Giving up the Habit of Worrying

Those of you who know me won't be surprised to read that I prefer to use Tarot in a practical and down-to-earth way. I'm not a 'ritual' person; I actually really dislike all the woo-woo stuff like chanting and talking to some 'inner voices' or 'spirit guides'. I'm just not psychic. There! I've finally come clean ;-)

Instead, I connect Tarot cards with affirmations, words of wisdom and inspirational quotes, which guide the person using the cards for self-exploration and development along the right path.

The Nine of Swords is all about worrying, anxieties, fears. It's obvious when looking at the image: the woman seems to have just woken up from a nightmare, the background is so dark, no glimmer of light as if all hope and optimism has been lost.

The motivational message I want to attach to this card is as follows:

Worrying serves no purpose other than to make us feel tense and miserable. When I stop fretting about things that are beyond my control and focus instead on generating optimistic and kind thoughts, my life can begin to flow in ever more positive directions. Such a light and easy approach to life enables me to take everything in my stride.

It is true that most worries and fears are blown out of proportion. Many people worry too much; they think too much:

The biggest disease of the mind is over-thinking, especially too much thinking about others.Thinking too much is like eating too much. The heaviness makes it impossible to remain light and flexible.

When people have negative thoughts regularly, they become attached to them. Negative thoughts become a habit.

What is the solution? Learning to detach yourself from those thoughts:

The root of suffering is attachment. You have created a space in your mind that holds a person or object as part of you. When that person or object is criticized, neglected or not with you, you feel pain in your mind and you experience a sense of loss. If you want to be happy, you must learn to love and appreciate while remaining independent.

Nurture a desire to be free from negative thoughts:

Detachment is being close to what you most want to be free from and using it to make you grow.

Acknowledge your worries and fears, and then let them go. Life isn't always a smooth ride - there's great pleasure to experience but also grief. C'est la vie!

Let go and know that all will be well. Trust that life will take care of you.



Image: www.aquatictarot.de

For more inspirational and spiritual wisdom, visit http://www.relax7.com/relax.htm and http://www.bkwsu.org/

Walk on the Bright Side

The other day I received the following message from relax7.com in my inbox:

Radiate Happiness

Have you ever noticed that happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision? You don't actually need anything to be happy. It's not something that comes from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy you'll be amazed what it attracts into your life. Don't worry, be happy...sound familiar? Decide now, be happy, and watch magic begin to enter your life.

I think this empowering message sums up The Sun quite nicely. Happiness does indeed come from within; it’s about having a positive attitude to life regardless of what you own, how successful you are or what life throws at you.

I often find that when the Sun turns up in a reading, life isn't all hunky-dory but it's a reminder that all isn't as bad as it seems. And if it does appear in your darkest hour, then perhaps it acts as reassurance that there will be light again and a new sense of purpose. The Sun is life, and it's asking you to choose life regardless of your circumstances. In return, life will choose you with all its magical experiences.

The Sun image: http://www.aquatictarot.de/, used with permission

Eastenders - Tarot Reading for Garry

The Tarot reading from hell - very amusing:



Poor old Garry! LOL!

Tarot Numerology - Five

The number Five in Tarot spells trouble, especially the ones in the Minor Arcana. The number Five is associated with the planet Mars, "God of War", and indicates a challenge of some sort. The Five of Wands depicts a confrontation, the Five of Cups emotional upheaval, the Five of Swords a hollow victory (or a defeat), and the Five of Pentacles financial hardship.

But what about Arcanum number 5, The Hierophant? This character seems benevolent on his throne, advising or preaching to his disciples, but the Hierophant is associated with ethics, morality, education, humanity and conscience, all of which can cause struggle, tension, upset and many heated discussions in addition to narrow-mindedness, intolerance, prejudice and radicalisation. If the Hierophant stands for religion, does the number Five indicate its inherent tendency to create havoc?

However, all is not lost. The number Five is asking for mediation, a middle way, re-instating the equilibrium, which is perfectly represented by Temperance, Arcanum number 14 (1 + 4 = 5). Temperance is a healing card, the angel a religious symbol, which suggests the need for compassion, mercy, forgiveness and moderation in times of strife.

Conflict and tension may also be apparent, when the following card combinations appear:

1. The Magician (1) + The Emperor (4) - two strong characters struggling to combine independence with responsibility

2. The High Priestess (2) + The Empress (3) - the need to combine opposites (night/day, unconscious/conscious, reflection/creativity) in order to create harmony

The Fives may indicate a tough situation, but at the same time they offer an eye-opening experience and eventually progress ahead.

For more information on the significance of numbers in tarot, click here:

www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/TarotNumbers.htm