Today's Tarot Write-ups

• Today's Tarot: 2/24/12. Ten of Rods, Knight of Cups. Today is about moving on. If you're fed up with someone or something, if you've tried multiple times to work it out and it's just not happening, then take your toys and go. You don't have to stay somewhere that makes you miserable. You have choices and options. Use them. Staying when you really don't want to keeps you from living your life on your own terms and quite frankly, in the long run, your heart can't take it. So, do it a favor and if you're done, be done.
• 2/23/12: Ace of Pentacles, Three of Pentacles, Five of Pentacles. These cards keep coming up, which tells me that I need to be more practical and need to keep dealing with my own physical, real world issues today, tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future. Deal with your physical body today. Take care of yourself. Eat well. And most especially if you are prone to headaches, you might get a doozie unless you are proactive. Above all else, though, today is about being selfless, helping others, seeing a need and filling it. Do you know of a way you could help a friend and you haven't done so? Do it, now. See an older lady struggling with her groceries, carry them to her car for her. See a homeless person who is hungry? Buy him or her some food. Reach out and express your care, love, and kindness. Everyone will be the better for it, and the world will feel the ripple effects. Trust me.
• 2/21/12: High Priestess, King of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles. It's gorgeous here today. And what I really want to do is go outside and play, but I have to do is prep for work. So, I have to decide how I will manage to get both in. And that's what these cards are all about: balance. The choice of how hard, how much, and how well we work always depends on us. We decide. It's that simple. So, if what you really need today is time away from everything, promise yourself (and carry through, of course) that you will make up what you put off and then go play. Or, if you need to work, promise yourself play, at some point. The best course of action? Do some of both. Promise yourself diligent work for the next two hours. Really kick some ass. And then go for an extended lunch. Walk around, go into an art supply store and draw/doodle on the sample paper for the fine art pencils. If it's warm enough where you are, eat lunch outside. Or, go for an evening stroll after a long day. Be fully dedicated to each and give each as much concentrated time as you can and you will achieve balance.
• 2/20/12: Nine of Rods and Three of Pentacles. The Nine of Rods encourages us to get fired up today. Got a secret dream of being a stand-up comedian? Go to an open mic night? Want to learn how to run? Try the "Couch to 5k" process. Want to learn how to cook? Get a cookbook out of the library or heck, look a recipe up online and try it today. The Three of Pentacles is about doing the work. Sure, we can whine and moan about things not going the way we want them too. We've all done plenty of it, I'm certain. It can be easy to get discouraged if things aren't going our way. But, and this is a big but, the only way to improve our situation is to actually dig in and do the work (it sucks, but there it is). With the three, though, we have the tenacity to actually take that first, small step to starting. And that can be the biggest step of all. So, the nine sparks the engine, and the three is all the machinery that makes it run. On your mark! Get set! Go!
• 2/17/12: Three of Swords and The Star. This is quite a combo. The first indicates passion, heartbreak, and sizzle. The second says we should keep our feet on the ground while reaching for our dreams. So, here goes... Sometimes, colossal mistsakes or missteps are absolutely worth it. You won't know unless you take that leap of the cliff. So, risk everything. Say what you've been dying to say or do what you been dying to do. You might get shot down shut down or sh*t down. But you will have no regrets on this topic and then you can (finally?) move on. I remember when I was younger, I took a huge chance and kissed a guy who was, at the time, a good friend. I told him how I felt and it turned out he had a thing for a good friend of mine. So, while it hurt in the moment, I then knew the score and have had no regrets, ever, for declaring my feelings. And, as he said years later (when he came to me and told me that he had made a mistake when he turned me down), that was some kiss.2/16/12: King of Swords and Seven of Pentacles. Reap the rewards of all your efforts and planning or, plan better for next time. How much does it frustrate you that despite your best efforts things get all FUBARed? You plan. You make lists. You figure it out step-by-step. And despite all that, once you get started on whatever it is you're trying to accomplish, the monkey wrenches get thrown into the works at every turn. Well, today isn't exactly like that. It's more, "take your win where you can get it." Celebrate the small victories today because sometimes that's all you're going to get. So, if the light turns green right when you get to it, yell "charge" and get going. If the printer prints your long document perfectly the first time you try, celebrate. Make today about the simple things and it will all be good.
• 2/15/12: The Hierophant, Death (this is never physical death by the way. It's the end of a cycle.). Things end. Everything has a time when it must come to a close and something the best thing we can do is figure out what we need to learn from it. Something in your life is changing/closing/ending. Let it. Trying to keep it going longer than it is supposed to will only make you sad/distressed in the long run. So, if you let it go, close, finish, you will move on and not only that, but you will be much the wiser for it. Sign your name on the dotted line. Let it go. Move forward. You might not immediately know why you needed to do it today, but in the long run, it will be abundantly clear. Oh and if school is somehow in the picture for you, get to it. Now's the time to learn, about yourself, about the world, about the universe.
