Through Wind, Sand & Snow

I haven't blogged in a few days due to something that has weighed quite heavily on my mind.

To make a long story short, I went out with a friend last Friday, and when she didn't think I could hear her, I heard her tell the events of our evening together in a very negative light to her other "friend." She exaggerated many things, and put a twist on them so that I looked bad, and she looked like a victim for hanging out with me. Like who on earth would want to hang out with me, right?

When I confronted her about it, she told me that she didn't do what I heard her do. I think I would have found an ounce of respect in the situation had she admitted it and maybe given a reason why she twisted things in her conversation with the other person. But she didn't take the higher road here. It hurt, and it was quite disappointing for me to say the least.

This person is someone that I have shared many personal things with from my life, and I have come to rely on her as a true friend. When someone has me as their friend, I would do anything for them. They just don't build friends like me anymore, I guess.

The above three psycards are to represent what I need to embrace about this situation. We have prison, never and the home.

Together, they tell me that I need to embrace that I got out of the house, and into a very public place, pushing my boundaries of comfort. I have been a hermit for quite a few years, and being out in public like this is something I used to always do, but now find very difficult to do. So this is the positive for me out of the whole event that transpired.

The 5 of swords from the Bohemian Gothic Tarot is to show me what my friendship with this person actually is. The 5 of swords is traditionally about either feeling defeated, or victorious at the expense of another. This battle is usually not an even match. The outcome, most likely a surprise. Very clearly, not an even friendship. See the wolf behind my back? Waiting to bite me when I am not looking. How can I not be disappointed here? It makes my stomach ill thinking about it.

The three psycards to the right here represent what I need to let go of in this situation. We have fortune, the moon and the tree.

Together, they tell me I need to let go of placing such high value on this friendship and to let my instincts guide me into the future. I stand tall, even when I stand alone. Here is where I take the higher road, the one less traveled.

The knight of swords from the Bohemian Gothic Tarot is to show me what my friendship with this person isn't. The knight of swords is traditionally about a leader with high intellect, quick wit and someone that can be a great friend if you don't cross them. The shadow side of this knight is someone who has to get their way, and takes advantage of others by trying to be intellectually superior.

I find the knight of swords to be much like me. Quick wit, and not to be crossed. And ironically, now, as I have seen her in action, she matches the personality of the knight's shadow side. She has always talked about her other "friends" in front of me in a bad way, I don't know why I thought that I would be so special. So in regards to what this friendship isn't -- it's certainly not a balanced, healthy friendship, and even though we are both intellectual people, one uses this for bad. Just as a super hero and a villain. It isn't the friendship that I thought it was.

I've seen my answers here before me in the cards, yet they are not a magic pill. I have all these feelings that I don't know what to do with. I lost my potential romantic partner in the not so distant past, and now I have come to realize that a friendship that I have had since 2008 isn't what I thought it was. I am that tree, firmly rooted in the ground. The wind, sand and snow will continue to try to damage me, but in the Spring, I will still have beautiful green leaves. There is a reason and a season for all things, I suppose. (sigh).

Blessed Be.

Coffee Caravan Oracle Cards

Since I was asked to tell more about my Coffee Caravan Oracle Cards, I have decided to write this blog for those interested.

The Arabs discovered coffee beans around 600 AD. They were able to keep this beverage a secret for a couple of hundred years, and then after introducing it to the Turks, it became popular in the whole of Western Europe sometime around the late 18th century.

Certain coffee leaves a thick, muddy sediment at the bottom of your cup. If you swirl the cup and turn it upside down, the grounds will fall down leaving some patterns on the surface of the cup. There are a lot of people who believe that images and shapes created in the coffee ground in contrast with the white color of the cup have predictable future meanings.

The ancient art of coffee cup reading has been very popular in the Middle East & Greece for thousands of years. It is quite common to see friends sharing coffee and having a glimpse into one another's future at local cafes. It is a social ritual accepted by most everyone.

Each culture has its own rituals and traditions related to coffee prediction. Since religion is also involved in coffee cup readings, it is understandable that a few symbols are interpreted differently.

There are variations in symbols and meanings in both coffee cup readings, and tea leaf readings. I have taken these common symbols and added my own suggested meanings to them, turning them into a beautiful oracle deck. This allows for the same great readings without the mess, and they can be done at your convenience, in any location.

I am not the first person to incorporate similar symbols into cards, but I have created this particular deck to my own style and taste.

I have spent many hours collecting images via public domain and other paid stock image sites, in order to come up with this vibrant set of cards. There are 69 cards total and 3 that include suggested meanings to each of the 69 symbols used.

