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.

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

Key concepts: seeing through the lens of past conditioning, the inability to recognize the truth of what is being offered, healing from misguided perceptions, moving beyond the illusion of separation, being accountable for your biases and the way you view the world

We’re actually built to view the world inaccurately: Our five senses tell us we are separate from one another. We’re conditioned to see time as linear. This creates a consciousness of delineation, separation, and finality. We have an innate fear that what we see is all there is. Although we know deep down there is more, we are suspicious of it. Our fear of death results from this kind of perception.

The entire world is a construct of smoke and mirrors, and our job is to discover the truth that lies beyond this illusion. Discoveries at the frontiers of science align with what the ancients have known: At the atomic level, we are blinking lights and empty space. Consciousness is fundamental, time can be bent, and we are eternal.

Ask yourself if what you see is really just what you’re looking for. What do you sense beyond your intellectual assessment of what is? Can you drop into your heart and soul and call for a vision, a feeling, an awareness of the true and authentic? Every day, remind your- self that you are intrinsically connected to all life. The universe needs you to learn about it. You have within you extraordinary magic with which to co-create life beyond your wildest expectations.

Today trust the inner voice that reminds you that you truly will find what you seek and more, even if outer conditions appear to challenge that. It’s all smoke and mirrors. Things are not exactly as they seem.

A DEEP BREATH

Key concepts: a genuine expectation of danger, projection of a threat without substance, fight-or-flight mode, inability to focus, trusting in the universe as a way to release fear

Fear is asking for your attention—and healing—right now. You (or another) are operating from the position of fear. If you also see red flags, you might be headed toward genuine danger, perhaps repeating a lesson you don’t need to learn again. You can honor this kind of fear by saying “thank you” and protect yourself by choosing another path. In this moment, you have all it takes to make this shift.

If, on the other hand, the fear surrounds the idea of taking a risk, be mindful. Radical trust and accepting the discomfort of the new is called for as you move out of your comfort zone. Ask for courage to take a leap into the unknown, and know that all will be well. (But know that “all will be well” doesn’t mean all you have come to expect.)

Stories from the past may be molding your expectations right now and causing fear based on anticipated hurt. Don’t isolate yourself or fall for the false idea that life is too painful and engaging with it should be avoided.

How about loving that side of you that is afraid, acting out, and causing all this unnecessary commotion? You will never be happy if this small part of you controls your life, as it will if you allow it. However, remember to be gentle with yourself and others. Once you let go and relax into your life, everything looks brighter and friendlier.

Today, choose love over fear. You’ll be amazed when you do.

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 STORYTELLER

Key concepts: identity, positive self-definition, teaching others how to treat you through the stories you tell about who you are

Do you know the story you tell others about who you are? You are a unique being with unique talents, and a story unique to you and your experience—in fact, your destiny—can be found in the way you weave together these threads of yourself in the world. If there’s anything in your life you want to change, then it’s time to adjust the story you tell about yourself. Perhaps you are too self-deprecating or apologetic about how you shine, minimizing your power so others will accept you. Perhaps the way you voice your expectations
diminishes your ability to succeed, or you are too willing to tolerate a less-than-supportive environment.

It’s easy to be in denial when it comes to others and their behavior toward you. Understand, however, that you teach people how to treat you through how you talk about yourself. Once you recognize what story you’re telling others about how to treat you, you can tell a different one.

What if you could connect to your true power as a co-creator of your reality? The story originates in your mind: how you think, your conditioning and past experiences, how you view the world, and what you expect to see in it. The truth is, you have everything you need to tell a new tale and weave more blessings into the world as your unique contribution. In fact, practice speaking of your amazing success, your overflowing abundance, and all the love that surrounds you. Soon, the outer world will tell the same story back to you!

THE LAND BETWEEN

Key concepts: being between worlds, learning to be okay while at the threshold of what was and what will be, a time of waiting and evolving gray areas, something essential yet still in development, metamorphosis

You’re in a process of change. You know that you were called to it and can no longer be who you were, but you aren’t sure what the next experience of your life will be. You are in between what was and what could be, in a “pupal” stage, like during the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into the butterfly. However, you can’t just skip the messy parts; you have to endure the unknown and uncomfortable as you reinvent yourself.

