Energy Emits and Attracts

The other day in my yoga class, the instructor talked about the study of energy.

As we were deep in a pose, she read a quote about the energy we emit and how it attracts like-minded people to us. She emphasized that even though you can't see energy, it is all around you -- in other people, plants, in the room, etc.

In my Daily OM horoscope today, I was reminded of her message as I read this quote:

If we are positive, outgoing, and optimistic, those who are like-minded will be drawn to us. Rather than allowing fear or hesitation to dim our inner light, we can choose to embrace that light and let it shine so that it serves as a beacon that attracts our perfect partners.

If we can bring this energy to our relationships, we will be lending that same light to our connections, and they will flourish. Allow your dynamism to shine today, and you can forge the connections you desire.

Today, be aware of what energy you give off and notice who is attracted to you. By seeing them as a reflection of your own energy, it can provide you with some insight of what energy you give off and how you are perceived.

And although it doesn't matter what others think of you, you can use this information to step outside of yourself...to know yourself better.

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- Strength (Reversed)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the Queen of Cups. I have pulled an additional card today for Kohava who said:

I'm related to this one.The female energy around me need some boost!!! Thanks!

I believe that we all need a boost of the female energy around us and the Queen of Cups is the ideal card to help us realize what female energies are present and what might be missing at this point in our lives. Some of the comments were about the strong female energies present now and in times past.

With any of the cards, it's good to remember that the energy symbolized by each card is present everywhere all of the time -- but in differing degrees. This can be mind-expanding when you think about all of those energy frequencies. Our minds tend to want to categorize energies and "on" or "off." But it's important to remember that all energies appear in varying degrees.

When I pulled the additional card for Kohava today, I pulled the Strength card (reversed), probably because this is the most prevalent energy to help give her (and all of us) the message we need most right now.

The Strength card in its upright position is pretty straight forward. It symbolizes power, strength, self confidence, triumph, health and healing, self-discipline, willpower and wisdom. It embodies all of the qualities that we long for, cling to and strive for most of the time. When we feel the energy of the Strength card, we feel we can tackle anything.

When it is reversed, there is a sense of not feeling as strong as you would like, lacking confidence and possibly not having the stamina you think you'll need to move you forward. Perhaps you have been "strong" for so long that you are out of fuel.

As women, especially when we are in our nurturing Queen of Cups role, we can become depleted of our energy and run on "fumes" for so long that we fool almost everyone most of the time...except ourselves. As we all know, it can catch up to us and then it becomes even more difficult to help others because our energy is gone.

The message from today's card, for Kohava and for all of us, is to take care of yourself. I wrote an article using the analogy of the water in a pitcher symbolizing your energy levels, and as you pour out your energy (in various places in your life), your pitcher can become empty. It's important to re-fill your "water pitcher" often so you can continue to help quench your thirst and the thirst of others. If you'd like to check out that article, click here.

Just like on an airplane in the safety talk when they say, "Put your mask on first and then assist others." You can't help anyone else if you are not breathing!

The message of the Strength card (reversed) is to take care of YOU! Although I pulled this card for Kohava, I feel each of us can heed this advice.

Your Coaching Prescription: Take time to replenish yourself -- at least three hours in the next seven days. Here are some replenishing ideas: take a bath, read a book for fun, take a nap, eat chocolate (without feeling guilty), get a massage, meditate, etc. Do something that will re-fill you and your energy...and then step back into the rest of your life feeling more refreshed and ready to give.

P.S. I did my homework from Tuesday. I set up a date with my DH and called my Mom and two other important motherly figures in my life. How did you do on your Action Steps?

Intuitive Tuesday -- Queen of Cups

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Isn't the Queen of Cups a beautiful card? This is again from one of my favorite decks, The Gilded Tarot (book and deck available from Amazon). I use this deck most often with my clients. The artwork and symbolism really speak to me.

The Queen of Cups is a charming, compassionate woman who is highly intuitive and very nurturing. She has the energy of a mother and can also symbolize the side of you who is a romantic lover. If you are in a relationship, your significant other probably sees you as his Queen of Cups.

