I have opened an account on Instagram. I’ve not used this platform before (I know, I’m behind the times lol). So be patient with me! It will be a fun way for me to share some of the goings on around here with ya’ll! You can check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/texastarotlady/
New moons are about new beginnings. The energies align for us to take action on our intentions. An interesting aspect of this moon is that it squares the planet Uranus which is known as “the great awakener”. This planet brings the energies of innovation, change and unpredictability to the Aquarius aspect of the new moon. In other words, expect the unexpected!
The combination of the Aquarian and Uranus energies are here to shake us up! If we have become complacent, or have lost our edge, this combination pops us back up on our feet to get us going again! Synchronistic opportunities may appear during this time as well. Be ready!
Aquarian energy is about friendships, community, working with others, hope, new ideas and breaking up the status quo. The Star card embodies these aspects as well as spiritual studies and personal growth. This moon cycle may be a good time to sign up for that class you have wanted to take! The energies here are also conducive to reaching out to others that share the same interests as you. To cultivate friendships, while accentuating your own individuality and independence. To be an individual contributing your unique talents to a collective group. With Uranus in the mix, prepare for some new, innovative ideas that will be brought to life through your actions!
Pay attention to your intuition during this time and be open. As I mentioned above, Uranus brings in an element of the unexpected. You may begin something with a set plan, only to have it take some surprising twists and turns! If you are paying attention, you will be able to discern how to make these “plot twists” work out to your benefit.
Another message with this moon is that of freedom / liberation. Look at image on The Star card. She is nude – completely authentic. This is who she is. The Star card appears after The Tower in the tarot. The Tower has collapsed and now The Star card appears to tell us there is hope, now that we are liberated from The Tower’s confining, limiting walls. I have done a previous post on The Tower card, where I go into more details regarding the archetypal symbolism of it’s image.
So here is where I see The Five of Swords coming into play here. In most instances, this card is considered a negative image. One of winning at all costs, the “I’m always right” card. But in this instance, I see it in another light. One of us standing our ground and overcoming challenges. And when we do this, we grow. We come to understand that we are stronger than we think we are. This image also indicates that we will no longer allow others to place limits on who WE want to be. When one looks at the image in this context, the smug character we were looking at previously, transforms into a confident character who is standing up for himself. The number five, which is symbolic of shaking up the stability/status quo of the number four, has unexpectedly taken a stand and revels in his moment of triumph. The other two characters, defeated, have walked away. They no longer have power over the main character.
When we know who we are and what we want to accomplish, we understand that sometimes we may need to stand alone just like the Five of Swords. We may need to set those personal boundaries with other people who may not understand us. To stand in our power and challenge those who want us to conform to what they think is “normal”.
Uranus, aka “the great awakener” is surely making it’s presence known, not only in our personal lives, but in society as well. Look at all the secrets that are coming out. Shaking us up collectively. So that we can see all the lies and deception that we have been blind too. 2020 is starting off with a blast of energy that’s for sure! We are awakening on a global scale!
“That is the real spiritual awakening, when something emerges from within you that is deeper than who you thought you were. So, the person is still there, but one could almost say that something more powerful shines through the person.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
January 10, 2020 we have the first full moon of 2020 with an eclipse to boot! This moon is known as the “wolf moon”. This eclipse full moon’s supercharged energy is asking us to acknowledge our power. Channel the strength of the wolf. Allow your intuition (instincts) to guide you. Keep your eyes and ears open. If something doesn’t “feel” right there is a good reason! It may be helpful to research wolf symbolism so you can work closely with this energy this month.
The moon is in the astrological sign of cancer, which to me symbolizes emotions, home, relationships, protection. The crab has a tough outer shell and pincers to protect it’s soft insides. An indication of an energy that is tough on the outside, but sensitive on the inside.
