Coffee, Computers, and Rx Joie-de-Vivre

I cannot believe I am up! WTH. I have a sneaking suspicion I know the root of insomnia returning to torture me. I just came back from the potty (TMI huh... sorry..lol) and saw my Joie-de-Vivre deck. Its gentility and kind nature drew me to get clarity on the matter. (btw, the artist Paulina Cassidy is doing a fantastic deluxe version both the J-de-V and her Paulina Tarot) As I started to shuffle, I felt like I needed to ask it about reading reversals with it from now on. Let's see what she has to say:

How do you fee about me reading you with Rx? - Queen of Pentacles - As I was shuffling this card flipped over and slid itself back into the deck. The Queen of Coins as she is called in the Joie-de-Vivre is my card as a Capricorn woman. She sits near a canal on a toadstool  underneath the bough of a tree that is draped in Spanish moss. This is pretty much the landscape I see when I look out of the window of my room here in New Orleans, just beyond the backyard. I notice her 4 hands, 3 of which hold a large disk with a series of hearts and the triple Goddess lunar symbol in the center, the 4th hand consoling a rather ticked off looking rabbit.  This brings to mind one of my oldest, dearest friends since 8th grade, Laura. Our nick-name for each other is "Rabbit" or simply "R", and she too is a Capricorn. We have talked many times about our Capricorn resistance to change and tried to gently encourage each other (God and Goddess forbid one dare tell a Capricorn what they "have" to do! From stubborn to obtuse in the blink of an eye lol!) to be more accepting of it, dare I say even embrace it. I'm thinking you do want me to read you with Rx.

                                             
Clarification - Ace of Pentacles Rx - (shown upright so you can actually see what it looks like) Lol, I have to laugh. Somehow in my insomniac confusion, I inadvertently held the deck the wrong way, and in so doing, the card came up Rx. Aces are potential to be tapped into and cultivated, the seeds of possibility. Thus AofP Rx is warning me of missing this opportunity to grow as a reader. I can't be the timid little mouse at this pixie's feet. And these days I am in a phase of all kinds of bold new beginnings, so I need to continue along that line of thought and behavior. So while I feel some decks do not wish to be read Rx, this one  in particular when I first received it, is telling me it is ready now.

So after a good bit of effort put into ensure the cards were well mixed between upright and inverted, on to the initially intended reading...
Both cards are upright LOL. And the Queen of Coins fell out again!
Both cards are also Swords..... rats... *sigh and upturned lip* Capricorns have such issues with change. Why must it be so painful and feel like it is cutting away at who we are? I need a new mentality about the subject. Stagnation is death.


How does too much coffee affect me?  - 2of Swords-  LOL omg, look at that giant eyeball! Wide awake! And yes I am right now at 07:17 and have been since 04:30! And then there is that large being with an even more enormous eyeball. The bats make me think of flitting about with excessive or nervous energy. The crossed swords saying it causes me to be even more scatter-brained and indecisive, at cross-purposes with myself. I may even be a bit defensive?? I notice how the woman is bent  over, as if her lower back is in pain and her shoulders hunched up that lead to neck and shoulder pain. All of that anxiety leads to tension and thus increases the pain from the damaged disks along my spine. She seems to be immobile, going nowhere fast. It is when I am not exercising regularly that I have issues with my beloved elixir. --- (she says as she notices the sunlight streaming through her window has replaced the darkness of night... *upturned lip*) So I have to make better choices. Which sux. Because I.  LOVE.  COFFEE! I'm Creole for God's sake!

How does spending a lot of time online affect me? -  Ace of Swords - Look at this one, flitting about, one eye looking at me, one through his telescope to see what other people are doing. LOL, and now I see the sun at the bottom of the card starting to rise! I have the potential to be far more productive than I ever am online. But I mostly just flit about like Skippy over here lol. Television and computers are what is known as a hot medium and requires far more brain activity than a cool medium, such as reading, or listening to music without vocals. I need to read a dang book and no more Crackbook.. I mean Facebook before bed! lol

So on that note, I shall take a few deep cleansing breaths and try to get a few more hours as opposed to taking pictures to finish this post. Do any of you find you have the same issues with coffee or being online?

