#MondayMotivation – #Meditation #TarotReading #DragonOracleCard

Welcome to another Monday post. Today’s theme seems to be all about making choices.

The Tarot reading for the week ahead focuses on exposing darkness and illusions and celebrating!

Photo by Jan Sikes

The Devil card focuses on our shadow selves – the negative part of us we don’t want anyone to see, that holds us back from being the best version of ourselves. The Devil card often appears when you have been tricked into thinking you have no control over your shadow self or these negative forces and that you can never break free from their hold. When this card shows up in a reading, see it as an opportunity to bring these negative influences into your conscious awareness, so you can then take action to free yourself from their hold. Shine your light on the negative patterns that have been standing in your way for so long, and over time, you will loosen the grip they have on you. 

The Moon can indicate a time of uncertainty and illusion—when nothing is what it seems. Be careful of making fast decisions when The Moon appears because you may later realize you only had half the information you needed. You need to listen to and trust your intuition so you can see beyond what is in front of you. Feel into situations rather than thinking about what they mean. Let go of your conscious mental blocks or negative self-talk and allow your intuition to guide you. Your dreams, intuitions, and inner guidance will lead you forward toward higher levels of understanding if you listen and use your judgment to help interpret the messages of the subconscious.

The Three of Cups is a card of celebration, friendship, sisterhood, and creative collaborations. Your friends and family are here to support you and lift you up to even higher levels of success. Celebrate with them and enjoy their camaraderie. The Three of Cups often indicates a very sociable period. This card also invites you to collaborate with others on a creative project and inspire one another to reach new heights. Collectively, you are working towards a common goal for the greater good of others. This is a very creative card, suggesting that you may pursue a creative outlet within a group environment.

MY TAKEAWAY:

When we think we have no control over our shadow selves, we get stuck in negative and destructive patterns. But we always have a choice, and if we listen to our intuition, choose the higher path, shine a light on the darkness, and let go of negativity, we get to enjoy a celebration of friendship, joy, and possibly creative collaborations.

And now for another lovely Dragon Card!

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation #TarotReading #DragonOracleCard

It’s a new week! I hope you are feeling inspired and positive. Positivity seems to be the overarching theme of today’s post.

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I may have shared this meditation previously, but if so, it came back around again. I love the affirmations at the end!

The tarot cards support that theme as well.

Photo by Jan Sikes

We have two cards from the Major Arcana, which you may remember represent the bigger life lessons.

The Hanged Man is all about being still and hanging out, waiting to see what unfolds before taking a step. He is almost the exact opposite of The Fool. The Hanged Man reminds you that sometimes you have to put everything on hold before you can take the next step, or the Universe will do it on your behalf (and it may not always be at the most convenient time!) I am sure we have all had those experiences where circumstances beyond our control shut us down. If you’re in tune with your intuition, you’ll start to have a sense for when it’s time to hit the brakes and put things on hold – before things get out of hand. But if you’re out of alignment and oblivious to those intuitive signs, the Universe will probably put things on hold for you, in the form of continued obstacles, ill-health, and breakdowns. When you sense the ‘pause’ coming, pay attention to it; otherwise, the Universe will turn up the volume until you can’t ignore it any longer.

Six is a harmony number and is a multiple of the Trinity. The Six of Wands encourages us to toot our own horns. Maybe you’ve won an award or finished a manuscript. Whatever the reason, The Six of Wands also encourages you to put yourself out there and be proud of what you achieved. The Six of Wands is a positive encouragement to believe in who you are and your accomplishments so far. Have faith in what you’ve done and how others will receive it. Do not let fear or guilt stand in the way of your success. You ought to be proud! Hold your head up high and know you‘re worthy of admiration.

The Hierophant card represents an established set of spiritual values and beliefs and is often correlated with religion and other formal doctrines, which are often the basis from which we make important life decisions. The Hierophant‘s arrival suggests you are following convention and staying within the bounds of a tried and tested model. You are not yet willing to go out on a limb or offer any new and innovative ideas. Instead, you adhere to the key principles and rules that you know will lead to a successful result. This card often speaks to group membership or being part of an institution. You may enjoy a deep sense of comfort being surrounded by people who have well-established belief systems and explicit values.

My Takeaway:

Now is not the time for energetic action. It’s a time to take a pause, be still, and assess. Reflect on achievements, be proud of accomplishments, and then take that stillness and awareness into staying with positive thinking and a solid connection to your core belief system, as well as with other like-minded individuals as you move forward.

Your thoughts?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this Dragon Card!!