There are other planetary influences affecting us at this time as well, namely Saturn and Pluto. These are both “harsher” planetary energies. They are on the scene to assist us in tearing down our old ways of emotional and physical being to assist us in stepping into our full power as accentuated by the wolf moon. Or for some, to reclaim power that we may have given to others or allowed them to take.
The “official” new year does not start until March, which is the time of the spring equinox. So, I feel this moon, which coincides with our calendar new year, is a reminder of time. We have a couple of months to clean up our act so that we may fully partake in the “new growth” spring energy in March which is the seasonal “new year”. The harsher energies of Saturn and Pluto are assisting the cancer moon here. Helping us keep our emotions in check so we can “toughen ourselves up” to make those difficult decisions. Saturn in particular, provides structure and discipline to enable us to do this effectively. The card that symbolizes Saturn in the tarot is The Emperor. Reflecting on the image of this card is very helpful to envision the Saturn energy.
Just as a crab sheds it’s shell periodically, this is a time for us to reflect on who we are NOW. Our “shells” at this time are soft, as we have just come out of the holiday season. The holidays, with it’s hectic energy has a tendency to scatter us a bit. We “overdo” during this time of the year. As a result, our personal boundaries are not as strong, as many of us will say “yes” to social events we’d rather not attend, overspend on gifts, overindulge in food and drink, interact with people that we do not normally socialize with, etc. in the name of the season.
The holidays are interesting as we are confronted with many challenges during that time, that allow us to gauge our personal growth from the previous year. January, is the time to re-align ourselves after the holidays. To take the time to reflect to see where we have grown and where we still need some work. The moon in cancer with the eclipse intensifies our intentions for the upcoming months. It gives us strength in our vision to make the necessary changes in our lives.
The wolf has a powerful gaze. It is looking at us and asking. Will you join me in the hunt? Have you discarded that old confining shell of who you once were so that you have the freedom to run with the pack under the powerful energies of this full moon? The wolf also tells us not to cower in the face of adversity. Or to allow others to “steal” our light. Show your teeth to those who do not respect your personal boundaries. The moon in cancer also reminds us that the protective shell and pincers of the cancer crab are to be utilized as well. Not everyone you interact with deserves the benefit of your generosity. Some may need to feel the “pinch” of the crab should they overstep their boundaries with you.
I have sensed a kind of “scam” energy going on right now. I don’t know if it is just because people need money after the holidays, or if it’s the planetary influences we are currently experiencing (perhaps it’s a bit of both). It feels as if people are trying to get a piece of everyone else’s pie without offering an even exchange for it. People are pushing the limits of acceptable behavior and fairness this month.
The wolf and the crab reminds us, in these situations, to shore up those boundaries. Stand firm! I also received a quick image of a crab with it’s pincers up and backing away from a threat. The message here is to not trust others so easily at this time. Keep an eye on them and don’t turn your back. You may need to skillfully maneuver to graciously back away from a situation, that is not to your benefit.
This is not the time to obligate yourself to long term projects, nor to sign a contract without very carefully reading it and considering all your options. Of course, one should always do this, but it is especially important at this time. And if you really think about it, how many times have we purchased a large ticket item such as a car or home, and not closely read the paperwork we are signing?
This applies to verbal and “social contracts” as well. When in doubt, or if you are feeling pressured, say “no”. Or at least make an excuse to give yourself time to think about it. You do not want to tie yourself to old energies or patterns that have the potential to keep you “stuck”. Remember, this is winter. A time of rest, death, darkness, going within, a time of reflection. This time of the year is not conducive to obligate ourselves into situations that do not serve who we are NOW and who we are going to be in the upcoming year.
Both the wolf and the crab are fierce energies. But they are also sensitive as well. The wolf is dedicated to it’s family. They are protective and nurturing to those they love. The crab as I mentioned above, is soft and vulnerable on the inside, but has powerful claws that will inflict intense pain on those that mess with it. The message of this moon and eclipse is one of boundaries, strength, protection and reflection of the past 12 months and what it is that is truly important to you. Also, trust your instincts, and do not allow yourself to be convinced (i.e., coerced) into accepting a situation that is not in your best interest. Nor is it acceptable to compromise yourself or your personal values, and/or dim your own light to placate the ego of others.
