Press On!
SYMBOLISM
The Charioteer carries a wand which he does not raise above hi head to heaven. Power, creativity, and initiative are important here as he moves on.
His hands do not hold the reins. His character controls life’s forces and his mental energy directs his passions.
The Charioteer’s belt is decorated with symbols of the planets.
His skirt has magical symbols.
The shape of the Chariot represents the material world.
The Chariot wheels are in the water while the Chariot itself sits on the water. The Charioteer gets his energy from the water (the unconscious) and from the land.
The black and white sphinxes are guardians of mystical secrets. The sphinxes stand for life’s mysteries. The black sphinx represents the night, femininity and the unconscious mind. The white sphinx stands for masculinity, conscious thought, and the sun.
The Armor show us The Charioteer is ready, and prepared for the next event.
The Crown symbolize authority and is worn on the head with a laurel wreath symbolizes victory.
The Canopy of Stars represents liberty and independence.
The Winged Sun accompanies the Charioteer on life’s journey.
GETTING TO KNOW THE CHARIOT
The Chariot shows up for graduation, new apartments, new jobs, driver’s licenses.
Energy triumphs over obstacles. You have the skills to succeed. This works especially for things like taking a test or running a race, but it’s also about your understanding your motivations.
It’s also about control and willpower.
But, there’s another thing: This all goes better with intention.
With the Chariot, you move in a new direction. That’s where the intention comes in, know where you are going. This means you set your goal and make your plans. It’s all about knowing where you’re planning to go and how you’re going to get there.
STORY
The Chariot showed up years ago when I studied Spanish. Before thi time, I used what Spanish I knew to buy groceries, chat with neighbors, protect my family’s health at the local medical clinic, and keep myself on the positive side of the law with the Federales while living in Venezuela and Mexico…
But, time passed and I was in a totally new place: a new country, a new spouse, a new job, and a completely different lifestyle.
I used Spanish in my new job but things weren’t what they could be. In my heart, I knew I was stuck and stagnant. I wasn’t learning any new words.
The situation required a goal-oriented focus and courage without heavy-handed tactics. I knew I must, finally, learn the language – not just play like it.
When I enrolled in a Spanish class at a local college, the willpower of the Chariot carried me through. I used the strength of the Chariot for the confidence and belief in myself to learn Spanish.
I knew this was going to be a time of overwork but the outcome would make the effort worthwhile. There were conflicting demands on my time and resources but i felt things would work out well in the end because I was in the driver’s seat.
I also knew that grit and determination were the things most needed to see this project through.
The Chariot helped me make this major life decision. It was time to on my life’s journey. The Chariot was an important pathway for me.
Ambition and determination helped me overcome the obstacles I found along the way and the Chariot helped me cope, develop skills and use my abilities to succeed.
Ambition and determination helped me overcome th obstacles I found along the way and the Chariot helped me cope, develop skills, and use my abilities to succeed.
I finished the classes with A’s. Even all these years later, I can still speak to people in their language. The strength of the Chariot gave me the energy to not only set goals but carry them through to success.
There are also situations where The Chariot can help you control competing forces and inner conflicts. A politician or business employee sometimes needs to settle into the situation and take the middle road and go with the flow. When this happens, follow the road where it takes you to success.
I’ve seen this work well on the local government level. Several years ago, in my community, a few buildings needed modernizing and upgrading. One building, the Highway Department Garage was a teardown and rebuilt project. Our Town Supervisor certainly had the building contractor skills. He knew how to manage the budget. One noisy faction of the community was critical. He knew how to call in The Chariot
Before it was over, Woodstock had new and improved buildings. They included a Highway Garage, Town Hall, Community Center, and the Comeau Property with the Town Clark’s Office and Supervisor’s Cottage.
The goals you achieve are important. But, don’t stop here. Other accomplishments are waiting for you in the future.
Then it’s time to ask “What’s next?”
DO THIS
Are you planning a project? Set your goal. Chart your map. Make a list.
MEDITATION
Find a safe and private location where you can get comfortable. Settle in a comfortable chair or on a flat surface.
Turn your attention to your breath. Close your eyes and focus on your inbreaths and outbreaths. As you inhale and exhale become more and more relaxed. Let your breath settle in to a calming and cleansing pattern.
You open your eyes now and see that the sun shines brightly and is high in the sky. The sun illuminates the sky in a positive yellow. This is your reliable consciousness focusing on your goal.
A star-covered canopy shelters you from the heat of the sky above.
You look around and see a path that you feel was created just for you. You know, in some way, that this path is for you to reach your goal. Your job is to stay on this path.
You see a Chariot waiting for you right underneath the canopy. Two sphinxes are stationed at the front of The Chariot. You know they represent the mysteries you experience as you travel to your goals.
The Chariot is your space and time on this project and in your life. This vehicle has a connection to your karma. As you realize this, you do not fear it. Instead, you feel empowered to work with it to your benefit.
You see the winged sun adorning the front of The Chariot. You feel that this sun will join you on your new project.
You know that this Chariot and these symbols are part of your journey as you stay on your path. They further your progress to your goal.
You realize now that the path is its own journey as you steer your course toward your success.
The landscape around The Chariot is positive and fruitful. The lawn is a lush green grass. Your path leads you along the banks of a beautiful stream.
Farther down the path, across the stream and through the park, is a city with gorgeous buildings capped with red roofs.
The path leads you to success!
You sit with this scene for a few moments while you enjoy and absort your future which is waiting for you. Get comfortable with your success and how it feels.
You know it is time to return to your day. You continue to focus on your breath while you slowly and carefully move your hands and arms, feet and legs.
You move consciously into the now of the day.
Thank you for reading this article This post is a series of seed chapters for an upcoming book I’m writing about The Tarot:
This third book “The Spirituality of the Tarot” will be available soon.
My two Tarot books, “A Healer’s Tarot Memoir” and “The Minor Arcana and the Court Cards” are available in ebook form .
