.:|:. Dove Love’s .:. Points and Passions .:|:.

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  I had the coolest vision yesterday.  The first one I’ve had in a while — I tend to resist meditating, but when I can get myself to do it, I get so much from it.  Yesterday, while meditating, I asked a question about my health, how to improve it in a specific area.  And I was amazed that I immediately saw something in my mind’s eye. 

The image was all soft and dark — shades of gray, charcoal gray, black…but it was calming and sweet.  There was a deep-orange-colored ball sitting on I guess what was the horizon, like one of those gorgeous sunsets in the late, just almost dark, evening.  A silhouette of a person reached out from the right side of this vision, and gently scooped up this orange ball into both of her hands.  She lifted it up to her mouth, still with both hands, put it slowly into her mouth and swallowed it.  It was a beautiful vision, and I was so grateful for it.

And so I then pondered about what might be the meaning.  I had asked a health question, and I’d been told in the distant past, both by an alternative practitioner as well as from my own intuition, that I needed to get more sun.  But it’s also interesting that the sun was this dark orange color. 

And then I came upon a post in my blog roll this morning – I love his/her elaborations on symbolism and all.  When I came upon this recent blog (posted about an hour before I came upon it), it very much intrigued me, very synchronous to my vision yesterday…  The post was about the symbolism of the penny, a correlation with the sun.  But also, the copper.  The color of my vision’s sun could very much be considered “copper.”  While organizing recently, I came upon a copper bracelet, with some lovely Native American designs on it, that I had purchased years ago.   I popped it on my wrist, and have been wearing it a lot lately.  Some believe we can absorb copper from the metal in this way.  So I thought it might be a good thing in case I’m lacking in copper : )  — I have noticed that it has faintly turned my wrist green at times.  I’ve read that might be an indication of a need for copper.

So my sweet vision may have been confirming my continued need for more sun (and Vitamin D) as well as copper all in the same message.  And also a  need to align with the message of the Magician, the number 1 card in the Tarot, which the above-mentioned blog seems to be describing with her penny symbolism post.  AND, the sun can also represent that Higher Power within us — and an ongoing effort to get and stay connected with that is most assuredly one of the best things we can do to improve our health and our lives.

It’s wonderful how one vision, one message, can hold so much meaning : )

Namaste,
Dove

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com    Years ago when I discovered my Skunk totem via the Medicine cards, I remember saying upon seeing it in the spread, “Geez, that’s not very sexy.”   LOL!  Seriously, that was my exact thought.   And what an irony, because I then learned that it is indeed a very “sexy” totem :)  Of course, lol! ;)  It represents, among other things, “sexual magic.”

I think the skunk is a little cutie, but yet another irony that despite it’s small stature, it has a, um, power about it that ensures others respect it ;)  And consequently that’s a key message that the Skunk totem conveys. 

Note, sometimes our totems are with us to teach us about or strengthen in us their specific characteristics, so it doesn’t mean that we are already necessarily highly representative of them. Although often that is the case ;) lol

Here are a few interpretations I found via Google … see source links below.

Peace,
Dove

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SKUNK TOTEM

I will not tolerate abuse in any form.
I have power!
I will not let others use me.
I am a divine child!
I will sift out friends, keeping the good.
That is my responsibility!
Like the skunk, I will learn when to be disagreeable.
That is my right!

Sensuality, Respect, Self-Esteem

The skunk is a very powerful totem
with mystical and magical associations.
It teaches how to give respect,
expect respect and demand respect.
This totem helps you recognize your own qualities
and assert them.

Skunks are fearless but very peaceful.  These are two wonderful qualities which you can learn from your skunk totem.

If you have skunk medicine will find that the use of fragrances will elicit dynamic responses in the people around you. Your sexual response will be heightened and you will have a greater ability to attract people.

Individuals with a skunk totem must learn to balance the ability to draw and repel people.  Skunks remind us that there is a time to be with people and a time for solitude.

The skunk’s stripe is the outward sign of kundalini or life force. When you receive a skunk totem, your kundalini or life force activates and amplifies. You must learn to use this force effectively.

Skunks are silent animals and through their silent, they teach us not to brag –
it will push people away rather than attract.  People will notice you without any help.

When the skunk appears, opportunities will open to bring self-esteem and respect.
There will be increased sexuality: physically, psychically and spiritually.

Source:  http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/skunk.htm

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SKUNK

Skunk: reputation, presence, strength

Skunk’s Message and Medicine

Reputation , Respect , Sensitivity , Confidence

The skunk is a powerful small mammal about the size of a house cat. It is easily recognized by its long black fur and double white stripes, which go from its head, to the back of its legs and bushy tail. Skunk is a peaceful warrior, fearless and friendly. It appears nonchalant as it moves slowly but deliberately towards its goal. However, do not interfere with skunk’s medicine. Skunk has a distinctive behavior trait, which sets it apart from other animals. When skunk feels threatened it will turn its back on you, raise its tail and emit a smelly , irritating, chemical spray , which numbs the senses and stings the eyes. You will never forget an encounter with skunk. Skunk’s message teaches you how to get respect without being overly aggressive or domineering. Skunk encourages you to raise a ” stink” if you are threatened, or being pushed around by a bully. Do not be afraid to speak up in order to defend your space. If you are involved in domestic violence you need to inform the proper authorities. Don’t worry about causing a ” Big Stink” when you expose these tyrants. Respect yourself and others will respect you. Be aware of your reputation. What is your self-image and how do people respond to you ? If you ” smell” something bad, make sure that it is not you, dumping negativity on others , or being dumped on. Take a class in aromatherapy.