You are not the same person that you were at this time last year! Use the energies of the wolf and the crab to reflect your strength and power. If necessary, show those teeth and raise those pincers! Those who have perhaps taken advantage of your kindness in the past, will quickly realize that you have changed. They will need to adjust how they interact with you. This may be awkward at first, and they will most likely challenge you. But stand firm. You may even lose some friends. But ask yourself, if all these people did was take from you or use your gifts for their own benefit, were they truly your “friends”? Perhaps losing those people will free up your time and give you the opportunity to find a new “pack”. People who will understand and respect you. If you are a solitary wolf for awhile, so be it. Better to be a lone wolf than a doormat.
“The soul that sees beauty must sometimes walk alone” ~ Goethe
This is a tarot spread formation I found on the internet which looked interesting. It is a “current frequency/energy” three card reading. The card positions are defined as follows:
If these images resonate with you, read on:
The first card is Strength (card position: my current frequency – the energy I’m emitting). This card is about inner strength. Personal strength, being strong without domineering. “In one’s quiet power” so to speak. Confidence without ego. As you can see in this card, the woman is taming the lion with her bare hands. This is through her quiet strength, confidence, positive connection and love. This can indicate a message to someone that they are stronger and more talented than what they think they are or that others see them in this light.
The second card is The High Priestess (card position: what I’m currently attracting with my energy): The High Priestess is sitting in front of the veil which divides the physical and hidden worlds. She embodies the “dark” feminine side of magick and spirituality. Psychic abilities, intuition, the mysteries of life, the occult. Let your intuition guide you as there is hidden knowledge behind the veil. There is more than what you see. I get the message from The High Priestess in this reading that she is encouraging you to keep going, keep learning, there’s more.
This is a mysterious card for this position. So what are you attracting? The High Priestess does not reveal her secrets so easily. But something is definitely in the works behind that veil. You may be experiencing synchronicities (such as being in the right place at the right time), or notice repeating numbers, and/or symbols in the form of animals, birds, nature, words, images, etc. More will be revealed to you when the time is right. I have a feeling that the person who resonates with reading already has a pretty good idea. Pay attention to the signs. Trust the messages you receive. You will know.
The third card is Death (card position: how can I attract more positivity and abundance). The Death card in this reading is a good sign, as it indicates transformation by way of letting go of the past. With Death, comes rebirth. In this position with the other two cards, the message I received here is you are acknowledging your inner strength. You have changed from the person you once were. Smart, confident and talented, you have always had this in you, but now you are actively incorporating these positive aspects of yourself into your conscious awareness. A new you has emerged. In the past, insecurities and doubt may have prevented you from shining your light. But now, this new you is inspired to take on new challenges and opportunities. This is what will attract the positivity and abundance that you seek.
The Eight of Cups at the bottom of the deck (the underlying message of the reading) confirms the above. In this card the eight cups are standing up, so things are okay where they are. But the character in the card is walking away. Something has changed. The status quo no longer fulfills his needs. He leaves the cups behind and is off to pursue a new adventure.
” And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin
So on December 12, 2019 at 12:12 am the full moon was in Gemini. This is a significant full moon! Look at the numbers! And to top it off, this moon was in it’s fullness at 12:12 am. Wow!
So as I pondered this occurrence, I thought of the Tarot and the 12th card in the major arcana. It is The Hanged Man.
The Hanged Man can translate to many meanings depending on the cards around it. But some key words that come to mind for me when I see this image is self-sacrifice, planning, taking a pause, spiritual development, personal revelation, reflection on one’s predicament, a stalemate ie., unable to move and/or make a final decision at the present time, pondering a decision, higher awareness/consciousness, surrender, accepting the current circumstances as they are, wisdom obtained through patience, humility, learning karmic lessons, martyrdom, relinquishing control or the illusion of control. These are just a few.
