Is it any coincidence that during this time of year the veil between this world and the next stretches thin and thinner, enabling souls both living and deceased to communicate with a crystal clarity that is rarely seen at any other time of the year? What is it about the earth’s journey from here to there that enables the conditions to be so right…so perfect…for the slightest change in fibrational pitch which clears the way for contact? It has always puzzled me. I adore the communion and encourage everyone, on this side and the next, to watch for the signs, encourage the connection and to rejoice our good fortune. The energy it takes for those living in the spiritual dimension to reach out and really touch us is unfathomable, but somehow they manage. Drawing energy from other sources is one way to get around the energy barrier. Another is through prayer, belief and good old fashioned faith…belief that our loved ones are not gone but merely transitioned, faith that we are all worthy of their efforts, and the energy of prayer that is proven to lift even the heaviest of hearts and most down trodden of souls…lifting them…healing them…making us one in the spirit of life.

This November and all the way through the Holiday season and beyond, remember your Dearly Departed Loved Ones and know that they are thinking of you too. They have not left us, but have just gone into another room. Think of them in the same old way and talk to them as you always have. Nothing has changed. They are still with us…in every way, every day…

And that’s my point. Most Americans know that the medical association and the pharmaceutical companies have us by the throat and wield way too much power. The only people in this country that can get any sort of health care without rendering them bankrupt are the rich and sometimes famous. Dr. Murray, in my opinion is a poster child for the *real* medical professional in this country, and while it is true that there are some honourable physicians out there, they are few and far between. Whike I won’t go into some of my own personal medical horror stories lived while dealing with doctors both while I had insurance and when I did not, suffice it to say, many of you reading this right now know exactly what I am talking about. Dr. Murray was swayed by the money and it blinded him to his moral and professional ethics. Yes, he is human too, but being a physician is his job for which he is licenced by the government which is supposed to be an affidavit testifying to his professionalism and his quality and ability to do his job. Doctors are no better than the corner mechanic these days. There are good ones and there are some bad ones. But, we are not dealing with a pick up truck here. We are dealing with lives. And that should mean something.

I won’t go into the whole political rant here, either. I will save that for some other day. let’s just say that no matter who Michael Jackson was, at the very least he was and is a victim in so many ways. A victim of himself, his addictions, and a victim of the times…which haven’t changed a whole lot in the past 50 years or so. Remember Janis? Jimmy? Kurt? Amy? The list goes on and on. That is what is sad, my friends. The fact that these folks wasted their lives and were dupped by everyone…including themselves.

Let’s try to be more aware of our neighbors, family and friends and help them to heal their emotional injuries so they don’t have to turn to self medication to deaden the pain. Let’s reach out to others in need, at least through a moral support system, to help them cope, especially now in these stressful economic times. Let’s try to elect officials who will make a difference in our society where health care and the homeless and the poverty stricken are concerned. No one in the world should be starving right now and they are! Lots of them are! there is no excuse for this.

So…don’t let this death be alike all the other ones: Futile. Senseless. A waste. Do your part. Take a stand. Don’t waste resources and hammer your opinion home to whomever will listen. If enough of us scream…then someone is bound to hear. If we scream to the heavens, then maybe someone here on earth will listen. I think that’s what Michael jackson would want. In fact, I know he would…

King of Stones ~ Wildwood Tarot

Forest life mirrors real life and then transforms into a beautiful and enchanting story that mirrors an archetype that takes us back to more simpler times. When I first saw the Wildwood Tarot, I immediately thought about the new HBO series “Game of Thrones“, a story brought to cinematic life from a book series called “A Story of Fire and Ice” by George R.R. Martin. From the first airing I was hooked, just as the Wildwood Tarot pulled me into another world of nature and the wild where the roots of our planet are borne, so did this mesmerizing story of life and struggle in a place no one has ever been before.

