Wednesday, June 6, 2012

A little [much-needed] self-reflection.


I recently moved into a new apartment, and as such unearthed my Tarot cards the other night. I was in the mood for a reading, so I did one for my roommate, and then she returned the favor. I shuffled and dealt my deck into a Celtic Cross spread and then she interpreted for me. While shuffling, I thought of my emotional life in general. The results were spot on, per usual. It always amazes me. I get frustrated doing self readings [or having readings done for me] because they rarely give me any future sight; it always makes me face the aspects of my life that I don't want to acknowledge and rather than giving a future/outcome look, it's usually like, “LOOK Liz- REFLECT. THINK about your shit and check in with yourself.” Yeah. My cards basically tell me this is what you're dealing with, so deal with it. And yet, I still love that feeling of “Damn. They're right. That is what I'm freaking dealing with.” I love the little shivers that go up my arms and the pangs my heart feels when the cards hit the nail on the head, even when it hurts.

Here goes:

* * *

Heart of the Matter: Knight of Wands Reversed

“Be careful with your decisions. Don't do something you'll regret.” Basically, it's a fairly turbulent time in my life right now, and something's holding me back. AKA- I'm out of the breakup but life's still kinda shaken up from that. I'm starting to put the pieces of my life together, but he still exerts some control over my emotions which have a decent part in the control of my life.

“Don't stay rooted in a career that doesn't work for you anymore.” I'd been looking for a new job for a while now, and just accepted a new job yesterday. I'm putting in my two weeks in the morning, and new sights ahead. It's played a huge part in my emotional stability lately.

“Where a romantic possibility exists, avoid getting involved too quickly.” Story of my dating life. I typically fall for people easily and I'm a hopeless romantic, so I usually rush in to relationships and latch on right away. I'm usually a girlfriend at heart. But I've been learning I need my single/non-commital time and that's been a bit of a struggle. Lately I've been able to distance myself more easily, but the guys are still attaching quickly and wanting more than I can provide at this particular time in my life...

* * *

Opposing Factors: Queen of Swords Reversed

“Be strong, but not too strong!” I need to assert my independence more. [Duh.] Again, this goes along with the whole 'I need to figure my own shit out before I commit to other people' thing.

The relationship part I'm just gonna quote directly from the book, since it's so freaking accurate. “If a relationship is part of your focus at this time, you need to make sure you are involved for all the right reasons. You might be afraid of getting involved, fearful that by giving your heart you will give up the independence you so greatly prize.” Yup. Basically.

Also- “If you are feeling unloved, it is easy to mask your feelings with coldness.” I recently had a minor falling out with a good friend [I don't even know that falling out is the right word... They upset me, I over-reacted, I apologized, and no response as of yet... but... I don't know that we're completely done, either...] But basically, I was cold to them that day when they bailed on me... It was my past biting me in the ass, hitting me hard, and I couldn't handle it. I felt unloved, I felt deceived, and I felt led on. And when that type of thing happens to me, I shut down. I go Ice Bitch on people [even those not involved], and I'm just in a period of time where that might happen. A lot.

* * *

Foundation/Root Cause: Nine of Swords Reversed

“Deal with it.” Lover is not meant to be a savior. Focusing on the negatives. Isolation. Obsessive fears.

Basically, in my past, especially in my past relationship and in my depressions, I've focused a LOT on the negative- how things will go wrong, what is wrong, and I've distanced myself from those that care about me.

Pretty spot on in regards to my past few years.

* * *

What I Already Know: King of Cups

“Master your emotions.” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As in, I already know I need to do that/have known for a ridiculous amount of time now.

“Now it is important that you view your life as a work of art and your art as a work of life” - beautiful quote in the interpretation of the card in my book. I shouldn't repress my emotions, but rather examine them.

As a future therapist, I obviously am a very caring, compassionate person... but I've often let those characteristics take over me, rendering me useless and a crying, emotional mess. This card also kinda goes along with “Say what you need to say,” something I've been trying to live by lately. I need to examine what I'm feeling, why, and deal with it.

* * *

Past Influences: Eight of Pentacles Reversed

I let my perfectionism block me from my progress. I can see how this affected my life in SOOOO many ways, but I'll only focus on one or two that I feel comfortable sharing with the interwebs. Basically, same as Nine of Swords, Rev.... I let myself be bogged down in the negatives rather than focusing on the positives, and it really impacted my own mood/demeanor, as well as my depressions. There were things I couldn't [and, honestly, still can't] accomplish because I'm too caught up in the “wrongs” of it all.