The card that comes before The Hanged Man is Justice. Is The Hanged Man waiting for “justice to be served”? Perhaps he is holding onto something from the past that has run it’s course and needs to be let go of. A good example of this is holding a grudge against someone. Holding grudges keeps a person “connected” to that other person that hurt them. This keeps them in a “victim” mindset, which prevents them moving forward with their life because they are “stuck” in the pain of the past. In a more literal sense, this card can translate to someone that is actually waiting on an outcome, such as a court decision.
Or perhaps The Hanged Man is sacrificing himself for others, taking on the role of a martyr. By taking on this role, this allows the “martyr” to control others by guilt. It can also be a symptom of lack of self-worth or a need to practice better personal boundaries. This person may need to learn how to speak their truth and say “no”. Or perhaps this person is in a less than ideal living or work situation but is unable to move for various reasons.
Maybe Justice served a karmic life lesson that requires The Hanged Man to go within and do some soul searching before he figures out the correct answer that will set him free.
Or is the hanged man there as a willing participant, taking a pause in his life to reflect on who he truly is, to plan a new direction for his life?
We are not “told” why The Hanged Man is there. Because The Hanged Man is us. We are all The Hanged Man at various times in our lives.
What does The Hanged Man image mean to you? If you notice, he is alone on this card. There is no one there to untie him. He must free himself from whatever the situation is that put him there in the first place. The light around his head is a symbol of enlightenment. The “aha” moment we all get when we have an epiphany.
The card after The Hanged Man is Death. This is the release of the old. Old patterns, old cycles, discarding physical items in our environment that no longer serve us, old limiting beliefs, old systems, the end of destructive behaviors, it can be anything. To make way for the new, the old must die.
When The Hanged Man realizes the truth of what it is he needs to deal with, or let go of, he frees himself from the illusion of his self-imposed bondage. Death sets him free.
After Death is Temperance. This is where we learn to balance ourselves. To operate on a more even keel so that we do not make the same mistakes again. Our time as The Hanged Man has served us well. We have learned the lesson and are moving forward.
This brings us back to this amazing full moon in Gemini. Gemini is an air sign, which is connected to thinking, communicating, writing, and being the twins, also signifies mental flexibility i.e, the ability to change one’s mind when presented with evidence/information, and a balanced mental perspective. Gemini energy is a quick analytical thinker. It does not let emotions cloud it’s judgement. Gemini is the swords suit in the tarot. When Gemini sees a decision that needs to be made, or that a change needs to happen, it cuts to to the truth, makes the choice and is done with it.
This energy pushes us out of our comfort zone and shows us the truth in an analytical way. I get the image of Spock from Star Trek here! No excuses, it is what it is. The facts are in front of you. On a larger scale, we are seeing this energy playing out in the media with all the exposing news stories coming out. Secrets are being brought into the light so the truth can be witnessed and thus, dealt with, and healed.
On a more personal note, we may see this energy expressing itself in our lives. Old wounds and aspects of our shadow which we have kept suppressed are coming to the surface so we can understand it and release it. To enable us to transition into 2020 with a renewed sense of self and purpose.
The Gemini card in the Tarot is the Number 6, Lovers. This is the coming together of energies, bringing them into balance so that we can move forward with a new healthier perspective. Energetically, both the feminine and the masculine are equal in their own right. Each has their divine part in the universe and are to be respected and loved for what they are. Only when the two are in balance, can true progress/forward movement happen. That’s when the energy moves on to the next card in the tarot, Number 7 the chariot.
2020 is a “four” year. This should be interesting for all of us, as the number four is a stabilizing energy. We bring ourselves into balance. We come out of 2019 which is a “three” year and with our new perspective, build a new solid foundation from the chaotic creative three energy. The 12/12/12 portal (3/3/3/) is a sign for us to create a new perspective within ourselves, our communities and on the planet. The alignment of the divine masculine and divine feminine energies (duality) to bring our awareness back into balance. With this new consciousness, we will clearly see what is not working so we can release it. Once we let the old “die”, we can begin to rebuild something better that is more in alignment with our higher awareness.