The Wheel of Life and the turn of the seasons sits at the heart and soul of who we are and of the true nature of our planet, Mother Earth. The Wheel turns very slowly in Winterfell where the heart of the story of Fire and Ice takes place, deep in the woods where the outside world seems ffar removed from life in a way that seems to be threatened by the ambition and greed of the other entities of power within the realm and the surrounding lands…much as it is in our society today in many countries and principalities around the globe. The similarities between Winterfell and Sherwood are not lost to me, with their magnificent trees and the resident’s respect for nature touching my soul in very deep and primal ways even today in this, the modern world. We all long for a more natural time where things were simpler, cleaner with the spirit of the earth more accessible and woven within our daily lives. Nowadays, one has to put forth a bit more effort into getting out and around the natural world outside. It is a scientifically proven fact that this separation from nature has a detrimental effect upon the human body and psyche. I feel this is why many people are drawn to stories of an Arthurian theme, in my thinking a good thing! Keeping the spirit alive and letting us set our minds on the Old Ways where our roots are deep and still viable challenges the mind and keeps us healthy in many diverse ways. This connection between the Old Path and the Old Ways is instilled within from the beginning of time, and will always be a part of who we are as a people.  While the wheel in the story Game of Thrones turns ever so slowly, the way of life in real life society pushes us all to live and go faster and faster on it’s modern Merry-Go-Round wheel. As long as the legends of Arthur and the Old Days of the Wood are kept alive, I feel that we all have hope and the chance to keep the those ways alive and well as we march onward into the 21st century and beyond onto the unknown path of life.

The Journey ~ Wildwood Tarot

The Wildwood Tarot is a tangible tool to help remind us of the wheels that turn in our lives and how things change from season to season and just how mutable everything in our world really is. The interesting thing about the World of Winterfell when placed next to the times of our modern times and the Wildwood Tarot  is the paradox that forms and fold back onto itself, mirroring one and the other in ironic and unusual ways. In the Land of Fire and Ice, there is a magic of dragons that has died back  and lay dormant for many long seasons. The innocence of a girl child gives rise to this ancient magic and the vision of a young boy for the future of his world balance each other beautifully. In our modern day world much of the same thing has happened: the creators of ”A Story of Fire and Ice”, George R.R. Martin, and the “Wildwood Tarot”, John Matthews and Mark Ryan, are those same brilliant children who reawaken that spark of the Old Ways that jump starts the turning of the Wheel, rekindling the connection with our archetypal origins. Like the “Fool’s Journey”,  our lives and the very motion of the Universe hinges upon circles, orbits, turning and cycles – everything moves through the paths of the seasons. The turning of the Wheel of Life is a reflection of our lives. And, while the Game of Thrones tells the dire story of man’s dark nature while Wildwood Tarot looks at life in a brighter light, we can take the messages of both worlds and meld them into our world today. Our World and our Wheel…one and the same…ours to command…

Bamboo Arts Spirit Celebration - Fun!

As we drove down to their place early Saturday morning on the 16th of October – the day that the Spirit Celebration was to be held – I felt as if I was going back in time…to the 1960′s! Images of Woodstock came flooding in and I squeaked with delight as we entered the property! As we wandered on down the dirt road through the dappled sunlight breaking through the trees, it really was as if we were beginning a journey into another place, another era, where times were easy and the soul could relax and breathe. When the Center came into sight, it was like coming home. The beautiful and serene tree surrounding the lake, the gardens, both floral and vegetable, teamed with abundance, and the rolling hills, spacious pines and the overall feel of the place was one of the most welcoming I have experienced in a very long time.

Lots of great music at the Bamboo Arts Spirit Celebration!

As we unloaded out gear and entered the expansive lawn and stage area, everyone was friendly, welcoming and helpful. It felt like old home week as old friends an new came by to offer their “hellos” and their helps. It wasn’t long before everyone was set up and ready for a fun day filled with music, laughter and good times! The cafe at the main house offered the most wonderful organic homemade fixins for a very modest fee, and the weather that day was absolutely gorgeous with blue skies, a gentle breeze and just right temperatures. There was big music up on the stage for most of the day, with homegrown bands, poetry and spoken word recitations. But here and there all about the property (which is huge!) were little clusters of musicians jamming together and making the sweetest music an ear could ever hear. And sprinkled among the trees and scattered about the lawn were tents where readers, healers, and peddlers of various sundry fare would delight the senses as one strolled by. Crystal skulls, gemstone jewelry, incense and peppermints, hand made one of a kind items and lots of other things were there to be had for very reasonable prices. A very impressive turnout from vendors, readers, crafts folk, musicians and spectators made this an event to remember. My cheeks  hurt from smiling all day! And when all was said and done, after reluctantly calling it a day as the sun set and we readied for home, I could not recall a more lovely time spent on a beautiful Saturday afternoon!