Your sense of smell is a great gift from the Creator. Honor and be thankful for all of your senses.

Source:  http://www.angelfire.com/weird/LT/totems/totemmain.html

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Dove:  I found this great, but very lengthy article on the Skunk totem, so I’ll just post a few excerpts here…

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SKUNK TOTEM

“‘I am ze locksmith of love, no?’ Pepe Le Pew”

“An individual skunk can claim a territory of about 30-40 acres. Skunks are a favorite food of Great Horned Owls, so Owls are the balancing totem for Skunks and should also be examined by Skunk people. To find any totem’s balancing energy, look at what they eat or who eats them!”

“‘They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.’ ~Mahatma Gandhi”

“‘If I despised myself, it would be no compensation if everyone saluted me, and if I respect myself, it does not trouble me if others hold me lightly.’ ~Max Nordau”

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?”

“Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.”

…

“The wisdom of Owl makes an excellent balancing energy for the bold Skunk. It is important that Skunks understand how to develop a good reputation without being ruled by having a reputation. In other words, don’t become so enamored of yourself simply because others find you such good company.”

“The simplest way to cultivate this is just by being true to one’s self, doing what you know is right in any given situation irregardless of what others think… in essence, living a good life.”

…

“Balanced or not, Skunk people will not tolerate abuse of any sort and will take action if their warnings to desist do not meet with the desired results, often with a dramatic result. When a Skunk puts someone in his or her place, everyone remembers it! Powerful yet peaceful, Skunk is, nonetheless, not someone you want on your bad side.”

…

“One of my favorite cartoon characters ever has to be the breezy and romantic Pepe Le Pew. He never hurried, never doubted himself, was multi-talented, optimistic, and was even content with himself when he failed in his objective! It is their basic self-confidence that makes Skunk people so sexy to others, not necessarily for their looks.”

“Skunk people make enthusiastic, energetic and inventive lovers, having an innate understanding of all things “sexy”. All the better for Skunk people then if they can develop a solid and balanced relationship with someone who understands their need to be solitary on occasion, their independence and flamboyant nature; someone who truly revels in them simply being themselves, warts and all. If your going to leave bite marks on someone, it ought to be someone you love. ~wink~”

“‘Being a sex symbol has to do with an attitude, not looks. Most men think it’s looks, most women know otherwise.’ ~Kathleen Turner”

“‘You know, it is possible to be too attractive.’ Pepe Le Pew”

…

“Consider the phrase, “I smell a skunk” which is commonly used to mean, “my intuition is telling me something is wrong with this person or situation.” Listen to these intuitions! Skunk people need to develop a trust in their instincts, as they will have a strong intuitive sense that will allow them to “smell” trouble.”

“Skunk can help anyone learn to recognize, accept and properly react to warnings of all sorts. Like most of us, the challenge here is for Skunk people to learn to trust their instincts without their mind’s many logical arguments getting in the way. Skunk will often appear to deliver a warning, and one should proceed with caution whenever she appears.”

…

“Black is the color of wisdom, the void, mystery, death, sorrow, extremes, everything and nothing in balance, power, strength, earth, sexuality, and is considered both grounding and calming in color therapy. White can also represent death, but it more commonly represents purity, innocence, femininity, peace, harmony, security, blessings, hope, virginity, and surrender.”

“In color therapy, White is commonly used to provide energy, achieve balance, stimulate the production of serotonin, to cleanse, and refresh. Skunk’s black and white self is a visual reminder of both his strength and the need to find and maintain a balance in life.”

“Think of the typically black and white image of YinYang energy and imagine it swirling into Skunk’s vibrant form. If you need help in communicating, self-esteem, confidence, developing a good reputation, charisma, developing your sensuality or finding balance, Skunk is an excellent Teacher to ask for help.”

“Just remember to approach him with respect and you should get along just fine. Powerful, protective, a living example of extremes in balance…”

“How does Skunk appear in your life?”

“‘It is better to rise from life as from a banquet - neither thirsty nor drunken.’ ~Aristotle”

“‘Enough is as good as a feast.’ ~English Proverb”

“‘Even nectar is poison if taken to excess.’ ~Hindu Proverb”

Source:  http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uspa&c=words&id=11818

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It intrigues me that the Great Horned Owl balances the Skunk, because the Owl is one of my main totems, and I’ve always suspected, among the various types of owls, that mine was of the Great Horned variety :)

Ha, I used to love to watch Pepe LePew as a kid :)   …”ze locksmith of love.”  lol

Oh, I also was just remembering how when I was much younger, and not-near-so mellow as now ;) I would sharply say that if I had to choose between love and respect, I would take respect in a heartbeat — because there is no real love without respect.

