AWAKENING GENIUS

Key concepts: the spirit of creative expression, bringing forth new information, birthing, knowing that your ideas matter

The ancient Greeks believed that each person had a specific genius that acted like a spirit guide, inspiring you with new ideas to further your evolution as an individual as well as the evolution of all humanity. You could say that genius is the spirit of creative expression, and when you tune in to it, amazing things happen. When your genius awakens, you realize you do not have to do everything yourself. You have an inspired, dedicated wise helper on your side.

Today, can you imagine cultivating a playful relationship with this extraordinary spirit? If you can, you’ll recognize that you don’t have to solve every problem with only the knowledge, memories, and experiences you already have accrued. Your intellect in this case serves as a channel for this spirit of genius, and it can filter in new information. How you forge this connection is to get out of your own way and simply allow it to work through you.

The word genius comes from the Latin gignere, meaning “to bring forth or birth,” and shares the same root as the word generate. You are at this moment about to give birth to a new mode of expression—and a powerful one, at that. Commit to partnering with your genius, and only deep satisfaction and success will result. Today is a day when your inspired ideas matter.

BROKEN OPEN

Key concepts: the gift of grief, being shattered as a result of loss, the potential inherent in failure

There are situations in life when you see the value of loss, grief, and a broken heart. Yet it’s not the pain or loss itself that must be the focus of your attention here. No, not even the story of what happened, the details surrounding what has brought you to your knees, is as important as what results from the experience.

Can you see that this situation has broken you wide open, enabling you to have an even greater capacity for love, compassion, empathy, and understanding? You cannot be the same person as before. The only way forward is to move through it—without resistance or manipulation, without attempting to bargain with unseen forces—because none of your usual callbacks can put you back together again.

If you do fall prey to self-absorption or self-pity, it will just make it harder to get to the next gradual phase leading to relief. Yet even if you are prolonging the inevitable, you will get there eventually. The gift is in accepting who you’ve become as a consequence of integrating this difficult experience and allowing yourself to be more than you were. This wisdom comes at a high price, but the value of your experience of moving through and to the other side is unsurpassed. Love the you that is the result of being broken open by life’s challenges and lessons.

BODY AND SOUL

Key concepts: taking care of yourself; seeing yourself as a complete package—body not separate from soul, centered in your sense of self, comfortable in your body; your authentic identity; physical health

Extreme self-care is called for when you receive this card. Answer truthfully: are you taking care of your self? Your first choice may be to care for others before meeting your own needs. Check in with yourself: are you experiencing HALT (hunger, anger, loneliness, tiredness)? Th is card is a signal that it’s time to take a break from your current focus and get busy taking care of you because you are worthy of this care! What simple things require your attention so you can function optimally in your world and live your best life, a day at
a time?

Another message that this card holds is about how you live with authenticity. Can you be at ease within yourself, “you doing you” with pride and self worth? Remember: you are a soul that manifests through a body—a spiritual being having a human experience—and that means you are here on purpose even if there are days when you wonder about that. There is an intentionality to your being here now, just the way you are, in this time in our collective story. You being here is important, for you are a precious being with a purpose even if it seems elusive some days.

Just know that life loves you—with that in mind, your job is to do your part to make your experience a healthy one. How you nourish your body, mind, and soul is directly related to how you experience your life. It’s time to put yourself first; then everything will fall beautifully into place.

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.

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.

A MERRY MOTIVE

Key concepts: knowing your own motives, understanding what drives you to meet your goals, the momentum your attention creates, the wisdom behind your intentions

You’ve chosen a path, you’ve set an intention, and you’ve begun to move toward a goal. You feel compelled to keep going, but do you know the “why” behind this drive? Do you truly want what you’re pursuing, or are you
chasing a destination with the anticipation of how it will make others feel about you (or you feel about yourself)?

You must choose to be in the flow of the experience, relishing the moment. Surrender your expectations to a Higher Power rather than being guided by your limited self. The most important aspect to consider now is where you place your focus, because that’s where energy will flow. If you are resentful, the outer world will show you more opportunities to be resentful. If you are envious of others, competitive, and overly ambitious, you will always feel as if you are not enough. If you focus on gratitude and compassion for others, you will see even more reasons to be grateful and loving. When you look for abundance, it has an uncanny way of multiplying in your life.

