The Hierophant

As I have seen, depending upon the author of the Tarot card deck that is being used this card has a few different names: The Hierophant, The Pope, The High Priest, or simply Faith.

img_20170212_122054

We see a man dressed in a robe and standing between two pillars indicating duality, in this case Spirit and Matter. The Hierophant is the bridge between the two. He is an older man indicating wisdom.

This card usually points to help from someone of trust, someone you look up to or hold in high regard. This doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a man, just a person you are comfortable with and trust, they have knowledge about a subject that you do not yet possess. They are a ‘seer’.

This could be a mentor, teacher or a religious figure of course!

In addition this card also refers to large institutions that have a set way of doing things such as hospitals, educational establishments, government offices, churches, banks or other large organizations where rules are set and carried out without question. In order to gain entrance to one of these establishments you must embrace their doctrine, their set of beliefs so as to obtain their education and enjoy the tradition. All these institutions have a set way of working, of thinking and sometimes it can be very hard to implement change, even when the change would do some good.

When viewing the card as The Priest, men have become priests for all sorts of reasons. Some because it of ambition, family pressure or tradition although that is not seen so much these days there are a few that still feel a calling to God and choose this as their profession.

How do you discover and connect with God? In my opinion to discover the Spiritual within you must go into the deep crevices of your own mind and really clear out the cobwebs to make clear what you believe, know or think you know. This can be a bit treacherous as you must make some uncomfortable confrontations with your own beliefs. Perhaps it is time that you need to review and start recreating your own personal awareness of God?

When this card comes up it in a reading it can indicate that you are following traditional values. However, have you truly stopped to think about these? What do they mean to you? Are they in alignment with your ideas and feelings? Or are you just following along because this is the dogma you were taught and not allowed to ask questions so as to obtain a deeper knowledge?

Perhaps it’s time to find a deeper meaning to life by exploring your spiritual matters. Many are born into a religion and follow this without ever a second thought to the orthodoxy of it. Those that accept this continue on their rigid pathway and are usually dismissive of new ideas and information. Do you still accept these beliefs? Or are new ideas or even questions about the custom now coming to mind? If so, now would be a good time to connect to someone who is open to your questions.

The wise and patient counselor, teacher, elder will embrace you with open arms making you comfortable to be in their presence. They will listen to you and give advice but not the answers to all your questions. The Hierophant knows that the answers to your truths will need to be unlocked by you so the gain of deeper knowledge comes to you of your own volition. It’s okay to rock the boat a bit, that’s how eyes are opened, including your own!

~Tradition is a guide and not a jailer. ~ W. Somerset Maugham

Blessings,

Tricia

The Emperor

img_20170205_000519_060

Just as the Empress is the depiction of the Mother in the Tarot, the Emperor is seen as the Father. We see a man on his throne watching over his children as they play. He looks to the distance pondering his future plans.

The astrological sign of Aries is apparent in the ram’s heads carved on the throne and the Emperor’s armor. Purple symbolizes royalty, his lack of weapons show his use of power, wisdom and experience to rule and keep the peace. The mountains behind him represent stability and foundation.

Traditionally the Father is seen as stricter, more remote, severe, authoritarian member of the family. He also depicts the rules of society, good and bad and the power that enforces them. Think stability, foundation of a society, of a family; the father of all his people: life and death, power of rule, law and order, the opening of creative energy in which to build a family or establish leadership.

In growing up we learn the rules of society that we must adhere to. We may still desire the comfort of The Empress, the mother figure who gives us comfort yet The Emperor shows us forging ahead with our own development in society.

When The Emperor shows up in a reading it can represent a person of great power. The Leader of the family or that of the people, a responsible balanced person. Wise, a kind ruler and loving father figure. Carefully considering options and plans for the future , the use of power and wisdom to rule and keep the peace instead of using weaponry.