Peace,
Dove

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  This post is actually about the number 5 :)  Geez, this number is haunting me!  Especially right in this moment, I keep seeing it EVERYWHERE, and I have been seeing it and the number 16 prolifically in the last several days.  The 16 (Tower card in the Tarot) is also a number I allow to rattle me – I allow both of these numbers, 5, 16 to spur fear in me.  And the thing is, the number five is very much a part of me.  Today’s the 23rd, which equals 5, and I was also born on the 23rd (one of my 5’s), my first and second given names have 5 letters.  The number 5 is very strong in my numerology…   and gawd knows, my life has certainly reflected the 5 energy. 

The most potent thing that the 5 represents is change — and per the Tarot, change that isn’t very comfortable, but I think most significant changes generally aren’t.  I s’pose because I’ve experienced so much of the negative side of the 5, it’s difficult for me to see the good in it.  But there is good (”God”) in it, just like there’s good in everything.  The big “God” is everything, both the “Devil” and the good side of All That Is, ”God,” :)  Consequently “God” encompasses both sides of the coin.  Everything has both “good/positive” and “bad/negative” energy (”God”) in it.  Everything.  No matter how generally good (Star/Sun) a Tarot card is, there is still a negative to it…and no matter how negative a certain card generally is (Devil) there is still a positive side to it.  Numbers, astrological signs, Tarot cards, people, gods, and goddesses :) — everything and everyone has the energy of both positive and negative within them.  Love is just the top side of the coin, with hate on the other side.  Same with peace and conflict.  One is simply meaningless without the other.  That seems like a no-brainer, but it’s difficult at times to remember.

I am passionate about freedom, and our basic human right to have freedom.  The 5 represents freedom.  Given that, you’d think I’d love the 5.  But again, it spooks me because I have such a habit of seeing it in the negative.  There’s not one generally “good” card in the Tarot with a 5 on it.  The 5 of cups almost always represents sadness, loss, maybe having been abandoned by a loved one.  The 5 of swords (almost always) represents wicked conflict, sometimes hatred and war, self-interest in a bad way…  The 5 of coins…loss, fear, insecurity, poverty, ill-health…  The 5 of wands is usually another conflict card, with less venom than the swords card.  And even the 5th major arcana (most significant cards in the Tarot) represents something I, for the most part, deplore — religion and tradition.  The Hierophant, pope — ultimately, the teacher.  Something I’ve been called, and oddly, deplored the idea of as a child (I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I would say, ”I just know it isn’t a teacher!” lol)  The Hierophant often represents rigidity, something or someone that (come hell or highwater) is not going to change.  If I get this card in a future spot, it often means nothing’s happening, nothing’s going to change any time soon.  A “no change” message. 

So where do the cats, dogs, popcorn and foxes come in? lol  Well, in hesitating to write this post, I momentarily left the computer, plopped down in a chair, and clicked on the remote.  And there was my most unfavorite thing on TV, a football game.  Blecky, with a capital “B” ;)  A referee was on the ground for some reason, showing me the number “5″ on his back.  Geez.  Then a swoosh of …  number 18 on a players back, and then I heard the announcer say several words that seemed like gibberish to me, something about “Cats chasing dogs…popcorn…and foxes.”  I dunno.  But it all has meaning, if I would take the time with it…  The 18, I know — it’s the Moon card.  Fear.  Probably reflecting my fear of the 5.  I had just drawn cards asking about this 5 message that the Universe is drowning me in and pulled three major arcana cards, the first was the Magician (the fox is on this one in the Animal-Wise Tarot), then the Temperance card, and then the Empress.  All generally very positive and powerful cards.  A significant time in my life.  A need to bring more balance into my life, a seemingly unending need.  Healing…a need to process “stuff,” my emotions are just all over the place.  It’s like old stuff is coming up and I don’t know what to do with it, it’s overwhelming…  As always, I resist expressing myself, expressing what’s been gnawing on my insides all my life.  Reeking havoc in my life, making it impossible to have genuine, long-lasting relationships with others…and just drawing other angry ones like myself, who experience similar patterns.  Some who hide it better than I with all their syrupy talk with no foundation, others who don’t hide it at all and seem to hate everyone…  And those like me, who seem to vacillate between the two ;) forever seeking that balance and authenticity.

I know like attracts like.  I don’t believe in the “projection” theory :)  Well, I do, sort of, but I think if we have an ongoing connection with someone, there’s a potently similar energy there.  What’s intrigued me are the people I draw to me.  Oh, they all carry anger, no doubt about that — no projection there :)  I think most people carry it, just varying degrees…  But it’s interesting to observe how they each mask their anger.  Some don’t — some are clearly explosive with their anger.  Others claim they aren’t angry, all the while masking it with that passive-aggressive thing or similar.  I think those who recognize that they are angry are at least closing in on the “cure.”  But those who are angry or are still angry despite all their “love talk” and meditation, now those people are more inclined to do the projecting.  One sweet guy I drew a while back, is kinda one of those people.  Very much a “love talk” kinda guy, resisting the anger per his religion’s teachings – he now has colon cancer.  That concerns me per what I discovered with talking to my emotions, and the discovery of my anger living in my stomach…and then becoming depression (”Jake”) in my colon… 

