Tarot Tuesday
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one l breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you…
Once you are ready pick the card you feel the most drawn to. There are crystal skulls being used as markers above each card, I will include these in the following mini-readings. The Tarot deck this week is the Morgan-Greer, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. The crystals above each card are from left to right Arfvedsonite, Zebra Jasper, and Fluorite. Pay attention to your initial reaction when your card is revealed, and then compare this to your reaction with the mini-reading. Our emotions, feelings, and thoughts are usually involved in our intuitive process and understanding and using this gift starts with awareness of how the messages are being delivered to you.
The Reveal
From left to right we have the Arfvedsonite crystal skull above the Eight of Wands card, the Zebra Jasper crystal skull above the Wheel of Fortune card, and the Fluorite crystal skull above the Ace of Wands. Is the card you felt drawn to what you expected? How do you feel about the card you were drawn to? Any thoughts that this card triggers for you? Awareness is the first step in developing your intuition, so paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and emotions as well as asking questions is important to understanding and developing your own personal intuition.
Arfvedsonite
This crystal was discovered in 1823 and named after the Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson. It has been found in the U.S., Canada, Russia, Germany, South Africa, Norway and Greenland. It is often confused for Nuummite or Astrophyllite yet is not either one. It does often occur with Sugilite, and this mixed variety combines the attributes of both stones. It is known as a manifestation stone, and also known to offer assistance with intuition and psychic visions. This stone is said to increase positive energy and to be protective. It resonates with the Throat Chakra, helping you to speak your truth, and know when or if the truth is being spoken to you. This stone also helps open the Third Eye Chakra to receiving visions and intuitive information. It will further operate with the Crown Chakra to bring guidance in from your higher-self and guides. It is said to be so strong that many suggest using it for short periods until you are used to it and with grounding and protective stones like Tourmaline. This stone can help you with dream work, and psychic work, it is even said to be helpful with future predictions. This ability to help you clearly see the future as you may want it, or what may hinder it, might be helpful to its ability to assist in manifestation work. In divination this stone points to getting what you wish for. The caution as always is to be careful what you wish for and be sure you do want it and any other consequences associated with your wish.
Eight of Wands
This card is the eighth card in the Minor Arcana suit of Wands. It carries the astrological energy of Mercury in Sagittarius, with the modality and element of mutable fire. The image on this card is eight wands flying in the sky over a river. Eight in numerology is the great Karmic equalizer, creating and destroying, creating balance. Often eight is connected with the ideas of power and money. Some keywords associated with this tarot card include flying past obstacles, haste, optimism, action, liberation, fast results, adaptable intelligence, swiftness, messages, communications, and speed. If you have been drawn to this card this week it is likely that things may seem to be “up in the air”, or you are waiting for something that is “on it’s way”. You won’t be waiting much longer so take advantage of the time to decide your next step as the wands will be landing soon and will require fast action on your part when they do.
Zebra Jasper
Unlike most other Jaspers which are spotted, Zebra Jasper is striped. This opaque silicate Chalcedony is in the quartz group and has a trigonal crystal structure. Most often found in Africa, Russia, and India. It is a good grounding stone that resonates with the Root Chakra. It is a stone that promotes balance with the dark and light stripes. Yin and Yang, male and female, this stone holds the energies of both and strives to balance excesses. Dreaming of Jasper is said to signify love returned. In divination this stone suggests using the actual technique of Earthing or Grounding to assist in calming any emotional storms you may be experiencing.
The Wheel of Fortune
This card is the Tenth card in the Major Arcana. Astrologically it carries the expansive energy of the planet Jupiter. The number ten in numerology signifies endings, but it is usually an ending of a cycle and contains the seeds of the new cycle within itself. The image on this card is of a great wheel near the edge of a cliff with what appear to be a king and queen celebrating being at the top, not seeming to be aware of the figure just ahead of them getting flung off the wheel. The wheel represents all manner of cycles and seasons. Some keywords for this card include fortune, destiny, luck, chance, karma, cycles, motion, wheel of life, wheel of the year, growth and expansion, confident expectation, movement, adapting to change, enthusiasm, beneficial circumstances, and stages of progress. If you have been drawn to this card this week that you are in a lucky place in your life. Even if it seems some things are ending, what is ending and the new phase that is coming in will ultimately be fortunate, and good for you. So count your blessings, and make the best of it, even if it looks like a bad situation right this second, the wheel is turning in your favor.
