WAKING THE LION

Key concepts: boldness, the courage to move forward even without knowing the way, facing that which is difficult or painful, the audacity to step into the unknown

Regardless of the outer conditions right now, you can’t wait for your fear to lessen before you move forward. In fact, despite the chaos and seeming disarray, you must be bold. Whatever your trepidation, act as if you have deep trust that all will be well.

Nothing is promised to you, but you will never truly see magic if you don’t take the risk, come to the edge of certainty in your life, and leap into the unknown. You have no guarantee of immediate success. Still, you must summon your bravery in the face of possible pain, failure, or even success, and own your power. The act of making this leap, no matter the final outcome, awakens the lion within. Be proud of who you are and who you are becoming. No one can take this away from you.

What type of courage is called for today? Only you know, and only you have the power to choose your path. Know that it takes just as much strength and bravery to love and be vulnerable as it does to confront a personal challenge or physical obstacle. So call on your strength and stand your ground . . . or consciously
temper your emotional reactions, do nothing, and trust in your partnership with the Divine. Whatever your choice, you will not fail as long as you act with courage and integrity.

IN PERFECT HARMONY

Key concepts: togetherness, healthy and harmonious partnerships, commitment to a relationship, collaboration with others, interdependence

You’re entering a time of healthy, harmonious partnerships. Collaboration is key here as you’re invited to
explore the potential inherent in making a commitment to another person, a group, or even yourself.

Know that you’re bringing different gifts to the table; you don’t have to be in exact lockstep with everyone else. Being your authentic self actually brings you into alignment with others. You are a note in a harmony that neither overpowers nor is overpowered by any other. Your beautiful interdependence allows you all to shine.

Just keep an eye out for a sign that your subconscious, which has been conditioned by your previous hurts and experiences, is working in a way not in accord with what your healthy self intends. For example, you may
desire a relationship but expect to be betrayed, so you unconsciously sabotage it. You say you want to lose weight but continue to eat compulsively and avoid exercise. In these moments, you are not attuned with yourself, and this disharmony spills out into all other parts of your life. If this is happening, you might want to
take a hard look at yourself, do a self-inventory, forgive yourself, and then start singing a new song of self-love and acceptance. What’s really great about this is how quickly you are now able to turn this around. Have no fear: it is so easy to get back in tune. All it takes is self-honesty and a willingness to heal. You can do it!
This really is such a fortunate time.

IT IS WHAT IT IS

Key concepts: radical acceptance, engaging life on life’s terms, observing circumstances and taking them at face value, recognizing and releasing resistance and denial

What happens when you look at the world? Can you see it exactly as it is or only as you assume it to be? A door closing isn’t an invitation to take a battering ram to it. What if there were another door to lead you to your destiny? If you can release your attachment to getting what you want, you’ll be surprised by how much energy you have for more important things. Liberated from the burden of yearning, you’ll have access to what is best for all. Can you try now to accept things as they are, and shift your focus and attention until that other
door opens up for you?

Radically accept life on life’s terms; when you stop fighting against it and instead fight for what you truly desire, more of the world becomes available to you. When you are no longer in denial about what is in front of you, you will be empowered to make necessary changes with respect to yourself, your attitude, and your choices. The irony is that real transformation can happen once you surrender to the idea that things are exactly as they are meant to be.

If you step back with clarity and acceptance, you will realize that life is offering you something magical. Even if circumstances send you on a temporary detour, you will discover treasure beyond your imagination and a new way to embrace the world. Keep this prayer in mind: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

LET IT GO

Key concepts: forgiveness, healing resentments, shedding the role of the eternal martyr, letting go of victimhood, cutting the ties that bind you to a destructive story, releasing pain so you can move into the lesson it offers, relinquishing the need to be right

There are times in life when you must forgive, lest you become a hostage to your anger, frustration, disappointments, and resentments. This is not about condoning bad behavior or minimizing a hurt done to you. Forgiveness is simply a commitment to stop telling an old story so you don’t carry its burden anymore.