The thing is, you’re not quite there yet. You have one foot in the past, even if you’re ready to shed that version of yourself and become something new. You must start redefining who you are in the context of your question. What do you believe is possible when you get to the next place? Can you explore this stage of your evolution to get to know yourself better?

The process in between worlds is where things get really interesting. You learn how to manage your fear, how to stay present in the now, how to see in the dark. You absorb the lessons offered to you with grace, because you can’t go any faster. This is a real test of emotional fortitude, patience, trust, and humility. Once you have made this no-man’s-land your home, it will be part of you. Then whatever was set in motion comes to life. This is what you’ve been waiting for. When you look back, you will grow to love the place “in between,” for that is where you were reborn.

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.

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.

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 POWER OF PURPOSE

Key concepts: individuation, seeing your unique place in the world, a clear sense of authentic purpose, healthy self-esteem, letting go of conditioning, celebrating your uniqueness, you be you

There comes a time when you realize that you are destined for something that is yours and yours alone. The catalyst might be an experience with a special person, a path you choose, or something you feel called to do. You’ll discover it’s not necessarily what you thought it would be and has nothing to do with what everyone else wants or seems to want.

An uncanny conviction takes hold from somewhere deep and true. You feel a sense of power arising from a true sense of self, accompanied by a need for action, a commitment to explore something, or a purposeful choice. Right now, you’re invited to step into a new empowered sense of authentic purpose, bolstered by a healthy dose of self-esteem. You’re called to release your old conditioning. There’s no need to be self-conscious or act a certain way to please others—which can sometimes take you in a direction you don’t want to go, anyway.

The discipline and will to evolve are yours by nature. This process doesn’t have to be a struggle. You cannot fail if you immerse yourself fully in what is in front of you now. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. You never have to seek your purpose or wonder what it is. Just keep removing the blocks to your essential self, and your purpose will find you—it’s that easy. What a wonderful thing to know!

A GRAND SYMPHONY

Key concepts: inclusivity, being part of the whole, removing bias, seeing the interconnectedness of all, knowing that everything you do has a consequence, unity consciousness, the end of division

As human beings, we have a tendency to see ourselves as separate from others. This perception is the root of the cosmic joke played on us all. Although our five senses and intellect can help us manage our experiences in the material world, and intuition helps us navigate the invisible, we still struggle with the issue of identity and how we fit into the whole. You’re facing a paradox today: You need to focus on being your unique self, for only you can bring your own special harmony to the symphony of the world. But equally, you need to learn to be selfless and put “we” before “me,” seeing yourself as part of the consciousness that unifies us all.

You’re being invited to step back and seethe bigger picture until your individual part on the world stage disappears and blends with the glory of all life. It’s true that who you are and what you do counts in far-reaching ways. Consider this, though: when you listen to music, it’s the whole, not any single note on its own, that makes the song come alive.

So today ask yourself, can you be a part of something bigger? Can you put the principles and needs of the group above your own wants? Can you fully embrace the concept of unity in diversity by celebrating all the notes in the symphony? If so, then you will indeed be wise and whatever you are dreaming about will be
fulfilled beyond your wildest hopes.

It’s time to do your part to sing in harmony with others. Stay in tune, and learn the new harmonies and notes. Such sweetness will arise.

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.

OPENING TO DISCOVERY

Key concepts: the small bits of data you collect from the world to form ideas, the transfer of vital information via the universe always speaking to you, the need to integrate information and be discerning about what you expose yourself to

We tune in to information from our outer environment, then assign meaning to it within our psyches. Every day, however, the amount of data we sort through exceeds what we’re capable of processing. Especially since the advent of the Internet, we have been bombarded with more than we could ever hope to absorb. Therefore it’s important to be mindful of what we expose ourselves to.

Consistent exposure to unhealthy messaging invites us into a cynical, fear-based worldview. On the other hand, conscious exposure to information supporting our well-being shifts us toward growth and expansion. The choice, though, is not always obviously ours, which is why we must be discerning on a daily basis.
The universe is always engaging us—we are part of it, after all—through synchronicity, omens, and other signs that point toward our best path. Our intuition helps us tune in and see our environment like an oracle. How- ever, this new information doesn’t always make sense right away, so being curious and nonresistant is key to learning.

