Tarot Reading for February 2017

 

                                                                          AND

 

Blog #65: Is There a Difference Between Emotions and Feelings?

 

 

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

 

 

 

WHEEL OF FORTUNE:  Everything goes in cycles, and this month brings continued hope for a new and better year than 2016.  We are reaching the pinnacle of this cycle as we come into the blessings of this month. Look for the good in things that affect you, even if in your mind you wonder what good is to be found in a particular issue or situation? It may be a lesson to be learned, a change that is a message for you to express gratitude, or just a sign that things are improving. Do your best to stay positive, for we are indeed in the upswing of a new cycle.

3 OF SWORDS: There may be bouts of sadness, disappointment, doubt and anxiety as events continue to unfold in the world. It is normal to feel upset about the chaos that is still present, but remember that nothing stays the same, and changes are in the air. So whatever negative feelings you may be experiencing can be dispelled by refusing to let yourself be bombarded by sad or depressing news, or to be adamant about not staying in a sad or depressed state because of what is going on in the world.  Remember that “this too shall pass”, and then get on with your life.

8 OF SWORDS:  Feelings of hesitancy and doubt may cause you to feel paralyzed when having to make a decision or take action. The best thing to do if this happens is to take a step back from the situation and look at it as objectively as possible. Use your logical analytical brain to come up with pros and cons for various alternatives, or trust your intuitive right brain. An even better approach is to combine the two to reach a decision that may be the most balanced and well-rounded. You have the ability to think through any challenge or issue, so exert your power and take a stand.

KING OF SWORDS: It is time to move forward, to get into the King vibration and start feeling self-confident, decisive, and powerful.  You will feel an inner-knowing that you are on the right track and there is nothing to fear. The King is not hesitant or wishy-washy, nor would he question his decisions once they have been made. He is a strong and powerful leader in whom others have full confidence. You can adopt his energy as your own by recognizing your powers and abilities, not allowing yourself to stay in the 8 of Swords or 3 of Swords energy. It is time to leave the past behind and look forward to what lies ahead.

TRENDS FOR THE MONTH: February brings mixed blessings, but ones that in the long run are good and valuable. Things will start out hopeful, optimistic, and upbeat as we enjoy the newness in this second month of the year, and relish the differences we can see that are positive. However, these feelings are tempered by some challenging events that can try and test us, but we have the ability to get beyond all this, as long as we recognize what we are in control of and what is not within our control. If any negative feelings cause you to feel as if you are caught in a web of doubt, suspicion or fear, then use the King of Swords energy to eliminate negative attitudes by seeking the truth, knowing you can make decisions that affect you, and thus stay in control of your own life. The month may seem topsy-turvy at times, but the power is there to help you persevere, feeling grounded and sure-footed.

 

 

Blog #65: Is There a Difference Between Emotions and Feelings?

 

We often assume that emotions and feelings are the same, but there is a difference that is important to recognize, because understanding this could have an impact on your health (especially realizing the harm that harboring toxic emotions can cause).

As described by shaman author Alberto Villoldo, “Emotions are ancient survival programs encoded in the limbic brain, and when toxic emotions dominate your thinking and nervous system, you put yourself in danger.”  (p. 94)

Another author describes an emotion as a “physical response to change that is hardwired and universal.” (http://emotionaldetective.typepad.com/emotional-detective/2012/04/emotions-vs-feelings.html)  In other words, an emotion is a biological response that is part of our physiological make-up.

Feelings, on the other hand, are “of the moment and transitory.  You might have an occasional feeling of anger toward your children or spouse, a spontaneous flash that sends a surge of chemicals through your body and brain, but the feeling passes and soon and equanimity returns.” (Villoldo, p. 95)

Another viewpoint is that feelings are a “mental associations and reactions to an emotion that are personal, acquired through experience”. (http://emotionaldetective.typepad.com/emotional-detective/2012/04/emotions-vs-feelings.html)

So two distinctions between emotions and feelings are:

(1)  Emotions originate in the brain and have a biological origin, whereas feelings are mental reactions to our emotions.

(2)  Emotions can remain stuck in our bodies if we let them, whereas feelings are more transitory and are sparked by our emotions.  Feelings can be very different from one person to another, even though the same emotion may have been evoked by the same event.  How we feel about and react to a situation is related to our experiences.  Toxic emotions can remain in the body for hours, days, or even years.

Understanding these basic differences between emotions and feelings can help us better cope with emotions that can be detrimental to our health.  So what do we do if we have negative emotions that are stuck and cause us physical, mental, or emotional pain? We get help to find the root cause of the emotion and release it.

