Parting the Mists

To be considered an elder is truly an honor and a responsibility. If this cards fits you today, maybe it is time to take a step in that direction – or perhaps the universe is simply reminding those who have been on that path that they are not alone.

Blessings and happy Friday!

Meaning: Confidence, entering your power, and standing strong. You are a leader. Stepping into the light. Let your truth be heard and felt by others. Make a stand in life. You carry deep inner wisdom. You are a teacher and a leader in the deepest sense of the words. You are a beacon for others.

Native Spirit Wisdom: In native culture, the elders, tribal chiefs, and clan leaders are looked to for advice and leadership. When this card chooses you, it’s time to step into your leadership role. An elder walks the path, stomps the grass down, and throws the boulders out of the way so that the path is easier for others. Sometimes you might find yourself alone or tired, but know that what you’re doing is making a difference in the lives of many. The greatest leaders are those who know how to serve, supporting others to reach their dreams. Even if you’ve been in the background in the past, right now it’s your turn to step forward and become the light for others.

The Journey: Being an elder and a tribal leader means speaking your truth, even if it’s hard or even if you’re afraid. If there’s anyone you need to stand up to, this is the time. Being a leader means supporting others, so there’s anyone you need to support or make amends with, this is the time.

Native Spirit Oracle by Denise Linn, art by Charles McStravick

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This is an interesting card that suggests you may be working too hard or being too stubborn to accept help on your journey. See Q’ente’s face? Relaxed and serene. Breath. Let the energy flow and take you where you need to be.

Blessings!

Q’ente – Sweet Paradox of Empowering Grace

Meaning: When there is something within your heart that you know you are on this planet to accomplish, you shall be given equal grace, power, talent, and ability to succeed in that mission. This is the divine promise and sacred plan for you. If a miracle is required for success, then one shall be given. Pray with courage and confidence for your rightful divine inheritance, and allow your bold heart and loving soul to believe in your beautiful, hope-filled destiny.

Spiritual Guidance: Q’ente, the Sky Jewel of the Andes, brings you Hummingbird, who bears the should medicine of spiritual grace, the evolution to conquer any obstacle and the extraordinary power fo the heart.

The concept of spiritual grace can be challenging to the mind. We often don’t realize just how much we have been conditioned to subconsciously demand that progress in our lives be difficult, even while at a conscious level we bemoan the struggle and wish that things could be easier. We want help, but we believe that we are unworthy or have to earn our success completely off the back of our own efforts. While the Divine wants us to engage and participate in the fulfillment of our destiny, if we do not surrender our arrogance and learn how to surrender spiritually, we will never fulfill our potential.

There is a way to allow for spiritual grace so that any obstacle can be surmounted, even the invisible ones that seem to block your progress from some unknown source. It is not a question of needing to become more powerful, but rather of your relationship to the Divine needing to become more vitalized. Then grace can flow, creating success in the same situations that would have otherwise defeated you.

When Hummingbird brings you medicine, you have a high spiritual destiny, one that is going to triumph against apparently insurmountable odds stacked against you. Hummingbirds have the highest metabolic rate of any animal on earth, with their hearts capable of beating at over a thousand beats per minute. Those remarkable little creatures have an exceptionally high need for oxygen, yet some of the species have evolved to thrive in the low-oxygen, high altitude environment of the Andes Mountains, flying at over 15,000 fleet above sea level, in rarified air.

This has become possibly because of a seemingly tiny genetic mutation in how oxygen is metabolized in the blood. This subtle inner evolution opened up the power of some hummingbirds to thrive, quite literally, in higher worlds. Hummingbird medicine empowers the soul for success in a situation that would seem most unlikely. This medicine brings a subtle adjustment within the blood or finite life force and how it receives and processes the enlivening presence of Spirit. This in turn leads to extraordinary and heightened abilities. Trust in the incredible possibilities that are birthed through the union of the sacred masculine and sacred feminine energies within you.

