When Patience Becomes A Curse

Patience is a virtue.

Or is it?

I have been brought up to be patient, to avoid short-fused hot-tempered reactions, to take my time rather than rushing, to be patient with myself while trying to learn a new skill etc.

But along the way I have noticed that sometimes patience was holding me back.

Like when I was patiently

• tolerating toxic people, hoping they would change
• sticking with a shitty relationship, hoping it would miraculously turn into something wonderful
• enduring a dead-end job, hoping its boredom and lack of spirit wouldn’t kill me

It can be easy to confuse patience with not setting boundaries.

Because patience often requires effort, it can be exhausting after a while.

So when you draw Patience from the Cosmic Journaling Oracle deck, you can ask yourself:

1. Do I need to be more patient, or is it time to set some boundaries?
2. Who is testing my patience? Is it worth it?
3. In the past, in what situations should I have been more patient and why? And when did patience not serve me but stopped me from moving forward?
4. How do other people show patience towards me (in a family setting, amongst friends or at work)? Have I tested their patience?

Patience is a virtue, but it can also be a curse. How is patience serving you?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Lion's Gate Opening Reflected In The Tarot

The Lion's Gate is opening on the 8th August (8/8), but what does that mean? And how can you make the most of it?

In astrology, the alignment of the earth, sun (currently in the zodiac Leo) and Sirius (the brightest star in the sky) is called the opening of the Lion's Gate.

It is said that during this time you can harness the power of the Lion's Gate to activate your third eye.

Sirius as the brightest star in the night sky is easily visible. Look up and it often stands out from all the other stars.

It pops up in Greek and Egyptian mythology, and it is said that around the 8/8 date Sirius can be seen above the pyramid of Giza.

Sirius is called the spiritual sun hence its alleged spiritual powers we can harness, especially at the time of the Lion's Gate alignment.

The Lion's Gate Opening Reflected In The Tarot

In the Tarot, Strength is number 8 in the Major Arcana - a link to the 8/8 date and to the zodiac sign Leo.

Also note the lemniscate above the maiden's head - the symbol of infinity, and together with the number 8 also holds empowerment and rebirth.

Talking about rebirth, Strength in the Tarot is also linked numerically to key no. 17, The Star (1+7=8), and the star on the image is 8-pointed.

The Star symbolises higher consciousness, so questions to explore in connection with this card and the Lion's Gate opening are:

• How can I awaken my divine light?
• How can I align with my higher self/authentic self?
• What does my soul need right now to evolve?

How to harness the power of the Lion's Gate

The best thing to do is to take some time out to go inwards.

Unplug from devices and social media.

Meditate - this can involve the classic meditation of sitting still with your eyes closed, but you could also take an evening stroll through the local park or forest. 

Time out in nature helps to calm down an overactive, over-stimulated mind.

Take a relaxing bath.

Meditate on the Strength card. Focus on where in your life you want to activate your empowerment, passion, creativity and resilience.

Learn more about how to open and activate your Third Eye Chakra.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Planets in the Tarot Workbook

The Planets in the Tarot is my latest workbook that has been created to be a supplement to my Starlight Tarot Astrology course.

But on its own it also offers lots of insight into how the cards and their meanings are influenced by the planetary energies - and how you can make the most of this knowledge in your readings.

In this 22-page downloadable PDF we explore all the cards linked to planets with excercises and activities to help you make sense of the complex associations and apply them in a practical way without new age or away-with-the-fairies jargon.

The aim of this workbook is to help you understand rather than just memorise card meanings on a deeper level, so you can gain new wisdom from the Tarot to guide you further on your spiritual journey.

There are two ways you can get hold of Planets in the Tarot:

1. Buy the Starlight Tarot Astrology course and receive this workbook as a free bonus. It's inclcuded as a separate ebook with your course material.

2. Get Planets in the Tarot for FREE when you become a member on my Ko-fi page.  Ko-fi is the place, where you can access an abundance of innovative and transformative tarot study material for free and for a small fee.

If you are curious about learning to combine Tarot with Astrology, the Planets in the Tarot workbook will give you plenty of aha-moments with its clear and plain but insightful content.

