Z'otz on Oak St.

I was wondering about Uptown today driving down Carrolton Ave when I remembered a favorite old haunt. I am so happy to see that Katrina did not destroy it. It's called Z'otz and it is the coolest internet cafe' on one of the coolest streets in New Orleans. And you know that's saying a lot given this is one of the coolest cities on the planet. The bathroom used to have the coolest Blessed Mother theme but it's seems that they had to re-paint and it's not quite like it used to be. The decor is so eclectic/rustic/goth/cool-as-shit. And being a coffee shop it reminds me of the Ace of Cups from Sweet Twilight. Coming here today I ran into some of the coolest people, two of whom I oddly enough met last week at my newly met cousin's pumpkin carving party (another post I need to do). Another two I met today. Both burlesque performers, one a fire performer. See, toldja this place was cool as shit! So I experienced the re-newed emotional warmth of this city and this particular place.

*the bathroom


Oak St. is a place with all kinds of cool ass stuff. Artists that are amazing, a super cool comic book store, great thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange. And the musical history of this street is unreal. This is where true New Orleans funk, R&B, and jazz can be found. So if you are ever in town and are wondering where the locals hang, Oak St. is one of the places you need to hit. And Z'otz is the perfect place for a pit stop for coffee, herbal teas and a variety of pastries and sandwiches. Or you can set up shop and spend all damn day here like I just did lol. And if you forget to bring your laptop, not to worry, they have about 4 desktops in the front room. Or you can go the one of the back rooms and pick one of the books or board games of the shelf. It's the coolest, coziest place to just chill. And the folks who work here are very nice.

*one of the really cool tables that are decorated with cool pix and Mod-Podge. And the beautiful antique vanity/prep station.

*You can buy the coffee in a bag, either ground or bean version. Just be advised that they are a $ only establishment and the bagged coffee is a bit more than you may expect. (Ask me how I know...) So if you are on a budget, ask about the price first lol.

Does Anyone Read Tea Leaves?

I have never tried this form of divination, but it interests me very much. Do any of you read tea leaves? I have no idea how I got to this site that has a really cool article on it, but I thought I'd post it. It seems to have a lot of info on the topic.

Reading In Jackson Square: Give/Get

I've decided that while I am here in NOLA I am going to put on my big girl panties and go read cards in Jackson Square. I got the idea from a really nice lady named Traci from the LinkedIn Group called Tarot Entrepreneurs  that Theresa The Tarot Lady started. It's a really great group of readers both new and experienced.
So I decided to do a reading about it using my Shadows and Light oracle that I absolutely love and has been so very accurate for readings I've done, both for myself and for others.

1. What do I bring to this new venture? Death and the Maiden- The caption on the card reads, "Invasion, boundaries violated, dominance". Ok, when I first got this, I was like WTF?! Then I reminded myself to calm the hell down and just read the card in the context of the question. I first noticed it is numbered 28. 2+8= 10, a transitional phase, the cusp of the old phasing into the new. Right now, that describes exactly where I am in life to a T. As I look at this skeleton, he really seems to have no sense of boundaries. I mean, he is all up in this poor girls personal space and she seems a bit intimidated. How many times do we need a reading to help us with these kinds off issues and situations. Be it some guy/chick stuff, or an employer, or a parent. And definitely the obnoxious "Yeah, but..." negative part inside each of us. I am sure I will have many a person needing guidance on how to set healthy boundaries and not be bullied, but to assert dominance in their own lives. Hell, I'm doing just that myself! This card shows that many of my experiences will be very helpful to others finding their own voice and power. It's not always about blatant abuse. Sometimes it's harder to see, just like the skeleton is hovering behind The Maiden. Sometimes we are The Maiden, so paralyzed with fear and what is not a good situation is not obvious. It comes in many forms, guilt, blame, co-dependence, emotional blackmail. Sometimes we are Death, sucking the life out of others. Been on both sides of that coin, sad to say. I can see where this will help me to allow Spirit to speak through me with an honest and direct voice, yet not come across as an judgemental asshole.

2. What will I gain from this venture? Marie Masquerade- "Glamour, intrigue, drama"- The first thing I notice is the mask in her hand, very Mardi Gras it is. And her gown and the word masquerade are making me think of all the wonderful balls here in New Orleans. In particular, the first annual Witches Ball of New Orleans that I am very sorry to say I won't be attending this year. I wonder if the lady who organized it and also has a very nice shop in The Quarter (I'll be blogging about it soon) will end up having me do readings in her store? That could be very cool since it is very well known and respected.

