Valentine's Day - Make Just One Someone Happy

"Like I always said, love wouldn't be blind if the braille weren't 
 so much damned fun."

Armistead Maupin, "Maybe the Moon"

There were at least two historically significant Christian martyrs named Valentinus, St. Valentine of Rome and St. Valentine of Terni.  Our St. Valentine, St. Valentine of Rome, like every other historical figure, is part fact, part myth and in his case, part Hallmark moment.

Historically, St. Valentine of Rome, was a priest who married, not only couples of the early Christian faith, but also Roman soldiers who were forbidden to marry by Roman law. Eventually, Valentine was arrested, tortured (hence the martyrdom part) and executed.  Legend says that he cured his jailer’s daughter of blindness.  Later the story was embellished to include St Valentine sending a note to the girl on the eve of his execution signed, ‘your Valentine.’

The Feast of St. Valentine, was not linked to romantic love until the fifteenth century, when educated people began sending notes and stanzas of poetry to their loved ones.  The first commercially produced Valentine’s Day cards were manufactured in the eighteenth century for tongue-tied young men who were hopeless at expressing themselves.  Needless to say, the business became a smashing success.  Victorians added their own style to the cards, making them floral and frilly.  It wasn’t until the latter half of the twentieth century that we began giving flowers, chocolates and actual gift items.

They say that you can’t buy love, but every year Americans spend between 13 and 14 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day.  In 2011, despite a twitchy economy, 3.4 billion was spent on romantic dinners, 3.5 billion on jewelry and by comparison, only a paltry 1.1 billion was spent on cards.  In 2012, the amounts spent per category increased.  We’ve come a long way from a simple lace-covered card inscribed with a pretty verse.  Valentine’s Day has, like so many other well-intentioned holidays, has become big business.

This year how about giving your Valentine your attention instead of a mass produced big ticket item.  Back rubs, foot messages, heck, even turning off your smart phone for the evening are marvelous things to do.  Experience the sheer wonder of being together during a single moment in time.  Time passes quickly and it is much too easy to squander, especially with all the high tech distractions available to us.  This year give real romance try.  Give the best gift possible to someone who loves you.  Give yourself without reservation, or afterthought.  That’s what love’s about.   

LADY ORACLE

New Moon in Aquarius, February 10, 2013

“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. “

                                                    Robert Frost - “The Road Not Taken”

Having you been feeling as if you’re standing at the juncture of two roads lately?  Don’t worry.  That’s the effect from February’s New Moon in Aquarius happening this Sunday, the 10th.  We are already receiving a cosmic push towards some of Aquarius’ best traits and that is a good thing.  Remember that Aquarians, by nature, are free wheeling and free thinking.  They are ruled by Uranus, the planet of revolution.  

Right now, particularly with this month’s astrological patterns, you have the opportunity to do a mini reinvention of yourself.  We are unique individuals and we should step out of our molds with originality and purpose -  even if our worlds are highly structured and traditional.  Express yourself as the singular person you are rather than as a member of the Borg collective.

The New Moon also brings elements of luck with it this month.  If you commit to a course of action, you become like tarot’s traveler, The Fool.  Fool definitely chooses the road less traveled and he has an unshakable belief that the universe will provide the support he needs to bring him success in his adventure.

On a last note, the second New Moon after the winter solstice is Chinese New Year.  So to all my friends and readers in the magical, mystical orient,  Xin Nian Kuai Le， 新年快乐

LADY ORACLE

#7, Major Arcana's The Chariot - Life as a Velvet Steamroller

The Chariot from RWCS
by US GAMES®

 In tarot suits, sevens portray an aspect of victory.  In The Major Arcana, #7, The Chariot represents triumph over adversity.  The Chariot may conjure up images from “Ben Hur,” or “Gladiator” for you.  Roman charioteers charge around the arena jockeying for position as the crowd cheers them on.  Our charioteer in #7, however, doesn’t challenge another racer.  He challenges himself to win by using the strength of his own will.   

In the traditional RWCS depiction, the charioteer holds a scepter - a symbol of his right to rule his domain.  As in #1, The Magician, the scepter acts as a medium between earth and spirit.  The charioteer doesn’t raise the scepter above his head as the Magician does.  He’s content to establish his dominance here on the earth.  Don’t he mislead, however. The figure in The Chariot is perfectly capable of calling down fire from Heaven. His crown signifies Apollo, the Roman God of the Sun, who drove his fiery chariot across the sky, creating the day. 

