VAMPIRE TAROT, Final Draw -- Happy Halloween!

Our final draw from the Vampire Tarot is the Knight of Knives or Knight of Swords in the Rider-Waite tarot. Knights are generally thought to represent young men in their teens or early 20s, but they don't have to represent only men. They can also represent women with the same energy. Knights are young people with a lot of drive, enthusiasm and energy. They are kind of like "sophomores" in the school of life ... they have a bit of knowledge behind them, but still have a few lessons to learn before they reach the level of master.

Knives or Swords are all about our thoughts, beliefs, and the way we communicate those thoughts and beliefs. This card indicates a possibly aggressive, adept, energetic thinker. He is someone who enjoys debating and getting his point across, even to the point of offending others at times. We can encounter someone like this today or we need to be aware of channeling this energy in our own lives. Always remember that words can cut just as effectively as a sword ... and words can hurt. Be careful with your words today but don't be afraid to express yourself either. Just make sure to think of how your words will affect someone before you speak.

Thanks for joining me on my journey with the Vampire Tarot. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 15 -- King of Stakes

The King of Stakes corresponds to the King of Wands in the Rider-Waite tarot. Wands are all about passion, fire, creativity, inspiration, energy, and action. Kings are the rulers of their suits. The King of Wands rules all of the fiery attributes. He is the ultimate doer, achiever, and inspiration. He is fiery, sexy, magnetic, attractive, and adventurous. He fears nothing and has the utmost confidence in himself. If he sets out to do something, nothing can stop him. He's a natural life coach.

Robert M Place has chosen composer Franz Liszt to represent the King of Stakes in his Vampire Tarot. Liszt was one of the most famous and accomplished pianists of all time. He was a fiery, romantic, creative, passionate man. This card is telling us we may encounter such a magnetic person today .... or that we can also radiate that fiery energy. Embrace your artistic, creative side today ... let your ideas flow. Don't be afraid to be dynamic! Unleash that inner virtuoso and let people see your passionate side.

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 14 -- Seven of Stakes

The Seven of Stakes corresponds to the Seven of Wands in the Rider-Waite tarot. Wands are a suit all about inspiration, passion, energy, and action. In the Rider-Waite version of the card, we see a lone figure standing on top of a hill trying to ward off an assault by several people. He is defending his territory, standing his ground.

In the Vampire Tarot version of this card, we see a more personal, direct attack taking place. A Bela Lugosi-style Dracula has a victim in his clutches who is looking very overwhelmed, terrified, and helpless. The Count looks just about to administer his cursed bite but not before locking eyes with his victim as if he wants to let him know just how helpless he really is before he completely overpowers him. The vampire is obviously enjoying his sense of power here.

From the Vampire Tarot book:

This card represents anger and aggression. It is an argument in which one side tries to overpower the other, rather than a debate in which the goal is to find the truth. 

You could find yourself in a power struggle or major difference of opinion with someone today. We should never allow anyone to overpower us or try to convince us of something we don't agree with simply because we feel intimidated, or because we feel it will make our lives more convenient, or because we feel that the other person is more "important" than us. If something is vital to you, it is essential to stand your ground. Any relationship or situation that tries to force you into doing something against your will is not worth having and will ultimately be destructive to you in the end.

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 13 -- Nine of Garlic Flowers

Ah, sunshine at last! :) This card is a nice switch from the rather gloomy cards we've been getting lately. The Nine of Garlic Flowers corresponds to the Nine of Pentacles in the Rider-Waite which is a card all about prosperity, abundance, luxury, and reaping the rewards of your hard work. The Nine of Pentacles is one of my favourite cards in the Rider-Waite:

The woman in this card is living the good life. She holds a hawk on one gloved hand which suggests great privilege. In medieval times, hawking was a sport reserved for royalty or the very wealthy. She may not be actual royalty but the message is clear enough: she wants for nothing. Lush purple grapes are bursting off the bushes in her garden and a pile of pentacles surrounds her. The abundance suggested in this card doesn't only relate to material concerns like money and home ... it can also signify complete confidence and security in yourself, your choices, and the course of your life.

The Vampire Tarot version of this card shows radiant sunlight beaming down on a lush green field from the window of a dark room. It suggests that we are coming out of a somewhat dark period and entering a bright new phase. Even if only for a moment, this is a welcome relief from the way a lot of us have felt lately ... mired down by earthly concerns, stresses, and worries. Enjoy this bright, sunny time!

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 12 -- Queen of Knives

We have had our first repeat draw ... the Queen of Knives came up for us earlier in these draws on Day 3. You can go to that blog entry to see the reading for that day.

Since she has reappeared, it indicates that her energy is lingering for us at this time. Queens are generally thought to represent women in their 40s. They also represent the female pinnacle of their suit. The Queen of Knives (or Queen of Swords in the Rider-Waite tarot) is stereotypically thought of as "Queen Bitch". I remember a tarot teacher saying that she thought of the Queen of Swords as the bitch card because she is known for telling it like it is and having little patience with people of lesser intelligence or people who don't share her high standards. However this teacher also pointed out the narrowness of this view. Yes, the Queen of Swords is an exceptionally intelligent woman with a gifted and sharp mind, but the sword cuts both ways. She is also the Queen of mental struggle and pain.

We can see this more vulnerable aspect of her psyche clearly in this illustration of the Queen of Knives. She is holding a mistletoe, the classic symbol of love, and her eyes look very wounded. Her heart has been broken. Perhaps she has suffered several heartbreaks and although she has gained much wisdom from those experiences, she hasn't gained much happiness from them. She has taken some hard knocks and although she is wiser for it, that wisdom has taken its toll on the way she sees the world. Very often she doesn't see it as a hospitable place so she protects herself with her intellect. Her intelligence is her armor and she can sometimes come across as harsh and bitchy when really she is just trying to ward off further pain.

If you have had your heart broken, try not to dwell on it. Sometimes we nurse our wounds and even make them a part of our identity. Doing this will only draw more heartbreak toward you. Sometimes relationships work out, sometimes they don't ... but we can't let the ones that don't work affect all future relationships.