The Emperor can also be yourself, your Father, boss, husband or lover. Some people treat their lover as their substitute father to whom they surrender control of their lives. Should this be your case you may need to redefine your territory, creating firm boundaries in order to maintain them unless of course, this is where you want to be?

Your own role within a group whether male or female if you are the leader, peacemaker, arbitrator.

Growth can turn into chaos and competition turns into conflict. Take a rational approach to issues, use less emotion and more logic. Maintain your concentration and focus, self-control.

Rules, stability & structure are important to your situation. If you are in a position of leadership, do your best to make decisions. Be sure you have a good plan and structure in place, without these everything may turn to chaos and no progress will be made.

You may need or crave more stability in your life. You may need to set limits on your own behavior so you can obtain your goals. Remember your own boundaries if you have trouble saying No when you need to. On the flip side you may be too structured & rigid, it’s okay to shake things up a little bit and not be so predictable.

Before you can control conditions, you must first control yourself. ~ Napoleon Hill

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

The Empress

picsart_01-22-07-49-50

Here we see a woman sitting on her throne, who is clearly pregnant indicating her fertility. Where the High Priestess indicated the mysterious and intuitive side of the feminine The Empress represents motherhood, love, and gentleness. She is the Mother Goddess full of emotion, passion and sensuality as well as sexuality.

She wears the stars as a halo representing the Zodiac, the 9 pearls around her neck are the 9 planets, and she is literally surrounded by the creation of the universe. The river behind her a life force, for we all need water to have life and for nature to continue on. It also symbolizes consistent change but stability as well. The river is always a river although the water contained within is different. The heart shaped shield next to her throne has the symbol of Venus, the Roman version of the Great Goddess.

In a reading The Empress represents growth, prosperity and fertility. Happy conclusions to matters and if you’ve been working hard and long at something, good rewards for all your efforts. Situations should come to fruition soon.

In addition The Empress is a card of passion but that of nurturing a pregnancy, birth, motherhood or creative work projects. Think of that project as your baby? You’re pregnant with new creative ideas and with The Empress in a reading, this project has a very good chance of being born!

Protect the children and loved ones in your life, nurture these relationship so they will continue to flourish. Get in touch with your feminine power, your sensual side. Connect with nature and find joy in creation and the rewards of potential fulfilled!

Beauty is a precious trace that eternity causes to appear to us and that it takes away from us. A manifestation of eternity, and a sign of death as well. ~ Eugene Ionesco

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

The High Priestess

img_20170115_073546_294

Here we see a woman sitting upon her throne. She is mystical, wise, compelling, elegant and intuitive. With her cat by her side she holds in her hands a scroll and blooming sage, both signifying wisdom. We see the sky above her while the moon and starts are at her feet showing her centered and neutral.

As a Priestess we see the reintroduction of the female principle into religion and cosmology, thus stepping away from The Magician. When thinking of a Priest we generally think man, not woman. Men have been the dominant role in religion for ages depicting such qualities of being beyond reach, seen as unapproachable, callous, emphasizing sin, punishment and judgement. Men are also seen as active, strict, rugged and of a logical mind.

As a woman the High Priestess shows qualities of love and mercy. In addition she represents a deeper and subtle aspect of females, the mysteries and secrets that we have are kept hidden. To men women may seem mysterious, passive and non-action oriented.

People have a tendency to link passivity with a negative view, such as inferiority and weakness. Yet when we are passive and not in constant action we give ourselves the opportunity to ‘go within’ and connect with our own self on a deeper spiritual and intuitive level. It is this withdrawal from the outside world and all that we are involved in on a daily basis that allows our inner voice to come to the surface so we may hear that still small voice emerge. Many people stay busy so as not to hear this inner voice. However, this passivity can bring to the surface hidden wisdom from within ourselves, our heart, and our soul.

This is the message of the High Priestess, to go within yourself. You have secrets and potential that wish to become known.

