Articles

Birthstones Meanings, Magic, and Dazzling Legends

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend — but so would be a collection of other fabulous gems that are considered birthstones. Some people would disagree of the type of gem associated with birthstones. Some say Ruby is January’s gem, or that Alexandrite is June’s gemstone.

I prefer Pearls for June, perhaps because that is my gemstone; I love Pearls and everything associated with them, including the beach.

Birth gems have power! Not only do they provide the owner healing powers, but they dazzle the imagination with the stories, myths and legends behind these special stones.

Below is a look at birthstones and why they are so special:

Tarot Card of the Week: Queen of Swords

Queen of Swords

Tarot Card of the Week: August 17 – August 23

Queen of Swords

One of the most collectible and celebrated artists of the art deco movement, Alphonse Maria Mucha (24 July 1860 – 14 July 1939) was a Czech Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist.

He was well-known for his images of women. He produced famous advertisements, designs, illustrations and paintings and was known for capturing the spirit of the moment in his art.

Much of his art is displayed in the Tarot Mucha deck.

Mucha insisted that art was about conveying a spiritual message, so showcasing his art on a tarot deck is a perfect tribute to what he stood for.

Interestingly the Art Nouveau movement, and the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck were at the height of their popularity.

This deck follows the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith, with ethereal images of Alphonse Mucha.

He was catapulted to fame when he was commissioned to create posters for the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt.

Tarot Card of the Week – The Ace of Wands

Wands01Tarot Card of the Week: July 8 -July 14

This week, we pull a card from Tarot of the Cat People by Karen Kuykendall. A cat woman Tarot card in this deck lifts her magic wand to greet a fire cat.

A fire cat signifies new beginnings. It is born of the fires of creation and comes fully grown ready to pounce on life with enterprising enthusiasm. The cat woman is wise beyond her years and her magical powers are prepared to vanquish any challenge.

This is the week where you’ll simply go for it. When you see the Ace of Wands it’s a sign that the road is wide open. When this card falls into a reading it’s a sign that it’s time to purse a new idea or project that you have in mind.  Your creative passions are high and you can really see it through.

This card alerts you to following your natural instincts. You don’t need any other tools than to listen and do what you feel is the best avenue.

When you see the Ace of Wands it’s important to strike now while the iron is hot, and put a temporary stop to the planning and research.

And idea you have could leave you inspired and motivated. The Ace of Wands is also indicative of these ‘breakthrough moments’. Your eyes have been opened to a whole new world and you are now very excited about the possibilities and the opportunities available to you.

Tarot of the Week – The Hanged Man

 ghosts&spirits-hanged-manTarot of the Week — June 24 – June 30

This week we offer a look and interpretation of The Hanged Man from the Ghosts and Spirits Tarot by Lisa Hunt:

In this deck the Hanged man is a transformational figure, the root system shows us his connection to the universe and the skeletal being of the underworld is holding the man in suspension.

From the look of the man’s face he seems to give up freely to the connection of the light of the universe and darker side of humanity.

When we see a hanged man in a spread, or The Hanged man this week, then you may want to consider holding off on signing any contracts or falling head over heels in love with someone.

This card represents a need to suspend something to stop an action or to postpone something to give you time to think it all out. If you are not impulsive and you can hold off on “acting” on a decision, at least for a few days, it will shed some light on other options that may be available to you.

You may be feeling a bit stuck in life, as the Hanged Man can sometimes reflect a feeling of restriction. Seeing this card is a sign that you may need to get in touch with why you are feeling stuck or suspended at this time in your life.

Tarot Card of the Week – The Moon

MoonThe  Moon — June 17 – 23

This week we offer a look and interpretation of the Moon as depicted in the Beautiful Creatures Tarot created by,  J.R. Rivera  (Author), Jasmine Becket-Griffith  (Illustrator).

In this illustration the little nymph sits cold and alone. She feels a little fearful as the dark energies or forces “outside” herself bring her to a low vibration.