#7 Rhiannon, the horse goddess
from Celtic mythology shown here is
fron "The Goddess Tarot"© by
Kris Waldherr represents The Chariot

In his writings, the philosopher, Plato, described the human mind as a chariot drawn by two horses, one black, one white.  Subconscious and Conscious thought. What we see in #7 is not the use of brute strength to defeat adversity, rather it is the pairing of intuition and reason that overcomes the obstacles.  Instead of using horses, as Plato does, the RWCS deck goes one step further, using sphinxes, one black, one white, to power tarot’s chariot.  Cosmic mystery is introduced, offering the mind a chance to expand past ordinary perception.  Our charioteer doesn’t need reins to guide his vehicle.  He surrenders to the mystery and guides the outcome of his battle through his faith in himself.

It’s good to see lucky #7 when you feel as if your back is

Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen's
highflying Chariot from "Wizard's Tarot"©

against the wall.  When The Chariot appears, he reminds us that victory is close by if not already here.  His message is to rise above your self-imposed limitations, or the people who would make you sink to their level.  When all is well in your world, however, The Chariot can appear as a warning that you are dominating someone or something.  You may be investing your ego when you should be employing common sense.  

LADY ORACLE

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Part III - Astrological Trends February 2013 - “Jump, Jive and Then You Wail”

“The Wail”

February gets the dubious honor of hosting the first Mercury Retrograde of 2013 in a water sign, Pisces.  In fact, all three Mercury Retrogrades for 2013 occur in water signs: Pisces, February 23rd to March 17th; Cancer, June 26th to July 20th and Scorpio, October 21st to November 10th.  What does this mean for us, other that a sharp rise in stock prices for both Mrs. Paul’s and Gorton’s?

The planet Mercury rules communications, mental acuity and speech. During retrograde, simple misunderstandings happen because of poor, or unreliable communication.  If you have a reputation for witty remarks (a little bit of tarot’s Knight of Swords here) you may find yourself feeling pretty dim witted.  We are told not to begin new ventures during a Mercury Retrograde, not to sign contracts, make major purchases, etc. (See my blog: “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You” for complete information)

Water signs deal with matters that lie below the surface of our lives - our spiritual connection to the Divine, our emotions and our intuition.  Mercury Retrograde in a water sign makes us feel as if we’re treading water in the middle of the ocean and our inner tube has just sprung a leak.  Little remarks can be blown completely out of proportion.  We have a sense of isolation and grounding ourselves becomes more difficult.  For these reasons some of our less than desirable traits float to the surface, making life more difficult than it needs to be. 

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces plays to our sensitivities and our emotions are easily exposed.  If you have issues around victimizing people or being a victim yourself, your triggers may be uber twitchy.  Pisces loves its secrets and there can be a slight tendency towards intrigues and self-deception.  Our lucky break comes from Neptune, Pisces ruling planet.  Neptune is visiting home turf.  The planet of creative dreamers lends stability to the undercurrents of a retrograde in Pisces.  Pisces is a sign of compassion and creativity.  Our creative drives will still be strong during retrograde and can best be utilized by reviewing and revamping (remember ‘r’ words) your projects.  As always, the key to a successful Mercury Retrograde is staying connected to your higher self.  Again, we receive a hand from Neptune.  Meditate, meditate, meditate.

Mercury Retrograde doesn’t have to make you hide in the closet.  Stay focused, positive and grounded.  Remember your ‘r’ words and in case of an emergency, buy yourself really good chocolate.

LADY ORACLE

Part II - Astrological Trends February 2013 - “Jump, Jive and Then You Wail”

“The Jive”

When two planets meet at an aspect of 120 degrees, we call it a trine.  This is a very favorable aspect, although some astrologers warn that too many trines at once make us feel listless and lazy.  It’s roughly the same effect you get from too much chocolate in one sitting, but without the dire consequences to your thighs.  

On February 7th we have Venus in Aquarius, trine Jupiter in Gemini - just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Aquarius doesn’t like ruts or restrictions and Jupiter in Gemini is about heeding the call to adventure in a mature, highly sociable way.  Jupiter sees opportunities, not limitations, so this is a good, stabilizing energy for free-wheeling Aquarius.  Take this particular trine into consideration when making your Valentine’s Day plans. This month is about self-expression, even in romance.  Think outside the box and get creative.  It may be received better than you think.  

Saturn in Scorpio is trine Mercury in Pisces on the 12th and trine Mars in Pisces on the 16th.  You’ll see more of that wonderful cycle of intuition and creativity, however Saturn in Scorpio may ask you to over-analyze your views.  Don’t fall for it.  Saturn likes to challenge us. That’s how this particular planet teaches us. The key here is to remember the difference between thinking critically about yourself and critical thinking.  With the first, you’re simply beating yourself up.  With the latter, your affirming gut instinct by using reason.  Relax, trust yourself and go with the flow. 

On February 10th we have a New Moon in Aquarius which contributes to this month’s all around feeling of spiritual development, as well as our ability to link with the Divine mind.  You know where I’m going with this.  Just a reminder of the ‘M’ word.

In Part III, “The Wail,” we’ll talk about some end of the month issues we have coming up.  Some good, some...well....  What can I say?  It’s Mercury Retrograde.