• 2/14/12: Two of Pentacles, Four of Pentacles, Justice. "The more you tighten your grip, the more star systems will slip through your fingers." (Bonus points if you name the source of the quote.) Today is a day for balance. Try to juggle everything but do it peacefully. If you stress about all the balls you have in the air, you will drop every single one. So, as my nephew says, chill out. Don't hold on so tightly. It will all go where it needs to go regardless of how much you worry, fret, and wring your hands. Instead, sit back and see what unfolds. Then, you'll get the message about what's really important and what you need to focus on.
• 2/12/12: The Magician, The Ace of Pentacles, the Tower. "When it's time to change, you've got to rearrange, who you are into what you're gonna be." (Bonus points if you know the source of that quote.) Today it's about being proactive for yourself. If you want to make huge sweeping changes in your life, like say if you want to break old patterns of behavior, eating, communication, whatever, then today is the day to start. The Tower stands for revolutionary change. The Ace of Pentacles stands for you, your body, your home, and the beginning or spark of change (say, germination). The Magician gives us the resolve and ability to move forward. It's never too late, and in fact, whenever you start, it's the perfect time to do it. Focus on your own body's needs (take a long bath, go for a walk, get a haircut, whatever will make you feel like you are taking good care of yourself) and you'll be great.
• 2/11/12: The Emperor and the Nine of Swords. "No guts. No glory." "Great risk yields great reward." "With great power comes great responsibility." (Yep, that last one is from Spiderman.) These two cards together are curious, but they do have a message. Taking risks can bring us great rewards or it can make us miserable. So, a lot of what will happen today will be determined by whether or not you are ready to face and accept the consequences of your actions. Don't just take the risk and reach for your goals without knowing what the pitfalls might be. That's not worth it. But if you do know and are still willing, then go for it. I leave you with one last quote: "Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down." - Ray Bradbury. If you don't do that, if you instead prepare, then you are golden.
• 2/10/12: The Fool and King of Rods. Hmm, an accidental and innocent jump off the highest cliff you can think of? In for a penny, in for a 100 pounds? Something like that. The Fool talks to us about innocence, wonder, and taking a leap of faith. The King of Rods tells us to do it dynamically, purposefully, and passionately. So, today is about taking a (potentially gigantic) leap of faith about whatever it is you find most passionate in your life. Want to declare your love? Why wait until Valentine's Day? Want to submit a query for your fantastic book? Finalize it today and send it on out. Want to finally sign up for classes to start/finish college? There's always summer term. The spring is coming. The days are longer (up here in in the northern hemisphere). The energy is bright. Get out there and take your chance.
• 2/9/12: Five of Swords and Seven of Cups. Many paths lie before you. You've got options. Now, you have to figure out what to do with them. Regardless of which path you choose, dot your i's and cross your t's and make sure no one is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. Today is not the day to trust that everyone has your back. Not everyone does. Remember that whole "trust but verify," thing? Yeah. Do that.
• 2/8/12: Queen of Rods and The Sun. Wow! What a combination. The Queen is all about vitality, energy, and forward motion (not to mention a certain inner fire). The Sun takes that and multiplies it by 1 kajillion. So, it's all about vim and vigor today. Find your hidden reserves. Look for them and make them your willing slaves. Oh and don't be surprised if you are singled out for notice (in a good way). Compliments will be yours today. If someone whistles, take it as the highest form of esteem that person can give you. If someone looks deeply into your eyes even as she passes you on the street, take is as the "Wow! You're hot," it's meant to be. Be like Tom Cruise in that fab walking scene from "Risky Business," and strut strut strut. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezpBTbeN2aQ)
• 2/7/12: Judgment and The Hanged Man. Aiee! These two cards together represent what so often happens in readings. I'm not telling you/me/us anything you/I/we don't already know. Whatever it is we need to know, learn, do, whatever, we already know what that is. But, we've been either waffling or stalling. Now, the question becomes why? Or, perhaps a better way of asking is what do we think the reason is for us sitting on our hands about whatever it is we're sitting on your hands about? See, the Judgment card represents our judgment - our inner knowing. The Hanged Man represents the state of waiting until the time is right. Together, they can either be zen-like peace, or they can be cat who climbed up a tree on her own and is now waiting for someone else to come get her down. "Nuh-Uh," as my younger friends might say. Don't wait for someone else to rescue you. Rescue yourself. You know what needs to happen. Bite the bullet. Grab it by the b*lls and get it done.
