Writing with the Tarot - Part 4

Writing with the Tarot  - Part 4

On my YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/tonispywriter) I did a three part series about how to use the Tarot to help you with crafting your creative writing and fictional stories. Today I am using the Hanson Roberts Tarot by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Step one is to pick a deck. I use the Hanson Roberts because it is small and the images have a lot to use as far as symbolism.

Step two is to shuffle your cards as you ask your question. My question is usually "what direction do you see my story going in from the point where I left off." Or maybe your question could be "what is the storyline of the next upcoming scene?"

Then decide when you think it is shuffled enough and deal out your cards. I usually do three rows of four cards. 

I have done an example spread to show you how it is done.

My story is called The Legacy: Cloak & Dagger. It's a spy series that I have been writing on for a long time.

Card 1: 7 of Cups

The 7 of Cups is about how your character has many options. And it asks you to review the options you have. It also is about illusion. So maybe you have a character who is less then honest that is bringing a new choice to your character. There is a Merlin-like image on this card as well. So maybe the man behind the scenes is the one with all the choices and your character is just a pawn in his bigger game. One of the cups holds a castle. And that reminds me of the original homebase of the Legacy over on Smith Island. So, maybe my character needs to go there for some reason. Or maybe it just means Headquarters in general. There have been a few different headquarters locations in the years of me writing this series.

Card 2: 3 of Rods (Wands)

This is about how your character is waiting for something to come in. Could be a package, a message, money, etc. The blue shawl says to me that this thing that is coming in is concerning communication. Plus this card has the character facing left. Left is toward the past. So maybe this character is waiting for a message from an old friend they haven't seen in a long time. For my story this could mean that Ethan Fairchid, the main character, is awaiting a message from someone in the old Legacy compound. Many characters right now are inside the compound underneath the London streets. So this message could come from there.

Card 3: 2 of Rods (Wands)

This card is about partnering up. Or it could be making a decision about two things.

For my story this could mean the possibilities of two different people wanting to partner up with Ethan or it could mean two decisions he has to decide between. Then you ask yourself how does this relate to my own story. What possibilities does it bring up?

Card 4: The Hermit

This could be referring to a specific character who is very knowledgeable, and who hides away from the world. Could be an inventor, professor or super genius where your character can go to learn some important knowledge or intel. This knowledge keeper will shine a light on something your character didn't think was important before.

Card 5: Page of Cups

Pages bring messages. And Cups are about relationships or fulfillment in our lives. So this asks you what messages will come to your character about another character in your novel universe?

Card 6: 3 of Pentacles 

This card is about being recognized for something you're doing. And in the life of a spy being recognized is a bit of a no no. So maybe Ethan's cover is blown here. Uh oh! He will have to act fast and make new plans. Usually this is about being acknowledged for some good work you are doing. So how is your character being recognized for their contributions to some cause, the community or his/her job?

Card 7: The Devil

This card is about being controlled by something or addictions effecting your life. My character Ethan has nanites in his system, and has had them in him since 1998 when I started writing this story. Because of this fact, Ethan can be hacked and taken control of much like a computer. Maybe this happens again. It was suspected of happening earlier in the storyline so maybe it is resurfacing now.

Card 8: The Tower

This card is about shaking our foundations. Sudden enlightenment about something. It is usually a card where a lot of chaos happens. And it usually happens for a good reason and for your characters benefit.

Card 9: The Heirophant

This is about the normal trappings of religion, spiritual things and sometimes just about a spiritual teacher coming into our lives. The axiom used with this card is: when the student is ready, the teacher appears.

So, in the life of my spy guy, I think Dr. Myers might prove to be helpful to him since he is the one who knows all about Ethan's nanites and provides the ATP that can keep him alive. ATP is a made up thing that I created that keeps the nanites alive in Ethan's system so they won't feed off of his own life force.

Card 10: The Star

This is about guidance and hope. You are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel here.  Mission coming to completion.

Card 11: 7 of Rods (Wands)

What is a story without one final fight scene with the enemies. This is where you are in conflicts or competition with someone or usually a few someones.