Grab your copy today, either as part of the Starlight Astrology course or on Ko-fi.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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19 Solstice Journal Prompts To Light You Up

The solstice is just around the corner, and regardless of where you live in the world, this time of year marks a turning point.

Whether you are celebrating the Summer or Winter Solstice, the common theme is Light.

While in the Northern Hemisphere the light peaks, in the Southern Hemisphere it returns, so the following solstice journaling prompts are universal rather than specific to geographical location.

When the light appears or peaks in our life, there is always a sense of joy connected with it.

It's time to celebrate, have a laugh and enjoy the moment.

So, have some fun and get lit with this light-hearted collection of seasonal prompts:

1. A highlight to celebrate
2. What needs illuminating
3. What am I visualising
4. What do I need to be more optimistic about:
5. What am I attracting:
6. What am I inspired to do:
7. How can I be a beacon of light to others?
8. Where to focus my energy:
9. What do I need to be more mindful about:
10. A self-care practice that would benefit me at this time:
11. A new direction:
12. What delights me:
13. What lights me up:
14. A moment of enlightenment:
15. A fun revelation:
16. Happiness is...
17. A creative talent that needs nurturing:
18. What needs invigorating:
19. How I currently express myself

✨Let's play the Solstice Divination Game✨

Here's a fun and insightful way to turn the journaling prompts into a divination game

Play on your own or with friends.

Write each journal prompt on a piece of card, shuffle and draw up to four cards to create a spread.

You can also just draw one card for daily guidance over the coming weeks.

Or you can play with others by letting them draw a journaling prompt and tarot card for a mini reading.

🌼 This game isn't just for the Solstice - play it throughout summer or when you feel like you want to get lit 🌞

You can also download my Solstice Divination Game Kit on my Ko-fi page, which includes an extended list of 29 journaling prompts and cards already prepared ready to be printed.

It also includes a fun colouring image that can be used as a reading mat (see image above).

Joining my Ko-page is FREE, where you can access loads of creative tarot journaling printables.

Looking forward to seeing you there 😃

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Saturn Retrograde Tarot Spread

A few weeks ago, Saturn turned retrograde and will continue until the 18th September 2019.

Plenty of time to explore and work with its energies using the Saturn retrograde tarot spread below.

Before you do, take a moment to consider what The World reversed as an energy card in a reading means to you.

In the Tarot, Saturn is linked to The World, so its retrograde energy can be compared with that of the World reversed.

In its upright position, the World suggests achievement, establishment, a sense of having arrived and be content with where you are.

Reversed, you may feel a little stifled; something is missing, and you have the urge to escape the status quo.

The World is about restrictions and boundaries, but not in a negative sense. You feel happy with where your are despite limitations.

However, reversed, you may feel less positive.

Saturn is also the ruler of Capricorn, and coincidentally, Saturn has turned retrograde in Capricorn and will also turn direct again in Capricorn.

Capricorn in the Major Arcana is linked to the Devil, so we can sense dull routines and a lack of growth.

Saturn is also linked to the following cards in the Tarot:

• Five of Wands
• Ten of Wands
• Eight of Cups
• Three of Swords
• Seven of Pentacles

Based on these cards, I have created the following spread that can help you make the most of the World/Saturn retrograde energies:

1. Where in my life do I feel confined or restricted?
2. What stops me from growing/evolving?
3. How can I free myself from limitations?
4. What past hurt is still affecting me and needs healing?
5. Where do I need to change?
6. How can I enhance my relationships (family, work)?
7. What am I holding on to that keeps me secure?
8. Where do I need to take a risk?

Saturn retrograde is a good time to evaluate your goals, plans, projects and ideas (Seven of Pentacles!).

For example, if you are writing a book, do some editing before you continue.

In your home, you may realise that some repairs or redecorating are required. You may even consider a move as you feel you've outgrown your space.

Workwise, you may find it hard to generate the energy to push for a promotion or change of job.

In relationships, beware of the rut! Choose your words and actions carefully to avoid misunderstandings, and remember to have some fun and just dance, dance, dance 😄

⭐Interested in learning how to combine Tarot with Astrology? Check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology course⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

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Living The Tarot - Ten of Wands

Sometimes it's fun but also worthwhile taking tarot images literally.