Fluorite
Fluorite is the mineral form of calcium fluoride, it belongs to the halide minerals. It is a widely occurring mineral with deposits found worldwide. Industrially it is used as flux for smelting, and in the production of some glasses and enamels. Fluorite is a very protective stone, good for grounding and harmonizing spiritual energy. It connects the mind to universal consciousness, and helps develop links with spirit. It helps bring intuitive insights into the physical plane. Fluorite balances mental and physical energies and can clear negative energies from the aura. It is said to enhance mental abilities and has been called the “genius stone”. It stimulates the electrical charge in the brain and increases prana energy. This stone works well with the upper Chakras. It needs to be cleared often as it is always working to absorb negativity from its environment. In divination this crystal is said to assist in making decisions that are practical, but also ethical and do not go against your principles.
Ace of Wands
This card is the first card in the Minor Arcana suit of Wands. Astrologically it is not associated with a specific planet but with primal fire, so any of the fire signs may correspond with this card. Aries (Cardinal in the suit of fire), Leo (Fixed), or Sagittarius (Mutable). The image on the card is of a hand emerging from the clouds holding a wand with greenery still sprouting from it. This is potential in it’s purest form. All Aces represent the new and this ace in particular shows a fiery new enthusiasm. This cards keywords include beginning a project, creative energy, starting a spiritual quest, new experiences, spiritual insight, will and stamina, and ability to channel a higher power. The three fire sign’s mottos are also something to take into consideration when pondering the Ace of Wands, with Aries it is “I am”, Leo is “I will” and Sagittarius is “I believe”. If you have been drawn to this card this week then expect something new to appear in your world, or even just in your mind. This new energy is likely to take you to places you have not yet been, stretching your physical, mental, and spiritual boundaries. Go ahead and get excited, just be careful not to burn yourself out.
I hope that these mini-reading have been helpful for you this week. If you have any questions about this, or would like to book your own personalized full reading then please feel free to contact me at april@lodestarphx.com
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one l breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you…
From left to right we have Chrysocolla above the Four of Swords card, Pietersite above the Three of Swords, and Amethyst above the Four of Cups. Again pay attention to how you feel upon seeing your card, and then compare that to how you feel after the mini-reading. Do you feel better or worse after the interpretation of your chosen card? While most people will get their intuitive messages from their emotions and feelings, some get actual physical feeling, or even hear messages, or they may receive these messages as their own thought rather than words from someone else.
This card is the fourth card in the suit of Swords in the Minor Arcana. It carries the energy of Jupiter in Libra with the modality and element of cardinal air astrologically. It signals a time of renewal and expansive thinking. The image on the card is of a weary knight reclining on a stone slab in a chapel, he appears to be in deep meditation. Some keywords for this card include solitude, rest, withdrawal, reevaluating perspectives and strategies, setting goals, opening to guidance from higher energies, optimistic, expansive and balanced. Swords represent the energies of our thinking and thoughts, communications, breathing, speech, and discrimination. The number four in numerology holds the energy of foundations, balance, sturdiness, the four directions, four elements, and even the energy of home, roots, and ancestry. If you were drawn to this card this week you may need some time alone to reflect on some things, and become clear about what steps to take next. It also might point to a need to simply begin or deepen a meditation practice at this time.
