April 17 Reading

I'm off my "A" game.

We all go through periods of plateauing, of feeling funky and out-of-sorts. Mercury Retrograde plus Mars Retrograde doesn't help. Now that the planets are back in line, I want to get going too.

My question was "What energy is around me today?" From the Spiral Tarot I drew two cards.

The Hanged Man.

The Hanged Man can mean several things. Just by itself, it's a card of surrender, no forward progress. Yes, I feel stalled. Is the message to surrender to that feeling? Maybe. But, there's a rainbow behind this guy, so I know that some of the small steps I've taken to are working in the background.

On to card #2

The Hierophant Reversed.

I didn't reverse the card so you could see what we're looking at a little easier. For me, reversed cards can mean energy blocks, something just not working well. The Hierophant is the teacher of higher knowledge, the ethical arbiter. The card before him, The Emperor, is the ruler of law. This is the next step.

So, he's reversed but he still has a rainbow, this time, running from both his hands. So, even though there's a block here, I feel constrained by rules or maybe tribal consciousness, I have the means at hand, to change that.

Taking the two cards together, even though I'm in a period of stagnation, there are forces at work, that change this. The 'holding' period will end.

Edgar Cayce eGroups

I had the opportunity to take one of the A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment) eGroups this past month and I highly recommend them. Last spring I took "Inspirational Writing" and got a lot out of it. This time, I took "Increasing your Psychic Awareness."

Henry Reed Ph.d taught the course and I learned alot about 'how' intuition is received. There were a lot of computer generated exercises, some reading and video on further studies that analyzed the brain's ability to process material, and person to person reading exercises.

The computer games gave me performance anxiety, even though we weren't supposed to score ourselves.

That's like my yoga class, where we're told not to compare ourselves to the person next to me. Right!

But, I surprised myself by doing really well with the person to person exercises. Actually, we all did - so I would say this course was very successful.

The ARE website is http://www.edgarcayce.org/ and there's a wealth of information there. Also - if you're on Facebook, look for their page, and also their Dream Interpretation page, and their Book Club page.

Quality material, knowledgeable people. I highly recommend.

What my last reading showed me (Reality Check)

So, I drew the 6 of wands, King of Cups and Page of Swords the other day. This is how the day's energy played out.

Directions given were ignored by the person responsible for carryiing out a task. This pushed emotional buttons with me over boundaries and since, it's happened many times, I recognized a pattern that needed to be addressed. Feeling really angry (again) I asked someone to go the through the material with me to see what could or should, be salvaged. My sword dilemna was worrying whether I should reprimand someone and ask it to be redone, incurring more charges on the project, or let it go, suffer in silence and let that boundary stretch and have the process repeat.

The king of Cups was telling me that perhaps, I had held on to emotions too tightly for too long. That by coddling someone elses' sensibilties, I was not honoring myself or the King. I tried to keep my 'eye on the prize' in the 6 and weighed the options for success.

I felt very pressured by this person to respond and to accept the material as submitted. By 2 in the morning, still awake and fuming, I accepted that my anger had a lesson.

There was another flip email asking me to justify my requests. This was clearly a situation out of control. I composed an email, had my supervisor review it for clarity and CYA, and sent it. Several passive aggressive and lenthy emails shot into my in box. I replied directly and shortly on what I wanted. After the second round, the situation appears to be resolved. For now. I thank the universe for the lessons and guidance, and realize that boundary issues, like other lessons, resurface.

So, tonight I'm hooking up with Marie to talk some more tarot and practice some spreads. More information to come.

Tarot Today

Since my last post, I've been revisiting my Tarot decks and reading some new material. I'll post some book reviews later.
The smartest thing I've done in the Tarot department is hook up with my friend Marie, AKA Tarot Buddy. We bounce readings off each other, and sometimes another person's interpretation adds a bit of illumination to a spread. Generally, we do this by email, writing the question, posting the cards, and giving our swing on the reading. Sometimes we come to the same conclusion, sometimes not. We don't use the same decks, so what we see in our cards is unique to each of us, but we will pick up themes.

The added benefit is when we get together to do readings. Mostly this has been about work or family situations (Yay! Holidays!) but we end the sessions with a joint reading an issue in the news. We've done Casey Anthony, the weird weather, etc. The last time we did this, our cards were in sync and our narratives flowed easily. So, yes, practice helps and so does working with someone.

Ok, so my goal today was to draw a card for these two questions: I used the Spiral Tarot and asked: What is the energy today at work? What energy will I bring to the day? I shuffled and intended to draw two cards. Instead I pulled three:

Six of Wands, King of Water and Knight of Swords. My interpretation: There is opportunity for success, but keep your eye on the prize. Manage your emotions and maintain an even keel. Remember, holding on too tightly is as damaging as ranting and raving. Rein in your thoughts, they are like words and can wound you.