When the Ten of Wands pops up as your guidance card for the day (or week), ask yourself whether you have been paying attention to your posture recently.

We often allow our bodies to slouch and stoop without realising that this can have a huge effect on our mood, self-esteem and confidence.

On top of that, someone with a stooped posture can indicate unconscious limiting beliefs or emotional baggage they keep carrying around.

So, check in with yourself right now. Are you standing tall and straight?

Shoulders back with chest forward is your ideal posture.

A quick and easy exercise you can do to lift your mood instantly is to stand tall and lift your arms with your hands in fists (or victory sign) as if you have just scored a goal.

While in this victory pose, say to yourself something like I am strong, I am powerful or I can do this. Anything that spurns you on for the day and gets you going with more positive energy.

This is a great little exercise to turn into a daily habit as it will improve your wellbeing not just on a physical but also emotional level.

You can do it as often as you like during the day.

Why don't you make a start today and let me know how it makes you feel?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Jupiter Retrograde Tarot Spread

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, slows down and turns backward for about four months every year.

This year this celestial event is happening from 10th April until 11th August 2019, so if you are reading this after 2019, find out the latest info at astro-seek.

The planet of luck, expansion and growth is linked to the Wheel of Fortune, and the reversed aspect of this card offers us an insight into Jupiter's retrograde energies.

The first thing that comes to mind is that the Wheel of Fortune may slow down, come to a halt and perhaps even move backwards in the form of reversal of fortunes.

This can work both ways: if things have gone really well for you recently, then be prepared for a slow down.

On the other hand, if you've been experiencing bad luck or lack of progress beyond your control, then you might get a break and life is slowly going to take a turn for the better.

Whatever our individual situation, we may all feel less optimistic about things as new ideas and plans may not be realised, or progress may come slower than expected.

But Jupiter retrograde is happening in Sagittarius at this time, and in tarot terms that's Temperance.

Temperance is the key to navigate Jupiter retrograde successfully - it's okay to slow down, create balance and harmony, avoid too much, too soon and too difficult.... we need to learn to let good fortunes and progress flow into our lives whithout trying too hard.

Beneficial activities during Jupiter retrograde:

Take it easy, take a break, re-evaluate, open your mind to new possibilities, research new ideas, experiment, explore, be more flexible, listen to your inner voice.

Watch out for change (for better or worse), turn of events, u-turns, deeper truths, revelations, blessings in disguise, spiritual development and karmic payback.

Here's a Jupiter Regrograde tarot spread to make the most of this energy influencing us over the coming months based on the Jupiter cards in the Tarot:

1. How can I best adapt to changes at this time?
2. How can I expand my horizon?
3. What do I need to be more flexible with?
4. What can I handle with ease?
5. What task/activity needs to be put on hold?
6. What will give me joy during this time of uncertainty?
7. In which area of my life do I need to show more leadership / take responsibility?

Jupiter retrograde will last for four months, so you have plenty of time to figure out how you can manifest positive change and growth during this challenging but also exciting time.

⭐Interested in learning how to combine Tarot with Astrology? Check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology course⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling 

Taurus In The Minor Arcana

Moving on from the Aries cards, let's take a look at Taurus in the Minor Arcana and how this zodiac sign can be interpreted in a reading.

While Taurus is linked to the Hierophant in the Major Arcana, it is also associated with the King of Pentacles and the following pip cards:

• Five of Pentacles - Mercury in Taurus
• Six of Pentacles - Moon in Taurus
• Seven of Pentacles - Saturn in Taurus

As you can see, each pip card has a planet and zodiac sign assigned to it, but what does it all mean?

Let's take one step at a time.

Taurus Characteristics

Taurus is an earth sign associated with stability, steadfastness and a practical, down-to-earth attitude.

Taurus people are reliable and loyal. They favour tradition and security over change and uncertainty, which can make them inflexible and stubborn at times.

Now we can link these traits to the individual pip cards:

Five of Pentacles - Mercury in Taurus

This card is associated with hardship, poverty and insecurity.

