 “For the hand that rocks the cradle – is the hand that rules the world” ~William Ross Wallace On Mother’s Day, I am always reminded of the energy of the Empress. Carrying fertile, nurturing energy, the Empress is associated with the continuous cycle of growth from seed to fruit. She is truly the “Earth Mother”. Within the Empress’ crown are 12 stars, said to represent the 12 signs of the zodiac, the 12 months, or time itself. She sits upon a comfortable throne and it is assumed that she is very pregnant under her loosely fitting garments. A heart shaped shield bearing the symbol of Venus sits at her feet, and a gently flowing waterfall, wheat fields, and loads of lush, green foliage surround her. This shield of Venus is symbolic to love; where there is love, there is protection, and yet the very act of loving makes us vulnerable. In terms of Greek mythology, the Empress is associated with the goddess Demeter, who refused to return spring to the Earth until her daughter Persephone was allowed to return to her after being abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld. Is there anything a mother (animal or human) wouldn’t do to protect her young? The minute that each of my children were born I felt such a sense of protection (and immense responsibility); a desire to shelter, comfort and nurture them, and there has never been a sweeter gift than the moment I first laid eyes on them all. The Empress card serves as a reminder that the act of creation takes incubation time, patience, love, protection and nurturing in order to grow and bear fruit, whether it be the creation of an idea, a relationship, a child or even a tree. Remember that like the Empress, we are all pregnant with the promise of unlimited potential! Fellow moms, grandmothers, aunts, and others in a position to nurture young minds, hearts and souls, I hope that each of you enjoy your Mother’s Day, and that you all take a moment to reflect and give thanks each day for the many gifts of motherhood. Even through the difficult times, it is our job to NURTURE LIFE! What a crucially important job. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and dads who fill mom's shoes where needed!
This is going to be so much fun! I'll be doing readings on Saturday 11-4 - stop by and get your face painted, stay for a reading and some fabulous shopping, and lots more :) ( click here for details and be sure to print the attached coupon!) 
 “I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” ~Jimmy Dean
With spring in full force we've had some incredible winds these last few days here in the midwestern US. Today as I look out the window, the tops of my trees are bending and bowing and millions of tiny dandelion seeds are blowing all over the area. My meditation today had me reflecting on how efficient nature really is, which so effectively demonstrates the essence of the suit of swords.
The sword itself is a double-edged instrument. With it, we can consciously choose to cut and clear or to shape and create. How cool is it that both of these concepts are now being realized just outside the window by the element of air?
In the early spring, nature utilizes the powers of wind and rain to clear away that which no longer serves. Roadsalt, dead leaves that have not yet decomposed and grime accumulated during the winter months are blown and washed away. Much to the chagrin of most of us, those tiny dandelion seeds that I mentioned earlier migrate to a new location to grow and begin a new cycle of life. As if taking a cue from this natural cycle, many folks are doing some spring cleaning and getting rid of what they no longer use, need or desire; getting rid of the "old" to make room for the "new".
Because we are constantly evolving beings, our needs are constantly changing and this process of clearing out what we no longer need is very natural. So I'll leave you today with self-reflection questions to consider:
What can you release in your life to make room for newness and abundance? (Note: this applies to material "stuff", as well as relationships in all forms, goals, and just about anything else we hang on to.)
What might happen if you chose to let go, surrendered control to the winds of change and went wherever they carried you?
 I'm very excited to be invited back to Howl at the Moon in Richmond, IL to teach an ongoing tarot workshop series entitled "Exploring the Tarot"! In this series, I teach the basics of tarot reading and then help you to build upon that knowledge with added components that will help you to take your intuitive reading abilities to the next level. We'll cover numerology and color theory as well as many of the unique symbolic messages found within the traditional tarot deck, and SO much more. There are homework assignments designed to help you work with your interpretation skills outside of class and students will exchange readings as well. All students who have attended each session with receive a certificate of completion following the last class. And if you need more enticing, in true Taurus fashion I bring homemade baked goods to each class ;) For those of you who might not be sure if tarot is for you, I'm offering the first class FREE - no strings attached. There are two opportunities to attend the first class: Saturday, April 21 from 10:30-11:30 am OR Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Early registration is highly recommended as this class is expected to fill soon, limited to just 8 students. Learn more/register at www.HowlATM.com or call 815/862-1050.