• 2/6/12:Eight of Rods. Today, it's all about quick, decisive action. So, jump on it. Do whatever you need to do. And, if somebody offers to lend a hand, let them. However if you need to do by yourself, go do that. Do not pass "Go." Do not collect 200.00, as they say. See you tomorrow.
• 2/5/12: The High Priestess. Choices and making them vs. non-action. Whew. That's a tough one, because, you know, every instant of every day, we face choices. Left or right. Sleep in or get out there and start your day. Coke or Pepsi (just kidding on that last one, but you know what I mean). The High Priestess always puts me in a "so, what now?" frame of mind. On the one hand, she says that there are choices in every second of our lives and that in each second we commit to one or another path. On the other hand, she says, "Hold on, now. Who said you had to choose actively? You can choose passively. Non-action, don't forget, is also a choice." So, which is it today, folks? Is it left or right, right or wrong, up or down? Or will you just sit and breathe (also a choice, by the way). For me, it is always better to make an active choice, but for you, a different option might be just the thing.
• 2/2/12: Six of Pentacles, Page of Pentacles. Practical, useful, and make your plans types of cards. With the Six of Pentacles, you'll need to use or acquire more power, knowledge, and resources. So, while you may want to act, you don't know everything yet so sit back and watch everyone else run around like cats playing with one of those laser toys. Don't be one of the runners. Be the one holding the laser. Or, if you're not or can't be that person, make friends with whoever is holding onto it for she or he can and will help you. The Page of Pentacles: calls on you to make your own dreams come true. Be realistic, use common sense, know your resources and use them wisely. If you are going to come up with a solution that really works, you will need to be very practical and also trustworthy. Otherwise, you might as well hang 'em up and go have a piña colada.
• 2/1/12: Three of Swords: Not an easy card. It can mean, loneliness, heartache, betrayal. You might be feeling powerless or worse, hopeless (and not in that lovely Buddhist sort of way). My thoughts? They can only make you feel lonely if you let them. If your heart hurts, go do something you love to do or at the very least, go out and take a walk. Break out of the pattern of sadness, if that's what's going on. We don't have to capitulate to anyone's ideas of what is right for us unless we want to. So, if a situation is making you sad or distressed, remember what Shakespeare said: "The worst is not, so long as we can say, 'This is the worst.'" If you're still kicking, you can do something about it.
• 1/31/12: Ten of Pentacles. It's time to look for a resolution/solution that will keep for the long haul. It will no longer work to put bandages on gaping wounds. If you have a problem, issue, ouchy, whatever, then you will need to sit down or step back, and figure out the real solution rather than the one that will last for today. If you have a health issue, now, today is the day to put everything else on the shelf and deal with with what's in front of you. If you have a friend who has been (unknowingly) hurting your feelings, then deal with that. If you have a coworker who has been making life a challenge, either talk to him/her or go to Human Resources. Life is too short to stay in "Fight or Flight." You need some peace, quiet, and stressless times.
• 1/30/12: The Empress. I love this card. The Empress is everything productive, abundant, full, and creative. She is the fertility of the spring and summer. She is juicy peaches and golden honey. In Hindu mythology, she is Laksmi, fertile, abundant, rich, and full. It might be hard to think of all that happening on a Monday, but there it is. You have the chance to take life by storm: a storm of fertile imagination, abundant love, and full, round happiness. I'm not trying to sound particularly fluffy here; I believe it really is all about how approach and react to whatever situations life hands us. Today, the Empress hands us abundance. Remember that and all will be luscious goodness.
• 1/29/12: Justice. Yeah, I could talk about balance and legalese, but I think what I most want to talk about is fairness. Sometimes, we just want things to be fair. We want to get ourselves away from the she has this and I don't and he gets that and I didn't. We just want things to be equal, equitable, fair. And sometimes as we all know, life just isn't fair. Things we feel we deserve get taken away from us. Things we really want, get given to someone else. Maybe they deserve it better. Maybe they fought harder for it. In the end, it doesn't really matter. What matters, is that we have to remember that you don't know how it all balances out in the end. Sure, someone else got something you want. But, in the grand scheme, you may come out better for it. It's just like that old Buddhist parable about the farmer and his son, which I'll post later today.