So far, I've gotten good news, dealt with an emotional issue with detachment, and am working on solving a crisis. Looks like the cards gave me a wise heads-up.

Solstice

From the Wisdom of the Hidden Realms deck


This seems like a mixed message but after reflection, it is not. The Desert Prince (R) says to be aware of illusions and false promises, of things too good to be true. He also says that every desert you cross, eventually ends. The Swan Queen advises you to go within, the answers you seek, lie within.

Today, take time to go within. Be still and in this time of winter, when the sun starts to return across the horizon, reflect on the beauty of stillness and the quiet of peace. Take stock of the situations that present themselves. If you feel 'good' about them, accept them. If you feel uncomfortable, turn the opportunity down. So much information comes in at us, people want answers immediately. Don't be pressured into decisions you're not comfortable with; wait, reflect, then decide and act.

You have what you need within yourself. Rely on yourself and your Higher Power(s) whatever you conceive them to be.

Solstice is an ideal time to ask for a vision.
May all your visions be blessed.

December reading - finally

This month, you may find yourself being pushed by timelines and obligations, and as a result, you may be pushing others in order to meet your deadlines and expectations. It's ok to be flexible, as in 'being rigid will make you and others crazy.' But it's not ok to run yourself and others to exhaustion - tempers flair and nerves are frayed.

As always, you are receiving divine guidance, sometimes it's as faint as a breath of air, but always it is there to support you. Look up (relax and breath) and remember that all is in Divine order, even if you feel your holiday schedule is not. During this month of giving and feasting, remember to give to your soul and the souls of those around you. Exercise compassion. Perform random acts of kindness. These gifts are as precious to the reciever as those fancily wrapped gifts are, under your tree. This month, remember that Nature's gift is the gift of silence, and of returning light. Be the Light you truly are.

Blessings always,
Karen

Your Reading for December

I promise I will pull cards for this month and post them but for right now, let me share this wisdom from my guides:

1. Get off your Tukas. The guides want to remind you not to lolly gag at the beginning of the month. Yes, you think you're doing something by running around and shopping. But are you really like the deer staring at headlights? "Oh no, Christmas (Yule, Chanukah) is looming!" Get organized and take steps everyday to accomplish the crap you are so worried about. Then let it go. The second message here, is to move as in, take those yoga classes, walk outdoors (NO! MALL SHOPPING DOES NOT COUNT!). Get away from others and move your body so it can actually function, and relax.

2. Spend time in nature. See card 1. The mall, parties, and traffic take away from your energy base. I know, it's raining like crazy in Ohio, but maybe snowing where you're at. No matter. Find some time to get outside even it it's on your porch or stoop. Nature is really beautiful this time of year - it's quiet and it's the time for us to go 'within' as well. Breath the cold air, so what if it's wet? Ten or twenty minutes outside will change your attitude and recharge your energy. If you can get outside and walk in a park, even better. Leave the headphones at home, and let nature's peace enter your being.

3. What are you doing this for? At the end of the month, take time to remember why you were so frantic. Whether you're celebrating Yule, Christmas or Chanukah, it's the returning light - in the form of the Sun, the Christ Child, or the lit menorah from the oil that lasted eight days - that reminds us that we too, are lights in the world.

This is the darkest time of the year. Days are short and we celebrate to relieve the darkness and remind ourselves that the light always returns. Take that in whatever spiritual context suits you. This is not the end, but the beginning. Find ways to lighten up - yourself, your schedule, your heart. This time of preparation should be a way to open doors to deeper awareness of the miracles of simply living another day, taking another breath, and loving those around us.

So - let's kick this off properly and with joy.

Thanksgiving

Best. Holiday. Ever.

Seriously, who doesn't love a day devoted to feasting and football? Or another leisure activity. It was sunny for part of the day and our feast turned out great. Mr. Rhett got giddy and counter surfed, but who can blame a coonhound for going after roast turkey? Or third dinner?

This is a day to realize how blessed I am - to thank the Universe for all the abundance, the good health, the love of my family and for an even more abundant future.

Blessings to all.

Indian Summer!

It's Indian Summer in Ohio and PA. This picture is the Allegheny River, near our home in PA. So near, that I can walk down there. (And if I don't set the parking brake, my car will end up there since it's at the end of our street.)

Anyway, you can see how gorgeous this area is, and for me, this is a magical place. The river current, the trees, the Allegheny Mountains, all create a space that feels otherworldy - to me, anything can be created here. I very much feel the energy of the land.