You can order them at www.thurmangreco.com.
While they last…The Minor Arcana and the Court Cards
are being given with a tarot reading.
A few copies of “But for Gabriel” are available. You can order them at www.thurmangreco.com
ENJOY!
This blogged book has gone out to 14 countries. This interesting true story tells the truth about hunger in America.
And, you can read it for free!
www.hungerisnotadisease.com
Creating as an Expression of Love
When the Empress reveals herself in a spread, the situation is full of promise and potential. Abundance is a possibility with marriage, motherhood, material gain, writing, music, creating a home, and more.
The Empress in a Tarot spread is important for anyone looking to get pregnant, foster a child, adopt a child, or seek a surrogate. This energy applies successfully to projects dealing with nurturing. This also applies to any project with creative energy and to anyone creating from the soul level.
This is a time of renewal. To make the most of your situation, plan new ideas for the future. Enjoy your creativity and make the most of your situation and abilities.
The Empress supports abundance on a material an an emotional level.
The Empress creates an environment where you can develop your own individual potential. She enables you to make the right decisions.
The message of The Empress is loud and clear: Nurturing and caregiving are essential to heal. She is the foundation of the most significant relationship in your life. This impacts all other relationships.
The Empress has all the tickets – beauty, creativity, passion. An ultimate woman in your maternal role, she is the symbol of the maid, mother, and crone. The Empress loves life unconditionally.
With The Empress, you get up close and personal with a person who nurtured something to fruition. She is at peace with herself.
The Empress uses the same energy to create a new project: a book, a TV show, a job, hobby, or anything else creative.
Plan for the future using your creative talents. Make the most of your situation and your abilities. Incorporate abundance – both materially and emotionally. Create a situation where you develop your own individual potential and make the right contribution
STORY
Rita lived in the Saugerties/Palenville area of the New York Hudson Valley before Hurricane Irene cost her everything. One day her life was normal and the next day she was homeless with nothing.
A friend we both knew, Lorene, found Rita a worn-out pickup somewhere. The owner couldn’t sell it or even give it away so Lorene got it for Rita.
Until I looked closely, I didn’t even know what color it was. I knew what color the tires were, though: slick and bald.
Rita got the pickup and the key that went with it. She put it in the ignition, turned it and the motor came to life. When the engine turned over and got into gear, Rita became The Empress.
It got her to the gas station. Hurrah!
She began her new career doing anything anybody needed to have done for $10 an hour and lunch. Rita cleaned out flooded houses and sheds and then hauled the trash to the dump. She used her computer skills when someone needed administrative work. She nurtured her way from assignment to assignment daily.
Rita’s “professional attire” came from the free store at Family of Woodstock.
She rented a room in somebody’s house and was finally no longer sleeping in the pickup.
When she worked in Woodstock on Wednesdays, Rita shopped at the pantry.
And, I will say this about Rita, she never once grumbled. Rita was a creative force working for harmony wherever she went each day. With a smile on her face, she acted as if the pantry food was the best she had ever eaten. And never, not even once, did she complain about the ancient jalopy rig she drove around.
As far as I could tell, she never lost hope. Without hope, I don’t think she would have made it to the other side – wherever that was. This hope made her a symbol of abundance.
For my part, I never asked her how she got the rig repaired and I never even looked near where the inspection sticker belonged.
Truthfully, Rita was no different from the rest of us after Hurricane Irene. She had to figure out how much of her past she could rebuild. And she had to figure out how much of the past she was simply going to close the door on as she moved into the future.
Beyond her material possessions, Rita gave up everything standing in the way of her success. She gave up her rear vision. Looking back into her past simply didn’t happen so she gave up bitterness and seeing wrong. This means she gave up waiting and putting off something because the stars and planets weren’t properly aligned. She gave up criticism, self-criticism included.
Rita was the right person in the right place in the right job to unfold her path. She lived each day as if the blessings were all around her and all she had to do was open her eyes a little wider.
Daily, she risked whatever was necessary to rebuild her life. Rita embraced the future while renouncing the past. She never quit.
Rita was the poster girl for us all. She lived each day with meaning, even in the worst situation and under the most inhumane condition.
FOCUS IN
This is a time of creative projects with profound healing and blessings. Nourish your body and soul with luxurious self-care. OR, climb a tree, or ride a carousel! Do whatever connects you with your Mother-God.
MEDITATION
Select a quiet, safe, secluded place to experience this meditation. Make yourself comfortable. This may include sitting in a comfortable chair, or resting on a pallet on the floor.
If it feels appropriate, light a candle, turn on some selected healing music, place a a favorite stone nearby.
Focus on your breathing now. Inhaling, you breathe in calm energy. As you exhale, breathe out negative energy. Continue to inhale calm energy and exhale negative energy for a few minutes as you transform you breathing into relaxation and calm.
As you close your eyes, visualize yourself walking along a smooth path. See yourself carrying suitcases, tote bags, briefcases, and other assorted packages. You feel tired and your muscles ache.
You carry your bags and luggage to an outdoor area.
As you set them down, you notice the beautiful blue sky above you. You see several puffy clouds in different sizes and shapes.
After a few moments, you notice you are feeling better. You think about the things in your baggage and packages.
You see that slowly, carefully, the baggage and packages and their contents disappear.
As this luggage, baggage, and packages and their contents disappear, you feel lighter, calmer, and freer.
The sun in the sky is moving low into the sky. The bright blue gives way to oranges, pinks, and purples.
You are aware how much calmer and more positive you are after you release these bags and their contents.
You pause for a few moments and then you stretch your arms, legs, and spine. You feel the oxygen enter your muscles. You stretch, bend, and rotate your legs.
Your arm and back muscles stretch as you move them overhead and back. You feel as if your muscles are breathing.
Soon, every muscle in your body feels refreshed from oxygen. While stretching and bending your muscles, you take in fresh air which relaxes your body and mind.
