there to help him on his journey, but like a phoenix and as the phoenix, Gary is able to raise himself from the ashes of psychic attacks, depression, and even potential death to shine his light and soar.

i am the phoenix is a thought-provoking and soul-inspiring book. You can experience the journey of the phoenix for just $3.99 by ordering here.

And don’t forget to stop by Gary’s blog at Psychic Empaths!

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A Two-Part Astrology Study of WordPress

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Julianne Victoria

About a month ago, my friend and fellow astrologer Linda over at Litebeing Chronicles wrote a post about “likes” on WordPress in which she stated: What I would give to get a look at WordPress’ chart! And so, being the curious astrologer, I searched for WP’s birth data. Using WP’s initial release date of May 27, 2003 in Houston, Texas and the assumed time of 9:00am, the start of the workday, Linda and I decided to each do a very brief analysis and study of WP’s chart. Here I am doing a Vedic Astrology reading, but pop on over to Linda’s  to check out and compare her Western Astrology reading too.

WPCHART

The first thing I usually look at in a birth chart is the Ascendant and the first house. The Ascendant represents the physical self in this lifetime, in this case, the business entity and blogging platform that is WordPress. The Ascendant is in airy Gemini, ruled by Mercury, who loves technology, the internet, communication, and writing. In the first house with the Ascendant we also have Saturn, who is the wise, slow, patient teacher. This gives WP longevity. Saturn will also pace WP’s growth, or expansion, slowing things down at times so that it can work on glitches and so that it can grow and improve. However, Saturn here also indicates that WP has the patience to grow steadily and learn from mistakes.

The second house is the house of gains. WP’s second house is Cancer and is ruled by the Moon, which is in the eleventh house of friends, socializing, and also material gains and income from career. Though the Moon can indicate a waxing and waning of gains, I sense this is more about WP being a platform for people to connect and socialize, and to express themselves, their emotions, their insights, and their passions. This will add to WP’s own gains. In addition, in the second house we have Jupiter, the planet of good fortune. He is exalted (at his greatest strength), which is highly auspicious for great gains and success. Jupiter rules both the seventh house of relationships and the tenth house of career, reinforcing WP’s huge potential for growth and success both as a means for connecting people and building online relationships, and as a business entity.

The eleventh house itself is Aries, ruled by Mars, the fiery planet of action, passion, drive, and ambition. Like Jupiter, Mars is also exalted. WP and the millions who use it definitely have the energy to keep it working and make it successful. In the eleventh house, besides the Moon, are Mercury and Venus. Mercury is the ruler of Gemini, the Ascendant, so we have the born-to-be technology and communications entity’s ruler placed in the house of social connections and business income. Nice placement indeed! Interestingly, Mercury is conjoined Venus within one degree, indicating that most of the connections that are made and the gains (for both WP and its users) will be beautiful, sweet, and loving. Venus also shows that WP is a great place for artists – writers, photographers, musicians… – to display and market their work.

Another interesting thing to note is that WP’s Moon is in the Nakshatra Ashwini, which indicates WP is a place for healers and past life connections. It may be that through interactions on WP, many will find paths to healing, and some strong connections and friendships made through WP are likely souls from past lives reconnecting.

Though I am barely scratching the surface on a birth chart reading here, I will point out on more thing. WP’s Sun is in the twelfth house along with Rahu, the north node. The Sun represents the soul, but since this is not a sentient being, let’s say that it’s WP’s ability to shine. Rahu is the material drive and karmic lessons for this life. This shows that WP will shine full-force and be materially successful right to the very end. Since Rahu has the ability to eclipse the Sun when conjoined, WP will likely make the decision itself when it so chooses to cease to exist. It will be like the athlete who retires at the top of his game.