I think we have to go and confront our “5,” maybe live with the 5 for a while to work through it all…  It seems to be crucial so as to get the healing and peace that follows in the number 6.  The 6 of cups is peace…(or it can show a continuing to repeat the patterns of the past).  The 6 of swords, grieving, healing, moving on…  The 6 of coins, giving and receiving, we gotta learn to do both…  The 6 of wands — victory! :)  And the big kahuna, heh, 6th major arcana, the Lover’s card — real love, bay-be! ;)

Unfortunately, we can’t skip the 5 to get to the 6, no reaching the love and peace of the 6, without moving through the anger and hatred of the 5 first.  Many of us try to do this — like religious leaders who wind up on the floor in a fetal position, and priests who harm children in a most vile way…  If we try to sidestep the 5, push down our anger and pain, it will come out sooner or later in some wicked way, often as disease or ill-treatment of others.  See the 5 Tarot cards, they all kinda dance together — they are surely spun from our inability or resistance to change, like many of our leaders, the Hierophant in his/her worst light.  The Hierophant is the teacher, and most of our religious teachers have taught us from fear, because most of our religions are rooted in fear… and we’re paying the price of holding this energy (anger, all ”negative” emotion is rooted in fear), of learning and endeavoring to adhere to all these rigid rules. 

Freedom, a wonderfully positive side of the 5, is not, nor will it ever be about rigid rules.  And without freedom (no rigid rules or religion, negative face of the Hierophant), then there will be no genuine love, the blessed energy of the Lover’s card.

Hmm, well, it’s a little after five, maybe I should go make some popcorn, lighten up a bit ;)

Peace,
Dove

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:)

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  Okay, so I’m kinda getting this idea from Oprah and her “favorite things” show, which I must admit (as much as I like Oprah), I would never invest in.  Like…  I saw a quick blip of her show recently and she had on one of her favorite lounging outfits, very pretty.  “Just” about $200 for the top, and $200 for the bottoms (as I vaguely recall).  “Do-able” she says, regarding this price tag.  LOL, uh-yeah, okay ;) 

Anyway, so I was hanging my laundry today :) and was realizing how much I like my wonderful drying rack, which I’ve had for a million years — one of my very best “investments.”  I usually just hang my “delicates” and other nice clothes on it, but I’ve recently started even hanging my towels and “grungies” — my loungewear :) — on it.  It amazes me that I can hang two full loads on this thing.  The dryers at my apartment laundry don’t work — oh, they are fully operating, they go ’round and ’round — they just don’t actually dry the clothes, lol   I’ve spent about 3 hours and $2 or $3 dollars trying to get one load dry…and still toted damp clothes back up to my apartment.   Yep, this drying rack is one of my favorite things :)  Money and time saver.

From that realization, I decided to do a little list of some of my favorite things and this can also serve as a gratitude list :)   So here ya’ go:

1)  My wonderful drying rack!  I’ve had this puppy for at least 15 years.  I used to shop from a plethora of high-quality catalogues (Spiegel, Pottery Barn, Hold Everything…) and I think I got this baby from the Hold Everything catalogue.  I think one of the many reasons I like it is, it’s cute :)  Very cute.  And that’s important to we Libra people :)  It has sort of a star shape (one of my fav symbols) — the “arms” and “legs” are true to the star shape, but no proportionate pointy “head” :)  The way I set it up (it’s adjustable), it’s about 4.5 feet high and a little over 3 feet wide (but can go much wider).  It’s what I’m assuming is enamel-coated (white) steel, because it is surely very high quality.  It still looks like new except for a bit of scraping of the coating around the “hooks” that hold the arms into place.   And, as indicated, I load it down with wet clothes, towels and such.  I put shirts and other items on hangers to make even more room — and those little rungs have held up, no bowing even after all the use.  That’s why I think it’s steel.  All the rungs still welded tight in place.  I’m pretty sure I paid about $30 for it all those years ago.  I haven’t seen it in any catalogue or elsewhere since purchasing it.  I wouldn’t sell it for 100 bucks, lol :)  Love my drying rack!  Yay! ;)

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2) Cuisinart Convection Oven.  I bought it about ten years ago to wean myself off the microwave, which I gave away.  It’s wonderful.  You can bake a potato, broil some fish or other meat, cook the little frozen entrees, make toast to perfection, heat up a muffin or whatever…  I’ve lived here for three years, I’ve never used my large oven.  I sometimes forget those microwave things still exist.  After ten years, it does make a little “I’m old” noise while it’s doing its thing, heh, but I still love my little oven.

