Mick Jagger Is the Devil

If  you frequent my blog you know that I often add a song/video at the end of a post. That is because I love music and often hear songs in my head when I am looking at the cards. Or when I am listening to music, I will often times see cards in my head that go with the lyrics. Yesterday as I was cleaning the bathroom I was listening to the Rolling Stones. The lyrics of first song on the playlist had a line that made me think, "Dang, he's the Knight of Wands and she is totally The Queen of Swords Rx" LOL" So with each song I associated the cards I thought fit. Since Mick Jagger is the King of Wands (Leo) I'm not surprised that a lot of wands cards came to mind. And The Devil XV came to mind a lot LOL! Both positive and negative. I have thought up Rx cards here, but have posted the pictures upright so you can see each card. If you do not do Rx, I'd say to still look for these combinations and see what your intuition and guides tell you. I don't often do Rx and it has really worked well for me either way when doing actual readings. Now many of the cards I chose can and are repeated themes in their songs so I didn't put the same one in every song I could have. And since The Stones have God only knows how many hundreds of songs, this is just a short list. The decks I chose had interpretations that seemed to fit best. I have added only a couple of videos. Here is what I came up with.

The first song that came on was "She's So Cold" - Rx Queen of Swords, Knight of Wands. "I'm so hot for her and she's so cold." "I'm the burning bush, I'm a steaming volcanoooo!" Mick really wanted this chick, but she was having NONE of it!! LOL Cold, hard rejection!

 Next up was "Sympathy For the Devil" - The Devil XV, King of Pentacles, Moon XVIII - This song makes me think of a bible verse that cracks me up, "There he goes to and fro , seeking that which he can destroy." It makes reference to the devil, and throughout the song, Mick talks about the various periods in history where tragic events have occurred and that the devil was there. I got the KofP because of the line "I'm a man of wealth and taste".  The Moon card because he says "...hope you guess my name. But what's troublin' you is the nature of my game."  Now I absolutely love the Moon card and most often see it in a very positive connotation, unless there are other cards around it that make me think otherwise.

This one was fun to try to come up with cards for. "Under My Thumb" - The Devil XV, 2 of cups Rx, 5 of swords, 5 of wands - I chose the 2ofC Rx because it is about a really messed up relationship and the whole vibe of the song is so win-at-any-cost, hence the 5ofSw. The 5ofW because there is so much ego and fighting. The Devil because it is based on intimidation, manipulation, and domination- not the good kind lol! tee-hee!

"Start Me Up" - The Devil XIV, 8 of wands, Ace of Wands, Knight of Wands, 6 of pentacles - Now here is where we can see why it is so important to not see cards as "good" or "bad". The Devil in a positive light is about earthly needs and desires. Letting go of puritanical notions that are repressive. Ace of Wands because he says "Start me up!"  and "I'm runnin' hot". He is clearly fired up and ready to go plus the wand being a phallic symbol. 8ofW because he is very clearly communicating the action he desires to take. Knight of Wands because we all know Knights take action and this knight  is all about heat, fire and passion. Now one could say that he's all fire that burns out quickly. All I will say with regard to that is this has NOT been my experience lmao. The 6ofP because it seems to be a.... reciprocal relationship. Refer to the line, "You make a grown man cry! You'd make a dead man cum!" LMAO

The newer stuff that The Stones put out does not appeal to a lot of their fans, but I really like a lot of it. This next song is so moving to me and makes my heart hurt when I hear him sing it. It comes from a place that is so raw and so real. "Almost Here You Sigh" - 5 of cups, Rx Ace of Cups, Rx 2 of cups, Rx 10 of cups, Rx 9 of cups, Rx Star XVII, Rx Queen of Swords, 3 of swords, 9 of swords - The  5ofC because there is so much regret and sorrow, 3ofSw because you can feel how much his heart is breaking. Rx 10ofC because it just feels like he is missing a sense of "home". Rx QofSw because sighing makes me think of breath, air and she has "... that stone cold look in your eye."  Rx AofC and Rx 2ofC because it sounds as if they have tried to make it work, to reconcile and heal the relationship, but no matter how much he wishes with all his heart, Rx 9ofC, he has lost all hope, Rx Star and knows it is over. But he still asks, "Will I wake up in the morning and find out it's been a bad dream". Hence the 9ofSw.