WordPress has a nice chart for a technology business entity. This was the first time I’ve looked at a non-living being’s chart, and it’s interesting because I can also intuitively read how it works for the people who use WP. It’s almost like doing a global reading. Of course I could go on for hours and hours with one chart, so I hope you enjoyed this snippet reading. This was a very fun astrological study adventure! Thank you Linda for this co-effort!

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The Physical Body and Yoga

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Julianne Victoria

My last post, Turning the Mind Upside-Down,                                                                sparked some important comments, and Ilotus-blossom feel clarification is needed as to what yoga is, what an Asana practice is, and our physical bodies in relation to yoga. Here is an excerpt from my very first yoga post from a couple of years ago: Yoga Is a Way of Life:

Huh? Many might ask: Isn’t yoga like a stretching class or a great way to get a workout in? While it is true that muscles will be lengthened, strengthened, and challenged in a typical yoga class, the physical practice of yoga, the Asana, wasn’t developed so we could burn some calories and look great in those tight fitting yoga clothes. Think of it as a type of moving meditation.

Yoga is also a spiritual philosophy. Like many spiritual philosophies, yoga teaches us how to live a good and joyful life. Probably the best known guidelines of yoga are the Eight Limbs of Yoga from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Eight Limbs of Yoga and links to my posts on them are:

  1. Yama (abstinence practices): a) Ahimsa (non-violence), b) Asteya (non-stealing), c) Satya (truthfulness), d) Brahmacharya (continence/control of desire), and e) Aparigraha (non-hoarding).
  2. Niyama (ethical observances): a) Saucha (purity/cleanliness), b) Samtosha (contentment), c) Tapas (austerity), d) Isvara Pranidhanam (surrender/devotion to God), and e) Svadyaya (self-study).
  3. Asana (posture practices)
  4. Pranayama (breathing practices)
  5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
  6. Dharana (concentration)
  7. Dhyana (meditation)
  8. Samadhi (absorption)

There are also the Four Paths of Yoga:

  1. Karma Yoga, the Path of Service
  2. Jnana Yoga, the Path of Knowledge
  3. Bhakti Yoga, the Path of Love
  4. Raja Yoga, the path of Ashtanga, or the Eight Limbs of Yoga

As we can see, the physical practice known as Asana practice is but a very small part of yoga. However, it is by far the most well-known part across the globe. An Asana class is an excellent way to strengthen the physical body and de-stress, and there are also balancing and healing benefits from an Asana practice. An Asana practice is also a form of moving meditation that can help quiet the mind and increase our awareness of our physical bodies. For those of us who sit several hours during the day, moving meditation can be a more relaxing way to quiet the mind.

One of the greatest challenges of doing an Asana practice is setting aside the mind chatter so that we can observe the physical body. By that I mean set aside the ego’s thoughts, which may be, for example: If she can do that pose I can do it too! I feel so lame I can’t stand on one foot for more than half a second! Is everyone looking at my belly bulge? Let me try to do unsupported headstand even though I’ve only done supported headstand once against the wall. It’s when we let the mind’s fears and insecurities make our decisions that we can injure our bodies. It’s one thing to go a tiny bit further into a pose, but it’s another to push oneself to injury. It’s a fine line sometimes, so each individual will need to “learn their body.”

Ahimsa, the first Yama of the first limb of yoga, is an important foundation to all the other yoga practices and for life. Ahimsa translates as non-violence, but it can also be translated as Love. During an Asana practice, for example, would attempting Halasana (plow pose) be violent or loving to a recently tweaked neck, even though you’ve done it hundreds of times before? If you answer it could be violent, sit out the pose, or choose one that would be loving to your body. Keep in mind that your Asana practice is yours, and no matter what level class of yoga you may go to, you always have the choice to modify the practice to your physical body’s needs.

One of the greatest lessons that we can learn through an Asana practice is that our physical bodies are not us, but amazing vehicles that our souls have been given to experience life on Earth. We should love, respect, nourish, take care of, and maintain these gifts we have been given as best we can. An Asana practice is also an excellent way to help maintain our vehicles. Even if all you can do is stand in Tadasana (mountain pose), sit in Virasana (hero’s pose), and lie in Shavasana (corpse pose), you are still practicing Yoga Asana.