• 1/28/12: The Emperor and The Chariot (with a little Two of Rods thrown in for good measure). "Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you." That's not exactly the sentiment of these cards because there's not so much ego in what they indicate, but it's pretty close. These are some of the most success/achievement/strength/driven cards in the deck. So, if you've got a dream, today's the day to go for it. The Chariott=an external expression of your inner strength. The Emperor=Traditional ideas of success (with a wee bit of zen-like peace thrown in) and the Three of Rods=the world is yours for the taking. So? What are waiting for? To quote one of my own song lyrics: "There's no way to finish until you dare to start."
• 1/27/12: Five of Cups. Queen of Cups. A bit of a tough one today. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we lose. We attempt to fly among the stars and we end up flat on the ground with mud on our faces (and not in that good "spa day" kind of way). Here, I will quote one of my favorite movies: Inigo Montoya: Who are you?
  Man in Black: No one of consequence.
  Inigo Montoya: I must know.
  Man in Black: Get used to disappointment.
  Inigo Montoya: 'kay. The Five of Cups says, get ready for some disappointment. The Queen of Cups says, try to be okay with it. Inigo Montoya doesn't get all morose when he hears he won't be getting what he wants. Instead, he takes it philosophically, with an "okay." He has other (bigger) things to accomplish and he doesn't let stress or disappointment divert him from his ultimate goal. So, while the Five of Cups says, get ready for some bad news or sticky situations, the Queen of Cups says, feel (really feel) your feelings, acknowledge them, honor yourself and move along. ("These are not the 'droids you're looking for.")
• 1/26/12: Ten of Rods. Being overextended. Trying to do too much with the resources you have. Thinking about taking your toys and going home? It's not surprising. I also wouldn't be surprised if the thought, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way," has been going through your head lately. The urge to just throw it in and call out on the carpet whomever it is that's making your day nuttier might feel good but it won't accomplish your larger goals. Even if your situation is messy and complicated, and even if you feel like you've been abandoned, stick to your guns and do what must be done. Take on the responsibility for fixing the mess and then be done with it. The sooner we accept that we're grown-ups (unless we're not) and deal with our messes in a mature and honorable way, the faster these things will resolve themselves. Having said that, if you are stuck dealing with someone who is absolutely not exhibiting maturity, then you will need to call on that other very mature quality, patience. So breathe in. Breathe out. And then do what you need to do.
• 1/25/12: Page of Pentacles and Seven of Swords. Two cards today. It was going to be the Seven of Swords by itself, but then the Page fell out as I shuffled. And I put it back and then it fell out again. So then, I tried to choose it on purpose and sure enough, I chose it randomly again. So...Page of Pentacles (and seven of swords) it is. Leave nothing to chance today. The Seven of Swords is you, by yourself, dotting the I's and crossing the T's. You can try to pass the buck, but it'll circle right back around and bite you on the butt if you try that. Today, the buck stops with you. So, be methodical. Be mindful. Be certain. And do what you need to do. The Page of Pentacles is about initiating the peaceful, mindful, physical actions that will seem to make little difference today but will indeed create amazing opportunities later. Just because you can't see the immediate benefit or receive the instant gratification doesn't mean you won't reap rewards later. For now, trust that what you are doing is necessary, vital even, and all will be well in the long-run.
• 1/24/12: Three of Pentacles. Today is about work: the process of doing work, the process of figuring things out, and the process of enjoying whatever it is that we're doing. Sure, we can be disheartened about whatever it is that's required of us today, or we can step away from that soul-sucking feeling and instead try to figure out how to really, truly be inspired by it. It's only mind-numbing if we let our minds be numbed. It's only soul-stealing if we let our souls be lulled into a sense of fruitlessness. there is something redemming about any task, and if we focus on that, things will go more smoothly and enjoyably. So, step back. See and asses all you have to do, find the fun in it (Have to file? Make up a song or a set of fun gestures to go along with it. Have to clean? Make it a game. Have to lift heavy objects? Pretend you are the strongest person in the world and are in a contest to prove it. If we give ourselves permission to enjoy ourselves, anything can happen!), and go for it!
• 1/20/12: Eight of Pentacles. Learning, gaining knowledge. Remember, the more you know, the more you will realize how little you actually know. Today is about stepping back and reminding ourselves that we aren't necessarily the experts. We are all students in one way or another, but sometimes we forget. So many of the great mystics and thinkers have said something similar to, "I dunno," that it's not even a joke to say it. Ultimately, none of us knows (and that's ok). If we remember that, then we remember our fundamental equality with everyone else. I leave you with a quote from Bull Durham that teaches us much in its simplicity. "Baseball is a simple game. You hit the ball. You catch the ball. You throw the ball. Sometimes, you win. Sometimes, you lose. Sometimes, it rains." We can all learn something from that.