3) Okay, this is actually a recent purchase — rare for me, ’cause when I purchase, I try to make it one that I won’t have to repeat for a long, long time :)  But these little jewels are called “Klean Kantenes.”  For toting water.  I love them, for a lot of reasons.  Cute :)  And very lightweight.  I had been toting my water to work in glass (very heavy!), so this is a wonderful new thing for me.  I recommend the flat-top caps.  Also, I was not happy when I first drank water from them, because there was a metallic taste (they’re stainless steel), but I hoped that was just the initial “newness.”  And sure enough, it’s no longer an issue — either I’ve gotten use to that taste (doubtful) or the “newness” wore off.  I carry three of the 18 oz size to work, I also have a 12 oz that’s good for toting juice or almond milk in my lunch bag.  I got them at a discounted price since I bought several, but, as I recall, they range from $13 to $20 — something like that.  I noticed the site where I purchased them went up on price right after I got mine.  These are wonderful to have, especially if you’re concerned about the plastic taste and leaching…

4)  I was just thinking today how much I love my little baby crockpot (one/two quart), perfect for single people.  I’m not Hattie Homemaker (at all), so I don’t like to cook, but I gotta eat healthy.  I think it’s so cool how you can just put meat. veggies and seasoning in this little pot, turn it on, go about your business, and at the end of the day, a yummy meal.  So awesome :)

5) This I also recently got, a Fit Ball — there are several different names for it, stability ball, etc.  I never dreamed I would like it so much.  I play on it more than I do the actual exercises…  I especially like arching my back on it, feels sooo good!  And sometimes I sit too close to the TV while sitting on it — if I don’t have my glasses on ;)  It makes a great ottoman too :)  Oh, and sometimes I bounce it (fun to bounce!) just to bug the neighbors downstairs, LOL! Just kidding!! ;)

6)  Okay, one more.  I’m only 5′2″ so I have a couple of these wonderful wood step stools.  Ya’ know, they don’t fold up or anything, they would also make a nice planter ;)  But, they look nice, they can blend in with the decor.  I have one in my living room and kitchen area, and one in my walk-in closet.  Use ‘em almost constantly for top-shelf stuff.  And, in case I forgot to mention it, they’re cute ;)

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This and so much more that I’m grateful for… And as per my gratitude part of this list, I’m so grateful I no longer feel a desire for an excess of stuff, and having honed down in that area so much in the last several years, I can now see what I truly love and appreciate.  Minimalism is good stuff :)

Hugs,
Dove

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  This is for my friend, CV :) … and anyone else who may be drawn to this topic.  

Animal totems are spiritual animal guides.  They bring messages to us via their symbolic presence.  That is, if you synchronously see, and especially continue to see, or hear an animal or the name of an animal, there is a message in that.  The best book, considered a classic, on this topic is called “Animal-Speak” by Ted Andrews.  And here’s a link to a post I did not long ago that touches on this subject, Ramblings on Animal Totems and my Tarot story, “An Owl, a Crow, and a Nudge toward the Tarot”  shares the moment when I became aware of my Owl totem.

They say we each have nine totems, and although I know my nine, I’ve long felt that I have many more.  And the woman who read my aura (see my Tarot story), when she saw “sooo many animals” in my aura, I think that was a reflection of that.  I recall reading how this aligns with shamans.  And I don’t know if I am one, but many things in my life certainly align with that. 

So how did I discover my totems?  It wasn’t that long after I was nudged toward using the Tarot that I had a similar experience with animal totems.  I was guided towards some cards called, “Medicine Cards” that came with a book (by Jamie Sams/David Carson).  The very first time I shuffled these cards, I was very curious as to what card the Universe would most want to show me.  It was the Owl card.  This I already knew was one of my main nine totems, and the same with my Crow totem (see Tarot story).  I mention in my above “ramblings” post how the owl had come to me, and how I mentioned in my Tarot story how I’d had dreams of owls as well, and then when she saw it in my aura, that was the final confirmation I needed on that one.  With the crow, I can’t honestly remember how I knew that one, it was just something I knew.  I had lived in a wonderful wooded area before all of this started, and lotsa crows were there.  I liked them :) … and that’s a good indicator that a certain animal is one of your totems.  There was also this one crow that used to “visit” us there.  The wildest thing, it had one white feather.  We called it “White Feather” :)  But again, I don’t remember the actual point where I knew, I just knew.  And that right there can be the totality of discovering one of your totems.  And then it was especially nice when the aura reader saw the crow on my shoulder :)

I discovered the rest, the other seven main totems, through the Medicine Cards.  In the book, it has a spread that you can do.  Just do it one time, and it will show you your totems.  I might not have embraced this except that I saw one of them during a meditation immediately before drawing this spread.  As I began to meditate in preparation for doing this, I immediately saw the eyes of a wolf, directly in front of my eyes.  I felt sure in that moment that this was one of my totems.  After the meditation, I shuffled the cards and began to to lay them out.  The second card was the wolf :)  Ya’ gotta know, that was a thrill.  I smiled as I drew the rest of the cards.  Most of them were winged ones, which aligned with my owl and crow…and the name the Universe bestowed upon me a few years ago, “Dove.” :)   I even had an intuitive once reference me as an “Earth Angel.”  More wings ;)  And that nudges me toward seeing birds and angels in the same light…

Further synchronicity with the totems I already knew and that I saw in the spread that day is that I’ve seen that my own personality and such align with many of the characertistics of these animals.  It’s come to me that these animals actually recognize us on some level, that we actually have this energy, that it is a part of us, part of our spiritual energy.  This is why we are drawn to them and they are drawn to us.  We’re like their family :)  Cool, eh?