Photo by Jan Sikes

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation #TarotReading #DragonOracleCard

Welcome to Spring! It’s official and here in Texas, the weather couldn’t be more perfect. I hope you are inspired and excited about what lies ahead.

Courtesy Inspiring Quotes

Today’s meditation is about utilizing the fresh energy Spring brings. I know you will enjoy it!

And now for our reading. I returned to the Tarot cards this week.

Photo by Jan Sikes

The Justice card represents fairness, truth, and the law. You are being called to account for your actions and will be judged accordingly. If you have acted in alignment with your Higher Self and for the greater good of others, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you haven’t, you will be called out and made to own up to your actions. If this has you shaking in your boots, know that the Justice card isn’t as black and white as you may think. A level of compassion and understanding accompany Justice, and although you may have done something you regret, this card suggests that you will be treated fairly and without bias. Be ready to take responsibility for your actions and stand accountable for the ensuing consequences.

The Justice card often appears when you need to make an important choice with the potential for long-term repercussions. At its core, Justice is about the search for truth. As you explore your truth, you will discover that things are not as clear-cut as you had thought. Be prepared to dip into the murky waters and explore what truth means to you. 

The Two of Swords indicates that you are facing a challenging decision, but you are unclear about which option to take. Both possibilities may seem equally good – or equally bad – and you are stumped about which will lead you to the best outcome. You must be able to weigh up the pros and cons of each choice and then make a conscious judgment. Use both your head (your mind and the intellect) and your heart (your feelings and intuition) to choose the path that is most in alignment with your Higher Self. The woman in this card wears a blindfold, indicating that she cannot see the entirety of her circumstance. You may lack the information you need to make the right decisions. Thus, it ties in to the Justice card and seeking truth.

And once that choice is made, the energy from the Knight of Wands carries it forward. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, you are charged up with energy, passion, motivation, and enthusiasm, and you channel that energy through your inspired action. You have a clear vision about what you want to create and, fuelled by your passion and inspiration, you are now moving forward with leaps and bounds to turn your vision into reality. This card is your sign to go for it!

My takeaway: Seeking truth in all aspects of our lives is prudent and necessary. Then when faced with a decision, we can fall back on the power of that truth and be ready to move forward with whatever choice we’ve made with passion and energy.

Your thoughts?

I love the message this beautiful little dragon brings and how it ironically ties in with the tarot reading!

Photo by Jan Sikes

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation – #TarotReading – #DragonOracleCard

Happy Monday, everyone. I am thrilled to report that I am about 98% recovered from my tangle with COVID, thank goodness!! I appreciate all the well-wishes, prayers, and positive vibes you sent my way. I loved this quote from William Faulkner. It made me pause and think for a minute.

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A beautiful meditation to help jumpstart the day!

The Tarot reading for this week is hopeful and solid.

Photo by Jan Sikes

The keywords for The Sun from the Major Arcana are: Positivity, fun, warmth, success, and vitality. You don’t know what a welcome sight this card is! If you are going through a difficult time (I certainly have been), The Sun brings you the message you have been waiting for: that things will get better, a lot better! Hallelujah! The Sun connects you to your power base – not fear-driven, egotistical power, but the abundant, inner energy radiating through you right now. You’ll sense it in your Solar Plexus chakra, calling you to express yourself authentically and be fully present in the world around you.

The King of Cups represents a balance of emotions, creativity, and the unconscious. When this card turns up in a Tarot reading, you have gained control of your feelings and can accept them without allowing them to get the better of you. Even when life throws you a curveball, you can draw on your emotional maturity and stability to help you navigate these challenges. You don’t let things get to you, and you steer clear of the drama, instead choosing an emotionally balanced and calm approach.

The Nine of Pentacles speaks of financial independence. The woman in this card has created a luxurious lifestyle by her own actions and efforts. She encourages you to do the same – to create abundance and independence so that you can take care of yourself in the long term. Invest wisely and seek financial advice to make the most of your wealth. Don’t rely on others to support you; this Nine is an independent woman. While the suit of Pentacles typically focuses on material wealth and gain, this card also suggests that you are in harmony with the environment around you. You appreciate the beauty and abundance found in nature, and you can harness this high-vibe energy to bring pleasure into your life. 

My Takeaway:

What a welcome sight, these cards are. From the sun shining and bringing new vitality and creativity, to the emotionally balanced King of Cups and the secure and independent woman, this is a super positive reading and it reflects what I feel inside. I do not mean to downplay COVID. It’s a horrible nasty virus and it knocked me down hard. But, as the old saying goes, “it’s not how many times you get knocked down, it’s how you choose to get back up.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these cards today and hope they bring a ray of sunshine to your week!

