Tarot Timing & I Miss You

Tarot Cards & Timing:

I thought that I would post today about timing in Tarot. I wanted to pull out the cards that symbolize timing for me, and what they say, then if anyone has anything to add to it, they can in the comments below. I'm always up for more learning, and I find it interesting to hear about other people's thoughts on this subject. 

It's always important to remember that our actions can interrupt these predictions though! Nothing is set in stone for as long as we continue having free will.

The 8 of wands is that card that foretells something fast, and without interruption (depending on the cards next to it, of course).If you are doing a reading, and someone is asking about timing, this is a good indication that their question will manifest rather quickly with little effort on their part.

The Magician on the other hand tells you that things will manifest in a speedy manner, but not without putting your mind to it. You will have to participate in making things happen.

The knight of swords whooshes in on his horse, hair flying in the air, bringing you something fast and unexpected! Sometimes this is welcomed, other times it isn't. It can be reckless and without a lot of thought. There's a good chance that you won't even be ready when it happens.

 
The Chariot, full steam ahead, being pulled by two powerful horses, rushes in to tell us that things will be moving relatively quickly, for as long as the two horses and their driver aren't disturbed along the way.

The ace of wands is also a pretty fast card. But remember to be watchful for the opportunity it brings, or else you will miss it. I think of this in terms of a wild flower. It grows quickly, but you will have to harvest it quickly before the farmer comes along and mows it down again.

 

Temperance is a card about finding the right mix. So if applying it to timing, it suggests that things will happen for you when the time is right, and not until then.

The Star is a wish card, and it tells you that you can be hopeful that things will work out in your favor, but again, the timing is up to the Gods themselves, or the Universe, whichever you prefer.

The Hanged Man says eventually, while he hangs in the balance, learning the lesson that he is meant to learn. This could be painfully hard to wait for, but you will walk away with a new way of looking at life.

The World, of course everything comes to a complete circle, just as the earth spins on its axis. You just have to wait a while for it to happen. Be patient, you have no choice.

The 7 of pentacles, a card that says it will happen your way, but not before you put in the effort to make it so. Be prepared to work hard.

These are just a few timing cards that I can think of at the moment. If you have more, do tell!

Over the last few days I've been able to reminisce about days gone by. (6 of cups to the left). My father came to town for a short visit. I had a nice time catching up with him. I am ashamed to admit that it has been a couple of years since I've seen him. It hits hard when you see your parents are older than you remember them as. Time moves quicker than we ever notice while we are going through it. You wake up, and one day you too are old. Anyhow, our visit was pleasant, but then it was time to say good bye. We both had a couple of tears in our eyes, hugged, and the visit was over. I could tell that he didn't want to leave, anymore than I wanted him to. (5 of cups, 8 of cups) I will cherish the memory of his visit, and hold on to hope that we can see one another again soon. Have a great week everyone.

Blessed Be.

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.

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.

New Moon Perfection

Bohemian Gothic Tarot & Victorian Romantic Tarot

Today I drew the 8 of pentacles. In a standard Tarot deck, it usually represents being engaged in your work, learning all that you can along the way. It is about the quality of your work that makes you stand out above others. When you work at something hard enough, you can perfect it.

When looking at the card on the left, we see a little girl holding a doll in her arms. She has a smile on her face, and looks on at it with admiration.

The shopkeeper, assuming he is also the one who made the doll, folds his hands in front of him, watching after the little girl as she walks away, her back toward him. To me, the look on his face seems to be showing some resentment, or sadness. I am thinking that he put so much time, and effort into making this little doll, that he doesn't quite want to let it go.

In the card on the right, we see a young, handsome man sitting at the edge of his seat, balancing a pot on his lap. As he holds a paint brush in a very steady hand, he enthusiastically paints a pattern onto the pottery piece. His toes are even helping to balance him so that he doesn't slip up and make a mistake as he paints. He is at peace while he works. A woman looks on at him, admiring his work. It looks like she has been watching him for quite a while, being sure not to distract him, she leans against a wall keeping herself from making any sudden movements.

Tonight is a new moon, and I will be activating some magical things that I have ready to release into the Universe. When I do these rituals, I am sure to do them with as much intent, and perfection that I can. I start by clearing away any negativity, and grounding myself. Magic takes the path of least resistance, so I am sure that nothing I send out will keep it from manifesting.

Also, these cards put me to mind of how thoughtfully I prepared dinner tonight. I made sure that each bite would be full of flavor, and pleasing to our taste-buds. When I was finished, I put together eye pleasing plates, and sent them into the dinner area with the girls. I watched after them from the doorway, as they took their first bite. I wanted to be sure that they were as happy with how dinner turned out, as I was. Just as always, it took much less time to gobble the food than it did to prepare it.

Today is clearly about focus for me. :)

Blessed Be.

She Becomes a Woman

Victorian Romantic Tarot & Bohemian Gothic Tarot

I haven't blogged in a couple of days because something at home has kept me down and out. Today I drew a couple of cards to ask about my day, and I get the 3 of pentacles, and the 8 of cups.

Once again, I am drawing from the Victorian Romantic Tarot & the Bohemian Gothic Tarot, comparing cards and adding dimension to their meanings. 

The 3 of pentacles is a card that shows teamwork, or using ones skills to accomplish something, and then feeling fulfilled. 

Whenever we take on a project, we put forth the efforts to see it to fruition, and when we are done, if we did all that we were suppose to do, and correctly, we will have something to be proud of.  

In the first card above, we have an older gentleman / craftsman carving a Christmas ornament, while two children watch on, captivated by his skills and dedication. The little girl's eyebrows are raised showing us that she is surprised and excited to see the final results of this project. 

In the second card, we have the scientist who created Frankenstein. The scientist stands back, arms raised as he anticipates his genius project coming alive. Watching on eagerly, while Frankenstein checks himself out for the first time, seeing what he can and can't do for himself. 

I feel like the past couple of days, I have been the scientist and my oldest daughter Frankenstein. When I went to pick the girls up from their father, I noticed AGAIN that my oldest daughter had went shopping for more clothes. It happens a lot. Every girl likes fine clothes, right? Well, I am all good and well with that except for the fact that my youngest daughter doesn't get anything. It's starting to feel like the new wife favors one child over the other, and my youngest daughter is also noticing, after all, she is 13. This will not pave the road for any bonding in the future, for this I am sure! 

Well being the mother that I am, I feel like I am the voice for my children. When they are being neglected or treated unfairly, it is still my responsibility to say something about it; so I did. My words weren't harsh, and I was diplomatic, but this still left a rift between me and my older daughter. I suppose she didn't like the fact that I told her that she was old enough to see what was going on, and that she knows right from wrong. I told her that she should have mentioned her sister, or tried to bring her back something from her trip to the store. I have never gone to the store and brought back for one and not the other just because one decided to stay home. Even when I dated men who had children of their own, I never felt right buying for my children and not his. I thought this was something that every mother would feel. But apparently not. So, I talked to the kid's father to make sure that this will not continue to happen. I  have one daughter with too many clothes to fit in a dresser, and another with hardly any. *sigh*

The 8 of cups is about abandonment, escaping something, and disappointments. 