Hearts a blazin' at Sleeping Gypsy's tent!

Rumor has it that Bamboo Arts Celebration Center will be having more events coming up starting in January 2011. Keep a watchful eye on this blog and my web page – Sleeping Gypsy - for all the latest updates and developments for announcements for upcoming celebrations at the Bamboo Arts Celebration Center at 4490 Cave Lake Road in DeLeon Springs, Florida. Until then, give them a look see at their web site: Bamboo Arts Celebration Center.

You will be so glad you did…

Until next time…

…Namaste!

Low Crypt Graves @ Tomolato Cemetery ~ St. Augustine, Florida

Well, here we are, four months into ournew home in the country’s oldest city, and I have to say I am lovin’ it! There is so much to do and see! If one wants to be the tourist and take in the sites, the Old City awaits day or night. Or, if exploring is more your thing, the whole surrounding area (and the whole state of Florida and Georgia for that matter!) is teeming with little nooks and crannies full of the interesting and unusual. Whether it is the big city and shopping (Premier Outlet Malls and Jacksonville) or other quaint little burgs (Palatka and Palm Coast and Green Cove Springs) there is always something interesting to do and see in the Northern and Central Florida and Southern Georgia. (People say that Northern Florida is really a part of Southern Georgia, as the Georgian’s say that the Northern part of the state of Florida is too good for the rest of the state; it’s all the “First Coast”, however, and it is all good!)I have never seen so much vegetation except for maybe the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas where the maternal side of my family is from. It is a prolific rain tropical forest type of environment abounding with wildlife of every sort – especially birds! Bald eagles, hummers, spoon bills, all sorts of herons and egrets, many varieties of little finches, buzzards and vultures, split tailed kites, and majestic brown pelicans…just to name a very small few. As a lover of all critters, I am in Seventh Heaven here. Hooty owls can be heard late at night in the woods across the street from our little shotgun style home. I love to lay in bed at night and listen to them hoot and trill! One of my favourite creatures is probably the smallest: the Anoles. They are little guys with great big hearts, doing push ups to impress when one wanders into their territory. And the babies are so very tiny and small, but with a heart as big as any little adult of the species. What do they eat? It’s hard to imagine… 

An Old Garden gate ~ Old City ~ St. Augustine, Florida

There is always something interesting to see in the Old City. During the daylight hours, one can go down to the King Street/St. George Street area, take a look around, do some shopping and marvel at some of the old and restored deep south style homes. Most of them have been turned into Bed n Breakfasts, or businesses, but all along the outskirts of the central part of the Old City there are blocks and blocks of really old homes that people still live in, either students from the nearby Flagler College or the residents that have been there for quite some time. Vibrant during the day, and quite bucolic, it’s the night time that brings out the spiritual vibrations from the dwellings in the city. 

My favourite street to wander in the wee hours is Hypolita Street. The spirit activity on that street is one of the most active that I have ever felt.  Scarlet O’Hara’s is down there, as well as the older churches which are not far off the beaten path. But there is something about Hypolita that really retains the vibrations of the old times and the people that lived there…some of them just don’t want to leave this charming place. The Tomolato Cemetery is very impressive. The plaqard states that it is an Indian burial site that was maintained by the Franciscan priests in the then little town of Tomolato. It is fenced and closed most of the time, though I hear that they open it up from time to time to let visitors have a closer look. It is by far the oldest burial ground I have ever seen, dating back to 1737. Though I haven’t been down to this area during the late night hours, I do plan on doing so very soon. 

Red Door on a Very Old House ~ Old City, St. Augustine, Florida

One of the things that impresses me about this city is the care the town takes at keeping the big modern homes and housing developments at bay and on the outskirts of the city. The same goes for big box stores and shopping malls. The only thing you will find in the old part of town are restored and refurbished dwellings and places of business, no modern stuff there, just put back to as close to the original thing as one could get. It really is like stepping back in time. Especially when you round a corner to see a pirate lad and a pirate ladie deep in the middle of a (mock) sword fight duel! You soon realize that it is a pair of the many reneactors that wander the old brick streets, playing parts that bring back the memories of times gone by…and maybe unknowingly stirring up the spirits of the past with their cherade. Or a colonial spanish couple strolling the lanes. Or an uniformed spanish guard patrolling the streets keeping the flim flam under control. (…those were real people…right?!  ) That said, the efforts of the renactors do not go wasted on me. I love that sort of thing! 