This card is the third card in the Minor Arcana suit of Swords. Astrologically it carries the energy of Saturn in Libra with the modality and element of cardinal air. This card image is one of the most striking in the tarot deck as three swords pierce a heart with storm clouds raining down in the background. The keywords and concepts for this card include that of severe distress, the heart tried by pain, painful advancement, upheaval, negative or hurtful thinking and communications, despair, and depression. While there is some consensus around this card pointing to pain, it is usually caused by and can be mitigated by our thinking, and perception. Swords are thoughts, thinking, communication, learning, and discernment. Three is a number for growth, and creativity, this can be good or bad. It is good if we are growing thoughts that increase our happiness, not so good if we are in a depressive spiral with our thoughts. If you have been drawn to this card this week it is likely that you will have some disappointment to work through. What you learn from it, and how you decide to move past it are going to be important. It may do well to remember this week that there is no failure but only lessons. Like Thomas Edison who is credited with having said about the light bulb before getting one to work successfully “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”.
This card is the fourth card in the suit of cups in the Minor Arcana. It carries the astrological energy of Moon in Cancer and the modality and element of cardinal water. The image shows a figure sitting cross-legged and with arms crossed under a tree. There is a hand emerging from a cloud offering a cup, and three cups in the foreground. Fours are about foundations, stability, balance and authority. Cups represent the emotions, intuition, creativity, and subconscious. Some keywords and concepts for this card include opportunities offered, contemplating a decision, dissatisfaction, passivity, brooding, inaction, or indecision. If you have been drawn to this card this week you may have been procrastinating on taking action or making a decision because you don’t feel emotionally ready, or emotionally satisfied about what your choices or the opportunities are. With the cups involved it may be that mood is holding you back from thinking clearly. Create a pros and cons list so you can look at things in a more rational way. Remember that usually once we take some action even if small things start to feel better emotionally.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
Take note of how you feel when you discover the card that you felt drawn to, and compare this feeling with the mini-reading that follows. Is it what you expected? Do you feel better or worse upon seeing the card, and then getting the interpretation? Being aware of your feelings can be a powerful method for increasing intuition for many. Lots of people feel it in their “gut”, or some may just “have a hunch”. Being aware of how your particular guidance system operates is the first step to making it stronger and more reliable. From left to right we have the Clear Quartz point above the Ten of Pentacles, in the center Spirit Quartz above the Nine of Cups, and Chevron Amethyst point above the Justice card on the right.
This card is the tenth card in the suit of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana. It carries the energy of Mercury and Virgo, with a mutable modality and Earth element. The image is of a male elder seated amidst his family and pets (the dogs). Tens in numerology are about endings, but the number contains a one also so these endings are typically more cyclic than abrupt and permanent. Some keywords for this card include success, legacy, finances, wealth, foundations, home, and family. It is known as the “wall street card” as it often shows up to represent wealth and windfalls. It could be a change for the better of your living status through buying or selling property, or travel for work that leads to more money. This card is about satisfaction, but the satisfaction is more than wealth or money alone, it is usually health, and emotional happiness as well. In divination if you were drawn to this card this week then expect changes for the better in your life right now that will leave you feeling fairly content.
This card is the ninth card in the Minor Arcana suit of Cups. It carries the astrological energy of Jupiter in Pisces with a modality and element of mutable water. The suit of cups are generally seen to represent feelings and emotions as well as creativity and imagination, and even intuition. The image on this card is of a merchant sitting satiated in front of a half circle of Cups, which may be seen as the merchant’s accomplishments. Some keywords for this card include Sociability, pride in prior accomplishments, emotional tranquility, good health, prosperity and growth. This card is often called the “wish card” and can signal getting one’s wish. In a situation where you have a yes or no question, this card upright would signal a “yes”. With that said it is wise to be careful of what you wish for. All things in moderation are well and good, but too much of anything, even something good can be a misfortune. If you have been drawn to this card this week then you may well find yourself “sitting pretty” as the saying goes, feeling satisfied and flush with what you think of as the good things in life.