The card on the left is of a woman who has walked partially down a sidewalk, and stops to wipe away her tears. Her dog looks like he is hesitant to further approach her, feeling her sadness, he tucks his tail between his legs. Behind them is 8 empty cups. It appears she was tending to her garden, but stopped before she was finished, due to this heaviness she feels in her heart; this disappointment. 

The card to the right, is rather intriguing. Each time I look at it, I give the woman a new story. This time, I see her as me. She wears pearls, and has her hair up, showing her maturity. She appears to be leaving behind the things that upset her and cause her grief, but she heads through a doorway that looks pretty scary. It has a skull above it, and it is very dark and eerie. She pauses for a moment to look behind her, her face full of concern. This is a transition period for her.

It is a transition period for me. I have raised two beautiful daughters into fine young women, and there are times when I must be their mother instead of their friend. Regardless of how it makes me feel, I still have to do what is right, and they will just have to get over it, or don't.

All that is left now is to give her space. Now that I think of it, this card could even be her, looking behind her toward me, and yet moving away from me one step at a time. It is her turn to transition into a mature young woman, and my turn to let go and see the fruits of my labor unfold before me, no longer under my control. Gulp. No easy feat for me!

Blessed Be.

Put On A Happy Face

Bohemian Gothic Tarot & Victorian Romantic Tarot
Queen of Cups

Today's card what the Queen of cups. She is quite beautiful in both cards. In the Bohemian Gothic Tarot she is alluring, and dreamy. All the Queens in this deck look as if they are hiding something, much like Queens of real life.

In real life, they have always had to put on an angelic, pretty face and be mostly subservient to their King and husband. Men, especially in times further in our past, have been married off to women who were usually betrothed to them at an early age. Love was a word of least importance, and often times void in the marriage altogether. I am sure over an extended period of time they would grow to care for one another, but political alliances were the inspiration for such matches, leaving emotional feelings to take a backseat.

Ironically, the Queen of cups in a traditional Tarot deck is used to represent emotional security. I doubt most Queens felt much of that in their lifetime! However, they were groomed from an early age to refrain from showing any emotions, and to keep up appearances. This beautiful Queen is certainly doing a fine job as she sits, arms stretched upward, calm, looking like she hasn't a care in the world. Her harp resting on her lap, chalice at her feet. Her clothes and jewels chosen with dignity and pride. The look on her face shows of a woman who thinks happy thoughts, or one who has escaped reality for a little while, dreaming of a life outside the walls of the castle. The crow / raven perched next to her tells a different story. He sits, waiting patiently for her to snap back to reality. He keeps her secrets, secrets that she only shares with him.

The Queen in the Victorian Romantic Tarot sits on a beautifully carved throne and glances off into the East, as if looking on at the rest of the world, and trying to sneak a peek into what life is like for those who live outside the castle walls. Still in this card, that dreamy look on her face. At her feet a golden chalice, flowers, a book, and a sleeping baby. This must be her baby because it is well cared for. I would think that the artist placed the baby here to show off the Queen's compassionate personality, but also to show that there is still an undertone of innocence left to be seen if one looks closely at her. Although she appears to be a stunning, well put together, grown woman, inside she still has the fragile, hopeful, romantic notions of a child.

Today, my day is less busy than the days prior. I do have to go into work for a short time, but my plans are to be at home and do some reading (hence the book at the Queen's feet), and just enjoy the quiet of my home. My girls are away visiting their father. I pick them up tomorrow. Maybe some self care is needed today, and that I should do something that makes me feel rejuvenated, all the while, putting on a happy face.

Blessed Be.

Flowers Grow Where They Are Planted

Today's cards are drawn again from the Bohemian Gothic Tarot, and the Victorian Romantic Tarot, both published by the same company. Baba Studios.

I get the page of swords. The page of swords is a card that symbolizes a curiosity or a mental anxiety / restlessness.

In the darker card, we have a woman who looks to be in a park at night. I wonder if she arrived at the park earlier, and sat next to the lantern in hopes that when darkness fell, it would give her some sort of light to comfort her? She looks like she is to meet someone, and I picture her frequently looking over her shoulder. Her mannerism in the image shows definite restlessness or angst. There is an angel behind her holding a sword. It is pointing down as if the angel is distracted by something other than the swords pointed edge.The angel in deep thought.

In the lighter card, a young man dressed in blue and yellow stands with his feet shoulder length apart in a garden outside a castle. Beside him is his friendly companion, a golden colored dog. Neither seem to be in motion, but just standing there, thinking. The man is not looking down, or even ahead, but off into space, perhaps lost in a daydream. The sword in his hand is pointing forward, but without intent to use it. He absolutely looks curious, and distracted. I'm betting that if I were standing before him in the garden he would have a lot to say, and with enthusiasm.

The 10 of swords on the left is of a woman who mourns for a lost loved one as she sits wiping her tears at their grave site, toward evening. You can tell that she visits the grave often because their are many flowers there, and they look well groomed. It also looks like the grave is on a hill over looking water, a rather lovely place for a loved one to rest eternally. There had to have been a lot of thought that went into finding this most perfect place. The sky is darkened by some rain clouds, but also some sunlight peeks through, leaving the sky pink. They say, "pink sky at night is a sailors delight, but if in the morning, sailors take warning." With that said, it may very well symbolize that her time for mourning may soon be over.

The 10 of swords on the right is such a beautiful image, and one like no other that I have seen. I find it stunning to look at, as it speaks volumes. The 10 of swords in general talks about betrayal, defeat and loss. In this image a person lays in the shallow water on a beach. How they got there, I can not say for sure, but it does make me think that they may have survived a great storm. The waves are crashing, and they have white caps. I am sure that the water is chilly and the wind quite fierce. The seagulls flying overhead may even be having trouble flying, yet they stay captivated by what goes on beneath them on the shoreline. A wave, in the form of a beautiful woman wraps its self around this person, as if to provide a safe haven, shelter from the storm. To me the waves symbolize the passing of emotions. This person lays wrapped up in their emotions, and can't find strength in themselves to get up and out of the water to dry off. They have lost all hope, and look for comfort in themselves. This usually happens when one feels the sting of betrayal, or defeat. There will however come a time when this person will have to get out of the water, or die from hypothermia, or even dehydration.

These cards are quite accurate for me during the last few hours. I am in deep thought, distracted by all sorts of things, trying to focus on one matter that needs my attention.