Influenced by Mercury, the planet of communication and travel, self-reliant Taurus may need to overcome reluctancy to ask for help.

The mercurial energies of change and flux are a disruptive force for Taurus, who has to learn to do things differently in order to overcome this difficult situation.

Mercury and Taurus represent opposing energies, which are reflected in the stark image.

However, Mercury is primarily linked to the Magician, so it can also be a force for good. Taurus needs to tap into the Magician's power to get back on track.

And while the Magician is focused on power, potential and purpose, the Five of Pentacles may also indicate (temporary) loss of these qualities.

Six of Pentacles - Moon in Taurus

The Moon represents the divine feminine (linked to the High Priestess), intuition and our feelings and emotions.

Combined with Taurus, the energy of the Six of Pentacles is benevolence and charity.

Keywords and meanings that come to mind with this astrological combination are humility, gratitude, generosity, benefactor, favours, kindness.

Here, Taurus gets in touch with feelings, acting on emotions and intuitive guidance.

Seven of Pentacles - Saturn in Taurus

Saturn is linked to the World in the Major Arcana, which suggests a sense of completion in the Seven of Pentacles.

While the World is focused more on being established and content with where you are, the Seven of Pentacles indicates the growing urge to break out of the status quo and do something new.

But Saturn is also ruler of Capricorn - the Devil - and combined with Taurus can create inertia or complacency.  

New ideas may never be turned into reality as that would involve leaving the familiar behind.

Taurus loves being in a comfortable position, and in the Seven of Pentacles we may also detect a hint of laziness and perhaps even unproductiveness. 

Lots of work to do, but another tea break, please! 😄

⭐If you would like to learn how to combine Tarot with Astrology in your readings, check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology course⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Hello Spring Ostara Tarot Spread

 

The Ace of Coins from the Alchemical Tarot perfectly captures the spirit of Ostara and the official beginning of Spring.

The hare reminds me of the white rabbit from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland beckoning us to follow him down the hole for a new adventure.

And yes, the Spring Equinox is a time for rebirth, renewal and new beginnings.

After a dull winter, the longer and warmer days tend to make us feel more optimistic and hopeful for the coming months ahead.

As part of your Spring Equinox celebrations and seasonal explorations, here is my Ostara tarot spread you could incorporate:

1. What are the seeds that I’m sowing? 

The energies you are releasing that you might not be aware of. Whatever you’re doing at the moment (especially unconsciously), what effect may it have?

2. What seedlings are emerging around me? 

What is already developing around you that you may not be aware of? A project you recently started, or a goal you’ve set yourself, what is emerging from it so far?

3. What do I need to focus on until the Summer Solstice? 

A task you need to carry out, a skill you need to acquire, or anything you need to pay attention to that will help you achieve your goal.

For each question, you can pull up to three cards to gain some insight.

I hope you enjoy my Ostara tarot spread, and please do let me know how it works for you.

For more seasonal tarot spreads and creative tarot journaling ideas, please check out my Cosmic Faery’s Journal Workbook.

Wishing you a Blessed Equinox,

Christiane🌷

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22 Side Effects You Experience When Learning The Tarot

The High Priestess - Housewives Tarot

If you are interested in learning the Tarot, you need to be aware of some serious side effects you may encounter.

You see, learning the Tarot isn't about memorising card meanings. It's actually living the whole damn thing every day and every moment.

It's a way of life.

It's about doing a lot of inner work that turns your insides out and puts it all back together again, but differently.

It's breaking and healing.

If you think that spiritual awakening is all love n light, you're mistaken. If you don't confront and deal with your darkness, you just live in an illusion.

But worry not. The side effects you experience when learning the Tarot will help you become a better person and live your best life.

Here are the most commonly experienced side effects as reflected in the 22 cards of the Major Arcana:

The Fool: You start to discover new aspects of yourself.

The Magician: You realise anything is possible.

The High Priestess: You learn to access your inner wisdom.

The Empress: You become more creative.

The Emperor: You feel empowered.

The Hierophant: Amongst family and friends you start to feel a bit of an outsider...

The Lovers: ...but you will also meet like-minded souls and make new friends.

