Pluto Retrograde Guidance And Journal Prompts

 

Looks like we're currently experiencing Plutonian times.

Speak of the Devil (quite literally as you will see shortly), Pluto has stationed retrograde on the 25th April in Capricorn and will turn direct again on the 4th October 2020, also in Capricorn.

Capricorn is linked to the Devil in the Tarot, and Pluto is linked to Judgement and Death (Scorpio's ruling planet). These cards already give us an idea of what we can expect over the coming months.

For more info on Pluto in the Tarot, check out my blog post HERE.

Retrograde planets often initiate a certain level of re-calibration, and Pluto is going to intensify the global transformation it already started back in January, when it  was conjunct with Saturn (linked in the Tarot to the World and ruling planet of Capricorn = the Devil!).

Pluto Retrograde can increase fear of death and also resistance to change.

The whole world is scared of Covid19, and extreme laws and restrictions (Capricorn, Devil, World) are likely to cause more suffering and loss.

On a global level, we will have to face some very inconvenient truths about existing structures and workings of society and make some drastic changes on a large scale that are likely to affect us all and future generations.

On a personal level, what can we do to weather the storm?

Without any waffle, I'm just listing themes and qualities here that we will all need to focus on and cultivate as a collective - they are all self-explanatory:

• kindness
• generosity
• mutual support
• active listening
• understanding
• cooperation
• speaking our truth
• courage
• engaging in debates
• contribute towards finding solutions
• be discerning, especially when evaluating information and motives of powerful and influential people (watch out for lies and propaganda fuelled by fear and greed)
• moral and ethical integrity
• sustainability

Here are some journaling prompts to explore the energies of Pluto retrograde in your life:

1. What change/ending/transformation am I resisting?

2. What is no longer working in my life?

3. What boundaries that I set in the past have turned into self-limitations?

4. How can I transcend these limitations?

5. What unnecessary baggage am I holding on to that needs shedding?

6. How can I stay strong during this time of great upheaval?

7. What/Who is controlling me?

8. How can I regain my independence?

9. What in my life is in the process of being birthed?

The impact of Pluto retrograde will be felt by us all for quite some time, but in times of adversity there is always potential for growth and spiritual advancement.

Striving to live our best lives by cultivating qualities as listed above will make it easier to rebuild, evolve and thrive once we have arrived on the other side.

Stay well, and speak again soon,

Christiane

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Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

NEW! Powerful Me Printable Oracle Cards

What do you do when the world is in lockdown, and you're only allowed one trip to the shop a week and an hour a day of outdoor exercise in a public place?

I started creating some oracle cards just for fun, and slowly they evolved into a colourful set of empowering prompts, which happen to reflect the challenging times we are all currently experiencing.

And hey presto, the Powerful Me Oracle deck was born.

It consists of 36 cards, and I have also created postcards of my favourite images.

I've created these images on Freemix.com, and due to copyright reasons, they're not available for sale.

However, I will be adding the postcards on my Ko-fi page soon for free. Please follow me there to get notified when they are available.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Lockdown Tarot Spread

It's only been a week of lockdown here in the UK, but it feels a bit like forever. 

So many things I realise every day that I can't do, like going for my eye test and dental checkup. Not to mention regular activities like meeting friends and family. 

Another two weeks of social distancing to go, perhaps even longer. If this situation isn't creating an epic global mindshift, I don't know what will.

While I was writing my newsletter the other day, I came up with the Lockdown Tarot Spread to explore how this time is shaping and changing and helping us grow.

I've decided to expand the original 3-card spread and turn it into a downloadable and shareable image. 

I hope you enjoy spending more of your time reflecting, observing, experimenting and learning with the Tarot. I will post more resources over the coming weeks. 

And if you like what I post, please do share links to my website with like-minded souls.

If you are new here, consider following me on Ko-fi to access tons of tarot and creative journaling resources.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 🦄

Spice Up your Tarot Readings with Divination Add-Ons

If you feel your regular tarot practice has become a little stale or boring, here's a new way how you can spice up your tarot readings - simply add some divination add-ons like the ones you can see on the pic above.

While I've created just eight cards, you can add more prompts, such as

• enjoy/avoid
• learn/release
• think/feel

From your selection of divination add-ons, choose specific card pairs like yes/no, or draw random cards to create a spread.

How to use the cards

Each keyword can bring up a number of different questions, and your intuition will guide you to which question to ask.

For example:

Rest - What do I need to let rest for a while? What do I need to put to rest? What can help me rest?

Grow - What do I need to grow? What is ready to grow in my life? What needs tending to? What is growing? What can help me grow?

More - What do I need to do more of? What am I receiving more of? What do I need to be more?