My favourite watering hole is Green Dolphin Street at 51 Charlotte Street near Hypolita. You can sit outside and listen to the live music. It has great ambiance, but not too pricy. It’s outside and they have all sorts of differet things to drink. It’s a really good time down there – I highly recommend to anyone not wanting to do the average tourist thing but needing a taste of local vibe to check this place out! Another good place to go that the locals love is Finnegan’s Wake out on the Island on A1A. They make the best fish and chips you will ever taste! And if you are into celtic music, they play the best around, from traditional to modern, it will take you back to the Emerald Isle! If you’re into Mexican fare, try Casa Maria just up the road towards the bridge. Carribean you say? Mango Mango’s is the place to go for the best island burgers in the land! Plus, they have live ragae every now and then and it’s like being in the Islands. There are two locations, but the one out on South  US1 is a little better priced and not so crowded by tourists. Granted, the location on the corner of A1A and A Street is like 30 feet from the beach, but I can live with that.  I think you could too. 

Corner Tower of the Castillo de san Marcos ~ St. Augustine, Florida

Oh…and did I mention that the whole city is haunted? 

Orbs in the Barracks ~ Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

 

More Orbs in the Barracks ~ Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

 

Small Orbs in the Barracks ~ Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

 

Five Orbs ~ Barracks Area, Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

 

One Bright Orb in the Magazine Area ~ Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

 

One Big Orb in the Magazine Area ~ Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

 

Now, some may argue until the cows come home that orbs are merely dust particles caught as an anomoly by the flash of the camera. In some cases that may be so, but I don’t think this is the case here. These are the only orb photos out of nearly a hundred photos taken at the fort that day. If it’s dust here, then it is dust all over the place, because it is all just one big huge place that is built all the same. But I’m here to tell you that this is not a dust environment. In fact, it was so hot and humid (the city was experiencing a rare heat wave) and not a breath of a breeze to be felt anywhere that day. So, I am of the mind that these are orbs in the photos and not dust. But to each his own opinion, I guess.

Well, there you have it…an update from the Oldest City in the country. I highly suggest to anyone visiting the Orlando/Daytona/Savanah area to swing over and check this place out. I fell in love with this town, and I know you will too!

Thanks for checking in and cruising the photos and hanging out with me for a while.

Until next time…

…Au Revoir!

XIII. Death ~ Sedna ~ Meaning: transformation, rebirth, renewal, new beginnings.

Just a few weeks ago I received a phone call from my sister-in-law.  Her voice was frantic. “Has the oil reached your beaches yet? We are so worried…”. Well, no. Not yet, that is. As absurd as her question sounded at the time, it is becoming more and more of a reality here and everyone I know and meet are scared to death of this big, black oily monster headed to the Florida coastlines and beyond. I watch with tears in my eyes as the horror stories unfold in the media of how the wild life and the ecosystems are being destroyed, one after another after another. the residents of these areas are crying in pain and fear over the loss of their lands and heritages as they are consumed by the crude. My heart sinks at every report and my heart cries out in disgust at the images revealed by every news report, the by-product being unadulterated anger. How can this happen? Why did it happen? But most of all, why are the people responsible for this, and those who are their supporters (and visa versa), not doing something about this? I cannot imagine if this were to happen in another country the outcry our country would be emitting if the shoe was on the other foot. How sickening.

Having recently moved from the coast of Lake Michigan to the coast of the Atlantic ociean, and having grown up on or near natural water ways my whole life, I thought I was “aware” of my surroundings and its delicate nature. Only now, in the wake of this catastrophy, have I begun to realize just how messed up things can be – especially when man gets his fingrs into the works.