There is nothing I can say about this Dragon Card, except that it is gorgeous!

#MotivationMonday – #Meditation – #TarotReading – #DragonCard

As most of you know, I’ve been ill. I tested negative for COVID but I am convinced what I’ve been dealing with is some form of the nasty virus. At any rate, today’s post is all just for me and I hope you get some good out of it as well. I do want to tell you on Wednesday when I was first getting sick and had a fever, I took my pieces of Black Tourmaline and Shungite to the bed with me and I believe with all my heart, they helped pull out the fever during the night.

Now for a healing meditation.

I feel that the tarot reading is especially for me, but again, I hope it resonates with at least a few.

Photo by Jan Sikes

Thank goodness the Eight of Swords sits in the past position as it indicates a feeling of helplessness. I can relate to that as the virus attacked my body, it was a struggle to keep my mind positive and not feel like a helpless victim. While being limited by circumstances, it did not mean I had to succumb to negative thinking patterns. Remember, that’s always a choice.

Interesting that the Two of Cups in the present position carries the Cadeceus, the universal symbol for medicine. In this reading, to me, the card represents accepting help from someone else, or consulting an expert to aid in healing. It can also represent two lovers or a partnership. Two of Cups is a sign you are both on the same wavelength and share a similar vision for the venture you are creating together. You may not have the same skills as each other, but you create a beautiful synergy when you work together. A friend of mine introduced me to Chaga Mushrooms, bringing a packet and leaving it on my door. I believe it is aiding in my healing process.

The Six of Swords symbolizes a state of transition, leaving behind what was familiar and moving towards the unknown. This change may be your own doing or forced upon you, and you may feel sad to leave behind what is so familiar to you. It invites you to gaze ahead to your future and choose the way most in alignment with your Highest Good and long-term potential. You will need to make tough decisions and compromises along the way; see it as a rite of passage. One of the most significant aspects of this card is the fact that the woman and child in the boat are not alone and not having to work to reach their destination.

My takeaway: Circumstances in life are often going to place us in a position of feeling helpless or like a victim, but always remember your thoughts about the circumstance are your choice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in healing and remember you are never alone on this journey. There is an entire galactic team with us at all times and can only help when we ask.

Your thoughts? Make it a great week, no matter life’s circumstances.

This dragon card ignites the creativity inside each of us! Isn’t it gorgeous?

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation – #TarotReading #DragonCard

Welcome to another Monday of inspiration. My sincere hope is that you take something positive away from this post.

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I wanted to start this week off with a mental clarity and found this beautiful meditation to help assist with that. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Great Meditation – YouTube

I love this week’s Tarot reading.

Photo by Jan Sikes 1/10/22

I get excited when I see The Fool come up in a reading. He is so carefree, on an adventure, and about to step blindly off the edge of a cliff. He is also the first card in the Major Arcana. It is a card of new beginnings, opportunities, and potential. The time is NOW! Take that leap of faith, even if you do not feel 100% ready or equipped for what is coming. This is a time of great potential and opportunity for you right now. The world is your oyster, and anything can happen. Use your creative mind with a dash of spontaneity to make the most of this magical time and bring forth your new ideas in powerful ways.

The Four of Pentacles reigns in The Fool just a little with a conservative approach and attitude toward money. It also comes with an admonition to steer clear of the “scarcity” thought pattern. The broader lesson with the Four of Pentacles is to honor and respect money and wealth but don’t become so attached that you lose sight of what’s most important to you: friends, family, happiness, and love.

The Lovers card is another energetic and exciting card. Most people look at it from the physical aspect of having or finding a new lover. But a deeper meaning is in regards to relationships in general and approaching them with open and honest communication. It can also indicate getting clear about your values and beliefs. You are figuring out what you stand for and your philosophy. At its heart, The Lovers is about choice. The choice about who you want to be in this lifetime, how you connect with others and on what level, and about what you will and won’t stand for.

MY TAKEAWAY: Beginning a new project with enthusiasm and oblivious energy is such an incredible feeling. For me, it applies on the writing level, as I am beginning a new series that is different from anything I’ve written. I’m taking that leap of faith and diving head-first off the cliff. Respecting and taking care of your money is a must in life, as is open and honest communication. So, I hope you will each take the energy of these three cards into your week and implement them in all of your actions.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

And for the Dragon Card, we have this gorgeous reminder about giving and receiving.

Photo by Jan Sikes 1/10/22

Monday #Motivation #Meditation #TarotReading #DragonCard

I’ve been reading a book that has got me doing some deep thinking. And one thing I realize is that together we are so much stronger than alone. So, this quote stood out to me.