Stop/More - If you draw two cards at random, you can combine them as follows:

If I stop doing this ...., I will get more of that.... 

or

I will stop this ...and do more of that...

(... = tarot cards drawn)

Simply go with the flow. Different questions or messages may come up for you when you tune into your reading.

Making your cards

Be resourceful with your cardstock - I've used a colourful cardboard box of paper tissues, which would have otherwise been thrown away. Upcycling rather than buying new.

I also decided to try my hand-lettering and doodling skills - not that brilliant, but I like it!

⭐If you would like to download my version of the cards, hop over to my Ko-fi page⭐

In the meantime, check out my video for more ideas:

Let me know, how my divination add-ons spice up your tarot readings. I'd love to hear from you 😃

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

Global Tarot Year Card 2020: The Emperor

Tarot of Quotes

The Emperor in the Tarot (key 4 in the Major Arcana) is our planet's year card for 2020 based on numerology (2+0+2+0 = 4).

This card symbolises power and control issues in both beneficial and challenging ways.

For many people, the world has become an unsettling place - fascist leaders taking control, inequality, rise in crime, radical climate change activism, environmental catastrophes around the world, the sheer volume of plastic waste, unsustainable consumption, war in the Middle East, fake news, political corruption and gaslighting...

It all started in2016 with the Brexit Referendum in the UK and continued into  2017, the Wheel of Fortune year, in which Trump took office in the White House.

Since then, our heads have been spinning caused by a dazzling speed of change beyond our control.

But 2020 is the year of the Emperor - a reminder we need to step back into our power and become leaders of light and hope in our families, communities, at work, in our relationships and also for ourselves.

This means we have to get fully engaged with the world, get active, speak up and debate, join and support groups to contribute towards making a difference.

Taking responsibility that we are all to blame for the state of the world, and now it's time to make amends by radically changing our ways.

The Emperor has a vision of where he wants to be in the future. He is passionate, ambitious, driven and doesn't shy away from confrontation.

He is in control by making plans and getting organised.

He is creating a solid foundation - a springboard - from which he can progress, move forward and grow.

At a global level during 2020, we will see more people questioning old structures and institutions (Meghan and Harry, Iran protests, healthcare funding, climate emergency...). This will continue into 2021, the year of the Hierophant.

There will be power struggles between governments and new grassroot movements demanding change.

The dark side of the Emperor will show up, and we have to face it head on: narcissism and control issues.

Look at neo-fascist populist leaders taking control all over the world by spreading misinformation and character assassinations on a global scale through social media.

The population is being controlled by lack of funding for education. The government doesn't want our children to become digitally intelligent. This would expose government's lies and damage their power.

We have to take education (including critical thinking and fact-checking) in our own hands.

The Emperor is linked to the zodiac sign Aries - what will be started, may not necessarily come to a conclusion.

Projects borne out of passion or anger may be aborted midway due to intense emotions diminishing, lack of interest, energy, a short attention span.

Without a good plan and preparation, even the best intentions and ideas despite enthusiasm may not lead to anything and just dissipate.

I'm watching the Labour leadership election and development of Extinction Rebellion (and other environmental protest movements) with the Emperor in mind. 

The Emperor is this year's global year card, which means that while this masculine, yang energy has a strong influence on our personal lives, it also works combined with our personal year cards.

The global year card represents our external influences - opportunities and challenges, global events and developments we cannot control.

Our personal year card represents internal energy - strengths, weaknesses, attitudes, beliefs, values, choices, desires, our actions and responses to global year card energies.

How does your personal year card interact with the current global year card?

Take these three steps to start exploring:

1. What's your first impression when looking at both cards together?

2. What element/s are represented? (earth, air, fire, water...)

3. What astrological correspondences? (planets, zodiac)

Elements and astrological correspondences can give you an indication, whether your combination is friendly, supportive, neutral, conflicting or challenging.

You can then explore how to harness, resolve and align these energies to your advantage.

This work isn't done in a day. It's an ongoing project that lasts a whole year.

How is the Emperor energy reflected in your part of the world? Let me know in the comments 😃

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

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Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

Pluto In The Tarot

Pluto is one of the three modern planets discovered in 1930, and it was later added to the Tarot as the ruling planet for Judgement.

Together with Mars, it is one of Scorpio's ruling planets, so in the Tarot it is also linked to Death, the zodiac card for Scorpio.

Pluto in the Tarot is not associated with any Minor Arcana cards, which have all been assigned to the traditional seven planets.

While all planets represent gods, Pluto is the God of the Underworld, so it makes sense that it is now linked to Scorpio and Death.

The energy of Pluto is that of transformation, regeneration, letting go as well as the unconscious.