• 1/19/12: Wheel of Fortune and Ace of Pentacles. Wow, what a combo. Wheel of fortune: Luck is with you today. But it can be a fickle pain in the butt and desert you at just the crucial moment. So, ride the wave but do it somewhat cautiously. You know: Trust but verify. The Ace of Pentacles is one of my favorite cards. New beginnings. Endless possibilities so long as you're practical about it and are willing to work for what you want. Before a seed can break out of its shell, it needs impetus: sunlight. The sun isn't even beating down on it directly (most of the time) but somehow that darn seed knows to strive and stretch and reach and then it breaks through its shell. Then, anything is possible and one of life's greatest mysteries unfolds. Together, these two cards rock: You'll be lucky, and you'll also make your own luck. I leave with you with my favorite Anais Nin quote: "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Do that today, and you can't lose.
• 1/18/12: The Tower. (No freakin doubt for me, since my computer just died unexpectedly and I'm scrambling to get everything fixed.) Well, radical, revolutionary change can be great or it can bite big-time. If you find you've just been thrown off a cliff, try to ride the wind currents. You never know; you might get lucky and land in a pile of sod, or even manure. That'd work too. Just remember, roll with the punches. Relax yourself, body, mind, and spirit, and then you'll have a much easier time handling all the major changes that are coming up today. It might be unexpected; it doesn't have to suck. And put my money where my mouth is, I've just ordered a new machine. I was going to need a new one anyway for the video work I'll be doing, and I'm choosing to look at it like I'm taking advantage of the opportunity to ride the thermals on the way down.
• 1/17/12: Page of Rods. Initial actions and the Big Talk. If you've had something you need to get off your chest, do it today. Speak your piece. But, remember, you want to have your say; you don't want to just piss 'em off. When I was a kid, I had a poster on my wall. It said. "Diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a way that they actually look forward to the trip." Follow that edict. Do it that way, and not only will you come out smelling like rose, you will get to get going on the very thing you've been itching to do.
• 1/16/12: Six of Swords. Every time you break a glass, the very first thing you do is to swear a blue streak. Why? Because you saw it slipping, time slowed so that you almost catch it, and you just missed it. After the shattering and clattering is over, for a second, you just stand there and think evil thoughts. And then? Well, then, it's time to sigh, step carefully around the shards, and pick up the pieces. That's what this card is telling us today. Stop. Sigh. Pick up the pieces. Nothing much else to be done. We all have to learn the lesson that sometimes, there's just nothing we can do to prevent the crap from happening. Often, the best we can do is grab the broom, sweep them up, learn to be more mindful in the future, and then move on.
• 1/15/12: Queen of Swords. She's that brainy girl in ninth grade who pulls out an A when everyone else gets D's. She's the super planner. Want something planned to within an inch of its life that will then go without a hitch? Get her to do it. She's the one who's sometimes has trouble making decisions because she needs to look at *every* facet of a situation before she makes a step. Sound like you at all? Well, you can either sit inside that thinker's shell or you can choose a direction, get up, and go. Regardless of which you choose to do today, choose one. Don't allow yourself to fall into a pattern. Rather, consciously decide what you will do. And everything will roll out beautifully, from there. In other words, plan carefully today, but don't over-plan because then you'll be caught with your thumbs in your ears. And then, where will you be?
• 1/14/12: 1/14/12: Page of Cups and Judgment. Two cards today. Page of Cups: Emotions, new romance, spark of love. Judgment: Rebirth, inner knowing, purpose and conviction. When it comes to love, things are coming to a head, today. If you've been making excuses for a relationship, stop doing that. If it's not right, it's not right and no amount of wishing will make it so. If you've been wavering on whether or not to continue, choose a side. Now! Either throw in with the other person's lot or cut 'em loose. This halfway there thing will just make everyone cranky, unhappy and eventually miserable. If you are honest now, if you follow your gut now, if you hear what your innermost voice is saying now, you will be much better for it in the long run.
• 1/13/12: The Chariot and the Six of Cups. Two cards today. The Chariot advises strength, purposeful forward motion, commitment and follow-through. The Six of Cups: children, childhood, play. "We've got to fight, for our right, to party!" Yeah, that's it. In a nutshell. Make today about fun, especially if it can be fun htat serves a purpose that moves you closer to some goal. Don't just go to the bar and drink. Organize an improptu happy hour with people from work. Invite the boss. Highlight yourself in *all* your glory. :) Now, for those of you with kids, if they are older, check in with them today. If they are younger, be there for them, protect them and take really good care of them today.