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This is a short but powerful meditation that reinforces the knowledge that we are all united by the same life force. We are energetic beings capable of experiencing so much love.

Drawn back to the Tarot cards, here is the reading for this week.

Photo by Jan Sikes 11-15-21

At first glance, this three-card-draw left me a little puzzled.

The Four of Wands is a card of joyful celebration, blissful happiness, and appreciation for the good things in life. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, it is the perfect time to celebrate with those you love most. It makes sense to me as I am celebrating a new book release, but more than that, with the holidays coming, I am looking forward to celebrating with loved ones.

The Temperance card from the Major Arcana in the present position is all about balance, moderation, and stabilization. You are invited to let the life force flow through you without force or resistance. Temperance asks you to take the middle path and accommodate all perspectives. Now is not the time to be highly opinionated or controversial. Be the peacekeeper and take a balanced and moderate approach, avoiding any extremes. Include others and bring together diverse groups of people to create harmony and cooperation. By working together, you will collectively leverage the right mix of talents, experiences, abilities, and skills. There is alchemy within Temperance. This Tarot card is about blending, mixing, and combining diverse elements in a way that creates something new and even more valuable than its separate parts. (Wow! That goes right along with our quote today and the meditation.)

The Justice card represents fairness, truth, and the law. You are being called to account for your actions and will be judged accordingly. If you have acted in alignment with your Higher Self and for the greater good of others, you have nothing to worry about. A level of compassion and understanding accompany Justice, and although you may have done something you regret, this card suggests that you will be treated fairly and without bias. At its core, Justice is about the search for truth. As you explore your truth, you will discover that things are not as clear-cut as you had thought. Be prepared to dip into the murky waters and explore what truth means to you. Be consciously aware of what you believe to be true and what you believe to be fair and ethical. It may not be as clear-cut as you think, so prepare to challenge yourself and explore new territories of your belief system. 

My Takeaway:

Celebrate all of the good and wonderful things in life with those you love, but do so with moderation and consideration for others. Unity brings strength and by being consciously aware of what we believe in deep down in our hearts, we will grow in love and compassion for others.

Another incredibly beautiful Dragon Card brings a powerful message. I love the tender way the dragon is holding the butterfly.

Monday #Motivation #Meditation #TarotReading #DragonCard

Welcome to another Monday post! Today’s motivational quote comes from a piece of writing Rick Sikes did in 1977. For all his Texas cowboy ways, he was a deep thinker and writer.

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Today’s meditation is to help bring a positive focus to our day.

Today, I was compelled to go back to the Tarot cards for a message for the week.

Photo by Jan Sikes 10/4/21

The Five of Cups shows a man in mourning. Three cups are overturned in front of him and he is disappointed in something. But it’s all a mindset. If he would only turn around, there are two more upright cups awaiting him. So, it can indicate regrets or loss. This card is in the past position, which I am glad for! The Seven of Cups could not be more opposite! It is a card of new opportunities, choices, and at times, possibly illusions. When the Seven of Cups appears in a Tarot reading, you have many options and opportunities from which you can choose. But be careful! You are prone to illusion and unrealistic ideals. It is always wise to evaluate your options and dig below the surface to discover what’s involved with each choice. Often, the Seven of Cups can be a sign of wishful thinking and projecting into the future about what you would like to create, rather than taking action here in the present to make it happen. For example, you may wish for a fitter, more healthy body, until it’s time to get out there and exercise ( Oh my Lord! That’s me!).

We end by looking to the future of the week with the Page of Swords. This card is full of energy, passion, and enthusiasm. When this card shows up in a Tarot reading, you are bursting with new ideas and plans for the future. You may be excited about starting a new project, pursuing a new approach, or learning something new. You have so much energy that you feel as though you could do almost anything – and you can! The challenge, however, is whether you can keep it up. As with all Pages, the beginning always looks promising, but you need something else to follow through and keep up the pace.

My takeaway: Don’t mourn or wallow in what you may perceive as losses or regrets. Instead, look forward to the many options in front of you, but choose wisely, then let the energy of the Page of Swords launch you into your choice.

This week’s Dragon Card is incredibly gorgeous! How many of you were aware that we have a Causal Chakra? I only recently learned of it. It is situated on the back of the head.

Monday #Motivation #Meditation #TarotReading #OracleCards

It’s Monday! And the start of my birthday week! I am embracing all of it!

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I chose this image because one of my birthday events is a ride in a hot air balloon!