The waterways are medicine for our souls. Every human sense is stimulated by it. The smell of the water, suntan lotion or a barbecue; the feel of the ions in the air and the sand between our toes; the sight of the wild life and the colour of the sea, the awe as we watch a surfer catching a wave; the taste of the salty water on our lips when we swim; the sound of the gulls and the crashing waves, the air horn of a passing ship, and the laughter of children being carried upon the winds of the shore; the lifting of our very souls when we are near the water…all these things we take so much for granted will be silenced by the greed of other men, men in power and hungry for more and more money, so much money they don’t even know what to DO with it all. Makes me sick. Makes my heart cry out for justice and resolution to this awful thing that has happened.

XI. Justice ~ Maat ~Meaning: judgement, balance, legalities, making decisions

I know I am not alone. I can feel the presence of a multitude of other souls just like mine carrying the heavy burden of this unspeakable thing that has happened within them. And more closer to home, the looks on the faces of every resident and visitor that we pass at any given day or evening tells the story. No need to be psychic to know how everyone in our area is being effected by this event. Which may have an upside, and this might give me some hope that this oil spill will help to set guidelines and the implementation of safe guards for future generations, and – better yet – spur the development of cleaner energy solutions and get us away from our dependence on oil and its byproducts. Just think of it: this is just one oil well in a mighty plethora of them all around our planet. This is a warning and a reminder that we need to work harder and faster at adopting better and wiser fuel and energy choices. Now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Now. What more needs to happen to open our eyes?

What really angers me is how we as individuals are trying so hard to make wise choices, and to consider and use alternative energy in our daily lives. We ride bikes,walk or take public transportation instead of taking the car. We recycle and reuse and reinvent uses for things we would normally toss into the trash. We are urged by the media (and the powers that be) to do our best to make lifestyle changes to make a difference, one little person and one little household at a time. And then along comes some mega company (BP) that just throws caution to the wind to save a few extra bucks (while they are the ones who have more money than they know what to do with! *see above*) and the end result -> Catastrophe. Doom. Poison. Suffering. Waste. Loss. Death. And all in huge proportions. Every American I know does what they can and sacrifices when and where they can to make a difference. But to what avail when in one fell swoop a huge corporation screws up so astronomically as to wipe out every little effort we make? How can they do such a thing?! I am deeply appalled…

XXI. The World ~ Gaia ~ Meaning: the state of wholeness, self-awareness, oneness with all living things.

 So…where do we go from here? What do we do? I, for one, am not going to let this break my spirit. I am stubborn. And I am not a real fan of big business nor big corporations. My household has decided to not do business with BP any more, which is a bit of a Catch 22. Surely, they need our support to clean up the mess and fix this problem some may argue. But I really have no sympathy for this corporate monster. The oil companies are no different than the pharmaceutical companies or the tobacco companies where their commerce and ways of getting money from people are concerned. They don’t need my help. The world, however, does. So this is where I am starting. With the world, and especially my little world. Our household has already vowed to step up our awareness of the earth, our environment – especially the immediate environment – and make our best effort to clean up our act even more. We will continue to remain ever diligent of our way of life and how we impact our surroundings, both immediate and beyond. We will show respect to the earth, ourselves and especially others by being mindful of what we are doing and what we are leaving behind during and after we are doing it. We will be more aware of where we are putting our money and more educated about the companies we are doing business with, both on a local and more wide spread scale. We will donate to wildlife and environmental friends more often. They so need our support. And, finally, we will be keeping the soul of the earth and all its inhabitants in our thoughts and prayers in an ongoing way, so as to aid in the healing that is so desperately needed at this time. I encourage everyone who is reading this now to do the same. Don’t let all that anger and frustration go to waste! Convert that energy into healing prayers and thoughtful and loving action for our planet and thus ourselves and our plant, animal and elemental families. Let’s make a difference now more than ever! I hope you will join me in this…and thank you for listening to my rant.

Namaste, my friends… 

[*note: The Tarot used in this blog is from the Animals Divine tarot by Lisa Hunt. She is a tarot genius! ~L.]

The Victorian Flower Oracle

At long last and after much, much planning and effort, I have finally made the move to my favourite place on this whole planet…St. Augustine, Florida!

There are so many trees here in Florida. The only other place I have ever been that has this many trees is maybe the Ozarks, where my family hails from by way of Kentucky and Tennessee. The south is in my blood, I guess. Add to that the many varieties of tropical flowers and other forms of unique vegetation – palm trees, cactus, succulents and Spanish moss galore! – and you begin to feel transported and gone with the wind! Scarlett O’Hara was one smart cookie!

