Kari Reardon
Causations (1-7)
(In order of the tarot card pulled)
Ten of Cups
Exaltation of Elemental Water.
Guidance We all dream of reaching a state of sustained bliss, without pain or conflict, free from worry, free from sorrow. You have a glimpse of that now, surrounded by a loving and understanding community, safe and secure. The wisdom can now be retrieved from painful moments. Rest here as long as you need to fully integrate your experiences. When you are ready, venture out of the nest again to continue to grow and evolve. Don’t think of it as starting over, think of it as leveling up.
Challenge There is always a danger of remaining too
long in the comfort and being lulled into stasis. Do not be fooled by the promise of a destination. We must always continue moving forward.
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VII The Chariot
Your hard work is paying off. Support is available to you now. Hand over the reins and trust in the process.
A chariot stands ready to carry you ahead into the future. Decorations that adorn the vehicle let you know that this chariot is just for you—it is safe to step inside. The wolves that will pull you are well rested and ready to both transport and protect you on your journey. Climb in, sit back, and allow yourself to be carried forward on the path you have determined.
Guidance While you have been able to accomplish a great deal on your own, you have reached a point where you cannot go much further without assistance. Fortunately, help is standing by, waiting for your call. Before you reach out, take stock of where you need it most.
When we have attained a certain
level of expertise at something, personal
or professional, we can be blinded to
where a little lift could be useful. We get used to accomplishing so much on our own that it doesn’t even occur to us there is another way forward, a way that is both more efficient and more fruitful.
Challenge We all sometimes have difficulty trusting in others. This skepticism is a reflection of a lack of trust in ourselves. When you can trust your instincts, you will have no problem recognizing when and where it is safe to give up control.
Apothecary Chicory removes obstacles and promotes success and luck. The roots can be dried, ground and mixed with coffee, or boiled and eaten, though the leaves (whether endives or radicchio) are much easier to find.
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Six of Coins
Achievement in Elemental Earth.
Guidance The pieces you’ve been putting together are finally adding up to something tangible. Take this moment to take pride in your work—not only the results you can see before you, but also all the work that led up to making it possible. When you take inventory of all of the ways you are capable of building your world and express thanks for them, those parts of yourself light up with pride and enthusiasm, making you even more willing and able to carry on.
Challenge It is easy to get caught in the trap of
thinking that small isn’t enough. These first small wins form the foundation of everything you’re forming. Keep a list or tally gold stars—whatever it takes to reinforce how important this work is and how enormous the rewards will be.
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VIII Strength
True strength can be known and felt without being demonstrated by force.
A massive lion lies before you in a field of wildflowers, calm and serene, reclining on his back in the sun like a playful kitten. Though he sees you approach, he does not jump up to defend himself or display his power. The lion trusts that his strength is known and shows his confidence in that strength by remaining open and vulnerable.
Guidance Allow the lion to be your mirror. You contain immense power within your being. This power does not vanish when you are resting and return suddenly when you are in danger. It lives within you always, fueling your confidence, drive, and courage. Connecting with this power will not cause you to become aggressive—quite the opposite. Acknowledging your inner strength will allow you to be more peaceful than you could ever imagine
You are strong enough. Right here, right now, exactly as you are. No one can take this away from you. Your strength is
yours to keep. At times it may be quiet and at times it may be loud, but it is always there. Your vulnerability is proof.
Challenge Embodying strength without showing it through force can be a tricky task. How can others see your strength if you don’t exert it? Try shifting the goal to making your strength felt instead of seen to work more successfully with this energy.
Apothecary Ginger activates courage, confidence, and intuition. Make a simple tea by steeping chopped fresh ginger root in boiling water. Ginger is also excellent in savory and sweet foods and as a note in perfumes.
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XIX The Sun
It is the season of growth. Believe what your eyes tell you. Nothing is hidden from view.
You come to an oasis in the desert. The heat of the sun, once unbearable, now seems softer. Sitting beneath the lemon tree and sunflowers that somehow make this place their home, you drink and rest. As your strength returns, you look out over the landscape, taking in all that is before you and planning your next steps.
Guidance The answer you seek is right before your eyes. If there is someone in your life whose intentions have been hard to read, step back from trying to discern some hidden meaning and look at their words and actions. Similarly, if there is a situation that has been confusing, look at the nuts and bolts. If it were a math problem, what would the visible factors add up to?
It’s not that people and situations can’t
or won’t change, it’s just that you need to
focus on what you can grow right now
with this energy smiling down on you. Spend your time and resources where there is most potential here and now. If others aren’t prepared to come along, they can catch up when they’re ready.
Challenge There are some things we’d rather not see. Accept them for the gift they are and look for how the information allows you to grow in ways you could not before, when you believed in the illusion.
Apothecary Sunflower encourages honesty and a positive outlook. Eat the seed roasted, as a nut butter, or on salads, or bring the blossoms into your home
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I The Magician
You are one with the Earth and the Cosmos. Their powers surge through you as your own.
A selection of tools lies before you— carriers of the sacred wisdom of the cardinal elements of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. As you survey your choices, deciding what you will create in your cauldron, a shimmering light fills your being. You recognize it instantly as the fifth element, Spirit. Your ritual can begin.
Guidance You are magic. You are made of stardust, of the five classical elements, and because of this you have access to their powers. By shifting the contents of your life or how you view the container, you have the ability to create the world you desire. Think big and take small steps toward your goal. The glory of achievement is yours for the making.
While we are all given our own set of
circumstances—gifts and limitations—the
Universe teaches us that we are each
truly the masters of our own destiny. Play
with exercising this control freely, but keep the conjuring focused on your own affairs. All beings possess this power and their free will must not be interfered with.
Challenges Knowing you have the power to create your life can be a lot to take in. Often, we must face difficult truths about our comfort with being in control and ways we have denied ourselves power in the past. Stay out of judgment of the past and shift focus to the present and future.
Apothecary Cinnamon activates personal magick. Sprinkle it on porridge, boil the sticks to make tea, or use it as a room freshener in potpourri.
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Queen of Cups
Water of Water, the Nurturer of Emotion.
Guidance Your emotions take full precedence now, so be ready to set aside time to really sink in and experience them as they roll over and through you. Get plenty of rest, nourish and hydrate your body, and snuggle up with whatever makes you feel safe and cozy. When we rush through life, our feelings can get in the way and get shoved to the back burner. Now is the time to coax them back out and give them the attention they crave. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much they give you in return.
Challenge Be mindful of anything that tends to drag you down into heavy emotional states. Draining relationships and situations, alcohol, and other depressants are best avoided. Keep it light.
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