Card 12: Ace of Pentacles

Ethan finds a gift concerning a family connection. Lilies means family or an uplifting  consequence. The gift could mean that a person thought dead is alive or something that is quite a surprise. This is always a good surprise.

Card 13: (Base of the Reading) What is this all about in the end?

10 of Cups

This is the happy family card, the happily ever after card where your family is together and your are content. This is what Ethan wants: his family safe, cared for and there for each other. The rainbow is the promise of fulfilling times ahead. And doesn't a spy really long for the day when he can take his spy shoes off and just be who he really is? This is Ethan's unspoken dream.

And that is it. 

You use the tarot to jump start your thinking and get your mind on aspects of your plot you may have forgotten or lost. I hope this helps you.

Let me know what you think.

Blessings.

Reading for the weekend 12/12-12/14

Today I am using the Goddess Guidance oracle by Doreen Virtue.

Brigit - Don't Back Down

Stand up for what you believe is right.

You are coming into a time where your voice needs to be heard Maybe you have been hesistant about voicing your opinion because the people in charge have a dis-ease called stupidity and you thought you would be punished for your opinion. But now we are easing into a time where that male dominated energy is not exactly coming to an end but it is coming into balance with the feminine energy of intuition and nurturing. It is time to be clear about your intentions and to really trust the wisdom that comes to you. You are really plugged into the internet of the Universe so trust yourself and your instincts.

Don't worry about what others think. Speak your truth in love and you should be okay.

Sarasvati - The Arts

Express yourself through creative activities.

I pulled this card for myself in the second position last night as well. So her message about doing something creative relates to everyone. When adding the meaning to the previous card, you will need to speak your truth regarding something that you love to do, some passion you create. If you feel like you don't have enough time to do the creative thing you love, you need to know that the universe brings to us that which we believe. Maybe it is time to reexamine your beliefs about what you believe is possible for you.

This card is also very adamant that you need to listen to music. I believe it has a lot to do with the axiom that music soothes the savage beast. Music brings new colors into your life. When you listen to music that is just your thing, don't you feel better? We need to listen to this type of music since our surroundings have been so filled with chaos and this music will be like a healing balm to you.

Freyja - Bold

Unleash your adventurous side. Take risks and be daring.

We have been in victim mode long enough. It is time for us to put up those boundaries and say NO MORE. You are a limitless being that deserves to be heard. Your voice and opinion matter. This card says not to play it safe when it concerns your true heart's passions. People will only have their own agendas in the forefront of their own mind and your desires will be snubbed for sure if you keep working in the energy of the old. Embrace this new energy that is coming in. Hold the clear intention of success and you will find it coming to fruition for you.

So, what is this three card reading telling us? Stand up for yourself. It is time. Listen to music to calm and center yourself and make you ready to go with the flow and to bring more love and happy energy to the situation. Your passions and opinions do count, we have learned here. Your voice matters. And then be bold when speaking about your passions. Don't speak to others about your dreams as if they are nothing. Your dreams are amazing. Speak about them to all and share how amazing your dreams truly are.

Blessings.

Reading for the Week of December 8th

Today I am doing the reading using the Psychic Tarot by John Holland.

Today's Cards are very well placed, in my opinion. They really read like a story.

The Devil card says that this is a time of transformation for us. We are reaching for new experiences and the times right now are testing us. Tough times are being used to make us stronger. Lots of red energy in the card so the tough times are triggering our security issues.

The 7 of Wands says that you need to stand your ground when these tough times come up.  You have something important to impart in the situation and it is time that your voice is heard. It is time to step out of the shadows and into your brilliance.

11 - Justice says that these tough times will bring a new balance and harmony to your lives. You just need to trust that what is happening has a greater purpose. In the future you will remember this time and see how significant it truly was. The day you stood up for yourself and others.

When you add all the numbers up you get the number 6.

The number 6 symbolizes the principle of nurturing, caring and harmony and signifies the need for stability in all areas of your life and relates to home and family, society, possessions, planetary issues and concrete tangibles.  

It also symbolizes responsibility and service which needs to be achieved through love, nurturing, protection and self-less service to humanity.

