Intuitive Tuesday -- The Devil (reversed)

Every Tuesday, I'll select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you? Please add comments to enhance the messages for other people in the Wild Women Community and to share how this applies to you.

The Devil card indicates feeling stuck by self-imposed limitations. When it is reversed, it shows that you are breaking free of the limiting thoughts and beliefs that have gotten you into this situation and have kept you feeling stuck. You are ready to face your fears, take the risk and move out of this emotional prison.

One of my favorite quotes is by Anais Nin,

"And there came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

You are at that point. What once felt safe, now leaves you feeling trapped.

The Devil reversed indicates that you have the faith and courage to take one step forward. This step will lead to the next and to the next, until you look up and are free from the chains that you imagined around your neck. You are free to continue on your path.

Enjoy your new-found FREEDOM and realize that, just like Dorothy discovered in The Wizard of Oz, it was there all along.

Book Review - The Shack

Book Review -- The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, by William P. Young, Copyright 2007 by William P. Young.

When my friend suggested this book, she said, "It is the type of book that will change your life."

I smiled and said, "You'll know I've read it if you don't recognize me the next time you see me." Well...she may not recognize me because reading this story really touched me.

After reading the back cover, I was reluctant to read The Shack because it begins with the abduction of a child. But I pressed on...

In the first chapter the main character, Mack, receives a mysterious note from God (who his wife refers to as "Papa") which invites him back to the shack where his daughter, Missy's, blood-stained clothes had been found years before. Her death was never confirmed and Mack had lived since then in what he called, "The Great Sadness," a heavy fog of grief that hangs over his life.

Mack accepts "Papa's" invitation and returns to the shack to hopefully answer the questions that have haunted him for years. This is when the real story began.

While Mack is at the shack, through his personal encounter with "Papa," he discovers things about himself, God, religion, forgiveness, judgment and love, and he learns lessons that help him heal in his heart and in his soul.

I highly recommend The Shack and believe each reader will get out of it what they need the most. I re-connected with the holy trinity -- God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit -- and remembered how that energy is always present in my life, even as my spiritual beliefs change and grow.

I plan to read The Shack again to fully capture its richness. I bet each time you read this book, something new comes to light.

Here are two of my favorite quotes from, "The Shack:"

"So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing." (pg. 155)

"If anything matters, then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my (the Holy Spirit's) purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again." (page 235).

If you are interested in reading The Shack, I've provided a link below for more information and to order your own copy.

And, if I don't recognize you the next time we meet, I'll suspect that you read The Shack and it changed your life like it did mine.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Ten of Cups

Every Tuesday, I'll select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you? Please add comments to enhance the messages for other people in the Wild Women Community and to share how this applies to you.

Ten of Cups -- Tune into the aspect of you that feels completely fulfilled. There is a certain harmony in your personal relationships, your family and in your heart overall.

From this space, what is possible? With these feelings of love, trust, prosperity and connection, reach outside of yourself to connect with similar energies around you. Like attracts like. Soon you'll be amazed at how many sources of this energy are present in your world.

As you focus on all that is good in your life and your many blessings, feel the Ten of Cups energy radiate from your very being, shining forth out onto your world, illuminating your path.

This is a time of celebration. Relax, enjoy and appreciate all that is good!

Note: If for some reason, you are not able to tap into the Ten of Cups energy, calm your mind and ask for this to become present in your life. Create the energetic space in which you'd like to live. Attract to your world, the people and situations that help you to feel loved and included. All is possible...if you simply ask and have faith that all truly is in order.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Three of Wands

Every Tuesday, I'll select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you? Please add comments to enhance the messages for other people in the Wild Women Community and to share how this applies to you.

The Three of Wands indicates an exciting time for you. Your plans are underway. Your vision and direction are clear and will move you towards your goal. Wands indicate action and energy.

Do you feel the forces behind you pushing you forward, the energy inside inspiring you, and the goal in front of you encouraging you onward?

There is excitement in the air. Things feel busy and there seems to be a lot of action around you. You may even feel like you are being swept off your feet by all of the excitment in your life. Even though things are moving, there is still work to be done...but you feel motivated to do it.