Cups symbolize your feelings and emotions so this queen is very open to how she feels, how others feel and how to best take care of herself and others. She is loving, emotional, creative and spiritual.

I believe each person possesses the traits of all four suits. That is, we have the emotional feel of the Cups, the intellectual feel of the Swords, the material/business feel of the Pentacles and the extroverted/energetic feel of the Wands. We may have one queen that symbolizes us most of the time, but we can also flow back and forth, depending on what role we are in.

In pulling the Queen of Cups today, you are being asked to bring out your Cups (emotional and feeling) qualities. It might also mean that you have been in this role a lot lately and pulling this card confirms that this approach has been ideal for the situations you have been facing.

Queens can sometimes symbolize your mother. If today's card feels like your mother, perhaps it is suggesting reaching out to your mom to let her know how much you love and appreciate her.

For me...the Queen of Cups symbolizes my role as a loving wife. My DH and I can become so busy that we forget that first and foremost, we are partners in all of this.

Knowing this...I plan to take the clue from the Queen of Cups and do two things:

1. I'll set up a date with my DH so we can spend some alone, romantic time together.
2. I'll call my mom (and two other women in my life who are mother-like) and let them know how much I love and appreciate them.

What will you do with the Queen of Cups information? Do tell...

Perfect Moment Monday -- Fall Colors

The other day as I sat on our patio, I was amazed at the beautiful colors that are popping out all over as fall descends upon us.

We are so lucky to live in such a gorgeous place! I include where we live in my list of gratitudes each day.

Pictured here is our new Box Elder (planted just this year) showing its beautiful fall colors.

What does your view look like and what do you include on your list of things to be grateful for?

This, for me, was a Perfect Moment!

Defining Who You Are and Who Your Are Not

This picture was taken while my DH and I were in Utah at Dead Horse Point, a Utah State Park.

I selected this photo because it contrasts so well, what you see and what you don't see. This was the beautiful scene I saw looking through a hole in the rock.

"Part of defining who you are, is defining who you are not."

I said this to one of my clients recently and it really hit home for me. And so, I guess, I am quoting myself on this one. :)

As we move through life, our quest is to more clearly define who we are and what our purpose is in this lifetime.

Even though I do believe we are all one (part of the divine universe and an extension of God and God's energy), each day we have the opportunity to carve out our path, by identifying our own personal truth. And, by understanding who we are not, we can better understand who we are...and vice-versa.

What are your thoughts on this and how have you experienced this in your own life?

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- The Devil (reversed)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the Six of Hearts (Cups). I have pulled an additional card today for Suzi who said:

What a lovely way to begin the day! I have been struggling with airlines and flights to head back to Wisconsin for a sibling meeting to discuss our parents needs to be able to stay in their home. It has been stressful to say the least. I just booked the flights last night and I am setting it all aside knowing that it will all work out for the best.

Today I can relax, enjoy, and remember all the wonders of my childhood and two loving parents making it all possible! And what perfect weather for such a day! The rain is lovely! Thanks Sheri. Once again you have given us the perfect card!!!

The additional card I pulled for you is The Devil (reversed). In its upright position, The Devil can symbolize being stuck, imprisoned by your own thoughts and desires, a narrow materialistic view of life, depression, burden, misery and the need to see things more clearly. It can leave you feeling overpowered, helpless and full of shame. Ick!

In its reversed position, The Devil means that you are moving from this perspective, although some of the feelings of anger, depression and sadness may still linger. This is your opportunity to take control of your thoughts and not slip into the old (self-imposed) trap of being stuck (The Devil).

Suzi, it feels as though you have been wading through the energy of The Devil card for a while...that is, your thoughts may have been keeping you stuck. You mentioned gathering soon with your siblings to talk about what's best for your parents. I get a tight, oppressive energy of worry around you and your siblings. However, I somehow feel the burden has been more on you.

You also indicated releasing the responsibility of carrying this any further when you said, "I am setting it all aside knowing that it will all work out for the best."

THAT is the exact energy of The Devil reversed. The reason it came up for you today is to remind you of the habit YOU have to take it ALL on. The Devil reversed is here to let you know that you do NOT have to do it yourself. There are other people, spirits, angels and guiding forces to help you through this situation and anything else you need, when you simply ask.