If you don’t forgive, old hurts fester and become distorted, causing you pain over and over again. You become trapped in a prison of your own making, tied to the story that you were a victim. It’s time to cut the invisible
cords attaching you to the situation and preventing you from moving forward! The truth is, you are victimizing yourself every time you re-create the unresolved hurt in your mind or speak of it with friends. Rather than allow this folly to repeat, surrender the situation to your Higher Power.

Now is the time for radical forgiveness. Say no to drama in all forms, and forgive yourself and others for engaging in it. Consider the ancient Hawaiian practice known as hoʻoponopono. This simple prayer is a beautiful way to begin the process of forgiveness: “I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” It’s based on the idea that we are all responsible for the reality we see in the world. If something is awry—whether it’s your perception, your emotional reactions, your judgment, and so forth—it’s up to you to clean it up.

Forgiveness is the key to a liberated and meaningful life. No matter what method you choose, just do it!

BEYOND THE ORDINARY

Key concepts: the mystical, ineffable part of life; trusting in the invisible world without understanding it; recognizing that some things cannot be known in advance and are not meant to be grasped intellectually; the awareness that everything is as it should be even if it doesn’t make sense

Beyond our ordinary worlds defined by our memory, our intellect, and our five senses is a mystical realm of beauty, magic, and extraordinary potential. This is the spiritual realm, the quantum reality, called by some the “Great Mystery.” This place doesn’t operate under the same laws we’re used to but rather has its own way of working that is perfect, though hard for us to understand.

When you want to know what is to come, the nature of something, or where you’re heading, it’s natural to turn to a trusted oracle and expect some kind of answer that will inform your view of how things are, might be, or should be. Sometimes this is not possible, because the elements cannot be named or are not yet in place. Things may be still in flux, so you cannot know and may never be meant to know.

No matter how hard you try to understand why something happened or how or when it will happen, now is the time to surrender to not knowing. The Mystery is a mystery because it is at present unknowable and as yet unmade. Even its potential is impossible to understand. What is waiting for you lies beyond the ordinary, but it has not yet chosen its shape, its path, and the manner by which it will be delivered. Your job is to stay the course, allowing whatever comes to be exactly as it will, without trying to ascertain anything in advance.

A POWERFUL MOVE

Key concepts: action, movement with purpose, effort, putt ing into motion your intention, making choices from an empowered and thoughtful place, positive change

The time for rest is over—change is in the air. Th is is a powerful time when deliberate action is needed to move your intentions out of the realm of thought and into the material, from ideas into action. How do you approach your relationship to the invisible world, as it influences the visible? Do you see the relationship?
Do you recognize yourself as a unique, whole, and worthy being who has a special place in the world, whose offerings are valuable, and whose life has meaning? You are a mighty co-creator, so step into that power and
see your intentions manifest in the world. Real positive change is possible when you make choices from an authentic sense of self and take a conscious step toward your dreams.

To take steps toward your intended experience, start first with the way you think. Let curiosity be the focus now, and display a willingness to discover new things instead of confirming your past expectations. Be open,
be clear about your motives and desires, and set your intention. Then step into the magic just waiting for you to claim it! Traveling, moving, flowing, flying: whatever describes the changes in your life, know that these are
called for now. Act with thoughtfulness and awareness, and remember to be true to yourself. What is called for now is “doing the thing that needs to be done.” All will be better than well. What an exciting time indeed!

WISH UPON A STAR

Key concepts: intentions based on your desires and aspirations, the act of consciously committing to a vision, sacrificing something of value, gambling on yourself, trusting that dreams can become reality, the importance of daydreams

Do you believe your dreams can become real, or do you shrug them off and chide yourself for being unrealistic? What if you could trust that the world around you holds promise you have not yet realized? Perhaps the point all along is not how something can happen, but the power of wishing and intending.