Note: Don’t forget that February 2nd and 3rd are marked for global mediation on peace and enlightenment.

LADY ORACLE  

Astrological Trends February 2013 - “Jump, Jive and Then You Wail” Part I

“The Jump”

February will be one long, magical, mystery tour.  Right out of the gate we have Mars conjunct (same place at the same time) Neptune in Pisces.  Can you say, “Daydream Believer?”  Mars gives action and focus to Neptune, planet of creative dreamers.  Our imaginations will be working overtime in February, but in a positive way.  Start that novel you’ve been talking about for years, dust off your easel, or create a dramatic re-do of a classic recipe.  The sky is literally the limit for those who choose to harness that Mars - Neptune energy. 

Mars also delivers high octane intuition this month that’s not only super charged, but extremely accurate as well.  Follow your gut and don’t over-think issues.  You do know the answers even if you haven’t heard the questions yet. The red planet directs us to engage in life with compassion and sensitivity right now, but know your limits.  Mars’ energy can make us take on not only our share of responsibility, but also take on some for other people as well.  That may be fine if you’re inspired to found a global social movement for instance, but it won’t work well in day to day relationships.  I see a 10 of Wands on that one.  Don’t let yourself become overburdened and overwhelmed because you believe you have to do it all.  Partners are there for a reason.

On February 5th, Mercury also enters Pisces, conjunct Mars and Neptune.  Mercury is a planet of communication with intuitive powers all its own.  In the presence of dreamy Neptune and sensitive Mars, we’re looking at a period of great inspiration.  It will be very easy to connect with the Divine during meditations.  In fact, the first two weeks is an excellent time to commit to regular meditation or yoga practice.  You will feel invigorated and renewed.  

In Part II, "The Jive," we will take a look at trines, yods and the New Moon - oh my!  In the meantime, check out Kathy Rose on YouTube.  She is one of my favorite sources for astrological trends.  She’s always positive and very interesting.

LADY ORACLE  

Wand Revitalization - Find Your Spark

There are days when we're struck by malaise.  Last night's

2 of Wands is about personal power.
We're safe where we are, but the view
beyond our walls is intriguing. From
Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

dishes are still setting on the counter and you shove them out of the way to make room for tonight's dishes.  You've been out of your regular underwear for a week and are now reduced to using your reserve underwear - the ones that creep up your bum, or that were a bad idea to start with. All that's needed is to spend a couple of evenings doing basic housework and the world will come back to order, but first you have to get off the couch and that feels like a pretty risky proposition. Down time is one thing - prolonged lack of inertia, something else.

In tarot, things begin to happen with the appearance of Wands.  They are the call to adventure, a message of an action to be taken and a demand that we change the status quo of our lives.  They are creative action born of fire. The ball is in our court and we'd better get moving.  Too often we try to revitalize our lives through outward contrivances - use a special tea, a juice, or the latest vogue item that will change our perception of ourselves and our lives.  Renewal starts inside of us - in the trenches.  That's where it's messiest because that's where we dump the real clutter.

The 3 of Wands is the call to adventure.
There's opportunity on the horizon. Just take
the first step. From Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Wands tell the story of engaging life.  First comes the perception that there's something more to life beyond the boundaries of our own experience (2 of Wands).  We take the initial foray past our fortress walls and discover a whole world of potential (3 of Wands).  We join others and begin a celebration of life through interaction and mutual experience (4 of Wands).  It's hard to choose from so many new options and we can find ourselves confused and in conflict with others striving for the same goal (5 of Wands).  When things fall into place (and they do more often than not) we enjoy our victories and others look to us as an example (6 of Wands).  We hold tightly to our successes and work hard to maintain the ground we've claimed as our own, be it right or wrong to do so (7 of Wands).  Suddenly, a new opportunity arrives, a message that changes the world of the familiar (8 of Wands), but we are engaged now and though it's not easy, we will persevere with our goals, knowing that in the end, we will succeed (9 of Wands).

But first there's that whole getting off the couch thing.  When

The 8 of Wands advises us to wait for the perfect
moment because timing is everything. The moment
is at hand from Lo Scarebo's "Tarot of the Pagan Cat's"©
Incoming!!

you're looking for motivation, start with the view from #2.  Look past the self-imposed boundaries of your life.  What's out there?  What are you missing? Odds are that you're missing a lot.  Now, make a move.  It doesn't have to be perfect, or even right.  Just make a decision.  The rest of the numbers follow one right after another.  Sure, it's safe on the couch, but if you were really happy there, you wouldn't have the sense of missing out to begin with.  Each day is a gift, a chance to create and start fresh.  With an opportunity like that, why be content to sit watching someone else's story.


LADY ORACLE

Here's another blog about using the Ace, 2 and 3 of Wands to kickstart changes in your life! "Lights, Camera, Action!"