The man here lies on the ground, exhausted as the landscape around him becomes barren and dry. It is difficult to determine the time of day under such a dull, red sky and five swords, the abilities of the mind, pierce five roses of emotion. The man is not so enclosed by the swords as to truly be trapped upon the ground, yet still seems incapable of getting up.
     This card can represent a time of stagnation in life. Perhaps things are not moving as quickly as we had hoped or we have worked ourselves to exhaustion without seeing the fruits of our labors. Either way, our thoughts and feelings are in disharmony, leaving us confused, tired, and unable to move forward. However, this is not a time to give up! Five is a number of change, transition, and growth. This man may lie in rest and apathy for a time, but soon he will regain his strength, his thoughts will clear, and he will choose to stand again. Today, give yourself a break. If you have been working hard and feeling stretched in all directions, take heart! These challenges will pay of in time. In the meantime, remember that it's okay to take some a moment or two to make yourself happy. Soon, you'll be up and at it again! 

     The queen of cups is a lovely, perceptive, and gentle woman. As you can see by her gaze, little escapes her as she always has a slight hint of skepticism. While this may may her appear somewhat cold, she is gentle, loving and emotionally attentive. She knows how you are feeling and will do her best to provide you with counsel and care.

“The power to change your life lies in the simplest of steps.” 
― Steve Maraboli


                I think one of the most difficult things for many of us to do is take control of our own lives, especially those of us who hate feeling like we may be stepping on anyone's toes as we try to find our way. Oftentimes when people come to me for readings, they want to know what is going to happen in the future. A understandable enough desire, yet they come looking as though they are powerless to whatever timeline the cards might lay out before them, as they keep doing just what they are doing.

                While I will not argue that many of us have a destiny, manifest from our natural skills, abilities, and joys, I would like to always point out that we have free will. We can choose how to view a given situation, whether to open our heart to the feeling of it, and which direction we are wanting to go. The future is not set in stone. And we are not helpless to the patterns we find ourselves in.

                Anytime you feel stuck, or you have a reading with an unfavorable outcome, remember that stepping out of the box a bit may be exactly what you need to change the future; do something you've never done before! It takes action to create. And sometimes, the most cherished of creations mean that we must take a step forward in fear, daring to try something new, that we might make our dreams happen...

                That being said, next time you have a reading, open yourself not only to what information you receive, but to the possibility that you can change whatever it is you find for the better. You have more power than you realize!

 

    The Ace of Pentacles is a new beginning, often related to our material world and sense of grounding. Pentacles represent each of our five senses, pointing toward the heavens, and being drawn together in the center by the life force, our own spirit. This union is our life on earth, within the human body.
     Thus, the Ace of Pentacles ushers in a new understanding of ourselves where we physically stand. It often signals new opportunities in business, home, education, and personal growth. With a new sense of grounding, the Ace give us a chance to start building our place on the Earth. Today, look for new opportunities around you and think about what you want to create for stability in you life. The Ace will give you good fortune to get there.

     It's a beautiful card, isn't it? A bright and seductive tone pulls us into the lovers quivering breath between their lips. The sun shines, and the landscape is lush and abundant. Balance, joy, beauty, art, and the comfort of another come through clearly in this card.
     The Lovers may of course represent love, seduction, and completion. We are balances in both male and female energies, happy with ourselves, and very present in the moment. Take time today to appreciate the loving and wonderful people in your life - including you!

     The man here is being crushed and burnt as he struggles to free himself from the wands toppling about him. Fire rages and seems to destroy a city in the background. As a Ten, something is coming to an end. Outside passions and responsibilities have come to a peak that may be too much to bear. He must either find a way to cool the fires or let all burn and create something new.
     This card appears when we feel we have to much stress, strain, and responsibilities. At wits end, balancing so many things, it is time to step back and reevaluate how much energy truly needs to be extended at this time and give ourselves a break. If we push too hard, we will merely burn out, incapable of finishing what we were fighting toward in the first place. Today, retreat into the cool quiet for a little while, and let the fires cool.

     The woman here dances nude, all of the riches of life spiraling in toward her. She is happy and able to work her magic with ease is the chaotic beauty around her. She is at home with herself, the plants, the animals, the angels, and all of the cosmos.
     The World is an auspicious card. It represents a time when we feel alive in the dance of life. We accept the whole of the people and environment around us and know how to consciously use our own power to create what we want. This is a period of satisfied growth and abundance. The harvest of our works have come in, allowing for a new beginning... Today, enjoy the riches of life! :D

Sometimes I'd wonder if you would follow me
As I ventured into the abyss
You screamed and crawled and begged me not to
We could not both go over
You knew this
I did not
And so I dragged you to the edge
I was ready to jump in
You still had my ankle
So you must be ready too
Pleading eyes looked up at me
A second thought...
And then I tripped and fell
You let go
What could you do?
And both of us we lost 
Looking at the darkness there
Until I saw you
Eyes again in light and wonder
For wings I'd grown and flown up to you
The abyss now harmless under

Poetry by Jess Fleming
27 July 2013

     Sometimes we try to keep people in the light. They seem to chase the darkness and the fear--everything we know will be bad for them. And they drag us toward it as we beg for them to change and no longer chase the danger, because we love them. And when they finally take the plunge and we are forced to let go... We realize that they needed to go into the darkness in order to conquer it for themselves, and all is renewed.