Monthly Archives: December 2014

Dec22

Isidore Tarot Card of the Day: Six of Wands

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Isidore Tarot Card of the Day: Six of Wands

six of wands

I spent most of last night lying awake. The gerbils in my head were spinning those wheels nonstop. Usually when I am up all night “thinking”, my thoughts tend to be non productive, sometimes nonsensical. Last night I was hit with true inspiration. I was able to reverse engineer some sticky details in order to form a larger conceptual picture. I was able to make some connections and understand some metaphors in a new light. I was actually anxious for morning so I could get started on some things. Until of course, morning came, now I’m seriously dragging! But that’s not my point…

After a night of breakthroughs I pulled a card for myself, the Six of Wands. First of all, who doesn’t love a picture of a donkey riding a zebra? I admit, I do have several favorites in this deck and this card is right up there. Not only for the image but for the meaning as well.

This card is about success and triumph. Sometimes public recognition. Well, I don’t know about THAT, but I do feel triumphant this morning. I think often our expectations or definition of success can be so large and overwhelming that we fail to recognize all the little successes along the way. Say you’re on a diet and you resisted that doughnut in the break room at work. That’s a success! Don’t wait until you’ve dropped the entire 20lbs before you allow yourself to feel triumphant. Recognize that moment.  I do something everyday to work toward my goal. Sometimes they are big things, sometimes they are little. But I discipline myself to do at least one thing, everyday. At the end of the day I sometimes have to remind myself that I should be proud of that accomplishment, sometimes I feel like I haven’t done enough. It’s an easy, self defeating  trap to fall into.  Changing our outlook to recognize the positive means we increase the positive in our life. One success leads to another and we continue, one foot in front of the other, until we reach our ultimate goal and triumphant success. This card says if we are not already there, we are certainly on our way. Keep going.

More about the Isidore Tarot.

Dec19

Fears and Choices

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Fears and Choices

full moon snow

 

I came across this photo today. It made me feel quiet and at peace just looking at it. I find myself craving that right now. It seems the natural rhythms of things this time of year would include a bit of hibernation. The snow blankets everything in quiet and offers a soft light at night. What I wouldn’t give to sit curled up in a comfy chair with a hot cup of tea and a view like this out my window. I could sit and stare for hours. It’s when I have moments like those that inspiration comes. Ideas for projects and paintings float into my mind as gently as the snow floating down from the night sky.

I’m reminded today of the importance of quiet. I’m reminded that I don’t make that a priority.  I wonder why it is we can know that we need to do certain things yet we still chose to do something else, or sometimes, nothing at all? I think it usually leads back to some fear we hold. Fear is exhausting. Sometimes we are so used to living this way that the fear becomes like a program running in the background, draining our energy. We’re not even aware of it until our battery dies.

I think about how I can choose differently. It’s easy to say “I can’t” and to come up with a million excuses that resolve me the responsibility of choice. But when it comes right down to it, if I want it badly enough, I can make it happen. I can make that choice. It seems strange to think of a choice that would benefit me and my health as being scary but we all know on some level that choosing to do one thing often means we sacrifice another. It means change. Change that ripples out in a million different waves affecting not only us, but those around us. And it’s so easy to stay the same, it’s a comfortable level of pain.  Until it isn’t.

This winter I hope we can all find a bit of quiet, some time to reflect and recharge. Take the time to “clear the cache” of your life and “delete those cookies”. For me, I will continue to make choices that move me forward. And take the time to sit and stare even if it is only for a little while.

Photo Credit: http://akcollectionzzz.blogspot.com/2014/09/winter-is-lovely.html

Dec17

Winter Dreams and Solstice Wishes

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Winter Dreams and Solstice Wishes

Picture1The above illustration is one I did for the inside cover of the just released paperback, ‘The Fourth Choice’. It depicts the various religious items that had been collected by the main character in the book, then sent to his daughter in a package. According to the description… “The Fourth Choice is a fast paced prophetic thriller full of action, mystery, murder and political intrigue. After recieving a package of cryptic writings, relics, sacred objects and mystical items, Ana-Lise unexpectedly finds herself and her little daughter on the run and on an apocalyptical hero’s journey through history and across the country. What exactly does she hold that could incite a world-wide war, a revolution and trigger a conspiracy potentially costing millions of people their very lives? What was it that her estranged father knew and where is he now? Coded messages, religious icons and hidden treasure is only the beginning.”

