September 2015 Harvest Blood Moon Tarot Reading

Upon us is the Harvest Moon, but it's not just any Harvest Moon. It is also a Blood Moon, and we will not experience another one like it for another 18 years. (see What you need to know about the lunar eclipse).

The Harvest Moon is celebrated among many pagan traditions. It symbolizes the full moon at harvest time that allow farmers to work late into the night harvesting their crops for the winter.

Both the full moon and the lunar eclipse are seen as times ripe for intuitive awareness, psychic ability, healing magic and rituals, developing spiritual skills, and connecting with emotions. During the full moon we often feel more deeply and more committed to things, so this is an ideal time to think about strengthening our convictions or relationships.

The Harvest Moon is also nearing the beginning of the new year on the Wheel of the Year, thus it is often seen as time of reflection about life and the new year.

Blood Moon Tarot Reading:

Because this tarot reading is directly connected to the power of the moon, I spent time outside while the moon was high in the sky, drawing energy from it and asking the moon to guide us in intuition and awareness. 

The evening was crisp and cool, though not yet cold, and filled with little water droplets and dew upon every surface. The sky was overcast with swift moving clouds, but the moon, nearing his fullness (in just over 24 hours), peaked out to a time or two. 

I shuffled the cards beneath the moon, then drew 3 cards to signify the path we all should ponder: 

The Issue We are Facing: 

Seven of Stones * Healing

We all need healing in some form or another. Perhaps you have been physically ill, or perhaps you have suffered a devastating blow in one of your relationships. Whatever it may be, it would do us well during this Blood Moon to take stock of the ways in which we are in need of healing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

The goal here is not to necessarily do the healing at this moment, or even to know how we will heal in this moment, but to understand what it is we need to heal. For if we do not know what is broken, we cannot find a way to fix it.

Keeping a journal is a good first step to identifying problems in your life. As is taking time for reflection and introspection. If you can, tell someone close to you what you feel needs healing in your life. Send out your call to the universe that you are in need of help, and in what ways.

Just remember, take this time for identification. You can figure out how the healing will happen at a later time.

The Action We Should Avoid: 

The Great Bear

During this Harvest Moon, the Great Bear is telling us to remember the laws of the universe, that whatever we send out into the world will be returned to us. Karma, if you will. 

Assess the situations around you and those you are a part of, but do not judge others too harshly. Remember that we all fight our own battles. Remember that forgiveness can provide grand healing in and of itself. 

But sometimes in order to heal we must walk away, and in those times, remember to do so without causing harm. 

If you are performing healing our using your intuition, make sure it you are not trying to manipulate others against their will. Healers may be able to transmit positive emotions and energy, but without the person's participation in the process there is only so much we can do. Make sure that you are giving others room to do their own healing, otherwise you are just trying to manipulate the situation.

The Action We Should Take:

The Archer

After you have taken stock of what needs healing in your life, it's time to ready your "bow". Spend still more time in reflection of what healing it is you need to do, then take plenty of time to decide why and how you will do it. 

Remember, during the Harvest Blood Moon is an ideal time to use your intuition to guide you along this path. The answers to your healing are within you. Your intuition may guide you to the right spiritual person or helper, or to your own healing or spiritual practice. 

Do things that deepen your intuition. Do things that inspire you. Use your imagination as much as possible to envision how it is you will heal yourself so that you can be as vibrant and healthy a human being as possible. 

Like the Archer, do whatever it is you need to do to be poised, confident, and ready for action.

~

Thank you for reading this Harvest Blood Moon Tarot Reading. I hope it has helped you along your journey and inspired you to take advantage of the power of this year's Harvest Moon. 

A Brief Manifesto of my Pantheistic Beliefs

As I'm sure this will become on many occasions in the future, I am using this blog at this time as a treasury for my thoughts on certain subjects. Today I have been quite engrossed in exploring some of my beliefs about "God", life, love, nature, and the universe.

In the very recent past, my beliefs about such subjects have slowly evolved to something quite different from the beliefs I had before. I use to embrace a very typical Christian belief system, but the questions about this belief system just kept piling up and I wasn't finding the answers I was looking for. The traditional church and the modern church both left me disillusioned as they preached love and light but their actions toward people of various backgrounds, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and opinion were anything but. I could no longer stand the double standards, the oppression of doubters, the greed and pride, and so on.

This led me to step away from the church environment and do some investigating of my own. To learn for myself, from a variety of teachers and theologians, first in alternative Christian circles and then from other religions. It was at this time that I was also finishing up my first semester of my Psychology degree. All of my college courses opened up an entirely new world to me, one that shook the foundation of everything I had ever been taught.

Which takes us to the place and time when I currently write this. I have found a word that I think describes part of what I believe. And these beliefs did not come about from what someone has told me, but from a feeling deep within myself and a desire to draw healing from and commune with nature as a spiritual practice.

The word is...