This time is readying you for a day when you will be the leader you have so been searching for. You truly have all you need to proceed but the one thing you still require is the faith to move into these new experiences. Have faith and you will see that everything you will go through will be worth it in the end.

Blessings.

2015 Yearly Forcast using Oracle & Tarot cards

2015  Yearly Forcast using Oracle & Tarot cards

Today I am presenting the cards for the 2015 calendar year (including Dec. 2014). I actually did this reading for myself but considering we are all one, I thought it would be a good guide for everyone. I am using the Flower Therapy cards for the theme, and the Enchanted Map oracle and the Robin Wood Tarot for the months themselves.

Let's get started...

Theme of the Year of 2015:

Snapdragon flower

Message: RELEASE ALL ANGER

Description: Don't give power to negative words by saying them. Speak from your Higher Self and make your communications peaceful and loving.

This is pretty much self explanatory. We have been holding onto anger and getting mad about all the chaos around us. We need to release this and know that it is not really about you. But we feel like we have a connection to it. We get riled up and want to make change happen. Sometimes it is not on us to make change... you know.. change. It is all up to god, the universe and spirit. Release this need to get riled up by things. It will serve you well in 2015.

December 2014

Enchanted Map card: Wizard of Awareness (reversed)

Robin Wood card: Ten of Wands

The Ten of Wands is about hardwork and going through a lot of stuff. It is a trial, but it is also an ending. The hard work is about to be over. Which makes sense since December is the end of the year of 2014. Change and a new cycles are obvious here. The Wizard of Awareness says that you are putting too much force behind your desires for a specific outcome. We need to learn to allow the universe to bring us stuff because sometimes they have better things to bring that whatever we are striving and wishing for on a constant basis. This also asks us to focus on being grateful. Prefect timing since Christmas is in December and we are all about being thankful and grateful during this time.

January 2015

Enchanted Map card:: Coming Apart (reversed)

Robin Wood card:: 2 of Pentacles (reversed)

The 2 of Pentacles is asking are you feeling like it is all too much to deal with? The bills are probably coming in from Christmas and everyone is cringing with all the responsibilities. Maybe you can't deal with all that is on your plate at work. You are overwhelmed. Know this is true and pay attention to those feelings. Get help if you need it. The Coming Apart card says that a situation is unraveling and your best laid plans are leading you to a tricky maze. Your challenge is to separate out the elements of this puzzle to get a better perspective on what happened. You may have lingered in a situation too long and you have just had enough.

February 2015

Enchanted Map card:  Coming to Life (reversed)

Robin Wood card:: 9 of Cups (reversed)

The 9 of Cups (rev) says: Things are finally looking up and you need to really stop and think about what you really want in your life. You may be pleasantly surprised by how quickly it can come about. Dream big. The Coming to Life card is a gentle reminder to get out of your own way. Let go and let spirit lead. A new life is always unstable in the beginning but it only needs a bit of gentle care. Everything has its own cycle of growth. Let nature take its course.

March 2015

Enchanted Map card:  Peaks of Joy (reversed)

Robin Wood card: 6 of Swords

The 6 of Swords says that there is a change happening and it is a change for the better. It could mean travel. But you are moving in a good direction toward a more peaceful life. The universe is taking you where you need to be. The Peaks of Joy card says that you shouldn't rely on material achievements when assessing how happy you are. Why wait to experience a pure delight? This is a month of joy. Happiness is an inside job. Go within and see where your joy lies.

April 2015

Enchanted Map card: Dragon's Lair

Robin Wood card:  The Tower

I laugh at how close these two cards are in meaning. It is so like spirit to do this sort of thing. Syncronicity. Things are out of alignment. You are about to enter dangerous territory. Tread carefully. The path you are on now will challenge you to the core. There is a greater value in risk taking than being unchallenged. A new experience is calling to you. The Tower card says: a sudden and swift change is afoot. Watch your footing as you travel forward. Bumps ahead.

May 2015

Enchanted Map card: The Mountain

Robin Wood card: 5 of Swords

The Mountain says that you are coming toward what looks like a big obstacle. Don't try to tackle it head on. Take a more circular route around it to avoid it if possible. No need to tackle something that doesn't need tackling. The 5 of Swords says that you are having mixed feelings about life in general and may not be getting along with some people you normally have no problem dealing with. Can indicate conflicts. Think before you act. (I accidently typed thank before you act. And that sounds like good advice too.)