Today in our society we seem to be in a constant rush with very little time, if any to connect to our own self on a truly spiritual level. Sure, lots of people go to Church on a weekly basis, but how often do you find yourself in the middle of service thinking, “Oh I wish this would hurry up, I have things to do!” The High Priestess symbolizes taking time to connect within, of learning on a different level.

There is a mystery of life, of which we can obtain knowledge when we take the time to be still. Yet, it is at these times when we are still that our fears come to the surface, when these do so we are given the opportunity to face them which gives to us a new sense of wisdom and beauty. This passive withdrawal and contemplation gives to us time to allow that which we have shut down and hidden in the dark recesses of our mind to awaken. These mysteries and secrets of self and sometimes other matters are the message of the High Priestess.

Trust your intuition and instincts, you have potential that you have not yet explored or perhaps has yet to be fulfilled. Gain your balance, become neutral so upon looking again at your situation you may see something that you missed previously. Once you have your realization, then take action or the potential will not be realized. Pay attention to your dreams, they too may be trying to tell you something!

In a man’s love/relationship reading this can represent a woman that he is very attracted to. She can be of a Spiritual nature, intuitive, creative, sexy, feminine, intoxicating … but you might not be able to have her!?

Look at Spiritual matters in a different way, talk to people who have beliefs different than your own. Get out of your comfort zone, you may learn something new about yourself in the process.

Every intelligent individual wants to know what makes him tick, and yet is at once fascinated and frustrated by the fact that oneself is the most difficult of all things to know. – Alan Watts

Blessings to you on your Journey,

Tricia

The Magician

Here in the West we tend to see Magicians as tricksters or manipulators. Someone that may make a deal in order to gain personal power. Or, back in the days of the old, old west of one that would sell you some snake oil guaranteed to ease all your ailments.

My view is far different as I believe we are all Magicians, but not in the trickster or charlatan type of way. Why is this?

I feel that we are becoming more aware of our own Personal Power. This is the Perfect Power within, our Spirit. And the best part is nobody can take it away from you, of course unless you let them. Or … you don’t know you even have this in you. (Those New Year’s resolutions come to mind here!)

picsart_01-08-09-56-45

As we look at this card we see a man in a robe standing before an altar where the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water are all represented. He is bathed in a bright light, the link between the heavens and the earth to bring forth the manifestation of matter. He draws the infinity symbol, representing infinite possibilities. The number One indicates creative potential and power, the beginning. By combining Personal Power with the natural elements he creates magic through the sheer force of his will.

The beautiful roses above The Magician show the emotional and creative power in our lives that need to be balanced and grounded so we can get value from it. Such as the rose that blooms effortlessly, we too will bloom where we are planted and effortlessly so, if we open up to the opportunities that lie within us.

Looking at the position of The Magician’s hands we see the one with the wand drawing the infinity symbol while the other points down towards the earth. This is representative of balance. Be open to Spirit which is in the Heavens so that you may bring down the infinite possibilities, opportunities and make them manifest into reality here on earth.

We often think of our dreams and heartfelt desires as being ‘up, out there, far out, wish upon a star’ type of thing and wanting them to come down to earth, to be grounded in reality. Think of it as grasping those possibilities and opportunities with your wand and channeling them down into reality here on earth. In order to do so we much engage with our Spirit.

By engaging with our Spirit we gain inspiration. This word when broken down: in-spirit-ion. Here we have the ‘in’ or ‘on’ prefix – spirit – and the suffix of –ion which means ‘to create’. When we have inspiration we are creating ‘In Spirit’.

This inspiration, the first actual step to finding the power within to begin your Journey. The Fool gave us the idea of starting something new while The Magician is the actual first step taken, our first action taken towards this something new that we have decided to manifest.

At times in our life we have feelings of great power which we enjoy and want to hold on to. However, when we hold on to them they seem to dissipate even faster. By holding on too tightly we are blocking the channels for more to come into our life. By remaining open minded The Magician receives in one hand, the hand held up to the heavens while the other hand directs, the hand pointed towards the earth where it is released into reality.