Pantheism

And while it's still a new study for me, it is not a new practice. I could best describe myself as a pantheistic as a child. I have always felt that I was one with the nature around me and that I was part of something larger than myself. Part of a "Great Spirit" if you will that was not somewhere far off in the heavens, but that penetrated the fiber of my very being and the being of everything around me. I also as a child felt a connection with animals and plants.

Pantheism best describes how I currently view the world and nature, other people, animals, and plants. This way of thinking, that everything is of equal reverence, spiritual importance, and all is sacred, changes the way you live. It changes the way you view your fellow human beings. All of them, not just the ones you agree with. It allows the rest of existence to live freely without your judgement, but also allows you to command respect within that existence. It allows you to be revered, respected, and called sacred, just as much as any other being.

Perhaps one of my favorite quotes so far is this about women and equality within religions...

"Womankind is half of the human world, but most importantly, women are the peaceful ones, and in this new era, it is the most peaceful ones who will bring ultimate harmony.... We can hope that communication and knowledge will change the old ways of narrowmindedness among religions. We can hope that spiritual leadership roles will be equally represented among all ways. Reaching such goals presents a strong challenge for spiritual women, both Indian and non-Indian." - Mother Earth Spirituality by Marie and Ed McGaa

I know this post is a bit of a spew of my thoughts. It's supposed to me. But, I leave you with what is a good description of my current beliefs:

That all nature and the cosmos are ultimately one, that we share the same spiritual fiber and are wholly interconnected. That to be divine and to reach the divine is to tap into the powers of that natural world. That all spiritual practice and experience is part of the natural order. That we encompass our role within the world and the universe, and our actions and communion with it will influence it's destiny.

Legends of the Fall Facebook Cover Image

I thought some of my fellow Cancerians and INFPs would appreciate this Legends of the Fall facebook cover image.

If you haven't seen Legends of the Falll, I highly recommend this movie written by Jim Harrison. It's beautiful, sad, romantic, and poetic. The soundtrack is absolutely amazing as well.

A Blue Jay Watching Me - Animal Spirit Lessons

This evening I was sitting out on my front porch just enjoying the beautiful weather. The air had almost a Spring feel to it, even though it's the beginning of July here. It was crisp and fresh, and absolutely exhilarating.

As I was enjoying my porch swing a blue jay perched on my neighbor's fence and seemed to be looking at me. He sat there for several minutes and then flew off for a bit. As I was sitting, a robin was hopping around across the street and eventually came to sit on the tree in my front yard. I thought about what the blue jay's visit meant, and as I was pondering he came back again. Only this time he lingered, he stared, and we were locked into each other's gaze for a good 5-10 minutes. He just seemed very interested in me, and I feel he had a message for me.

I promptly looked up the blue jay animal totem:



"
If Jay has flown into your life;

Jay teaches lessons of adaptation to any situations and learning quickly with a high intelligence. He gives access to memories long forgotten and shows how to assimilate them into awareness. He demonstrates risk taking, seizing opportunities and discovering new avenues for exploration. He will show the power of intelligence and fortitude balanced with discreet silence and utmost patience in timing. Bold and inquisitive Jay has a penchant for investigating, adapting and learning new ideas and concepts. His creative intelligence uncovers sacred interconnections with all things. Mental growth aids spiritual growth. The energy centers of the head may become activated due to the increase of new spiritual knowledge."

So, what message do I think he had for me personally? Well, I think he is telling me to really pay attention to how people act and what they do and to use my past experiences and intuition to discern their true self. 

My recent experiences in a relationship blinded me. I didn't want to believe that this person was as bad as my intuition was telling me, but it turns out he was exactly that and worse. 

I think the blue jay was telling me that my intuition should not be blinded by my like for someone, something I know but did not practice in this instance. I'm thankful that I figured it out before my dealing with this person went any further. 

The blue jay is encouraging me to be more bold, to have more confidence in my self and who I am, what I know, and where I am going in life. To use my strong mind in coordination with my empathic and intuitive abilities and do not go blind into situation. To take advantage of circumstances but do not rush into things that could leave me trapped. To be ready to take flight with boldness out of a situation as quickly as I landed in it. 

The Intuitive Empath, Plus Other Empathic Types

I found this article about the Intuitive Empath very helpful today. Here's a snippet and the link.

"There are subtypes of each of these empaths. A manifestive empath can create their own reality and infuse the reality of others. An intuitive empath can sense and feel the feelings of others. A healing empath can absorb the energy of others to facilitate healing. A spiritual empath can sense how in tune other are with their god. A precognitive empath can predict various outcomes. A telepathic empath can recognize thoughts as well as feelings. A judgment empath can distinguish truth and lies. A seer empath will be able to understand not just the cause of emotions, but where they manifest. There are rarer forms of empaths as well: a molecular empath that blends auras, an animal empath that communicates with animals, a shaman empath that communes with nature, and a universal empath that possesses all the traits. "

https://blog.udemy.com/intuitive-empath/

My Empathic Traits:

As per the article, here are the empathic traits that I know I possess...