It is an emotional matter, and it causes me some deep pain, pain so deep that I rarely let it surface. I bet if it did surface I would cry an ocean, and be that person defeated, laying in the water feeling sorry for myself.

I have to remind myself that I am not a victim, nor do I have no say over my life! The truth is, I have most say over my life, and especially in the matter that I speak of.

I think the cards are telling me that  I need to let this emotional attachment go and return to the sea so that this mourning process can finally be over. It is what it is, and despite my grooming the flowers to make things look pretty, the truth is, I am rooted in the dirt where my feet walk, and flowers don't transplant well after digging them up. Neither does the past! If it didn't work before, it probably isn't going to now. You can't move forward by looking behind you.

Blessed Be.

Turned Into Stone

Today I drew the 8 of wands, and Justice. To the left is the Victorian Romantic Tarot, and below is the Bohemian Gothic Tarot. I think they compliment each other beautifully.

The 8 of wands is about speed, and constancy, or things happening swiftly. In the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the 8 of wands is of a man who is lunging forward, perhaps in a race with two animals. The look on his face is really intense and he is doing what he must to win the race. They are running down hill, which can be very helpful in conserving energy, but it can also be detrimental if they were to stumble at the speed they are going! I picture a few thuds, a scream, and a face plant. LOL

In the Bohemian Gothic Tarot, there is a dark, earthly sky filed with clouds, and in the background fire and smoke. Gargoyles are in motion, as if ready to attack those who have penetrated the castle walls. The statue in front of them is of a hunched back man looking behind him in fright, as a lion bites at his heals. There is definitely an urgency about this card, and a lot of movement. But in retrospect, the movement is frozen into statues. Perhaps symbolizing frustration? Or even the importance of knowing exactly what it is that we are rushing into? We should pay mind to the dangers that may lie ahead, so that we can be best prepared for our advancement.

The Justice card in the Victorian Romantic Tarot is of a beautiful maiden with long, red hair holding a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. The sword at her side, its tip into the earth. She has the option of using it, but she doesn't. Perhaps a reminder that Justice will always prevail, even without trying? The fallen angel is cast over the side of the cliff, where fire awaits his fall. The scale dangling above his head, as he looks on it in fear.

In the Bohemian Gothic Tarot, the judge holds a book in one hand and a candle stick in the other. The book that happens to be on how to discover and execute witches. In the background, down the long narrow, dark hallway, it appears that a fire may have been set, as the warm glow reflects through the bottom of a closed door. The candle stick in the judge's hand is gripped tightly, Maybe in anger or regret? The figure behind the judge is what appears to be a priest in a hooded cloak. He folds his hands in front of him as if pleased with himself. He looks on at the judge making sure that he doesn't disobey him, or make a fuss of what has unfolded behind the closed, glowing door. Regardless of the judge's position, the church has supreme authority in his realm. His feelings are irrelevant. This card reminds us that the outcome isn't always fair. Strong prejudices and societies rules can have a heavy influence on such matters, causing some to see in black and white, and others to see in grey.

It is quite interesting how these two cards came up for me today. My youngest daughter has seen some injustice over the past couple of days, and she wasn't quite sure how to approach the matter. These cards show our desire to move forward, but the long pause taken as we sift through the ashes (our thoughts). And then ultimately deciding to turn a blind eye to it because it is pretty much out of our hands. It will be remembered, but muted for now. Turned into stone.

Blessed Be.

Let Go & Live

Have you ever felt like your inside self didn't match your outside self? When you get up and move across the room, you feel confident and sexy, but when you pass the mirror on the wall you see someone that you hardly recognize? That's me. I have been walking for the last couple weeks on an almost daily basis, only taking weekends off. I did this same thing last year, but this year I have stepped it up and added a couple miles a day.

Last night, while looking out my front door I saw that one girl in the neighborhood that I do not get a long with. I think we all have at least one of those, don't we? Well, for years now, I can't help but compete with her in my head. In order to stop myself from doing this, I stay away from her side of town, and avoid bumping into her. It has worked, up until now, when she walked past my own front porch. Yuck!   

Anyhow, I woke up with the urge to get right out there and walk my ass off today, competing with her again. So, now you know, I'm not as confident as I would like to be! Comparing myself to someone else. How dare I? Instead of using her as motivation to kick butt on my walk today, I asked my Wild Unknown Tarot to help. This is what it said .... only in my voice and not a cool voice like Sam Elliott.

What I need to let go of - 5 of swords. Self destructive behaviors! Boy, if I didn't almost spit coffee on that one. In a traditional RWS card the image is of a man facing his enemies with a sword. His enemies lay down their weapons and walk away. I admit, I felt like the one who braves them all and stands there still holding my sword when I woke up this morning. But now I kind of feel like this snake like figure, burning from the inside because I have been cut. I am in the body that I am in because I participated in destructive behaviors. Now it is up to me to learn to let go of those patterns, and form more healthy ones. Thank you Tarot for being so direct. Sometimes my head is like meat sauce.

What I need to embrace - 6 of wands. Rise above! I am that beautiful butterfly, but if I drop my guard, and don't pay close attention to where I go, what I do, (what I put into my friggin mouth), I will entangle myself in the brush underneath me, thus damaging my wings, and hindering my ability to fly.

Hope this is not only inspirational for myself, but also to anyone else who is on the same journey as myself. Good luck.

Blessed Be.

Darkness before the Dawn

This morning I could not sleep so I awoke and made a cup of coffee. I drank it out on the front porch in silence, still dark out. It was only 4 am, so the good part of the world was still asleep. The birds were singing and it was peaceful. It centered me, bringing me the balance that I needed after waking up thinking of David. (the ex bf) I could feel the presence of mother earth, and felt her hug me, trying to offer me comfort and ease my pain.

After my coffee, I came inside and lit a candle, and drew two tarot cards. One to tell me what I should embrace today, and one to tell me what I needed to let go of.

The card that I drew telling me what I need to let go of was the Guardian of Action. I knew straight away that this was David, because it even looks similar to him! Waking to his memory this morning made me question why now? After four plus years, why do I suddenly wake to such paralyzing memories? Why now after all this time? Why does he still have this hold over me? The ability to continue hurting me even when he has long since been out of the picture?

The Guardian of Action enjoys the spotlight, just as David had. I was made to put on a happy face, get thin and be arm candy for him. I was only there to accommodate his desires, to be seen and not heard from like a child. I find it most difficult  because even though I was a shell of a person, I was thin and beautiful. It is hard for me to let go of HER (who I was when I was with him). Even though inside I was dying, on the outside I was everything that I aspire to be now.

Even though I am more me now than I have ever been before, my outsides do not match what is inside, and I want it to so badly. I lack luster now. My guides are correct on so many levels here. I can not move forward until I can let go of all things 'David.' Even the person I was back then.