This week, you may want to reflect on the energies that could be influencing you, particularly the dark thoughts or feelings you may be having regarding a certain circumstance or situation.

The Moon in the Tarot often represents your “shadow self” your darker side, or your tendency to have a few negative thoughts. You may be fearful of your surrounding or not feeling like you are in control of a situation.

Others around you, like the card shows—outside forces—could be putting you in a position of fear or negative thoughts and feelings. This could be a good time to shake that off and get back on track with positive and assertive affirmations.

Tarot Card of the Week – Three of Cups

Three of Cups

Three of Cups, June 10 – June 16

In this week’s Tarot card, the lovely Three of Cups appears, depicting three enchanting maidens/Goddesses created by the famous Spanish Artist, Salvador Dali, creator of The Dali Universal Tarot Deck.

The maidens or the three Goddesses, Athena, Aphrodite and Artemis hold hands or drink their goblets together as a way of bonding together and finding some spiritual connection with each other.

Their postures seem to be  lit with a sense of fulfillment and extreme satisfaction.  The three maidens rightly represent Celebration, Accomplishments and Happiness.

We can look forward to a good week when this card appears. It gives us the opportunity to help others, thus fulfilling a mission within us to be of service. It’s also about spending some quality time with family and friends.

The Three of Cups represents a great time to network, call old friends or just hang out in a group with your favorite people. Business networking is lucky for you when you see this card. You are destined to be at your best, smartest and funniest, so if you are in business for yourself, take advantage of this sign from the Tarot. It’s a card of making “arrangements” for a wedding, reunion, birthdate or some other familial event.

Tarot Card of the Week – The Fool

mythic-fool

Tarot Card of the Week – May 27 – June 2

The Fool

In the old Mythic Tarot (and the new version as well) The Fool is depicted as the God, Dionysus, child of Zeus and a mortal woman named Semele, a princess of Thebes.

He is the God of the Grape Harvest, the God of Parties, wine making, theater and fertility.

In this picture we see Dionysus taking a risk or just about to jump off a cliff. He is invincible, nothing can touch him.

When Dionysus was just a child, Queen Hera tried to kill him, but Zeus rescued Dionysus beating heart and transformed the child in the underworld making him be reborn to the world.

The Fool in the Tarot is actually a very exciting card. It shows you have the highest potential possible in your life at this moment, when you see this card.

You have the potential to reach a state of renewal or new beginnings and when you see this card you can rest assured that your creativity, and problem solving will be at an all-time high.

Tarot Card of the Week — Two of Pentacles

Mythic2P

The Two of Pentacles for May 20-26:

In this version of The Mythic Tarot we see the skillful artist Daedalus of Greek mythology. He stands at his workbench, and holds up his two greatest inventions, the axe and the saw.  His workbench is supported by two large pentacles. (In Tarot Pentacles represent the building of wealth or the path to abundance.)

The items on the bench represent all the things he can do, giving all who see him the impression that all things are possible.

The number Two in Tarot represents a need for balance. The Two of Pentacles shows us that  you may be in a position where there are conflicting interests. You see two paths and you aren’t sure if you should complete one thing or abandoned it completely and start new.  You may also discover a need to balance work and family life.

The Two of Pentacles shows Daedalus hard at work and usually forsaking everything else but his art. You may want to rethink your position and choose the quality of life taking breaks from work to enjoy friends or family.

This card also represents the need to balance what you want to do and what you should do in your life. Just remember if you choose to do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

5 Things to do if You are Single on Valentine’s Day

Romance? Who needs it right? With all the marketing, candy, flowers and a bombardment of romantic comedies on television, it can be a harsh reminder that you are still single, or maybe not.

You may have decided to embrace being single and have chosen it as a lifestyle, there is nothing wrong with that either.

However if you are feeling sad about it you can change that feeling into something more positive and change the way you look at your life.  Here are five ways to celebrate your singleness during Valentine’s day. the year’s most romantic holiday.