This is my husband’s first novel. It’s good, and I’m not just saying that! I’m currently working on some edits for his second novel, ‘The Fifth World’ while he is busy writing his third, ‘The Sixth Chakra’.  I’m thrilled that he is really doing what he has always dreamed of doing. There are so many stories in that man that they can’t come out fast enough. It’s so important to follow our dreams. It isn’t always an easy thing to do. I struggle with it myself. But with all my distractions and survival techniques, I still commit to doing at least one thing each day that furthers my dream. I think about that as the Solstice approaches.

One thing I do each Winter Solstice is make a wish. I plant the seed in the quiet darkness, nourish it and see what grows in the coming year. I’ve been thinking a lot about my dreams and my wishes. It’s a good time of year to reflect and redefine what those might be.  They are important and I’m not sure I’ve been feeding mine in the way that I should be. I think I will make a wish bundle this weekend, put it out to the Universe.

In the meantime I will continue editing and “percolating” my own ideas for the year to come.

Check out the novel, ‘The Fourth Choice’ !

 

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Dec15

Goddess Reading of the Day: Bridget

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Goddess Reading of the Day: Bridget

Bridget Coloring Page

In Celtic Mythology She was a daughter of the Tuatha De Danann. She rules over creativity, blacksmithing, home and hearth, war, poetry, healing, livestock, springtime. She was a powerful figure and force, then and now. She is fiery and strong and She asks you to be the same. Bridget, Brigid, or sometimes Brigit, is celebrated and honored during Candlemas or Imbolc in February of each year. She’s the Goddess that brings light after the dark winter. When she shows up, things begin to move, birth, flow, grow, begin.

When we feel lost in the dark of winter, literally or figuratively, Bridget is the one to light the fire that warms and guides us. She is passion and creativity, headstrong and determined. She is asking us to use our passion. Find creative solutions. Remain determined. Never give up hope, never give up the fight.

There is a sexual energy related to Bridget that is in play. It’s the power of creation. You are being asked to reach down into the primal source of who you are and from that, pull forth new ideas, new energy and a passion that will propel you forward to the next stage in your life.

It is understandable to feel fear, to feel nervous about all of the unknown. When the blacksmith’s hammer hits, sparks fly. Bridget is hitting the hammer hard now. The heat is frightening, the noise almost painful, the sparks mesmerizing. When the metal cools we are left with a strong and powerful tool.

You have been beaten and burned, forged in the flame and Bridget has asked much of you. But you are ready to emerge, stronger than you ever were and ready for the next adventure. This time you get to be the one to shape instead of being the one shaped. You have been created so that now you can go and create. You are being given the opportunity to do big and great things. You may not see it yet but you are emerging from the darkness of winter. Whatever time of year it may be on the calendar, for you it is Spring.

Art and excerpt are from The Goddess Coloring Book.  Find it HERE

 

 

 

 

Dec11

Goddess Reading of the Day: Kamuy Fuchi

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Goddess Reading of the Day: Kamuy Fuchi

Kamay Fuchi Coloring PageThe other day my husband and I took our children to the botanical gardens in town. They have a display of Christmas trees from all around the world, we visited with Santa and then the kids made a craft. The craft that they made was a kadomatsu. Its a type of decoration that’s usually placed in pairs by the door to welcome the Kami, or ancestral Spirits. We placed ours on the hearth. For the Ainu, the Kami is spelled ‘Kamuy’ and Kamuy Fuchi is the goddess I pulled today.

Kamuy Fuchi is the Ainu Kamuy, or Goddess of the Hearth. She is the gatekeeper of communication between the living and the dead. She represents family, ancestors and your soul pod. She is a teacher of the people and oversees all domestic affairs and relationships.

It is said that Kamuy Fuchi never leaves the hearth. And why should she? The hearth is the center of the home. Here is the flame that warms our bodies, cooks our food and sustains our lives. Here is the place where souls return and wait to be reincarnated once more. Here is the place where families come together.

How do you maintain your “hearth”?  Is it clean with a fire burning bright? Or is it covered in soot and your flame dwindling? It is time to clean house. Often doing this literally, helps us to do this on an emotional and mental level as well. See how what you have around you and what you are bringing into your space is affecting yourself and your family. It could be that there is someone around you who is being disrespectful to this sacred space.

Community space, family space should be respected by all. Are you enabling by cleaning up after everyone’s messes? Are you or others being disrespectful by bringing in clutter and leaving it for others to work around? Think about this not only in a literal sense but in a metaphorical sense as well. Sometimes the words we use as well as our actions can be just as messy as those dirty dishes left all over the kitchen counter.