As you move forward, the universe is responding very positively, giving you the feedback you need to continue to move forward. Take advantage of the flow in your life; feel the excitement and move towards your dreams.

What is your next step? What are you looking forward to? Tune in to your intuition, have faith and move forward...one step at a time.

Book Review - Diary of a Psychic

Book Reviewed: Diary of a Psychic: Shattering the Myths
by Sonia Choquette, Hay House, Copyright © 2003

Tarot Card Rating: The High Priestess – Full of intuitive insights.

Summary
If you are on your own spiritual journey and wonder if you really are intuitive, you will love this book. It is refreshing to hear Sonia Choquette's story, learn about her struggles and grasp the things she learned along the way.

Book Review
Having recently listened to the cassette tape series, Your Psychic Pathway: Listening to the Guiding Wisdom of Your Soul (also by Sonia Choquette), I was full into the language, stories and methods of Sonia Choquette. What a gifted psychic and author! Being very aware of Sonia’s reputation as a master psychic, I particularly liked peeling down to the basics, before she – or anyone else – realized how psychic she was.

Aren’t we all on a path to uncovering and developing our own psychic abilities? Perhaps that’s why I find these types of biographies so interesting. As readers, we get to peek into the times when Sonia wasn’t a world-renowned psychic. Throughout this book, she was just an everyday person awakening to her own spiritual gifts.

Her story begins when Sonia is in 6th grade and begins to “know” things, but doesn’t understand why or how. The story more fully develops in her high school years as she studies with her teachers, Charlie Goodman, a famous medium from Denver, and Dr. Trenton Tully, who was the director and primary teacher of the Metaphysical Research Society (M.R.S.) in Denver, CO.

I love the way Sonia gives examples of giving readings and having her clients contact her later confirming what she saw months or years prior. This happens with my tarot clients. I love it when a client calls and says, “You were right!”

One key element she has woven throughout the entire book is, “trust your intuitive voice…even if it doesn’t make sense.” That is GREAT advice!

The last several chapters are dedicated to Sonia asking for and manifesting her soul mate, Patrick Tully. This “love story” ending further imprints that Sonia is not only a masterful psychic and intuitive, but also very human.

Reader Gems:
Besides the wonderful story, there were two gems that I really found valuable.

First is the easy exercise that Sonia does to increase her psychic abilities and that is to meditate every day for 15 minutes. I can do that!

Second one was her integration of Christianity and the Chakra system with the Lord’s Prayer. I have included it below in case you are interested. I found it’s a great way to begin and end a meditation.

Lord’s Prayer and the Chakras (page 105)

Our Father, who art in Heaven (opens the chakras)

Hallowed Be Thy Name (balances the seventh chakra)

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done (balances the third chakra)

On Earth as it is in Heaven (balances the second chakra)

Give us this day our daily bread (balances the first chakra)

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us (balances the fourth chakra)

For Thine in the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory (balances the sixth chakra)

Forever and ever. Amen (balances the fifth chakra)

Tarot Spread Interpretation

Suzi, who is a student from one of my Intuition Through Tarot classes, had some questions about the April Fool's Day Tarot Spread I provided on this blog.

With Suzi's permission, I have given my interpretation of the cards she pulled. Check it out:
Her cards were:
Past -- 6 of Swords
Future -- 7 of Pentacles
Underlying influences -- Ace of Hearts
What Qualities Will Help You? -- 3 of Swords

Here is my interpretation of the cards:

Past – 6 of Swords – you have moved away from a time in your past (this life and other lives) where you were persecuted or feared you would be ostracized for being different (intuitive, psychic, etc.) All of these are qualities you have hidden during your life. You are in a phase of stepping into your power and claiming the gifts that are yours naturally. You are eager to use them, understand them and help people with them. As you begin to let the real you and your gifts surface, you’ll be amazed at how you are able to understand and help people. This will fulfill your desires to help people.