 I have had so many amazing experiences with the crow, it’s definitely a part of my heart.  If there’s a crow around, you can bet my attention will immediately zero in on it.   But birds in general thrill and captivate me.  I think they’re absolutely phenomenal.  Again, if you love a certain animal this much, that’s a very strong indicator that it is one of your totems.  Additionally, if you feel/believe (intuit) that a certain animal is one of your totems, then it very likely is. 

My life and health issues, my personality, my “challenges” are all reflected in these animals.  It’s very beneficial to know one’s totems.  For example, the hummingbird is one of mine.  One day in reading about it in the “Animal-Speak” book, I noted how the hummingbird eats very often, it has to…  It was around that point when I discovered my own blood sugar issues, and per this knowledge of the hummingbird, I began experimenting with eating every few hours.  Doing so was life-changing for me — one of the best health-improving rituals I’ve adopted.  Many of my totems are solitary ones, and this helps me to understand my own strong need for solitude…

Different people discover there totems in different ways.  Besides using the cards, you can simply ask the Universe to show them to you and then wait and watch :)  They might come to you in dreams, on television shows, books, magazines…through other people speaking of certain animals, etc. etc.  Ultimately, trust your intuition in knowing them when they come :)  Then get the book and read about them, you’ll see yourself in them…  The more you’re open to them (respect/honor/enjoy, call upon them), the more you’ll see the “magic” in them, and in this way (among many) that the Universe speaks to us  :)

Peace,
Dove

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  Well, I just spent so much time on a comment on another thread that I decided I’d post it here for the benefit of whomever might come upon it :)   This comment was spurred by my blog friend, Muse, speaking of my article,  “Words + Emotions = Power”

Dove

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Hey, thanks for reading my article, Muse Actually, I didn’t develop that process with my emotions, I learned it from a therapist I was going to in southern Oregon. And I immediately saw the value in it, but I had (and still have) such a strong block to my healing. It’s such a challenge to get myself to do all the things I have seen the value in. I can let myself get to a point where I can’t make myself do anything, just morbidly depressed. And if I finally sit down and “talk/write” to “Jack,” … let him do his raging on paper, even for just a few minutes, I can get up and immediately feel a change for the better — alive and ready to go about the business of living again I can’t emphasize enough how valuable it is…if we can just get ourselves to do it.

And I couldn’t fully elaborate in that article about it…or my wonderful initial experience with it. But I don’t name them, they name themselves

My first experience (with the therapist) was amazing. I know this sounds weird, but they are actually like little beings inside of us, and they can teach us things if we’ll just listen. Not only did they tell me their names, they told me their ages and WHERE THEY LIVE IN MY BODY. Jack is in my stomach (see my pic of “Fire in the Belly”).  Jack is just 17 — he holds back nothing

I connected with these six parts of me, each told me their name (under “hypnosis,” which felt no different than meditating), age and location in the body. And then the therapist asked them questions, and the answers were so beneficial… These six are, Anger, Hurt, Shame, Depression, Fear, and Sentinel.

Again, so many cool things I learned from doing this. But I’ll share just one more. I wasn’t making these names up. And there were several indicators as to the truth of that. The “Hurt” part of me said “Tom” when asked its name, located in my heart. But I remember feeling like it was a girl. Later I found out that it is a girl, a sweet little girl “Tom” was short for “Tomboy,” which I used to be I call her “Tommie” now I feel a rush of emotion just speaking of her…

Okay one more The only other male is my depression, “Jake.” It was interesting… He said he was in my “colo-rectal area.” I repeated back “rectal”? He then strongly emphasized “colo-rectal.” Alrighty then I couldn’t help noticing that both anger (stomach) and depression (colo-rectal) are male. And that the their names are very similar. What’s in the stomach travels to the colo-rectal area, no? Interesting, eh?

Oh, also, I have a basket of books that the Universe has nudged me toward for years, and I haven’t yet really gotten into them. But one book that’s come up strongly is “Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma” by Peter A. Levine. I’ve read bits and pieces of it, and that’s where I learned how animals shake their fear out. I really should read and study that book.

One final thing Ya’ know how we “accidentally” break something or say something we wish we hadn’t or continue to do something we so don’t want to do, that’s coming from one of them It really is like having little ones within us. We either give them attention, or they’ll “act out” in our lives — hence, the “chaos” we so often experience in our lives. Just like with actual children that haven’t been tended to and cared for properly. It’s kind of unnerving when ya’ think about it, how “they” can momentarily take control of our lives and shake things up and it feels beyond our control…

Dove

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  I just came upon a feminist site via another blog on here, a thread on “sexual healing,” speaking of sexual abuse and “healthy” sexual appetites and all.  I couldn’t resist adding my two cents.  And that’s because I find it so unfortunate that we’ve been taught to be ashamed of our sexuality.