How are your New Year Resolutions holding up now that we are one week into this New Year of 2017? Some are probably coming along beautifully while others are already on the back burner. This is where you need to become the Magician.

How do you do this?

Gain your inspiration from above and connect with your Spirit. Find and harness your will-power, use it to manifest that which you desire here on earth in your life. It means taking your will-power and channeling it, releasing it in the specific direction you wish it to go.

Do you have a friend or know someone who always seems to get what they want in life? It’s because they are a Magician. They are directing their energy. Both their will-power and success come from their conscious use of their own Personal Power which is available to everyone. You have it in you, it’s up to you to use it. It is up to you to act upon it!

Act or react? Most people rarely act, they react to the events of their life. Meaning, their life happens TO them, they are not making their life as they go about living. The Magician tells us we have this power to create, to live an inspired life. Stop being knocked from one experience to the next.

Take action in your life! Take control of your own Personal Power, reclaim your inspiration, and direct your strength and will-power to the condition in which you want it to go. You can make your dreams come true, but you need to become The Magician. The Power is within you!

Remember: Act, don’t react!

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

2016, Goodbye …

hand-1105331_640

As I sit here in the Bistro on New Year’s Eve contemplating the events of 2016, the past 10 years come to mind.

Lots of changes.

See, I believe we live out several lifetimes within our one lifetime. So, the first few years of your life are one lifetime, then perhaps the next 5 years a separate lifetime or perhaps 15 years, depending on what lessons need to be learned. And, should it be a necessary part of our development we will start over again with another life in order to learn that which we still can’t quite grasp. Or we come again, to fulfill a soul contract by helping another to learn that which they need to.

I feel I am starting a new Journey, the beginning of a new lifetime in 2017. Previously I was everything everyone else wanted me to be. Now I am who I Am but more importantly, who I want to be. I look forward to blossoming even more. The Ram awoke from her slumber.

This year of 2016 has of course been one of endings and new beginnings. But more so a year of putting myself back together again after a tremendous amount of struggle and strain. This past decade I have seen a new life lost as well as that of an old life, new beginnings and endings of loves and lovers too, where only memories remain. Three beautiful souls separated then brought together for short times again and again, and again.

One of the lessons I have learned in this past decade: I AM Strong. I have a ridiculous amount of tenacity with strength of soul, mind and character. Of this I credit my Mother, who always pushed me to be more, do more and never give up. Nothing was ever good enough for her, and I say that in the most loving way. My Mother the Virgo was indeed, a perfectionist. And her love for me was indeed, perfect. And through her love I gained my Strength.

A couple years after two little souls were distanced from me, she gave me one of the most powerful compliments: “You have a Strength I do not know, for I could have not done that. You are far stronger than you know daughter.”

Mom, was right.

Going forward into 2017, I know her Spirit is with and within me, guiding me on my new Journey.

When we are relaxed time dissolves as we are present, centered and at peace. We change the outside view of where we are.

I feel Peace again, and Joy. A feeling of rejuvenation, anticipation, excitement and passion. I am grateful for these.

And now I say to you: Accept where you are without judgement. Let go of the past, let go of that which no longer serves you. Go forward in Faith, Love and Strength this New Year.

May it be one of the best years of your life!

Tricia

The Fool …

Our life is a Journey and over the next weeks we’ll take a Journey with the Tarot.

Why is the Tarot a helpful tool in our life?

The Tarot’s Major Arcana is in itself a Journey, a sequence of events beginning with the Fool and ending with The World. This is similar to our own life Journey where we start off new and go thru the different stages of life, sometimes repeating certain paths and experiences until we ‘get it right’ and then finally at the end where we feel on top of The World.

Our Journey with the Tarot starts off with The Fool.

picsart_12-26-12-53-44

Everything in life starts with a new adventure. This is what our life Journey is about as every day brings opportunity for a new opportunities. Of course, this is totally up to you. Do you open the front door and dare take a step outside or do you stay inside where you know it is safe, warm and comfortable but also stagnant?