Where is your magical place? Is it you garden (yes, my garden is magical too) Is it a place in the park or woods? Where ever it is, you feel the sacredness when you visit. And, if you're working on visualizing, you can 'go' there any time you want, in any season.

Friday November 4

It's a gorgeous fall day in Ohio and we're headed to Oil City for the Weekend. If you haven't been on the website lately, check my "Weekends in Oil City" Blog to see what we're doing over there. It's a magical place as well.

I am 2 days behind in my Nano writing and 'blah' about my plot. So, I down loaded "Write or Die" that puts the 'prod' in productivity and we'll see how that goes.

In the meantime, spend some time in nature. All of winter is an internal time for me - to germinate what I want to manifest in the spring and summer. But there's something particularly profound about these days between Samhain and Yule. Get in touch with the self that jumped in leaves and anticipated hot chocolate. Get in touch with the Fae and Nature Spirits, or your ancesters. The veil is still thin from Samhain and if you missed an opportunity to pray for or commune with them, it's not too late. It's never too late, but take some time now before the hectic times begin.

Samhain

The veil is thin, this time of year. Take advantage to connect with your ancesters, your guides and nature. For those of us turning the Wheel of the Year, may your workings be blessed.

Why is your title so weird?

When I was fourteen, my family went to South Carolina to visit my dad's sister, Joanne. Aunt Joanne was a legendary cook, and Uncle Coyou brought home the bacon. Literally. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. So, it's the middle of July and we're standing in her kitchen, where she's preparing ham, turkey, hush puppies and lord knows what all.
And she turns to me and says "Honey, you know, you can't shake and bake squirrel."
And my world stood still.
What did that mean, I wondered. This was the early 70's, when prepared food mixes were at their zenith. Aunt Joanne was passing along a culinary tip. But for me, uninterested in cooking, the phrase took on mystic proportions. For the last 40 years, it's stuck with me, through thick and thin and I've used it more times than I can count. It's like my personal kone. One day it means one thing, the next, it means something different. But, it's a gift I'll always have, thank you Aunt Joanne - you're my inspiration.

National Novel Writing Month

Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) is November. Are you in? Write a 50k novel in 30 days and meet some fantastic people, plus donations support their Young Writers Literacy program, a free writing program for classrooms. This is my fifth year - Join me.

Energy surges

If you've felt squirrely the last couple weeks, you're not alone. Some of the information I read say that the earth's energy is shifting, that higher vibrations are being felt across the planet.

We've seen more intense weather patterns this year, and to say the American political scene is polarizing, is an understatement.

So, if you're restless, cranky, unable to sleep, it could be you, and it could be you're feeling this shift. If you know how to ground energy, do it. Yoga is an excellent practice for grounding. If you're new to grounding, visualize the energy you feel (for me, this is usually like a caffeine buzz) flowing out your feet, and into the earth. Thank the earth for recycling. Visualize calming and peaceful energy replacing the buzzing. You can dance, sing, move, walk - especially outside in nature - to shift that energy.

Take a minute to sit with yourself. Has the energy moved or do you feel the same? Check in with yourself. Repeat any practice that helps you feel more like 'you' and less like a live wire.

Just a note - there are places where energy accumulates or is higher. Vortexes and ley lines are high energy places, so if you live around an area like that, you're going to notice and feel the surges even more. I noticed this in PA - we're in the Allegheny foothills withing walking distance of the junction of the Oil Creek and Allegheny. All emotions are intensified.

Weekend in Oil City, PA

So, we closed on the Oil City house two weeks after after seeing it, and shlepped an air mattress, dishes, a table and two dining chairs over. Camping for adults!

All is wonderful in the house, and given the location (think ski slope) we're not surprised that the floors are slanty. John laughed about getting his "sea legs," well, he's the captain of the Oil City ship, it just lists to starboard.

The energy in the area feels very ancient, and powerful to me. It might be the mountains, or the Allegheny river, but you can feel the depth of energy as you approach the area.

Even though it felt 'clear' in the house, I smudged and invited AA Michael and Co. to clear and protect the space. I might have been additionally motivated by the meth lab bust up the hill a bit or the many signs advertising the Northside Anti-Drug Rally. In all things, better safe than sorry.

So, last weekend we realized we needed a couple comfortable chairs. We heard about the Oil City Antiques Warehouse and headed over the river and through the woods (and under the bridge and back, back, back) to find it. We were initially leary, the rain and gloom didn't help the ambiance. But OMG! when we got inside it was like a combination of "Pawn Stars" and "Pickers.," (History Chanel shows I love). Mesmerizing! Luckily, we met Pat, who took us directly to the chair section, on the second floor. We scored two excellent chairs, that matched the size and color (Win!) of the living room and fit in our Honda Element.