Justice is a Major Arcana card. In the Rider-Waite (Smith) deck Waite is known to have switched the order of this card with the card of Strength. So in this deck it is numbered eleven. It carries the astrological energy of the sign Libra, and modality and element of cardinal air. Some keywords include harmony and equilibrium, fair and balanced, choosing with discernment, poise, karma, values, priorities, justice, judgement, relationships, and partnerships. the image shows the figure of Justice sitting on a throne holding scales in one hand and in the other, a double edged sword. If this is the card that you have been drawn to this week remember the Goddess Maat, and keep your heart as light as her feather. The scales will balance in your favor if you do. This card might also suggest that you yourself remain in balance this week. This might show up in relationships where you may need to be careful of over-giving, or overdoing it.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
Pay attention to your initial reaction when you see your card revealed, is this the answer you were expecting? Is it something you didn’t want to hear? Sometimes it doesn’t seem to fit or make sense until later. Being aware of your own emotions, feelings, thoughts, and intuition and then trusting yourself is what it is all about. From left to right we have Citrine above Justice, Tibetan Quartz above The Devil, and Pietersite above the Nine of Wands.
Justice is a Major Arcana card. In the Rider-Waite (Smith) deck Waite is known to have switched the order of this card with the card of Strength. So in this deck it is numbered eleven. It carries the astrological energy of the sign Libra, and modality and element of cardinal air. Some keywords include harmony and equilibrium, fair and balanced, choosing with discernment, poise, karma, values, priorities, justice, judgement, relationships, and partnerships. the image shows the figure of Justice sitting on a throne holding scales in one hand and in the other, a double edged sword. If this is the card that you have been drawn to this week remember the Goddess Maat, and keep your heart as light as her feather. The scales will balance in your favor if you do.
This card is number fifteen of the Major Arcana in this deck. This card carries the astrological association with the sign Capricorn, and the modality and element of cardinal earth. The image on this card shows a horned Devil holding a chained couple captive. Some keywords associated with this card include materiality, temptation, obsession, scapegoating, limited outlook, mistakes, overreacting, being tied to a situation, person, or even a habit, addiction, fear of real self, fears, animal nature, material over spiritual attachments, and preoccupation with the dark side of things. If you have found yourself drawn to this card this week the message for you might be to look closely at what your true needs are, as opposed to wants, habits, or even addictions. You can free yourself, as you may notice the couple in chains are loosely chained and could escape if they only tried. Sometimes we are conditioned to believe things must be a certain way, look again and maybe not. Now is the time to make your escape, and develop new beliefs and perspectives.
This card is the ninth card in the Minor Arcana suit of wands. Astrologically attributed to the energies of the Moon and the sign Sagittarius (Moon in Sagittarius), the modality and element of mutable fire. The image on this card is one of a figure with a bandaged head, leaning on a wand with eight other wands lined up behind. Some keywords for this card include readiness, strength, watchfulness, on guard, wary, defensive, dedication and resilience, protecting one’s reputation, courage, and discipline. If you were drawn to this card this week its message is to expect the unexpected. Be prepared for things that you perhaps thought you had faced and were done to rear up again to be finished once and for all.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
When you feel ready pick the card that you feel most drawn to. This week the deck is the
This card is the tenth card in the MInor Arcana suit of cups. Tens are about endings, but the ending is usually of a cycle or a pattern with a new fresh start ahead. Cups are related to our emotions, feelings, creativity, intuition, and spirituality. Astrologically this card has the energy of Mars in Pisces, inspired action. It has the modality and element of mutable water, changing emotions. It is often portrayed as a happy card, like this image showing what would appear to be two people (their arms at least) sharing a cup with a rainbow and bounty of other cups in the air. A card of family happiness and long-lasting togetherness. Some keywords include love, peace, joy, good fortune, and contentment. If you were drawn to this card this week it is likely that you will find yourself in a good place, feeling fairly well satisfied with things. As it is a ten though, you want to pay attention to your intuition and take inspired action if you sense the winds of change blowing in directions you don’t want to go in.