Protect yourself, choose lovers and friends wisely, but don't cut yourself off from human contact out of an obsessive need for self protection. We can never avoid ALL pain. Sometimes it takes us by surprise but it can't debilitate us unless we let it.

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 11 -- Six of Knives

The Six of Knives corresponds to the Six of Swords in the Rider-Waite tarot which depicts a woman and small child sitting in a small boat with an oarsman about to push them away from shore. The woman is depicted cloaked and we see her from behind. She seems to emit a wounded, vulnerable energy, as if she is someone who has been through some difficult times.

The Six of Swords is about getting away from a bad situation. It's about having been through some mental conflicts or strife and realizing the need to remove yourself from that situation. The Six of Knives in the Vampire Tarot depicts the strife much more vividly by showing us a ship being tossed like a teapot in a tempest. The people on board are being jostled around and hanging on for their lives, struggling to reach shore. If you find yourself in a situation that is detrimental to your mental well-being or if you feel that communication with someone is stormy, unsettled, and causing you pain, it could be in your best interest to leave the situation. If we tap into our innermost wisdom, we can all instinctively feel whether a positive outcome is viable or if there's no chance that things will ever improve. Trust your gut.

Hope you enjoy today's reading and sending you strength for the journey!

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 10 -- Ace of Garlic Flowers

The Ace of Garlic Flowers corresponds to the Ace of Pentacles in the Rider-Waite tarot. It's a suit that represents the ways we interact in our world and material concerns such as money, health, and housing. Aces always represent the start of a new cycle, a new beginning, or perhaps a new opportunity. As you can see in the card, garlic flowers have sprung out of a garlic bulb. Something  new has come into being.

You could be offered a new job opportunity today or come up with a new idea to make some extra money. You could be embarking on a new health regimen or vow to start changing certain aspects of your lifestyle. You might also be thinking about moving to a new location.

In the Vampire Tarot book, Robert M Place writes:

This card represents a store of resources at our disposal, health, protection, and material well-being.

We're thinking about ways to improve our lives today that are focused on finances, health, or our residences. Maybe we're thinking about moving or doing some home improvement. Whatever it is, something new in our material lives will manifest or has the potential to manifest in a new way today. Keep your eye out for job opportunities, new ways to make money, or if you're looking for a new place to live, one may open itself up to you.

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 9 -- The Count

The Count in this deck corresponds to The Emperor in the Rider-Waite tarot. The Emperor is all about authority, strength, decision-making, rules, and order. He also symbolizes the patriarch, the father figure, someone who is very comfortable in the role of telling us what to do and how to do it.

This card indicates that we could clash or have some brushes with authority today ... whether it's your boss, a parental figure, or maybe even dealing with bureaucracy of some kind. You may find yourself feeling intimidated or annoyed by someone's presumed power over you. It could also indicate that we need to assert our own authority and not allow others to push us around. Hope you enjoy today's video. Thanks for continuing to tune in, I really appreciate your interest! :)

VAMPIRE TAROT, Day 8 -- Queen of Stakes

The Queen of Stakes corresponds to the Queen of Wands in the Rider-Waite tarot. This Queen is very dynamic, extremely confident, attractive, and magnetic. She's the kind of person who OWNS a room when she walks into it. All eyes go straight to her and although she can come off as a little egotistical or obnoxious at times due to her attention-loving, go-getting nature, you can't help but enjoy her company because she has such a zest for life and she's such an interesting person.

Robert Place has chosen different characters from Bram Stoker's life and his famous Dracula story to represent the court cards. In this card, he has chosen Bram Stoker's mother, Charlotte, to personify the Queen of Stakes. She looks a little irritated in this card and this definitely matches up with the Queen of Stakes' character. The Queen of Stakes is a doer and she cannot tolerate slaggers. You either move at her pace or she will quickly leave you behind. That's just how she rolls.

Hope you enjoy today's draw!

Vampire Tarot, Day 7 -- Nine of Stakes

The Nine of Stakes corresponds to the Nine of Wands in the Rider-Waite tarot. This card is all about being ready to let go of something that has been consuming a lot of your time and energy. You've got a little gas left in your tank but you're about to flame out.

Another thing that occurred to me after doing the video reading (I hate it when I forget these things but I am doing these readings off the cuff and sometimes additional insights come to me after the reading has been brewing for awhile) ... stakes (wands) are also all about fiery, sexual passion. This card could indicate that you feel like you are all consumed with passion for someone. That kind of attraction and those feelings are wonderful and exciting but they run the risk of becoming an obsession ... so balance that desire with attention to other parts of your life as well.

Hope you enjoy today's reading and thanks as always for visiting!

Vampire Tarot Day 6: Death

When this card comes up, many people want to run away screaming but it is nothing to be feared. The Death Card rarely refers to physical death. It is about transformation, a part of you that has "died", that has ceased to be, that has no further use for you. We all experience many little "deaths" throughout the course of our lives. Think about relationships that have run their course, jobs that have ended, friends who have come and gone ... these are all examples of the many endings we have all experienced that feel painful but are a necessary and inevitable part of life. Things begin, things end. It is a law of nature.

Hope you enjoy today's video reading and thank you for tuning in and visiting my blog!

VAMPIRE TAROT Day 5 -- The Brides

Today's draw was all about accessing the power of our sexuality and our ability to mesmerize the object of our affections. The Brides corresponds to The Empress in the Rider-Waite tarot which is all about the divine feminine. She represents not only sexuality and sensuality but feminine aspects of life such as fertility, birth, growth, and abundance. The Brides in the Vampire Tarot are Dracula's brides and use their eyes to hypnotize. We all have the ability to mesmerize the right person ... do you have your eyes set on someone special today? Or maybe their eyes are on you ... 

VAMPIRE TAROT Day 4: Three of Knives

The Three of Knives is the Vampire Tarot's equivalent of the Three of Swords in the Rider-Waite tarot. Just looking at the card, its message is pretty obvious: the heart has been pierced, indicating damage, injury, pain.