May we all take care of our physical bodies, challenge them if we so choose, and practice non-violence and love towards ourselves and others. Namaste _/l\_

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

– Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jesuit priest and philosopher

If you do not know the silence of the body, you cannot understand the silence of the mind…While doing the postures, your mind should be in an interior conscious state; that means silence, emptiness, space that can be filled with an acute awareness of the sensations given by the posture. You watch yourself from the inside. It is full silence. Maintain a detached attitude toward the body and, at the same time, do not neglect any part of the body or show haste but remain alert while doing asana.

– B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life

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Turning the Mind Upside-Down

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Julianne Victoria
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BKS Iyengar in Pincha Mayurasana, Peacock Pose

Several years ago I had decided to enroll in an intensive Iyengar Yoga class. Iyengar Yoga places a very strong emphasis on proper body alignment and positioning from the exact placement of the head and focus point of the eyes (also called drishti) all the way down to the pinky toe. I had maintained a fairly regular, almost daily, yoga practice over the previous year, but I wanted to study the Asanas, or posture, practice in greater depth. There were also many poses I wanted to improve upon, and due to several foot and ankle injuries from years of competitive running, I felt my balancing strength could also greatly improve. Adding four more classes per week would also challenge my self-discipline and endurance. Most importantly, or should I say most bravely, I wanted to tackle the inverted poses head-on. Little did I know that it would also turn my mind upside-down!

The military-like style of my Iyengar instructor was almost frightening at first, but it sure made me strive to become aware of every little muscle fiber that could be in better alignment. As each day and week went by, the instructor would have us go into headstand (shirshasana), handstand (adho mukha vrikshasana), forearm stand (pincha mayurasana), scorpion pose (vrishchikasana), and shoulder stand (sarvangasana) more and more often and hold them for longer periods of time. He’d even time us with a stopwatch! But as each day and week went by, I felt more self-confident with what my body could do, and I became ever more aware that the boundaries of my body’s capabilities were much further than I had thought.

I remember how I’d wake up every Friday morning with sore shoulders and say to myself, “I just don’t think I can do one more inversion. Not even for a second!” Somehow though, each and every time, I’d rise up into handstand with ease, surprised at what my body was able to do that my mind thought it couldn’t do.
 By the end of my three-month yoga intensive, I had met my goal. My Asana practice had improved dramatically, and I felt stronger than ever. I had also overcome my fear of coming crashing down while attempting the inversions. But, the most profound thing I learned was that we are capable of more than we think, whether that’s physically, emotionally, or mentally, when we set aside the worry and doubts of the mind and turn it all upside-down.

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There Must Be Peace in the Heart

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Julianne Victoria
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May we all find peace within

This month’s Bloggers for Peace Challenge is Love Thy Enemy. How does one love thy enemy? I think it helps to clarify ‘like’ versus ‘love’. To love is to be responsible, to do what is best, and to bring no harm to another, or oneself. To like is more personal, or individual. I may like chocolate; you may detest it. I may like having animals around; you may feel they are pests. Likes vary from person to person, but most of us would probably agree that we do not like people who are selfish, cruel, or violent, aka enemies. It is ok not to like them, but we can still love them. We all have that choice.

‘Enemies’ are sentient beings too. When someone acts in an unkind or non-loving way, they are hurting inside. Finding compassion for their suffering frees us from reacting and matching their behavior and energy, and opens up our hearts to love our enemies. An open heart is a peaceful one, and when peace and love radiate from our hearts, our ‘enemies’ can only either match our energy, or leave us alone. This is the Law of Attraction. It is only through compassion, love, and peace within, that the world will find peace without.