XX. The Sun ~ Fairie Tale Tarot

Well, as some of you may have heard, fir the last year and a half, I and my significant other have been working, planning and striving to make a move from Grand Haven, Michigan to the warmer climes of Florida. I am happy to announce that the move is almost complete! This whole project has been such an exercise in determination, it has brought to us a sense that we can do absolutely anything as long as we put our minds to it! We couldn’t have done it alone, however, and have had much needed and greatly appreciated help from some very wonderful and caring folks. 

First off, we have a couple of super-human real estate agents on both ends of the move. Both real estate agents have gone above and beyond the call of duty where coordinating our relocation is concerned, what with selling one house and buying another and all in sync with our busy lifestyles, is nothing short of a miracle. My daughter has been an extremely helpful life saving sort of angel where all of this moving business is concerned. Add to that the rest of our family and friends, well…I cannot express enough gratitude to make me feel satisfied that they have been praised sufficiently, but I can begin right here and now with this blog. 

The reasons for the move are many, but boils down to a couple of nutshells: the economy and the cold. Economy-wise, Michigan is in trouble. Hardly anyone in this state has any money and it makes them desperate and grouchy. Weather-wise, it’s just too blasted cold. The summer last year was so chilly that the lake never did warm up enough to actually be able to get in at all. Temps in the low to mid ’70′s all season was very depressing. Folks in Michigan wait a long and cold winter for a nice warm summer to play in. To be deprived of that is really a cruel joke of nature. And I always say: If ya can’t stand the frost, then get out of the freezer. So, I am following my own advice. 

 Another thing that I have found disconcerting is the lack of tollerance for alternative lifestyles and outside-the-box thinking in general in all but the extreme eastern part of the state (read Detroit area) which I really don’t have any desire to live there. Not knocking the Motor City scene, but it’s just not my cup o’ tea. 

It all started winter before last. I had just endured a harrowing trip through a raging blizzard to bury my older brother. I felt like a frozen popsicle for days, never really being able to warm up ever since. I said to my partner, “…we gotta get outta here!” And so we set forth and made a plan. We would save up our funds, put the house up for sale, and move about this same time next year. We weren’t sure how we were going to make it happen, but every journey starts with a single step. And so it goes. 

We started doing exploratory trips to the Sunshine State in October. Initially we were interested in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami beach area, but after spending a few days there, discovered that the area was nearly as depressed economy-wise as the Michigan area. So, we headed north. Now, my family is from the Ozark, Arkansas area initially. A dear friend of mine had mentioned we should check out the St. Augustine area, raving about how nice it is there. Needless to say, it took all of one day to realize how right she was! We fell in love with the oldest city in the country and the rest is history. 

Even though the housing market is severely depressed, we managed to sell our home in a near-record 18 days. And in the final hour we were fortunate to find and buy the Florida house of our dreams. We are so blessed in so many ways, I cannot even begin to count them all. If all goes well, we will be settled into our new house by the end of April at the latest. In the meantime, we have our work cut out for us in the form of moving one household to another across 1800 miles. At least we have motor vehicles to use and not covered wagons and mules! 

So…if you ever feel like life is out of control or that things will never go right or your goal is just too far out there to be touched…think again. Where there is a will there is a way. Just look at the Sun and believe…in the world and yourself.

Most of the time I hear all sorts of good things about the World of New Age and a lot about the inherent good of the Tarot, and how it helps people so much. But more than I would like to admit, I do hear some pretty bad things from people that usually don’t know much about tarot or what it really is. All the exposure that these folks have had have been through misrepresentation from the media, television or inadequate portrayals in the motion picture industry. Occasionally, and sadly, some people get ripped off by flim-flam charlatans and scam artists…you know the ones…they tell the person they are reading for that they have a terrible curse upon them and for a gazillion bucks the reader will remove it. Whenever I hear about this sort of thing going on it just really bugs me. I mean…really bugs me.  That is why I do a lot of free readings and don’t charge an arm and a leg for my services. I figure it all comes back around and so I don’t sweat the money part so much. 