So if you’re unsure about your motives, the results will be just as unclear. Dig deep to understand your “why.” If your true desire is to experience X, let go of your attachment to the form that X is supposed to come in. Make sure your motive is merry and joyful, clear and honest, and aim true.

Trust that the universe will provide the outcome that is a perfect match for your intention. . . It always does.

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.

SACRED REVERENCE

Key concepts: awe for the truth that Spirit is everywhere, inspiration coming through you as a result of reverence, joyful living, exploring possibilities with curiosity, spiritual passion, manifesting from the starting point of the realm of Spirit

Looking at the world, do you see all of life or only a limited part? When you look at a blade of grass, do you see just a plant? When you encounter a puppy, do you see just an animal? While this categorizing is one way of viewing the world, it is only a fraction of the truth. It isn’t enough. Look closer, and you’ll observe the luminosity immanent in these living, sentient beings. If you can allow yourself to take in all the world, including its spirit, then you see the whole.

Reverence is an act of deep witnessing, respect, and awe. You experience it when you perceive every being and everything—every plant, rock, and tree—as sacred and alive. You naturally lean into a state of bliss and harmony, and a profound sense of well-being.

Whatever your dilemma or question, try to reframe your perspective to acknowledge the spiritual. If everything has value, including your most frustrating challenges, would you still ask your question from the same place? Can you regard the “other” as sacred, thereby erasing the separation between you? Embracing the perfection of how you came together is real magic, and you are tapping into this unity right now. No matter who or what is in front of you, see that person or thing as luminous and your interaction as holy. Then you will know what to do for the highest good of all.

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.

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.

GREAT BIG LOVE

Key concepts: love without conditions, romantic love and how that experience changes you, deep and profound harmonious connections, soul mates

Love heals all wounds, begins all life. It sustains you when you are starving for grace, when you stumble and fall, and when you lose sight of your purpose and fall prey to the limited perspective of the ego. Now is the time to fall in love and call in the awareness of the Great Big Love that made you, which is ever pulsing through your veins!

There’s a heightened sense of awareness in the beginning stages of a relationship, when nothing else matters but who is in front of you. You see them, you see yourself in them, and you move in sync with the cadence of
your hearts. You surrender to the magic you share, and engage in a harmonious dance that is seamless in its movements, rising and falling with each moment, each breath.

Although this card may portend such an intimate connection, you don’t have to wait for a partner to experience it. You’re being invited now to explore love in all its beauty. Can you love without conditions, without needing things to be perfect? Do you love your life, what you do, and how you contribute to the world?

Today, invite Love with a capital L into your inquiry. You will be amazed, and your very question may be changed, as a result. Love is the strength you need today, the lens you must look through to find the truth and your way. Love is the way, the only way and the only answer.

HEALING THE HEART

Key concepts: healing, making amends, the willingness to release past pain, being responsible and accountable, taking time to get healthy, renewal and rebirth after suffering

When you are wounded emotionally, you need time to regroup and find your center. You may have recently endured a breakup or betrayal, lost someone close to you, or lost an affiliation that you gave too much power to. Perhaps you’re watching someone go through a difficult time and feel bad that you can’t help them. Maybe you’re still not over a past disagreement. No matter the cause of this heartache, deep healing is called for. This happens on its own timetable and can never be rushed.

The path to healing the heart centers on reciprocity—the flow of giving and receiving. Sometimes wounding occurs because we’ve become too dependent on another, and this is accompanied by the desire to manipulate or control an outcome. Both wounding and healing usually begin within, not from the outer conditions of our lives. We often believe we can be wounded only by others, but we do more damage to ourselves in the self-sabotaging way we think and behave.

It is important to take steps to heal yourself and become willing to release the pain of the past, which can be tempting to revisit. It’s time to take responsibility for your part in this healing journey. Look for ways you can help yourself and others. Are you willing to make amends if needed or, conversely, accept someone where they are, without trying to influence their growth process?

Healing the heart in all aspects is your priority now. Nothing else matters. Only beauty and goodness will come as the result.

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.

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.

WILLING RELEASE

Key concepts: yielding to a Divine plan; releasing attachment to form, especially if something isn’t what you expected or wanted; leaving room for serendipity

Some days, you have to let go of your struggle to find an answer, and focus on other things for a while. This doesn’t mean giving up altogether or losing anything. Remember that in our co-creative partnership with the Divine, give-and-take is necessary. You do your part by setting your intentions and taking any necessary actions, but you must then surrender the form, the timing, and the “how” to your Higher Power.