This card is a court card from the suit of wands. It is mutable water and cardinal fire, or Water in the Suit of Fire, with the energy of the Cardinal sign Aries. The image is one of a regal looking woman holding a wand and a sunflower. A charismatic, self-made, warm-hearted, woman with high ideals, courage and conviction. Some keywords include fiery, passionate, energetic, powerful, imaginative, bold, aware, optimistic, outgoing, dramatic, and a benevolent authority. If you have been drawn to this card this week this card may represent you, and if so step into the position of authority and lead with confidence and kindness. If it represents someone in your life it is likely that you can expect them to be kindly disposed toward you and your plans, count them as an ally this week ahead.
This Major Arcana card is numbered zero in this deck. In different decks it is placed in different positions, sometimes zero, sometimes twenty two. In the Rider-Waite- Smith deck for example Waite placed it after Judgement numbered twenty, but left it numbered at zero. In astrology it is attributed to Uranus, and the element of Air. Zero can be thought of as the unlimited absolute, or nothingness. The image of this card shows a youth traveling with a dog ( animal nature, instinct) holding a white rose of a passion that is pure and innocent in one hand and a wand with his sack of belongings( or experiences, or karmic baggage) in his other hand. When this card shows up it often can point to the beginning of an adventure, or any new undertaking or thing that may enter your world. It can also mean innocence, idealism, risk taking, trusting, seeking, spontaneous, and imaginative. Many see this card as the seeker starting the Hero’s Journey through the Tarot. If this is the card that you have been drawn to this week it is likely that you should go ahead and start something new, take the leap of faith in yourself and do whatever it is you have been afraid of. This is a time of unlimited potential.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
When you feel ready pick the card that you feel the most drawn to. I am using the crystal hearts above each card as a marker and the crystal will also be included in the following mini-reading. From left to right the crystals are Chrysocolla, Preseli Bluestone, and Pietersite. The Tarot deck this week is the 
This card is the eighteenth Major Arcana card. It’s element is water, and it’s ruling planet is Neptune. Neptune rules the astrological sign Pisces. The image shows a full moon that also contains a crescent. Beneath this a crayfish crawls out of the primordial sea. Both these images representing mutability and evolution. This is further underscored with the two dogs, one tamed the other still wild. Cycles, phases, and change are some keywords the image may conjure. Other keywords include dreams, imagination, deception, intuitive, artistic, emotional, and illusive. This week as we head toward the full moon at 0 degrees of Libra on the Spring Equinox (a Harvest moon in the Southern Hemisphere), there may be a feeling of uncertainty, or even pressure or anxiety. This is due to the energy that is building toward this “turn of the wheel” or change in season. You yourself are likely to be going through a process of change if you were drawn to this card. Align yourself with the energies of the Moon and prepare for a phase of new growth, and balance within yourself and in your outer circumstances. You will fare best if you allow yourself to navigate the new territory through your intuitive senses.
This card is the eighth card in the Rider-Waite -Smith tarot deck. It is attributed to the sign Leo, and has a fixed modality with the element of fire. Leo is ruled by the Sun. The image shows a maiden retraining the jaws of a lion, gently controlling the animal nature. A lemniscate, the symbol above her head that resembles a figure eight on its side, is known as the infinity symbol. This represents a need for continued mindfulness of that which is occurring in ones consciousness, and as much as possible just beyond. Some keywords include strength, power, energy, force, heart, vitality, self-esteem, will, animal nature, instinct, mastery, and lust. If this is the card you have been drawn to this week you may need to use your courage and determination to dive deep into any past issues that you don’t want to continue to carry with you into the new phase that will be ushered in with the Spring Equinox next week. Wouldn’t it be a blessing to start off the Spring with an open heart?