Sources

Villoldo, Alberto.  One Spirit Medicine:  Ancient Ways to Ultimate Wellness.  Hay House, 2015.

(http://emotionaldetective.typepad.com/emotional-detective/2012/04/emotions-vs-feelings.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tarot Reading for January 2017

 

  AND

 

Blog #64: How to Determine If You Have High

Vibrational Energy

 

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

 

 

 

 

8 OF SWORDS:  The start of the New Year could find you feeling unsure, unsettled, indecisive; it may even seem that you are paralyzed to a certain extent.  Many things happened near the end of 2016 that caused feelings such as these to surface.  But that is in the past, and now is the time to realize that you are in control of your own choices and feelings.  You do not have to believe that you are bound strictly by what has happened or your perception of what has transpired. You have the power to remove the shackles of whatever is surrounded by negativity. Release yourself from your own prison, and see how much happier you will be.

2 OF WANDS: See January as a decision time for you. You can use the fire energy of the Wands to allow yourself to progress forward, or you can hesitate and not take action even though you know it will be helpful for you. The key to determining which path you will take rests with you and you alone. No one can make this decision for you; so plot a path for yourself at the start of the month to give you an idea of where you want to go, and how you can bring more positive energy and inspiration into your life.

DEATH:  January will truly be a time of transformation and real change for many of us. It is time to let the old ways of thinking and doing just fall by the wayside, for they belong to the past, and the past is dead. Focus instead on the new energy that is coming onto the Earth during the month, and be amazed at how much better you can feel simply by letting go of the past. Remember that anything is possible, and this month could see more changes that were not expected. Stay in an energy field of knowing that whatever happens is for our highest and best good, and all will be well. This year promises to be one of hope, new ideas, new beginnings, and release.

QUEEN OF SWORDS: It will be important this month to be honest with yourself, perhaps making some changes that might be painful. Are you ready to let go of what is standing in your way from being the true, authentic person you can be? This may mean that it is time to let go of friends with whom you no longer have much in common, to look at job alternatives if you are unhappy in your job, or to start following a budget or other plan that will make you feel more financially secure. Whatever you are holding on to because it keeps you in your comfort zone is not helping you; now is the time to let it go and move on. The Queen of Swords will help you recognize what changes will be most beneficial for you.

TRENDS FOR THE MONTH:  Happenings this month may cause you to feel all shaken up as you recognize the need to make changes in your life. Some changes are coming regardless of what you feel, so it would be better to accept that change is inevitable and go with the flow. You may have to make some hard decisions to get yourself in a better place, but the Swords energy will be with you as you understand that the true value of being an authentic person is to stand in your own power and independence. Believe in yourself, do what is in your best interests, and look forward to all the promise that the New Year can bring.

 

Blog #64:  How to Determine If You Have High Vibrational Energy

Retrieved from www.livingshambhala.wordpress.com

A very short ( 2:24 minutes) but informative video on the topic of determining the level of your vibrational energy can be accessed at http://www.starshipearththebigpicture.com/2016/11/29/how-to-tell-if-you-are-a-high-vibration-being-video/

Here is a transcript (not exactly word-for-word) of the video that will help you gauge your energy level right now and what to do if it could be a little higher.

We are all made of energy—energy that sometimes moves very fast, and sometimes that moves very slowly.  Moving energy in the metaphysical world is often referred to as vibrational energy.  Having high vibrational energy is imperative for us to have a life that is happy, fulfilling and successful, according to your definition, through the Law of Attraction.

Would you like to know if you have high vibrational energy?

Here are six signs that indicate your energy, right now, is very high.

1.            Having good health and being free from illness and injury.

2.            Feeling energized and full of life.

3.            Having good luck and having things just “go your way” throughout the day.

4.            Experiencing harmony in your personal relationships.

5.            Feeling safe and secure.

6.            Experiencing synchronicities or a high number of unexplained coincidences in your life.

If you are experiencing most of these signs, then you can be pretty sure that you are functioning at a high vibrational level and are in the process of creating positive results in your life right now.   If not, don’t worry.  Energy is constantly moving, so if you are experiencing low energy in one moment you can change this to high energy in the next moment by doing your best to monitor the quality of your thoughts, and try to stay as optimistic and peaceful as you can moment to moment. 

Source:  RaiseYourVibrationToday.com (Andrea Schulman)

http://raiseyourvibrationtoday.com/2015/02/11/15-signs-high-vibration-push-higher/

http://www.starshipearththebigpicture.com/2016/11/29/how-to-tell-if-you-are-a-high-vibration-being-video/

Relevant Quotes:

“The Universe is not punishing you or blessing you.  The Universe is responding to the vibrational attitude that you are emitting.”  Abraham-Hicks

 “If you want to find the secrets of the Universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” Nikola Tesla

 

Tarot Reading for December 2016

 

  AND

 Blog #63: What Is a "Superfood"?