And here's the message for all of us...

You don't have to do it all alone. You never do. Even when you look around and no one else is there with you, close your eyes and tune in with your heart. You will FEEL Divine energy and love all around you.

Do this simple exercise to remind yourself of the power of The Devil (reversed).

1. Go to your sink and turn on the water. Fill the basin up halfway (or less).
2. Clench your fist as though you hold in your hand the power to control the things that happen in your life. Submerse your fist into the water. Then try to draw out of the sink as much water (energy) as you can with your hand still in a fist. This symbolizes the energy of The Devil, carrying all of the responsibility and the need to control things in your life. How much water (energy) are you able to draw out?
   
3. Now open your hand and release the perceived need to grab control. Cup your hand as if asking for help. Submerse your hand into the water. Then try to draw out of the sink as much water (energy) as you can with your hand open and cupped. This symbolizes the energy of The Devil (REVERSED). How much water (energy) are you able to draw out when your hands are open, asking for help?
   

Remember the energy of today's card, The Devil (reversed) and the symbolism of an open hand when you begin to feel stress and need to release your energy from trying to control and worry about everything. Ask for help -- from other people in your life, angels, spirit guides and The Divine. It's yours for the asking.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Six of Hearts (Cups)

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

I pulled today's card from the Tarot Discovery Kit by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. My dad gave me this as well (he's a great guy) and I love it because there is a small book and a DVD that teaches you about the history of tarot, meditations, and information on the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana cards. Plus...the tarot cards are very pretty.

Today's card is the Six of Hearts (Cups) and the key word provided for this card is JOY...and not just any joy, but childlike joy!

The Six of Hearts is about remembering a happy childhood...and if it wasn't happy, possibly remembering happier times. I have a friend who has taken my Intuition Through Tarot class who teaches a class called Lost and Found: Creatively Reinterpreting Your 'Challenging' Childhood, where you get to recreate your childhood memories. Doesn't that sound like a great class?

The Six of Hearts is about renewing old ties, restoring harmony and recalling happy memories. Since it follows the Five of Hearts (feelings of loss and disappointment), this is also a card of feeling relaxed and enjoying some success following what may have been a tough time.

Today, instead of focusing on what has been emotionally tough (recently and possibly in the past), immerse yourself in the energy of the Six of Hearts and relax, be at peace with what is and make it a point to play like a child.

And once you do give into these wonderful, childlike pleasures (playing outside, sitting in the rain, walking through a puddle, starring at the sky, etc.) allow yourself to be in the now. At the moment you go into the energy of the Six of Hearts, thoughts cease and you can be in the wonder of life. No worries about what you did earlier in the day or what needs to be done later...just be in the moment.

Today's card encourages you to release your worries and do something fun and creative. The Six of Hearts prompts you and gives you permission to do so.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Expansive Views

A couple of weeks ago, my DH (dear hubby) and I took a day trip to Moab, Utah. My husband loves to explore and he loves the wilderness.

He loves reading maps, stopping along the highway to read a Historical Marker and on this trip, he insisted on taking a highway we had never been on before...which means we took a beautiful back road to Moab.

Since we were alone (all kids had other plans -- darn! :) ) we had some great "date" time. You know, the time when you get to talk in complete sentences about more than logistics of who will get which child where, when.

We sat at the outdoor patio of a delicious pizza restaurant and had a great conversation about each other, our lives, our hopes and dreams -- and about nothing at all. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together.

On our way home, we headed to Dead Horse Point (a Utah State Park), parked at the Visitor's Center, and hiked on a trail along the cliffs. The views were breathtaking...and I loved our easy conversation and even periods of comfortable silence as we hiked along the trail.

The picture above, although quite beautiful, does not do justice to how spectacular the views are in Utah.

It was a Perfect Moment with my adorable husband in Utah.

Together We Can Make Beautiful Music

In listening to the Wayne Dyer book on CD called, Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling, he has repeated a message several times that comes from the peace prayer of St. Francis, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."