*this gorgeous video is the creation of the person who uploaded it to YT. The song is "Xpectation", a jazz project that Prince did years ago that is unfortuantely not very well known. The music is so beautiful and soothing. I was listening to another song from the album called "Xhalation" but could not find a video for it. However, I think this one it perfect for this post. I do hope you enjoy*

My First Football Predictions

I really enjoyed the posts that Kiki made about her football predictions.  Tonight is a huge college ball game. I don't' really do college football, but in Louisiana, LSU football is not a game; it's a religion! So tonight's game is very serious business. No. 1 ranked LSU vs #2 ranked Alabama. So last night I did a couple of readings on football games, including tonight's. Whenever I do readings for more than one person or group, I always do the opposition or the visitor first. Here is what I got.

ALABAMA at LSU
1. Alabama - 5 of swords - Just look at how the two birds are scowling and angry. It looks like Alabama will be very happy at the end of this game. They always say "Roll Tide!" Looks to me like the tide will roll right on out on them.
2. LSU - Strength VIII - LMAO I had to crack up when I saw this card and if you know anything about LSU you'll easily see why. First, their colors are purple and gold. Second, their mascot is the Tiger. I mean, really, need I say more??
3. Outcome - 10 of pentacles - Not really sure how to take this, other than maybe there will be a 10 point differnce in the score at the end of the game.

*Ok, I did this reading in the wee hours of the morning and right now the game is actually on. It is half time and things are not looking really pretty for LSU. We are down by a score of 9-0. Now, they say that LSU is know to be able to come back strong on the second half of a game. Let's hope so, cause right now it ain't looking real pretty. But I did read in the paper that one of the  most well know psychics in NOLA who is a reader at Bottom of the Cup Tea Room did a reading and he also predicted that LSU would be the winner. Let's hope we are both right.

STEELERS vs BRONCOS
Another reading I did was totally hind-sight. My Pittsburgh Steelers where in the playoffs and were playing the Denver Broncos last night. Everyone had picked them as the favorite to win. Long and unpleasant story made short, we lost in overtime. But I just wanted to see what the cards would say. Kind of testing my predictive abilities, wondering if the cards would show what I already knew to be the cold, hard truth.

Denver Broncos - 2 of cups - Happiness, joy and positive emotions. Yup. That is exactly what Denver is feeling because they damn sure won.
Pittsburgh Steelers - 4 of swords - This is exactly what we did! We were just lunchin', just not focused and not playing the aggressive, well-planned and well executed type of style that we are known for playing and over the years has earned us 6 SuperBowls, the most of any NFL team. We were like we were half asleep. Our game was sloppy. Denver just plain out and out won fair and square and played a much better game than we did and that is why they won.
Outcome - 4 of coins - Look how sad she looks. And this is how me, all Steeler fans, and the team looked. Despondent and worn out. It also makes me think of how many injured players we had that we had to "save" and not risk injury.