When starting off on your Journey it is best to not make all the decisions about your path, or have assumptions about how every single detail will be. Sure, it’s good to visualize but as we know on any Journey surprises come up and it’s best to have an open mind about how to deal with them.

The Fool comes up in a reading when it’s time to start something completely new, follow your Bliss, let go and try something different. This could be a new relationship, new job, an innovative business opportunity. It’s time to dare yourself, be more open-minded and enjoy the ride. Take that chance, that leap of faith which has seemed daunting to you. It is time! Open the door, take that step outside and feel the beautiful sunlight on your face.

Scared? Remember that starting something new can result in joy, adventure, excitement and with courage the opportunity to keep going even when the going gets tough. You can always pick yourself up and start again. With these ‘tools’ you’ve obtained new knowledge, peace and liberation which you are taking with you on your Journey in the bag at the end of your wand. Your passion, innocence, trust, love for yourself and purity of spirit are represented by the rose, with your happy leaping dog as your companion representing loyalty and primal instincts, now you’re ready to go forth on your new Journey.

Be confident and bold, take that step outside into the unknown as there is a big wide world just waiting for you!

“As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it. “ ~Chanakya

Many blessings on your New Journey!

Tricia

There’s that DEATH card, now what?

20161210_175612

In my last post I mentioned the Death card. Does this mean that you or someone else is actually going to die?

And what if the Devil card shows up? Does it mean that Tarot and Oracle cards are kind of an evil thing? Is this the “devil’s work”? Am I possessed? Are you going to be possessed?

My answer is no, not at all. If you read my last post I wrote about how Hollywood will portray the Tarot in such a light that it is unbecoming. A lot of it comes down to this negative portrayal in the movies & other media or via personal religious teachings that have been handed down. Recently I had a woman that liked my business name & asked what it was that I did. After I told her she let me know in no uncertain terms that I was probably going to hell for reading the cards. I’ve known this woman for many years and I respect her opinion, although I do not agree with it.

The Tarot are paper cards with images on them, as are Oracle cards. Tarot cards are a set of 78 cards with images that I would equate to our life journey, while Oracle cards can have a various number of cards in the set with images of butterflies, animals, and even angels just to name a few.

So, while we’re at it take out a dollar bill or even a Benjamin if you’ve got one in your wallet. What is that? A piece of paper with an image on it.

What gives it value? Plain and simple, you do.

And just as you give something value, I give a reading value. I love to help people. This is my professional business and I treat it as such.

There probably are some Tarot readers that are all doom and gloom going after the whole Hollywood shtick. That’s not me, I always try to read in the positive as my desire is to help others. The Tarot just happens to be my ‘vehicle’ for doing so. Other people are musicians, teachers, athletic coaches; it is about bringing joy while helping someone thru your work. To help others achieve a higher level of accomplishment in their life, that’s what I aim to do with my intuitive readings. If we as individuals can achieve more clarification, more education, and more direction on our life journey, we’re making some awesome progress. And our life will be much more meaningful, joyful and productive as a result!

So that Death card, does it mean someone is going to die? No. It does mean a big change and transition; an ending before a new beginning can start, of which we have many during our lifetime. Stop hanging onto things that no longer serve you. This could mean a relationship, that closet full of clothes that you don’t wear, the job that is going nowhere. Think of it as a butterfly just about to emerge out of the cocoon, which is major change and transformation.

What about the Devil? This means that something is holding you back, most likely fear which is something that you have in your mind holding you hostage. The “Oh I can’t do this, I’m not good enough” thoughts that rattle around in your brain. You may be overindulging in something that isn’t very good for you, an addiction of sorts: sex, drugs, food or liquor. It can also mean a passionate relationship or an improving sex-life, doesn’t necessarily mean a good one though. Or maybe you need to throw caution to the wind and live it up a little bit! As always the meanings need to be read in accordance to the other cards in the spread.