Here is another one that just breaks my heart when I hear it. Keith Richards actually sings this one and even though one could easily argue that he sounds like a cat in heat who is drowning, I think it is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful song. Again, just raw, honest pain. "Thru and Thru" -  Rx Lovers VI, The Hanged Man XII, Rx Knight of Cups, 3 of Swords, Rx Page of Cups -  I chose the Lovers VI Rx because of the line, "And you know this love is constant, I'm your lover baby thru and thru". He is still so in love and he has no choice in the fact that it it is over. "Any minute, any hour, I'm waiting on a call from you" shows The Hanged Man and the Rx Pg of Cups. The 3ofSw shows his broken heart and his is hoping and trying so hard, but getting nowhere makes me think of the Knt of Cups.


The last song is "Get Off Of My Cloud" - Ace of Swords, 9 of cups - The man just wishes for nothing more that to be left the hell alone and for people to stop raining on his parade and trying to steal his joy lol! "Don't hang around because two is a crowd"

 I have only had the opportunity to see The Stones live once and it was on the Steel Wheels tour. If you ever get a chance to see them, even if you only like them a little bit, GO! They put on an amazing show that was over 3 HOURS! And Mick does not stop for that entire time! I always thought they were ok, but it was when I went to to see them live that I became a true fan. I'd love to hear what cards you guys would choose for these songs or any other Stones tunes so please do comment.

First Reading with Joie de Vivre Tarot

Two days ago I got one of my birthday presents to Me from Me, the Joie-de-Vivre deck by Paulina Cassidy. You all know how much I love my dark decks, but I need one that is a little lighter, a little softer. It's got a zany, fun, child-like feel to it, yet still has slight touches of the macabre. The fine, wee little details are not something that I usually go for, so I've been a little unsure about it. But the more that Kiki posted with it, the more I wanted it. So I went through and started to familiarize myself with each card last night. Then this morning I decided to take it for a test run. I decided that for now I will not read Rx with this deck. I set the very clear intention of asking the deck, "What can you tell me about this morning?" Since I'd only been awake about 2 hours, this was asking it to be pretty specific. The first thought I had was about the horrible cramps/stomach pains I was having at that moment. (Uhh, wth? No cycle, but cramps?? Are you kidding me!?) I wondered if The Chariot VII would show up.  It is ruled by the sign Cancer and is associated with the stomach in readings that deal with health. If it gave me the Chariot, I knew we were a perfect match and that communication between us would not be a problem. Here are the cards I pulled:

1. The Chariot VII- LOL! Disco! We have a connection folks!  And notice how she is holding her lower abdomen and looking very disgruntled, just like I was lol!

2. Queen of Cups- I had thought about my mother this morning and the beautiful birthday card she sent me that I read again when I woke up. She is a Scorpio, Queen of Cups.

3. Ace of Cups- The card of renewed love and healing. Again, the Mom situation. Letting me know Arch Angel Raphael is working his magick. And this card is so beautiful. Just looking at it makes me feel soothed and peaceful and safe. The little faerie has her lotus blossom to pour her healing water out into Source. Something about her reminds me of Tori Amos.  She also makes me think of how when doing a spell, you call in the Quarters, the guardians from each cardinal direction. She looks like the perfect vision of the Keeper of the West. And the lotus flower reminds me of the Nichiren Buddhist law of cause and effect. Nam-Myho-Renge-Kyo. The very short interpretation means dedication to the mystic law of the simultaneity of cause and effect  through sound. Renge means lotus flower. It represents cause and effect since it is one of the only flowers that has seed and bloom at the same time. The easiest way to sum all this up is that it is a reminder to me that I can NOT change anyone, starting with my mother. I can only change myself. Choose to act and not react. When you change from the inside, your environment and all that exists it  on the outside will change. I am changing the dynamic between us by the fact that I have chosen to not react, but to choose how I act. Very hard, but I think will be very beneficial.

4. 5 of Wands- I pulled the card at the bottom of the deck and had to laugh out loud! I am NOT a morning person!! I was awakened at 8:15 by my two little cousins being SO loud and arguing! I was upstairs doing the reading. The were downstairs, directly below me!

5. 8 of Swords - the very last thing I thought of while I was shuffling was how there have been so many things holding me back from completely committing to the move to New Orleans. Several things that were stressing me out and I kept over analyzing and thus had me trapped in the fear of making the wrong decision, but there is only one thing now that is still holding me hostage. I think this is crystal clear that the Joie de Vivre is listening to me and speaking with crystal clarity!

Reading For a Client: To Trust or Not To Trust?