Future – 7 of Pentacles – This indicates to me that at some point you will feel comfortable charging for your services. You will have honed them so much that people will pay – and you will be in such demand that you will have to charge, if only to keep your energy exchange and your business in order. Meaning…if you give it away freely, you will be too busy trying to help everyone. Right now you are on a diligent path to develop your skills so you have faith in what you are able to do. You need to believe in yourself and your gifts. It may be a slow and steady process, but it will be well worth it.

Underlying influences – Ace of Hearts – you know in your heart that this is who you truly are. You have been fighting it your entire life. So much energy has been used in trying to cover up your gifts and “be normal.” You will feel great relief just allowing yourself to be you. Once you do, you will feel as though you are having a new romance with yourself. Life will be in flow and much easier than it has been.

Qualities to help you – 3 of Swords – Realize that a lot of how you have created your life now may change…and with this, there may be some grief. Remember that you have created a world that was safe for you to live in, but it has been somewhat of a façade. You didn’t do it to fool anyone, but to keep yourself safe. As you shed the costumes you have worn to fit in with everyone else, the real you will emerge. The 3 of Swords to me symbolizes that some people may fall away from you. It may be sad, but realize that others (who vibrate at an energy closer to yours) will be attracted to you. If/when you begin to feel sad, remember how much easier it is to just be you and not have to think so much about what other people need to see you as in order to feel comfortable.

Here's Suzi's response to the interpretation:

Thank you so much for your interpretation of the cards I drew. I am completely in agreement with your take on it and it was very close to mine...only more in depth than I went as you know the cards so much better! But I was stumped by the 3 of swords. You cleared it right up. I don't know why I didn't see it that way... I just didn't know what the heck it meant...I could not figure out where the sadness and grief came in... It makes perfect sense now! Of course!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I'm curious. What do you get from these cards? Please add to the discussion.

Intuitive Tuesday -- The Strength Card

Every Tuesday, I'll select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you? Please add comments to enhance the messages for other people in the Wild Women Community and to share how this applies to you.

The Strength Card
This is a card of power and strength. It can also be a time in your life when you are asked to step into your power, be courageous, walk with conviction and show the world who you really are.

There is a situation that you have or will face that will require you to draw from your own strength. If life has been flowing along smoothly, if you are stuck in the comfort (and boredom) of the status quo, or if you have felt slightly beat up, this card symbolizes that you have the energy and the direction to powerfully move through this challenging time.

Summons your self-confidence, center yourself and walk forward with your head held high. You have great force at your disposal if and when you need it. Have faith in yourself and move forward now. It is time.

Where Is My Tribe?

I've recently had several life coaching and tarot clients who are asking the question, "Where is My Tribe?"

As they are discovering more about themselves and "waking up," it seems that the old structures are falling away. Situations that used to fit (jobs, relationships, belief systems, etc.), somehow don't fit anymore. As situations and beliefs change, the tribe seems to change as well.

I have experienced this myself. It probably started when I was going through divorce eight years ago. The belief of "...until death do you part," was starting to crumble. How could I, the daughter of parents who this year will celebrate their 50their anniversary, even think of ending my marriage? As I went through divorce, I didn't quite fit in with all of my "married with kids" friends anymore. I didn't belong to their tribe any longer...and I also didn't fit in with the "single no kids" people either. I was in between tribes.

Just two years ago, I quit a job where I was making the most money I had ever made, but also knew I was being called to something else...something more spiritual...something more "me." The day I announced that I was resigning, I immediately felt like I was out of the tribe. There seemed to be more closed-door meetings...and I was not included any more. I wasn't in the tribe and didn't belong...again, I was in between tribes.

And now, I am experiencing these transitions in my friendships. Some are falling by the wayside while others are getting stronger. As I discover more about myself and vibrate at a different energy, I am attracted to new and different people...and yet, some of my relationships have stayed the course, no matter what the changes.

Longing for my tribe...
I preface this next comment by telling you that I had a great upbringing in the Lutheran church -- being an active member in the youth group, a musical singing group and attending church and Sunday School most weeks. And even so...I have not found a church that resonates for me and my family. For some reason, this doesn't feel like my tribe.