When we love ourselves, we cannot help but to love others. As Jesus said in Mark 12:31: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than this.

forpeace6Check all the other great Bloggers for Peace here.

To join Bloggers for Peace, click here.

 

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Cosmic Retrograde Challenge: Moving Forward

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Julianne Victoria
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Driving the Chariot through the Scorpio energy of Death, Change, and Transformation

Today I am participating in Linda of Litebeing Chronicles’ Cosmic Retrograde Challenge. I am the first of nine of us lucky bloggers who have taken on Linda’s challenge:

1- Find an item you never use or never wear but you feel very drawn to. It could be an article of clothing like a hat or jeans, or a CD that you haven’t played in years. Hang up a poster or picture that is hiding in a closet. Prepare a few meals from an old favorite cookbook that’s been neglected. Reread an old novel. Wear that old hat. Play that album. Wear an old scent that you are fond of. Watch several episodes of an old television series. Find something old that still resonates for you NOW.

2- Wear the item or use the object or perform the activity repeatedly for a minimum of one week; three weeks would be ideal.

3- Observe your thoughts and feelings to assess any significant changes.

4- Then journal or meditate on your experiences to gain more clarity.

5- Finally, blog about what you have discovered.

The name of this challenge, I believe, was inspired by the current Mercury retrograde transit. Retrograde periods are times to go back, reflect, restart, and go deeper into things depending on the planet(s) involved and the houses they transit and aspect in one’s individual birth chart. Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio. The recent New Moon was (as was the recent Solar Eclipse) in Scorpio, as are the Sun, Saturn, and the North Node. Scorpio is the sign of transitions, change, death, loss, the occult, the mystical and spiritual, and the unknown. For many this is an intense time of change and transformation. Though likely challenging, it is progress, and for me, taking on this Cosmic Retrograde Challenge is part of my moving forward.

photo-4I didn’t have an item in mind when I started, but as I looked through my things, I knew right away when I saw it. It was this Celtic knot necklace charm. I had bought it in 2005, which happened to be another big life transition time, though not on as big of a scale as this one I began in 2012. Oddly, though, I don’t think I actually ever wore it. At that time I felt I needed a lot of healing and protection, so I would alternate between wearing a peridot (for healing the healers) necklace and an amber (protection) butterfly (transformation) charm.

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A knotted Ouroboros

But now I have been wearing this charm nearly every day for the past few weeks. When not wearing it, it’s been on my desk where I can see it while I am working. It’s the symbolic meanings of it that really resonate with me. The first obvious one is the Celtic knot pattern. Celtic knots (usually) have no beginning and no end. They are one continuous stream, timeless and eternal, akin to the infinity “8” symbol and the Ouroboros, symbols of the interconnectedness and oneness of All.

 

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The Merkabah

And then there’s the shape of the charm. It is an octahedron, which is two tetrahedra (pyramids) together. If these two tetrahedra were to intersect, they would form a star tetrahedron, also known as a Merkabah, or a Chariot. Though not a star tetrahedron, when I first rediscovered this charm, I immediately said: “my Merkabah!” A Merkabah is a chariot of our souls, the divine aspect in all of us. Rediscovering “my Merkabah” reinforces my sense that it is time to move forward out of this transitional phase and into a manifestation phase.

I chose this day to write about my Cosmic Retrograde Challenge because not only is Mercury still retrograde in Scorpio, but Jupiter just turned retrograde in Cancer. With Neptune and Chiron also retrograde in Pisces, I thought fortunate Jupiter added into the retrograde mix would be ideal. But I soon realized there was much more to it. The sign of Cancer is the ruler of the Tarot card, VII The Chariot. Coincidentally, or synchronistically, according to the numerology of my birthdate, the number 7, The Chariot is my personal Tarot card.

images-9The Chariot is all about change, courage, ambition, movement, and the journey. The Chariot, however, is not about going on a trip, but about the journey of the soul, the unconscious (Cancer). Cancer is the Crab, a creature that lives both in water, the unconscious, and on land, the conscious. The movement of The Chariot is the process where the unconscious becomes reality. It is about acting on intuition for self-actualization. Insight becomes conscious, and the unconscious manifests outward. It indicates the courage to face obstacles and success in new endeavors. “My Merkabah” symbolizes that I am moving out of this “death” phase and embarking on a new phase of my journey.