Unfortunate indeed.  Both because it’s this phenomenal pleasure with which we’ve been gifted in this amazing life, as well as a most empowering act.  Our sexual energy is profoundly empowering…it intermingles with our spirituality, our creativity, our intuition — it is one of the coolest things about us ;)  Truly.  And discovering this is very much about taking back our power.  (hint, there’s a reason we are brainwashed into believing our sexuality is “bad,” because it is very empowering.  If you wish to control people, you steer them away from that which empowers them.   People uniting in any positive way is a threat to those who wish to maintain control.)   I’m sure it stumps many as to how having sex is empowering.  Well, let’s just say it’s primarily about the potent joy of it, the power of that kind of “energy” (emotion), as well as the honesty of it, the freedom of it — being that which we are.  And when real love is a part of it, it is explosively powerful…

But the issue on this thread is regarding the healing of sexual abuse and how moving toward healthy sex may be part of that healing. 

A few posters relayed their dissatisfaction with the supposed suggestion in this thread that having no desire for sex was unhealthy — an “asexual” one also made her discontent known with statements that were made.

Anyway, this was my comment…

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Gawd, I can’t imagine life without the joy of orgasm :) I’m a “survivor” of this kind of abuse as well, and I’ve had the “symptoms” of that during sex (remember feeling numb once in the process years ago, like I wasn’t there), and I’ve also played out the “patterns” of it all.

Even so, I now have a very “healthy” sexual appetite for and attitude towards sex. I feel what healed me most in this area was shaking off the belief that sex was bad/dirty (”dirty dancing,” “junk”) per traditional religious beliefs. And I know most of us have at least a subconscious belief of such. There’s no way around it in a society so infused with such beliefs. We’ve been brainwashed into believing that sex is very wrong, even if consciously we don’t believe it — or don’t want to believe it. We’ve witnessed the harsh reactions that churchy people have to sex, we’re supposed to be ashamed of it, it’s something we are supposed to hide the reality of, pretend we don’t do. Keep ourselves covered so as to make it seem that we have no animalistic attributes or tendencies. Not healthy, denying that which we are.

But I thankfully am healed of that type of ignorant and fearful thinking. We (clearly most of us) are animalistic, we have all the “equipment” :) and desires to have sex. We were “meant” to have sex (okay, most of us).

And the joy that not only orgasm brings, but that phenomenal closeness with another human being that we’ve already connected with emotionally/mentally, its wonderfully joyous.

I can only feel sorry for those who don’t experience that kinda “magic.” And I also wonder if perhaps they have actually learned how to have/get an orgasm. Perhaps some have no idea as yet the physical pleasure they are missing. If they’ve never had an orgasm (I hear that’s not uncommon), how could they? How would they know what we are talking about?

Additionally, it’s quite telling that the majority of those who find it “healthy” to not want sex, have also been traumatized by sexual abuse — and supposedly healed of said abuse. But if they are truly happy (and not hiding anger and unhealed trauma), then okay :)

But sex isn’t “dirty.” If it is, then we are — because sex is very much a part of us, of this life experience. No sex, no people, eh? And we very much aren’t “dirty,” we are profoundly amazing beings… Asexual and otherwise :)

I say there is nothing more blissful than having sex with the right partner and I’m exceedingly grateful that I haven’t a hint of guilt or feelings of shame afterward. That makes it even more joyful, knowing that it is not only right and “good,” but also very empowering, magical even :)

Allowing that “animal” in us to come alive in a loving ritual is also very freeing…its honest, its real, its magical :) And I can’t imagine taking equal pleasure in knitting or baking a cake. But hey, I guess those are good too ;)

Peace,
Dove

LOL!  I’m sitting here laughing out the wazoo – I can’t stop laughing!  Ya’ know how something hits ya’ and it’s so dang funny… and you keep thinking about it and it keeps crackin’ ya’ up.  And the thing is, others might not find it that funny at all, but you don’t care, ’cause it’s so funny to you — ya’ can’t stop laughing — and that’s a good thing!  *truly laughing out loud*  

I don’t watch TV that often, but I’ve seen this “According to Jim” show a few times, and honestly I don’t like it that much — but the short, blonde, heavy guy, he’s Jim’s wifes’s brother.  He’s the only one on there that is reeeally funny.  He kinda reminds me of the SNL guy, Chris Farley, who always cracked me up as well. 

Anyway, I’m still laughing at something he said on this episode I just watched.  He was in charge of bringing the minister to the other sister’s wedding.  And, of course, with Jim’s help, he screwed that up.  They get another minister at the last minute,  and (of course) they don’t check him out or anything.  So the funny blonde guy saunters up to this new minister with the wedding in full swing, thinking everything is gonna be fine now.  Then the minister starts relaying that he was kicked out of his church and he’d started his own religion…and that said religion was spurred by his “sitting naked in the woods meditating…and an angel appeared to him disguised as a bear.”  LOL, hilarious look on the blonde guy’s face.  The funniest line was when he ran to tell Jim that they’d screwed up again.  He was freakin’ out and said, “This guy is talkin’ to bears, man!”  Jim casually said something like, “Can he get us tickets?”  heh  And then the funniest line, the blonde guy shoots back, “No, you don’t get it, this guy’s seein’ visions, bay-bee!”  LOL!  I think it’s a combination of the look on his face, with the mega emphasis he put on ”visions” and ”bay-bee!” that I can’t shake — especially right after Jim had told him not to call him “baby” at the construction site, LOL!  Oh-muh-gawd, so funny! :) 

The way he looked, the way he said that, my eyes are watering as I’m laughing and typing this.  I dunno, sometimes things just hit ya’ like that — and ya’ can’t stop laughing!! lol  Okay, I’ve totally lost it! LOL! 