We humans have multiple ways to ritualize “owning” a dream we want to see manifest in physical form. Think of a wishing well: you infuse a coin with your intention, tuning in to the feeling of having a particular experience. Tossing the coin into the well symbolizes the act of letting the “how” go, walking away, and allowing the universe to do its part in the co-creative partnership. Another method is to wish upon a star. In doing so, you also look back to our origins, for we are made of stardust.

Today, allow yourself to dream and play with different realities. Even if it seems impossible, if it calls you and feels good, why not choose it? Wish upon a star, then live as if your wish were already true. Know that those beautiful dreams you have been nurturing are in the process of becoming real. Don’t forget that the act of wishing, dreaming, and intending is more important than figuring out the “how.” It shows the universe you’re serious about playing the game of life and you trust the essence of the partnership. Remember: every dream you believe in and hope for is a call to a twinkling star. The answer will come, sometimes swiftly, sometimes slowly. No wish is ever wasted.

BEAUTIFUL UNCAGING

Key concepts: the prison of guilt, a need for self-inventory, rigorous honesty, accountability, making amends

At this time, you’re being called to assess where guilt is playing a part in your life, recognize how it’s affecting you and others, and address it so you can release yourself from its grip. Guilt is a powerful emotional state, capable of transforming difficult situations. It keeps you accountable for your actions when you’ve done something that causes harm. However, it can also feed a self-sabotaging cycle that fosters codependency and a distorted sense of personal power. Self-blame can lead to behaviors that perpetuate low self-worth.

Have you done or said something for which you need to make amends? Have you disregarded a boundary or broken a promise? Guilt can make you aware of potential ways you have given injury and show you how to
redress the transgression. When you sincerely admit you are wrong and begin the process to fix it, this is an act of accountability, responsibility, and liberation.

Take a moment now to consider when you have harmed others or yourself. This knowledge will free you from the story you tell about it so you’re able to connect with truthful remorse. Now is the time for rigorous honesty as you take a self-inventory with a neutral state of mind. A good question to ask yourself now is why the guilt is there. You might be taking on a burden that is not even yours to carry. Pay attention, take action, and uncage yourself from the prison of your own making.

A BURST OF MAGIC

Key concepts: an epiphany, a sudden higher knowing, a sense that everything has a purpose, your purpose as a gift bestowed upon you, cultivating conscious contact with a Higher Power, coming to know what calls to you and lights you up

Sometimes, you may find that something you’d been pondering or a dilemma you’d let go of revisits you without warning. It may hit you while you’re thinking about nothing, or the trigger may be just the right words arising in a conversation, book, or blog. An epiphany strikes like a lightning bolt, waking you up to a truth that has previously eluded you. It’s as if the whole world stops in that moment as you integrate the missing pieces of the puzzle you were meant to solve all along.

This is such a time for you now. Answers are coming directly from Source and being downloaded into you with such force of conviction that you cannot be the same again. Be grateful for this beautiful burst of magic; it is not an everyday gift.

Inherent in this is the knowledge that Spirit is always listening to you. Spirit is your loving partner, reminding you that you are not alone. Even when it appears that you are trapped, you always have a key to unlock the solution if you cultivate the willingness to be open to and in tune with Source. The answers you seek come when you stop looking for them.

Be mindful today. When information pops up out of the blue, pay attention. The action you need to take will become obvious as you integrate this magical wisdom. Regardless of the subject of your inquiry, you will be transformed. Only good will come of this.

DIVINE MATRIX

Key concepts: the realm of Spirit; the knowledge that we are all Divine beings, part of a tapestry, weaving our dreams into the fabric of reality; synchronicity; learning to trust the way things unfold

Do you ever wonder how synchronicities have come together? These meaningful coincidences move life forward in ways we might not understand at the time. We can get trapped in the idea that the world is a place of separate parts with space between, because the true quantum spiritual nature of reality can be confusing.

