Tarot Strategies for Life Change

Happy Thanksgiving and The 5 of Cups?

Happy Turkey day to all. In the US, Americans celebrate Turkey Day. That is American people, not the turkeys so much, although President Obama did pardon two turkeys yesterday. The plight of the latter is a subject for a different day.

Nonetheless, the tradition is that people gather together with their families and friends to feast in a dinner that includes such stalwarts as turkey and stuffing, maybe some nice root veggies such as yams or sweet potatoes, etc.

The idea is to give thanks for that which you have.

The card that in my humble opinion best sums up the spirit of the holiday is the RWS 5 of Cups. I fully understand if you find this an odd choice. After all, the figure depicted in the 5 of Cups looks very despondent, to say the least.

In my experience when doing readings, clients find the image disturbing.

 

The figure looks despondent as he gazes down in three overturned cups. He is facing the left--the past. His focus is on an experience that has already happened. One infers disappointment or worse.

What is outside his gaze are the two cups left standing behind him. The Thanksgiving association is with them--that he is not totally alone or without resources.

But being like most people, and, yes, I am guilty of this as much as anyone, the 5 of Cups figure dwells on what is wrong, not what is right. That is human nature and quite understandable, especially if you are faced with a difficult challenge or loss. 

Nonetheless, even in the worst of times, there is something, no matter how small, that is going your way. Giving that your attention, or even a glancing acknowledgment is one way to counterbalance the negativity or fear you may be experiencing.

As an astrologer I have noticed that many challenging transits will be accompanied by a lighter transit, say, from Jupiter or Venus. It is the Universe's way of saying that no matter how tough it gets, there is always a reason for hope.

Law of attraction folks will tell you that gratitude for the small, and often large, things that are going with you during especially during times of stress and challenge is an excellent way to lighten your energy and bring balance to help you remain centered.

Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Change, Results, and a New Tree

Look around you to read signals that the Universe sends. Sometimes, it is subtle, sometimes a happy coincidence or a dose of serendipity. And sometimes, it is a confluence of happenings that point to the same direction.

Let me give you an example. 

I was feeling a little down when I looked outside and saw the beginning of blossoms forming on a new tree that had been planted this past November. The tree was touted as having showy white blossoms, but the initial growth sported only baby green leaves. I was pleased to see the tree had weathered the tough, cold winter, and as a healthy, living thing; I was happy to welcome it as one of God's creatures, take care of it, and celebrate its uniqueness.

But approximately two days ago I looked at the buds where the green leaves are beginning to peek out and saw what appears to be nascent blossoms. To me the appearance of the blossoms represents the miracles and the hidden gifts of nature. 

To me, the Universe was sending a strong message. A book cannot be judged by its cover and many of the levels in which change is actively going on are not visible. 

Law of Attraction

My first reaction upon hearing about Law of Attraction was that is seemed naive. After all, if by "shifting your focus" you could attract riches into your life... well, what does it say about the poor souls going bankrupt because their poor health insurance offered insufficient protection against high medical bills. Who, in their right mind, wishes catastrophic illness upon himself and who wishes going to the poorhouse in the process.

In my mind, to suggest that one "attracts" this kind of catastrophe is cruel.

And yet, there is some truth to Law of Attraction. In my own experience I have found that when I am focused on a goal and see it as real and achievable, I generally do.

More thoughts on this later.