• 1/12/12: Four of Cups. What aren't you seeing? What's just on the periphery? What have you forgotten? You'll want to pat your pockets a lot today because it will feel like you have forgotten to do something vital. Your stomach might feel tied up in knots because you'll feel like you are ill-prepared. Stop. Step back. Breathe. Remember, almost nothing is irreversible. These are just feelings. They are just anxiety. They don't necessarily reflect reality. So, if you have major deadlines, put your feelings on hold and approach your "to do" list slowly, like it's an ornery, feral cat. Treat the day tenderly, and like that kitty, soon, everything and everyone in your life will be rolling over to have their belly rubbed.
• 1/11/12: Five of Rods and the Moon. Two cards today. What they have to say? Get your head in the game. You can hide in the murky twilight only so long before you have to stand up and face the music. Yes, conflict awaits you, but you will come out the other side stronger, more resilient, and closer to your goal. So, stand up to whatever it is that's making you sad, mad, irate, concerned, whatever. Stand up to it. See it for what it really is. Then, kick its ass and takes its name.
• 1/10/12: Ace of Pentacles. Peaceful practicality. Stable certainty. Meaningful movement. Make everything purposeful yet keep true to yourself. Check in with your gut constantly. Does it have fluttering butterflies of excitment or nervous frogs of "what are you *thinking*?" Start fresh but do it deliberately. Don't jump the gun, but instead take it all one step at a time. And if you do, you will not only finish the race, you will get to enjoy the journey.
• 1/9/12: Seven of Swords. Preparation, Planning, Potential for Deception. Dot your I's and cross your T's today. If you have paperwork to sign, do it only after reading it carefully. If you are traveling, double check for your tickets. If you have issues to handle, wait until you have a cool head. It's all well and good to be a fierce warrior when you have to be; however, now is the time to be a cool-headed diplomat. When I was a teenager, I had the following poster on my wall. "Diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a way that they actually look forward to the trip." It applies today.
• 1/8/12: The Lovers. It's warmer than it's been here so that makes me think, "Spring Fever" and all it's attendant hormones-lust-sex-get-out-there-and-DO stuff. I'm wrong. It will get cold again and we'll still need to cuddle up to someone or something that makes us feel loved. If you don't currently have someone in your life who makes you feel special, then go ahead an make yourself feel that way. What can you do to engender those warm fuzzy feelings in yourself? Go do that. If you can't seek a partner, your soulmate, or whatever, then instead go pet a cat, spend time with a friend, or heck, go climb a mountain and spend time with yourself. After all, who knows you better than you do? What better partnership can we have than with ourselves?
• 1/7/12: High Priestess. Be still. Listen. Take in the information. Give yourself permission to not do, today. Sometimes, we push and push and either get nowhere or else hurt ourselves. In the end, we learn that we simply needed to relax and sit with whatever was putting bees in our bonnets. Take the time to hear what is being said to you and you will soon know what to do.
• 1/6/12: Emperor. Achievement, success (traditional notions of it). Temper your ambition to "arrive" with balance and awareness of your role in the world around you. Don't just talk, also listen. Don't just take, also give. The balanced path will yield the greatest reward on all levels.
• 1/5/12: Sun. Boundless, radiant energy. The urge to do, the motivation to do it, and the physical energy to make it happen. What are you waiting for? Go for it!
• 1/4/12: Strength. Yee ha! My favorite card. Strength, balance, and flexibility - all of these will be useful and necessary for you today. Be strong in your own position (in other words, know thyself). Be balanced in your approach to others (in other words, be kind and fair). Be flexible in your thoughts (in other words, be a willow, not an oak). Strength is not always about being rigid. In fact, it often isn't about that at all. It's often about being pliable but still focused. If you do that today, you are golden.
• 1/3/12: Knight of Pentacles. Reap what you've sown. Get your hands dirty, as it were. If what it takes to get the stuff done is for you to roll up your sleeves and make it happen, then by all that's awesome, get to it. But, keep calm while you do it. Being all pissed because someone else didn't hold up their part of the bargain will only make you anxious and sad. It really won't affect that other person (especially not if you never call 'em on it). So, remember, crappy stuff will always happen. You can't control that. What you can control? How much you let it affect you and how you react in return.
• 1/2/12: Four of Swords. Rest. Relaxation. A calm mind. It amuses me that I chose this card while having insomnia at 5:30 am on a holiday. It's true; I need the rest as well. And that still doesn't stop me from saying that you need rest, too. Count sheep. Drink a cup of chamomile tea. Meditate. Whatever you need to do to calm your very busy mind, do it. The stress and anxiety don't help you figure things out any faster. In fact, they get in the way. So, stop and as my nephew would say, chill out. Then, step by step, do what needs doing.