Imagine that everything possible under the sun is waiting to be claimed. You are not separate from what you desire to manifest. Everything is intrinsically connected within a vast living web of life—a Divine matrix. Even that which you have not yet observed as part of your life experience is still connected to you; it remains dormant until you choose it.

Life operates on life’s terms as well. You don’t live in a vacuum, so you are surrounded by a multitude of realities that were brought to life by others. These can surely affect you if you allow them to. But as your thread, your luminous life force, your courageous dream is part of the tapestry of life, you’re being invited to be conscious of the pattern you are weaving. Isn’t it amazing to know you have such power inherent in you, just by being alive?

You will see evidence of the truth of this Divine matrix today. It is in you. What you do matters. All manner of miracles are waiting for you to lay claim to them. Ready?

EARTH MAGIC

Key concepts: being grounded in nature; the quiet, dark place where all things begin, where essence is first ignited before manifestation; knowing you are part of the earth, and she is part of you

Earth Magic speaks to the intrinsic relationship that you and all living things have with the consciousness of the Earth, also known as Gaia. Imagine the oak tree that begins its journey as an acorn gathering the life-force energy it needs from the earth so it can sprout up from the ground. Because you are part of nature, you follow the same cycle of manifestation. Everything you are, your evolution, and the successful manifestation of your dreams begin below the surface of consciousness until an idea comes, conviction takes hold, and something meaningful can be planted.

Be still for a moment. Quiet your thoughts and imagine anchoring your energy to the sacred quality of being part of this living earth. Do this mindfully to connect to this Divine intelligence with the power to create the perfect form from the essence of a tiny spark of life. Indeed, this is miraculous.

The message now is to trust that the seeds you’ve planted in your field of dreams are in good hands. The earth is a conscious, Divine Source of love that is doing its part on your behalf. Slow down, take in the beauty of your life now, and trust that what you are intending is being nourished and is growing. There will be plenty of time later to tend to your garden, to water it and weed it. Great magic is germinating underground, working its way to the surface to deliver more blessings than you could imagine. Let it.

THE ROYAL YOU

Key concepts: sovereignty, responsibility, self-confidence, self-rule, ownership of your feelings and actions, a quiet sense of empowerment, being self-aware, not allowing outside influences out of alignment with your truth

Do you know what it means to express personal sovereignty in your life? It’s about how you hold to your inner sense of worth and integrity, secure in your belief that you have a unique purpose. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, knowing who you are and that nothing outside you can challenge your authentic self, the hard-won seat of awareness that you have earned.

You are the ruler of your mind, and you’re being invited now to consider what discipline you need to apply to your thoughts. Are they consistent with the values and beauty you intend for your life? It is important now to
keep your focus on what is right and good for you as well as others.

Challenges in your life at this time, no matter how large or small, must be met with a measured response. If life sends you a challenge, can you speak up and set your boundaries with grace and surety? Calm, intelligent
leadership is called for now. Sovereigns know when to plan their battles, so stay out of unnecessary skirmishes and strategically wield your personal power. Now is the time to lead from the heart, from your authenticity and integrity. Hold your head high and know your worth—that is the mark of a true sovereign.

A HIGHER VIEW

Key concepts: seeing from a higher perspective, conscious neutrality, letting go of judgment and assumptions, nonattachment, the ability to remain unbiased

Sometimes our lives are suction-cupped to the ends of our noses, and we can’t see beyond ourselves. This happens to everyone once in a while; we fall into an automatic response to life and react from a learned, conditioned place rather than one of awareness. Being in reactivity keeps us repeating old patterns. Conversely, the avoidance of our triggers could keep us in our comfort zone, policing our attempts at new things.

The way to be successful in your endeavor to connect with others is to step out of your sticky perception of the world. Imagine your- self sitting on the back of a bird a thousand feet above your life: Wouldn’t your perspective change? From a higher point of view, you can see for miles. You could let go of naming or blaming the obstacles in your way and instead easily discover a path to more beautiful and compelling vistas.

