March 31st, 2016 § § permalink
In the Big Think video below, cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman talks about two kinds of passion – harmonious and obsessive.
Harmonious passion is when we’re engaged in an activity that’s healthfully integrated into our identity and makes us feel good about ourselves. We feel in control, with no external necessity to act in any particular manner. We’re doing something because we really want to, whether or not anyone else is looking, or cares.

On the other hand, obsessive passion involves some sort of external contingency, like self-esteem, or the need/desire to please someone else. It’s the type of thing that makes us feel like we have to win at all costs, or there’s no value in playing at all.
Though we can certainly get things done with obsessive passion, it’s harmonious passion that’s more likely to lead to creative insights, not to mention an overall sense of well-being.

Kaufman’s description got me thinking about Tarot and what cards in the Suit of Wands (the suit of passion) might indicate either harmonious or obsessive passion.
Harmonious passion might be reflected in the 6 of Wands, the card of spiritual victory. When it appears in a reading it often points to the successful integration of one’s identity with one’s activities. The win described in this card comes from commitment and a natural enthusiasm for a particular activity, not from a need to defeat someone else, or from doing something because we think others hope or expect that we’ll do it.
For obsessive passion we might look to the 5 of Wands, and/or the 10 of Wands.

With the Five, there’s a sense that passions are flaring, creating a situation where people are pitted one against another, and a win can only be achieved through the defeat of someone else. Passion, in this case, is raised through conflict and rivalry rather than an inner sense of enthusiasm or constructive curiosity.
With the 10 of Wands, there’s a sense that our passions are leading us, but that the load is heavy. We may wish to put some tasks or activities down, but for reasons outside of ourselves, we feel we just have to keep at it. In this case harmonious passions are subverted as we try to maintain our strength to keep doing what we feel we should rather than what we truly want.
To hear what Kaufman has to say, take a look at the video below, and if you’ve got a Tarot deck handy, take a look for yourself and see what cards you think might describe harmonious and obsessive passion best.
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March 31st, 2016 § § permalink

Prince of Wands
Wednesday, March 31, 2016
Prince of Wands
Charge forward with strength and vitality. This is a day of power, passion and growing energy. Your plan is in place and now’s the time to take it to the next step. Use your internal fire to take you where you’re trying to go.
You don’t need to wait till everything’s perfect to start moving. In fact, more often than not, things don’t start falling where they should until you start shifting them up and get some excitement going. Take a chance that you know what you’re doing and act on it. Believe in yourself and don’t be shy.
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March 30th, 2016 § § permalink

The Moon moves into Capricorn today and will stay there until Saturday.
If you were to describe this transit using the Tarot, you might say that the High Priestess is wearing the Devil’s clothing. The virginal goddess has gotten downright beastly.
The Moon in Capricorn, or High Priestess in the Devil’s clothing, is a period of potential internal conflict. The physical world might seem to draw you away from what you typically believe to be right.
You might feel driven or compelled by behaviours and attitudes that go against the grain of your morality. It could be liberating or disturbing, depending on your secrets.
Whatever’s going on though, don’t be too hard on yourself. Get obsessions out of your system, and learn what you can about yourself while you do so.
You should be ready to move on soon. There’s nothing wrong with a little focused physicality. Just don’t get stuck.
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March 30th, 2016 § § permalink

6 of Swords
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
6 of Swords
This is a good day to get your thoughts as clear as possible. And you may have some emotional issues that could use a little focused attention. It’s a great time to think things through.
What choices are you being asked to make at this time? Look them squarely in the face and choose. If you can’t choose now, when do you think you can? At least decide that. Ask yourself what will bring you closer to your own truth – a union of mind, body and soul.
You’re sharp as a tack today. Take advantage of the energy to decide what needs deciding. You can do it. How will you get to your next step if you don’t?
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March 29th, 2016 § § permalink
Here’s an interesting take on the Chariot card.
Back in 2014, Hastings Guerrilla Circus did a 12-card reading as told through the medium of circus.
In this clip, Tanya-lee Andrew presents the Chariot on the trapeze. As she describes it in words … “An inner struggle to accomplish progression, through great control success will be achieved.
Sail away with me, a journey to victory.”
Take a look …
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March 29th, 2016 § § permalink

#6 The Lovers
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
#6 – The Lovers
Are there choices to be made? Decisions you’ve put off for another time? Well this is the time. The Lovers card asks us to finally make up our minds – either commit or get out now.
On a personal level, the Lovers reminds us to balance the opposites within ourselves. Are your ying and yang in sync? Does your conscious experience compliment your unconscious dream state or do they seem at war? Are you living a life that satisfies your soul?
Heavy questions, but this is a great day to think about them. In fact, you might find it difficult not to.
This is a serious commitment you’re thinking about. To help you make up your mind, ask yourself which direction brings you closer to your soul’s call. You probably already know the answer.
The Lovers is really a beautiful energy of inner and outer unity, enjoy.
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March 28th, 2016 § § permalink

High Priestess as Temperance
The Moon moves into Sagittarius today and will be there until Wednesday.
Looking at it through the eyes of the Tarot, you can describe this transit as being like the High Priestess wearing Temperance’s clothing. She’s dressed like an angel.
The Moon in Sagittarius, or High Priestess in Temperance’s clothing, indicates a time when intellect, practicality, emotions and passion can work together in relative ease.
What’s normally only an idea might find its way to becoming real. Even-tempered inspiration and emotional playfulness can create what look like miracles.
Take this time to bring your emotions in line with your passions. And play with your most serious ideas. It’s in combining the unexpected that you’ll likely find gold.
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March 28th, 2016 § § permalink

King of Wands
Monday, March 28, 2016
King of Wands
Creative vision, a fiery temperament, inspirational thinking – it could be an exciting day. You have the capacity to focus your passionate energy into something constructive.
If it’s been difficult to get going with an enterprise that really matters to your soul, this is a great day to clear through the cobwebs. Take your fire and run with it.
But don’t forget to enjoy your strength wisely. No one likes a tyrant. Get to work on your goal, but don’t assume that everyone else is going to follow your lead. They might be feeling a lot like you are today and are probably looking for some followers themselves.
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March 27th, 2016 § § permalink
A Graffiti Ace of Hearts (aka Ace of Cups) …

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March 27th, 2016 § § permalink

4 of Disks
Sunday, March 27, 2016
4 of Disks
Money might be tough to come by, while time is even more precious. Wherever you look, though, it seems like someone else is asking for more. The tendency here is to gather yourself and your resources and go off alone to think.
Go ahead and do that if you’d like, but try not to get yourself too closed off. You probably have more than you think you do. Maybe even enough to share.
If you’re being asked to spend on something that will help establish an even firmer foundation than you presently have, give it some serious thought. It might be more than you had anticipated, but the pay offs are probably well worth it.
Extravagant or foolish spending is not recommended, but remember the old adage – it takes money to make money. If you don’t put it out there, be it actual money, your physical effort or something else you consider really important, nothing’s coming back.
This is true about your emotions as well, don’t hold them too close to the chest. Be generous with your heart. Remember, you get what you give.
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