June 2015

Enchanted Map card:  Making a Choice 

Robin Wood card: 5 of Cups (reversed)

The Making a Choice card says that you must make a conscious choice. Decide. Trust your intuition. Spirit will lead you to the right path. The 5 of Cups reversed says that you may have been through a difficult time but you can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Things are opening up for you now. Embrace that.

July 2015

Enchanted Map card: Cleaning House (reversed)

Robin Wood card: 8 of Wands (reversed)

The 8 of Wands reversed asks that you be a bit more patient. Some things can't be hurried. You have limited energy right now so conserve it. Cleaning house card says that you may have things in your home that is reminding you of experiences from the past you'd rather forget. Release that stuff for someone else to use. Also, being needed isn't going to get you what you really need. Let go and let the universe bring you something better.

August 2015

Enchanted Map card: Into the Unknown (reverse)

Robin Wood card: The Devil

The Into the Unknown card says that wisdom comes from experience. Keep an open mind and enter this part of your journey with open eyes. The Devil says that you are addicted to something or some experience that you just won't leg go of because you get some benefit from it. Now may be the time to let go of this.

September 2015

Enchanted Map card: Wide Open

Robin Wood card: 6 of Wands

The Wide Open card says that all manner of opportunities are presented to you at this time. You are truly able to manifest your dreams. Don't remain small. Expand your horizons. The 6 of Wands is all about having victory and success in some endeavor.

October 2015

Enchanted Map card:: Follow The Leader (reversed)

Robin Wood card: 8 of Cups

The 8 of Cups is about walking away from an experience, a person or a job. The Follow The Leader card reversed says that it is now time to step into your leadership position. Take that gentle push the universe is sending you and get up and take the lead. Be the one voice that says what must be said. Draw up a proper plan.

November 2015

Enchanted Map card: Gentle Gardner (reversed)

Robin Wood card: The Moon (reversed)

The Gentle Gardner card says that you need to be aware of any selfish thoughts or motives. You are worthy. What thought seeds are you sending out into the universe? The Moon reversed means that you are definitely in a more psychic and intuitive phase right now. Trust your instincts. Things may seem more unclear but stick with it when trying to decipher meanings.

December 2015

Enchanted Map card:: Dry Desert

Robin Wood card: 9 of Swords

The Dry Desert card says that you must dig deep for inspiration and truth. Now is the time to become resilient and adaptable. Have your ideas dried up? You are being asked to conserve energy. Spirit will sustain you for now until you discover the answers that lie deep within you. This is the time to try to find what's truly right for you. The 9 of Swords says that you are worrying about things and the thoughts just keep running around and around in your mind. You need to trust that things will work out just as God has planned it.

Why All This Waiting?

Today I am using the Celtic Tarot, the mini deck. Yesterday it seemed my whole day was....wait.... wait... wait... wait. And I was wondering what is with all this waiting? Why am I waiting? Here was what the cards said.

Today's cards: Queen of Wands (Jumping Card), 8 of Wands, 5 of Cups and The Chariot reversed

The Queen of Wands is waiting. Isn't that funny? I ask about waiting and the first card is actually waiting, reclining, almost in that come hither way. In truth, it looks like she is waiting for enlightenment or inspiration. I am hearing the world enlightenment. She is exposed, naked and ready. I think that refers to releasing the chaos in our lives and not letting the things of this world trigger us. Can you tell that things don't bother you as much as they used too?

The 8 of Wands is about a lot of energy. Energy like woo, woo. It means we are busy, busy. Lots of stuff is going on. And that may have to do with Thanksgiving approaching. This card also meaning we may receive news from afar. The Queen is waiting on some news to come in, but it may take time.

The 5 of Cups is about focusing ion what we don't have instead of focusing on what we do. We have family. We have friends who will be there for us. Maybe not in all ways, but this reminds us that we are not alone. Lean on someone else if you need support.

The Chariot rider wants to yell "Victory!" But because it is reversed it says - wait! Something needs to manifest or come together first and then all will be ready to move forward.