More can become available to you in all aspects of your life when you are able to step back and get a little distance. You can wait before responding, be more graceful in your interactions, and see how everything is connected and every experience is a gift.

The world is wide open for you today. All you have to do is move to higher ground, be mindful, and celebrate the spectacle of life’s dance.

CALL OF THE MUSE

Key concepts: creative expression, being in the flow of creativity, tuning in to inspiration, allowing creativity without being self-conscious, writing and journaling as a means of connection

When you feel the call of the muse, you are being invited to create, to be the artist choreographing your life, serving on behalf of the Great Artist, Divine Source. While the process feels intensely personal, your ego and self-identification are, ironically, the most unnecessary parts of the equation.

While you might think you own the magic of your creativity, can you truly say you’re the source of the inspiration? Similar to the spirit of genius from card 29, imagine your creativity stemming from another spirit guide: the muse.

Just as the genius needs to partner with your intellect, so too does the muse need you to open your heart and let magic flow through your intuition and emotions. Stop seeing yourself as the center of the process, and instead see your- self as a partner in a creative dance. Sometimes, you might be “inside” the music and the feelings, the story, and its expression. Other times, you observe from the sidelines, watching it all flow from an unknown yet deeply intimate source.

Today your muse is calling you to be a channel and allow the creative energy to flow through you. The energy of emotion is waiting to be given a voice, a name, a shape, or a color. Journal, finish that writing project, start something new, paint, sing, dance . . . and don’t worry where any of it lands. It has its own plans for you. Your muse knows where this is all meant to go. For you, the big magic is in the experience of answering the call.

EARS WIDE OPEN

Key concepts: deep listening as a gift we give to others, understanding someone else’s needs, showing focused attention, tuning in to another and letting go of the ego’s need to be heard

The world is constantly speaking to us and offering clues about what is really going on beneath the surface of things. We all have the capacity to hear beyond the noise that reaches our ears. The challenge is when we feel
misunderstood and unheard. When we feel insignificant, it’s easy to overexplain ourselves in an attempt to get acknowledged.

Now is the time to let all that go. Offer your attention as the great gift it is. It’s time to stop multitasking, checking your phone, thinking of what you’re going to say next, and doing all the other things that keep you from connecting fully.

Whenever we are in a state of chaos and distraction, paying attention to only some of what is being said, we lose the ability to pick up on everything—including that which is not being said. Deep listening is the way in which we immerse ourselves in the truth of the world. In this way, with ears wide open, we also open our hearts and minds to understand more than what is conveyed through words alone. Opportunities arise from the subtle cues we miss when we are not 100 percent present.

Purposeful, open listening is an act of true respect and intimacy. When you are in this space of receptivity, letting go of the need to be heard or to be right, you become expansive and alert to meaningful potential. Right now, keep your ears wide open, and you will find more than you were searching for. going on beneath the surface of things. We all have the capacity to hear beyond the noise that reaches our ears. The challenge is when we feel misunderstood and unheard. When we feel insignificant, it’s easy to over-explain ourselves in an attempt to get acknowledged.

Now is the time to let all that go. Offer your attention as the great gift it is. It’s time to stop multitasking, checking your phone, thinking of what you’re going to say next, and doing all the other things that keep you from connecting fully.

INTO ME I SEE

Key concepts: intimacy, trust in another, dropping shields and rigid boundaries to allow
connection, the willingness to be vulnerable

At certain precious moments, you’re called into a deep and meaningful connection with the world or another person. A magical affinity arises, with the kind of intimacy that in turn encourages a greater understanding of yourself. The relationship acts as a mirror, helping you see your own patterns. What it reflects about you can further your own personal evolution.

Now is the time to take a risk by connecting with another. Can you see how far you’ve come? Can you see what is still active within you that needs to change or heal? You will discover more about who you are as you discover more about another. Even if you cannot possibly know what it’s truly like to be in someone else’s shoes, you can listen and learn. This is a magical gift being offered to you right now.