NEW: "Exploring the Tarot" series Returning by popular request! Classes will meet the 3rd Saturday each month beginning on April 21 with a FREE introductory class. Learn the basics & get your questions answered at the first session to decide if tarot is the divinatory tool for you. This series is suitable for beginners to intermediate level students looking to expand their skills. Each month we will deeply consider each and every card in the Rider-Waite deck, and the skills you learn here will be transferable to work with any traditional tarot deck. Location: Howl at the Moon
5628 W. Broadway (just off Main Street) Richmond,IL 815/862-1050 Classes may be purchased individually. Save $25 if you choose to purchase this series as a package by 4/21/12! Package includes the following and is limited to 8 students: * Guaranteed reservation at each class session * $5.00 discount on purchase of personal tarot journal (see sample available in-store) * Entry into private online discussion group (via Facebook) * Certificate of completion upon end of class on Sept. 15. Ready to register? Please call 815/862-1050 or stop by the store. | |
 Got plans Thursday night? Please join me at Catbridge Cellars in Antioch IL for a benefit fundraiser I'm attending as a guest reader. The event will help Dumpster Dog Rescue, a not-for-profit small organization dedicated to the rescue, rehab, and adoption of dogs in and around San Antonio, Texas. Dumpster Dog is owned & operated by Erin O'Connor Doguet. 100% of the proceeds from readings that evening will benefit animals! Palm readings, Reiki and more available from other practitioners as well; please come on out, enjoy a reading, great company and a fabulous glass of wine and know that you will be helping animals get the care and loving homes they deserve! We'll be there from 6:30-10pm. Catbridge Cellars
881 Main Street
Antioch, IL
847/395-5610
www.catbridgecellars.com
 This morning, something very cool happened to me that I had to share with the world. Inspired by the movie "The Help" (see it if you haven't already, incredible movie that will engage your heart), I pulled out my "Housewives Tarot" deck with a new perspective for the imagery it contains. So there I am sitting in the wee hours of the morning, specifically contemplating the 10 of Cups. The meanings of this card include: celebration, contentment, wisdom, insight, abundance, family happiness...sunshine, rainbows and butterflies. In other words, it's ALL good, all our proverbial cups runneth over with blissful happiness. Yeah, it's a great card in any deck. I chose to read about it for no reason in particular, just opened the little booklet to that page & started reading, being open to the moment. So, as I got out of my vehicle, something caught my eye. Down by the driver's side tire. The 10 of hearts (hearts translate to cups) from a playing card deck was there, on the ground. There were no other cards anywhere to be found, it was just randomly laying there, face-up near my tire. Whoa. OK universe, you have my attention! :)
 Prefacing this statement with the fact that I am not a fan of football in general and have no interest in the game other than watching the commercials, there's been so much buzz around here about it that I've decided to draw some cards to make predictions about tonight's game. The following cards were drawn completely at random:
The Giants: The Hanged Man / the Hierophant
I feel that the Giants will have a slower, cautious and very predictable game. The second half feels more promising for them overall. There's a sense here of "sticking to what they know" and not taking any unnecessary risks.
The Patriots: 7 of Wands / the World
Based on these cards, I feel very strongly that the Patriots will have what it takes for the win. I also feel as though the first half of the game not much is going to happen for them...but the last half we'll see some amazing plays and the completion of a long, arduous journey to the win.
So there you have it, enjoy the game, and may the best team win! :)
 With Valentine's Day coming up many of you have questions about relationships and what you can do to create lasting and meaningful connections within those relationships. I'm here to help! Did you know that I offer instant readings via phone or instant chat at BestPsychicDirectory.com? For a limited time, register here to create an account, send me a message through my profile and I'll send you 3 FREE minutes toward your next reading, no strings attached. < View my profile here>
 A woman should have enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to.
A woman should have something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour.
A woman should have a youth she’s content to leave behind; a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to retelling it in her old age.
A woman should have a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
A woman should have one friend who always makes her laugh… and one who lets her cry.
A woman should have a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.
A woman should have eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored.
A woman should have a feeling of control over her destiny.
Every woman should know how to fall in love without losing herself.
Every woman should know how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
Every woman should know when to try harder… and WHEN TO WALK AWAY…
Every woman should know that she can’t change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
Every woman should know that her childhood may not have been perfect…but its over.
Every woman should know what she would and wouldn’t do for love or more.
Every woman should know how to live alone… even if she doesn’t like it.
Every woman should know whom she can trust, whom she can’t, and why she shouldn’t take it personally.
Every woman should know where to go…be it to her best friend’s kitchen table…or a charming inn in the woods…
when her soul needs soothing.
Every woman should know what she can and can’t accomplish in a day…a month…and a year.
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