Left - Healing

You know the phrase "you can't pour from an empty cup"? It seems like the last few weeks might have worn you out and you need help with self-care. The universe has the medicine that you need in order to get back to full health. The bottle on the left shows a daffodil, which tells me that you need to find ways to get in touch with nature (even if it is winter up north). Bundle up and go on a hike. Spend a little time in a green house (if there's one nearby). Watch the sunrise or sunset. The bottle on the right shows an egg - this to me speaks of protective shells and boundaries. You're being nudged to say "no" to things that burn you out or drain you of energy. Don't worry - the universe will make sure that the stuff that "needs to get done" still gets handled while you recover.

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Center - Faith

"Shadows fall and hope has fled. Steel your heart. The dawn will come. The night is long and the path is dark. Look to the sky for one day soon the dawn will come." - lyrics to The Dawn Will Come, Dragon Age: Inquisition

This card speaks to that bleak or frustrating moment after experiencing setbacks. You might be feeling overwhelmed by what's going on in life - or heck, the world at large. See the songbird in the background? They sing for the new day and want to remind you that even though you may be faced with darkness, it's temporary. Have faith that the obstacles you face can be overcome or maneuvered around. 

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Right - Transition

Looks like you are standing at a threshold - one chapter of your life is ending and another is beginning. Something tells me that you may be hesitating. Where you've been is familiar (even if it may be painful) and you don't want to leave. What's ahead of front of you is unfamiliar, and thus both exciting and a little bit scary. While it's okay to look back and think fondly of where you've been, now is the time to move on and move forward.

Hello my lovelies!

Today I would like to give you a little peek at the Spirit Cats cards, by Nicole Piar.

This little, whimsical deck consists of 48 cards, featuring cute watercolour cats. Every cat comes with his or her own name and persobality, suited to the Inspirational advice they are sharing with you.

The square cards are 10cm x 10cm each, protected by a sturdy, close fitting box.

No guidebook needed, all you need to know about how to use the cards is printed inside the lid!

The cards really are all lovely splashes of colour to brighten up your day – to those of you who might say they all get a little “samey” after a while, I shall say this: Can you EVER have enough cats???

Now lets take a closer look at some of my favourite kittens:

My little girl is a big fan of this deck – I think it would make a lovely, thoughtful gift for anyone who likes to be inspired by some sweet little cats!

For many of us, we are halfway through our first "work week" of 2019. After the adrenaline rush (or burnout) of the holidays, you might be dragging. Are you on your second cup of coffee? Third? Maybe it's time to ask the universe for a little help.

Pick your card - left, center, or right - and I'll be back later with a reveal!

Know a friend who might need a midweek pick-me-up? @ them in the comments!

Deck used: Vintage Wisdom Oracle

I received a beautiful deck in the mail a little while ago: The Messenger Cards – Guidance from the Animal Spirits (by Sandra Kunz) from StrokeOfSoul.com (check them out on Etsy people!).

I adore indie decks, so diverse and with lots of beautiful artwork to be discovered! This deck does not disappoint!

The deck arrived beautifully wrapped, in an organza bag, with a comprehensive booklet as a guide. The 43 cards are square with rounded corners on semi-thick cardstock. I adored it right away!

I hope you will enjoy the beautiful images too – butterflies and ravens, bison and dragonflies, wolves, bears and spiders,… all ready to impart little gems of wisdom and guidance – Enjoy!!!

Note: Scout (my cat) will NOT leave this deck alone! I have to hide it or he will grab it and drag it away… not sure what that is all about!!!

Here's your tidbits of wisdom from the Sacred Rebels Oracle:

Left: The Perfection of Your Life You either have a lot of shit hitting the fan and you're wondering why this is happening to you right now, or you're like that meme where the house is burning down and the cartoon dog is going "This is fine" and seeming to ignore the flames surrounding him. While the situation may feel chaotic and nerve-wracking, it's because you are in the midst of it. From an outside perspective, this is change that is meant to happen. That being said, feelings of frustration, anxiety, and anger are perfectly legit! Work through your feelings and weather this storm.

Middle: Free From Judgment, Free to Love Something tells me that you are a caregiver, nurturer, and healer at heart. This card calls you to tap into and better understand that aspect of yourself. How to you nurture and tend to others? How do you allow others to nurture and tend to you when you need that support? Are you as good at receiving love as you are at giving, or is there an imbalance that you need to work through. As a healer, you need healing, or else you will become too exhausted to help others.

Right: Shock of the New Paradigm shift ahead. The imagery in this card is a metaphor for the level of drastic change that is on the horizon. What you have done and experienced in the past may no longer suit you, and you will likely feel the calling to change on a spiritual level. This may feel weird, intimidating, or scary, but do not let that stop you. Relax and be gentle with yourself as you go through this process of discovering your new self.

8 of Swords - causing someone fear, isolation, emotional abuse (gaslighting causing confusion), controlling behavior, put-downs, passive or pass I eh aggressive behavior, toxic patterns.

King of Wands (Reversed) - using force, manipulation, arrogance, abuse of power, greed, selfish and tyrannical behaviors.

2 of Swords (Reversed) - betrayal, lies, hidden truth and necessary information and facts being purposely withheld, manipulation.

2 of Cups (Reversed) - lack of mutual trust or respect, deception, lack of trust.

The Devil - unhealthy situation, bondage, obsession, harmful attachments, negative behavior, blaming others, controlling behavior, being isolated, anger, toxic patterns.

King of Swords (Reversed) - cruelty, coldness, dishonesty, manipulation, tyrannical behavior, emotional unavailability, neglect, harshness, verbal abuse.

King of Cups (Reversed) - controlling behavior, moodiness or easily angered, lack of self-restraint and impulse control, selfishness, overly passive or passive-aggressive behavior.

10 of Swords - deception, betrayal, mental abuse, being isolated, back-stabbing, verbal abuse, put-downs.

Page of Swords (Reversed) - manipulative person working against you, being hurt by self-centered behavior, spiteful behavior, pettiness, spilling secrets.

The Emperor (Reversed) - abuse of power, domineering behavior, tyrannical behavior.

9 of Wands - accusations, blaming others, not taking no for an answer, being unappreciated, verbal or mental abuse, emotional unavailability.

The Moon (Reversed) - secrets, mixed messages/signals, mental abuse(manipulation, purposely confusing or misleading), mistrust, deception, insecurities getting in the way, accusations and unrealistic assumptions, self-doubt, temptations.

5 of Swords - isolation, arguments, negative intent, betrayal, sneak attack, verbal attacks, hurtful and selfish behavior.

7 of Wands - attacking or being under attack, aggressive behaviors, backstabbing, threatening or being/feeling threatened.

9 of Swords - mental abuse/bullying, betrayal, codependency, unhealthy boundaries.

The Magician (Reversed) - someone trying to take advantage of you; manipulation.

Knight of Cups (Reversed) - manipulation, deception, betrayal.

Queen of Wands (Reversed) - manipulative or domineering behavior, jealousy, anger.