The Shadow card is the 4 of Pentacles. And the Top Card is the 6 of Pentacles.

The shadow card is what I like to call The Law of Attraction Card. This is where we need to learn to let go of some of our earthly wants. (It may not always mean money.) It may mean being more generous with our time. The 6 of Pentacles is about gratitude and being generous and giving. We need to remember to stay in balance here. Are you over giving? Are you over taking? Underneath the shadow card is The Fool, reversed. You can only move when you let go of something. Once you do, you'll move.

My Take

We are waiting in order to gain enlightenment or illumination. We are ready but we are constantly getting the "wait" message. This is because there is a lot of energy happening right now. Not all the messages may be getting through to us since the energy is so intense. We really need to focus on attaining this for ourselves by waiting and going inside to make our own contact with this information. We are really getting too comfortable where we are and in some ways we are keeping ourselves stuck. Be willing to take risks and step out in faith and do things you might not normally do to spur you on to movement. And then maybe we can turn that Chariot card right side up.

Blessings.

Today's Tarot Card Reading

Today I am using the Vanessa Tarot by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. I love this tarot. It is tiny and fits so greatly into my hands. Plus the images are über cute!

I pulled these cards for myself this morning but I thought I'd share them here. I know I did a full month of cards of the day, and I kinda figured I burned you all out with so many readings. So, here is yet another message for everyone. I hope you enjoy it.

The jumping card, to me, spoke of the active energy of today. 4 of Cups is about how we are missing opportunities in our lives by being too busy to pay attention to what is going on around us. We are distracted by other things. This lady is sitting in a cafe. The person across from her (off the card on the left) is raising a glass to the lady as if in a "cheers' motion. This says to me that someone will be offering you an opportunity, inspiration, something that will move you forward in some way. Caffeine is a jump-starter. And since most writers like to work in cafes I believe this could be about ideas for writing. This is the perfect time for writing inspiration since NaNoRiMo is happening right now, That stands for National Novel Writing Month. it lasts all of November. This inspiring thing that is coming from someone you know will really bring your writing back to life or at least give it the much needed kick in the pants it needs.

The cards in the 3-card draw are: The Fool, 9 of Coins and the Strength card.

The Fool is sitting at the side of the road with all her stuff waiting for a car to come along and pick her up. She is not taking action. The area around her is in disarray and is a desert. Nothing grows here. There is one little flower which says something is blossoming here but it is only a little growth. The dog next to it says that you are staying here currently out of loyalty to something. Are you waiting for someone to help you or do you think you should get up and move?

The 9 of Coins says we long for a place of comfort where we don't need to worry anymore about the things of the world. This says that you haven't been moving forward because you aren't assured that this wonderful place of lavish abundance will be there if you jump off that cliff of faith. The Fool says ... HAVE FAITH! A way is being made for you.

The Strength card shows a lady in an outfit that looks like she is going to Africa on safari to see all the wild things. She is sitting on her lion. So maybe, tame your mouth today. Also this means conquering those wild thoughts that bombard you. You are getting them under control. Yay, you!

My Take

There will be opportunities you don't want to miss. So now is the time to pay attention to the signs that the universe is sending you. personally, I see this as a new idea for a story or a much needed boost of inspiration to help you move forward with your writing. Wat do you see here?

The Fool says that you've been staying somewhere out of loyalty. You really want to move forward but you haven't taken any type of action on this because you aren't assured a place of abundance will be waiting for you... as well as a much needed weekly paycheck. The Strength card says that you're going to have to look around and tame that need to complain. Have faith. What needs to come to you will in divine time. But you may have o get your boots dirty in order to find it.

HAVE FAITH AND MOVE!

Blessings.