The card drawn to show me what I should be embracing is the 10 of Action. At first it confused me, but then after some quiet meditation, I realized that it was telling me to look at how far I have come without him! I have successfully raised my two daughters (they are not his children) alone with little help from anyone. I get child support from their father, and I am very grateful for that. But the rest has been all me. They are charming young girls, with a bright future ahead of them, and even if I don't usually give myself credit, credit is due.  

The card says on it, "Straining to make others happy can be harmful to your health." This jumped out to me, reminding me that my goals are made with the best of intentions, but until I learn to let go of my past, I can not be as healthy, thin, and beautiful as I wish to be. I have to do it for me, and not anyone else. In my mind, the majority of the time, I want to get thin so that I can satisfy the old records in my head of him telling me that I am fat, and that I need to lose weight. But if I learn to quiet those thoughts, and replace them with new ones, than perhaps I can learn to love the woman staring back at me in the mirror. Perhaps, I can accept her the way that she already is. Do it because I want to, and not because I feel someone else expects me to.

There will be darkness before the dawn. When I close my eyes, and listen to my spirit guides, they tell me six little words, "this is stress related, let go." And who better understands me than they do?

Blessed Be.

Heigh ho off to the post office I go ...

Today's cards are pretty straight forward.

Using my Housewives Tarot:

1. 9 of cups - what I need to embrace today. The nine of cups is about happiness and comfort. After making difficult decisions with the 7, and the stagnation of the 8, the 9 starts to balance things out again. Today is my day off from work. So for me it is about working all week, putting everything into my work week, and then having my day off. I will be embracing the comfort of my own home today, and enjoying something more creative and much needed. This card makes me think of a bottle of wine! Perhaps it is time to give a gift to myself? :D A new Tarot deck?!!

2. 9 of pentacles - what I need to let go of today. The nine of pentacles is about independence, luxury and being self-sufficient. The shadow side of this card talks about over investment and financial setbacks. There is a new Tarot deck that I have been dying to have, and it has weighed heavily on my mind the last couple of days. To me, the presence of the 9 of pentacles reminds me that if I spend this money, I will have a financial setback, so it is probably best that I wait. How strange that the 9 of cups wants to give it to me, but the 9 of pentacles says, "not right now." She is such a meanie. (LOL)

On to Lenormand ....

I have committed myself (ring) to sending out a package (letter) successfully today (sun). To top it off, it is a Tarot deck. (LOL) Someone else will be getting a new deck, but it won't be me. As I quickly wipe away a tear, and chug some coffee, I prepare myself for the day ahead. That bottle of wine is sounding really good right now. It must be noon somewhere?!

So, Heigh Ho, off to the post office I go. Have a wonderful day.

Blessed Be.

** update **

I got my package successfully sent out today. And  I was feeling the pull to spend that money for a nice new deck, but I was able to suppress it. For a little while, anyway. ha.

Baby it's cold outside ....

I decided to get back into posting my daily draws so that I will hold myself accountable to continue using my many Tarot cards. I have submersed myself into learning Lenormand for a few years now, but while doing that, my Tarot reading has taken a back seat. My pretty card collection isn't being used, and that is really sad.

The cards I chose to use today are from the Housewives Tarot.  I drew two Tarot cards:

1. To represent what I need to embrace today - Chariot.
2. To represent what I need to let go of today - 10 of cups.

The Lenormand cards are : Scythe + Snake + Bear representing what I can expect out of my day today.

Immediately, I was able to relate to the Lenormand cards. I find it really ironic sometimes that three little cards often times tell me about a couple of different things that occur during my daily activity. First and foremost, my TV is currently on TLC and airing a show about a woman who is getting weight loss surgery. (Scythe+Bear) When she gets weight loss surgery, she becomes a more curvaceous, seductive, attractive woman. (Snake).

But setting that aside, I will attempt to predict what I think the cards will mean for me today.

I see that a woman's decision (scythe + bear) although complicated (snake) will become final (scythe). Or that a woman (snake) will have to make a financial decision. (scythe+bear). Since the scythe comes before the snake, it can serve as a reminder to beware of a woman.

I happen to know that today is bill paying day, so it can also be possible that it will show me giving away a big chunk of my money today. Also, currently I take walks each day to try to lose some weight, so maybe today my walk gets canceled, after all, it is raining out. :)

Chariot - In the little book that accompanies my cards, it says, "that a woman can't run errands by sitting on her sofa," and urges her to gas up the station wagon, and hit the road. Some decisions will be made while out and about, and adding a little adventurous route on the way home might be a little fun.  It says, "nothing ventured, nothing gained!" 

So the Chariot, in the form of a station wagon, tells me that I should try and find fun where fun isn't today. Since my walk may be canceled due to the rain, maybe I can do something crafty instead. Or find an indoor exercise to do? (probably won't - ha ha ha). I know myself too well.

10 of Cups - In the little book, it says, "a jubilant housewife proudly displays her collection of drinking glasses." and "if life hands you lemons, mix up a Tom Collins!" Housewives are masters of their trade. They have a recipe for everything, and they often times keep their bar fully stocked. In my case, my refrigerator! lol

So the 10 of cups, tells me that I should let go of the urge to overeat today since I may not be able to go on my walk and burn off extra calories. How literal cards can be. I love them. They give me fresh perspective every time I use them.

Enjoy your day.
Blessed Be.

** update **

Scythe + Snake + Bear was actually the theme of my day.

My daughter came home from school, and was anxious to tell me about her dream the night before. She said she woke with a "Lizzie Bordon" song in her head. (LOL) We both had a laugh there.

Then when I went to bed, I fell asleep to another show about a woman with weight loss surgery.

Oh, and I did have the last say about something today. It was a difficult decision, and it was about money management.

I didn't go for my walk today because the weather wasn't cooperating. So I was able to relax for the most part, until work anyway. Overeating was a tough one! Especially at night.

Has their relationship turned into a circus?

The deck used here is:
Tarot of the Zirkus Mägi by Doug Thornsjo      

The spread used here is:

Relationship Cross

Client: Male

Question: Will my relationship with my girlfriend workout?

Querent's position in the relationship. 

 Angst (9 of blades.) 

The nails in this image are placed close together, and because the weight of a person reclining upon a bed of nails is evenly distributed, these supposed instruments of torture are perfectly safe. Getting onto and off of them is far more dangerous that actually laying on them. Nonetheless they make for a suitable symbol of anxiety. 

His position in this relationship is clearly that of anxiety. Perhaps the relationship with his girlfriend was quickly built on a foundation that felt safe, but once he tested it out, it wasn't as stable as he hoped for. I think that this card symbolizes that he feels like it hurts to be in the relationship as much as it would hurt to get out of it. Maybe the relationship lasted a long time, and for that reason he resents the time he wasted on it?