And yet, the other day I was talking to a woman who attends one of the big churches in town -- the kind of church that entertains you right into its pews. Surprising even myself, I had a passing thought of wanting to join the church activities to feel the energy of a tribe. Even if it wasn't MY tribe, it was A tribe. There is something very appealing about being a part of a tribe, isn't there?

The other day I had the opportunity to be with some of my own tribal women during our Intuition Through Tarot study group. For those three hours, I found myself feeling wrapped in tribal energy. These women resonate with the intuitive side of me...curious, wondering and in awe of what lies "out there" and "in here." Yes...this is more like it. My tribe. People who resonate with me and my energy.

Where is your tribe? Who is in your tribe? How does it feel to be without your tribe? If you could describe what your ideal tribe would look like, be like or feel like, what would you say?

Yes...I think we are all in some stage of looking for our tribe. Let me know if you have found yours...maybe I'll want to join.

April Fool's Day Tarot Spread

The Fool tarot card is associated with the beginning of a journey, the start of an adventure, and the feeling that something new is just around the corner. It represents each person in his or her original state of innocence. It is about leaping into the unknown, moving forward with curiosity, faith and trust. It is about a journey of self development and adventure.

If you are facing a decision or have come to a fork in the road, one of your best resources may be The Fool tarot card. Use this spread to help you gain clarity as you begin or continue your journey.

April Fool’s Day Tarot Card Spread

Shuffle your tarot cards to clear them and put your energy into the cards. Once they feel clear, continue to shuffle thinking about the decision that lies in front of you. If you don’t have a decision in front of you at this point, focus on the feeling of change entering your life.

Shuffle until you feel “done.” This will be different for each person and there is no right or wrong way to do this. As I am shuffling, sometimes I hear a number, “four,” which to me means that I am supposed to shuffle four more times. After four more shuffles, I hold the cards to see if I get the “done” feeling. If not, I shuffle again until it feels complete.

Note: Don’t get caught up on the right and wrong way to shuffle. If it’s easier for you, simply shuffle eight times while putting your energy into the cards. The cards will then be ready.

Here’s how to do the April Fool’s Day Spread, which will give you supporting information as you step forward on your journey. I've also included a sample interpretation below:

1. After you are done shuffling, turn the deck over and look through the cards until you come to the Fool. If the card is reversed (upside-down), rotate the entire deck over until The Fool is right-side-up.

2. Place the Fool in the center of the spread.

3. Take the next card in the deck (under The Fool card) and place it to the left of the Fool. This represents the past. In this example, that would be the Queen of Wands (reversed)

4. Take the next card in the deck and place it to the right of the Fool. This represents the future. (In this example, that would be the Justice card)

5. Take the next card in the deck and place it below the Fool card. This represents underlying forces that are present as you take this step forward. (In this example, that would be the Lovers card)

6. Take the next card in the deck and place it above the Fool card. (In this example, that would be the Queen of Swords).

Sample Interpretation: As you embark on this journey (The Fool), here are some things to consider:

1. The Past – Queen of Wands (reversed) – The energetic, career-minded, action-oriented face you have presented to the world is not needed for this next step of the journey.

2. The Potential Future – Justice – Even though things are changing quite rapidly for you, if you continue to follow your intuitive guidance, things will come back into balance, but at a higher level. As you move forward, your vision (although foggy now) will come into focus.

3. Forces Supporting You – The Lovers – As you take your next step, be aware of partnerships along the way. Who do you trust? Who should be included on your path at this time? The decision you are making has to do with faith…faith in yourself, faith in the universe, and faith in your path. You are being asked to take this step, but there is a choice involved. Are you ready to move forward? If so, what’s your next step? If not, what else do you need to be ready?

4. What Qualities Will Help You? – Queen of Swords – Now is a time to allow your head to rule your heart, especially as move on forward. Heart means your emotions, not your intuition. Don’t get caught up in the emotion of the decision. Listen intuitively and use your intellect to move you forward.

Now it’s time for you to shuffle your cards and ask for clarity about your journey. What insights does The Fool have for you?

Here's a copy of the spread for you to try:

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