 

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

 

 

6 OF COINS:  We often think of December as a month for giving to others, but equally important is to remember and cherish ourselves.  Giving and giving to others without taking care of ourselves can be detrimental to our health.  So while you have your friends and family foremost in your mind this month, also take time to think of you—what could you do to bring more harmony, love, and peace into your life through kind actions that you do for yourself? Take a break from the hectic activities, take a walk, go to a movie, or meet friends for dinner.

 

KNIGHT OF COINS:  This month should find you doing action-oriented tasks or work that brings a sense of accomplishment.  With the strong energetic Knight energy accompanying the Coins, you are in a unique position to  keep yourself going by focusing on what needs to be done—tying up loose ends—that will prepare you for the new year. Anything left hanging by the end of the month can carry over into January, but give yourself the gift of satisfaction by completing maybe one or two goals that you have been working on.

7 OF SWORDS:  Use discernment when reading or listening to news about what is going on in the world today. Think about it carefully—does it make sense? Are you able to see a pattern related to past events? Does it sound like this news is for your highest and best good? Accept what rings true for you, and discard the rest. There is no need to be filled with fear, worry, and anxiety as this year comes to a close. Replace this negativity with a more positive and optimistic outlook, and you will feel so much better.

5 OF COINS:  December is the perfect time to remind yourself of all the things in your life that you have to be grateful for.  If you are feeling down or “in a funk”, you may be able to raise your spirits by helping others in just a few small ways--giving your full attention to others when conversing, showing appreciation for the small things, giving compliments, or sharing a smile with someone who looks sad. If the materialism of the season bothers you, then don’t get drawn into it. Rather than giving physical gifts, you can give spiritually by volunteering, spreading kindness and unconditional love wherever you go, or donating to a worthy cause in the name of a gift recipient.

TRENDS FOR THE MONTH:  As this year comes to a close, do your best to think at least a little bit of yourself as well as others, remembering the importance of leading a balanced life.  Show will power and determination as you finish uncompleted projects or tasks, concentrating on one or two that are most significant. Use your intuition and discernment to make sense of any mainstream media news that is negative or brings you down. It may not even be the truth, so if it seems a little “off”, forget about it and move on. The holidays can be stressful, so if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, live just one day at a time, expressing gratitude for what you have.  Enjoy the company of friends or loved ones who can bring you joy by just being in their presence. This is more than any material presents can bring you.

 

 

Blog #63:  “Superfoods” That Can Keep You Healthy

 

 

Retrieved from www.bestofsuperfood.com 

With all the unhealthy foods that are available today, as well as the chemicals found in processed foods, it is becoming    increasingly important to be aware of some of the best foods we can eat to keep us healthy.

What exactly is a “superfood”?   It is a food with many nutrients considered to be very beneficial for health and well-being.

Foods that have been elevated to superfood status in recent years include those rich in antioxidants (such as beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E, flavonoids and selenium) and omega-3 fatty acids.  Antioxidants are chemicals thought to protect against the harmful effects of free radicals, which are chemicals naturally produced in every living cell and known to cause cell damage.

Another definition from a different angle:  Superfood is a term used in marketing to describe foods with supposed health benefits. Dietitians and nutrition scientists do not generally use the term, many of whom dispute that certain foods have the health benefits often claimed by advocates of particular superfoods.

Dietitians avoid the term "superfood" and prefer to talk of "super diets", where the emphasis is on a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods.

And another viewpoint:  Though there is no legal or medical definition, superfoods are nutrient powerhouses that have large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Eating them may reduce the risk of chronic disease, and prolong life, and people who eat more of them are healthier and thinner than those who don't.

Some dieticians have stated that variety in diet is important, and focusing on just foods called “superfoods” can be unhealthy.

So although there is no firm agreement on what constitutes a superfood and there are different lists of what should be included as a superfood, here is one list that is a good start. For more information about why these were chosen, refer to the first source listed below.

