Christiana's Tarot Topics

Signs of Spring

On February 2 here in the United States we celebrate Groundhog Day. Did you know that Groundhog Day actually has its roots in both Pagan and Christian antiquity?

Originally Groundhog Day was celebrated as Imbolc, or Imbolg. Many modern Pagans still celebrate this holiday between January 30 and February 2. The word "Imbolc" means "in the belly." This is the Irish holiday of the lambing ewes.  By this time of year the ewes would be pregnant and lactating. This would be seen as an assurance of a year of prosperity ahead.

Imbolc is also known as Brighid's Day and Saint Brighid's Day. Brighid, or Brigid, is known both as a Catholic Saint and the Triple Goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft.  Her rituals include a meditative journey to Brigid's forge where Brigid will transform your sorrows and burdens into something more useful.

In some cultures this holiday was celebrated as Candlemas. It was a time to light candles as a reminder that the sun would soon return.

As we end January and begin February we are equidistant between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox.

However you celebrate it, the beginning of February is a time to honor fertility, creativity and hope. No matter how cold, barren and frozen it may be right now we still know that spring is on its way.

Be Bold!

Helen Keller once said "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

Sometimes it is difficult to be daring and to take bold steps. But everywhere we turn we see reminders that bold steps are the only path to success, happiness and integrity.

I think courage isn't the absence of fear; it is the willingness to proceed anyway. Part of courage, too, is faith. If we have more faith than fear we will always be inspired to do wonderful things.

To be bold is to push out of the comfort zone. In tarot we look to the Fool, Card 0 of the Major Arcana to remind us of our need to take a leap of faith once in a while. Tarot is often called "The Fool's Journey." Tarot is an allegory and a guide for our own brave adventure through life.

I often think of another quote from another woman who inspires me, Eleanor Roosevelt.  Her wise advice was this.  “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

Remembering the Dream

We will always honor the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a civil rights leader who worked to usher the United States into a new era. As a minister, a community leader and a civil rights leader he taught us many important lessons.

Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us the value of standing firm in our convictions. He taught us to stand up against hatred. Although he died a violent death he never wavered from his personal doctrine of non-violence.

In his famous "I Have a Dream" speech King set forth a simple concept; that people should be judged by their character rather than their race. I think that is a dream that most of us still value and still work to achieve.

In that speech King also taught us each to dream of a better future for ourselves, our country and our planet.

What is your dream for the future?

Just Breathe

Many people say they can't meditate. Most of those same people say they can't relax. We all suffer from anxiety and stress. Most of us worry too much. The key to relaxation and stress relief, and the key to meditation, is simple.

Just breathe.

Conscious breathing is the key to meditation, psychic development, manifestation, visualization and magick. It is interesting that the autonomic process of breathing becomes something powerful when done consciously and with intent.

Whether you want to reduce stress, improve your health or increase your salary the first step is the same. Simply learn to breathe as slowly and fully as you can. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. If you focus only on the breath even for just a few moments you entire energy will change.

If you want to meditate but find you "can't sit still," don't worry. Meditation can happen while you are exercising, drumming, dancing or stringing beads. Anything that takes you "into the zone" is a form of meditation. A constant rhythm that matches the rhythm of your breath is all you need to take you to the place where you can control your energy, rejuvenate your mind, focus your intuition and visualize your best future. When you hold a vision of the future your desire your breath becomes the energy that helps make it happen.

Just breathe.