Querent's partner's position in the relationship. Duchess of Rings. (Queen of Rings.) 

What stands out in this image is the rabbit. The rabbit leaps into our view urging us to be cautious where we stand and where we step next. "Look before you leap" so to speak. 

The Duchess is on a uni-cycle looking confident of her talents, but her arms still out to her side reminding her at any moment she can fall from her seat if she is not careful. 

The stage that she is on is decorated lovely showing her down to earth personality, but it is indeed a bit crowded and not giving her very much room to maneuver around. The smile on her face is also staged, for it has to be imagined first to appear there.

The girlfriends position in the relationship appears to be just as uncomfortable as his. She feels if she stops moving her feet she will fall flat on her face. Her fake smile shows that she is still trying, even if it is hopelessly. 

Basis for the relationship - the past. Opposition. (5 of blades.) 

The two men in this image stand side by side, each of their suits showing the colors of hot and cold. Their body language is showing that each feels the need to protect their own personal space. They are not talking or looking toward one another, but looking directly ahead. 

 The swords around them being 'enablers' of conflict if they were to decide to use them. You can feel the tension as you look at the image. I wonder too if the swords were already used and each is now feeling defeated but unwilling to admit to it verbally?

As for the basis of the relationship's past, it feels like they have long since fizzled out with their romantic feelings toward one another, and are now just living together as room mates, or coexisting. It is as if both are waiting for the next big fight for an excuse to flee the scene. 

What lies between them right now - the present. Winter Quarters. (Ace of rings.) 

The circus is off the road and held safely in their sunny winter quarters. Here is where they regroup and gather their resources and people in preparation for the next years circus. 

This too is where the important staff members decide who goes and who stays or even if continuing the circus is in their best interest.

What lies between them right now in this relationship is their decision to continue on with the relationship or to end it. Maybe even a division of assets between them. 

The future of the relationship. Procession. (3 of batons.) 

The circus parades through town announcing its self to the populace. This is where they make their first introduction to the people and advertise themselves. 

A successful parade is all about appearances and facades. If they look appealing to the crowd, the more spectators will pay admittance to the circus. But if they do not catch the crowds eye, than it could turn out to be a flop. 

If the money isn't there, than the circus can not go on. 

The future of the relationship stand in idle right now. I think that each of them is still trying to maintain a facade in front of their loved ones and family members. It has been a long relationship, and all that is left is to pick whether to go left or right at the end of the road. In relationship to all the cards in this spread, I would say that they should cut their losses while they are ahead. If you truly love someone, sometimes it is best just to let them go. Who wants to live a life dressed up in costumes all the time, and pretending to be happy? How many hours to do you spend putting on make up when you can just be yourself if you let go of the act? If your family members knew that you were this unhappy, the chances are, that they too would want you to make an exit at the next turn. Stop clowning around, and be the person you were meant to be. 

Greatest Desires & High School Sweethearts - Reading

Female client. Wants to know if her desire to be with her high school sweetheart will come true?

I have pieced together this spread in hopes that it will shed some light on the subject for her. I am going to call it 'my greatest desire spread.' If you have a high school sweetheart that you are curious about getting together with - let me do a reading for you. Email me and we can discuss details. Only $15.00 USD through paypal.

Is your desire possible to achieve? Ace of scrolls -

This ace says stand fast, sheer determinations and the will to succeed assure your victory. Yes this is a possible achievement.

Is it the best thing for you? 3 of mirrors -

This is the 'do no harm' card. It bodes new romance as long as it does not sacrifice the happiness of someone else.  As long as your high school sweetheart is single, then it will be a good match for you, but if he is not, wait for him instead of trying to break up his current relationship. Think 'Karma.'

If it is attained, will it last? Ace of mirrors -

This card symbolizes a steady flow of creative energy - the two candles. The turtle knows good fortune both on land and in the water. So I would say that this relationship would last if it came together.

Action to take next? Phoenix - 

This is always a good card to see. It is the dawning of a new day. It symbolizes a time to follow your instincts and intuition. If you do this, there will be a time to reap the rewards. If your instincts tell you to reach out to him gently, then do so. If they tell you just to let him know you are available, then do that. If your instincts tell you after doing so that you need to wait a while, then by all means, listen and wait. If you go against your intuition, it will not be good - so have patience.

Obstacle that may arise? The Weaver - 

The Weaver sees the world between spaces and darkness, between clarity and confusion, between fear and determination. Her vibrations are in tune with the other side. She helps you sort out chaotic trials and tribulations. If any obstacles arise with this relationship once it is attained, I think that you will get through them with little trouble. It appears that you have already learned many things about being in successful relationships already. Just be aware that people do change over time, and you will indeed have to get to know him all over again, and he will have to do the same with you.

How to get around the obstacle? The Artiste -
The Artiste is a gentle, soft-spoken person sent to inspire you through art, dance, music and poetry. Her painting is your personal journey. In order to make a beautiful painting (journey) you have to take your time and pay attention to details, but don't obsess over them. Too much obsession will keep you from completing your picture! So in order to get around any obstacles that may occur, I suggest tackling them one at a time and not obsessing over them. This too shall pass.

Outcome? 9 of mirrors - 

The 9 of mirrors is the wish card. You will get your wish. :) Raindrops are falling everywhere, bringing peace, balance, and harmony upon all areas of your life. A very positive outcome.

Samhain Celebrations with Henry VIII & his Six Wives

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Samhain (pronounced /ˈsɑːwɪn/ SAH-win or /ˈsaʊ.ɪn/ SOW-in Irish pronunciation: [sˠaunʲ]) is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year.

Samhain is known by most folks as Halloween, but for many modern Pagans it's considered a Sabbat to honor the ancestors who came before us. It's a good time to contact the spirit world with a seance, because it's the time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest.

Sunset on Samhain is the beginning of the Celtic New Year. The old year has passed, the harvest has been gathered, cattle and sheep have been brought in from the fields, and the leaves have fallen from the trees. The earth slowly begins to die around us.

This is a good time for us to look at wrapping up the old and preparing for the new in our lives. Think about the things you did in the last twelve months. Have you left anything unresolved? If so, now is the time to wrap things up. Once you’ve gotten all that unfinished stuff cleared away, and out of your life, then you can begin looking towards the next year.

As part of this year's Samhain BlogHop, we are asked to think of who we would like to have come sit with us for a spot of tea. I have chosen spirits that I have never met before but whom I feel a deeply rooted connection with; Henry VIII and his six wives. I have chosen 7 Tarot cards that I feel best represent them, and will tell why. Also I have asked each of their spirits a question, and am using the Tarot to relay the answer back to me. Enjoy! 

Henry VIII's first wife was Queen Catherine of Aragon. She had first been wed to his brother Arthur who died not long after their wedding day. She and Henry were married for 24 years before their marriage dissolved. Henry became upset that she could not give birth to a living son, and his attentions then strayed from her. 