Slowly, your realize that your heavy burdens are disappearing. The release of these bags and packages give insight into how much better you feel without this weight and these issues.
You feel healed.
You are now ready to move forward as you journey down your path.
You are relaxed as you wiggle your legs, feet and toes, your arms, hands, and fingers.
You are now ready to explore promise, renewal, and plan for the future.
You are ready to develop your potential.
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Find out more about Thurman at www.thurmangreco.com
Interested in Woodstock? This show has 20 years of segments about the people, the community, and subjects important to our residents.
This book is available as an ebook at www.thurmangreco.com
These recently listed articles are the seed chapters of the new book: “The Spirituality of the Tarot”.
Thanks
Thurman Greco
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
GETTING TO KNOW THE MOON
The moon affects everyone and everything on the planet. If you don’t believe me, think of the high and low tides of our oceans.
Beyond this, women’s menstrual cycles are connected to the moon.
Go one more: We refer to the maiden, the woman, the crone. The maiden is the newborn crescent moon. The mature woman is the full moon. The waning moon represents the crone.
Speak with policemen, emergency medicine employees, warmline workers, and you’ll hear how people act differently during the time of a full moon.
The moon focuses on dreams, feelings, instincts, and intuition. Sometimes, you may focus on your rational mental activities, ignoring your inner feelings. Problems occur when you ignore the things that the Moon finds important.
When this happens, the Moon brings things to the surface. While this may be painful, it can also be healing. One thing for sure – the intuition the Moon sends you is a strong message that you already know the answer to your question.
However, overthinking as well as other thinking can cause more questions – especially as you travel into the unknown future which causes disorienting perceptions. What happens is this: the situation is not really changing. What is changing is your perception of reality.
When you realize that you cannot return to the world you once knew, you can be shocked – to say the least. You cannot see your life in the same way again.
This is big stuff and it’s also scary. The Moon brings you front and center with low self-esteem, your oppressive background, sexual identity issues, and everything else you’ve been taught to run from. PTSD, past traumas, mental illness, drug addiction, disabilities, gender issues, and anything else that needs a slow approach, and nonlinear healing.
The message of the Moon: Do not be afraid of the dark. After all, we’re all part of it. The Moon card is emotional, intuitive, and healing.
Reach beyond your fears. You are safe.
Explore your subconscious while you find healing in your shadows.
If the influence of the Moon seems to be too strong, some grounding exercises can keep you in your body. If you don’t know any or if they don’t seem to be what you need in the situation, then Reiki is a reliable option.
A STORY
Dr. Longmore, an Emergency Medicine specialist, had an office in Woodstock located in the little group of offices across the street from the Playhouse. He practiced by himself, without a receptionist or nurse. His patients included every category of residents in Woodstock: the elderly, the rich, and the homeless. Artists, local residents, musicians, and writers anyone else in between.
They went to him with their health issues and he treated them with dignity and respect, whether or not they had money. Most of the artists had no money so, when he treated, they brought over paintings.
Dr. Longmore finally had one of the best local art collections in the area. Then the paintings and sculptures, given to him over the years by artist patients with no money, disappeared from his office after he was arrested.
On the street, the real story remains a mystery. The FBI report referred by hydrocodone. The stories in the paper didn’t read like a whole story or even a piece of a story.
Dr. Longmore and I knew many of the same people. He healed them. The food pantry fed them. Even without trying, I knew more or less who was on what. How could I not know? I saw them every week under fairly intimate circumstances. Faces, gait, arms reveal much. Hour-long waits in a crowded hallway reveal much more over time.
I only knew two people on Oxycodone. And, one of those two was trying to sell the stuff. So they can’t blame Dr. Longmore for that.
He got six months house arrest, three years probation, two hundred hours community service, and fined $200,000.
The real punishment went to the poor in Woodstock who now have nowhere to go for a doctor. It puts a lot of pressure on the Healthcare as a Human Rights group.
His office sat empty for the longest time, the building at 104 Mill Hill Road. I think of Dr. Longmore every time I pass by. I remember his beautiful art collection, all the people he served, all the good the man did for the people of Woodstock.
The first tenant was a beer hall: Reynolds and Reynolds served specialty beers and delicious, locally sourced foods.
The current tenant offers yoga, IV vitamin therapy and wellness promotion.
For me, it doesn’t matter. The building is a monument commemorating those in Woodstock who unfailingly give of themselves.
While the Moon Card doesn’t land on every reading, it does show. In Woodstock, many people are in the lineup. Each time I pass by the building. I’m reminded of yet another person who qualifies for commemoration for giving lifestyle.
Many Woodstockers are remembered for giving much, asking for nothing. Recognition for a job well done does not always happen with the Moon. People should be honored in some way for a job well done – even if only in memory.
Even with the Moon out there, names and faces bubble up from my memory. They ride in on their own energy, as if the people are volunteering or working once again for the community and those in it.
When I see the Moon Card, I offer gratitude. My community is what it is today because of the individual efforts of each person I remember, plus of the efforts of many people I never knew.
We are not alone in our pain
FOCUS IN
Your journey can nourish and heal. Meditate, journal, practice yoga or Tai Chi, foster interconnectedness with others.
Place your hand over your heart and offer soothing touch and forgiveness.
MEDITATION
Go to a quiet place, one that is private and safe. Sit in a very comfortable position. If you want, light a candle, play healing music, or place a favorite stone or rock in your space.
Focus your attention and awareness on your breathing. Become aware of your inbreaths as they bring healing and positive breath to your lungs and body. Notice the outbreaths releasing toxins and stress.
Follow your inbreaths and outbreaths as you become more peaceful and relaxed.
As this happens, you come to understand that you have power and energy to conceive and create your life. Your reality is your reality.
You understand that it’s not important to worry about what others think of you. Your self-acceptance and self-approval begins within yourself. You know that your own path is the one that is right for you. This happens with your open mind and clear conscience.