What about the Sun? Does that mean you need to apply more sunscreen? Well it’s probably not a bad idea for me here in the high mountains of Colorado! But, the Sun does mean to let your true self shine and share your inner light with others! Perhaps others need the sunscreen & some sunglasses, you’re so bright, shiny and happy that they will need it! Things should be going very well for you, success at last. No clouds are blocking your view, you can see clearly now.

Hopefully this little post will help to give you a different outlook on the Tarot as we shined a little light on things with the help of the Sun. And if Tarot is not for you, that’s okay too as I respect you.

Many blessings!

Tricia img_20161012_202459

Next up … how about we go on a little Journey together, of meaning??

About the Tarot

picsart_12-10-06-07-09

Several years ago I was watching a movie and the background music starts to get intense, the two main characters are waiting for the fortune-teller to give them the outcome to their question and the card is DEATH! The two main characters look at each other with fear in their eyes! Does that mean someone is going to die? Are they going to die? What does this mean?!?

What if the Magician card would have been pulled? Does that mean someone put a spell on characters in the movie? What if it were the Sun, does that mean they are going to burn to death or they really need to start using more sunscreen? What about the Star or the Moon?

I had always been interested in the Tarot but had never had a reading done for myself. Living in a secluded town in southern Colorado this wasn’t something openly available to me. When I would see the Tarot used in the movies, these were some of the questions that popped into my mind. It made me wonder: is Hollywood making a mountain out of a molehill for the sake of selling a movie? Why are they portraying the Tarot like this? In the movies why are these little cards with pictures on them always portrayed as ‘bad’? Are there any ‘good cards’? If so, what are they? What do those mean? Why do some people get so freaked out about this?

It makes me wonder what the rest of you think when you see the Tarot used in the movies or displayed elsewhere. I have been reading Tarot for 8 years now and wanted to share my love of it and knowledge with you.

Playing cards were developed in China around the 9^th century. The early Tarot cards are thought to have originated in Egypt during the 11^th century. Some of the oldest cards date back to Italy during the mid-15^th century to play such games as Italian tarocchini and French Tarot. By 1791 the first Tarot deck was dedicated to divination.

Divination, what is this? The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown, prophecy, perception by intuition, instinctive foresight, following your gut.

How often do you trust or even listen to your gut instinct, your intuition? As humans we are master rationalizers. We have a tendency to see things as black or white with little grey area in-between. This grey area is usually the creative solution, our gut instinct, our intuition. That “inner voice” which is telling us to do something but we can’t rationalize just why we should. Acknowledging this hunch, this gut instinct seems a little, well … far out.

We all have intuition, yet we are taught reason and rationalization from a young age. Our brain will edit, censure and resist some of the data if certain emotions are triggered.

Your own spiritual beliefs and life perspective come into play with divination and your intuition. Were you taught: THIS is just how it IS. Or were you taught to see ALL SIDES of a situation and be open minded?

Sometimes it’s not about knowing, it’s about faith & revelation. As we go thru life, it’s all a mystery. Truly we don’t know what is going to happen from one day to the next, and we believe, we have Faith that we will have a tomorrow. We can look back upon past memories and current experiences which dictate how we will make our choices, yet the future is the unknown. Sure we can plan for the future like someone that plans for retirement and deposits money into their 401k. It is our present choices that make our future. If you’re not saving up for retirement well guess you’ll be a working stiff?!

Tarot readings give a deep inside look into the things we keep hidden, the things we don’t want to acknowledge. A reading can illuminate your past, clarify your present and show you the future to come that is being defined by your present choices and decisions. Readings are not meant to give you a specific Yes or No answer but the opportunity to raise your consciousness and your own intuition to a higher level. For most it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences.

Alan Alda said, “At times you have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”

How do you tap into your intuition? And, what about that Death card that I mentioned at the beginning of this post? What does it mean? And what about the Magician or the Sun? I’ll hit those up in my next blog post, until then!

Many Blessings!

Tricia