What’s with that? ;)  I dunno, but it feels good — so I guess TV isn’t totally “bad” if it can spark such things in us on occasion, eh? :)  Okay, yeah, it pretty much sucks in general, but every once in a while there’s a healthy tidbit of a treasure there.   So ya’ just never know  ;)

Okay now for something compleet-uh-ly different, haha! ;)  Yeah, I used to love Monty Python, SNL, Friday’s…  Man, what happened to TV, it used to be highly treasured up with shows like those.  Hmm, I think the more our freedom goes, the more our creativity goes…  Hey, there’s a poem/song in there somewhere ;)

Dove

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  The lacey light rain on this beautiful white-gray morning is so peaceful.  Those lovely marinating sounds on the earth below my lofty window.  The concert of delicate dripping and trickling, drips of rain dropping from the eaves, slowly, softly tapping the ground, one by one.  Distant wind chimes do their little tinkle-tinkle while dancing with a wispy, non-committal breeze.  Joyous silence intermingles.   I gratefully imbibe the gentle peace of it all.  It quiets my mind, soothes my wild heart.

Sweet Peace,
Dove

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  If you’ve read my Tarot story, you know that it was Kris Waldherr’s Goddess Tarot that captivated me to such a degree that I walked through my religion-induced fear to find my special joy in these cards.  I’ve never had one regret about doing so, au contraire :)  I’ve never had such a love, such a passion, for anything else in my life.  

I was moved just now by the Star card in Kris’ Goddess cards, I so love that card — I envision having an original painting of it hanging on my wall someday :)   I went to her website and was looking at some of her paintings of the cards.  I didn’t see the Star card in the originals, but she does have the High Priestess there.  She’s a beauty as well.  Here’s a link to a print I found on there for the Star card  You can’t see it that well though.  

Some favorite ”minor” cards are the love cards, Ace of Cups and the Two of Cups — the Lovers card (major) is gorgeous too.  What can I say, I’m a Libra, I love love :)  And I have this thing about hearts, and only recently realized it.  I was wondering in this moment how many hearts, or heart shapes I could see in my apartment by doing a 360.  Despite my becoming more and more of a minimalist, I’m surprised I saw eight hearts :)  None of them are blatant (can’t stand a gaudy or garish environment), some of them very obscure, but I see eight hearts — one I had even missed, but saw in looking back again.  It’s fascinating discovering that we have this “draw” or resonation with certain things/symbols, and spend much of our lives without even realizing it.  It’s cool when we finally do :) 

The Goddess Athena.  She also was prominent in my synchronous journey toward the Tarot.  Kris’ image of her is on the Goddess Tarot box, (and on her Justice card), that image was key in my being drawn to it.  Another synchronicity that I didn’t discover until after my story had long been published — a poster that I purchased maybe 25 or more years ago, long before I even knew the word “metaphysics” and would have giggled at the idea of “goddesses” at the time :)   I loved this poster, a picture of lovers (of course, lol) in front of a classy old car, a photograph by Anthony Crickmay.  I loved the caption, “The Outsiders.”  Again note, I didn’t know at the time I was, well, one of the “Outsiders.”  I paid 75 bucks to have it framed.  For some reason, one day (again, after my Tarot story was published in 2004), I zeroed in on the upper right-hand corner of this pic.  Why I never did that before that point, I don’t know, the writing isn’t that small.  It says, “Athena Editions” :) 

Like so many other synchronicities on this journey, seeing “Athena” on something I’d been drawn to such a long time before any of this “magic” began to happen…that totally thrilled me.  I still have this sweet picture, despite many efforts over the years to sell it — it’s kinda “young-ish” for me — I haven’t been able to.  It seems to want to stay with me, so it is still fashionably and young-ishly sitting against the wall in my bedroom :)  I have another “interesting” story with this pic, when it was hanging on my wall during my two-year stint on the West Coast, but I’ll save that for another time :)

My second favorite Tarot deck is the Morgan Greer deck.  Love the images — rich, deep color, and I love the no-frame look.  Little pieces of art.  The Morgan Greer High Priestess is a jewel.  That pic (at that link) doesn’t do her justice.  I love this High Priestess image, her face, her amazings eyes, so gorgeous, dignified, mysterious.  But you can’t see the wonderful detail, those eyes, in this pic.  My other fav of this deck is the Lovers card :)  I love the way she’s looking at him.  I often wonder what “my type” of guy is, the “perfect” guy for me, and I can’t really figure it out, but I feel sure he would look much like this guy, lol ;)  The Jay-sus look, hehe

But of all of my favorite cards, I have to say, my the number one favorite, the one that sparks the most joy in me upon seeing it is still the one that “melted away my icy fear” years ago, in first discovering my passion for the Tarot.  Well, I don’t have a link to the image, but it’s that gorgeous, beaming with brightness and goodness, and representing the “God/dess” in all of us, (Goddess Tarot) Sun card  :) 

Peace,
Dove