The other thing I notice about the 2 of cups is the fact that it is a water card and is about the close relationship between two people. Now here is where it gets ultra-freaky folks. Tim Tebow is the Denver Broncos' quarterback and is very public about his devout Christianity, his relationship with Christ.
Tebow's parents were missionaries. While in whatever country they were serving , his mother caught some horrific parasite. When she went to be treated she found out she was pregnant. The doctors advised her to abort the fetus. She and her husband prayed and asked God if He would give them a healthy child, they would raise this child to be a prophet in His name and to spread His word. There is a specific scripture that says, "For God soloved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeith in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."  That  passage is John 3:16. In college he used to have "John 3:16" written under his eyes as opposed to the plain stripe of black face paint they wear to fight the glare. The game went into O/T.
 •The man threw for an a total of 316 yards. They are a team who runs the ball far more than passing it. They won. In O/T. With a pass. the yardage of that pass ended the game. It was the 316th yard.
• His average pass was 31.6 yards
•Our QB for the Steelers threw an interception in the 2nd quarter - IT WAS ON 3rd and 16
•The overnight rating is the average of households that watch a certain tv show. This game - 31.6%
 Click here to see the stats for yourself.
Ok, I don't care if you are Christian, Pagan, Buddhist, Atheist, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or belong to that cult that worshipped the Hale-Bop Comet! There is NO way you can say anything less than that is more than just coincidence. Actually, at least 4 coincidences! I don't think Denver will go on to the SuperBowl. I don't think that is what it is about. I think it is about exactly what it seems. That man made a promise to God and has kept it! I will not air dirty laundry about my team. But the card I drew was the 5 of swords, the card of winning at any cost and in such a way that is cruel and immoral. Given certain situations that occurred over the past couple of years that could be described as unscrupulous at best! I think it is also one hell of a "coincidence" that we lost to a man who carries himself as a fine, upstanding man. A man who is in one of the grittiest, most harsh, macho careers, yet proudly lets it be known without being overbearing that he is a follower of Christ. I'm just sayin'....


so I did one more reading. I asked "Who is going to the SuperBowl?"

Team A - New England Patriots - I so do not want them to win another SuperBowl. But their colors are Blue and silver with a touch of red. Before I shuffled I said that if a sword came up or a wintery scene, I would take it as the Patriots.
Team B - New Orleans Saints - As soon as I saw this card I thought of a parade, Mardi Gras.

*I just found out the score of tonight's game. I could not have been more wrong if I tried. Alabama beat the living tar out of us!!! 21-0 *sigh* I'm sad we lost, and I'm sad I was SO far off the mark. Going to have to make sure I don't let this rock my confidence....

New Moon in Aquarius Spread

I thought I'd try a New Moon Spread. I found this one from a Google search that took me to a blog I'd never seen. It uses the four directions and Spirit to tap into how to best use the energies at this time. It is a new moon in Aquarius.

New Moon in the North - 10 of wands - Don't take on more than I can handle, and damn sure what is not mine. I also see the wands in her hands like weights. I need to work out and build my physical strength. I also need to somehow stop stressing about money. It looks like her eyes are looking down at the next card.


New Moon in the East - The Wheel of Fortune - Brainstorm new ideas. Aquarians just love to plan. I need to write out lists and set  plans into motion about the direction I want things to go in. I see the noon phases above her head. Since this is a new moon spread I really think something significant will happen by this time next month. I think I will make new connections with people who will help spin the wheel in my favor.

*Sorry about that flash. Click on photo to enlarge*

New Moon in the South - 9 of swords - As soon as I pulled the card I heard "Quit being such a scaredy-cat!" This is the nightmare card and in this position it is reminding me that when I give in to anxiety and fear the way I so often do, it keeps me stuck, trapped. I need to use my fears to my advantage and feed the flames of creating the things I desire.

New Moon in the West - 7 of wands - I need to put myself and my own needs first.  I have got to realize that this does not make me selfish!! It makes me smart and a person who values and loves herSelf. It will also make me happier.

New Moon at its Core - King of Wands - If I tap into this new moon in Aquarius energy I can really make some serious headway. I can find success in the things I am passionate about and that will inspire and energize me. Look at how confident and brave this King is. I can hear The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz say "Courage!" which ties right back in with the message from the 9ofSw in the south.

What are you hoping for in next month or so? Do any of you have a New Moon spread you like?

No Rain On My Birthday Eve

Today is Dec 24th. Tomorrow is my birthday. I really wish I was more excited about this. Right now, I really am not.

I decided to do two birthday spreads. This first one in this post I found on a ladies blog from a Google search with those two key words.