* * *

Near Influences: Nine of Cups

All about wishes. [I've determined from this card, I need to be vigilant with my 11:11pm wishes now haha. And precise.]

Basically, wishes will be coming true. [and I suppose it's already begun. I got a new job, I got my dream apartment... etc]. Enjoy the blessings.

What a relief. =]

* * *

Myself [How I see things right now]: Judgment Reversed

Thin-skinned and defensive. Harsh assessment from others.

“You could find yourself having to deal with criticism from a former lover, and as a result you might be uncomfortable or unhappy for a while.” I recently found out just how “over” my relationship was. The love is gone. It's not quite criticism, as the book phrased it, but it almost felt like it. It was a blow to the chest, and I'm learning how to deal with that.

“You should forgive yourself for falling short of your own expectations.” 'Nough said.

“You feel you were indecisive and didn't rise to a challenge correctly. Berating yourself for mistakes you might have made can undercut your self-esteem.” Aka, how I feel about my last relationship. Again, enough said.

* * *

Surrounding Environment: Seven of Swords Reversed

I saw this card as the influence others are trying to have on me. Essentially, STOP BEING SO BOGGED DOWN IN THE NEGATIVE. Improve the negative self-image. I'm my own worst enemy.

* * *

Guidance: Knight of Pentacles

“Plant seeds for the future.” Work hard. Be patient. Be trustworthy. Set your sights on the goal and git 'er done. Act responsibly.

Establish a routine; find where I am comfortable and stick with it.

My roommate interpreted it further [and more fitting], though I don't currently remember what else she said... I'll have to ask tomorrow night.

* * *

Outcome: Ten of Wands Reversed

“Define your goals!”

Basically, I need to figure out what the HELL I want right now. “You might feel emotionally impotent, unable to act in your best interests, overwhelmed by the many commitments you have made.” “You are expecting too much of yourself, yet resenting the demands that are made on you.” Even though I've made it clear I can't make decisions on certain emotional aspects right now, I feel like I have to. And it's ridiculously freaking frustrating.

“A pattern from your past could be influencing your relationships in a negative way.” No shit.

* * *

Overall, what was learned? I NEED TO LET GO OF THE PAST. [Somehow.] I NEED TO EXAMINE MYSELF, FIGURE OUT WHAT I WANT, WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR. I NEED TO LET GO OF THE PAST AND THE NEGATIVE, AND FOCUS ON THE NEW AND THE GOOD IN MY LIFE. Because my life, and me, are good. There's so much freaking potential and I need to trust in that.


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Galaxy Tarot

Since I love my Tarot but REALLY don't want to carry my deck [in its lovely box] plus my two books to interpret, etc... And because I may be addicted to Smartphones... I found a free Tarot Android app.

I. LOVE. IT.

The app is called "Galaxy Tarot"- and did I mention it was free? It's taken a little getting used to, but once you play around with it a bit, it's pretty easy to use. It offers three different spreads [3 card, celtic cross, and a relationship spread] as well as one card at a time. It allows you to shuffle the deck, and then pick from anywhere. So far, the readings I've done with this app are just as accurate as those with my deck. I'm in love.

So I figured I'd try posting about one of these readings, just because. [and hey, free advertising for the app, right? xD]

So, earlier I started off with Temperance, Justice, and Strength as my first three cards. Then I went to my phone's home screen to check a text, and lost the spread. [I had hoped that, as with other apps, since it didn't ask if I was sure about closing, that it would save my info and just return to what I was doing. It didn't. Argh.]

So I tried again.

1. Justice
2. 6 of Swords
3. King of Swords
4. 7 of Cups
5. 4 of Cups
6. 9 of Swords
7. 8 of Wands
8. The Moon
9. Page of Cups
10. 4 of Pentacles

[Interpretations of Positions and Cards are being based off of the app's information. I.E., I'm interpreting using their guidelines/meanings.]

#1 "The heart of the matter."- I.e., this position is what is concerning you now, the major influence.

JUSTICE.

My response? HOLY SHIT. "You may find yourself trying to do the right thing, holding on to what you believe in or having to face the truth." That basically sums it up. I have a choice in front of me, and I'm seriously considering it. But some of what's holding me back is "Is it too soon? Am I ready? I told myself I would do something else... but this feels like it could be a right choice... AHHH?!"



