The Star - Don't Be Decieved

The Star,  is such a bright happy image yes, and don't be deceived, Pandora's box has been opened and out fly spites of swarming pestilence that has been released into the world, and can't returned to the box. All manner of troubles and sorrows have suddenly been loosed. Pandora doesn't seems phased by all this and looks upward in hopeful anticipation with faith and trust that there is still so much beauty and goodness in the world. She believes there is always hope for the hopeless.

I seldom draw this card. In all my daily draws over the years, this is the fourth time it's come up. Perhaps that's a good thing because it makes me more appreciative of the beauty in The Star and it is consistent with my recent posts that explore the feminine, intuition and reclaiming the Feminine Divine. It reminds me of the Wild Woman that exists in all women. Unlike Eve who is seen as sinful, and impure, Pandora is innocent, pure of heart and hopeful. She knows in her bones she will survive all that has been unleashed yes and she will thrive not in spite of, but because of the very things that would destroy her. Pandora is becoming stronger than ever, loving life even more, with an open mind, spirit, and a trustful heart.


 

Nine of Cups - Dreams

The Nine of Cups is called the wish card, as it signifies the positive outcome of a fulfilled dream. In November of last year my dream came true, because of my 20 year long time commitment to getting my house paid off, and starting my Tarot reading business. The last year of having to pay my mortgage seemed like the longest year ever, as if it was never going to come to an end. It seemed like there was one hurdle after another to overcome. It was like hurry up and wait.

  I was reminded today of how I have so much to be grateful for. When working toward a the realization of a dream it can fill like it is never going to come to fruition and we sometimes focus on the negative things, what is going wrong, and how hard it is to achieve. We get our underwear all in a knot to say the least. We can get myopic, and easily forget our blessings, like the simple things we take for granted. I am always grateful to be reminded of this, just when I need that reminder.

Having a commitment to our feelings and our values, plays a very essential role in realizing dreams. I believe it is not a matter of luck but commitment, and hard work. Sometimes our dreams are not realized, and this can be stressful, but the dream can change and we can find a different kind of fulfillment and happiness in this, if we make up our minds to do so.

Ten of Cups - Happiness

The suit of Cups represents feelings and the emotions. Out of all the cards in the Minor Arcana, The Ten of Cups is one of my favourites, as it is a card  of happiness, ongoing peaceful and permanent contentment in a united family, and within the realm of the heart.

Statistically the data is not so positive, reflected in our society, regarding relationships. The majority of folks are single. The divorce rates are very high, and chances of divorce, apparently become even greater, the more times we marry. It is easy to feel somewhat cynical, pessimistic and even jaded about relationships within the existing state of affairs between the sexes.

If the facts are correct, those who are married are supposedly happier than single folk. I then ask, if this is the case, why then are there not more people married?
I digress, but that said, it does not mean we can not achieve a very happy harmonious state, we definitely can, but not without work on ourselves and within our relationships.

Happiness is an inside job. No person, place, or thing makes us happy. We are responsible for our own happiness. Happiness is directly dependent on a daily practice and proportionate to being grateful, and having an attitude of gratitude, choosing to not allow the ego to get in the way. Happiness is a choice.

The Ten of Cups points specifically to a spiritual foundation, and connectedness with the Divine. The couple portrayed in the card has that divine foundation, which includes the God of their own understanding. Upon this firm foundation, they have built a deep love, giving their relationship a sustained, continued contentment, and permanence. The couple are winged, as angels, and like angels, are spiritual beings having a human experience.

 It has been said, that when we open our hearts to another, we can see the reflection of God. We pass through many tests, tribulations, trials and difficulties; life is always full of them. Honesty, humility, and acceptance, can connect us to our own souls and then, deeply to another. 

A very holy man once said, when two individuals choose to love one another, they become like two whole intersected circles, or both join one another, within one circle. This circle should expand to be inclusive and outreaching to others. The circle should not decrease, or become smaller, but should increase in size to include others in our lives, as a reflection and example of God's love.

Gretchen Rubin has a great site,  The Happiness Project that I love. I have posted one of her videos below.