A client wanted to know if she should or should not trust a certain person  she knows. I used the Faulkner Tarot because it is black and white photography and my client is a very give-it-to-me-straight kinda girl. And boy did it! There isn't even a question about the answer to this!

1-3. If you do trust said person, what will be the result? 8 of swords, Queen of Wands, The Tower XVI- Dammnnn Gina! (a quote from the show Martin lmao) I mean dang. The short answer; aww HELL NO!!! But let's break this down as to why.

1. 8 of Swords- This is a sneaky, sneaky person who likes to play the victim card. I feel like if you trust her you will be giving her power or authority over you and she will use this against you and somehow make it look like you are to blame. Or if she gets caught playing her deceit, she will say that she had no choice *doe-eyed look* That she couldn't make everyone happy and she is so sorry but she was only doing what she had to. The situation was out of her hands. But that is a load of crap! This 8ofSw is saying to me that need to be very cautious who you say what to about this person or situation. She or someone else eavesdrops or reads emails or listens in on conversations when no one is aware. If you trust her, you are leaving the door wide open for her to hit you with some kind of surprise attack, and judging from the rest of the cards in this set, it will really bite you in the ass! But we'll get to that in a minute.

2. Queen of Wands- I keep feeling like this is a work situation, office politics crap. The person in question is a climber. You know, one of those who would say they would hand in your report to the boss since they are going into her office *smile like Brie from Desperate Housewives*. And on the way there, replace your quotes or spread sheet with the wrong info. Or they would answer your phone and "be sure that you get the message asap!" *Brie smile* and transpose the numbers or just never even write them down. Then go and handle the situation herself. You look like an ass, she looks like a rock star. Why? Because she A. took care of the situation and made sure the customer was happy (so the boss thinks she is so pro-active and efficient, a problem solver) and B. she just went ahead and took care of that for you since she knew you were just swamped! (aka you are an incompetent employee and she is all of those obnoxious corporate America terms that make us want to puke like "team-player" and "crew resource management" *Brie smile*  (dear God I hope this about work since I keep feeling that so strongly. Either way, do NOT trust this person!!) She fights nasty. She is smug and she is a liar. But do not underestimate your opponent! She is one very very sharp cookie! She is power-hungry and loves to be right. She totally enjoys making others look foolish so she can come out smelling like a rose. Think that chick from The Hand that rocks the Cradle or Eli Gold on The Good Wife. Or, although I love this character, Constance from American Horror Story. Vindictive, cunning, and duplicitous. Nasty!

3. The Tower XVI-  Man.... whew! Just keep one eye open at all times and steer clear of this person! Do not give them even a slight hint that you are nervous about them, that will only fuel the fire with a personality like this! This person is a predator man, very destructive. But not everyone else may see her that way. She may appear to be harmless, "oh, you know how she is. It's not big deal." Uhh... yeah, it is a very big deal! Again, that whole sweet little victim routine. They are very destructive and if you let your guard down and trust them, it will somehow be worse than what you can see right now. Something will catch you totally off guard and will blow up in your face and there will be hell to pay. Do not goad her into a battle, but like they say when you think a predator is following you or in a elevator with you to make eye contact. Don't start any fires, but let them know that you have got their number "Hi there. How are you today? I'm well thank you." *Brie smile*

If you trust this person, you will rue the day!

4-6. If you don't trust this person, what will it get you? The Lovers VI, The Star XVII, Knight of Cups- This whole set speaks to making choices based on intellect as well as gut instincts and being happier for it.

4. The Lovers VI- This card is so often about romantic relationships. So if I am wrong about this being a work situation, still don't trust her. She is a divide and conquer sort. The Lovers is ruled by the planet Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect. It is also about blending the intellect with what you are passionate about, making choices that ring true in your head but also in your heart. I feel like you already know you can't trust this person and you have had an experience or two that substantiates your suspicions. If you don't trust her, there is some relationship that will be much better for it. No matter how much someone else thinks she is harmless, she ain't! If it's a co-worker, a boss, a lover, a family member, they may be blind to this person's true nature. You aren't and I think you know why. Don't forget it.

5. The Star XVII- The Star is all about hope, faith, trust even when you can't see why. Trust your gut! I also think that there is someone else who has got your back in this situation, acts as your guardian angel, a true friend. Maybe they know how she really is and will give you heads up on things. I still would let that person do more of the talking and you do the listening though. Not trusting her will keep you safe and somehow not let your faith in someone, or something be tainted. Maybe your faith in humanity, that not everyone is out to get you and it is ok to allow certain people in. Again, go with your gut.