However, the suit of Swords is the suit of thought, mental faculties, communication, beliefs, and attitudes. It's possible that someone's pain is tied up more in their mind than actual reality. Do you have all the facts? Are you assuming a situation is something it's not and that's the reason for your pain? Sometimes our imaginations can lead us to negative places when there really is no need. I forgot to mention this in my video, which is below. Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

VAMPIRE TAROT -- Day 3: Queen of Knives

The Queen of Knives corresponds to the Queen of Swords in the Rider-Waite tarot. Swords are the suit of thought, beliefs, attitude, intellect, and communication. Queens are at the top of the hierarchy, the female and loftiest expression of the suit.

The Queen of Swords is someone who is ruled by her mind. She has no patience for stragglers in the intellectual realm. She can be exceedingly direct and some might say she is too blunt and even cruel, but her words don't come from a sense of malice. Her words may cut like a sword because she simply cannot tolerate nonsense. Her mind has no time for it.

Robert M Place has chosen different characters to represent the court cards in the Vampire tarot. For the Queen of Knives, the book reads:

"This card depicts the famous English actress Ellen Terry. ... she was the principal actress at the Lyceum Theater. Terry was one of the most beautiful, intelligent, and talented actresses of her time. ... Stoker seems to have based many aspects of his character Mina on Terry. This card represents someone who is beautiful, gracious, capable, and intelligent."

This card represents someone who is at the top of her game: not only is she extremely intelligent, she is gifted and talented as well. However, the Vampire Tarot version of this card seems to express a softer side of the Queen of Swords' psyche. Her eyes seem to express a certain vulnerability, even fear, as she looks off to the side, as if she is expecting someone to attack her. You can tell she has been through some trials, but she has learned from her pain. Perhaps she is witnessing others going through some pain and feeling sorrow for the fact that they haven't learned from it. She wishes that she could pass her knowledge on to them to spare them their pain.

We have all been hurt, but pain is a great teacher. The most valuable lessons in life are always the hardest to learn ... but if you absorb the wisdom that comes from them, you don't need to relive them over and over again. It's the lessons we DON'T learn that get repeated incessantly. The Queen of Knives has been hurt, but reminds us that she will not suffer the same pain twice. You don't have to, either.

Vampire Tarot -- Day 2: The Madman

Our card for today is The Madman. I was thinking last night after making the first draw from this deck that the artwork reminded me of those old comic books, Creepy and Eerie ... do you remember them?

My brothers used to collect them and I LOVED them. They would always have first crack at them but then I'd get the chance and I would devour them. There is one story in particular that I've never forgotten ... I can even remember some of the actual images from the comic book frames. A really cool video store here in Toronto has a couple of hardcover books with Creepy and Eerie comics reprinted in them. I've been lusting after them for awhile but they're pretty expensive. Maybe someday. For now ... here is day two of my daily draw from the Vampire Tarot. Enjoy!

Getting to Know the Vampire Tarot by Robert M Place

Up until Halloween, I'll be doing a daily draw using the Vampire Tarot. I bought this deck a few weeks ago but have not had the chance to get to know it yet. Well, the time has come .... and what better time than Halloween? I'm not sure if I'll have the time to do daily videos, but I will definitely be posting daily blogs at the very least. Here's the first video and I hope you come along and enjoy the journey with me!

DAILY DRAW: Nine of Swords, reversed

You can't help but cringe a little when this card comes up. The image is clear enough: mental anguish, worry, depression, grief. The person in bed holding their head in their hands is inconsolable. The swords are piled up beside them, one worry and stress after another, and they are simply overwhelmed.

This card is reversed for us today meaning either the opposite (a return to normalcy, a recovery from such an unpleasant phase) or an intensification (a continuation of the same, a feeling that your worries and stresses continue to pile up and overwhelm you ... you feel like there is no escape.)

Consider the card that comes before this one, the Eight of Swords:

In this card, we see much the same energy .... a woman tied up, blindfolded, bound by ties, and surrounded by swords that seem like a fence around her. But her ties are loose and if she took a step, she could walk away from those supposed restrictions.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by worries and stress and feel like they are never going to end, remember that no matter what happens to us in our lives there is always a choice ... there is always a positive. Don't allow your worries to keep you feeling powerless, with your head in your hands. Refuse to allow negativity to control your thoughts. Yes, sometimes the events taking place in our lives suck and there are certain things that are beyond our control ... the one thing we can always control is the way we think.

Choose to believe that you will get through this ... because you will.

DAILY DRAW: Six of Wands

Victory is yours, says the Six of Wands. Either you have accomplished something that you have been working towards or victory is just within reach. It's all about having the confidence, belief in yourself, and the energy and fire in you to do what has to be done in order to get what you want.

The man on the horse is riding up to the finish line and he has company. People are marching alongside him in what looks like a victory parade. Not only is he proud of his accomplishments, so are they. He has inspired them. They are very happy to have him as a leader.

This card is telling us that this energy is within our capabilities today. We can be the man on the horse riding up to claim his prize or we can be one of the people in the crowd cheering him on. Not all of us feel the need to be the man on the horse, the center of attention. Some of us are just as happy being in their company and soaking up their energy, finding inspiration from them.

There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness, though. That friendly crowd marching beside the victor could just as easily turn nasty if he becomes too proud and boastful ... then things could take quite a different turn.

Congratulate yourself and give yourself your due if you find yourself on the receiving end of admiration and accolades today. You've worked hard for it and you deserve it. Enjoy this moment in the spotlight because as we all know ... success can be quite fickle and transitory.

If there is someone in your life who you look up to, enjoy them. Draw your inspiration from them. Consider what qualities about them you admire and want to develop in your own life.

DAILY DRAW: King of Pentacles

Prosperity. Success. Enjoying the good life. This is the realm of the King of Pentacles .... and it is an enviable position to be in.

The King of Pentacles is someone who is at the top of his or her game. He is someone who has put in the time and effort to get where he is and rest assured that he will enjoy the fruits of his labours when he gets there. Pentacles are the suit of the earthly realm and this is especially evident with the King of Pentacles. His castle looms in the background, his throne is ornate, and his robes are rich and velvety, the only garb suitable for such an esteemed individual. He's sitting outside as if he own the lands itself, and he does!

This King can represent a successful business person or someone who is very accomplished at whatever field they are in. It can be someone who is simply very adept at making his or her way through life, setting goals, achieving them in a way that seems effortless, and someone others flock to for practical advice. They appreciate beauty and opulence and surround themselves with it unapologetically.