Intuitive Empath - can sense and feel the feelings of others

Precognitive Empath - can predict various outcomes

Telepathic Empath - can recognize thoughts as well as feelings (in some cases)

Judgment Empath - distinguish truth and lies

Shaman Empath - communes with nature (this has been less developed since childhood)

Incubus Facebook Cover Image

I love the watery lyrics of Incubus. I thought some of my fellow Cancerians and INFPs would appreciate this Incubus facebook cover image.

When a Scorpio Sweeps a Cancer off Her Feet

Cancers have a difficult time staying rooted in their own truth. At times, their feelings carry them on a whim and they are never quite sure of the destination. Cancers, if mature, enjoy this journey if they can control their worries and anxieties. However, as much as they enjoy being carried away, they may not be quite prepared the first time a Scorpio steps into their world. 

Scorpios have an intensity about the deep roots of life that is unmatched by any sign in the Zodiac. They try to release this passion and intensity slowly to the person of their interest. They know that their intensity can scare people. They try to mask it, finding out as much as they can about their new friend or love interest, feeling out the other person to see if they can handle what the Scorpio can dish out.

The problem is that Cancers can intuit this depth and intensity more than any other sign in the Zodiac. Both signs sense the depth and mystery of the other upon their first meeting, but the mystery and awe only grow as they get to know each other more. Cancer understands that depth because they possess a personal depth as well that is rarely revealed to the outside world. They are more open about the fact that they are deep than Scorpio, but they never fully divulge. But Cancer, being uniquely intuitive like the Scorpio, picks up on the subtle cues that much more lies beneath the Scorpio's surface actions. 

It may take some time for Scorpio to realize that Cancer is on to them. They know that they possess the power to keep themselves under wraps, but the fact that Cancer can sense the depths of them, Scorpio is intrigued by the prospect of someone who can understand this intimate part of themselves. 

The Scorpio's reaction to Cancer's "knowing" depends on their maturity. An immature Scorpio will become suspicious and reactive, afraid of being found out, which can be dangerous. But the mature Scorpio will take the time to investigate and feel out the Cancer to determine their trustworthiness, and they may be delighted to have found a true soulmate, one that will take the Scorpio's sense of loyalty seriously. If the Scorpio decides to do so, they can dutifully take on the task of "teaching" the perfect soulmate, and as long as the Cancer senses that the Scorpio cares about them deeply and will still allow them a sense of independence and self, will happily take on the role of faithful pupil.

But the process of Scorpio's induction into their world can be unnerving to the Cancer. They may worry constantly about how the Scorpio really feels about them. They will do enough testing of their own to find out. It will bother them that the Scorpio has secrets that they haven't told them. An insecure Cancer will likely not be able to handle this. They may whine and interrogate, and try to manipulate the Scorpio into giving in, which will displease the Scorpio greatly and likely cause the Scorpio to lash out and leave the relationship. 

How Cancers can Manage in a Relationship with a Scorpio

In order to survive in a relationship with a Scorpio, the Cancer will need to maintain a strong sense of self. Cancer always has a strong self, they just have such a strong need for love and acceptance that they will bend it temporarily to fit their partner. This ultimately turns out to be unhealthy for the Cancer, and they both partners can become bitter when months into the relationship the Cancer's true nature comes to surface. 

Cancer would be wise to show their good traits in the beginning, but to always be true to themselves. In relationship with a Scorpio, Cancer needs to be mature enough to speak up when they feel genuinely hurt, but they need to be able to do it in such a way that does not appear whiny or manipulative. Scorpio is caring and wants to please their partner, and will dutifully meet the Cancer's needs if they sense the Cancer's loyalty and respect. 

Cancer needs to stay grounded in this relationship. When the Cancer finds itself obsessing over what Scorpio may be thinking or feeling, they would do well to throw themselves into hobbies that will occupy their mind or spiritual practices that will give them perspective and remind them of their need for personal fulfillment. 

The biggest mistake that a Cancer can make is look for all of their personal fulfillment in the Scorpio. The Scorpio will never be available enough for an immature Cancer that has not explored it's own independence. Cancer needs to prove to Scorpio that they can find the deepest intimacy with them, and that Scorpio can release them alone into the world alone for awhile without having to constantly worry about them. 

Quick Tips for the Cancer:

- Go on lots of nature walks and self reflect

- Don't get so caught up in the mystery of Scorpio that you neglect the other parts of your personal growth

- Prove to Scorpio that you are on your own spiritual journey (Scorpio will be intrigued, wondering if you know something they don't)

- Never be too available for Scorpio, let them work a little to spend time with you

- Have your own hobbies and interests. Scorpio will find your independence sexy

- Show interest in the Scorpio's life and interests, but never pry

- Never act too coy. Both of you can sense the other's depth, and Scorpio will get annoyed if you always avert his questions. He wants to know you, he wants you to bare your soul to him a little at a time

- Don't let the Scorpio disrespect you on a physical, mental, or spiritual level. He will try, even just to test you. He may lose respect for you if you lose respect for yourself.