6. Knight of Cups- You will be much happier and have emotional contentment if you don't trust said person. Peace of mind is priceless.

7. What is hidden that you need to know?- 8 of pentacles- Ok the dang card is an office scene with a coffee cup that has the word "Boss" written on it. Again, is this a work situation? Is this chick trying to take your job, or get a promotion so she has authority over you? Or even if it isn't work related, she wants to have you at a definite disadvantage. I keep hearing that there are lies and something to do with communication that is sneaky.

8. Advice- King of Wands- Again, just keep acting like it's all no big deal, she is no big deal and she doesn't even phase you. Look her in the eye and smile when you see her *Brie* but don't make it overly obvious that you know she is a wench. She is the type who will never ever let anyone see her sweat! She is cocky and loves to be in control and she is very quick on her feet. Always keep the upper hand by doing what you need to but ignoring her. She will hate that lol. But do not let either her or this situation consume you. Stay focused on what is most important, and that is your own happiness and peace. If you let this be at the forefront of your thoughts all of the time, then she has won in all actuality. Because you know her game, treat her as no more than the annoying gnat at the picnic that she is.

I hope this is helpful and gives you the information you need to make the best choices.

Should I Start A New Blog??

So I've been toying with the idea of a new blog for quite some time now. Ever since I did the wonderful teleseminar with the very cool Theresa, The Tarot Lady. So I've asked "If I do this, what will I get? What will I give?"

GET:
6 of Pentacles, 10of Cups, 7 of Pentacles
Ok, straight talk here, I gotta say I was so happy to see some pentacles up in here lol. Because as aultruistic as I may be, I need and want to make some cash! The next thing that stands out to me is that the top row that has a lot of red and orange tones and the bottom has lots of blues and greens. This will bring me a lot of joy and will be something I am passionate about. I think these colours are to show that in spite of a lack of wands, this venture will  require me to take action and light a damn fire under my ass, something I so desperately need.
The 6ofP lets me know to NOT feel in anyway guilty about charging for readings! Fair exchange is no robbery! And as much heart and soul as I put into my readings I give a whole lot of myself. The circus tent is saying don't allow others to treat tarot as some cheap parlour game, respect it as a true skill not just cheap entertainment. The 6ofP is all about give and take.

The 10ofC says I will gain so much emotional fulfillment from this. I see the woman's left hand is the one holding the hand of the man she can not actually see. My guide(s) will be with me talking right in my ear so just lay back and relax just like this chick and trust the process. It's about feeling and feelings and the subconscious, that's why I think there are not swords. Don't think so damn much, just feel and let it flow!

The 7ofP tells me that I will get more confidence the more I practice and do the performance of it. Practice on my friends and their friends. That way I can evaluate my progress and continue to get better and better. But tarot is a continuous journey of learning, NOT a final destination of perfection. And as Theresa said, find my own voice, my own style. No matter how many times the same song has been played, the world has never heard it sung in my voice. I also think this is speaking directly to my confusion about traditional meanings and intuitive interpretations. It is calling to mind how I just found out that a song that I've loved for years is actually a re-make. The Looking Glass by Siouxsie and the Banshees was actually done like 10 years earlier by Kraftwork. What if Siouxsie had not thought her own way of expressing the song had just as much (maybe more??) value than the original? Use the original meanings to build from and create my own version. And don't compare myself to anyone but me as I evaluate my progress!

GIVE:
The Hermit IX, 8 of Swords, 10 of Wands
I notice that this row has all shades of greens and blues in contrast to the upper row. I will give people emotional support and a means to grow. And I see all three cards have mountains, so I'll also give them a way to overcome the obstacles they face. Two cards have homes at the top of the mountains. I do have the ability to make others feel safe and cared for.

The center card calls to me first, the 8ofSw. People come to readers when they feel stuck. My blog will give them a safe place to clear their head and sort things out, all of those self-imposed limitations that keep all of us trapped and made to feel like victims. I will give my readers (including me!) a way to stop going round and round, back and forth in a figure 8, like a rat on a wheel with no way off.

The Hermit shows how that can be accomplished. For me this card has always been like the Grand Poobah version of the 6ofP. Once you've gotten that wealth of knowledge, it is each of our responsibility to pass it on. This Hermit is writing in his journals, like I will be typing on my keyboard. The little bird on his left shoulder again says that my guides will be there to make sure I give the proper information in the best manner of understanding for each person. And I love the look of pensive compassion on his face.