You may encounter such a person today ... or you may BE that person today. In what areas of your life do you excel or feel particularly accomplished? Are you great in business? A born entrepreneur? Maybe you're a great cook or an awesome designer ... you know how to work with raw materials and transform them into something spectacular.

Whatever your personal strengths and talents, employ them and enjoy them today. Don't be so modest ... you know what your natural gifts are so let them shine.

DAILY DRAW: The Sun (reversed)

The Sun is one of the cards of the Major Arcana. It is number 19 out of 21 and comes toward the end of the Fool's Journey. A process has almost been completed.

The Sun usually represents great joy, vibrance, and freedom. In the Rider Waite version of this card, we see a naked cherub on a horse galloping out of a garden. The image suggests great happiness, self expression, and vitality. In the Morgan Greer version of this card (pictured above), we see a man and a woman facing each other in a sunlit garden. Sunflowers are bursting around them and a hot red sun beams down on them both. They are communciating in a very warm, joyous, mutually affecting way. Notice how they're gazing at each other as if they've each recognized something in the other ... perhaps they both feel they have met their soul mate.

This card came up reversed which indicates that this energy has been turned upside down. What was formerly warm, affectionate, and mutually gratifying has been turned on its head. What caused this to happen? Why did something so good suddenly turn bad? Whatever the reason, chances are that both people are feeling the loss and the sun has clouded over for both of them.

Can this sunny warmth ever be regained? Only if both people are willing to communicate with the same intention and mutual affection that brought them together in the first place.

If you're feeling the sudden loss of something wonderful in your life, remember that if you felt it once, you can feel it again. It might not be with the same person or in the same circumstances but if it can happen once, it can happen again. The sudden loss just feels so jarring and terrible that it can trick you into thinking you will never feel this way again. Take heart ... life always finds a way of cycling back around, one way or another.

The Sun is always there, even when you can't see it behind the clouds.

DAILY DRAW: Page of Cups

I had to smile when I picked this card today because it has such a young, innocent, exploratory quality to it. A very nice energy. I think it's a great start to our weekend. The Page of Cups depicted here is from the Vanessa tarot.

I love the cute cartoon image on this card. The dialogue is almost palpable. The little girl is looking down at the fish and says, "Hi." The fish says, "Hey, how you doing." There's a very open, sweet energy there ... getting to know someone, taking those first steps, beginning a relationship. They're starting a conversation. They're getting to know each other. It always feels a little awkward when you first get to know someone. You're not sure if they'll like you, they're not sure if you'll like them, but there's a willingness on both parts to give it a try. With the tiles in the background, it also looks like they're at a swimming pool, which is very appropriate, since the suit of Cups is associated with water. Diving in. They're about to dive into something.

The suit of Cups is all about emotions. Water flows, it changes course, it's malleable ... but it also has a life of its own and no matter how much you try to control it, in the end its intrinsic nature will always win out. Emotions are an exciting realm, but they can also feel quite scary and dangerous at times.

The Page represents someone young ... either someone chronologically young or young in spirit. He or she is someone who is enthusiastic, curious, very sensitive and maybe a little naive and vulnerable. This person may be inexperienced in terms of love and emotion and have a difficult time handling their feelings. They may get easily overwhelmed or frightened but they're still curious enough to venture out there to get the experience. They are eager to learn more. Think of the baby who's just learning to walk. They take a step or two, fall down, cry for a few seconds, then get up and try again. That's this Page in a nutshell.

This card is tuning us in to this part of ourselves today. No matter how old or experienced we are, there is always a part of us that feels a little scared when we're venturing into new emotional territory. You may find yourself feeling a little vulnerable or uncertain of your feelings today. Maybe there's someone in your life who makes you feel off balance or afraid. Be gentle with yourself and think of yourself as that innocent little child whose feelings need protecting. Get out there and experience life and love ... but make sure your inner parent is keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings and is ready to act in case those feelings are in danger.

DAILY DRAW: Strength (reversed)

The Strength card is all about emotional maturity. It's about being able to handle "the beast within" ... emotions that seem difficult to handle and hard to control. Sometimes our feelings seem like they overwhelm us and get the better of us. Strength is the part of ourselves that is able to calm down, take a step back, and realize that what is going on inside of us is entirely up to us. Your life can be in turmoil and feel like it's out of control due to outside events, but if you can connect with a sense of inner calm, inner peace, nothing can faze you ... no matter how chaotic things may seem on the exterior.

This card was reversed today which indicates we may have some challenges in this area today. Are you feeling like your life is out of your control ... that the people or situations in your life just aren't cooperating with you or even causing you pain?

Remember that you always have a choice. You can allow outside circumstances to overwhelm you and make you feel like you are a pawn in a game of chess, or you can be like the woman in the card ... calmly reaching down and taking control of the situation with a perfect understanding and acceptance of all that is. She knows that no matter what happens to us on the outside, nothing can affect our sense of self unless we allow it.

Many of us believe that unless we have certain things, such as a beautiful home, lots of money, the "perfect" partner, etc., we cannot be happy, and we can drive ourselves crazy desperately trying to attain the things that we THINK are going to make us feel calm, grounded, centred, at peace, and satisifed. The truth is, you are all you need. That's what the Strength card is all about. You are the centre and creator of your own experience.

If you are feeling overwhelmed today, take some time today to be alone and reflect on these things. Never forget how powerful you are.

DAILY DRAW: Four of Pentacles

Sometimes the world can seem like a very threatening, scary place. A lot of people deal with that by closing themselves off from the world and clinging to what they have as a way of feeling secure. This is what the man in the Four of Pentacles is doing. A lot of people think of this as the "miser" card, but I don't see it that way at all. I see the man in this card as simply being afraid of what others might possibly do to or steal from him.

In the background, we see a city with its high towers, bustling commerce, and crowded humanity. He has managed to amass a few pentacles there (Pentacles represent earthly matters like money, home, health, and security) and he has gotten out of there with his pentacles intact and he is making sure he doesn't lose them.

The Four of Pentacles is all about security. Do you feel secure? Or not? If so, why not? Is there some kind of actual threat to your personal security going on?