#2 "The opposing factor" - essentially, what am I up against?

SIX OF SWORDS

Trying to find that balance again. Finding support, and leaving the past behind. Um, duh?



#3 "The root cause." Might even show "influences that were hidden from your consciousness."

KING OF SWORDS

I'm just gonna quote a small section of one of their interpretations: "The need to balance intellectual orientation with a bit of emotional understanding." I'm just gonna re-state a facebook status I recently posted. MY HEART COOKS BRAIN AND BRAIN STRANGLES HEART. There's a bit of a power struggle going on here. Just a tad. Also, "societal values"- what will everyone else think?!

#4 "The known influence" - What you already know about the situation, plus your thoughts on it.

SEVEN OF CUPS

Indecision. [fucking DUH, right? xD] Caution with rushing into things without thinking through them. Confusion about yourself. Advice to follow your bliss.

[This card was so ridiculously accurate I got chills. I'm still reeling from it.]


#5 "The past influences" Influences that you're moving away from.

FOUR OF CUPS

Dissatisfaction/discontent. Feeling "stuck" emotionally and apathetic [um, hello depression?] Missing someone.

I gotta admit, I like that this was "moving away from" and not "moving towards." Gave me a slightly more positive outlook. xD



#6 "The new circumstances" - the coming influences.

NINE OF SWORDS

Lots of anxiety, sleeping issues [go figure. what was last night? oh yeah.] "Going through the dark night of the soul in order to find peace of mind." Something's bothering you deep, deep down, and interrupting sleep. Look to your nightmares to work it all out.


#7 "Your self" - your current state of mind and your approach to the situation

EIGHT OF WANDS

Overcoming old patterns [not just jumping in like I usually do]. Freedom to move forward, but again, feeling like maybe I'm rushing in... Also, love the quote: "The 'Go ahead' signal, 'all systems go; full steam ahead."

Totally conflicting with the all systems go but also worrying about rushing ahead.... but that's why this card was so perfect- because that is EXACTLY my state of mind. >.<


#8 "The surrounding environment" - How others are seeing the situation/you, setting the tone you need to work with.

THE MOON

Lack of clarity [No shit, sherlock?]... "Peace, be still; and it may be that there shall come a calm upon the animal nature, while the abyss beneath shall cease from giving up a form."

AKA Nothing is giving me any clear answers. I'm on my own on this one and eventually things will work out however they do.



#9 "Guidance" - guiding you, lessons to be learned; or, your hopes/fears on the matter

PAGE OF CUPS

Intuition, message of love, kindness, creativity, etc. For anyone who knows my situation, I think they'd agree it's pretty apt.



#10 "The outcome" - how you end up feeling, what you may have to do, or how the environment could change.

FOUR OF PENTACLES

This one didn't translate well for me [in comparison to everything else], and I would love some help applying it to my situation. Anyway.

Financial stability. Protectiveness, guarding self against loss. Greed.

I actually just used my major reference site: www.biddytarot.com [LOVE this site!] and it sort of helped? Ack, I've always hated getting Pentacles in an emotional matter. Anyway.

It reeks of an inflexible, stubborn attitude. "Change appears to be a threat to your certainty, safety and security." I hate to admit, but it makes me wonder if I let overthinking/my head get the best of me. I've had a LOT of change happen/about to happen, and it absolutely terrifies me.

The material [Pentacle] aspect of the card also makes me wonder if I'm going superficial in this situation; by that I mean, for the superficial happiness. I don't know. Unless someone has a better interpretation, I'm gonna just go with the classic, "Time will tell."

Sunday, April 1, 2012

...Oops?

Clearly I suck at the whole blogging thing.

Ah well.

I'm going to try to come back, at least more often than once a year xD.

I've done a couple readings in the past couple days, but I probably won't be posting on any of them because I've gotten a bit rusty and things didn't feel quite right. I need to really re-acquaint myself with the cards.

I may do an extensive reading tonight... I've got a lot of people in my life right now that are all begging for attention, so I might try a reading with 1-3 cards for each of them. [I can see it now: post-it notes covering my floor so I know who to think about in turn when dealing the cards out xD]

If that goes well, I may post about that.

In the mean time, blessed be =]