There is a Divine plan for each of us. When acting on this faith, you may find that your intense desire for something translates into a feeling of attachment and entitlement. Right now, can you immerse yourself in this experience and allow the Divine plan to unfold as it will on your behalf, without interference? Can you be open to receiving what is yours, even if it is not packaged in the form you thought you wanted? Perhaps if you look deeper, you will see that you’ve received the perfect vibrational match to your most authentic wants and needs.

You have put in the work, defined your desires and felt them deeply, and engaged your Higher Power. Now you must let go and see what transpires. This isn’t always easy; impatience erodes the foundations of your trust in the Divine. Surrendering truly will serve your highest good. Knowing this truth in your heart—can that really be so difficult?

QUIETING THE MIND

Key concepts: meditation as a commitment, the need for silence, peace within despite chaotic outer conditions, letting go of the monkey mind, mindfulness

Life is chaotic, busy, loud, frenetic, and overwhelming. Some days all that noise is like the roar of thunder, echoing around you, and it feels as if you’re being pummeled by a rainstorm. Isn’t this why we take vacations—to get away to somewhere peaceful?

In spite of the surrounding din of the world, today you need to slow down and find a bit of peace. So go ahead and take a deep breath right now. Make a commitment to be still, if only for five minutes. Count your breaths, and be mindful of every one of them. Know that you have all the time in the world to do the things that need doing. Everything is perfect as it is.

Our core beliefs about the world originate in our thoughts and feelings, which then become our perceptions. If our thoughts are all over the place, that is how we will experience the outer world. But what if the outer world didn’t matter at all? What if at our center, there were a place that is always calm, where the mind doesn’t have a million things to say, where problems and challenges aren’t nearly as important as we think they are?

Today requires you to take an internal break and go to that silent space to regroup. Meditate on the stillness within; choose a peaceful mind and nothing else. You will be amazed by how easily everything falls into place once you do.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Key concepts: vulnerability as a strength, letting others see your wounds as well as your strengths, setting healthy boundaries

Th is is a time of connection that asks for you to be vulnerable and authentic: let go of any social masks or constructs you use to keep yourself apart from others. Lower your shields and allow yourself to step into a dance of intimacy. When you become close to people, you remind yourself that you are not alone; you’re
part of a beautiful, meaningful bond. At a deep spiritual level, there are so many lessons offered to you in this closeness. At a social level, intimate relationships help you ignite the spark of life that is the power of affinity. You flourish as a result of offering emotional honesty, a true desire for equality, love, friendship, and laughter.

We aren’t meant to be alone. Yet sometimes we are wounded, and we build walls around ourselves so we don’t get hurt again. It’s time to be honest about yours and step out from behind that barrier and engage in all of life. This is a beautiful opportunity to allow your vulnerability to be your strength as you choose to live in integrity and without artifice. Even in your work life, this mode of connection allows you to be truly present.

When you live this way, everything and everyone thrives. You have no need to defend yourself when you’re being truly and utterly you, empowered by your raw openness and willingness to be seen. In this way your close encounters will not fail you. There is much to celebrate when you stand eye to eye, shoulder to shoulder, sharing your heart.

BEARING FRUIT

Key concepts: birthing, the results of hard work, an idea or consistent thought manifesting into form, the relationship between the external world and the internal world of feelings and beliefs

If your life were a tree, what fruit would it bear? Envision the results of the efforts you put into achieving your dreams and desires in partnership with the Divine. Can you see the way you think, feel, and believe reflected in the material world? Th ere is always a correlation between what you see, what you expect to see, what you intend consciously, and what you project unconsciously.

Everything is intrinsically connected. Magic flows through you from the unseen world into the world you perceive. Moving from the realm of nonordinary reality to ordinary reality, you birth ideas and thoughts into form and bring your most cherished desires to fruition. Not all ideas will bear sweet fruit; sometimes you will reap a sour and bitter harvest based on your sense of your personal narrative and your assumptions about others.

You are in a powerful and fertile season of your life, when you’re particularly good at making things happen with very little effort. Pay close attention to what you’re manifesting now. From your career to your personal relationships, your influence is strong at this time. If you don’t like what your life is yielding, prune the proverbial tree and get into alignment with what genuinely lights you up.

Remember you birth into the world that which you pay most attention to and consistently hold within as your truth. Be clear about what you intend. Can you make this commitment?

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.