I can't help but think of my daughter as I write this. Most kids started back to school this week and my daughter has just embarked on her first year of high school. She is not taking well to it. For the past few days, I have been busy trying to reassure her that it will get better, that I totally understand her feelings of alienation and intimidation feeling like a mere speck in a crowd of 900 total strangers. I didn't like high school either. But times have changed. There is so much more pressure on kids these days to be a certain way and look a certain way. Add academic pressure to that and you have major overload.

Sometimes retreating and taking comfort in the familiarity of what we have is a good thing. Who can survive in a chaotic atmosphere for very long? We all need to make sure that we feel safe and comfortable in order to function at our best. But we need to make sure we don't cut ourselves off from the world entirely because this will only stifle our growth.

Are you clinging too tightly to what you have? Afraid to step out of your comfort zone? Are any fears you have realistic or more a product of your own mind? That's what the Four of Pentacles is asking.

DAILY DRAW: The Devil, reversed

The Devil is one scary-looking dude. In this card he appears like the nightmarish figure we all heard about as children with horns, hooves, and giant bat wings. A man and a woman (the masculine and feminine aspects of ourselves) are both tethered to him. But you'll notice that the chains around their necks are loose and dangling. It's an attachment of their own making. They could slip out of those chains if they wanted to, but they either believe they're powerless to do so or are simply too caught up in their own addictions, illusions, and feelings of helplessness.

The Devil is all about illusion. It's about indulging the weakest parts of ourselves and believing that we have no choice in the matter. It often represents addiction, feeling like we can't overcome our driving need for certain substances, whether it be alcohol, food, drugs, negative behaviours. Very often it represents sex and feeling like we can't control our basest desires, and hating ourselves for them. You know the phrase, "The Devil made me do it"? Basically, we feel like something else has control of us and we can't fight it no matter how hard we try.

This is all illusion. We all have the ultimate say in our lives. We can either slam down the gavel like the staunchest judge, say "enough is enough" and leave those chains behind ... or we can choose to believe that we are weak and terribly flawed human beings who deserve to be in bondage.

The good news is .... this card was reversed today which indicates the change has begun. We are well aware of our triggers, addictions, and false beliefs and we have begun to take control and change them. The lightbulb has gone off in our heads: we don't have to live like this anymore. We may not be out of the woods yet .... there is still some work to be done ... but the departure from those destructive negative beliefs has begun. Give yourself a pat on the back for recognizing what no longer serves you.

DAILY DRAW: Five of Wands, reversed

The image in the Five of Wands is pretty clear: there's a lot of confusion going on. Everyone is at cross purposes. Some people see the men in the card as simply engaging in some kind of sport, a friendly game. Others see it more as disorganization, miscommunication, disharmony. Everyone has their own agenda and is not paying attention to the other people involved.

This card came up reversed (upside down) today which means that the energy is blocked or emphasized. It could mean that if there's some kind of miscommunication or misunderstanding going on in your life, it has the potential to get worse. Make sure that your own words and actions are clear but don't be surprised if you find that others aren't as straightforward as you are or play as nicely as you do. Don't let it get to you. Take a deep breath and remember that YOU are in charge of how you feel. No one else can throw you off or upset you unless you allow it.

DAILY DRAW: The Hermit

The Hermit is a Major Arcana card, number 9 in the Fool's Journey. Major Arcana cards deal with major life themes or universal truths that affect every human being. The Hermit is all about removing yourself from the world and being alone. Contemplating, meditating. Reflecting on your own life and life in general.

When The Hermit comes up, it suggests that some major events or a major transition is going on in your life right now. You need to take the time to address it. You are changing. Something about your life has changed and you need to think about why it has changed, if it's a positive or negative change, and how you find yourself responding to that change.

We can't think clearly when we're surrounded by a lot of distractions. Sometimes we need to climb to the mountaintop and remove ourselves from other humans for awhile. The Hermit is standing on the mountaintop and looking down at what he has left behind, but his lantern is illuminating everything around him very clearly. The light in that lantern represents his inner voice or his inner wisdom.

Sometimes The Hermit simply means that we need to get away from a lot of noise. If we're creative and feel blocked or unable to concentrate, The Hermit is telling us we are too distracted.

It can also mean that we are being overly removed, that we are pulling away from people too much or unnecessarily. It can mean that we are isolating ourselves or feeling that we are unable to deal with other people.

Whatever the reason The Hermit has come up for you (and you'll know the reason when you read this), take the time to tap into his wise, gentle energy and spend some time reflecting on aloneness. What does it mean for you? Is it positive or negative? Are there some things in your life that need to be addressed in order for you to evolve in a healthy way?

DAILY DRAW: Queen of Cups

Queens in the tarot are the feminine rulers of their suit. They represent the female aspect of their realm and in the Cups' case, it is love, emotions, feelings ... anything that sits within the confines of one's heart.

This Queen sits on a very ornate throne with cherubs at each corner (although we can only see three of them at this angle). She also holds a very ornate cup which many say is reminiscent of the Holy Grail. This beautiful cup is a symbol of her emotions. They are perfectly crafted, harmonious, and have been blended together to make this beautiful work of art. You'll also notice that she's sitting at the edge of a lake and the water is lapping at her feet. Cups are associated with the element of water and if we think about water ... it's soft, it's fluid, it moves, it changes constantly. Sometimes it just laps at us and washes over us in gentle waves and sometimes it's stormy. That's how our emotions are. They can be gentle and sweet or they can be stormy and in turmoil. The Queen understands this and she's perfectly okay with it. She doesn't allow her emotions to unseat her from her throne. She flows with them rather than fights them.

Queens can also represent a woman who is in her 40s and up. She is someone who courses with emotion. She loves to love and she loves to give her love to other people. She is warm and generous with her feelings and very perceptive about other people's feelings as well. She's the kind of person who can make everything feel better if she wraps her arms around you.

This card is saying that you may be at a place in your life when you are feeling the emotional intensity and power of emotions at their full force. If they're on the good side, enjoy it. If not, remember that our emotions are like water. They are constantly changing shape and direction. Nothing ever stays exactly the way it was even a moment before. We're like little lakes, our tides are constantly changing.