You see that you are free from the past as you live in this present moment.
Self-love and unlimited potential create your reality. Self-love and unlimited potential build your outward reality.
You no long allow negative and limiting thinking.
At this time, you accept joy, happiness, and unlimited love.
Relax now, for a few moments as you follow your inbreaths and outbreaths. Feel how the healing, relaxing energy fills your consciousness.
You take your journey inward and connect with your inner healer.
After experiencing a few more inbreaths and outbreaths, you know it is time to return to your day. You know you can return to this meditation any time you want.
Thank you for reading this article!
Interested in finding out more about Woodstock, NY, the most famous little town in the US? This show is all about Woodstock!
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When Belief Becomes an Experience
The Hierophant shows up in your life when you become personally aware of God. The Hierophant offers spiritual growth, a starting point for when you realize all your questions don’t have automatic answers.
You initially seek out a Hierophant to learn, receive sacraments, therapy, and for marriage counseling. This instruction connects you with traditional spiritual beliefs. The Hierophant shares spiritual wisdom and unlocks mysteries.
When you study with a teacher, mentor, priest, or therapist, the Hierophant helps you explore guidance on the spiritual meanings you find in life. The Hierophant understands your higher nature, an essential element of spiritual healing. He helps you deal with old wounds or trauma you experienced in a situation that no longer works. The Hierophant offers the experience of organized religion.
When studying with the Hierophant, expect to be honest with yourself and others. Expect to be responsible for your own actions. You should be exposed to traditional attitudes, ideas, and methods.
Expect to find the Hierophant in a community church, temple, or congregation. You will find a higher purpose represented by organized religious, philosophical, educational, and spiritual institutions.
The Hierophant is powerful. He shapes who you are and what you will become. He tells you what your world looks like. The Hierophant presents his students and clients with a choice. You will build a foundation focusing on history and tradition
Through his teachings, you will come to accept your own spiritual beliefs and truths.
Through the Hierophant’s teachings you begin to know your own spiritual beliefs and truths. You may see a need to learn from the more orthodox experiences.
If you feel disconnected from faith altogether, the teachings of the Hierophant can be comforting during difficult times because of his offerings.
When you go to the Hierophant, he passes down spiritual wisdom and unlocks mysteries, religion, rites, dogma, and doctrine.
This is a meaning-of-life experience.
STORY
I met the Hierophant when I was in Austin, Texas, and engaged to a Catholic man. I was preparing to experience life in a different way:
I certainly wanted things to work out right because this was my M.R.S. degree in action. So, I met with the Catholic Priest in Austin, Texas.
“You’ll need to convert to Catholicism before the wedding and you need to take marriage classes. You can practice birth control for a year to solidify your marriage before the children start coming.”
The young priest was definitely the Hierophant in my life. I received marriage counseling, life guidance, the sacrament of Baptism, and learned everything he had in his training manual to become a successful Catholic wife in Texas in the ’60s.
There does not always have to be a Hierophant as a go-between to embark on a spiritual quest but this slight young man in a black cassock took his job as a guide to help me in my journey into spousehood and motherhood seriously.
This Hierophant/priest felt his connection with traditional spiritual belief was crucial to my success. His job was to pass down spiritual wisdom and unlock mysteries for me.
I came away from those sessions believing that the family is a spiritual unit and that one was to engage with and interpret the sacred for my children. The young man in the cassock and I dealt with the importance of education, indoctrination, and spirituality in my family.
He taught me to be aware of a larger, mysterious order of things that sometimes exceeded our control. He explained that I didn’t have to fix every problem in life that I might encounter.
FOCUS IN
Journal about a time when you did what was expected of you.
MEDITATION
Find a safe and private space.
Get comfortable now; the goal is to be so comfortable that you can become unaware of your body.
Take a deep breath. Hold it for a moment and then release it. Repeat this several times. As you exhale, you release tension. Continue this until all the tension is gone and you are relaxed.
As you continue breathing, you see a light coming toward.
As this light approaches, it surrounds you and the space where you are meditating. It further relaxes your entire body – relaxing your muscles. Every muscle and nerve in your body relaxes. As your muscles relax, stress is replaced by a light.
This relaxing light fills your muscles, nerves, and energy with love – the love of God for you and your love for others.
This light protects you from negativity and harm. This light becomes a wall of protection surrounding you.
When you include your friends, relatives, and loved ones, this light protects them also.
This light sends love as it shines through. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, this love shines on.
As you feel relaxed, you are protected, healed, and loved.
Now, slowly, you begin to return to the awareness of now. You feel physically, mentally, and emotionally relaxed.
Your muscles and nerves are relaxed, loose, and refreshed.
You open your eyes and look around. You know you can return to this space any time you want.
Thank you for reading this article. You can find out more about Thurman Greco at www.Thurmangreco.com
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Love Changes Your Journey
The Lovers Card changes the heart. It can change who you are, where you go, and how you see the world. It points to a relationship or meaningful love affair, not just a fling.
Appropriate words here: attraction, desire, passion, love, soul-mate.
This is a choice. When an important choice needs to be made, the Lover’s Card is all about relationship, mutual respect, love, and decisions.
When you choose an action or thing which speaks to your heart, you learn more about yourself.
Archangel Raphael figures prominently in the Lovers Card which focuses on love and choices involving healing and forgiveness. Love is an inward journey which is Archangel Raphael’s specialty. When your life focuses on love, Archangel Raphael will help you clarify your thinking, and make decisions. Archangel Raphael helps you see life’s endless possibilities.
Forgiveness cannot be ignored here. It is said that the Lovers Card changes the way you love. This includes forgiveness – a life-changing event on one’s journey. Raphael is definitely a master of healing love.
The Lovers Card uses cooperation and working with others in achieve a goal. The Lovers Card is about attraction of any kind, not just romance.