As I hear this quote, I feel an opening of my soul to surrender and allow God's spirit to move through me. Any will that I apparently have or claim, is simply an illusion, a meager attempt at feeling that I have ANY control over things in my life.

Not to say I am helpless. My strength comes from realizing the power of divine energy and opening to it (no blocks, obstacles, dis-empowering beliefs, etc.).

It's when I get in the way that things get messy. At its core, it is a change of perspective. How I view my role in this has a significant impact on how I experience it. And when we're talking about the "it" being my life, the shift can be profound! I believe in the prayer, St. Francis is asking for the consciousness and faith to gain this perspective.

Today I heard someone use the metaphor of being an instrument of God. That is, be God's instrument and play divine music with your entire soul.

Just as an instrument (piano, clarinet, drum, guitar, etc.) doesn't care what is played, it simply uses its design, its unique characteristics and its entire being to create music. And yet, the instrument is silent until divine energy moves through it.

It's important too, to decide which instrument you'd like to be. Although I play the piano and the clarinet and I sing, today I have selected the harp because I love its beautiful, peaceful flowing sound, especially when played by a master!

How is your life like an instrument? If you could choose, which instrument would you select and why?

Today, select your instrument, consciously open to the divine and pause to listen to the beautiful music.

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- Five of Cups (Reversed)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

Tuesday's Intuitive Tuesday card was The Wheel of Fortune. I have pulled an additional card today for After Iris who said:

I think one of the most influential cycles of my adult life is connected to my husband's depression. We're just coming out of a recent low phase that was made more intense by the birth and death of our middle daughter and the recent birth of our son.

I'm hoping we're entering an 'up' now: we're starting a new business and I think it will give us a great deal more control over our general circumstances and more specifically with how my husband's mental state can be channelled.

Thank you for letting me know about Intuitive Tuesdays, lots of food for thought!

Today's card is the Five of Cups (Reversed). Fives indicate a shift in stability, upsetting the balance, struggle, adjustment, conflict, adversity challenge and uncertainty. In its upright position, it can indicate a period of mourning, loss, disappointment and regret.

But when the Five of Cups is reversed (upside-down), it indicates that the pain is ending (thank goodness), that there is some hope and you are in the process of making sense out of the changes and crisis that you have endured.

After Isis, the period of a low cycle in your husband's depression, the death of your daughter and birth of a son all sound like a period of changes, crisis, mourning and spilled emotions (the energy of the Five of Cups). The suit of Cups indicates emotions, and on the card above (in its upright position), you can see that three of the cups are overturned, while two remain standing.

You are in a period of adjustment from all of the emotional turmoil you have been through. If the cups have seemed to be half-empty, they are beginning to feel half-full. This is probably due to a combination of several factors.

First...time really does help in the healing process. In addition, new situations may have contributed to your new outlook. Combine this with the feeling that the Wheel of Fortune is spinning to the next phase, and you now have glimmers of hope as to what is next and the ability to handle anything that comes your way.

In your comment above, you spoke of both the upturned cups (depression, death, etc.) and the cups that remain full (new son, new business, etc.). The key to moving forward is to take it one step at a time and realize that life does have its cycles and your job is to find the middle ground no matter where you are in the cycle.

The symbolism and meaning of the Five of Cups speaks to all of us. What cups (emotions) are you happy to release? Which cups (emotions) do you want to stay upright and full? As you move forward, stay attuned to your emotions, and remember that this is just one stage of the cycle.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Wheel of Fortune

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Wednesday (tomorrow) to see what cards come up.

Today I pulled a card from one of my favorite tarot decks, The Gilded Tarot, which is the artwork you see frequently on the Wild Women blog. I also use this deck when I am doing readings for people. Something about this artwork speaks to me and to my intuitive voice.

Today's card is the Wheel of Fortune, which is a Major Arcana card (indicates more global, spiritual life lessons as opposed to the situational lessons of the Minor Arcana cards).

Being the tenth card, the Wheel of Fortune carries some of the numerological meanings of a ten. Tens indicate a transition from one cycle to the next. It is a feeling of closure AND a feeling of looking forward to new beginnings.