It could also indicate that we may encounter someone with this loving, warm, vibrant energy today. Enjoy her. Learn from her mastery of all things emotional and the way she embraces the workings of her heart.

DAILY DRAW: King of Wands

When the King of Wands shows up, he's the kind of man who's impossible to ignore. He's amazing to behold ... sexy, attractive, accomplished, extroverted, bursting with the masculine life force that makes women swoon. He's done it all, he's seen it all, and he still wants more. His tank never gets empty. He is a doer.

Kings in the tarot are said to represent men who are in their 40s and up. The kings rule their suits and in the case of Wands, it's all about creativity, passion, spirit ... the spark inside us that gets our fires going. Wands represent the element of fire so the King of Wands is the King of Fire. He's hot. He can be dangerous. He's beautiful.

Since the king is such an accomplished man, he can be impatient with people who aren't. He's not very tolerant of people without ambition or some degree of fire, and he's certainly not interested in them. He might put you off with his arrogance or ego but if he turns his attention your way, the feeling of those fiery eyes on you is undeniably powerful and gratifying. He's the kind of guy all the men want to go drinking with and all the women daydream about. This king is the exact opposite of the word "timid". He will go anywhere, do anything, at a moment's notice. Adventure is his middle name ... that's how he rolls.

This card is telling us we may encounter such a blazing personality today. Either that or we need to embrace his energy, confidence, and radiance. Don't be afraid to be who you are and don't apologize for it either. If you have certain skills and talents, USE them. Don't let the fact that you're good at something make you feel that you have to play it down in order for other people not to feel intimidated or jealous. There's a fine line between being boastful and accomplished. People who brag are really insecure because deep down, they don't believe in their abilities. People who are naturally gifted don't need to brag because they know their skills are innate and will never leave them.

Summer is coming to an end and we're at a time when those last few really hot days are about to give way to that autumn chill. Think of that outer heat as your inner heat and feel the fire within you. Let it burn!

DAILY DRAW: Ten of Swords, reversed

Tens in the tarot represent completion, the ending of a cycle. The suit of Swords represents thought, mental attitudes, and the way we communicate our thoughts. Put the two of these together and we can see that a way of thinking, attitude, or psychological issue in our lives has reached its limit. REALLY reached its limit.

The man in the card has been run through with those mental swords not once, not twice, but TEN times. The card is saying, how many times do you need to learn this lesson? Do you get it now? The man in the card has no choice. He has finally gotten it.

Reverse the card (turn it upside down) and you will see that gravity would cause the swords to fall out of the man's back, either indicating a relief from his pain or a troubling slip backwards, a refusal to accept that an issue is truly over. Is there some realization that you are resisting or a lesson that you are refusing to learn?

There are a few cards in the tarot that people dread seeing and the Ten of Swords is one of them. They see the man on the card pierced by swords and his blood leaking on to the ground and think: Oh no. This is bad. I'm in trouble. But the Ten of Swords is actually a very positive card. You can see the sun coming up in the background, making the dark sky give way. A dark period is over and new light is coming in.

We can choose to dwell in gloom and doom or an unproductive way of thinking ... or we can surrender to the truth and let it go. Take whatever positives you can from a situation and incorporate the wisdom you gained from it in your life. Either that or stagnate and refuse to grow.

Growth is always the wiser choice.

DAILY DRAW: Knight of Cups, reversed

Romance is in the air ... but the card is reversed, so ladies ... BEWARE!!! :)

The Knight of Cups is the ultimate ladies' man. He loves to love. He is an unbridled romantic. His heart is chivalrous and idealistic about love but he is also easily distractable. He's a dreamer. One minute he's wooing you and the next he's been captivated by another pretty face and he's off on a new quest.

It's hard to resist someone so appealing. He may seem like the man of your dreams in his shiny armour on that white horse but he is also human. When we fall in love with someone, we tend to idealize them and then get extremely disappointed and hurt when we find out that they are not as flawless as they seem.

At his worst, the Knight of Cups reversed is an unapologetic womanizer or someone who is very narcissistic and cares only about his own romantic needs and gratification. At his best, he is simply a lovable rogue. He doesn't mean any harm, but it's like he has Attention Deficit Disorder when it comes to matters of the heart. He is mystifyingly oblivious to the fact that his actions have an effect on other people.

A Knight in the tarot also represents a youth or someone who is very young at heart, full of beans, raring to go, lots of energy and direction.

If there is a man in your life who is dazzling you with soft gazes and poetry, enjoy it, but be on your guard. Take it for what it is until you find out more about him. Is he a keeper or just an incorrigible flirt?

Time will tell. Keep your panties on for the time being.

DAILY DRAW: Six of Swords

Getting away from a bad situation. Seeking a safe haven. Leaving bad memories behind. This is the first impression that comes out of the Six of Swords.

We see what looks like a mother and child in a boat with their swords poking up like luggage. Swords represent our thoughts and attitudes, the way we think about things. They are taking their thoughts with them but they are taking them to a different place. Something has changed and they can no longer remain in the same state of mind they were in before. And there is an oarsmen pushing them away from shore. We can see the turbulent water as they push off but in the distance it is all calm and clear.

This card suggests that we have been through some turmoil and need to get away. It's either turmoil through circumstance or a mental turmoil that we have fostered ourselves. If you have been through some trials recently, allow yourself the kindness of leaving it behind. Staying in a bad situation only delays the inevitable.

This card could also put you in the oarsman's position. Is there someone in your life who's going through a tough time right now? You could be of some assistance to them, whether it's just a listening ear or actively helping them in some other way.

Peace and serenity. Head in that direction.

DAILY DRAW: Ten of Air -- REBIRTH

Today's tarot card is from the beautiful Zen Osho deck. The card is the Ten of Air (or Ten of Swords in the Rider-Waite version).

In the Rider-Waite version of this card, we see a figure lying facedown on the ground completely impaled with swords in his back. It is over. That person has ceased to be. However, in the background, we see a beautiful sunrise emerging, indicating a brand new start.

The Zen Osho card illustrates this concept in a much more serene way. We see a flute player emerging from the body of a magnificent lion. The lion is roaring, emitting its primal, fierce energy. And beneath, we see the placid camel sitting in a grey mist or fog. This was the former self from which the lion has emerged.