This concept applies beyond romantic connection. What do the dynamics in your closest friendships, work relationships, and family say about you? Relationships are extraordinary opportunities for healing. When predicated on honesty and caring, they have a great impact on how you contribute to the world.

Intimate relationships hold up a mirror of truth and reveal more treasures than you might ever expect. If you can look into it, take a risk and see everything as beautiful, even in its imperfections, imagine how deep you could go.

A TALL TALE

Key concepts: denial, concealing the truth so you can manipulate and control a situation, fear-based communication, creating a narrative to hide behind, not allowing the fear of what others will think to influence your words, learning to communicate from a place of authenticity

You or someone else is telling a tall tale right now. You always know if a falsehood is spoken because it doesn’t feel grounded. When you lie, you get high on an illusory sense of power that is doomed to fail at some point. You feel driven by the fear of exposure, but something makes you stick to your story even though you know it has no substance.

Whatever lie we are caught up in isn’t as important as the motive for it. Why does anyone lie? Perhaps we don’t believe the truth is good enough, or we want to keep doing what we know we shouldn’t be doing. Then there is the lie put forth while in denial, such as hiding an active addiction. In this scenario, we may believe our own lies. The tall tale, the white lie, the stretching of the truth, and the blatant fabrication are all about control: the desire for it, the lack of it, the need to maintain it so we can manipulate the outer world and hide our inner one.

Today ask for the truth. Be willing to pay the price and be okay with the vulnerability your lie is exposing in yourself and others. Transparency is required to get to where you need to go, to be truly empowered, to reveal the strength of what is true and authentic. Any other path leads to a dead end.

Remember the saying “The truth will set you free”—and get ready to fly unfettered.

SHINING THROUGH

Key concepts: self-expression without filters or masks, authentic communication, being proud of who you are, shining in the world, refusing to make yourself small just to belong

You are being called to step into your true power and essence. This is one of those times when you’re required to bring everything you are—all that you’ve learned, experienced, and integrated—and offer it up in service to the world.

When you take center stage, you will be noticed. Yes, as you shine brightly, you will naturally stand apart from others. This idea may bring up excitement and genuine pride or discomfort, but this is not the time to make yourself small to avoid the glare of the spotlight and potential punishment by others. It takes courage, but know that this is the right thing for you today.

You have come so far. You have been in the proverbial back of the room, in learning and gathering mode for so long, and this important time has served its purpose. You must now step into a new consciousness, seizing a new opportunity to share your wisdom. You will be like a lighthouse, shining through the dark, illuminating the way for others.

Be careful of the voices in your head that say You can’t or You don’t know enough or Who are you to shine? The better question is: Who are you not to shine? All you are and all you have become is by the grace of the Divine. Now it is your duty to share your gifts. Celebrate this!

THE ROSE'S KISS

Key concepts: joy, experiencing pleasure, deep satisfaction and enjoyment, desires acknowledged, five-sensory reality

Take a deep breath and center on the feeling of joy. Can you allow your senses to awaken, and connect with your innate desire to experience all life has to offer? Pleasure is part of life; let yourself surrender to it today.

Our modern times often present a false ideal of how we are meant to experience the world. Connections are lost and distorted by our overreliance on technology. Just look around and see how few people actually maintain eye contact or engage in conversation. Instead of tapping away at a screen, pause and consider how you can make more intimate contact.

Connecting with nature, enjoying the sensual pleasures of sex, and/or being aware of the sensations of taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound may be important right now. How do your sheets feel? Can you reach out and feel the heat and softness of your companion animal nestled beside you? Be present to another person, see them, and let yourself be seen.

Your five senses are aching to be engaged right now. This is an invitation to get out of your head and into your body. You may be a spiritual and intelligent being, but right now the emphasis should be on having a sensory experience. This is a sacred part of this gift of life. By being present to the sensual world, you invite an even deeper spiritual experience. Amazing, isn’t it? Perhaps it really is time to stop and kiss the roses.