The Wheel of Fortune indicates a pausing point where you have noticed that life has its ups and downs. It symbolizes a change for the better, the upside of a cycle, good luck and opportunity. It has with it a feeling of destiny and karma. Again..."what comes around, goes around," but not in a good deed/bad deed sort of way, but referring more to the cyclical nature of life.

When you observe the patterns of your life and the cycles you go through -- monthly, yearly or possibly in various areas of your life (relationships, education, spirituality, etc.), it helps to know that what's here today is a step towards tomorrow.

Past, present and future are all connected by the tiny word (and the big concept) of NOW. The Wheel of Fortune points to the NOW that is connecting the past to the future, the last cycle to the next one. Something is changing...so hang on!

What cycle is most prevalent in your life? Where do you feel as though you are completing a cycle and are gearing up for a new one?

Having pulled the Wheel of Fortune, look back to a time when you went through this or a similar cycle. What did you learn then that might help you now? How can you best prepare for what's ahead?

And, most importantly, the Wheel of Fortune invites you to be intentional. If you could create the ideal situation, what would it be? Be specific, because in many cases, you get what you ask for.

Book Tour -- It Sucked and Then I Cried

Two months ago, I joined the Barren Bitches Book Brigade, sponsored by Mel at Stirrup Queens. On this book tour we read, "It Sucked and Then I Cried," by Heather B. Armstrong, a well-known blogger, Dooce.

Each of us in this bloggy book club was asked to submit questions and then choose from a the list three questions to include in today's post.

You don't have to be in the club to read along, nor is it a prerequisite to have read the book as I think some of the themes are universal.

Note: Since this book is about pregnancy and the first year of raising a child, there are references below to my own experience of raising my three kids -- a singleton and a set of twins.

I enjoyed this book and could relate to many of the situations Armstrong described. Heather tells her story in such an honest and open way. At times, I felt as though I was a good friend reading her diary. In it I also learned about the seriousness of postpartum depression.

Here are the questions I selected:

Question #1: If you are in a relationship right now, do you relate to how Heather talks about her husband, Jon, and what a great father and life partner he is? From what she described about Jon, what qualities do you have or want in your life partner?

When Heather writes about her relationship with Jon, she has so much respect and gratitude for Jon understanding her and all of her self-perceived idiosyncrasies.

I loved it in the end of the book when she is describing Jon and their relationship prior to the baby (pg. 236). She goes on to write, "I never thought I'd find the man who'd love to read my daughter her bedtime stories..." Heather constantly describes how he is a wonderful father to Leta.

My DH is a wonderful father to our three sons. Even though they are in middle school (teenagers), he can still wrestle with them, tickle them, and play with them. In addition, he helps them with their homework, is there for the tough times (misbehaviors, talking back, whining, etc...) and yet, he is SUCH a great father.

You may think...of course he would love them like that. They are his children!! But these three are NOT his biological children. He adopted them after their father passed away a year ago.

I am touched at how he so easily opened his heart and welcomed not only me, but all of the chaos that goes with raising three boys. HE had a choice and made the choice to be their father, 100%, in good times and in frustrating times. He is there and I find that truly amazing!

Question #2: If you had postpartum depression to the degree Heather describes, would you have the courage to check yourself into a psychiatric ward?

I did not experience postpartum depression and in reading Heather's book, I feel very lucky. It sounds completely overwhelming. What seems unfair is that when you first have a baby, everything in your world has shifted. There is this new being that you completely love and are in awe of...but boy are they demanding. And everything that WAS your life has been moved out of the way to make room for your new baby.

In addition, you aren't getting enough sleep, your body is changing to accommodate no longer being pregnant and possibly nursing. Your relationship with your spouse shifts. Instead of seeing your husband as your lover and best friend, you now see him in a completely new role...as a father. Everything feels different!

Then add to that shifting hormones and depression...that just seems like torture!

For me, it would be difficult to check myself into a psychiatric ward because I have a belief that I should be able to handle situations like this. But last year, someone close to me committed suicide because of depression. The question on everyone's mind was, "Why didn't he get help?"

