Hi, Subscribers. This blog uses the power of Play to guide our daily lives. Play can help you grow personally and professionally and helps to power up your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being. Let’s set ourselves up for success and inspiration, and remember to find joy in every step of our development.
It’s time for an accountability check-in. I launched the Professional Friend last week. Nothing yet, but that’s okay. Yesterday, my Dad’s Celebration of Life services went well, and it was nice to see family and old friends. I have been sketching a little more consistently and continuing to have improved conversations. I already know my challenge this week before pulling a single card. It’s being still and allowing myself time to decompress. My cousins and I were discussing our favorite time of the day, and there was an overwhelming theme of alone time.
New deck, who this? This week, I’m trying out “The Seed Spread (for beginning something new) from the deck I gifted myself: THE LINEAGES OF CHANGE TAROT, Copyright © Lineages of Change (Adrienne maree brown, LLC; Alta Starr; chelsea cleveland; and Krista Franklin). Since it’s a new week ahead, let’s get started.
“How are you right now?” I have always struggled with this question, and that’s part of why I like to use metaphor brainstorming; using visuals provides an anchor to reference. There is a carving of a person squatting to give birth. My family finished a successful celebration of life for my dad, and it was similar to birthing something new. We mixed traditions with our worldview to create something familiar but unique. Today, I am dealing with the aftermath. That’s a strong phrase because there was no drama yesterday. Yet, giving birth requires a ton of energy. In traditional tarot, this card would be associated with surrender. It wasn't easy to keep still yesterday, and though I currently want a nap, I’ve many responsibilities, like grocery shopping. The birthing person has to nourish the new life they bring. Right now, the hard part is over. The question for the week ahead is, how can I incorporate stillness and proper rest?
“What is the energy called to you?” The Six of Water and The Magician were stuck together and reversed. The Magician is normally about your inner world manifesting your outer world.
“That which is above is like to that which is below, and that which is below is like to that which is above.” – The Emerald Tablet
The six of water depicts a body underwater that may be a Black mermaid draped with cloth, but above the water, where her head would be, is a pod of dolphins leaping and diving. The figure underneath the water is still, and the dolphins are in action. The energy being called to me is creativity, but since the cards are in reverse, perhaps I need to focus on the stillness beneath the water. What things make me happy and bring me peace?
“How can you reconnect with your curiosity about this energy?” The peaceful and serene Nine of Water asks me to meditate and be in flow. The surreal aspect of the forms almost feels like communing with the ancestors. I honestly have no idea how to do that because it has not been part of my tradition. I received a journal specifically for writing my thoughts about my Dad, so I can make time to write down my thoughts and feelings about this chapter of life. I can surround myself with the beauty of nature and walk in the park. Surrender does not have to be a passive activity. How can I holistically channel my feelings in the week ahead?
What energy can you bring to your next move? The Root of Fire is an active card. A woman is walking nude, powerful, and confident into a portal. She is energized and seems to glow. How can I intentionally power up? When will be the last time I betray myself? I have a call in thirty minutes. I want a nap. Instead, I am pushing to finish this blog, which is already “late,” though it doesn’t have a deadline. The figure in the card does what is necessary to care for herself. She doesn’t need to push through because her cup is overflowing. Funny enough, The Root of Fire is also the twelfth card in the minor fire arcana, just as the Hanged One is the twelfth card in the major arcana. She is not surrendering to anyone and is strutting with personal power. To quote Cardi B, she makes money moves…Namaste
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If you want to infuse more play into your life to navigate the challenges, my current offerings are listed on my Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/thingstothinkabout. I also urge you to share your experiences and strategies with the community. Your voice is valuable to this journey, and your unique path can inspire others.
Picture Descriptions: The Hanged One: A wooden carving of a person giving birth. The front of the carving is open and filled with light, and the head has a halo of light as well. Six of Water reversed: A mermaid under the water and above the water, where her head ought to be, is a pod of dolphins leaping and diving. The Magician reversed: A beautiful, bald Black woman wearing a tiara of beads lit from behind by a golden light. Nine of Water: A serene Black woman wearing a turquoise and orange kaftan. The sun is setting behind a tree behind her, and the fabric coils around her like a surreal river with a prominent lotus flower floating along. The Root of Fire: A nude woman strutting into a glowing portal.