Book Review: Happiness: The Art Of Living With Peace, Confidence And Joy

Happiness: The Art Of Living With Peace, Confidence And Joy

by Douglas A. Smith

Paperback, 192 pages

Published January 2nd 2014 by White Pine Mountain

Goodreads synopsis: In the midst of a successful business career, Doug Smith received life-altering news that set him on an entirely new journey to understand what leads to truly joyful, meaningful living—-in other words, what leads to happiness. Through research and study he begins to understand what the most joyful among us have in common is that they remember the past with peace, anticipate the future with confidence and live in the present with joy and exuberance. He further discovers that what gives them this perspective is a set of skills that they consistently, even if subconsciously, practice. He also realizes that he is not particularly good at several of these skills. In Happiness: The Art of Living with Peace, Confidence and Joy the author recounts, with insight and humor his journey to better understand and practice the skills of happiness with the goal of helping others on their own paths to joyful, meaningful living.

I did enjoy this book. I found it quite helpful on many levels. But I only wish there were more techniques and things we can personally do to make our journey a happier one. I felt like I needed to take Mr. Smith's Happiness course in order to find out exactly what tools I truly needed to be emotionally happy. He referenced "What Happy People Know" by Dan Baker, Ph. D and Cameron Stauth. I read this book back when it was published in 2004. I am a big follower of people who like to write about happiness. I like to re-read these books because it is always good to be reminded of things we tend to forget.

I hope you give this book a try. It does take a hot minute to get into it. And it is  not a strictly "text book" sort of book. The author gives quite a lot of personal examples which is really helpful when you are trying to apply a technique to you own life.

4 Stars

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this title.

Oracle Reading for the Week of November 3rd

This oracle reading is for the week of November 3rd. Today I am using the Archangel Oracle cards and the Power Animals oracle. 

Archangel Chamuel - Peace

Angel of Love 

Peace comes from remembering only love is real. 

The colors in this card speak to me of clarity, creativity and focus. Because it is only when our mind centers on peace that we can hold our attention on something for a long period of time. Issues with focusing on our passions and our joy could crop up today. Bring yourself back to a place of peace and watch your ideas and inspirations ramp up. You will also have the opportunity to assist others with similar challenges. Give them the tools and then set them free to blossom. 

In some decks the deer asks you to be gentle with yourself, especially in the first part of the week. Deer are very instinctual and this asks you to trust those thoughts, inner hunches and inspirations you receive. The path is being paved for a new journey. Now is the time to be patient. Doors are opening. 

Our ability to stay peaceful may be tested but it is through peace where we gain access to all we seek. Trust your instincts. I am hearing "go with the flow". Deer are also notorious for running away from loud noises. So, if something comes in to put the kabosh on your peace, it is perfectly acceptable to walk away and detach from the situation. 

Archangel Haniel - Moon Cycles

This angel helps us embrace all aspects of ourselves including strengths, setbacks and shadows. 

We may be either coming out of an old cycle of experience or jumping into a new one. This asks us to pay attention to our intuition and how the moon effects our energy. Coincidently, the moon is in its full phase on Nov 6th. In the first Archangel card there is one dove. In this card three have manifested. As you hone your intuition you find yourself more easily able to find a place of peace in your mind and heart. 

The Raven asks us to own our power   It tells us we have magic inside us. You've been hiding your power and keeping yourself little so you won't be a threat to anyone. But you are more powerful than you realize. Use your powers to assist others. Believe in yourself and your gifts. Insight and prophecy also coming in. 

Archangel Uriel - Claircognizance

This angel has the ability to enlighten our minds with divine inspiration

 In the last part of the week, you've prayed for answers and now those answers are coming in. Pay attention to repetitive thoughts and ideas that come to you. Your thoughts are tuned to higher frequencies. You've tapped into divine wisdom. 

The badger tells is to be more patient and persistent than we have been in the past. Don't give up before the exciting stuff happens. Take your time there is no need to hurry. You might encounter resistance but don't give up. 

My Take

New doors open when we assist those we normally wouldn't and manage to bring peace into the situation. We will be given clarity in some way during this time. Trust your inner hunches and insights. We are ending or beginning a new cycle in our lives where we are trusting our instincts, hunches and intuition. We need to step into our power because we have been hiding from it. We are more powerful, more magical than we know. Look for insights and prophecies coming in. It's divine inspiration. Listen to repetitive thoughts or signs that pop up in your world. If you come into contact with people who look down on what you're doing, don't give up. You are more powerful than you know. Peace be with you this week. 

Blessings.