I have chosen the Queen of Pentacles to represent her because of the following qualities that she possessed. It is very fitting for her character. 

First and foremost, she was born royalty, and before all other things she was a mother. She loved her daughter Mary with all of her heart, and always did what she thought best for Mary. She also cared for people with equal concern and passion, and in return the people loved her just the same.

She was at home in glorious settings and enjoyed the festivities that her young King constantly surrounded her with. But at the same time, she also found comfort in sewing shirts and doting over him. To some extent she put his needs before her own. She was sensitive and very fertile, although only one of her children lived. 

She had an impeccable intuition, and could discern the outcome of future events before they took place. She was always very in tune with her surroundings, and often called Henry out on his wandering eye. Unfortunately it did her little good, as Henry ultimately cast her aside for someone he thought would give him a son.  

The mountain in the background of the Queen of Pentacles stands for her ever enduring and infinite faith. There were so many challenges that she faced, and in her end she came to the realization that some of them just weren't attainable for her. Her ending was quite tragic. Although her intuition was spot on in predicting her fall from Henry's grace, I think her determination to remain his Queen and keep what she had ultimately separated her from her daughter for good. This left a devastating life ahead for Mary. 

That leaves me with a question to ask her. Queen Catherine, if you had it to do over again, would you have done things differently for your daughter? How?

I used the Steampunk Tarot by Charissa Drengsen to answer these questions.

7 of Pentacles - I take this card as giving up control and doing the next 'right thing' & being satisfied with things the way they are. I am getting the feeling that Catherine in spirit, now realizes that by doing what she did, she made life much harder for Mary and this hurts her to her core. 

7 of Wands - This card to me speaks of her struggle for success in her efforts to remain Queen and to keep her daughters birth right. She knew she was courting danger, and her stubborn behavior truly tested Henry's patience. Instead of gaining stability, she did just the opposite. 

The Sun - This card to me speaks of Catherine's wish to have kept her favor with Henry, and in good sentiment remained at least his friend. She loved him greatly, and feels he may have rewarded her with simple pleasures had she not been so insistent on remaining his one true Queen. She also feels by doing so this would have given her daughter Mary happier memories and a more stable life. 

*sigh - me wiping away a tear. * I have to add here a letter from Catherine to Henry, showing her devotion to him even as she lay dying alone in a dank, damp castle.

1535

My Lord and Dear Husband,

I commend me unto you. The hour of my death draweth fast on, and my case being such, the tender love I owe you forceth me, with a few words, to put you in remembrance of the health and safeguard of your soul, which you ought to prefer before all worldly matters, and before the care and tendering of your own body, for the which you have cast me into many miseries and yourself into many cares.

For my part I do pardon you all, yea, I do wish and devoutly pray God that He will also pardon you.

For the rest I commend unto you Mary, our daughter, beseeching you to be a good father unto her, as I heretofore desired. I entreat you also, on behalf of my maids, to give them marriage-portions, which is not much, they being but three. For all my other servants, I solicit a year's pay more than their due, lest they should be unprovided for.

Lastly, do I vow, that mine eyes desire you above all things.

****

Henry's second wife was Anne Boleyn. I chose the Queen of Swords to represent her for a number of reason, but first and foremost because she refused Henry's advances for quite a few years before they married. It was a very intellectual relationship before it became anything physical. Henry was a hunter, and enjoyed the chase. In fact, he sent her at least 17 love letters declaring himself her servant & did the unthinkable to make her his Queen. 

Anne had a watchful eye. She was no stranger to speaking her mind, and viewed others injustices as if a person assault against her. Although it was in her nature to be kind, she didn't have the luxury of revealing it to others very often. Many did not like her & still supported the late Queen Catherine of Aragon. 

She was very independent and relied on her own intuition for counsel. She was a well-developed woman and quite skilled in politics. At first Henry liked this, but quickly grew to despise her for it. 

To those who didn't know her well, she was accused of being cold and calculating. But underneath her facade, to those who knew her, she was filled with compassion and sensitivity, unless you were her sister and married without her permission. lol 

She had dark hair, with equally dark eyes, and although quite plain she had a presence about her that would compel people to bow to her even if she were not a Queen. 

Anne was an unlikely match for Henry when considering the circumstances, and when the haze of love began to wear off, her faults were apparent to him. Their first child was not a boy. She dared to argue with him and be upset with him for sleeping with other women. Upon his waking, he realized that he had lost international credibility and became a laughingstock because of his feeling for her. He felt he was bewitched, and he let his paranoia get the better of him. 

Anne's strong will and authoritative personality were no longer admired but loathed by her husband, so he quickly plotted her downfall so that he could take another bride and have the son that he so desperately needed.

Even in her speech upon the scaffold, she upheld her dignity and only said the things that would be in her daughters best interest. I can not imagine how hard it must have been for her to leave behind an infant daughter with a man who was capable of loving his wife one day, and cutting her head off the next.

If I were to ask Anne a question it would be, Queen Anne, if you had it to over again, what would you have done differently?

2 of Wands - This card tells me that she definitely wishes that she could have been more prepared. There were times that she felt so secure in her realm that she never thought about her prospects of falling from Henry's grace. And when she did finally think about it, it was too late.

The Hermit - This card tells me that she would be more humble if given the chance to do things differently. Now in spirit, she realizes that she wasn't untouchable and that speaking her mind wasn't always the better thing to do. She underestimated Henry.

10 of Wands - This card is all about Anne's resentments. She wishes that she would have picked her battles more wisely instead of arguing about everything that upset her. Playing Superwoman and trying to manipulate the outcome of everything was clearly too much for her to handle, and ultimately led to her demise. Henry was the wind, and she was holding on to too many umbrellas! 

* Another sigh, and frowny face. :( * I am adding a small bit of a letter from Anne Boleyn to Henry VIII during her imprisonment in the Tower. It was found in Thomas Cromwell's things, and probably never made it to the King himself. This small piece again shows another woman's devotion to Henry, as well as a plea for him to show compassion for another one of his children in the absence of their mother.

6 May 1536

.... You have chosen me, from a low Estate, to be your Queen and Companion, far beyond my Desert or Desire. If then you found me worthy of such Honour, Good your Grace, let not any light Fancy, or bad Counsel of mine Enemies, withdraw your Princely Favour from me; neither let that Stain, that unworthy Stain of a Disloyal Heart towards your good Grace, ever cast so foul a Blot on your most Dutiful Wife, and the Infant Princess your Daughter: Elizabeth. ....

****

Henry's third wife was Jane Seymour. I might get some flack for this, but the card I pick to represent her is The Star. I pick this card for several reasons, let me explain.