The meditation I chose to share today is a quick chakra realignment. It’s always good to keep them activated and open.

The Tarot reading this week, as always, is absolutely amazing. Remember I pull these cards randomly so I never know what they are until I turn them over.

Photo by Jan Sikes 8-16-21

The Five of Pentacles depicts hard times, especially when it comes to work and career. It may leave you feeling isolated and alone. Just like the two people in the card, you feel as if you have been left out in the cold. You may wonder, “Why is no one coming to help me!?” It may appear as if no one cares anymore. However, since the windows in the church are lit up, help is nearby; but you are too focused on your problems to notice. You may be waiting for someone to come and help you when really, you need to be proactive and ask for help.

But coming out of that temporary period, the Four of Pentacles is indicative of saving money and being conservative. The Four of Pentacles typically accompanies a scarcity mindset, especially with money and material possessions. Instead of spending your cash and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, you are choosing to stockpile your finances, for fear you might lose it all or someone else might take it away. Your budget may be so conservative or strict that it cuts out many of life’s pleasures, including travel, social occasions, gifts, or fun activities – but for what purpose? Money works best when it can flow and exchange, not when it is being stashed away. The broader lesson with the Four of Pentacles is to honor and respect money and wealth but don’t become so attached that you lose sight of what’s most important to you: friends, family, happiness, and love.

Then comes the Magician with a dramatic flourish as a master manifestor. The Magician brings you the tools, resources, and energy you need to make your dreams come true. Seriously, everything you need right now is at your fingertips. You have the spiritual (fire), physical (earth), mental (air), and emotional (water) resources to manifest your desires. And when you combine them with the energy of the spiritual and earthly realms, you will become a manifestation powerhouse! The key is to bring these tools together synergistically so that the impact of what you create is greater than the separate parts. This is alchemy at its best! When you are clear about your ‘what’ and your ‘why’, the Magician calls on you to take inspired action. You will need focused attention and intense concentration to bring your goals to fruition. Focus on the ONE thing that will move you towards your goal

So, it’s almost as if it’s an answer to prayer. When we suffer loss or scarcity, it creates fear and a desire to hoard what we have. But the Magician is telling us to use the magic at our fingertips to create our own abundance using the skills, knowledge, and capabilities we have gathered along life’s path. We can do this!

The Dragon Oracle Card is SO beautiful and fits perfectly with the reading!

Monday #Motivation #Meditation #TarotReading #Bonus

Welcome to the start of another week AND a new month! It’s my birthday month and I am going to be celebrating all month long! I love this motivational quote.

And this meditation bolsters that quote. The message I received from the meditation is that my purpose for living is to learn and to share. I can’t think of anything that brings me more joy. I’d love to hear from you if you do the meditation. Let’s talk about it!

The tarot reading this week is such a positive and uplifting message.

Photo by Jan Sikes 8-2-21

The first thing that comes to mind when I see the Queen of Swords is action and clarity of thinking. She combines the mental clarity and intellectual power of the suit of Swords with the maturity and receptiveness of the Queen. She also represents clear communication. You are open to hearing the thoughts and opinions of others, but ultimately, you filter that information to decipher what is true and what is not. The Queen of Swords invites you to be upfront and honest in your views, and you expect the same from others. The Justice card is all about the truth of the matter in a fair and unbiased way. It also holds you accountable for your actions. You need to ask yourself, “Do I stand by my decisions and accept the consequences of my actions?” Then to bring it all to that “happy ending” we love so much, the Knight of Cups rides in on his white horse carrying with him creativity, romance, passion, and beauty.

So, my overall take on this reading is to be completely clear with your thinking and communication while seeking the truth and being accountable for your words and actions. Then, be open to the creativity that opens up and be a conduit for your passion!

I don’t know what your take on this reading might be, but I relate it to the world situation with the COVID vaccine and so many different sides of that fence. I think that for each of us, we have to be clear in our thoughts and communication about it, then stand firm in a fair and unbiased way. The result will be positivity and passion, bypassing ALL negativity. Your thoughts?

**Also a side note – Each year on New Year’s Eve I randomly pull twelve Tarot cards – one for each month of the year. My August card is ironically the Queen of Swords.**

As a bonus this week, I am sharing an oracle card from my newest deck, The Dragon Oracle Cards, that I am absolutely loving!

Purchase Link

I purchased this deck of cards this past April and have enjoyed them so much. So, as part of my birthday month celebration, I will share with you each week an oracle card from the collection. Here is this week’s card. The message is self-explanatory. I’d have to say it is a great companion to our meditation and tarot reading.

Photo by Jan Sikes 8-2-21