1.             Greek yogurt

2.             Quinoa

3.             Blueberries

4.             Kale

5.             Chia

6.             Oatmeal

7.             Green tea

8.             Broccoli

9.             Strawberries

10.          Salmon

11.          Watermelon

12.          Spinach

13.          Pistachios

14.          Almonds

15.          Ginger

16.          Beets

17.          Beans

18.          Pumpkin

19.          Apple

20.          Cranberries

21.          Garlic

22.          Cauliflower

23.          Leeks

Sources

https://www.cookingdetective.com/superfood/

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/superfoods/Pages/what-are-superfoods.aspx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfood

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306775,00.html

 

 Tarot Reading for November 2016

  AND

 Blog #62: A Few Wise Words from Eckhart Tolle

 

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

 KING OF WANDS:  A lot will be happening this month and things are on the move.  Focus on what you need to accomplish, because the combination of the powerful King energy and the Fire energy will help you move forward and stay on your path.  Let go of any worries about what is happening in the world and our country, concentrating instead on your own sphere of influence and what you can do to make your world a better place.  You are “on fire” this month as you get into a change mode and make a difference in your own life, so don’t let this opportunity go by.

 

KNIGHT OF CUPS:  You will see positive movement in relationships, with the wonderful Knight energy encouraging you to seek out ways you can bring current friendships and partnerships to a higher level, enjoying aspects of them that perhaps you never noticed before. Spread unconditional love where you see there is none.  Focus on remembering that we are all connected rather than allowing divisiveness and rhetoric to consume you. Now more than ever is a time when we need to realize the importance of interconnectedness, recognizing our similarities rather than differences.

 

4 OF WANDS:  Things have been murky and unclear for some time, but as hard as it may seem to believe now, things are on an upswing.  Anything is possible, and miracles do happen. The state of our country now is not set in stone, and what appears to be on the horizon may not be so. Just take it a day at a time, visualize a country where we all learn to get along, and remember to inwardly stay peaceful and calm. That is the best way to have peace in your own life, regardless of the chaos that may be swarming around you.

 

9 OF SWORDS:  Anxiety, worry, and doubt may be in the air, but you have the power to not let it bother you by not concentrating on what appears to be. We have tremendous power within ourselves that can affect those around us, so once again stay positive, release the fear, and focus on a better world that is our future. We must continue to be inspired with all the good we see around us, and have hope and optimism that we are ready to move on, having learned the lessons we needed during the previous tumultuous months.  Fear and worry do not have to be a part of your life, so avert it by setting an intention that you will see good coming out of the craziness.

TRENDS FOR THE MONTH: An exciting and unpredictable month is ahead, so use to best advantage the Knight and Fire forces prevalent to carry you along on a positive trajectory. Focus on yourself and what you can control, what you are responsible for, and what you as an individual can do to make this a better place. Relationships will prosper and bring joy, so have fun with others, enjoying one another’s company. The murkiness that has been clouding our vision and interfering with feelings of calm will give way to more hope and optimism, regardless of the way things may look at the start of the month and as they unfold. Remember that anything is possible. Stay in a hopeful, optimistic state of mind rather than in one of anxiety and worry. Do not let fear prevent you from accomplishing all that is possible for you this month.

 

Blog # 62:   A Few Wise Words from Eckhart Tolle

 

 

Retrieved from www.eckharttolle.com

Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher best known for his books The Power of Now and A New Earth: Awakening to Your Divine Purpose.  His writings contain much wisdom and deep insights—truly words to live by.   As with other authors, Tolle sees the spiritual awakening that is emerging as the next step in our evolution.   Given below are a few of his truisms that are good reminders.

Ø  “People don’t realize that now is all there ever is; there is no past or future except as memory or anticipation in your mind.”

Ø  “Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now.”

Ø  “Wherever you are, be there totally. If you find your here and now intolerable and it makes you unhappy, you have three options: remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it totally. If you want to take responsibility for your life, you must choose one of those three options, and you must choose now. Then accept the consequences.”

Ø  “Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.”

Ø  “Life isn’t as serious as the mind makes it out to be.”

Ø  “People tend to dwell more on negative things than on good things. So the mind then becomes obsessed with negative things, with judgments, guilt and anxiety produced by thoughts about the future and so on.”

Ø  “Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.”

Ø  “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”

Ø  “A genuine relationship is one that is not dominated by the ego with its image-making and self-seeking. In a genuine relationship, there is an outward flow of open, alert attention toward the other person in which there is no wanting whatsoever.”

Ø  “Anything that you resent and strongly react to in another is also in you.”

Source

http://www.purposefairy.com/72674/27-life-changing-lessons-to-learn-from-eckhart-tolle/

 

 

 

 

Tarot Reading for October 2016

  AND

 Blog #61: Why We Are More Powerful Than Our Genetics

 

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

 

 

3 OF COINS:  Take time during the month to do something that you enjoy, something that you can lose yourself in.  There may be many distractions coming up, so the best thing to do is to focus on an enjoyable activity, hobby, or work that gives you pleasure.  This will be far better than paying attention to fear-mongering news programs or newspapers.  It is ok to follow the news, because we do need to be aware of what is going on in the world, but do not allow it to put you into a fear-based state that you carry around with you.  Stay in a calm, peaceful state, and this will be projected outward.  You can spread positive energy just by keeping yourself grounded and focused on peace.