They are read similar to Lenormand cards, but unlike Lenormand, there are no rules. This is an oracle, so it is meant to be used in whichever way comes natural to you, and rings true to you. If you feel a certain image should mean something else, then by all means, let it represent what you want it to. These cards are just a tool, and you are the diviner. Your intuition is what will put meaning into your readings.

The title of my deck came to me through my own free spirit and desire to someday travel the world. I thought that it was catchy and inspiring. The backs of the cards show a map of the world in coffee beans, and a gypsy caravan setting up camp as they travel to wherever the wind takes them.

Thank you for inquiring about my cards. If you are interested in owning a deck of your own, you can purchase one through my etsy store HERE.

If you have an oracle of your own, and wish to swap a deck, I am open to that as well. Just message me on etsy, and we can negotiate. :)

Blessed Be.

Cold As Ice

I thought I would do a reading to see what is coming up for me in August. I am using my Coffee Caravan Cards.

The cards to the left are my present circumstances. We have Balloon, Elephant and Letter.

Balloon usually represents a celebration of some sort, releasing tension or having lofty ideas.

Elephant is about a heaviness, something big, a short delay followed by success.

Letter is mail, papers, or communication.

In order to read these cards we put them together, quite similar to Lenormand.

For me, these cards are saying that my thoughts are heavy, and it keeps me from saying what is on my mind, out loud anyway. This is very true at the moment. As past posts have stated, I am currently in the process of letting go of a friendship that was suppose to result in a romantic partner. There hasn't been any recent communication between us, and I am not convinced that there will be either. I think things are just what they are, and need no explanation. Short messages were exchanged a couple weeks ago, and they were precise and to the point. I should be celebrating and feeling lighter now because I am no longer standing still, but choosing to move ahead. There is something empowering about taking yourself out of the running for second best. I refuse to be any man's "option."

These three cards are my past. We have carousel, house and rabbit.

Caraousel represents an adventure, something fast, whirling out of control, and often times infatuation.

House is our home life, our family and the things that bring us comfort or stability.

Rabbits are fast, elusive and mostly shy. This card comes up when we avoid things.

Together these cards tell me that my past has been primarily about infatuation with someone familiar, and elusive. It started quickly, and ended just as fast. I didn't know if I was coming or going with him, and when I decided to get off the carousel, I was dizzy.

Three more cards here, in the position of advice.
They are mushroom, coffin and key.

Mushroom is about feeling small and insignificant. Usually when this starts to happen, it doesn't stop there, as mushrooms start popping up everywhere in proper conditions.

Coffin is headaches, feeling sick, endings or being stuck in a place for way too long.

Key is something important, an opportunity or a way out, a chance to advance.

As far as advice, these cards tell me that there is no logical reason to stick around in a place that makes me feel small, and insignificant. There is and will continue to be many opportunities that come up that are far better than what I am being offered right now!

In the position of obstacles, I have mask, volcano and wand.

Mask is about the things that are hidden from view. When we wear a mask, not only do we conceal our own self, but we also obscure our own vision looking out the holes.

Volcano, those dreaded emotions, usually anger seeping through. By the time they erupt, there is little we can do to stop the damage. This is life-changing.

Wand is a card that represents manifestation, or manipulation of the things in our environment to get what we want. Choosing to be in control instead of letting others control you. If accompanied by negative cards, it can be in the reverse, stating that someone else is controlling you!

The obstacles that I face currently, and through out the month of August are taking back what is mine, and not allowing another to control my emotions. To see through the deception and uncover the hidden.

In my future (August), we have iceberg, horse and moon.

Iceberg can indicate trouble, slow moving things, coldness, or being into something deeply.

Horse brings messages, a new lover or fast movement.

Moon tells of emotions, dreams, night, or a phase that is being passed through.

Coming up in the month of August, for myself, I see me continuing to avoid messaging him, even if it hurts. But I also see him doing the same thing, as the horse faces the slow moving iceberg. I don't think I will be open to receiving a new lover, at least for now, but I do feel that I will pass through the month of August rather quickly, and in control of my own self. Since I didn't let too much happen between us, the hurt will run its course, and then all will be well again. This is to be expected.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my Coffee Caravan Oracle Cards. Until next time.

Blessed Be.

My Victory Feels Hollow

Bohemian Gothic Tarot

Today I drew the knight of wands, 2 of swords, and 6 of swords.

The knight of wands is about passion and impulse. As a person card, this person is likely someone who has immense charm, but lacks commitment. Most of his ideas are in his head, and never quite make them out. He may be a passionate lover, but he isn't "the one" who will warm your bed for the rest of your days.