This card is the first card in the MInor Arcana suit of Swords. All Aces represent new energies. The suit of Swords represents the element of Air. Astrological correspondences are Libra (Cardinal in the suit of Air), Aquarius (Fixed), and Gemini (Mutable Air). The image shows a hand emerging from clouds, grasping a crowned sword. Palm and olive branches hang from the crown. Six yellow flames known as Yods hover around the hilt of the sword. The hand grasping the sword appears to be the right hand which symbolizes action, rather than the left which symbolizes receptivity. Some keywords include action, initiating force, rational mind, inventive, innovative, communication, thinking, success, victory, conquest, justice, and liberation. If this is the card you have been drawn to this week it is likely that new thoughts and ideas will arise, perhaps due to new information being uncovered, that will lead to new and improved situations. The saying “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”(attributed to Albert Einstein) applies here.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
Once you are ready pick the card that you feel the most drawn to. This week’s tarot deck is the 
This card is a Minor Arcana card or pip card. This card is an Earth element card, and is said to carry the energy of Venus in Virgo. The number nine is a number that represents culminating energy. Pentacles represent money and wealth, but also physical health and the material world itself. The card itself shows a woman in her garden with a falcon. This image speaks of self-sufficiency, self-empowerment, financial well-being, independence, and even creativity and spiritual connection (being able to use spiritual messages in practical ways). She is alone in that she is the only person in the image, yet there is no evidence of her being lonely. A small snail near her feet might suggest a that it took some time to grow and develop not only the wealth but possibly the self-assurance as well. If you have chosen this card it may be time to focus on growing your “garden”. Now is not a time to build your world around what anyone else wants for or from you, instead build it to suit yourself. Learn to be happy with your own company, it is better to have fewer friends than many false ones.
The Eight of Cups is the eighth card in the Minor Arcana suit of Cups. The astrological correspondence is Saturn in Pisces, the modality and element of mutable water. The image in this card shows a figure walking away from eight carefully arranged cups, suggesting as Waite said of the card, that the figure is abandoning all of it’s previous undertakings. The element of water is associated with feelings, emotions, and in some cases the sub-conscious, or unconscious. The number eight in numerology represent power, and a need for decision making. Eight also is a number of balance and harmony, of material and spiritual. In divination this card shows a need to make a decision to leave or quit something (or someone) that is not working, or is not balanced (power struggles that leave you emotionally drained for instance). You can do it fast like ripping off a band-aid, or slowly leave the scene, but emotionally as soon as you make the decision, you are as good as gone.
This card is a court card in the Minor Arcana. It is known as Air in the Suit of Fire, and it has an astrological affinity with the Mutable Fire sign of Sagittarius. The image on the card is of a young knight rearing up on his horse in fiery appearing attire, holding a wand or staff. If this card doesn’t represent an actual young man in your life then it may concern all types of dynamic communication. Movement, travel, active, issue oriented and fighting for a cause are all keywords associated with this card. In divination it may point to an actual person of this nature that you encounter, or it may suggest travel or even a move. If you have been waiting to take action on something this is a sign to take steps to make things happen.
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love crystals. I would pick up random rocks and bring them home with me. Right before I started kindergarten I can clearly remember a new neighborhood friend showing me her rock collection. It was a very small box with different types of stones glued down in it. Suddenly it clicked that there were actually different varieties with different names, and you could collect them. I couldn’t stop thinking about that little box of rocks. Later I got introduced to gem shows when my grandfather would take me to “Gold Rush Days” in Wickenburg, it is an event that lasts several days and includes a celebration and rodeo. They had a small gem show where you could get “mystery bags” filled with small rough and tumbled stones in them. I was hooked, now not only did I want to just collect rocks, I wanted to learn about them.
As I learned more about different types of stones I was better able to make sense of the differences I had been feeling between them intuitively. It began to make sense that many Jaspers for example have warm and supportive energies. It felt different from quartz energies, which feel cooler and faster, more laser-like in focus. Even though as an aggregate Jasper contains quartz. It also contains chalcedony and other minerals. I was perfectly satisfied to continue to learn about and use crystals individually, or sometimes combined in jewelry, pouches, or spell jars.
I started hearing about grids a few years before I began making them myself. For some reason I was resistant, or hesitant. I think I thought it was too “new Age” for me. The more I learned and thought about grids though the less this seemed to be true. After all one could make the case that Stonehenge for example is a type of giant crystal grid. What grids are essentially is a previously selected and defined number of crystals arranged in a harmonic, or sacred geometric pattern. The idea is that you can use the energy of crystals each individually with the other crystals to strengthen each other, and when combined in different patterns they become even more powerful. Some patterns might suit some purposes better than others. I have seen classic sacred geometry like Metatron’s Cube, the Seed of Life, the Flower of Life, and the Fruit of Life. I have also seen spirals, hearts, and any other shape or form one could think of. Which one you use could be chosen intuitively, or researched to find the best for your purpose.