Getting the one in the narrow front door was a bit of a struggle, but finally it was in.

Part two of the weekend involved a visit to the Oil City Library, a Carnegie Library that is lovely and imposing at the same time.

We browsed the stacks and I saw a large glossy book about ghosts and hauntings.

I swear I never watch ghost hunting shows, or read scary stories (vampires and ghouls no longer qualify as 'scary', thank you to everyone who took creatures of the night and made them the equivelent of soap opera stars.) But I flipped through the book and don't you know, started reading a story about haunted second-hand furniture. Blech! I didn't finish the tale but eyed the chairs with deep suspiscion when we got home.

Rhett Butler was snoozing behind the stuffed chair, so I assume between him and AA Michael, they were safe. Lesson learned.

Just a note about Oil City Antique Warehouse: This is a wonderful destination, and if you're anywhere near, please visit. It's on Pump House Road. They have amazing finds and helpful staff.

Why you should manifest

Because it works.

Whether or not you're conscious of it, your thoughts create your reality every day. Step back a minute and think about it.

How do you feel when you're in a good mood? Expansive, right? Things look better, 'bumps'in the day are manageable and you feel lighter. In fact, the longer you maintain that 'good mood outlook' the better things become.

Now remember what if feels like when you're down. Completely the opposite. "Bump" are worse, attitudes are worse, you feel like one (bad) thing leads to another.

The common denominator in both situations is our thoughts. We're thinking higher vibrational thoughts when we feel happy or content. Keeping yourself in this mind-set requires practice and focus, but it's worth the effort. When you let your mind run in a million directions, half of them negative, you're drawing random and negative energy and situations to yourself.

Control your thoughts, experience better situations.

"This all sounds well and good," you say. "All fluffy and light. What about real situations?"

Ok, here's my latest manifesting.

In July, we visited a community we really liked, 2 hours from home. We both decided we'd like to visit more often, and came to the conclusion a small cottage/vacation house would fit the bill. While John looked at real estate listings in our 'handy-man special' price range, I wrote out a list of desireable attributes for the property.

Those attributes included (but not limited to ) appliances, safe neighborhood, enclosed yard, nicely finished, garage, and in our price range. At the end, I wrote "This or something better." John laughed and said yeah, that would be great.

We looked at a couple homes that probably needed a lot more TLC than we could afford to give them. A LOT MORE. Frankly we had a couple convos about whether this was a reasonable idea. I knew that if it was meant to be, it would happen easily and in the time it was meant to be. So, we enjoyed the time we spent going over and back and talked about the fun stuff we could do over in the community, and how great it would be, to be a part of the place. And - to not have to board Rhett.

So the second week into this venture, we saw The House. It was recently listed, included all the attributes we listed (plus more!) and the realtor could show it that weekend. The result? The house was vacant, the owner was motivated and we close on it next week. In the spirit of full-disclosure, this house is in the community next to the one we originally liked, but we like this community even better, and have access to both with an easy drive.

If I can do it, you can do it. All this took was belief, joy and trust.  And you have to open to the possibilities. Spirit will give you exactly what you ask for, or better. So ask for the best.

Lammas - What are you harvesting?

Ah, Lammas, the first of three harvest festivals for those of us following the wheel of the year. I love this time of year, my tomatoes are coming in, and my garden is lush.

So, what are you harvesting this time of year? I am seeing the benefits of some groundwork I laid awhile ago. Actually, it was unconsciouly done, but Spirit has a way of bringing it all together.

One of my goals was to be more articulate, personally and professionally - and you're reading one of my creations right now. I'm also passionate about social justice and taking responsibility.

Today, I made a second call to my city hall, and spoke with the city manager about a sidewalk that's been broken into pieces and tossed in it's hole, for two years. This week, the homeowner dumped woodchips in it. This street is the main route to the middle and high schools, and along the parade route of our little autumn parade. More importantly, we have zoning laws that are supposed to prevent this danger.

Also on the menu was the uncut weeds - thigh high - surrounding the Charter One Bank in the downtown. Now, I listened to the usual council won't enforce/we have no money blah blah, but I did get my point across regarding the sidewalk. Also commented that I may be showing up at city council, since city manager says they are the culprits who won't enforce our zoning.

Am I buying this? Not so much, because I'm a veteran of local government and especially zoning. But by expressing concern in a polite and professional way, I got his ear, and a possible invitation to sit on the downtown development committee. I've always said, put the complainers on the committee. Good for me.

