On Offer, In Acceptance

             I’ve chosen to not discuss Mercury retrogrades here, for a number of years now.  Not that they weren’t happening, because they fucking were.  But my perception of them has changed.

             As we learn, grow, evolve, our lessons alter and adjust along with our journey.  Our path takes a turn, we wander off to take a different route, there is a detour, we rest sometimes.  All of that, and more, is precisely what we’re SUPPOSED to be doing here.

              Recently a few aspects of where I was a decade ago have appeared in my Now version.  It’s been a bit jarring.  A bit sad.  A bit frustrating.  It’s also been good.  Good to see how far I’ve come.  Good to revisit ideas and messages.

            As with Mercury, and how those cycles have meaning in our day-to-day, they’ve changed, too.  I’m more prepared, now?  Maybe.  I’m more able to deflect and understand?  Possibly.  Is it still frustrating?  No question.

             But when we reflect on where we’ve been and where we are now and where we’re going, those older patterns make more sense.

             What I’m also hearing is that they can be as powerful as we make them.

Gifts ~  given and received.

             A gift doesn’t need to be made of expensive materials.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot.  None of the monetary factors apply when we are speaking of true and genuine value.

              When we acquire the tools and techniques to help us face challenges, that right there is a gift we have given ourselves.  The learning is the precious quality.  The understanding is the honourable factor.

             We are here so that we can leave being better than when we arrived.  By giving and receiving gifts, those of great merit, to ourselves and to our loved ones, we are serving our Divine purpose and we are making the entire planet a more loving place to live.

             Our lessons, those are our gifts, our contributions to the Whole.  They are ours, to give, and to receive.

Today’s Personal Sharing:

is to say that I’ll have a fine moment coming up to practice my re-framing skills.  Winter is nearing her end, the weather forecast is showing very warm temperatures in my area.  I am not looking forward to it.  But it’ll give me opportunities to learn, and tolerate.

 

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Different and Now

             As I’ve been embracing this “change is fine” attitude lately (or, ya know, making a grand attempt), I have also been wondering what ELSE will be turning itself around.  I mean, jeez, what’s next, I’m getting up in the actual morning?

             Not likely, but who can say?  Would I have imagined that I tolerated autumn so well and looked forward to Sundays?  Nope, not things I saw coming.  So, that’s where my mind has been, as we grow closer to October leaving, and pre-winter moving in.

             Here is a piece I came across (in one of my almanacs), and felt the need to share:

“This season is rich with its wisdom.  We can take the time to honor our traditions, acknowledge our ancestors.  We can finally put to rest all that which keeps us small and scared.  We can allow the stillness within to seek our next true direction.  Releasing all our preconceptions and expectation of what should be, what do we truly wish to bring forth in the next cycle?”

             The Universe would like us to feel immersed in the here and now; it suits us best when we remember that hanging on too tightly is simply another way of suffocating.

             Here’s what I keep hearing, here’s where we can aim our focus:

set loose

             These Letting Go lessons, with their implied freedom, can be so difficult.  Especially for those of us who are much better at holding on.  But to release our grip, to allow a loosening of the bonds and constrictions, is to grant life, to offer space, to open up and let in the new opportunities.

             When we consent to growth and expansion, while honouring where we’ve been, we are better suited to living here, in this moment.  Because this moment, this place and time, is a gift.  If we don’t stop and acknowledge it, we miss out, on this one, and the next one, and potentially the one after that.

Today’s Gratitude:

is for my parents.  We went for a visit this evening.  And it was lovely.  We shared some family pictures, as well as a few images they might never see, what with their complete lack of internet access and experience.

             Here is one of their favorites.

             If you happen to know who I can credit this view, I’d be more than happy to.  For now, I’m thanking this anonymous photographer, for bringing joy to our day.

 

 

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a spark

             My week has mostly been a lot of work.  Also, a lot of work on healing.

             To “do better” or “get better” often we must put effort and energy into it.  I’ve been trying to be successful.  I’ll keep going, keep at it ……

             encouraging you to do the same.

             Our message is simply this:

light

             On my new front porch, in the small house where we now live, appeared a box.  It was accompanied by a handwritten card.  and this gift.

             She sent me Light.  I needed it.  Now, I am sharing it.

 

 

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thank you, my friend, for being there when I needed you most

 

 

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Granting Happiness

             In my mundane daily life, the job training has transitioned into just the job.  It was sprung on us early, like a scary and unexpected premature birth.  We were also handed* our lay-off notices.  I have one month of employment.

*This didn’t occur on the same day, or even the same week, but it did happen one announcement right after the other.

             As with anything, there’s a Good News/Bad News quality about it all.  An aspect which, while filled with uncertainty, isn’t all that different from how many of us have lived and survived for a very long time.