Call on Kamuy Fuchi to help in your marriage or in family disputes. Like a tough grandmother she can deliver the swats as readily as the hugs. Though you cannot change others, she will guide you to making changes in yourself; to become more self- aware, allow for self- respect. She teaches us how to nurture that spark and that flame within ourselves. She allows us to talk with our ancestors, living and dead and to make connections that further us in our destiny. She reminds us that sometimes our family is not only those that share our DNA but those with whom we have incarnated time and again. Kamuy Fuchi shows us how to clean up our acts and stoke the fires of a warm and sustainable life.

Excerpt and Illustration are from The Goddess Coloring Book available now.

Dec9

The Christmas Gift

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The Christmas Gift

The Christmas Gift Cover Cut copy“The Christmas Gift” is a poem written by my husband. He wrote it 25 years ago, I guess it’s time he put it out there, eh? It’s an adorable story that explains how it was that Santa Claus came to be. In a way that you would probably not expect! I did the illustrations for this one. It was a lot of fun and the little boy in the story is modeled after my son, Gabe with a few nods to his brothers, Ian and Joe. They all looked quite a bit alike when they were little.  It also calls to mind the first Christmas that we all spent together as a new blended family. That Christmas morning we left clues around the house that our children had to decipher. These clues would eventually lead them to their presents and along the way they led to some bonding. What brought it all together was another poem Ted wrote about St. Nick. It was one that united all of us in the past and through that, it united us in the present. So his stories/poems have a special place in my heart and I think they will find their place in other people’s hearts as well.  We’ve put this all together now and have made it available in a book which can be ordered HERE.  Hope you enjoy!

Dec9

Isidore Tarot Reading for the Day: Ace of Cups

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Isidore Tarot Reading for the Day: Ace of Cups

Ace of cups

After giving a couple of readings this morning, I decided to pull a card for myself. I pulled the Ace of Cups. I don’t believe I’ve ever drawn this one before. The Ace of Cups speaks of Happiness, Compassion and Love.

This past month there have been several young people that I have known that have died. It’s always difficult when this happens, but I find it even more disturbing when it happens around a season that is traditionally centered on being together with our friends and families. Their deaths have reinforced my appreciation for life.

Today the Ace of Cups reminds me that my cup is full. Yes, there are some things that I am no doubt lacking right now but for those things that matter in big ways, like family and love, I’ve got those in spades. My cup is full.

It is a reminder not only to appreciate all that you have but to keep your focus there as that will ensure your “haves” only increase. When you see and appreciate these things your attitude will change. When attitudes change, energies change and so do your opportunities.

Take the time today to tell someone you appreciate them. Look for the good and see the abundance around you. Be kind to yourself and give lots of hugs and kisses. Share the fullness of your cup.

For your own Isidore Tarot Deck, go HERE

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Dec4

The Goddess Coloring Book is Here!

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The Goddess Coloring Book is Here!

Goddess Coloring Book Cover SampleThis has been a long time coming and is only the first step in my vision for my Goddesses. This book has coloring page versions of the sketches of all my Goddesses that will be included in my Surcadian Oracle Divination Deck. There are 26 in all. Opposite each picture is a description of the Goddess, her place in history and what she looks like in our everyday lives.

This will be great fun to color, paint or meditate on. I find it amazing that each one, no matter how ancient or seemingly obscure, is still relevant today. This would be great fun to take into a women’s circle or group or do a workshop with. Take one at a time and dream on it. See what happens as you begin to work on the Goddess of your choice. I think you’ll be surprised!

Go HERE if you’d like one of your very own!

 

 

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Dec3

Goddess Reading of the Day: The Sophia

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Goddess Reading of the Day: The Sophia

Sophia Coloring Page

For my reading today, I pulled Sophia. My daughter’s name is Sophia. She’s been going through a tough time lately and has been on my mind. I guess this one’s for her!

Sophia is considered to be a goddess of wisdom in Hellenistic traditions. The name Sophia in Greek translates as wisdom. The wisdom Sophia gifts us takes place inside of ourselves. To work with Sophia means it is time to break through your illusions, your delusions and the lies you tell yourself.

This commitment is one that can result in pain as your ego falls away and your true self is revealed. The results are always worth it. The process is difficult.

Wisdom comes through experience. Don’t hold back. Do not choose to remain quiet because you fear humiliation if you speak. Do not choose to hide because you fear what people will think if you are seen. Things perceived as “bad” are lessons to be learned. They are opportunities for growth and change.  Humiliation brings humility. Humility is the understanding that not everything is about us. Wisdom comes with the realization that there is something more, something bigger than what it is we see and the understanding of our role within that.

The image is a page from my Goddess Coloring Book that features all the Goddesses of the Surcadian Oracle along with a description of their energy and history.