And Charter One - yes, he said he'd get that baby trimmed up. ("They are not being good partners," said Karen.)

So you know I'm a passionate reader and closet novelist. One set of neighbors - both elementary school teachers with Master Degrees, tossed two cardboard boxes of like-new kids books, in the trash. They're moving - thank you Higher Power - and it's bad enought they don't recycle, but tossing books? You're teachers for heavens' sake. And, they just finished nattering to my husband about how much money teachers have to spend on their classroom.

I made a kamikaze raid on their trash and will deliver the books to my library this week.

So, why is this my harvest? Because I finally feel the courage to speak my mind, and have the 'knowing' that I can do this (act) in a responsible manner. It's standing in my power, from the heart and acting with Spirit.

Talking Tarot

The Magic Toshiba Laptop has a webcam and I've put up a video on my website http://www.spiritcelebrates.com/ and YouTube. It's very elementary but I will build on that with additional videos.

Always remember, If I can do it, you can do it. As soon as you start the wheels turning, you'll be presented with opportunities. For example, Ye Olde Dell laptop was on life support and what was holding me back? Fear of setting up new laptop. And honestly, they all look alike to me.

So, shout out to my friend Oz who did the research for me, and gave me reasonable affordable options, and even offered to set up this bad boy. But, I surprised myself and got it set up, hooked up and operational with interent etc. Honestly, technology has come a looooong way since we bought that first one. Still - proud of myself to meeting the challenge.

My point is, when you really want to do something, the Universe conspires in your favor. It's like that old spiritual adage, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. This is true! Always be open to your teachers - and your students, yes! you are a teacher too! and take the opportunities that come your way.

Peak Experiences

You mostly hear about peak experiences on sports or adventure shows, where athletes or adventurers are telling us about the adrenaline rush they get from an extraordinary play or achievement.

No doubt climbing Mt. McKinley, or hitting the run that wins the World Series qualify as peak experiences. You don’t have to see the shine in their eyes to know they’re feeling that rush, even as a memory. We feel it for them, too.

But what about a spiritual peak experience?

They don’t make the news, and unless you have friends that share your spiritual enthusiasm, or you subscribe to a magazine such as “Spirituality and Health” you probably won’t hear (or have the opportunity to discuss) a peak spiritual experience.

Spiritual paths are marathons. And when you’re traveling, you have to accept there are climbs, descents and plateaus. But every once in a while, there’s a moment – of ecstasy or peace or manifestation – that takes our breath away.

That’s our peak experience.

It hurts to let that experience fade because chances are, I'm not going to have them on a daily basis. Like a junkie, I want the next fix now.  That’s when I find myself pushing for the spiritual ‘high,’ the next step, the next insight. Inevitably, this death-grip approach throttles any further spiritual progress.

This is when – for me- “Let go and let God,” has meaning.

My take away from these very personal experiences, and lessons, is to have patience, to release expectation, and to be open to receiving. Living in the ‘now’ moment, instead of holding the past, or anticipating the future.

Jack Kornfield’s book “After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path” has always intrigued me. I love the title, and since it’s still on my reading list, I can’t give you a review. But it’s title alone has become a mantra for me.

Yoga Junkie

I revived my yoga practice this month.

Maybe 'revitalized' is a better word, because I've been attending a 45 minute fitness yoga class at our Y for four years. But the class was repetitive, and geared toward fitness. There was no breathing or meditation and I thought I could make up for that loss at home. After all, I'd taken yoga for nearly 15 years, on and off, at several studios.

Actually, two things propelled me to take my practice back to a studio, and into a more sacred realm. One was a series of dreams, where a turbaned man was instructing a yoga class. The other was hyper-extending my knee during a fast session of Upward Dog, Downward Dog.

And there is nothing like pain to prompt change.

Around the same time, I began attending the UU Church near us (see my post about Put up or Shut up) and someone mentioned a holistic health store and restaurant in another little town. In a flash, I remembered I had been to this store, and I thought they offered yoga. Sure enough they did, and at a variety of times and levels.

After four classes, the improvement in my self-esteem, tranquility and flexibility is remarkable. Icing on the cake is a deep respect for the teacher, and the sacred space she creates, and allows us to co-create with her.

I am infinitely grateful.

So the take away here is: listen to your dreams and guidance.

On a side note, I spend much of June and early July putting up a website. It's called Spirit Celebrates and it's at www.spiritcelebrates.com. I performed my first wedding for the daughter of my dear friend and one of my soul sisters, and there's a picture from the ceremony.