Today be open to receiving important information that may come from an unusual source. The universe wants to help you, but recognizing the way this aid will arrive depends on your willingness to shut out superfluous noise. Maybe you need to take a break from social media, gossip, or the news. Don’t let yourself get distracted. Listen without attachment, and see what arises in your life. Expect a message from the universe and you shall have it.

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.

GREAT AND FULL

Key concepts: the mindful practice of gratitude, knowing that you are enough, committing to your intentions, a sense of sufficiency, letting go of attachment to form

Before you can begin to understand the process of manifesting your desires, you need to practice deep gratitude and the willingness to share that with others. This is the true nature of prosperity. It’s not about the things you accumulate at all; it’s about how you feel.

You’re invited to surrender to an important truth: there is always enough for you. There is enough time to do the things you need and desire to do, enough opportunities to express your talents and connect to your purpose, and enough magic circulating through the invisible world into the visible.

Begin your day immersed in gratitude for everything you have and everything you can’t yet see: the unmanifest, which begins with every breath you take. Know that you are enough and all your needs are being fulfilled, even if you doubt this in some moments. No one’s success can make you feel small, and comparing yourself to others never works. Your life is brimming with unique potential—focus on that!

When you hold this feeling of gratitude, it acts as a magical “open sesame” to the floodgates of abundance. Couple that with a playful sense of detachment, and you’ll find that miracles have an uncanny way of showing up in your life. Your intentions burst forth into reality with little effort on your part. There is hope brimming with potentiality. It’s okay that you don’t always trust this. You are not alone in holding the candle high for transformation.

Right now, contemplate how being in the energy of “enough” makes you feel. Eventually, you will have no attachment to what you do or do not manifest in the material world, what you do or do not have. Then, like magic, you have more than enough. What a fascinating universe we live in!

THE ORACLE'S GIFT

Key concepts: second sight, clairvoyance, seeing the future, fate as a future determined by the choices you make now, seeing the signs around you, recognizing potentials versus absolute determinism

When we ask for a sign from the universe, we are essentially asking for Divine guidance that we believe needs to come from a Source outside of us. This is because we don’t always trust our intuition, our ability to read between the lines and see beyond time and space. And so we ask for signs and look for a mystical reassurance that our mundane lives don’t seem to offer. However, an oracle simply provides an answer that is already inside us.

Oracles show up in myriad ways. Some- times you see a billboard or hear a song or pull an oracle card, and you get the exact message you need to support your choices or show you the way forward. Regardless of how the sign appears, an oracle is a reminder that you are part of this vast universe. You are witnessed by the Great Mystery and loved and cared for. It’s a reminder that life is magical. You are magical.

Today, trust in your own capacity to know what is right, to tune in to Source and also be able to read the signs reflecting what is true and real within you. Let this oracle give you the gift of knowing that you are indeed on the right track. Repeat the mantra: “The Light within me creates miracles in my life.” The magic is inside you, outside you, all around and within you.

ROOTS OF ABUNDANCE

Key concepts: being stabilized by deep roots, anchoring yourself and feeling secure in your life, trust and belief in abundance

This card signals you to pay attention to how you are anchored in the story of your life. Trust that you will be taken care of. The world is full of limitless potential and will nourish you according to your beliefs, regardless of temporary outer conditions. You are not a victim of life! Life happens for you—not to you, even if you
sometimes slip into that way of thinking. If you are grounded and internally steadfast, nothing can uproot you, and you have the ability to manifest your intentions with ease.

The message here is simple: Your life is safe and secure, and your intentions are coming to fruition. All your hopes and dreams are firmly grounded and taking root so that you can reach for the stars in your life and expand your dreams further than you can imagine. Everything in the material world is a reflection of your interior world. You are unstoppable and unshakable because you believe that you are abundant. Know that you can easily move from merely surviving to thriving when you pay attention to staying grounded.

If you find yourself in ungrounded thinking, now is the time for radical trust. Growth never follows a straight line; you will manifest what you need when you need it. A tall, healthy tree doesn’t need to hold on to the ground for dear life. It knows it will not fly away with the wind, because its roots are planted deep in the earth.

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.

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?