The star tetrahedron, like the Celtic knot, is also a symbol of the interconnectedness and oneness of All. In Hinduism it is the Yeshi-Yoni symbol. In two dimensions it looks like the Star of David, in 3D the star tetrahedron. Yeshi-Yoni represents the spiritual union of Shiva-Shakti, the intersecting of Shiva, the limitless transformer, and Shakti, the cosmic creative energy. The two are infinitely yoked together, interconnected and One.

The Cosmic Retrograde Challenge allowed this charm to re-appear in my life, and what it has brought to me is affirmation that this phase – my death of one life and the return to my home (town and family) – is a transition that I am moving forward and out of. And of course, after all, The Chariot card is also known as the “you have to go home to leave home” card!

Thank you Linda! Check out tomorrow’s Cosmic Retrograde Challenger: Heidi at The Eagle and The Serpent.

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Butterfly Journal Third Month: Faith (Entry #1)

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Julianne Victoria
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The Beauty is in the Journey.

In my last journal entry here, I discussed how coming to the understanding of the Truth of my shadow side and healing my roots had brought my life full circle and has unveiled further the connection between the physical/conscious and the spiritual/unconscious realms. This next month is a continuation of healing, growing, and moving forward. Here is the prompt for month #3:

It can be shocking and even painful sometimes to admit to or find out the truth about something. Remember though it’s not the truth that hurts, but the realization of the lie. Once the truth is out, only then can the healing of the concealed wounds begin. The process of healing and growing can itself ache, and this is where having faith in our souls’ ability to heal helps tremendously. Having faith in ourselves and in the process of spiritual transformation brings the courage to make change.

For the third month, as you continue to self-reflect and seek the truth, drum up the courage in your heart to face your fears, knock over the obstacles, jump the hurdles, and heal any wounds that you have become aware of. You all have the ability to transform and be reborn. Believe in yourself and you will keep growing.

Becoming aware of and exposing my shadow to the light was almost an instant release. Of course this does not mean the fear brought about by shame of past experiences won’t try to reappear, but the awareness that it is there allows me to not let it make decisions for me.

This brings me back to something I mentioned in my first blog journal entry: concern about the “what if’s” about the future and concern about not being a good or successful writer. These “what if’s” only pop up once in a while, but I can see now how it is connected to the shame of my shadow, and how it tries, at an unconscious level, to hinder self-confidence. Having faith that I can manifest my dreams and life goals will help me to shed light on my shadow whenever it throws a hurdle in my path. This awareness and faith will also assist any residual healing needed in my root chakra.

As I write this, I actually can feel an unraveling, like a flower opening and blossoming, around my sacral area, the root chakra or Muladhara. As this month progresses, I am now curious to see how this increased faith in myself is going to manifest in my life…

To read all previous Butterfly Journal entries, Click Here.

To learn more about, read reviews, and purchase Butterfly Journal, Click Here.

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More Light to Reflect on the Current Changing Waters

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Julianne Victoria
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Major Arcana

In the recent post, Helter-Skelter, Topsy-Turvy, Pell-Mell, I discussed many of the current Western Astrological watery influences on our emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing and growth. When I was preparing for that post, I had also taken a look at the Major Arcana cards of the Tarot that correspond to all the planets in the water signs in order to shed some extra light for more insight and guidance for the times. As stated in the Monthly Tarotscope, the cards can enlighten us to the secrets and universal lessons of life, aiding our deeper emotional and spiritual struggles, as well as divining and guiding us in our day-to-day lives.