The Hanged Man is a message of higher perspective: “When we know better, we do better”
When these cards came out, right away, I received the message of new beginnings. A new way of thinking, a new cycle has begun in your life. If you notice, both the people in these cards are alone. This to me, signifies that this is inner work that has been completed. You realize your inner divinity, recognize that inner spark, and as such, how powerful you are!
The old ways of feeling trapped, and/or a cycle of being in a victim mindset is behind you. Perhaps you have been through a rough patch in your life. You are no longer the person you once were. The Empress has emerged to assist you in creating the new you!
When I saw these cards, I got the impression of taking a deep, cleansing breath of crisp, spring, fresh air and letting it out. As if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The Empress has overcome the inner fears that have been holding her back for so long. This could be a fear of speaking up, a fear of what other people may think, a fear of success or of not being “good enough”, or perhaps root chakra based fears. An example of this is fear of independence, i.e., like one cannot survive on their own. Everyone has their own inner challenges.
A few key words for The Empress are creation, nurturing, self-love and love of others, self-acceptance, confidence, femininity, mother earth and fruitfulness. Her archetype is the divine mother, the feminine power of creation itself.
A quick note for a very few of you, this could be a message that indicates an actual pregnancy. With the ten of swords as a clarifier, this can signify that this blessing has come after overcoming perhaps some fertility issues. Or that you have been trying to conceive for a while. Congratulations!
In all these cards are very positive! They indicate positive new energies/opportunities coming into your life. The old ways of thinking or past challenges/obstacles are behind you and the energies in your life are moving forward with a new sense of renewal.
The Knight of Wands is a fiery, passionate, creative energy. A “masculine” active energy (I want to clarify here, this is archetypal energy I am referring to, so this aspect pertains to women and men equally). This card indicates moving forward on what it is that you are passionate about, what it is that motivates you and “gets you going”. This can apply to any area of your life: relationships, work or personal. It also can indicate someone pursuing their dreams and making them come true by taking action to make it happen.
The Knight of Wands can be impetuous. For example, that new passionate love that has come into your life, may fizzle out just as quickly as it came in. For work, this can translate into putting everything you have into a new business or creative project, without balancing out the practical aspects as well, for example, setting up your financial books and records, meeting with an accountant or attorney to be sure your business is in compliance with laws, etc.
So if you are in this energy or see it heading in your direction, do your best to embrace the positive aspects of it, but be careful not to be consumed or “swept away” by it. Use this creative fire as motivation.
Be sure you have all the information before moving forward. The Knight of Wands fiery inspiration needs to be tempered with practicality for the best results.
So today, the cards that appeared are the three of wands with the King of Wands at the bottom of the deck. The three of wands carries the message in this reading, of the creation of something new. The wands are fire energy. Fire is an element in the formula of creation. The wands in the tarot denote action, creative fire, transmutation (e.g., the phoenix), motivation, purpose, inner drive and spirituality, the inner “spark”, purpose.
Take note of the character in the three of wands. This is a single person on this card. The message here is inner fire, inner motivation, inner growth. Coming into one’s personal power. The acceptance of one’s unique gifts and as such gaining the confidence and motivation to express it.
In one aspect, The King of Wands looking at the three of wands here reminds me of the higher self looking at the lower self. Providing encouragement and strength for the three of wands. The King of Wands is the “mature” aspect of the wands suit. He knows how to channel the creative fire of the wands to use it for the highest good of himself and his kingdom. He uses this fire to inspire and encourage others.
I also see the King here as a wise elder, observing the student. Will he take the first step? Or will the student allow fear to prevent him from moving forward to the four of wands, which is the physical manifestation of the inspiration.