This 10ofW shows all of these people who have been turned into puppets, trapped, not living but just kept prisoner by some unseen force. And the are stuck on this tiny ledge with little margin for error. But the strings look like if they just gave them a few good yanks they'd break. They are all looking down and their hearts are covered by their arms. The new blog could be what inspires people (starting with my own ass) to cut the crap that keeps us trapped and closed off from living life to the fullest. And again, here is another house. It may be an uphill battle, we may fall a few times, but that's damn sure better than being victims of circumstance.

The Devil Went Down to GA

Now ordinarily I would be starting to freak out completely with the cards I drew today, but actually it's kind of a strange comfort. in that it tells me that I am actually in touch with my cards and guides. Because I've been freaking out and unable to sleep and stomach a wreck. And today I drew the 10 of wands and The Devil. See? Total conformation that things are as fucked up as  I feel they are. Or at least that I feel as fucked up as I feel. Overwhelming fear and impending doom to say the least. I just got some way bad news confirmed. I'm still in Atlanta and  few days ago I wrote how I felt something wasn't write with my room mate back in Philly, but I didn't know what. Well at this moment I still don't, but I do know I will need to move. I feel like dude in the 10 of wands, so much heavy weight to carry, back hurting, face down in the shit. Out in the wilderness, alone. He's got to cut those red ropes that hold all that shit. What are my red ropes?? Fear, doubt, anxiety, pain, guilt, shame, insecurity... just to name a few. And of course the big dog of them all who rules all of those pleasant things, ole Prince of Darkness himself. Sitting on that hourglass I do feel like a fool and time is running out. So how do I somehow find a positive in all this awful shit. Plain and simple, I gotta face my fears head on and deal with the shit because it's about to deal with me! This is a serious test of faith. If the man in the 10 of wands drops his heavy load and turns around, there seems to be sunlight in the clearing, a way out of the thick woods. And The Devil of the LoD deck isn't nearly as scary as he is in most decks. Now looking at his muscles, this is not going to be an easy fight or situation to overcome!! But I see the Capricorn symbol. I've GOT to be a true goat-fish! Adaptable, yet strong and determined to get to the top of the mountain.  I have to believe in myself and limitless potential to be able to create the life I want!! In Buddhism, hell is not an actual destination, but, a state of being or life condition. Where one feels trapped and completely hopeless, helpless and in utter misery. But the man in the card can jump (take a huge leap of faith!) to the poll and crawl down and get out. This is so gonna suck, but I can do this.

At the bottom of the deck is the 8 of Swords, but of course lol!! This too is exactly how I feel, alone, trapped, and like any move I make will cause me more pain and fuck myself up. Hell, she even looks like me! And damn it's dark and wooded where she is! So what the hell is she falling into!? But I do see Jupiter behind her, the planet of good fortune. And "a sword in the hand of a coward is useless!" according to Nichiren Dishonin. So I had better grow a pair and cut myself free and help my damn self out of this situation.
 I can't imagine what would make things come to this b/c my roomate and I are so close and love each other so dearly (although something or should I say someone does come to mind...) but some shit is clearly about to jump off.
I drew one more card, just for s&g and it was The Fool lol! Same guy who is pictured on The Devil card. His legs are so strong and he has the world at his feet. And the hourglass is full. Somehow....somehow, this is going to be a good thing in the end. A whole new beginning. I have got to make my mind focus on that and keep the faith.

UPDATE: So it's about 4 hrs later, and yes, I was asked to leave. Hence The Tower and QofS the other day. I'm shocked b/c we so often talk about my being there. That even though it was supposed to be temporary but b/c it has turned into 1 1/2 yrs it's totally fine. That she loves having the company. That b/c she was in the same kind of situation years ago she understands and is happy to pay it forward. That though it is for very different reasons, she needs me there as much as I need to be there. She says this has nothing to do with me, that she needs her space and she is in no way angry or resentful that I have been there and loves me still, but b/c she just found out that her back is getting so much worse she needs her space. Now what the hell sense does that make!? She'll need me even more! I'll go to my grave knowing it was the who and not a "what" that happened to cause this shit. I am pissed, and very hurt, but I will never ever forget all the love and kindness she did show for so long. I've already been blessed enough to have a mutual friend ask me before I even thought to ask her about moving in. So I'ma take this as blessing. An opportunity to get my damn shit together and make some much needed MAJOR changes and start living the life I deserve.---In my own damn house that is lol!