How many of us desperately want to change but fight it because we're afraid of what the change will bring? It's only human to be afraid of the unknown but unless we grit our teeth and "feel the fear and do it anyway" change will never happen. I have known so many people who constantly complain about how miserable their lives are only to resist positive change whenever it appears, even if it's only in tiny increments.

Do you feel like you have been sitting on the sidelines, letting life pass you by? Have you criticized yourself for being apathetic or placid? Do you feel like the camel -- as if your thoughts and attitudes have weighed you down like a pair of humps?

Change is a natural part of life. Nothing ever stays the same. In this case, we are being offered a chance to evolve in a very powerful, positive way. Are you ready to be a lion? Then grab your flute and play the music of your newest self.

DAILY DRAW: Six of Wands

Today's card is from a fascinating deck that I can't wait to get my hands on. It's called the Tarot of the New Vision and it is a Rider Waite-like deck, only showing the cards from a different perspective: From behind.

Take a look at The Magician in this deck:

This gives us quite a bigger picture, doesn't it? Here we see the Magician in front of a crowd with the monkey behind him clinging to a corner of his cape. I had always thought of the Magician as a solitary figure creating miracles in his own sacred space, but thinking of him this way brings a whole new dimension to his confidence and dynamism. I love the concept of seeing the cards this way and I can't wait to get this deck.

Today's draw was the Six of Wands.

Here there is more of a focus on the people surrounding the victorious rider rather than the rider himself. This card seems to scream: Don't rest too high on your laurels. Those people cheering alongside you could just as easily pull you off that horse and give you quite a different reception.

Today's message is to enjoy your achievements, take pride in them, but make sure not to strut around and boast about them. Hold on to your humility. People love a winner, but they hate a braggart.

My Tarot Work and Storage Space

Hello everyone,

I did a little video about my tarot work area ... where I keep my cards and guidebooks, and my general work area. I have to share my tarot space with my regular workspace (I work from home in my day job) but it works quite well. This is my energy center. :) Hope you enjoy.

Books in My Tarot Library

Just thought I would share my tarot library with you and talk about some of the books I've used to help in my exploration of the tarot. Hope you enjoy!

DAILY DRAW: Three of Swords

Today's tarot card is from the Connolly Tarot, a beautiful medieval-themed deck inspired by Renaissance art.

The Three of Swords is about mental pain. Swords relate to our thoughts and the way our minds work. In the Rider Waite version of this card, you'll see a large heart pierced by three swords, indicating heartbreak or a massive grief. In this card, the swords are enveloped in a cloud ... but notice how the middle sword has a beautiful white rose at the tip, indicating that even though we may be going through something painful, something sweet and positive will come out of it. The most valuable lessons are always the ones that feel the hardest to learn.

The castle tower beneath the swords also represents home to me ... a safe haven where you can retreat if you are feeling very sad, hurt, or confused. Wounds need time to heal and the best places to spend that time are places were you feel comfortable, safe, and serene. It doesn't necessarily have to be your home ... it can be someplace that FEELS like home. This place is your foundation, your rock.

Also notice the beautiful blue sky in the background. No state of mind lasts forever. Do you remember a time when you felt: I'm NEVER going to get over this! You did get over it. It's hard for us to imagine when we're in the thick of it, but pain does pass and it does get better.

If you're going through a painful experience, realize that it will pass. In the meantime, make sure to treat yourself well. Baby yourself a little. Nurse those wounds. The blue sky is just around the corner.

DAILY DRAW: Four of Cups (reversed)

The Four of Cups is one of my favourite cards in the tarot. I love the image of the man sitting on the ground with the three cups in front of him and this magic cup being offered to him from a miraculous hand in a cloud.

Cups are about emotions, our feelings, things that are important to our hearts. This new state of being or emotional opportunity is being offered to the man but he is oblivious. To me, he looks like he's just had a fight with his girlfriend and he's gone to the top of this hill to sit and sulk. He's self absorbed. He's thinking about how crappy he feels ... to the point that he is missing out on a whole new way of feeling.

Since this card was reversed, it means the opposite. It means that not only are we going to be aware of all new emotional or love opportunities, we're going to be ready to seize the opportunity when it arrives. We are going to feel appreciative and contented about all the love in our lives and feel grateful for the range of emotions that we feel (even the unpleasant ones, because they teach us so many important lessons).

You could be approached by someone new in a romantic way, or just come to appreciate your emotions in a whole new way today. You could also make a new friend. Enjoy it. Don't be oblivious or indifferent to love in whatever form it shows up today.

Simply Deep Tarot -- Deck Review

Here's another deck review. I really REALLY love this deck. Its charming, simple, concise artwork wonderfully narrows down the essence of each card. The colors are bold and fun and the whole deck has a very positive vibe. This would be a great deck for beginners or even kids. Hope you enjoy!

DAILY DRAW: Judgement

The Judgement card is the second-last card in the tarot. It shows up just before the completion, culmination, and perfection of The World card, which is the last card in the Major Arcana. As you can see from the images on this card, it is quite a dramatic energy. An angel is blowing a trumpet and people are rising from their graves, looking up in reverence and awe. They have been "dead" or, at the very least, asleep before this remarkable realization took place. Now they are undeniably awake and completely alive in every aspect of their beings.

Judgement is all about hearing "the call". Do you feel or have you always felt that you are being called to do something particular in life? Do you know exactly who you are? Have you figured out all your mysteries and paradoxes and positive attributes? How have all the events in your life -- good and bad -- contributed to making the person you are now? What about you has changed irrevocably from the person you used to be?

These are all questions that come up when we see the Judgement card. It's about being ready and committed to taking the next major step in your evolution and realizing that once you commit to it, you can never go back to the way things were.

Is there something you have always felt drawn to do but, for some reason, have been putting off? Do you feel compelled to do something that you know will change your life irrevocably? Judgement is telling you that it is time to answer the call. Stand up and be counted. Your life will never be the same and that strikes fear in a lot of people. Sometimes we just want to be comfortable and we like things to be predictable. But that is not the way life works. Sometimes major change has to occur and major change is never easy ... but it is always transformative.