Earth Warrior Oracle by Alana Fairchild, art by Isabel Brynne

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The description in today’s card speaks about whether action is needed or not. To me, this card also speaks perfectly to the excesses of the holiday season that is upon us.

While it is normal to overindulge a bit or to have special treats or spirits, we need to be careful not to start a downslide in our health or relationships with these things. Likewise, financially (gifting), it is hard to sometimes focus on the thoughtfulness or quality of a gift rather than the number of them. I like the meme going around that says not to go into debt trying to show people you love them. Just love them and try to spend time with them.

Blessings!

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Here we go, folks – perhaps it’s time to have a dark night of the soul? This isn’t always a bad thing like we think. Facing our shadow self is important for our mental and spiritual growth.

Blessings!

Embrace the Dark

You have been taught that all is either evil or good, negative or positive; good gives rise to good, and bad gives rise to bad. It is wrong to have feelings of anger, dislike, or fear as these emotions are born of the show self. This is not truth. Everything happens for a reason. Love can give rise to distraction and hate can inspire acts of genuine love. The lessons offered by our shadow often teach us the most. Know your shadow self. Love it. Without the darkness, the stars cannot be seen.

Messenger Oracle by Ravynne Phelan

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Today, we have the Boar, which is another strong card, however, The Restorers card (suggesting retreat, balance, and calm) was also strong. Not sure if they are connected or if simply two different messages are needed to day for those who typically check in on the card.

Whether you need to embrace freedom and creativity or rest and take a break from your normal routine, hope you all find what you need.

Blessings!

Woad – Freedom, Bardistry, Warriorhood

The card shows Woad flowers in detail in the foreground, and a mature plant grows proudly beside a spear, symbolizing Woad’s connection with warriorhood; this is enhanced by the carving of the boar in the rock behind. Spears were often made with the wood of Holly – Tinne in Ogham, the Celtic tree alphabet – and we can see the unmistakeable outline of Holly leaves in the tree above.

Meaning: Nothing evokes the feeling of freedom more than the sight of a clear blue sky, and Woad dye reproduces this shade of blue perfectly on cloth or in paint. I you have chosen this card, it may indicate that you are striving to gain freedom, and the fact that Woad evokes the qualities of both bardistry and warriorhood offers a clue. as to the way forward. Bardistry is the art of the Bard, who in the old days was Druid storyteller, poet, or musician. Each of us has a Bard, a Creative Self, within us, and this card suggests that true freedom comes when you are able to give full expression to your creativity. To do this, you sometimes need the energy of a warrior not to wound others but to provide you with the aggression, ambition, and single-mindedness to achieve your aim. Without these qualities, it is hard to avoid stifling your creativity with concern for others’ needs and doubts about your own abilities.

Alternatively: Astrologers assign Saturn, the planet of structure and limitation, to Woad, and  this card could mean that the structure around you is hindering rather than helping you. Perhaps you are feeling wounded or hampered by obstacles; longing for freedom from the limitations around you. If this is the case, it may be of help to turn this card around and gaze at the image upright – particularly at the sky. Rather than talking about what you want freedom from, think about what you want freedom for. Finish the sentence “I want the freedom to. . . .” If you are able to find goals that make your heart sing, the very things that seemed to be standing in your way can become stepping stones the lead to a flowering of your creativity. In the same way, if you feel wounded, although it is important not to deny that awareness, it may be helpful now to shift your focus from the wound to what you can give to the world.

Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, art by Will Worthington

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Two power cards in a row speaks loudly. Yesterday’s Bear spoke of power and sovereignty and even leadership. Today’s Earth Dragon speaks of our potential power. It seems almost like they should have been switched, time wise, but there is also a strong caution in today’s card – don’t misunderstand your power. Pay attention to how you develop and use your power.

Blessings!