             And that’s also what our message reminds us.

The Gift of Perspective

             (Side note: I had written this post, or rather, let my pen coast across the recycled envelopes I use for taking rough notes while I receive a channeled reading, well before I’d walked through the door of our card altar room.  When I did see who had appeared there….. well, you know how I feel about “coincidental” situations.)

             Much like The Hanged Man in Tarot, we are being asked to view our current situation from an alternate perspective.  Upside-down?  From the eyes of another?  With the filter of lovingkindness?

            Yes, all of those.  No matter how we choose to get that differing angle, we need to see what’s positive here.  Dwelling on the negative (or full-on-panic-derived-from-fear) will only make us feel bad.

             And if that’s the way we go, we might miss out on opportunities which present themselves.  (Presents!)

              Speaking of, here’s where else our view needs to be directed.

“The Lady of the Gift  ~  20  ~

generosity, receiving, withholding

The Lady of the Gift brings a message of tithing.  To be your Ally, she requires you to look at the nature and method of your giving to others.  The world is your church, and you only need to distribute 10 percent of your wealth to others to ensure that the flow continues.

Yet, this doesn’t necessarily mean giving money away, nor does it imply a direct action of charity, even though the tradition of tithing is material.  In fact, the kind of tithing the Lady asks of you isn’t tangible or material at all.

She is asking you to look at all human beings as important in the Divine scheme of things and show others that you believe in them, as well as yourself.

Pay attention to how you treat people (including yourself here, too); and be mindful of your perception, even of seemingly “poor” strangers.  If you see others as successful and abundant, and act as if you believe that they have value, blessings all around are assured.

Your belief in others has greater value than you can fathom.  This alone guarantees your success long-term.

Remember that you can only keep what you’re willing to give.”

Today’s Deck:

Wisdom Of The Hidden Realms Oracle Cards by Colette Baron-Reid

Today’s Sharing:

is a place I’ve recently sent one of my far-away friends.  He also has a long (and potentially soul-sucking) commute.  I was thinking of how that time, the minutes we can’t do anything but be in transit, is like a gift we don’t realize we’ve been given.

             So, go HERE and read this article, or any of the others (there’s a menu in the top right corner of that page).  They are all a bit different, but each one is uplifting in its own soft and caring way.

             If you ever get a chance to hear Jack speak, on a recording, podcast, video, or live, you’ll be given the additional treat of being able to read everything after that in his voice.  It’s distinctive and enormously soothing.

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An Understanding

              We’ve talked about signs and symbols quite a bit here.  Today the Universe says that it’s time to discuss them again.

             But now, with some additional ……….

………..discernment.

             Like, how serious should we take them?  What do they mean, and are the definitions always the same?  Because, it might be different, each instance.  Almost every individual circumstance could have a singular and unique purpose or point.

             One thing to think about is that sometimes these messages may not even BE for us.   It’s entirely possible that this could be a situation where we’re supposed to pass along information.

              When in doubt, ask.  It takes no more than a few moments to sit down, become still and quiet, and listen.  Listen with an open and easy mind.  Listen and pay attention.

              When we allow our brains to rest and our hearts to hear, we are much better at understanding and discerning.

             Another very effective way to “hear” is to have some soothing or inspiring tunes playing while we turn our busy minds off.  And, how not at all coincidental, here’s this daily draw, appearing precisely where we need it to.

“Music for Manifesting  ~

‘To manifest rapidly, think of your desire while you chant, hum, sing, or play music.’

Music is a powerful ally on your spiritual path, as it serves to boost your manifestation powers.

Music is part of the invisible realm, and is of a higher frequency than that of the physical plane.  It wraps us in a protective shield to guard us from negative energies.  

It also lifts our emotions and thoughts to joyful levels.

By drawing this card, you are urged to play any type of music that suits your mood, as often as possible.  Move your body to the music, and breathe in deeply as you listen to it, drawing in the energy of each note.

Use music as a manifestation tool.  First, sit quietly and think of your desire.  Imagine that your dream has already come true, and feel that reality in your stomach as warmth, peace, excitement, or security.

Feel gratitude in your heart.  As you enjoy these feelings, begin to chant, hum, or sing.  This self-made music sends your manifestation into the ethers, where it coagulates into tangible reality!”

Today’s Deck:

Magical Mermaids And Dolphin Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue

Today’s Sharing:

is this view from my last Instagram post.

A family friend ended up with way too many blueberry plants last year, so he shared.

             These were moved out of their original containers, but are still in pots, I don’t want anything too permanent (we might move, maybe, it could happen).  Doesn’t seem to matter, here’s our first crop!  (I do love free food.)

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