1. Body and Health - 6 of wands- The butterflies coming from under her hat remind me of how I have been thinking of the transformation I have made with regard to the issues with my back. I really believe that transforming my mindset has gonna very long way in my healing it. And look at how happy she is, feeling on top of the world and proud of what she has done or overcome. This card is telling me that my ass needs to get back on the workout wagon! It gives me so much more energy and vitality. It seems it will be very important to me accomplishing the things I want to, starting with feeling accomplished lol!

2. Mind and Intellect - 3 of swords - I have had several very painful experiences that broke my heart this past year with regard to friendships. But I see how big the person's heart is on the card and that he still shows it proudly. Though he guards it a bit, he is has by no means locked it away. He put a Band-Aide on the wound, but that's not what he is focused on, nor the three swords. He is focused on the three candles. To me they are faith, hope and clarity. His skirts look like a patchwork quilt. My experiences are all what make up the fabric of my life. Some positive, some crappy, but all serve a purpose. I have a bit more healing to do, and the quilt also says to me that I need to  do a bit more work on taking care of and nurturing mySelf. His somber countenance reminds me that though I do a very good job at keeping the daemon of depression at bay, I need to be sure to keep my thoughts positive. Thoughts become words, become actions. become results. Free ya mind, ya ass'll  follow.

3. Heart and Relationships - The Empress III- This is such a lovely version of this card. I notice that there is a lot of green - healing and growth. And being the archetype of the mother, this makes all the sense in the world to me give the situation with my mother and the healing that is slowly taking place with us. The little blue eggs in the nest on her head make me think of my precious little 7 month old cousin Kade. I have never really liked babies. Sorry if that sounds mean or harsh, but I don't. Too much hollering and pooping but other than that, what do they do? Who are they? But this kid won every inch of my heart! He has changed my mind a lot about babies in general. More specifically about me wanting one (?!?!?? yikes!) In terms of the future, does this mean that I will have one within the next year?? If I'm gonna do it it damn sure needs to be soon! At 09:45- exactly 7 hours to the minute from now, I shall be 40.  I ain't no spring chicken LOL! And I just love the skulls on her dress!  So me! Reminds me of this site I tripped over called Baby Goth. OMG!! The coolest kids clothes ever man!

4. Spirit and Evolution - Page of Wands- I freakin' love this interpretation of the PofW! He is happy as a clam! (or a happy bunny) and wants to announce it to the world! I need to remember that HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. I have been hearing that phrase in my head for several days now. Even though I have always been a very optimistic, 1/2 full kinda gal, I have fought depression for a long time. Again this shows that I need to be mindful of my thoughts and take action to work toward things that will bring me true joy, not subjective happiness. This bunny is doesn't give a poop what anyone thinks! He totally makes me think of one of my favorite videos ever with little girl is in the bumble-bee costume and is searching for other bees like her. I can never remain down after I see that video! He is telling me to live for mySelf and inevitably others will   benefit and be happy. He wants me to be excited about life and get out and experience it! This is Phase II! Stop  bullshittin' and do all the thongs my souls is crying out for me to do and experience. There is NO MORE TIME LEFT TO GIVE IN TO FEAR! Glad I  took the financial risk and bought those flight lessons for my birthday. This bunny rabbit totally took flight lessons! Skydiving too! And he is not afraid to toot his own horn. Self confidence is not being pompous. It is pride in ones acquired wisdom---- where the hell did that come from LOL!? No idea, but I like it!

5. Special Birthday Wish from The Goddess - 10 of wands- Wowwww. She said, put my burdens down! Stop giving myself more work by stressing and working harder not smarter. That way I won't be so overwhelmed and fearful of living life to the fullest. She is also saying that I need to learn to say "No." much more often. And stop feeling driven to explain why all the time. Just politely but simply, "No." I take on too much, don't have a plan, and get burned out. Stop that She says.


I am really liking the Joie de Vivre tarot more and more. It had just the right blend of honesty mixed with its gentility that I need today on Christmas/My Birthday Eve.

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!