Harmony, cooperation, and unity are essential ingredients when a group of people work together to pursue a common goal. This involves making a decision based on your long-term future.
People are attracted to beautiful things or become involved with people having inner radiances and wonderful souls. They choose what resonates with the soul.
STORY
Whatever happens with the Lovers Card, when it appears in a spread, I’m reminded it is important to read the Tarot in at least a semi-private location.
A tourist came to my table at the Mower’s Meadow Flea Market one afternoon. Not alone, her spouse, several children and what appeared to be extended family members accompanied her.
When she sat at my table and shuffled the deck, I good-naturedly reminded everyone that they could visit the other booths in the market while I read her cards.
They moved over and shopped in another part of the flea market, but not before her spouse saw the Lovers Card. So here I had a group of people, some of whom got the glimpse of some, or all the cards, and a spouse who was quite interested in her spread on the table.
The man returned several times with questions of his own. He returned with questions even after everyone moved on to other areas of the flea market.
On another occasion, and at another spread, I saw the Lovers Card. This lady was caught between men – her spouse and his best friend. I did not want to see this in the spread as I knew her spouse and realized that he owned guns. She had a secret to hide.
I didn’t want to see this secret either.
The Lovers Card spells trouble for anyone caught in two relationships.
Unless there are difficult cards in the spread, the Lovers Card is a wonderful indication for a relationship. Especially if this pair is in the opening phase of the romance. The long-term options for this relationship are another matter.
Sometimes the Lovers Card strikes fear in someone’s heart. I saw this in a man so in love with a woman that he was afraid to reach out – even to touch her elbow with a fingertip.
But, the Lover’s Card can mean other choices entirely: a new career opportunity, for example.
If you are not embarking on a new romance, you may be making an important decision about an existing one. You may be conflicted about your feelings where choices are likely to be put to the test because you are at a crossroads. Ideally, this choice is a commitment to an important path.
Love heals. Look closely at the Lovers Card. Archangel Raphael, with his magnificent wings and halo watching over all. Archangel Raphael is important – along with Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Early Christians believed Raphael appeared to the shepherds at night telling them of the birth of Jesus. Because of this, Raphael is considered the head of the guardian angels.
Whether it’s a romance choice or a career choice, consider all the ramifications of the situation. Consider what is at stake and then ask: “Is the choice I make going to bring balance and peace?’ It’s time to use your heart to decide. This is a growth opportunity. You may meet new people and choices.
Consider the outcomes of the several different options you may have. Find the most harmonious decisions for you and for everyone around you.
When it comes to the Lovers Card, as in other areas of life, everything boils down to choice. Each choice invariably has consequences, some of which are long-term. A person’s relationship reveals how a person sees oneself.
All love brings lessons. Consider the consequences and rely on your higher guidance.
Use this card to reconcile inner conflicts as you reach conclusions and make them work together.
FOCUS IN
Are you ready for a new relationship? Are you calling in a new romantic relationship? This is a good time to journal.
MEDITATION
Settle into a quiet place where you can have privacy and relax. Sit comfortably or lie down.
Allow your body to release stress as you take slow, deep breaths. Bring the air in and then breathe it out.
Breathing in, you relax. You bring positivity and light, good energy and oxygen as you slowly fill your body. As you breathe out, you release toxins, frustration, anxiety, and anything you no longr need.
After a few minutes of this therapeutic breathing, you pay attention to each area of your body. Begin with your feet. As you move your attention along your body, notice how each bone, muscle, and joint become relaxed. Allow your body to release this stress.
As your body relaxes, allow your self to travel to a place where you feel safe and at peace. This place may be a beach, mountains, forest, or any place where you are comfortable and safe.
Notice the sounds, smells, and beauty of this place. You feel supported and at peace in this place.
Now, in this special place, allow a sense of gratitude to come over you. Accept this feeling of gratitude to emter upir jeart amd ,omd/ Feel the authenticity of this moment.
Receive this feeling of gratitude into yur heart.
Now, sit with this feeling for a few moments. Allow it to support you. Allow gratitude to come over you entirely.
After a few moments, you realize it is time to return to your day. You know you can return to this place of gratitude any time you need.
Thank you for reading this article which includes a meditation.
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Do You Know Where Things are Going? Act now!
Do you suddenly feel as though somehow, some way, somebody or something just removed a few obstacles in your life and career? Suddenly, after seemingly endless waiting, things are moving rapidly in a direction perfect for your goals!
Finally!
The waiting is over.
Well, you are not mistaken. Things like that do happen and suddenly there’s a lot of activity that needs to be sorted out. This will clarify your intentions.
Things are moving in your favor more rapidly than you hoped. Don’t get overwhelmed. Instead, take advantage of this energetic boost by acting now.
Ground activities to prevent overwhelming feelings. . Even so, action is popular right now.
This can be an opportunity to keep your goals on the front burner.
This is a very positive time so be ready to be energized.
Prioritize your opportunities because you don’t always have to accept everything.
Even so, you need to know where things are going. Everything needs to be
moving in the right direction.
STORY
I lived an 8 of Wands story several years ago when I found canine massage therapy. I searched “high and low” for a school to study canine massage therapy.
I was teaching reflexology and Reiki therapy at the time. But, I was also becoming more involved in pet rescue as orphaned dogs weighing under ten pounds and being more than 10 years old seemed to be finding me.
While this happened, I searched out every canine massage therapy teacher I could find. Nothing seemed to be right. I found a distance-learning class in the US and I found a teacher on the West Coast of Canada.
Everything seemed good – just not a good fit for me. I never thought I would learn massage via distance classes. And, I just didn’t seem to be able to make it to the West coast of Canada.
Suddenly, Jonathan Rudinger’s class was in front of me! It seemed perfect – and it was. Jonathan and Anastasia offered the right class at the right time in the right place. They taught Canine Massage Therapy in Toledo and they had a student opening! I packed two small dogs in the car with me and took off for Toledo!