Stella's Tarot ~ XV. The Devil

 

That is why whenever I hear of something really good coming from working with the tarot I just get so excited about it. And that is what happened in the case I am going to share with you now. 

There is a young man that I have been doing readings for for a little while now.  He has given me permission to tell his story as long as I change his name. So lets call him Murray. I think he’d like that name.

Murray has been coming to me for a little under a year. I never charge him for readings, as he really doesn’t have the extra cash to pay. So I don’t mind reading for him for free. Right off the bat I could tell that Murray had some issues in his life. Drugs, drinking, legal problems and hanging out with the wrong crowd were big ones. This all pretty much was getting him down, as his life was  just one big downward spiral. Nothing really good ever happened for him, and I felt bad for it. I had hoped that through my friendship and work through the tarot I could somehow get through to him and help him get clean and on the road to sobriety. I really worried about him when I didn’t hear from him for a while, and was so relieved when he would finally called me and touch bases, asking to get together for a reading. I guess it’s just the “mother hen” coming out in me where Murray was concerned.

What was really interesting was that  he would manage to pull The Devil card from the deck every single time without fail. I remember the first time this happened during his  first reading. It’s quite normal to have the querent raise an eyebrow when cards like Death, the Tower and the Devil show up in a reading. At first he was very concerned at seeing this card, but after explaining what it meant,  he would settle into a more calm and somber mood, nodding his head as I explained how this card reflected the vices and bad habits of his life and how he could break free from that and initiate change. After dealing with all sorts of substance abuse issues within my immediate family, I knew what those reflective nods meant. Quiting an addiction is easier said than done no matter how sincere or how hard one tries to quit. I never pushed him, but always tried to explain the positive side of The Devil card whenever he presented himself in front of Murray. I wasn’t going to hold my breath in anticipation of his getting clean any time soon, but I always hoped that one day he would tire of the party life and get his act together.

On a sunny afternoon, not too long ago, I heard a knock on the door. When I opened it there stood Murray. Would I do a reading for him? Sure.

He was unusually quiet and oddly lucid as he cut the cards after the usual shuffling. He picked his cards and sure enough…there was Mister Devil card as usual. We were doing a three card reading and I remember the cards he chose (which is unusual, as I don’t usually remember readings soon after I do them) – Temperance, The Four of Cups and The Devil. In that order. As his eyes landed on The Devil card he smiled, instantly knowing what that card meant from experience.

Tapping the Four of Cups, he said, “I think I know what this card means. The boy is refusing the cup. He doesn’t want it anymore.”

“Yes, that is one way to look at it.”

And then he tapped on Temperance, “What does Temperance mean?”

“Let’s look it up in the Dictionary,” I said as I pulled it up on my trusty iPhone dictionary app. As I read the meanings, his face grew entirely serious, and no sooner had I read the part about it meaning abstinence from alcohol, he stopped me.

“Oh my God.” His face was pale and he was so dead serious he was beginning to freak me out a bit. “I have to tell you something very important. I’ve been clean and sober for the last week. I have been seriously considering stopping everything all together.” He blinked. I didn’t know what to sa,y so I stayed quiet and let him continue. “…this is so weird. This is a sign!” Yes it is, I thought. Yes…it is.

There were tears in his eyes and soon there were tears in mine. To see this sort of break through for a person and all spurred on by a tarot reading was a wonderful thing to see. It did my heart good after putting up with so much flack from a very biased and ignorant public in the past few months and years. Here was a young person before me having a perfect “Ah Ha!” moment, all on account of the tarot cards. How could anyone think that such a good thing happening could be so bad?

Seeing the figure of the Devil enlightening a person to turn his life around instead of being used to scare the crap out of people and manipulate them for money and gain was an irony that was not lost on me that day! Murray wasn’t aware of my own little “Ah Ha!” moment, but that’s ok. I wasn’t going to steal his thunder. It was a very amazing afternoon for the both of us…one I will never forget.

So, the next time someone makes assumptions about the tarot in a negative way, just think of Murray. Last I heard he was still on the wagon and even bragging to his friends how he has quit the high life for good. He is so proud of himself and so am I. I didn’t need my faith in the tarot recharged, but the reboot didn’t hurt my feelings at all. Never underestimate the good in people when reflected in the cards…

Namaste everyone!