Next thing I notice is that this is card 14. 1+4=5, and 5's = bullshit. Oh boy, let's read what the booklet says. Hmm, seems to say that people will be jealous and gossipy due to me being very successful, so to be aware of getting pulled into petty drama and silly little games. Networking is great and will be helpful. And this is a very word of mouth type bussiness. I just need to be mindful of who I get close to or wants to get too close to me too quickly. I think I;ll have to be sure to do a lot of cleansing and protection rituals, which I planned to do. It's just sad that it will not only be due to clients, but coleagues as well. Thanks for the heads up Marie Masquerade.

ShanaLogic.com - 100% Handmade & Independent Design! Stripe-y Kitty Hat - Purple & Black - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

ShanaLogic.com - 100% Handmade & Independent Design! Stripe-y Kitty Hat - Purple & Black - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Ok, I just added a new thing for Safari to be able to add stuff to any of your social sites and I saw this adorable kitty-cat cap. So I figured since it fits the VioletteKitty theme, I'd test it out using this.

Outlook For a Relationship For a Querent

Someone asked me to do a romance reading about them and another person and asked me to use the Tarot of the Sweet Twilight. Let's see what it has to say.

1. Where things stand at this time- 6 of wands- This version of the card always makes me have to really think. Sometimes I will lay out just one card at a time. When this one comes up I know I have to take the other cards around it into very strong consideration. The 6ofW is known as "the victory card", but she is crying, so I usually question are these tears of sorrow or tears of joy? Given the rest of the cards in the reading I'd unfortunately say these are tears of sorrow. She is crying so hard, so many tears are streaming down her face, and she is all alone with no one to comfort her. The Jack -in-the box made me think of bad surprises. I see the spring and I feel him bobbing back and forth. There has been a lot of back and forth with this relationship.  I can hear that song by Loose Ends "Hangin' On a String". The girl has a far away look like she is so tired and in a daze. So all this to me says that the relationship is one of empty victories.  We all have to define what happiness is. I think the girl on the 6ofW is asking you to ask this of yourself.

2 What's blocking things from moving forward or to the next level- King of Swords- I had asked the querent what the other person's sun sign is and this card doesn't reflect the answer. But I wonder if it does still represent the other party. The KofSw is very inteligent and logical, all about practicality. He can be very charming and if intellect is something you find to be a sexy quality, and knowing the querent's sun sign I'd venture to say it is, then I can see the attraction. But the KofSw can also be very cold and detached. In fact his weapon of choice is his words and they can cut like a knife. That intellect that can be so attractive is his go-to weapon of choice. Again, knowing the querent's zodiac sign, I can see where that is like smoking Newport's in a box while standing next to a Exxon tanker. Shit is on and poppin'! And when I think of the elemental dignities of these two cards, fire and air, that just feeds the flame. It also makes me see that there is most likely a lot of passion between the two of them and maybe they feed off of the drama as well. I see all the storm clouds and the little girl in the background looks like she is pissed and giving the king a piece of her mind. She is by no means any shrinking violet! But he has his arms raised, like he is saying "What!?! What's the big deal man!?" It is also like the KofSw has his back turned to our girl on the 6ofSw who is in tears. What's blocking seems to be conflict, stress, detachment and drama.

3. What's best for the other person- 2 of swords- Basically, shit or get off the pot. They are at a crossroads and a decision needs to be made, but that means taking the blinders off and seeing things for what they are. The girl is posted so high out of the water on the chair. It says to me that the other party is not comfortable with their emotions much less anyone else's. The girl's arms are over her heart while she holds a sword. Is the other party very guarded and defensive because of past heartbreak or not having strong emotional connections of any kind? I hear the song by Blondie, "The tide is high but I'm holdin' on. I'm gonna be your number one." But this card and the others say to me that the only person who is number one is the one sitting in this chair. I wish this person would see that the answer to what is best for them is to make an actual decision. Use that cut and dry logic to cut the crap. And to open up some of that water/emotion that is right there and so accessible. It is such a gorgeous, inviting turquoise. Might wanna choose to at least test the waters with a toe. The 2ofSw says cut the shit or at call a truce.

4. What is best for the querent- Queen of Swords- I am really taking note to how many swords there are in this reading and not one cup. It pains me to say that does not bode well for a happy relationship. I love this version of the QofSw. She is strung up to a burning stake, but it is so clear that there is no need to worry about this Queen! This card advises that the best thing the querent can do is fight fire with fire so to speak but in the intellectual realm and give the other person's inner KofSw a worthy adversary and embrace their own inner QofSw. Remove themselves from a less than favorable situation while they still have the strength to do it. And if they feel like they don't, this queen screams otherwise. She is an extremely strong-willed assertive woman. Though she has a strong humanitarian side, mistake her kindness for weakness and watch her rip you a new ass with that sword! The QofSw is often known as the widow or single woman. I don't feel at all that that is their fate. The best thing I can advise the querent is to do is the take time and space alone to clear their head and they will figure out what is best  in the very near future easier than they may be able to right at this exact moment.