THE EMPRESS:  As we continue the transformation from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius, we will see more and more the impact of the Divine Feminine energy, which was suppressed for so long.  We are entering a time where the patriarchal and feminine energies will balance each other.  The kind, nurturing, and supportive feelings will start coming to the forefront as we move along our paths.  Feel this beautiful sense of helping others, providing aid when needed, and spreading unconditional love as you go about your day. We are on the brink of something wonderful, despite all the negative events that are occurring. Let the Empress energy fill you, bringing you love, support, and guidance.

 

2 OF SWORDS:   Blinders continue to be removed as we learn more about what is truly happening in our world. Seek out the truth, being careful to use discernment when exposed to new ideas and information.  Do not be afraid of what you might learn; sometimes the truth is hard to accept.  You may have a choice to make—blindly following what is being told through the mainstream media, or striking out on your own, researching other sources of information.  Buddha said: “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”   We are at a point where this is truer than ever, so we need to keep our eyes and ears open, and be willing to not believe all that is broadcast. 

 QUEEN OF WANDS:   With all the changes that we are being confronted with, it is important for us to be self-confident and self-assured as we deal with whatever comes our way.  Do not let anything stand in your way of seeking out the truth, of following your own path, and staying true to your inner self.  Let your authentic self come forth and trust that you will be given the courage and fortitude to handle any difficulty or issue that arises.  We all have the Queen of Wands energy somewhere within us; we just need to believe in ourselves and have faith that we can overcome any obstacle that lies in our path.

 TRENDS FOR THE MONTH:  As change, uncertainty, and a bit of chaos continue to exist in our world, we need to take care of ourselves so we do not get caught up in this whirlwind of negativity.  Refrain from getting too immersed in the mainstream media, choosing instead to focus on something that you enjoy. This is a far better distraction than getting caught up in information that may be questionable.  Let the Empress energy surround and engulf you, so you can freely give love, kindness, and support to those who need it, as well as to yourself.  Pursue the truth, remembering that all will come out eventually.  Draw on your own inner strength, letting your confident self shine through.  Now it is more important than ever to trust and believe in ourselves, knowing that we can make a difference in the world.

Blog # 61:  Why We Are More Powerful Than Our Genetics

Retrieved from: www.edx.org

 

Dr.  Bruce Lipton, the author of Biology of Belief and other books, explains quite clearly the true role that genetics plays in our health.  We have been led to believe that our genes control our bodies and our health, rather than we ourselves being in charge of our bodies, and therefore must just accept our "genetic fate" that we have inherited from our parents.

Here are just a few highlights from his article “The Wisdom of Your Cells”.

Ø  In his cell culturing experiments with muscle stem cells, he found that although all the muscle cells were genetically the same, the outcome of their growth was determined by the environment he put them in.

Ø  Our body is actually a community of 50 trillion living cells; health occurs when all the cells are getting along and working cooperatively together; dis-ease happens when something disrupts the relationships of the cells in the community.

Ø  Every one of the body systems and functions (digestive, respiratory, reproductive, nervous, etc.) exists in each and every cell of our bodies.
 
Ø  Researchers at first thought that genes in a DNA strand controlled only the physical body, but more study showed that genes also influenced behavior and emotion.

Ø  When it was discovered that DNA copies itself and it controls the protein, the first conclusion reached was that basically our lives are controlled by DNA, and we end up being “victims” of heredity.

Ø  Dr. Lipton discovered that the brain of the cell (the “controller”) is its skin or membrane—the interface of the cell and the environment.  It is this functional element that controls life, leading to a most significant conclusion—we are not victims of our genes.

Ø  His remarkable insight:  “When we understand that genes are just respondents to the environment from the perceptions handled by the cell membrane, then we can realize that if life isn’t going well, what we have to do is not change our genes but change our perceptions” (i.e., our thoughts about what is happening around us).

Ø  We can never be separated completely from our environment.  “Quantum physics says the invisible energy is 100 times more efficient in conveying information than are material signals (e.g., drugs).  What we are beginning to recognize is that there is an invisible world that we have not dealt with in regard to understanding the nature of our health.”

Ø  This is why it is important for modern medicine to take a more holistic approach to health, recognizing that energy, though invisible, is very real.  Albert Einstein said that the field, the invisible source, is the sole governing agency of the physical reality.

Source

https://www.brucelipton.com/resource/article/the-wisdom-your-cells