I loved every minute of the class! I was going to be able to use my Massage Therapy, Reiki therapy, and Reflexology credentials along with my new canine massage skills.
Perfect!
Three days after I returned home from the class, I found a space in a local veterinarian’s office.
I felt like somebody or something removed a few obstacles in my life and career! After a lot of waiting, and blind alleys, things moved rapidly in a direction just perfect for my goals!
Finally!
Jonathan Rudinger’s class served me well. I was still practicing this skill 20 years later. This career took me well into my retirement years.
FOCUS IN
Have you got a list for your short-term goals? your long-term goals? Is it in need
of updating?
MEDITATION
The 8 of Wands is an exciting card. Feeling grounded is an important part of this experience. For one thing, it is used practically when chaos enters your life. Restoring order helps.
Begin this meditation by finding a calm and safe space. Get comfortable as you find a supportive space to sit or lay flat. Take a few moments to relax and unwind.
Let your body float…
Let your body drift.
Without worrying how you breathe, simply allow yourself to breathe fully and deeply. Release tensions as you exhale.
Gently close your eyes.
Give yourself permission to experience this meditation without interruption.
This time is yours.
Visualize your spine. See a special cord which begins at the top of your head and travels down your spine – beyond your spine – into the earth.
As this cord travels into the earth, it supports and grounds you.
Now, inhale and exhale several times as you release any worries, doubts, and fears.
Grounded peace replaces these emotions. Warmth, energy, love, and peace move into your world.
Your cord gently disappears for now.
Now, slowly move your arms and legs and smile.
You feel gratitude for this connection and know that you can return to this experience whenever you seek a grounded connection.
Thank you for reading this article. It is a seed chapter in a book about the Tarot which I am writing now. If you liked it, please share it with your friends and family. Forward it to your preferred social media network. Subscribe to this blog for future chapters.
This book is available as an ebook. Get it at www.Thurmangreco.com
Having the Courage of Your Convictions
How are you managing your energy? Are you losing something of yourself?
When you are successful, some don’t like what you have to say. They want what you have. Continue and overcome the obstacles in your path.
Keep the conversation going and negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. You may be defending others as well as yourself when you become the spokesperson for the group.
Please just consider your self-awareness. Protection becomes important as you are asked to defend your accomplishments.
Turn to your integrity, positive energy, and your good intentions. You don’t have to accept criticism as truth. Instead, align yourself with your highest values.
This may mean that you have to draw the confidence within yourself to say “no”. If you find yourself at odds with your conscience, this is the time to set your boundaries.
Continue on and supplement this with your diet whenever you can. This is a time for introspection, self-care, wisdom, and a healing diet.
Set your sights on the future while you leave adversity behind.
Your job isn’t easy. But, remember, you have this job because of your prior success.
A STORY
“Don’t go away. I need to talk to you.” A man approached me in the basement hallway. As he spoke, the hair on my neck stood up.
The scene is etched in my memory. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling or the toothy grin he showed that afternoon. I’m convinced he practiced for years turning himself into the big bad wolf he projected.
Stocking shelves in the food pantry, I prepared for the hungry people coming to shop in the food pantry soon. After filling the third shelf down from the top of a unit with canned green beans, I stepped into the hallway for a moment.
“Good afternoon, sir. What can I do for you?”
“For starters you can stop feeding all those people. Ever since you started working here, more and more people are standing in the halls waiting for food. You’re feeding too many people and I want it to stop. Right. Now.”
The man standing over me in the hall was fat, old, angry. His toes pointed outward, an indication he had painful back issues. “I want to see your files on the people who use the pantry.”
“I’m sorry sir. We don’t keep many files on our hoppers. We keep a journal where we record their names and number of people in each household. That’s all.”
“Well, you should. No one should be allowed in this pantry who isn’t on food stamps. You’re feeding people who shouldn’t be coming here.
“Just this last week you gave food to a man who you shouldn’t be feeding. He wrote a book and published it a couple of years ago and he shouldn’t even be here. He has a motorcycle. Writers make a lot of money.”
I didn’t believe this story about the writer and his book, but I didn’t answer him back.
“This man is definitely a threat to the pantry” went through my mind as he stood over me. “I’ll have to call the food bank about getting that kind of information.”
Not a secret, he didn’t like the way I managed the pantry. And, he had grounds. Before 2007, the pantry served about twenty-five of Woodstock’s most colorful characters on Thursday mornings and now with the economy tanking, new hungry people showed up weekly. Lines got longer on every pantry day.
The Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) expanded pantry nutritional guidelines to include fresh produce, 1% milk, and whole-grain bread. Now, instead of shoppers getting a jar of peanut butter, a box of cereal, a can of tuna fish, they chose from shelves filled with fresh produce. Bread Alone sent bread weekly.
These changes brought not only hungry people but mountains of cardboard. According to him, the pantry was overrun with vermin. No amount of reasoning convinced them otherwise. It didn’t matter one whit that not even one bug or mouse could be found in the pantry.
Our boxed, canned, fresh, food arrived clean from the food bank with no insects or rodents. Food bank employees were proud of their clean food. The reason is simple. Rodents and insects prefer dark quiet conditions and immediately vacate a disturbed area.
Food pantry stock is in constant motion, the best pesticide.
Meanwhile, here was this angry man staring at me and demanding to see files I didn’t have and the State didn’t have and the State didn’t require. And, if I had them, he wouldn’t see them anyway.
“I can call the food bank and find out what files we need. However, an inspector was here only a few weeks ago, saw my paperwork, and pronounced everything excellent. We’ve never done anything like this before. After all, we’re not the police.”
“Well, check into it NOW!” he said as he turned away, his toes still looking outward. With that, he walked away.
He looked back at me then and grinned broadly, displaying a mouthful of large, yellow teeth.