It is associated with sexuality, physical and spiritual birth, with death and resurrection.

Pluto nudges us to confront our - and nature's - darker, more instinctive side.

Pluto energy offers us psychological insight and the ability to heal and regenerate.

On the other hand, it can generate obsessive compulsive tendencies.

So what does this all mean for Judgement and Death in the Tarot?

"I was dreamin' when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray
But when I woke up this mornin', could've sworn it was judgment day
The sky was all purple, there were people runnin' everywhere
Tryin' to run from the destruction, you know I didn't even care..."

- Prince, 1999

Pluto's influence on Judgement suggests the ability and necessity to let go of old patterns and baggage in order to move on.

After all, a change of direction is an ending, just like putting closure on a situation by having learned a lesson or practicing forgiveness.

Pluto's influence on Death suggests the need for detachment, a rite of passage, an emotionally painful transition, resurrection.

Both cards remind me of the rise of the Phoenix from the ashes, endings and new beginnings, but while Judgement's ending feels more upbeat and the rise is imminent, Death's ending is lingering and comes together with Scorpio's sting in its tail - ouch.

If both cards were present in a reading, it can suggest the transformative nature of Pluto intensified and a sense of upheaval, life being turned upside down as a result of external events or decisions being made.

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

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

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Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

22 Equinox Journaling Prompts To Balance Your Life

Today's Equinox marks the day when daylight and night-time are equal in length. It also coincides with the sun entering Libra, which is linked to the Justice card in the Tarot.

So, whether you are celebrating the Spring or Autumn Equinox, the common theme is Balance.

Hence, the following equinox journaling prompts are universal rather than specific to any geographical location. 

These prompts are designed to explore opposing energies in our lives and find ways to align, adjust, and integrate them.

Creating balance in your life is an ongoing process, and with this collection of seasonal prompts you can do some serious but also fun and fascinating soul work over the coming weeks.

Each prompt consists of two positions. Draw a card for each, and if you like you can also draw a third card to explore how to align the opposing energies.

22 journaling prompts to balance your life:

1. Withdraw from… / Connect with…

2. My heart / My mind

3. I learn / I teach

4. Denial / Acceptance

5. I am free to… / I am responsible for…

6. I am confused about… / This will give me clarity:

7. Imagination / Reality

8. Knowledge / Wisdom

9. My struggle: / My power:

10. I trust: / I doubt:

11. My plan: / My action:

12. I fear: / I embrace:

13. Habit / Change

14. Stop… / Start…

15. Renew: / Discard:

16. Slow down / Accelerate

17. Fly high / Lie low

18. My pain: / My pleasure:

19. This is ending: / This is beginning:

20. Conflict / Peace

21. I resist: / I surrender

22. I choose: / I receive:

⭐Play the Equinox Divination Game⭐

Just like the Solstice Divination Game, playing with these journal prompts doesn’t have to be limited to the time of the Equinox.

Play whenever you feel you need to create balance in your life.

Printable cards and instructions are available on my Ko-Fi page

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Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

Emotional Healing with the Pisces Full Moon

There is always something mystical about the full moon - its illumination, intense energy and impact it has on our feelings and emotions. 

The Pisces full moon is just around the corner and has already gifted me with some psychedelic dreams 😄

But weird dreams are a sign of something more magical - the full moon's power to supercharge our intuitive, psychic and artistic abilities.

Even more so, tuning into the Pisces full moon energy can help us recognise and free ourselves from emotional blocks and self-limitations.

So, let it all come out, feel what you feel, sit with it and observe it without judgement. It's all part of emotional healing.

In practical terms

• if in doubt, trust your gut
• be mindful that emotions may become more intense, which can be confusing
• express your feelings without shame (crying is a good stress reliever)
• pay attention to your dreams
• meditate to open your third eye
• get creative (write, draw, make)
• apologize sincerely to someone you hurt in the past
• connect with your spirit guides or any cosmic forces you want to connect with
• practice calming yoga poses (e.g. child's pose, shavasana, lotus)

While the Pisces full moon can assist with emotional healing, please remember that there is no miracle cure happening overnight.

Emotional healing is a process, and during the upcoming lunation we have the chance to move this process forward, to progress on our journey.

How can the Tarot assist you on your healing journey?

Check out this wonderful article I have recently discovered - Tarot and Astrology are recognised to be beneficial for mental health and as a result used more widely in mainstream therapeutic settings.

That's why in my work I focus on teaching the Tarot and how you can apply this magical tool in everyday life to nurture your mental wellbeing in an empowering way.

For more guidance and connection, please do check out my Ko-fi page.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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

Connect with me on:

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Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

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

Connect with me on:

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Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

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

Connect with me on:

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Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

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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