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The Phoenix

Before looking at the planets in the water signs, let’s first take a look at the card for Scorpio, where we have four planets along with the North Node. The Tarot card for Scorpio is XIII Death. The Death card is about change, completion, transformation, and rebirth. It is the ultimate journey into the Unknown for a new start. The Death card is a major new beginnings card for a new way of being. It is about change that is internal and emotional, and the need to view life in a whole new light. This is the Scorpio soaring eagle, who flies towards the light. The eagle is sometimes replaced by the images-7Phoenix, who allows itself to be devoured by fire so that it can emerge from its own ashes reborn. In addition, the ruling planet for Scorpio is Pluto, god of the Underworld, and the card for Pluto is XX Judgement.images-8 The Judgement card is also about transformation and rebirth, and usually indicates major turning points and wake-up calls. The Judgement card calls us forth to assess our lives and bare our souls. Have we come into our Truth? Have we been responsible for ourselves and for our lives? Do we stay the same (die), or do we make changes (be reborn)?

images-4The two non-luminary planets in Scorpio are Mercury and Saturn. Mercury’s card is I The Magician and Saturn’s is XXI The World. The Magician, being the first card after the zero card, The Fool, is another new beginnings card. The Magician has all four tools of the Tarot to use: the wand, the sword, the cup, and the pentacle. He has the “beginner’s mind” and all the tools he needs to accomplish whatever his goals may be. He brings divine knowledge down to the earthly plane to help manifest ideas images-5into form. The World card, being the last card of the Major Arcana, is a card of completion, but not necessarily the end. It is about integration, bringing things full circle, and taking responsibility for creating our own reality, our own world. When we take responsibility we heal old, deep emotional and karmic wounds. The World card also tells us it is time to expand out into the world.

The other two planets in Scorpio are the luminaries, the Sun and the Moon. This morning images-3we had a solar eclipse. Solar eclipses usually indicate new beginnings, new perspectives, and possibly sudden changes, all of which require an ending or death of something old to make way for the new. The Tarot card for the Sun is XIX The Sun. The Sun is the light of our world. Each day the Sun heralds in a new day, a new beginning. The Sun tells us to shine our own light onto the world from the inside out, and be our true light, our authentic selves. The Sun is only Joy, and this indicates that all the emotional healing and changes will bring more light, more joy into our lives. The Moon’s card is II The High Priestess. The High Priestess is all about reflection, intuition, images-1contemplation, psychic energy, and the emotional and energetic realms. She is the Spiritual Mother and the Sacred Feminine, and hence is about receptivity. The Moon eclipsing the Sun tells us to pause for a moment to fully receive eternal knowledge and to understand the mysteries of the Universe. The Moon also reflects the light of the Sun, reminding us to use our intuition and inner knowing to guide us through dark and difficult times.

images-6The other two planets in the water signs are Jupiter in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces. Jupiter’s Tarot card is X The Wheel of Fortune. It is card number ten (X), a number of completion but also of new beginnings (1+0=1). It is a fluid card, however, indicting movement and flexibility, and leading to change, expansion, and new opportunities. Neptune’s Tarot card is XII The Hanged Man. The Hanged Man tells us to surrender to this process of emotional healing, growth, and change. Surrender to images-2release, not to be a victim or martyr. Surrendering is accepting theimages-9 challenges that arise, embracing and trusting in our higher selves and our intuition, and allowing our creativity to bring in the new. In addition, Neptune is in his own sign of Pisces, whose card is XVIII The Moon, further accentuating the need for us to reflect our souls’ light to help guide us through the dark and the turbulent seas.

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Happy Diwali!

Today is the Indian New Year celebration of Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights. The light symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It guides us through difficult inner challenges and unpleasant emotions and emotional experiences. May we all see the light we have within and have faith that it will always be there to guide us through any darkness just as the Sun lights our days, and the Moon and the stars above guide us through the darkness of night.

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