As he walked down the hall and out the door, I felt a terrible pain in my gut. My solar plexus was on fire. My adrenals knotted. I realized I was afraid. Cold. Hard. Fear. He threatened the food pantry. I knew in my gut that I was the only person standing in the way of his threat. Others would mutter things about a job not being worth the aggravation and walk away.
It took a food pantry in a church basement in the most famous small town in America to teach me about fear in our country. Food shoppers and volunteers live with the peril of starvation daily. The subject is stark, deep, hidden, real.
Full-blown fear wasn’t in my personal vocabulary, so I rarely felt it.
At that moment I knew I wasn’t going to let panic get the best of me. People shopping at the food pantry were afraid of being hungry, being homeless, or being unemployed.
I was not going to let go of this pantry. I was not going to let go of this pantry. I was not going to let go. This anxiety stuck to me day and night. I felt unsafe every moment.
It seems a bit strange, maybe unbelievable. Looking back on the whole experience, it was a steppingstone on the path to the pantry. We all lost things along the way. I lost a lot of fluff and met up wiwth the stark reality of hunger in our nation.
I worked hard to avoid being overwhelmed by danger. First, I defined exactly what alarmed me. At that moment I knew exactly what that was. I was afraid to let pantry deniers close the pantry. I knew I had to negotiate my day-to-day work in the pantry to prevent that from happening. I had to find ways to make sure the people got what they were supposed to get. I had to balance things, so I didn’t go too fast but I had to implement the guidelines soon enough to satisfy the food banks.
“I’m walking a tight rope high above an abyss.” I thought. I needed to be at my peak performance.
I surrounded myself with people who lifted me up and who wanted me to lift them up. Volunteers and shoppers supported me even though they had no idea I needed it. People at the food bank inspired me and taught me to do my job better. People surrounding me made me successful because their support stopped anyone from holding me back.
I knew he wanted me to leave. I decided then that I would not let that happen – not on his terms anyway. I would not leave because of what he did did.
I stuck with my decision. I left on my own terms in 2013 when I took my experience and skills to Boiceville to open a new food pantry.
Pantry deniers finally evicted the pantry in Woodstock in a public outburst several years later which ended up with a story in the local paper.
I kept my mouth shut, much like a woman married to an alcoholic man who beat her. Whenever someone realized what was happening, I changed the subject and moved on to other topics.
Hunger in America is a hidden shame. Those coping with it have smaller and smaller voices. As time passes, they have none. More and more people with more and more are blind to those choosing between food and rent.
We know that the top 1% have more than the bottom 99%. From my tiny spot in the smalltown food pantry, I connected with it existentially.
Volunteers defend the food pantry for the hungry people using it. They feed hundreds of people weekly with as much dignity as can be mustered under the circumstances. They attach no strings.
Shoppers live the fear daily. There are no holidays. What are they afraid of? Hunger. Inadequate or no housing. No work. Healthcare costs. Clothing costs. Transportation costs.
FOCUS IN
Journal about what gives you resolution in your life. What do your purpose and your inner energy need now?
MEDITATION
`This meditation helps you find solutions to life challenges arising once you achieve your goals. Use it to creatively solve your problems and generate new ideas.
Find a private and safe place for this meditation. Sit in a comfortable position. If you want, turn on some healing music, light a candle.
Take in and out breaths. Breathe slowly and deeply The inbreaths encourage invigorating energy. The outbreaths release tired, worn out, toxic air.
As you continue with your meditational breathing, focus on this problem while you inhale and exhale.
After several grounding in and out breaths, you find yourself in a parklike setting. You notice the trees, the plants, the path nearby, and the bench you are sitting on.
You think about your problem. Focus on ways you can resolve it.
With each in-and-out breath, think about the different aspects of your problem and how protecting yourself fits into the overall picture.
Think about how to protect yourself in your situation.
As you do this, you get to know it intimately. How does it smell? Taste? Feel? Sound?
Can you see your challenge as an opportunity? Can you see it as a solution?
See the challenge now as a way to grow – to move forward on your path.
Feel a sense of freedom as you see your problem’s new place on your path.
You know it is time to return to the present.
Focus now on the room where you began your meditation.
It is time to join the world of now.
You know you can return to this park and this resolution any time you want.
Enjoy!
Thank you for reading this article. Please share it with your friends and family. Forward it to your favorite social media network! It is my hope that it will support you in your healing journey.
Have you read my book: “Healer’s Tarot Memoir”?
Books are available at www.thurmangreco.com
A Job Well Done
Are you doing exceptionally well? Are you being noticed? Are you standing out to others because you are true to yourself? Authenticity means a job well done! Your time has come!
Overcoming obstacles in the past develops a bigger and better perspective.
What does it feel like to be in the spotlight? Don’t forget that the past creates the present and the future. And, don’t be afraid to share your accomplishment; You are worth the success.
Celebrate!
Share your success.
DO THIS
Journal what it means to be recognized. What does the word “fame” mean? Honor the healing it took to get to this point.
MEDITATION
Go to a quiet, safe place.
If it feels right, light a candle, some incense, and play your favorite healing music.
Sit in a comfortable chair. Pay attention to your breathing. Relax with each inbreath. Breathe out toxins and stress with each exhale. Close your eyes gently and slowly as your breath offloads tensions in each outbreath.
As you breathe, gently scan your body to find any areas that are clinging to tension. Begin with your scalp, face, head, neck, and shoulders.
Continuing with your breathing, focus on your chest, abdomen, arms, hands and fingers.
Breathe deeply now as fatigue and stress leave your body.
Move your attention to your hips, pelvis, legs, feet, and toes.
As you breathe out your final stress, check your body to find you are relaxed.
As you focus on your breath, you find yourself walking on a smooth path. Soon, the path ends in a large green lawn. You’re walking on a beautiful green garden lawn. Immerse yourself in your surroundings. You absorb the luxury of the chlorophyll as you breathe in the balance, the harmony, the serenity. Experience the rest now.