In this card we have a young man standing in an overgrown graveyard. He is dressed in his best for appearance sake. He looks a bit snobbish and sure of himself. His horse is behind him, waiting outside the entrance for him when he returns. He isn't carrying flowers or anything to adore the grave he visits, which makes me think that he is only visiting it to make sure that the person is really dead. I doubt he will be spending much time there, and is probably on a schedule. Planting flowers is not on his itinerary as it might cause him to get his hands dirty.

The 2 of swords is about choices, inaction, balance, and blocking emotions. The two swords to me have always felt like a barrier, but one that is there on purpose, as if defending yourself from an attack.

In this card there is a young woman standing on a balcony under the night time sky. She is blindfolded, with her hands gently crossing her chest. If she chooses to, she can use her hands to uncover her eyes, but she doesn't. It makes me think that she is covering her eyes to avoid seeing the truth of something.

The blindfold gives her distance from her troubles, and serves as a distraction, helping to calm her mind. Her hands protect her heart. She has waited until the dead of the night, and found a place that she thinks will give her the privacy she needs, deliberately making herself unapproachable. Maybe even hiding.

Maybe the blindfold is a muse, rendering her most vulnerable, so that when she takes it off again, she will see how much control she has. She can then move forward with confidence knowing that things could always be worse.

The 6 of wands is about public recognition, progress, self-confidence and victory.  There is always a risk of being over confident though.

In this card we have a strong, robust man dressed in armor riding a horse. He is accompanied by soldiers who fight along beside him through his many battles. They wear masks to hide there true faces, but he himself doesn't. The blood on his lance is fresh, reminding us that victory isn't without the cost of something precious. There is no doubt that when people think of that battle, they will think of him, because he shows his true self, victoriously leaving the castle that he just conquered. A soldier is never without mental fatigue though, and they carry with them the screams of war. Though invisible, they are still very much there.

I can relate deeply with the cards presented before me today. I know this knight, and very well. He is the man who professed his love for me many times, but doesn't give me any real hope to hold onto. Unfortunately for him, his charm is starting to tarnish. I am the 2 of swords here, protecting myself, taking time out to be alone.

It is very tricky though, as he was a best friend since childhood. I have never looked at him before as a potential partner, so I could easily overlook his flaws before. But when we look for a mate, we have to see the flaws,  and the inconsistencies in their actions. We have to shine a light on EVERYTHING so that we can be sure if we are willing to live with it or not; to make sure we think its worth it to stay together.

This is where I become the 6 of wands, holding my head up high, knowing that I showed my true self. I put forth the effort and reached for him. But it was he, who chose to keep his mask on. My walking away comes at a high price; our friendship. I'm having trouble distinguishing the man in the mask verses the one without. Neither face is pleasing to see anymore, because the lines have been blurred. I was awake late last night trying to convince my heart that I am going to be okay. Although I fought bravely, and shared my vision, my victory feels hollow.

I will spend the day washing windows to cleanse my soul. Only when windows are clean can we see through them at all the details of our surroundings.

Blessed Be.

Crossing My Fingers

Peaceful Path Tarot by Jill Scott

Today I drew the 4 of pentacles, and the Queen of cups for my daily draw.

The 4 of pentacles is a card that traditionally symbolizes stability, security and possession.

Here we have a young girl holding a wooden bucket bent down collecting eggs from a nest in her barn.  The hen is securely sitting on the eggs, showing some reluctance to give them up. The eggs are the hen's potential babies, and it is her job to warm them and keep them safe.

The Queen of cups is about being intuitive, emotionally stable and compassionate.

Here we have a woman who holds her baby and comforts it. She may be humming a tune to bring peace to the infant, or rocking it slowly lulling it to sleep. Whatever the case, she is using her motherly instincts to care for the baby.

These cards are right on target today, as my 13 year old daughter woke a couple of days ago with a pain in her foot. She doesn't leave her room enough since school has let out, which means she lacks proper exercise.

I miss the days when she went outside all day long to play with her friends and climb trees. The pain in her foot is mysterious and she hasn't done anything that she can recall to bring on such a symptom. I asked if she dropped something on it, but she says no.

Usually we remember twisting or stepping wrong, which would give explanation, but the only thing that makes sense to me is growing pains. Anyway, she really doesn't have much of a pain threshold, and is quite a drama queen. So I have spent my day caring for her, and keeping her comfortable, just as the Queen of cups would.

I went to the local drug store to get Tylenol and an ace bandage to wrap her foot. Just like the girl gathering eggs, I gathered what I needed at the store.

We have rotated using heat / cold on it. I am hoping that she will be okay soon. If not, I will be taking her to the doctors.

Crossing my fingers!

Blessed Be.

Take the Mic With You

I was fortunate to get a reading from a friend today, and it confirmed the feelings that I had in my gut.