5. Advice- Knave (page) of pentacles- I had to go back and check, but my querent got this card in another reading in the same position. It is driving home the point that they need to take steps to begin their own journey and that can best be done on their own right now. Start now to lay the groundwork for what they want to come to fruition in the future. It also is reminding me that I feel that they are supposed to be with someone who is in some way very different or opposite to them. Someone very avant guard and a lot of fun, not at all down for the same-ole-same stuff couples usually do together. Like, their future mate will want to skydive, or go to a Foo Fighters concert. In Munich or Tokyo. But they will have the utmost respect for one another's differences. It will be what makes them a stronger and  unified front to stand up to anyone is stupid enough to try to make trouble or talk shit about their mate. The querent is a Scorpio. Huh...I sure hoe noone is that stupid. Trust! They will SO not get a good result!

6. Outcome if that advice is followed- 8 of pentacles- I see this relationship as a very important learning experience, something they can look back on to remember the good times that were shared but also to remind themselves of what they do and do not want out of a relationship.

I just got my beautiful new Shadows & Light oracle and since I know the querent loves this deck too, I just had to ask it for its take on things by pulling one card. I so wish I had something to say in this reading that is more along the lines of a happy outcome....
Three Witchy Sisters- The booklet says that the hats they wear connect them to celestial knowledge and "they often visit people who know that something isn't quite right, they just can't figure out what it is." And "Something that has jsut happened will happen twice, then three times. Something that has already happened twice will happen one more time. And something that has happened three times is now complete." The two sisters who have their eyes closed remind me of the 2ofSw from earlier and are saying to me that my dear querent has also been one to take a blind eye what is going on, or not going on, in this relationship. The triplet in the middle is confidently looking straight ahead with eyes wide open, and asking telling them to do the same.

The King of Swords Still Gives Me Butterflies

This is actually Saturday's draw. I just asked "what would be the energy of the day". I got the King of Swords as the rockstar and the backup singers were the Magician I and the the Moon XVIII. I got from this that I need to bring out the energies of the KofSw, his logical, direct, to-the-point decisiveness which Goddess knows I lack! Look how confident this KofSw looks. That would play perfectly off the Magician. He looks like even he is in awe of the magick he is creating. Both are ruled by air and the Magician by the planet Mercury which is all about communication and speed. I need to learn to process my thoughts more quickly so I can take more decisive actions and trust myself more to make good decisions. The Magician can show my inner KofSw I have everything it takes to create the results I want. A certain someone who's card is the KofSw and still has a place in my heart (if you've read my blog for a bit then you know who I mean, the one who moved to Australia. You can plat catchup here if you'd like to know more) popped in my head. I thought about his personality and certain risky but very rewarding decisions he made and how they paid off big time. I need to follow his lead in that respect. I just need to calm the negative Moon aspects of fear of the unknown that keep my emotions in control instead of assuming a commanding presence who cuts through the shit, makes moves and gets results. This is also shown by fact that the cards are the elements of air/air/water. This was the message I got when I did the cards early in my day.

While I was out and about I got two signs with regard to that certain someone who was my King of Swords. First sign was a street in Uptown New Orleans that is his first name. About an hour later I got sign number two. One way my guides speak to me is through license plates and I saw one from Colorado, the state he lived in before moving to The Land Down Under. As I drove around Lee Circle I thought about the night we met in the French Quarter and how there was that instant spark of electricity. And I felt it again from thinking about the strong connection we had. Then I felt the pang of dissapointment that there was just too much E.S. (extra shit) going on in both our lives that kept things from working out. Before he moved, we had a really good, very open and honest talk and he made it clear to me that he was really sorry things didn't work out and he knew I'd always be in his heart. I admitted the same. When I got back to the house that night and was puttzing around on FB I saw these really crazy, really cool black boots with the skeleton of a leg and foot on them, like it was an X-ray. I tagged my dear friend Seleus who does the Lotus Flower blog on Nicheren Buddhism in the post. I'll be damned if said Aquarian KofSw didn't click "like" on it! We don't really communicate anymore. He has a g/f and I am very happy for him that he is doing so well and is happy. But I think that we both still have feeelings that stem from all of the "What if's??" so it's just not possible for us to have an actual friendship. But every blue moon he will "like" something I post and I know that is his way of saying hi. It also shows that the connection is still there. And everytime he does, I still get butterflies and think of the night we met and everything that we shared. And I still hear my heart ask, "Man....What if..."

The World Has Lost a Brilliant Mind

I'd just like to take a moment to pay homage to one of the greatest minds ever known, Mr. Steve Jobs. He passed yesterday due to pancreatic cancer. As I type from my MacBook Air, I am truly saddened and most appreciative for the countless ways he improved modern life as we know it. How many people can truly say "I changed the world" and it be true.

Apple has a link if you'd like to go to it:
If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com