I do not see Jane as the woman who stole Henry away from Anne, like many obsessive Anne Boleyn fans do. If I were to do that, than I'd have to then look at Anne as the woman who stole him away from his first wife!

Instead I see Jane as Henry's hope. After 29 years of being King of England, she is the one who finally gave him the son that he had longed for. This is worthy of recognition. She gave Henry cause to take heart, be at peace and know that all was well. 

She was Henry's star. She offered him a place of renewal and healing. She was plain, and completely natural in her skin. She didn't try to be someone she was not, nor did she cause him friction and upset. She loved Henry for who he was and the mere presence of her put him at rest. 

She was spiritual and had compassion for others. Unlike Anne, she chose her battles and rarely spoke out of turn. Don't mistake this for weakness either, because it takes a very intelligent, strong willed woman to bite her tongue in most circumstances. 

Although she sought the King's favor and was a political pawn in her families desires, she did bravely seek pardon for those involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536. But after this she remained mindful of the fate of Henry's first two wives, and retired quietly in a more subservient manor. 

Sadly, Jane was a victim of her time. Twelve days after the birth of their son, poor hygiene and doctors lacking in medical knowledge could not stop her childbed fever, and she died. Her untimely death and her gentle character had an enduring hold on Henry's memory. She was given a solemn state funeral. The king wore black until well into 1538 and waited more than two years to marry again.

If I were to ask a question I would ask: Queen Jane, what was your biggest fear as Henry's wife?

The Star - How ironic is that? The Star shows up, symbolizing to me that she has literally heard my questions. :) She feared not fulfilling Henry's wish of having a son. 

The Lovers - This card tells me that she also feared losing Henry's love. She witnessed his first two marriages and feared that it too could happen to her.

5 of Swords - This card tells me that she was afraid to disappoint Henry. I think also she feared her families ambitions, and the gossip of those around her who disapproved of her being Queen. Ultimately she didn't want to fall from grace. I can only imagine her relief to have given birth to a son!

I am adding this letter that was found from Jane to Henry informing him of the birth of their son Edward.

“Trusty and welbiloved we grete you well. And forasmuche as by the inestimable goodnes and grace of Almighty god we be delivred and brought in child Bed of a Prince conceyved in moost Lawfull Matrimonie betwebe my lord the Kinges Majestye and us.”

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Henry's fourth wife was Anne of Cleves. He sent his artist to paint a picture of her so that he could decide whether or not he wanted to marry her, and it has been said that the portrait was not painted to her true image. So when Henry showed up to surprise his soon to be wife, he was in for a shock. Personally, I believe that she was one of the most beautiful of all of them, and that he was just disappointed because she did not recognize him upon his arrival and even seemed appalled by him. It was a shot to his ego.

I chose the Ace of Pentacles to represent Anne because she was smart enough to let Henry annul their marriage, and view it as a fresh new start. Henry was grateful for her cooperation and granted her a generous income and several homes, including Hever Castle. Anne enjoyed an independent lifestyle denied most women, often visiting Henry's court as an honored guest. She improved her status without becoming an emotional heap of a woman. For this she has earned my greatest respect. 

If I were to ask her a question it would be: Queen Anne, what did you truly think of Henry?

Knight of Cups - This card to me represents that she seen Henry as a bit of a dreamer, and a man who was in love with the idea of love. It also speaks of mood swings, and someone who swims against the tide. He was charming and offered an environment of merriment. She liked this about him.

9 of Pentacles - She was thankful for all the generosity that Henry showed to her, but never forgot that he could take it away as quickly as he gave it to her. 

The Sun - All in all, she viewed Henry as a good friend. She had much gratitude toward him and cared for him in deepest sincerity. 

A letter from Anne of Cleves to Henry in response to his wish to annul their marriage. You can hear in the letter her careful choice of words and intellect. 

Pleaseth your most excellent majesty to understand that, whereas, at sundry times heretofore, I have been informed and perceived by certain lords and others your grace's council, of the doubts and questions which have been moved and found in our marriage; and how hath petition thereupon been made to your highness by your nobles and commons, that the same might be examined and determined by the holy clergy of this realm; to testify to your highness by my writing, that which I have before promised by my word and will, that is to say, that the matter should be examined and determined by the said clergy; it may please your majesty to know that, though this case must needs be most hard and sorrowful unto me, for the great love which I bear to your most noble person, yet, having more regard to God and his truth than to any worldly affection, as it beseemed me, at the beginning, to submit me to such examination and determination of the said clergy, whom I have and do accept for judges competent in that behalf. So now being ascertained how the same clergy hath therein given their judgment and sentence, I acknowledge myself hereby to accept and approve the same, wholly and entirely putting myself, for my state and condition, to your highness' goodness and pleasure; most humbly beseeching your majesty that, though it be determined that the pretended matrimony between us is void and of none effect, whereby I neither can nor will repute myself for your grace's wife, considering this sentence (whereunto I stand) and your majesty's clean and pure living with me, yet it will please you to take me for one of your humble servants, and so determine of me, as I may sometimes have the fruition of your most noble presence; which as I shall esteem for a great benefit, so, my lords and others of your majesty's council, now being with me, have put me in comfort thereof; and that your highness will take me for your sister; for the which I most humbly thank you accordingly.

Thus, most gracious prince, I beseech our Lord God to send your majesty long life and good health, to God's glory, your own honor, and the wealth of this noble realm.

From Richmond, the 11th day of July, the 32nd year of your majesty's most noble reign.
Your majesty's most humble sister and servant, Anne the daughter of Cleves.

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Catherine Howard was Henry's fifth wife. I really struggled with choosing a card for her. My first thought was 'The Fool,' but then recanted thinking that might be a little harsh. I have been reading a lot about her and am trying to see her in a different light than the normal stereotypical way. I have to remember that she lived in a different time than I do, and things were different back then, but not so different that I can't imagine a young girl being sexually exploited.

Raised in the permissive household of her grandmother, she was a flirtatious and emotional girl who rarely understood the consequences of her actions. She made the mistake of continuing her girlish indiscretions as Queen, and just seventeen months after marrying the King, she was arrested for adultery. 

I have chosen for her The Hanged Man because I truly believe that she had little say over her life. I am beginning to believe that she was abused by those who were suppose to have her best interest at heart. Her sexual explorations were more than likely not voluntary, especially because of the way her alleged childhood love Francis Dereham acted once he arrived at the court. His personality was dominating and aggressive. I feel that any sexual encounters with him were probably forced on her or done in manipulation. I also believe this of her sexual encounter before Dereham. Mannox was her music teacher, much older than her and in a position to control her. She was only about twelve years old.

