Midwestern Mystic

We're on Day 3 of Hilary's #5daysoftarot challenge - today's topic was the Little White Book.  It was a timely discussion and my Intuition gave me a high-5 for following through on getting back into the cards.  I'm loving the approach of this challenge, and feel like I'm more comfortable than ever with my deck.   My card of the day is the Father of Wands.  My interpretation of this card today is that there is a strong energy, and that it's time to start taking action in creative ways.  It's time to start chasing the dreams I say I want.   If it doesn't work out, or the vision changes - that's ok, but it's time to step forward - the time for indecision has passed, get a move on. 

It's day 2 of the #5daysoftarot challenge, created and hosted by Hilary !  If you haven't joined yet, it's not too late - there are 3 more days to go....scoot on over here to get started.  Today she covered reversals - and her approach put me at ease. I've read tarot using and not using them....but I've always wondered what 'proper etiquette' is around reversals. Now I'm feeling more relaxed when it comes to seeing a reversed card in a reading! Ironically enough....as I was shuffling my deck (I'm using t his one ) - a reversed Justice shot out of my hands.  Shaking my head, I giggled - because of course that would happen.  I opted to actively draw a card, and set Justice reversed aside.  My card of the day was the Father of Swords.  There's a lot happening in my life behind the scenes right now, and both of these cards are spot on.  I've been giving more weight to some decisions then necessary...to the point that I'm holdi...

There are people who say that Evangelicalism is rife with ritual - and for some, that may be true.  For me...it was lacking.  Something about how the papery wafers, small plastic sips of juice - taken once a month were usually in conjunction with some sort of special occasion or speaker (or offering) never set right with me (though I did love the act of Communion itself).   Scented canola oil, smudged across foreheads by elders who barely glanced at who they were praying for - rarely making eye-contact...whose prayers were generic, repeating themselves from the person before me to the last person in line...however well-intentioned, the stark lack of intentional relationship never jived with my Soul.  As I began to rebuild my faith, I found myself drawn time and again to rituals as part of my spiritual practice.  I began offering thanks to the earth where our garden is planted, observing the moon & its cycles.  Journaling, pulling cards - pr...

I've been fascinated with tarot cards for years...there's something about the symbolism and clarification that can be found in them that I love.  Often tarot cards are shrouded in mystery, and unknowing - whether it's from grossly inaccurate media portrayals, or stigma from an upbringing - the truth is, I understand that tarot can be scary for some.  I grew up believing tarot was evil and not to be toyed with.  I'm still very cautious about who reads cards for me, and what sort of weight I give to their readings.   I don't take tarot lightly.  Nor do I take it too seriously, though.   Tarot cards are a tool - not an answer.   They're a way to help me process the world around me - and maybe that's the case for you too.   There are people who get answers from the cards to questions, and there are people who just use it for fun/insight.  I like to use my tarot cards for a combination of the two, depending on what's happening in m...

The waterfront (any waterfront) is My Favorite Place.  Since I've never lived more than 45 minutes from a beach, and never more than 15 minutes from a river...it makes sense that I would find solace there. For me, it's the place where time stands still and shalom takes hold.  The lapping of waves or coursing water over rocks and rapids calms all of my anxious thoughts, fears, and frustrations.   It's a place where I can go and simply exist - my swirling thoughts fall silent, instead becoming swirling intimate prayers.    There's an old, old Spiritual called Down to the River to Pray. It's one of my favorites...and is known by several names.  I grew up singing this song while working in the yard with my Grandpa, hearing my Grandma hum along from the kitchen window.    This hymn has  always  moved me profoundly.  In it's simplicity, it is deeply powerful.   This Spiritual is believed to have held advice for s...