Gaian Tarot Artist's Journal

Last Night's Full Moonrise

We sat on the beach for three hours or more, watching in awe as the huge orange orb rose in the southeastern sky.   She shimmered and danced for us as the tide went out in ripples and waves.  Her reflection on the water sometimes looked like an undulating snake and sometimes like a bellydancer,   We sang to Her, and in response Sister Heron came flying out of the darkness to circle round between Her in the sky and us on the beach.  Later we were graced by the presence of Owl and Bat and Mouse.  We lifted our stones nestled in a clamshell up to Her and asked for boons to be granted.  We thanked Her for the blessings of our lives.  We giggled and laughed and played in the warm water.   We left before midnight with our hearts very full.

Midsummer Newsletter Preview: Coming out next Tuesday

Yup, I have another issue of the Gaian Tarot email newsletter coming out next week. 

Here's what you'll find in it:

• Summer Sale ends soon!  10% off decks, prints and readings! Discount good through the end of July.
• Introducing the Gaian Tarot Eights, including divinatory meanings
• A unique spread for using the Gaian Tarot Majors by Carolyn Cushing
• Upcoming Workshops and Travels
• A Review of One of my Favorite Books
• And an excellent Summer Salad recipe from Alma Tierra Kitchen

PLUS!!  I'll be raffling off a FREE half-hour Gaian Tarot reading by phone or video chat in each newsletter (a $45.00 value).  If you're on the subscriber list, you're eligible for the raffle.

You wouldn't want to miss all that, would you?  Sign up now if you're not already on the list!  

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8 of Earth, 8 of Pentacles

Like a master craftsman and his apprentice, a father teaches his young daughter to drum. He is a mentor and role model to her, and the devotion between them seals the lessons of rhythm and tempo.

The test of this Eight speaks to the long apprenticeship that is sometimes required when we work to manifest our vision in the world. We must learn our craft and practice it diligently, reaching a high level of skill, before we can walk the path of right livelihood.

Words to Remember

Some of my favorite words, courtesy of Wordle. Thanks for the idea, Cate, Kat and Ketzirah.

36 - 56 - 76 - Hike!

I had an email conversation the other day with a friend about my "emotional meltdown" post.  Somewhere along the way I found myself saying to her:

"I have to say (from the vantage point of 56 years to your 36) that getting older rocks.  We really do get smarter, and life gets more juicy and more satisfying, the older we get.  The only part that doesn't get better is our bodies (in general).  So if I could tell my 36-year-old self anything, it would be:  Start a regular yoga practice now!  And keep it up for the next 20 years!

So I'm telling you instead.  :-)"

After I closed my laptop, the thought occurred to me — hey! what if my 76-year-old self wanted to say to my 56-year-old self:  "Start a regular yoga practice now, and keep it up for the next 20 years!"   

I cracked up.  I can't imagine being 76 any more than my friend can imagine being 56.  I'm staying consistent with my water aerobics, but not with my yoga, and in some ways I think it's more important.  Yoga or Tai Chi or QiGong gives us flexibility, strength and balance — not to mention inner peace.

So I think I just gave myself a new goal.  My 76-year-old self thanks me.

Straw Bale Home for Sale on a Jewel of a NW Island

Here are of two views of the great room at Heron House. This is the house that Craig and I built together, lived in for eight wonderful years, and are now releasing to a new owner who will love it as much we do.  Are you that person?  Or do you know someone who might be?   Click here for all the info on the listing and on the island community and location.

"This straw bale home has a unique beauty and feel with its softly curved walls, 10' high wood and beam ceilings, deep window wells and R-48 insulating factor! It's like living inside a sculpture. Special features include a gracious entry with lovely stained glass heron window/door, beach rock fireplace, guest wing with private bath, master bedroom with a lovely tiled bath and "moon window", a second floor bonus room, plus a studio space above the 2 car garage. There is good indoor-outdoor flow with French doors leading to a private, covered deck. The location has a rural feel, and is just around the corner from the beach, adjacent to undevelopable land in back."

Blessed Be.

8 of Water, 8 of Cups

Just finished the 8 of Water . . .

A woman swims upstream in a river, intent on reaching her destination.  She is taking action to live her dream and to live authentically, even though at times it is very difficult to go against the current.  This current may symbolize an outmoded way of doing things that no longer serves her.  Or it may represent mainstream, “accepted” values and standards, and  she is drawn to live her life in a more unique way.  As a water card, there are many emotions involved here. There may be times when she feels like she's in over her head, when she wants to turn around and let the current take her swiftly and easily downstream. But then she'll just have to pick herself up and head upstream again, after having lost a lot of ground. 

“Stay true to yourself,” the River whispers.  “Keep to your course ‘til you make landfall.”

The Bounty of Summer

The morning's stash from the Farmers Market — who could resist?  An island friend was selling his produce and said he'd be stir-frying up new potatoes, sugar snap peas and garlic tops for dinner — we moaned and bought his peas and garlic to go with the potatoes and salmon we have at home.  Radishes for Craig's tacos and Rainier cherries from the other side of the mountains at $10 a pound — ouch.  But oh, so sweet. With every bite we remember we're supporting an organic farm family who've had a rough spring.

And this has nothing to do with summer or good food but I just want to thank Arwen for such a lovely review of this blog.  It's really something, sometimes, to "see ourselves as others see us" (a nod to Robbie Burns).  Thank you Arwen!

And along with Gratitude — Laughter! and Dancing!

I found this video this morning on two blogs, and couldn't stop laughing as I watched it. Then Craig saw it and started chuckling too.

So start your day with this spiritual practice:  watch!  laugh!  and dance!

 

Prayer Flags in the Rain

 . . . as seen from my studio deck just now.