I hope I would have the courage to get the help I needed if I had had postpartum depression. I hope people who love me would encourage me to seek help. From my experience last year, losing someone close to me, NOT seeking help is a lot worse than not asking for help.

Question #3: What 2-3 specific situations, quotes or stories did you most relate to throughout the book? (I found myself laughing or becoming quite reflective at times because something Heather had written about struck a chord for me and I’m curious if the other readers related to her book in this way).

In Chapter Six: "You Have to Feed the Baby...Through Your Boobs..." there was a particular paragraph that brought back so many memories...and made me laugh out loud. It is when she is talking about breastfeeding. I remember the "stapling" feeling she so vividly describes:

"The only way to describe it to a man is to suggest that he lay out his naked penis on a chopping block, place a manual stapler on the sacred helmet head, and bang in a couple hundred staples. The first two staples might hurt a little, but after that it just becomes numb, right? And by the eighty-eighth staple you're like, AREN'T YOU FULL YET? But then the comparison really fails because a man doesn't have two penises, and after stapling the first boob the baby moves on to the other boob and the happy stapling begins ALL OVER AGAIN." (page 83)

In Chapter Nine: "The Dive that Turned Into a Belly Flop," Heather describes turning into her mother and instead of using free time to sleep, she busies herself doing chores, trying desperately to catch-up. I laughed when reading this part because even though my kids are in middle school, I STILL can slip into this mode:

"The baby's birth, however, seemed to have tripped a latent portion of my DNA that caused at least half of my brain to be consumed at all times with the thought of chores that needed to be done. In the time it took Jon to change Leta's morning diaper I could have the dishwasher unloaded, bagels toasted, coffee brewed, bed made, and dog pooped, and that was only if the diaper hadn't leaked. On the frequent occasion that she was covered in pee and Jon had to take a few extra minutes to change her clothes, I could wallpaper the living room and mow the lawn." (page 125)

Overall, a very good, entertaining book with so much insight on pregnancy, birth, postpartum depression, and the first year of a baby's life...and how it changes your life.

Hop along to another stop on this blog tour by visiting the main list at Stirrup Queens (http://stirrup-queens.com). You can also sign up for the next book on this online book club: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

Insect Insights

I don't like bugs!

Me and mosquitoes don't get along. They sting me. I itch, scab and scar.

Spiders are cool if they are outside and scorpions creep me out, especially when they are the size of mini-lobsters (OK. There were only two of them and they were only about 6" long, but when they are in your bedroom, "objects appear larger than what they are.")

Last week I had a black widow outside of my office door and for the past four days, I have had a praying mantis clinging to the screen door to my office. It looks like she may be pregnant because her belly is bulging, but I have no idea what time of year these insects give birth/hatch/lay eggs???

What are these creatures here to tell me?

In looking up these bugs in my book, Animal-Speak, by Ted Andrews, I found a deeper reason to why they are hanging around (and I don't think it's a sign to call the pest control people).

According to Animal Speak, the spider:

"...teaches you to maintain a balance between past and future, physical and spiritual, male and female. Spider also teaches you that everything you now do is weaving what you will encounter in the future. In the tarot deck, this is the Wheel of Fortune. This is a card that has to do with rhythms -- the rise and fall, the flow and flux...The spider reminds us that we are in the center of own world. (pp. 345-347)

And the message for praying mantis include:

The keynote for this insect is the power of stillness. Through learning to still the outer mind and go within, we can draw upon greater power -- physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. That stillness can be simple contemplation, a meditation or even sleep and dreams....Mantis comes from a Greek word meaning 'Prophet.' If we learn to go into the stillness, we can open ourselves to prophecy." (pg. 343)

Knowing this, I can see why these two bugs came into my life and hovered around and on my office door.

In the past two weeks, I have added to my meditation time about 15-30 minutes of automatic writing. This is where I just write what pops into my head. When I re-read these messages, they are so eloquent. They must be messages from my higher self, the Divine, the angels, or some other power beyond my humanly existence.