If you feel that you want something that a single crystal might not have enough energy to accomplish alone, or if you want to make sure that there is energy constantly working for you then a grid may be just what you should use. Grids essentially enhance and focus crystal energy. You decide what that energy will be focused on when setting up the grid. Grids can be set up just about anywhere where they will not be disturbed, and will then continue to work on what they were constructed for until they are taken apart again. Maybe you want to set up a protection grid for your house while you go on vacation and then you would take it apart when you get back home again. Some other examples might be to set up a grid while job hunting, or if looking to start a relationship, or even for passing a test at school. The only limit to why you might want to use one, or what you can use one for is your imagination.
A simple grid can be easily set up, and taken down again when it has finished doing it’s job. Most grids can be set up on a geometric shape that can be printed onto paper. You can also buy or make fancy sacred geometry patterns to create your grids on, but it really isn’t needed. You can also just set them up by imagining a pattern and placing them in alignment with that, no pre-printing necessary. The usual method of creating a grid involves a main focus stone that is placed in the center of the grid. Many choose to use a point or generator crystal for this. A set of Way stones, usually six, or more, but in even numbers is also used. Finally a set of Destination stones is also used, again usually six, or more, but in even numbers.
The focus stone gathers, focuses, and amplifies the energy. the stones called Way stones are the closest to the Focus stone. These stones further modify the energy brought in by the focus stone with their color and other characteristics. The energy then flows on to the Desire stones which are the outermost stones in the grid. They are the desired end state, or destination you want from the grid. These stones should relate as directly as possible to what you wish to accomplish. They are stones you might use alone for the issue at hand, say Amethyst for example if your grid was for general healing, or to cease using alcohol. A final consideration is the Path, this is the path the energy follows on the grid. From the Focus stone to the Way stones and finally to the Destination stones, the Path connects all the energies of the stones and make the grid complete and synergistic.
The part some may say is most important is the activation. Once all the stones are placed the grid needs to be activated. For this get focused, grounded and centered. You can use a crystal wand, a crystal point, or even your index finger. Start with the focus stone and imagine the outcome you desire while touching or “activating” each stone. Follow the Path from the Focus stone through the Way stones and to the destination stones, imagining the whole grid lighting up with energy as you do. Focus on your desire becoming real.
Once you have the basic idea of how to work with grids then go ahead and experiment. Make it unique, and personal, try new shapes and stone combinations. This is an area where the rules can be broken in my opinion. The true test of if you have done it “right” or “wrong” is “Does it work for you?” Play, have fun, the crystals want to help us and want us to feel good, this is great energy to load into a grid.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
From left to right we have Fluorite above the Ten of Pentacles on the left, Sunstone above the Two of Swords in the middle, and on the far right Blue Calcite above the King of Cups. Pay attention to your initial reaction upon seeing the card you were drawn to. See if this reaction lines up with how you feel after getting the information from the mini-reading about the card. Being aware of our thoughts, and feelings helps us to understand and hone our intuitive skills. It starts with paying attention, and then you learn to trust and use your intuition. Like a muscle the more you exercise it the stronger it will get.
This card is the tenth card in the suit of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana. It carries the energy of Mercury and Virgo, with a mutable modality and Earth element. The image is of a male elder seated amidst his family and pets (the dogs). Tens in numerology are about endings, but the number contains a one also so these endings are typically more cyclic than abrupt and permanent. Some keywords for this card include success, legacy, finances, wealth, foundations, home, and family. It is known as the “wall street card” as it often shows up to represent wealth and windfalls. It could be a change for the better of your living status through buying or selling property, or travel for work that leads to more money. This card is about satisfaction but this is not just financial, but there is an emotional element to it as well. We are generally able to be more emotionally generous when we are feeling secure with our place in life. If you were drawn to this card this week no matter the details you should expect the winds of change to blow in for the better for you.