You are enveloped in the green. With each breath, feel yourself bathed in the color.
You are aware that the rhythm of your breathing relaxes you more. Mentally, follow the air as it moves into your nostrils, the back of your throat into your lungs.
You are perfectly relaxed.
You feel capable, effective, responsible. You feel stronger and more effective. Life is getting easier for you.
Focus on your strength and effectiveness for a few minutes.
It is now time to return to the present time. Gently shake your arms and legs. You move your head from side to side.
Return to the room now, knowing that you can return to this lawn whenever you need.
Thanks for reading this article. Please share it with your friends and family. Forward it to your favorite social media networks.
Interested in finding out more about Woodstock, NY – the most famous little town in the US? This show is all about Woodstock!
Find this book at www.Thurmangreco.com
This book is only available now as an ebook. Get it at www.Thurmangreco.com
Standing Out
When members of your group work at odds with one another, they may not appear to be getting anywhere. Take a moment to analyze the disagreement so
You can seek a more proactive approach to overcome the obstacles.
But don’t get worked up for nothing. Frantic energy will get you nowhere.
Could you make an assertion and adapt your motto?
Sometimes, you can find yourself competing with others. Even though there is a struggle, there is no clear winner. This is your chance! This may be a time to step up and prove your worth.
Could you be sure to pick your battles? This is not a good time to argue just to prove your point. Rise to the challenge for the right reasons.
Order can be restored. You can succeed.
Finally, take a deep breath and re-examine your own path.
All this competition can help you become a better version of yourself.
DO THIS
Grounding activities are important now: Yoga, meditation, labyrinth, breathing exercises, mindfulness are some you may find helpful.
MEDITATION
Find a quiet place for this meditation. If you can, find a place away from street sounds or work noises.
Dim the lights a bit. Sit or lie comfortably.
Take a deep breath and hold it for a moment. Now, release this breath. See the tension in your body leave you now. Take a few deep breaths followed by releasing the breath.
As you breathe out, you release tensions. After a few in-and-out breaths, you feel relaxed. Each exhale brings more relaxation and comfort.
Close your eyes gently now. When you open them, you are standing on a path in a large park.
As you walk on this path, you see the trees overhead. Birds sing and a soft breeze blows. You feel it on your arms. The whole place smells like summer. You see the shadows of the trees and bushes as you walk along.
The path leads you to a stream. You see a small boat on the edge of the water. You know this boat is for you. You get in the boat and untie it. As you do this, the boat gently floats down the stream. Sitting in your boat, you drift and float in calm waters.
As you float along, you understand something: You can anticipate spinning and whirling pools of water. You know that streams have quiet times where the water seems to drift along. You know that streams also have swirling times where the water spins along, bubbling.
What you experience with your being is this: The water has its quiet time, with drifting and floating. Then, there is a turbulent time with bubbling water swiftly moving along.
PAUSE
You bid goodbye to the stream now, knowing that you can return to it any time you wish. You gently move your muscles now, shifting, at your time and pace.
Thank you for reading this article. It is a seed chapter in my third Tarot Book. You can purchase the first 2 books on www.thurmangreco.com.
I also produce a weekly show on YOUTUBE about people who live in and visit Woodstock, NY:
This YOUTUBE show has been running with weekly programming about Woodstock and its interesting residents. Let’s Live has been running over 15 years with an occasional intermission. The guests love it and I get lots of positive feedback.
Thank You
Thurman Greco
thurmangreco@gmail.com
Rejoice and Celebrate
When you have an opportunity to work with others, this new beginning
is a chance to build projects together that will work out.
Liberate yourself from circumstances that no longer suit you.
Appreciate this time. When you work with others, you share with them. This gives you confidence and vitality. They can appreciate your talent.
This inner foundation can be a good work-life balance.
If your life has been hectic lately, take time to integrate all the things you’ve been working on. This can be a blessing. Enjoy the moment.
Spread good energy throughout your community.
How can you celebrate this? Maybe it’s time to serve some cake!
DO THIS
You are living in a positive moment today. How can you celebrate it?
MEDITATION
We accumulate stress throughout the day in the muscles of the head, face, and jaw. This meditation can help smooth and relax these muscles, allowing the tension to disappear.
Select a safe and quiet space for this meditation. Quiet music will help you relax as you follow the movements of this massage.
Dim the lights, light a candle or incense. tTurn on some quiet healing music. Recline or rest is a comfortable face-up position.
Place your fingers lightly on your temples. Move your fingers in small, gentle circles. Move them in clockwise directions and then in counterclockwise movements.
PAUSE
Now, continuing to move your fingers in circles, move your fingers across your forehead area.
PAUSE
Now, using your ring fingers, gently tap around your eyes. Begin by gently tapping beneath your eyebrows and then tap around your eyes as you go around your them.
PAUSE
Gently slide your fingers down your nose. Then move your fingers as you tap the area around your lips.
PAUSE
Now, gently and slowly move your fingers across your cheeks so that each hand is located to the front of each ear. Slowly move your fingers over your ears thoroughly. Finish this with a long, luscious pull on each ear.
Now go to your jawline and gently move your fingers along it.
PAUSE
As you finish your massage, become aware of your thoughts, feelings, or sensations.
It’s time to return to the room now – refreshed, relaxed, and renewed. What specific kinds of touches felt good to you? Did you have a favorite?
Thanks for reading this article.
These posts are seed chapters for my third Tarot Book. Books 1 and 2 can be found as ebooks at www.ThurmanGreco.com.
I read the tarot at the Mowers Meadow Saturday Sunday Flea Market in Woodstock, New York. When this market closes in October, I’ll be looking for a winter “home” to read the Tarot Cards.
Please forward this article to your friends and family and share it with your favorite social media outlet.
This book is still available in paperback. It’s been popular throughout the world.
THANKS
Thurman Greco