The spider and the praying mantis came into my life to remind me to stay balanced, be silent and connect with my higher self. They are affirmations that this time in quiet meditation, listening and writing are helping me to clarify my purpose and deepen my intuitive gifts.

Thank you, my dear bugs, for the wonderful messages. (P.S. Just stay out of my bedroom, please.)

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday - The Magdalene (High Priestess)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

Tuesday's Intuitive Tuesday card was The Magician (reversed). I have pulled an additional card today for Phoebe who said:

...I'd like to develop my intuitive abilities more. I know I have them, but my logical mind is always questioning my intuitive mind. Maybe there is hope?

I just had another thought about this reading. It reminds me that I need to be my own expert and not to listen to what other people think I should do. It's the other piece of the intuition. Now if I could only trust myself enough to follow this advice!

As I pulled today's card, I was directed towards Phoebe's comment, but I feel it applies to all of the comments. I pulled The Magdalene from my new deck, The Grail Tarot by Giovanni Caselli. Being the second card in the deck and Major Arcana, this corresponds with The High Priestess.

Phoebe mentioned her logical mind questioning her intuitive mind. In my Intuition Through Tarot classes, we refer to it as our left brain (logical mind) vs. our right brain (creative, intuitive side).

Schools take a left-brained approach to learning. That is, there is a right answer, and if you study (read, calculate, analyze -- all left brain approaches to learning), you will find THE right answer.

The underlying (and flawed) philosophy in this system is that to succeed, we must learn how to access and use our left (analytical) brain and override our right (intuitive, creative) brain.

It's no wonder that at this point in our lives, we question whether or not we have an intuitive voice, let alone to trust it! Your left brained training may leave you wanting to look up "the right answer" in some sort of book or on the Internet. Wishful thinking!

Today's card, The Magdalene, encourages each of us to find ways to tune back into that inner voice. This is the knowing inside that doesn't need to prove, research or question anything...it just knows.

The energy of The Magdalene (High Priestess) card encourages and comforts you as you find silence, time to contemplate and meditate and focus on your inner voice. Only YOU know what is best for you.

Some of you also talked about having the conviction to make and trust decisions. In listening to a book on CD called, Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill, he presents information on leadership. In his description, he said that decisiveness is the opposite of procrastination and that people who make decisions quickly and change their minds slowly are most successful. When prolonging decisions (because you can't hear or don't trust your intuition), it can help to set you up for "failure by procrastination."

Today, observe when you hesitate to make a decision (no matter how small or big it is -- what to wear, where to go for lunch, etc.). For each of these small indecisions or procrastinations, take the initiative to make a quick decision.

Go with your gut feel and if you can't feel it, pretend as though you have only two minutes to decide. Watch how when you are under this kind of (delicate) pressure, you really can make a choice. AND, more often than not, you DO have the tools you need (The Magician) to walk that path, and will do just fine...no matter what!

Now is the time to make your decisions boldly and step forward knowing that you will be guided each step of the way and will be able to handle whatever appears on your journey.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Magician Reversed

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Yesterday I sat down with my cards just before I did my meditation and selected The Magician (reversed). Today, I shuffled a different deck of cards (my Mystic Faerie Tarot by Barbara Moore), and selected the Magician (reversed) again. So, there must be a message here for me.

In its upright position, the Magician is about using the gifts and tools you have to take charge of your life so you can create your own destiny.

When reversed (upside-down), it can mean that you are somehow blocked and not using all of your available resources, experience, wisdom, gifts or tools to move you forward. You have all of the ingredients, but haven't quite figured out how to create a delicious masterpiece.

In my journal yesterday, after selecting The Magician (reversed) and meditating on its meanings, I wrote the following:

This is a reminder to you to fully use your gifts. You've only begun to uncover what all is available to you. Step into it further and know that more tools will appear when you need and ask for them and also that you are barely using the abilities of the tools you have available now. Make it your quest to deepen your learning and application of these gifts. You have everything you need. The time now is to apply it.

As you read through this, I have a feeling some ideas popped into your mind about what gifts you have that you'd like to use or learn more about. Take note of at least two gifts/tools that you'd like to have or ones you already have, but would like to deepen your knowledge and expand.