The King looks a bit impatient here. With his wand “staff” in hand, his expression says “move”! He looks as if he is about to rise up from his throne and give that three of wands a push!
The message here is to stop dreaming. You have internalized your dreams long enough. Create and move forward with your vision. Transmute that fear and doubt that has been holding you back. Take that first step!
Both of these cards are masculine. Masculine wands are a message of action, strength, fire, movement, confidence, conscious action – in other words making things happen.
The King of Wands is not a “touchy feely” energy. He doesn’t take “no” for an answer, and he will not listen to excuses. If the King says you are ready, then it is time to move! Don’t second guess the wisdom of the King.
To wrap this up, the King here represents the highest order and masculine energy of the wands suit. He is encouraging the three of wands to take that first step to take control of his destiny. To overcome doubt, embrace his gifts and begin the journey. To bring his inspiration to the physical, and to express the “spark” of his divine talents to the world.
Embrace your fire!
I adore selenite! For people that are new to crystals, selenite is one of those must haves in any collection. This fabulous mineral is easy to come by. It is available online and I’ve seen it in stores such as Ross and Marshalls. It comes in a variety of shapes such as sticks, wands, candle holders, tumbled stones, spheres, pyramids you name it! Known for it’s soothing and calming energies, this mineral is a wonderful addition to any space.
Selenite is known as a clear vibrational mineral. It acts as a cleanser in the environment, almost like a filter. It’s high vibration properties can be used to clear negative energies from jewelry and other crystals when these objects are placed on it. It also has a soothing effect when it is held, and when it is placed in a living space. I particularly love my large selenite lamp!
For those who work with crystal energies, selenite can be used in combination with other crystals such as amethyst and clear quartz, to aid in the connection to the higher dimensional realms of the angels and ascended masters. Energy channelers often wear selenite pendants in combination with other stones, while they are working to aid in transmuting the energy and to keep the “lines” open.
Selenite can also be used on the outside of crystal grid patterns as a boundary to anchor the space and to keep the intention inside the grid clear. The selenite sticks are excellent for use in this way. I like to use four sticks (one for each direction). I will publish future posts including pictures on crystal grids. Sticks or pyramids can also be used to “grid” ones home as well!
Place selenite alongside lighted candles, or use selenite candleholders in a room or sacred space. You will instantly feel more relaxed! Selenite will dissolve in water over time, so be careful with it if you have it near you while you are taking a bath.
Some people think of selenite as a protective stone. But in my opinion, it acts more like a filter and/or cleanser. It transmutes the surrounding energies, but it does not necessary “block” them. I prefer to use selenite in this way. To “cleanse” a space to enhance the effectiveness of the other crystals that I am working with. When I work with selenite, I get the impression of calmness, clarity, and cleansing. Like taking a deep breath of cool air and exhaling ahhhhhh!
When choosing white selenite, look for clean, bright white pieces without a lot of other mineral inclusions (an exception to this is if you are purchasing a cluster – there are usually other minerals in those). But for the sticks, tumbled stones, spheres, etc. pure white is best.
Selenite also comes in a beautiful orange color. I have large crystal heart made of orange selenite as well as a candleholder. It is gorgeous in the evening, lit up with the candle burning inside. The energetic properties of orange selenite function the same as the white and is widely available.
I went to the Houston Gem & Mineral show in Humble this past weekend. It was amazing! This was my first show – I have always either purchased crystals in retail stores or online. There were so many vendors with a huge variety of crystals (and fossils too)! It was wonderful to speak to the vendors and find out first hand the information about their gems. For example, the country of origin, the mines they came from, and the process that was used to extract them. There were some stunning (and expensive) rare specimens as well. What an experience to see these beauties up close!
I went a little “crystal crazy” I must admit (laugh). There were so many beautiful gems and larger specimens as well that would be expensive and risky to ship. I would recommend any crystal lover make the time to attend a show. You will be hooked! There is another event coming up in Conroe. I will post the information shortly. Here is the link to the HGMS show for more information.