The Chariot: You will leave your comfort zone behind...

St:rength ...and have the courage and passion to persevere.

The Hermit: You start enjoying your solitude.

Wheel of Fortune: You worry less about what you cannot control.

Justice: You learn to balance logic with intuition when making important choices.

The Hanged Man: You begin to see the world differently.

Death: You become a new person.

Temperance: You stress less and live more in the flow.

The Devil: You recognise and deal with the dark stuff in your life.

The Tower: You question everything.

The Star: You begin to see the bigger picture.

The Moon: You will fall in love with the moon.

The Sun: You realise that happiness is a choice, and confidence is a daily practice.

Judgement: You rise above drama.

The World: You look back at your life and see how far you have come.

These are only 22 side effects most people will experience, but there are also reports of reduction in anxiety and depression when working with the tarot over a long period.

Have you experienced any side effects not listed here? Let me know!

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Mercury Retrograde Tarot Spread

Just when I finished my last post about Venus Retrograde, Mercury Retrograde (RX) was looming on the horizon.

Mercury RX is a regular occurrence, happening three to four times a year for around three weeks.

During this period, the closest planet to the sun appears to be moving backwards when observed in the sky.

Everyone seems to get really flustered when Mercury goes retrograde, so I've created the Mercury Retrograde Tarot Spread to soothe your nerves :D

It's the planet of communication and travel (and all things Magician!), so expect misunderstandings, important emails ending up in your spam folder, software updates going wrong and disrupted travel plans during this time.

During Mercury RX it is worthwhile paying more attention to legal documents and the smallprint, choosing your written and spoken words even more wisely, and trying to avoid publication launches like blogs, websites and magazines.

The best way to understand what retrograde means in terms of energies surrounding us, explore the reversed meanings of the tarot cards linked to that particular planet, in this case all the cards linked to Mercury.

Explore these cards to discover specific areas you will need to pay attention to that can be affected by Mercury retrograde.

For the spread, shuffle your deck and draw a card for each of the following topics:

1. Communication Hiccup
2. A resource I'm lacking
3. Where I self-sabotage
4. Trickery
5. What to leave behind (or not!)
6. My power
7. My special skill

Mercury RX can also be surprisingly beneficial. Rather than rushing into signing a big contract purchase, let it rest to mull it over for a while.

The same applies to asking for a pay rise, booking a holiday, or feeling the urge to text your ex in the middle of the night.

Just leave it until Mercury has stationed direct again, and by that time you might be very glad that you did.

If you would like to learn more about how to combine tarot with astrology, then please check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Venus Retrograde Tarot Spread

Venus Cards in the Tarot, Universal Tarot (c) Roberto de Angelis, Lo Scarabeo 

Venus stations retrograde about every 18 months for around 40 days, and because it is one of our closest planets, the energies can be felt more intensely.

In the Tarot, Venus is linked to the Empress and all the other cards you see on the image above.

This means that Venus retrograde can affect your self-care, love life and money issues.

Venus is all about love, beauty, creativity and abundance. When it’s retrograde, we just need to pay more attention to those issues.

You may also receive some tough love during this time, learning lessons about love and relationships the hard way.

Imagine the cards above (especially the Empress) reversed; that’s what the energy of Venus Retrograde can be like.

Here are a few things you may want to avoid during Venus retrograde:

• Major changes to your looks, like a new hair cut, hair colour or tatoo. You might regret it later.
• A tendency to neglect your wellbeing, perhaps due to demands at work, home or self-imposed stress.
• Extravagant purchases, which could leave you in debt, or spontaneous purchases, where you realise later that you don’t need these things.
• Committing to a relationship. There may be a change of heart when Venus goes direct again.
• Reconnecting with an ex lover

To explore your personal DOs and DON’Ts, try this Venus Retrograde tarot spread using only the Venus cards in the Tarot:

1. Reflect on…

2. Embrace…

3. Avoid…

4. Create…

5. Learn (from)…

6. See the beauty in…

7. Find abundance in…

You can also do a second reading using all the cards of your deck.

Download the printable Venus Retrograde journal page on my Ko-fi page:

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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