By the end of the week, take at least one step forward to gain more information on these tools (check out a book from the library, do some Internet research, talk to someone who uses these tools regularly, etc.) and/or purposely use the tools/gifts you have but may not be using. Even if you are not an "expert," play with it; try it out. Have fun!

This might be pulling out a deck of your own tarot cards and pulling and interpreting a card, using an energy technique you learned a long time ago but haven't used in a while, or perhaps something like writing a short story or drawing a picture.

My own experience using and practicing with new tools:

I have been practicing with a tool that I learned last year called PSYCH-K. This is a simple process to help people balance for beliefs they have that are driving their lives. It is like re-writing the software of your brain. I was timid about integrating it into my life coaching and tarot reading, but have just recently dusted it off and have been trying it out.

Just last week, I met with a handful of friends and with each of them we balanced for beliefs around such things as being happy in a marriage, grief issues and losing weight. Just today, one of them said they felt the new beliefs were working in her life. Celebrate!

Whatever gifts you have, The Magician (reversed) reminds you that NOW is the time to bring these out and let them shine.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Ironing Things Out

The other morning as James was getting ready for school, he came into my bedroom as I was doing my morning reading. Strangely enough, I heard the washer going. Since we were the only two people home, I couldn't imagine what would prompt him to start laundry.

"Mom, I am washing my nice button-up shirt this morning," he said. "I put it on a mini-cycle of eleven minutes and then I'll throw it in the dryer."

Who was this 14-year old boy, posing as my son, talking to me ABOUT LAUNDRY?

About a half-hour later, he came upstairs with his shirt on, but seemed to be struggling with the wrinkly collar.

"Mom, how can we fix this?" he asked.

"We might need to iron it," I answered. He looked confused.

We went to the laundry room and reached for the iron together, blowing the dust off of it. I set it up on the kitchen table, which I covered with a towel. No need to go to all of the trouble to get the ironing board out.

James sat there and watched in amazement as I "magically" pressed out the wrinkles. He thought it was the coolest thing and asked me so many questions. I felt as if I were on TV as a Carol Brady or June Cleaver, demonstrating and explaining how to be a good housewife and mother.

"I used to do this a lot," I explained. "I used to press your father's clothes and my outfits for work."

He had that sense about him like I was showing him one of the latest electronic gadgets. But no, it wasn't sophisticated at all. It was a simple iron that I was using to straighten out his shirt.

He put the shirt on and looked in the mirror (he's big into that these days), and said, "Thanks mom! I look tight," which is his word for cool, great, awesome, etc.

As he walked out the door, I smiled. Who knew I could impress my 14-year old with something as simple as an iron?

Spiritual Practice Through It All

I've supplemented my yoga practice with a book called, "Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga," by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison. A dear friend, Toni, gave it to me and I am really enjoying its insights.

Each day, there is a reading which helps me focus on my own life and learn more about the eight limb path of yoga. The daily readings are short and add some perspective to everyday occurrences through the "yoga" lens.

Today as I read it, I found a quote that really stood out for me:

By choosing to practice yoga, we are saying that our spiritual growth is important to us. We are making it a priority. Our practice is a shelter we build for our spiritual selves. It is the work that we do to safeguard and support the possibility of spiritual growth. The winds of life constantly wear away at this shelter, but if we stick to our tools, the shelter will hold.

In this passage, Gates is talking about yoga as the "tool," but I believe you can substitute whatever tools you find important in your spiritual practice and personal growth. As we find and refine our "practice," it is with us through times of "flow," times of "normal," and times of "struggle," and everything in between.

Through continually doing your practice -- in whatever way you do -- you prepare yourself to handle anything that comes your way.

My dad used to say, "Perfect practice makes perfect." I hated hearing it when I was growing up because it meant not to be sloppy in my practicing. I have a better perspective and appreciation of it now and have (I can't believe I'm admitting this) even said it to my kids. Don't you hate it when you say something and realize that you've turned into your parents?

If I may, I'd like to make a slight change in the saying. My quote is, "Perfect practice...helps us to prepare for anything."

What is your "practice" and how has it helped you through thick and thin?