Another reason I have chosen The Hanged Man is because she was in-between the life she had growing up and the one that the King raised her up into. She enjoyed lavish clothing and gifts from the King, but still sought after the love & proper affections that she never had growing up. It was quite natural to be attracted to younger men, being that the age difference between her and Henry was pretty significant. Who knows if he were even able to perform sexually by then?! Catherine never became pregnant, so it is a possibility.

In her end, she admitted to her guilt of having sexual relations before her marriage to the King and surrendered to her fate. A sad thing to be executed for actions before her relationship with the King, especially since she had been so young and easily manipulated by those much older than her. 

If I were to ask Catherine a question it would be : How did you truly feel about Henry?

5 of Wands - This card to me stands for unrequited passion between them. Perhaps Henry wasn't able to perform in the bedroom; at least this is what I am getting from this card. She had unsatisfied desires. He was much older than she was by this time, and it was very possible.

The Chariot - This card to me represents that Catherine thought Henry was a bit hasty in his decision to have her executed. He had a very perplexed personality and she feels that he easily let others persuade him. His moods were too shifty.

6 of Wands - With this card Catherine's spirit says that Henry stood out in a crowd, and he himself was bigger than life. He was an ambitious man, and commanded the respect of others. He had great pride and wanted to be remembered as a great leader. He had little room for silliness. 

With that said, here is part of a confession from Catherine concerning Francis Dereham. Although we do not know his age at the time, we do know that he was older than Catherine, and it is plain from her words that she was not his only 'wife.' (toy)

“Examined whether I called him Husband, and he me Wife.— I do Answer, that there was Communication in the House that we
Two should Marry together ; and some of his Enemies had Envy thereat, wherefore he desired me to give him Leave to call me Wife, and that I would call him Husband. And I said I was content. And so after that, commonly he called me VVife, and many times I called him Husband. And he used many Times to Kiss me, and so he did to many other commonly in the House…

As for Carnall Knowledge, I confess as I did before, that diverse Times he hath lyen with me, sometimes in his Doublet and Hose, and Two or Thre Times naked : But not so naked that he had nothing upon him, for he had al wayes at the least his Doublet, and as I do think, his Hose also, but I mean naked when his Hose were putt down. And diverse Times he would bring Wine, Strawberryes, Apples, and other Things to make good Chear, after my lady was gone to Bed.”

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Henry's sixth and final wife was Katherine Parr. The card that I have chosen to represent Katherine is Strength. 

She was already twice widowed, and childless by the time she married Henry. She was an admirable wife to Henry and a loving stepmother to his two youngest children; Elizabeth and Edward.

She had great compassion and understanding as Henry's Queen, and he even appointed her his Regent during his military campaign in Boulogne. 

She was also very courageous and used her intellect to talk her way out of turbulent religious scrutiny. Her greatest achievements in life were devotional writings that were bestsellers in the 16th century. She also outlived the King, and married another for love.

If I were to ask Katherine a question it would be: When Thomas Seymour (your last husband) began to act inappropriately with princess Elizabeth, how did this make you feel toward him? What is your view of what was really going on between them?

7 of Wands - This card tells me that Thomas was testing his limits with Elizabeth as well as Katherine herself. He was acting precariously and putting all of them in danger.

Judgment - This card suggests that Katherine put her foot down and made him accountable for his actions. This caused great conflict between them, and she found it hard to forgive him.

4 of Wands - She tried her best to give Elizabeth stability and a chance at a happy home life. Unfortunately Thomas was all about personal gratification. 

Hierophant - This card tells me that Katherine stepped in at just the right moment and was able to save Elizabeth's virtue. Elizabeth was sent away to one of her own estates. This was the only way that Katherine knew how to protect her. 

Before sending Elizabeth away, she summoned her and as tradition has it she told Elizabeth, "God has given you great qualities. Cultivate them always, and labour to improve them, for I believe you are destined by Heaven to be Queen of England."

I feel very strongly that Katherine loved Henry's children as her own, and she helped pave the way to Elizabeth's greatness. I'd stand against anyone who claimed different. ;)

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King Henry VIII is my Tower card. I picked The Tower to represent him for many reasons.

The first reason being because at age 18 he was crowned the King and he was physically magnificent with more enthusiasm and energy than most of his contemporaries. 

He enjoyed dancing and entertainment. He held countless banquets and tournaments. He enjoyed all physical activities and excelled at most of them. Hunting, archery, tennis, jousting - the king made his court into an endless round of competition and celebration. A true Renaissance King.

He turned his world upside down to divorce his first wife and marry his second. It was unlike any King before him. His personal and political decisions were always grandiose, melodramatic, and played for great effect. What better card to represent him?

Not to mention, all those that came close to him were exposed to sudden upheaval and life changing events. His moods shifted like the wind and his temper exploded like a volcano at different times.

If I were to ask Henry a question, I would have to ask how he felt about each of his wives. So I will draw six cards, one for each of them while asking him this very question. :)

Queen Katherine of Aragon
Wheel of Fortune - I feel that this card is coming up to show that Henry sees Katherine as a special gain but an unusual loss. I think he regrets what happened between them, and is feeling lucky that she stood by him for better and for worse. His spirit can now appreciate her for that.

Queen Anne Boleyn
The Empress - I feel that this card is coming up to show that Henry sees Anne as very resourceful, level headed and charismatic woman. He thought she was beautiful and captivating but a bit more than he could handle. She was the mountain that he needed to conquer and his spirit feels like he accomplished what he set out to do.

Queen Jane Seymour
Queen of Cups - If you look at the woman in this card, her eyes are very captivating. I think that Henry's spirit is telling me that he loved her eyes, and felt that he could see her soul through them. She was his beloved, his friend and the woman who gave him a son. He sees her as a devoted wife who had the same visions and dreams that he did. He liked best that she was emotionally stable compare to the first two wives.

Queen Anne of Cleves
2 of Wands - I see this card as Henry telling me that he thinks Anne was a mature woman who was in harmony with the Universe. She was content with what he offered to her, and was a cooperative partner. He also felt that she did a fine job of holding her own and was geared and ready for whatever life sent her way. A real team player.

Queen Catherine Howard

Queen of Pentacles - This card tells me that Henry thinks Catherine was easily distracted by the promise of material gain. He felt she was dimwitted and could have made a better life for herself if she had not had her head in the clouds. His spirit tells me that she was beautiful but blind. (I can feel his resentment)

Queen Katherine Parr
9 of Pentacles - This card tells me that Henry thinks that Katherine was very balanced and made the best of her complex life. Her personal life and her spiritual life were well-developed. He thinks that they worked well together in creating harmony in the realm. His spirit tells me that she was refined and graceful and offered him loyalty and much comfort at the end of his days. 

I think that all the cards that came up for these questions were remarkably accurate with how I would have thought the answers to be. This was very time consuming, but a lot of fun. I hope you have enjoyed my blog. Stop by and visit again soon. Become a follower if it so moves you. Blessed Samhain! 

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