The Two of Swords is the second card in the Minor Arcana suit of Swords. It is astrologically attributed to the energies of Moon in Libra, and its modality is cardinal and element is Air. Twos in numerology are about communications, dualities, and balance. The image is one of a blindfolded female holding two swords. Some keywords associated with this card are decisions, balance, planning, strategy, and awareness. The suit of swords represents Air element, which has to do with thoughts and mentality, as well as communication. If you have been drawn to this card this week then you may want to write up a pros and cons list if you need to decide something. Use your all your abilities to be clear and concise when you need to communicate what you have decided. As long as it passes the final litmus test of feeling (moon) right as well as making sense, it should turn out to be beneficial for you.
This card is a court card in the Minor Arcana suit of cups. This card carries the energy of fixed Air and mutable Water (some systems say Fire in the Suit of Water, Fixed Water, Scorpio). Kings are power and authority, Cups are feelings, emotions, intuition, and creativity. The image is a King sitting upon his throne holding a cup and his scepter. Some keywords include sensitive, enthusiastic, creative, caring, and artistic. This card can often signify an actual person in your life, usually but not always a male. It may also represent you, or a situation. If you have been drawn to this card this week it is likely that you will need to start thinking of yourself as the final authority on your emotions, and any intuitive or creative urges. Know that your emotional life is deeper than most in your sphere, so you are the “King” of these depths right now. If this card represent another person in your life, then you may want to allow them to do what they need to do to heal or create at this time.
Gardening is a perfect metaphor for life. Life that starts with a single seed, or cell and grows and develops into a full-fledged being or entity. We need the same things the garden needs to thrive. Plenty of sunlight, clean air, water, and nourishing soil are the basics. In addition the climate, environment and seasons also play their part in our experience. If any of these things is missing or too harsh or extreme for us to handle – our outcome isn’t so great.
Making a list of what you want your garden to do for you, like a list of what you want your life to look like is a good first step. Now is a good time to do this if you haven’t already. We are about halfway between Imbolc and Ostara, two of the three Spring fertility Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. Ostara this year will be March 20th. This time of year is also called the Vernal or Spring Equinox and signals the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere (it is opposite in the Southern Hemisphere). So right now is the time to make plans before Spring is officially underway. What do you want your garden to look like? What do you want it to provide you with? What are you willing to do to start and maintain it? These questions should be considered for both your backyard garden and your life in general.
With both gardens and our lives there are optimal times to plant certain things, for both short and long-term. Long term thinking might include planting fruit trees that may take a few years to provide fruit, but will be around providing for many years to come. In our lives long term planning might include a plan to attend a University, or enter into a marriage. Short term plans are just as important and can be used to build toward or support the longer term plans. Friends or projects that maybe only last a season can be just as helpful as say planting flowers like nasturtiums under your fruit trees. These flowers will attract beneficial insects and act as trap crops for non-beneficial insects, they are also entirely edible so could even go in your salad. Get the most benefit from even short term associations by having the long range plans in mind and working seasonally with the intention to move toward your goals.
In gardening some things can be grown in some zones, and some things can not. Know what your particular 
If we want to produce beautiful roses, or a delicious squash we need to provide the plants with the nutrients they need. This is equivalent to nurturing yourself and your relationships with others. It starts at the very basic level of your thoughts, or mental diet. If you are putting good healthy thoughts and media information in to begin with it is much easier to get good healthy results. How you spend your time is another way to build your soil. Are you spending it in ways that add to your life? Or are you doing things you either don’t want to be doing, or you know aren’t good for you? Our relationships with others can also be building or depleting our soil, this goes both ways don’t deplete anyone else’s soil either. 
So how does your garden grow? Have you planned it out? Are you tending it, and building the soil? It is an explosion of life, or barely surviving? How rich, rewarding, and fun can your garden and your life become? As