Earth Dragon – Power, Potential, Riches

The Earth Dragon (Draig-talamh) brings us face to face with our potential. Within us we have a treasure house of riches – of powers and capacities – that we can learned how to use. In the past, we may have been denied access by the guardian of this treasure. But now we are coming to understand that sometimes this fierce guardian is in reality an aspect of ourselves. By coming to know and love Draig-talamh, we will be able to unlock the secrets of our heart, and at the same time we will find ourselves discovering the beauty and the power that lie within the hearts of those around us and in the very earth itself.

This card can also indicate that somehow you are relating in an inappropriate way to your inner reserves and potential. Earth Dragon guards the treasures of your soul fiercely, but he is your ally, not your enemy – do not try to kill him and do not try to wrest the treasure away from him. You may need to spend time befriending this creature who has slumbered in your soul for so long. A precipitous attempt to capitalize on your talents or express your potential may be unwise.

Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, art by Will Worthington

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Power, Intelligence, and Joy greet us today with the three-card spread, with Bear (the Power card) taking the lead. The other two cards drawn are:

• Bear (Art) – Primal Power, Sovereignty, Intuition married with Instinct
• Wren (Drui-en) – Humility, Cunning, God
• Otter (Dobhran)- Joy, play, and helpfulness

These three combined seem a little haphazard at first, but look closer – together they make a very balanced and well-rounded life and approach. It may be time to step into your power and sovereignty, but don’t forget to be smart, humble, playful and helpful – and to listen to your gut.

Blessings!

Bear (Art) – Primal Power, Sovereignty, Intuition married with Instinct

Bear connects you with the very deepest of your ancestral roots. Here, at this level, you are in touch with the Primal Mother – the Bear goddess Artio who will defend you fiercely from all danger. You are connected also with the Bear god Artaois, the mighty warrior Arthur, the guiding Pole Star of the Great Bear. Your intuition will never fail you, if you will listen to it in the still darkness of the night. Working with the Bear gives you the opportunity to become a spiritual warrior – like Arthur. You can find the way to come into your power by marrying your strength with your intuition. Integrating your primal power with your intuition means uniting your star-power with your animal-power – and both are symbolized by Art, the Bear.

This card could also be giving you a clear warning that you must take care not to be overwhelmed by the ferocious mother, by the berserk warrior – by forces of anger and primal ferocity that, untempered with the human qualities of compassion and reason, can damage not only your own life, but those of others around you. Art brings a strong presence and great reserves of power, and with perseverance you will be able to integrate your spiritual, intuitive qualities with your primal, instinctual qualities.

The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, art by Will Worthington

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Today’s card is an interesting one, especially for those of us getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. Holidays can bring out the stress and tensions with loved ones, but here is frog helping us to be sensitive and bringing healing potential.

Bright blessings to you all!

Frog – Sensitivity, Medicine, Hidden Beauty, and Power

Frog (losgann) unites the elements of water and earth, bringing joy, delight, and healing in its singing and hopping, and leading you to the sacred spring from which you may be refreshed and renewed. A cold-blooded creatures living half on land and half in the water, the frog possesses an extremely sensitive skin, considered magical by shamans. A companion of rain spirits, the frog  can help you develop your sensitivity to others, to healing, and to sound through your skin and your whole body and aura.

Nothing is what it appears to be, and life is more fun than you at first supposed! There is a hidden beauty and a hidden power in all of nature, and as you open yourself to this you will feel close to the Goddess and close to both the art and to water. Look for the beauty and the magic behind appearances.

This card might also suggest that you are learning how to embrace difficult circumstances. The frog that you must marry may well turn out to be a prince. The circumstances you have chosen to accept – while apparently unappealing or difficult – may well bring you rich rewards in the end. Remember that the frog brings medicine, and the medicine brings healing.