Deck Review: Voyager Tarot

This is more of a first impressions video rather than a review since I just bought these cards a couple of days ago and I haven't used them yet, not even for a daily draw. But I had quite a strong reaction to them and I wanted to share it with you. Hope you enjoy!

Check Out My Intro Video on my Youtube Channel!

Hello everyone,

I've posted a video introducing myself and how I came to start working with the tarot on my Youtube channel. I previously used the channel only as a base for readings, but now I'm planning to do more videos on tarot, such as deck reviews and just general musings about tarot. Please check it out and subscribe!

Book Your Reading Now!

Hello everyone,

 

Please check out the little ad I created for Tarot Wonderland. (Please click the FULL SCREEN box on the bottom to better see the text. It doesn't show up very well in the miniature version.)

 

Don't hesitate to get in contact with me if you'd like a reading. Right now, I'm doing three-card video readings for only $10. Send me your question and I will post your video reading on Youtube (using only your first name as an identifier).

 

I hope to hear from you and look forward to discovering what the cards have to say to you! 

 

DAILY DRAW: Queen of Pentacles

Today's card is the Queen of Pentacles. I've searched for a few different images that I really like and want to share with you. The first one is from the Lindmara tarot.

I love this card's depiction as the Queen of Pentacles in "queen of the hearth" mode. She is sitting in domestic bliss with the carpet impeccably vacuumed, the cushions placed just so on the sofa, the drapes flawlessly accentuating the decor in the living room, her little pet dog on her lap, and her cup of tea and book on the coffee table in front of her. The Queen of Pentacles is master of her domain -- Martha Stewart without the edge.

The next card is from the Clover tarot:

This card with its beautiful pastel colours takes the concept of the Queen of Pentacles as master of her domain one step further and shows her in complete harmony with the world around her (in this case, the African savannah), breastfeeding a baby and petting a goat at the same time, the ultimate multi-tasking nurturer. Notice how at ease she is in her body as well, not the least self-conscious about her nudity.

And here is the Rider-Waite version:

Here again the queen holds the pentacle on her lap as if it were a baby. The Queen of Pentacles is the ultimate nurturer. She is an earth goddess. She loves nature, she loves beautiful things, and she loves to take care of people and make them feel good. She likes to have a clean home and chances are if you were to visit her you'd be complimenting her on her beautiful home while she's slicing you a piece of homemade chocolate cake and pouring you a cup of coffee. She can also be someone who's very accomplished in business, an executive, a saleswoman, or even a doctor. This is a woman who performs tasks flawlessly and delights in managing the world around her.

Channel that Queen of Pentacles energy today. Appreciate the world around you. If you're lucky enough to have a Queen of Pentacles in your life, thank her for the impeccable meal she puts on your plate tonight. If you see a woman today who is flawlessly dressed, perfect makeup and not a hair out of place, weighed down with shopping bags, smile and realize you've just crossed paths with tarot royalty.

Tarot Quiz 1: Guess the Meaning of the Card

Hi everyone,

I'd like to start featuring a little quiz where people can learn about the cards along with me. I'll post a picture of a tarot card along with a few multiple choice meanings you can choose from regarding the card's meaning. The first person to get the "correct" answer will win a free three-card reading from me! You can answer either here on my blog or on my Facebook page.

Keep in mind that tarot is a very intuitive process. Although there are "book meanings" or traditional meanings associated with each card, the cards are so much more than that. They can be interpreted in a myriad of ways depending on the querent (the person asking the cards a question), the reader's gut instinct, and the question itself. For now, we'll just deal with the more traditional associations of each card.

Our first card up for interpretation is the Strength card:

The meaning of this card is:

a) treat others as you expect to be treated

b) a gentle nature will always win in every situation

c) the true definition of strength is about being able to handle difficult emotions with calm and grace

d) being kind to animals is an essential trait of any human being

e) understanding and enjoying nature is an essential part of human life

f) women can be ferocious as well as nurturing

Let me know your answers! Remember, the first person to get the correct answer will win a free reading! Good luck, everyone!

DAILY DRAW: Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is someone who lives life to the fullest. She embodies the spirit of her suit, Wands, in a dynamic, masterful way. She is not one to let life pass her by. There is too much adventure to be had, too many people to meet, too many parties to attend, and she would not dream on missing out on any of it.

She is also all about confidence. She knows who she is, she knows what her strengths are, and any attempts to knock her down are just laughable to her. It's not so much arrogance as it is a genuine love and appreciation of herself. Anyone who takes offense at her extroverted nature or who tries to criticize her for her blatant self-love will get a lesson in sheer pointlessness (they might also want to examine their issues with someone as unselfconsciously happy and self-satisfied).

Wands are all about the spark inside us. It's the key in our ignition, the match that lights the bonfire of all our creative potential. This card coming up for us today is telling us that we need to get out and enjoy life today. Let your hair down, don't be afraid to be you, let your personality and dynamism shine through.

I find it wonderfully synchronistic and even a little humorous that this card popped up on Pride parade day in Toronto. This card totally embodies the spirit of that event. Let's take a lesson from all the people who are celebrating gay pride today by celebrating who WE are. Better yet, join the party.

Let yourself be a diva today (not in a bitchy, nasty way, but in a totally self-loving I AM FABULOUS way). That's what the Queen of Wands is all about.

DAILY DRAW: Five of Wands

The Five of Wands, like all tarot cards, can be interpreted in many different ways. Some people might see it simply as a group of young men engaging in some recreational sport, and others might see it as discord, chaos, confusion, competitiveness, and jockeying for position.

I get the latter sense from this card today. Be prepared to possibly clash with others today or to have to deal with difficult people. Remember that the more you allow a negative person to affect your state of mind, the worse off you will be. If someone gives you a hard time or pushes your buttons, just breathe, smile, and don't allow yourself to get caught up in their negative energy.

This card could also simply indicate miscommunication. The men in this card look like they are trying to erect some kind of structure, but there is no coordination going on. One man is going this way, the other is going that way, none of them are looking at each other, and it's just a mess. That could also be the case today. Make sure you communicate clearly and if you don't understand what someone else is doing or saying, ask for clarification.

The Five of Wands can only get us in a tizzy if we let it. Remember that you have the ultimate control in every situation by the way you respond to it.