Today I drew three cards from the Bohemian Gothic Tarot asking what I should do next in my "situation."

I get 9 of pentacles, 7 of swords and the Page of cups.

My first reaction when seeing the cards, pulling them one at a time was to compose myself (9 of pentacles), because I am a strong, independent woman, take from this situation, that which serves me well (7 of pentacles) and keep walking, because the love that is being offered to me isn't mature enough to sustain me, and only speaks of what I want to hear. (Page of cups).

But I will take a more detailed approach for the sake of interpreting the artist's beautiful cards.

9 of pentacles - This card is about being independent, and resilient. When we reach a certain age, we are able to let go of all the drama, and learn to be content with the things that truly matter to us. But there can also be that feeling that you've missed out on something in life. In my case, a relationship that I never gave a chance.

The woman in this card stands tall and proud, her hand out, strong, balanced and holding a hooded falcon.  The look on her face shows pride, but her clothes and wig suggest that she is somehow faking it. At her feet, the skulls of other birds, perhaps indication that she has been alone with her pet birds for quite sometime. She keeps her falcon hooded, which makes me think she doesn't want him to fly away and leave her completely alone. It's one thing to be single and without human company, but another to be void of all living creatures. I would find it hysterical to see a bunch of cats in the picture with her, turning her into an "old cat lady." LOL (my friend's tease me about this all the time, telling me that I will someday be one).

7 of swords - This card usually indicates a small deception or dishonesty. For me today, I am sure that it represents rushing into something risky without first doing research, or even a little bit of vengeance for hurt feelings.

The young girl in the picture is carefully tip toeing away with a book of spells. The castle behind her only has one lit window, but no one appears to be looking out at her, which means she is currently safe. I bet her heart is pounding though! The question is, what does she plan to do with that spell book? Is she going to use it for good, or bad? Perhaps the book belongs to her, and she is just getting away while the getting is good?

Page of cups - This particular page usually brings messages of emotion and love. (as stated above, in my particular situation, I am hearing words of love, but not seeing actions to accompany them). Although this page usually says things with passion and goodwill, he/she is still naive. There is usually an unwillingness to grow up and leave childhood dreams behind.

The girl on this image looks young, like most Pages do. She is standing on a set of stairs, outdoors in the dark of the night. The look on her face, dreamy and unsure of herself. She doesn't look like she is certain if she wants to take the last step or not. At the bottom of the railing, an urn sits adorn by a water sprite. It appears to be watching her, waiting for her to make a move, maybe even whispering how fun it will be to leave and be free. The ivy vines twisting around the railing suggesting that she feels like she can't breath in that place any longer. I don't know how planned this event is, as she only holds a tiny purse, indicating a mind that has yet to grow with maturity.

Even with these different layers of detail, I still get the feeling that my next move should be to walk away, letting the past and what "might have been" go. Sometimes its just best to not know. Planning any vengeance, or desiring to hurt back will not prove mature. It just is what it is.

That doesn't stop me from adding funny memes to this post though, as a means to relieve frustration! ;) I speak my mind because it hurts to bite my tongue.

Blessed Be.

Wings of Change Lenormand Interview

I was fortunate enough to get one of Chloe's "Wings of Change Lenormand" decks. I was so excited to find them in the mail today. Pictures on the internet don't do them justice. They are very colorful and nostalgic. I'm sure that I will spend a lot of time with them in the future.

They shuffle like a dream and are printed on lovely linen stock, very durable.

They come with a plastic box to store them in, and 42 cards. The traditional 36 Lenormand cards, and an extra man, woman and the 4 elements, which are  pictured below.

I decided to do a short little interview with them just to get to know them a bit, and give me something to blog about today. Excuse my pictures as they are not so great. I have yet to try to scan images and post them that way.

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic?

I drew the book for this one. This deck's most important characteristic is its knowledge and discretion. It can keep secrets, just as easily as it can reveal them when asked the appropriate questions. 

2. What are your strengths as a deck?

During the time that the Lenormand card system was first used, the anchor was employed to stabilize a ship during turbulent weather. It was also a sign that those aboard the ship had reached their destination safely. What a lovely strength to offer to us, indeed. Stability in the midst of our own storms.    

3. What are your limits as a deck?

Here we have the heart, and star in combination, telling us that its limits are that it requires our love for divination, and our own personal intuition to receive clear messages. The cards don't have a voice unless we lend them our own. 

4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?

The crossroads and fish tell us that this deck will offer to us an abundance of choices, and their likely outcome if we choose to follow certain paths to the finish line. Nothing is set in stone, and where there is a will, there is a way. 

5. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?

Aww, the dog made an appearance at just the right moment, assuring a friendship ahead. I could not be more happy. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Blessed Be.