The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, art by Will Worthington

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These two cards were equally strong for me this morning, so I’ve posted both. I know many of us will be gathering our tribe next week, yet often these times are stressful and even quarrelsome. Often, we have a very two-dimensional view of family and other people we’ve known most of our lives. Perhaps the Thunder Drum is here to indicate to belief in yourself and speak your truth and individuality – perhaps it’s time to clear the air with your tribe.

What is your interpretation of this duo?

GATHERING YOUR TRIBE

MEANING: You are loved, and you are lovable. You deserve love. Support in all forms is flowing to you. You can relax; there is so much love around you. Communicate from your heart. Share your truth. You are safe. Diminish your time with those who do not empower you or believe in you.

NATIVE SPIRIT WISDOM: If this card chooses you, this means that sustenance in all forms is flowing into your life. “Your people” are those who resonate with you. (Your people can include animals, plants, minerals, trees, as well as people.) Be willing to ask for what you want in life. This is the time to put your needs before the needs of others. Your tribe is waiting to support and nurture you, as you nurture yourself. Sometimes your friends are more your family than blood relatives. Find your people and cherish them. Your vibe attracts your tribe.

THE JOURNEY: Spend time with friends and family members who see the best in you. (Don’t spend time with dream stompers.) Take classes. Share meals. Take time to find your people. You will live longer and happier.

THUNDER DRUM

MEANING: Stand up and be counted. Be assertive. Don’t be shy about sharing your gifts and letting the world know about your value. Declare with authority. “This is who I am, and this is what I stand for.” Make a stand for others less fortunate. Take risks. Walk in rhythm to the beat of your own drum. This is not the time to step back or step aside.

NATIVE SPIRIT WISDOM: Throughout the world, indigenous people have called Spirit through drumming. Drumming was used to activate one’s fighting spirit before battle, as well as for joyous celebrations and sacred ceremonies. It was also used for healing rituals. In every case, the drumbeat was used to open spiritual realms. A thunder drum calls the Thunder Beings from the sky, and they arrive with passion and incredible vitality. Drawing this card means that it is time to step into your passion. Make a stand in life for what truly matters to you.

THE JOURNEY: A powerful way to activate your life force is to drum on your chest lightly with a closed fist. It’s especially powerful if you do a two-beat – similar to the sound of a beating heart – which is the most primordial sound for humans. This rhythm is grounding and activates your strength.

Native Spirit Oracle by Denise Linn, art by Charles McStravick

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Today’s card, Rest, came with a strong second card: Balance. I think they go rather well together, as we often need rest after a period of imbalance. Perhaps the cards are telling us to be careful of pushing too hard and not giving ourselves the rest and recreation we need in addition to work and duties. Blessings!

Four of Arrows – Rest

Meaning: Recharging after a period of stressful activity, work, or emotional trauma. Allow time for the imagination to sojourn into the Otherworld to renew and rejuvenate vitality.

Description: On the ground lies a figure with closed eyes. There are four arrows driven into the earth, two at at the head and two at the knees. Rising above is a great multicolored butterfly from which rays of energy pour in all directions, bathing the figure in light.

Reading Points: In this stressful and demanding world, we sometimes forget that rest is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle and sleep a vital part of recuperation and the healing process. This primal mechanism is not just for the well-being of the body but the mind and imagination as well. Muscles need time to repair and rebuild after strenuous exertion, and the functions of the human psyche need dreams and deep sleep to aid the process, bringing order to what sometimes seems the chaos and random machinations of daily life.

Sometimes, inspiration and insight can also come through restful meditation and lucid dreaming. Welcome these insights joyfully and take note of what your subconscious is saying to you. One of the first human instincts when confronted with survival situations in any wild environment is to find or build a shelter to provide protection from the elements and act as a safe place to rest and sleep in safety. Though that basic human security requirement, survivors often become disoriented, make poor decisions and become unable to physically complete simple and necessary tasks, eventually losing hope. Rest and sleep are vital to restore stamina and vitality.

The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan and John Matthews, art by Will Worthington

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