• 1/1/12: Eight of Cups. Well pleased am I with the first draw of the year. Up until now, you've had choices, you've been anxious, or you've perhaps felt paralyzed. Well, new year, new lease. Either make your choice or walk away. But, you definitely will take your anxiety and tell it to go sit down and shut up. The time for anxiety is over. Now is the time to walk your path without regret. It's ok to turn your back on some of the monsters hiding under your bed. They aren't actually monsters. They're more like mirages - vestiges of old patterns. If you don't need them anymore, they can just dissipate. Let them, and move on.
• 12/31/11 Ace of Rods. Wow! From yesterday's endings to today's beginnings. I'm fascinated that on the last day of the year, I get a card for the spark, the first step, the ignition, if you will. This is a card of opening, starting, beginning. So, go open, begin, or start whatever it is that needs it. You won't get anything by sitting still today. Get out there and do. If you want someone in your life, open yourself to that and that put yourself in the position of finding him/her. If you want to begin a new health regimen, don't wait until tomorrow, start it today. Take the first step, but do it step-by-step. Don't get bogged down by all that will be necessary later. Just be here, now, and do what's next.
• 12/30/11. Death (No, not the physical kind!). This card always makes people nervous, but it really ought not to do that. It's a card of endings, certainly, but it has nothing to do with physical death. It is about the beginning, middle, and end of everything. Cycles are coming to a close. Projects are finishing up. The year is ending. Everything is moving toward that place of stasis right before the new can begin. If you're feeling like you're waiting with bated breath for dawn, you're in good company. According to this card, we all have the opportunity, right now, to stop, stand still, listen, wait, and be at peace that that which is ending is appropriate for the here and now. Once the old is gone, the new can manifest. So, stand still, breathe, and be at peace.
• 12/29/11: The Empress. Funny to pick a card of fertility and abundance in this time of year, but here goes. She represents fertility. Now, that can be creative, reproductive, financial, whatever endeavor you are pursuing. The important thing to remember is that *you* are the one who drives this bus. If you want it, go for it. If you want to paint fuzzy bunnies, do that. If you want to plan out a grand spring garden, do that. If you want to pursue the next rung on your corporate ladder, then be my guest. Today's energy says, go for it, but remember to take time to smell the coffee, taste your breakfast, give a hug or a helping hand, and love someone. Empresses wield a lot of power, but they can also dispense a lot of kindness.
• 12/28/11: Nine of Rods. Rest. Take care of yourself. This is the midpoint between holiday parties. Give yourself a break, particularly if you get headaches. And if someone makes you want to defend yourself, if she or he attacks with words or actions, walk away. You owe them nothing. You owe yourself your self-respect and the confidence to stand behind what you believe. Remember that bumper sticker, "what if they held a war and nobody came?" Treat that as your thought for the day. Just because they fire an opening volley, doesn't mean you have to engage.
• 12/27/11. The Queen of Pentacles. So much crazy comes out during the holidays that today's card feels like a breath of fresh air that arrived on a warm and gentle breeze. Take all that stress, angst, and anxiety, and breathe it out. This is a card of peace. It's your own little internal meditation pillow that's sitting on a round treehouse platform a few feet of the ground in a gorgeous woodland. Through the trees, you see a stunning setting sun. Drink some water, eat a piece of delicious fruit, sit down, relax, breathe, and be at peace. The ruckus is only ruckus if you let it be. And, you don't have to let it be.
• 12/26/11: Eight of Swords. This card always reminds me of William Wallace's big line in "Braveheart." FREEDOM!!! What will it take for you to grab your freedom with both hands? If you feel surrounded, trapped, unable to move, then step back (even if it's only internally). Look at your situation dispassionately, view it with an objective eye, and then relax. I'd guess it's kind of like looking at those Magic Eye images. Keep looking but do it casual (a little Star Wars reference for you all). The pattern and consequently, your next step, to freedom, will reveal itself. Then, you'll need to grab yourself by the bootstraps, step up, and move forward.
• 12/25/11: Ace and King of Pentacles. Yep, today there are two cards in today's tarot. They both jumped out of the deck and so I'm using them both. These two are the alpha and omega of the be peaceful, be practical, reap what you've sown suit in the deck. So, go do that. If you want to start something new today, do it. If you want to sit back, breathe, and reap the rewards of all your hard work through the past year, do that instead. But, whatever you do, remember to count your blessings, especially the tangible ones. Do you have your health? If yes, then honor that. If you have health challenges, take extra care with yourself today. Eat right, get a small amount of exercise, and find way to improve your balance, strength and flexibility. If your mind is the engine that drives the ideas, then your physical body is your vehicle to get you there and no matter how well-tuned and set the engine is, it won't get you anywhere without the car. So, treat your car well.
