Most New Zealanders believe that some people may have psychic powers. Or at least that was the conclusion of the UMR study released last week.
In September, UMR did on-line interviews with 1000 New Zealanders 18 years of age and over as part of a series on what New Zealander’s believe.
This first survey asked about God, Jesus, UFOs, astrology, psychics, and life after death.
According to the results, most people questioned believe that Jesus was a real person, that there is a God or a universal spirit, that there’s life after death, and that there’s a possibility that some people may be psychic.
Granted a lot more people believe that Jesus was real (78%) then believe in psychics (55%), but it’s still more than believe that UFOs have visited Earth (33%) or that astrology can predict the future (24%).
I was sort of surprised that so many more people believe in psychics than astrology. I would have thought that those numbers would have been more even.
And it was interesting that the older people got, the more likely they were to believe in the possibility of psychics.
Less surprising though was that more woman (67%) believe in psychics than men (44%). Just stop by a Tarot conference sometime and you’ll see a lot more ladies there then gents.
There’s a lot of interesting information in this study. I’d like to see the actual questions asked.
Future releases in the series will look at beliefs about Maori culture and public faith in herbal remedies.
The reckoning’s done and it’s finally time to dole out the rewards. Have you done your fair share? Are you ready to accept what’s due?
Success is coming to those who have done what they can to manifest their goals. It may seem like manna from heaven but look again – it’s more likely compensation for a job well done.
And don’t forget to thank those who have been helping you. We’re never alone in either our successes or our failures.
If communication and travel have been crazy these last three weeks, fear not, life should be getting back to normal soon.
Since November 24th, Mercury has been retrograde. The small but super-fast planet has been moving slowly, making the world that much more complicated for us here on Earth.
When Mercury lags behind the Earth we often find ourselves confusing messages, retracing past errors, or having to do new things over and again.
Travel can get messed up, with increased incidents of car trouble, flight delays, or subway standstills. But in the end, everything usually works out just fine.
As does most of the trouble appearing during a Mercury retrograde, whether it’s lost emails, hard-drive crashes, or misplaced cellphones.
For all the confusion it can cause, Mercury slowing down isn’t always so bad.
It’s great for clearing through old tasks, and working through details you might normally miss.
And at least in my life, it’s usually a time for catching up with old friends who seem to appear out of nowhere and disappear as fast.
Whether it’s been a good retrograde for you, or just one giant challenge, it’s over for now, not to return again until March 12, 2012.
If we think of Mercury from a Tarot perspective, the Magician has finally stopped running backwards.
He’s zooming forward ahead, still in Sagittarius, but now at full speed towards the future.
You’ve been working hard and the people that matter are starting to take notice. Take pride in doing a good job.
You’re becoming a master at your trade, and mastery requires not only technical skill, but also an appreciation for the art in what you do.
When you care about your job or the tasks you’ve taken on, the work involved is rarely a chore. Look at your tasks as the creative processes they are.
Whatever you’re doing, you’re creating something, bringing something new into the world. Consider your role as creator with the seriousness it deserves.
You’re becoming very good at what you’ve been working hard on. Congratulations, keep it up.
In preparation for the upcoming Solstice, you might want to try the Winter Solstice Reflection spread demonstrated below by Angelo Nasios and created by Bonnie Cehovet.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, this year’s Solstice is on December 22nd and marks the shortest day of the year.
Though winter will just be getting under way, the days will slowly but surely be getting longer, and before you know it spring will be back!
Within the darkness, a new light is being born.
If you don’t celebrate Solstice, you can use this spread just as easily as a New Year’s reflection, or really any time you’re in the process of starting fresh.
Take a look at the video, or visit Tarot Elements to see Bonnie’s post from last year. She has this spread there, as well as a more involved 19 card spread.
Or if you just want a quick Solstice Snapshot – pull three cards and ask:
•What do I want to take with me from last year?
•What do I want to let go of?
•What new light is being born in the upcoming new year?
The Moon moves into Leo today and stays there until Friday.
Translated into Tarot cards, this transit would be like the High Priestess is wearing Strength’s clothing. She’s thrown off her heavy cape and is spending some time outside with her lion.
The Moon in Leo, or High Priestess in Strength’s clothing is potentially a time of emotional power. Something beautiful that’s usually under wraps can finally be revealed.
The silence is broken. Quiet wisdom and passion can be united. During this time, it might be difficult to keep your ideas to yourself. But why should you?
Try finding an outlet for plans you’ve been sitting on? This is an opportunity to shine if you’re not over-burdened by self-consciousness.
It might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but letting your wilder side out right now could be positive. The sun isn’t always shining. Take advantage of it when it does.
Today you might find yourself simply working and waiting. You’ve been trying hard but it probably feels like there’s little to show for it. Keep your chin up! You are actively creating change in your life, but it takes time.
Try not to get down on yourself while the process continues. Commitment means sticking through the dull, tough times to reach your goal. You’re well on your way and it would be a shame not to keep going. In fact, the hardest part now is not to give up for fear of failure.
There’s still work ahead, but you’re going in the right direction. Keep plugging away and you will succeed.
Not only can you see the exhibition there, you can also get yourself a copy of the 78 card special issue deck printed up as a catalog to the show.
Curated by Stacy Engman, this project brought together an amazing collection of artists – true icons of contemporary art and design, from Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin, to Yoshitomo Nara and Vivienne Westwood.
You can see the full list of artists at the KLÜP site, and it’s impressive.
I’ve already sent my messengers to New York to get me a copy. I hope they succeed in their quest. But it’s available on line as well for those who can’t get there in person.
It’s a little more expensive than your average deck, but it’s sure to sell out soon. Don’t wait too long if you’re interested in getting one.
It doesn’t happen every day that this many renowned artists get together on one project. That they got together over Tarot is truly remarkable. I just love it.
The flame has been ignited and there’s a new feeling floating around. This is a day to let inspiration lead the way.
Throw out your old excuses and start something you really care about. Passion and fire are what motivates the soul and it’s time to listen to yours.
You might not yet know what’s different but you know your old way of doing things is no longer possible. A new spirit has been planted and you can probably feel the excitement beginning to build.
Whatever it is that moves you with enthusiasm should be your starting point. Being true to your spirit isn’t being selfish. It’s what makes you fully human.
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Foolish, brave, or just the Jet Man? Take a look at the video below of Yves Rossy, a former stuntman and fighter jet pilot who’s made himself a flying man.
I couldn’t help but think of the Fool when I saw him. How could you not when you see a man leaping from a helicopter high above the Swiss Alps.
He’s confident he won’t plunge to his death. In fact, he fully intends to soar with the birds.
And not just any birds – jet fighters!
When Rossy joins the Albatross aircrafts in the sky, the image of the Fool transformed to one of the Knight of Swords from the Thoth Tarot.
Focused, fast and able to manouever in any direction, this Knight and Rossy have a lot in common.
And look at the bottom right corner of the card. The Knight’s flying with some birds, just like Rossy does.
So if you’re wondering what the Fool dressed as the Knight (or more traditionally the King) of Swords might look like, I think we’ve just found out.