• 12/24/11: Two of Cups. Union of souls. Love. Partnership. Sharing. It's a lovely sentiment. But, it calls for some guts and some glory on your part. Sure, you can wait for it to find you, or you can step up, be vulnerable and go see it out. If whoever you want doesn't want you in return, then they're batsh*t crazy and you are well rid of them because you rock, on toast, with raspberry jam. And don't you forget it.
• 12/23/11: Ace of Swords. Beginnings. New ideas. Inspiration. Make your plans. Think them through. Carry them out with the precision of a cat going after a laser pointer. Seriously, you get what you want; you just have to be sure you wanted what you get. So, you might as well know *exactly* what that is. Begin a new enterprise. Make and keep your New Year's resolutions early. Don't wait until January 1 to start. Start now, today, immediately. And things will only blossom and get better.
• 12/22/11: Page of Cups. Potential. New Romance. Renewed feelings of joy, or at least possibilities. Delight in the new, today. In the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day has passed and in the Southern, it's just been the shortest night. It's a big turning of the wheel of the year. Honor it by allowing a new good thing into your life. It can be a new friend, a new way of thinking, a new habit, or maybe a new pair of those awesome gloves that let you work your phone's touchscreen without removing them. Do something that brings you that spark of joy. Open to the possibilities, because if not now, when?
• 12/21/11: Five of Rods. Resolve conflicts. Forgive, forget, release. Sure, there will always be people who piss you off. Sure, there will always be people who do jumping jacks on your very last nerve. But, in the end, the only person you're hurting by engaging in the conflict, is you. If someone is trying to grab your goat and throttle it, I'm not saying turn the other cheek. I'm saying excuse yourself, leave the room, go for a walk, pet a cat, take a bubblebath, watch a favorite movie, go for a run, or whatever takes you out of your head. Go do something you love and it will give you perspective on how to deal with all those little and big conflicts that are so prevalent this time of year.
• 12/20/11: The Sun! Bountiful radiance, energy, joy. For those in the Nortern Hemisphere, do what you need to do to raise your energy and spirits. It's dark a lot. There's little sunlight and, like plants, we need that warmth, that heat, in order to thrive. Since it's dark so much, we need to find something else that speeds our hearts, enlivens our minds, and lifts our spirits (and then go out and do it). For those in the Southern Hemisphere (or on the equator), you're lucky ducks. Go out there and revel in the sun. Play. Laugh. Enjoy.
• 12/19/11: Eight of Cups. Choices, Directions, Standing at a crossroads. It's like spring cleaning only, right before the holidays. Sure, we all do things we later regret, but that doesn't mean now is one of those times. Make your choices. Check in with your heart/feelings, and then walk your path without regret.
• 12/18/11: Ace of Rods. Yegads, how did such a spring/summer card show up on one of the coldest days of the year? It's a remind to kindle your spark. If you want something, go for it. If you want to try something, don't just dip your toe, jump on in. Satisfy your urges. Get a move on. Opportunities for fun don't wait around forever. Fulfill your responsibilities and then go play!
• 12/17/11: Temperance. Balance. Patience. Equilibrium. Feeling off-kilter? Do what you need to find that state of stability. If you make decisions now, without having that inner core centered, you will make a lot more work and stress for yourself. To quote my nephew, "chill out." And remember to breathe.
• 12/16/11 Two of Cups. Partnership, unity, love. Look to your good health, and heart wholeness today. Seek out "partners in crime." Open your heart to love. It doesn't need to be romantic love. It needs to be soulful, guiltless, and pleasureful. What you want is a soul to soul union? Don't accept anything less. To quote Barney Stinson, "Wait for it ... it's going to be legen-DARY."
• 12/15/11 Eight of Pentacles. The card of the student. Study. Learn. Ponder. Now is the time to determine your philosophy in the large and small matters of your life. If you can't figure it out, seek a teacher. Remember the adage, "The more I know, the more I realize there is to learn." That will stand you in good stead.
• 12/11/11 Hierophant. Education, system of beliefs. Spend time learning today. Study, read, think critically. Wonder and decide.
• 12/10/11 3 Cups. Enjoy community. Connect with others. Joyfully celebrate with friends. Today's the day to forgive, forget, & play!

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Tweet

This page © Izolda Trakhtenberg 2001-2012. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be copied without prior written permission from the author. For more information: izolda@izolda.info. Author photo © Rich Potter. Last updated: December 26, 2011