Spring Break 2010

Well, it’s arrived! A week of days off for my twin boys, who are now nearly at the end of their 8th grade year at their Episcopal day school. They’ve been at this school since kindergarten, and I can’t believe they’ll be graduating in June and then moving on to high school. I’m sure I’ll have more commentary on all of that as it draws nearer, but for now, I know they’re happy to have a week off school to…paint their bedrooms.

Yes, that’s right–I’m a sadistic mom, making them do chores around the house during their time off. But believe me, their bedrooms really need the attention. My older son still had the Peanuts characters up around his room that we chose for their nursery before they were born. Both of the boys have picked out new colors for their walls, and we have invested in paint trays, drop cloths, and other tools to help us with the task. I’m looking forward to the finished product.

So, there may not be any updates here on the blog this week as we tackle this big task at Casa Vanden Eynden. When we’re finished, I may or may not have the strength (or the patience) to report on the job. This also means that correspondence sent to me this week, either via email or the blog, may languish for a bit, so please be patient. I’ll most likely be in the bathroom, trying to scrub paint out of my hair.

Wish us luck!

Spring Stuff

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted here, but I’ve been trying to plan new events and get everything together as my kids go on spring break. There is painting to be done in our household, which will take up some of our vacation days, and my husband’s birthday is actually on Easter this year, which means we’ll be entertaining his family. So much to do, so little time–even with the Wheel of the Year turning, some things remain constant!

I did want to take a moment, though, to re-connect with you folks in cyberspace, and to let you know about some upcoming events that I’ll be doing. Here’s the low-down:

I’ll be appearing (and disappearing, ha ha) at the Victory of Light Expo on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Sharonville Convention Center in Sharonville, Ohio. On Saturday at noon, I’ll present Ask A Medium, a talk based on my new book of the same name. The presentation will also include Spirit messages for the audience members. I will also be doing a limited number of personal readings for clients at my booth on the lower level of the convention hall, and I will sell copies of all of my books as well as sign for those who would like an autograph. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like to sign up for a reading–the spots usually go fast! For more information about the festival, times, admission fees, and the like, please visit the expo’s website.

Along with my office partner Joanne Franchina of Inner Compass, I am thrilled to welcome one of my favorite teachers, Sharon Anne Klingler, to the Cincinnati area. Sharon will present a weekend of events and workshops sure to please everyone interested in mediumship and their own personal path to spiritual fulfillment. Read on for a full description of Sharon’s events:

A WEEKEND OF WORKSHOPS with Sharon Anne Klingler

SHARON ANNE KLINGLER is an internationally known author and medium. Her books include Intuition & Beyond, The Secrets of Success with Sandra Taylor, Travel Into Your Past Lives, Drawing on Your Intuition, Divine Connections, Life with Spirit, and her acclaimed program, Speaking to Spirit, a home-study seminar for intuitive development and spirit communication. She has been featured in many newspapers and magazines and on major television and radio outlets in Australia, Canada, England, and the U.S. Sharon maintains a private practice in mediumship and other metaphysical disciplines with high profile clients around the world. She lectures throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. www.sharonklingler.com.
Register for all three workshops by April 16 for only $160, a savings of $20!

MESSAGES FROM BEYOND with Sharon Anne Klingler

Make the spirit connection! Let your guides and loved ones in spirit bring you their insights through Sharon’s dynamic clairvoyance and guided imagery exercises. You will feel the presence of spirit as Sharon shares their messages for many audience members. She will also lead you through exciting processes that help you to connect with your spirit loved ones and guides yourself.

Friday, April 23, 7 - 9 pm.
$25; Early registrations (by April 16) $20.
Sharon Anne Klingler, guest instructor.

INITIATION & THE ASCENDED MASTERS: REVELATIONS IN POWER with Sharon Anne Klingler

This workshop is more than a peek into the mystical powers and histories that lay hidden from the average person; it is a precise training in their application and use. The Seven Rays are the fuel that drives each activity. Learn how to apply these powerful forces to your own initiation. This workshop covers:

The Seven Rays & the Ascended Masters

Synchronicity of ray power in occupational, spiritual & personal directives.
Balancing polarized ray forces & utilizing energy phases.
Learning from the mystic Masters: ancient exercises in energy, prophecy & healing
Your Initiation & Discipleship

Forces of initiation: a spiritual tsunami.
Energy discernment: influence & confluence of power.
Levels of initiation: revelation into body, mind & mystery.
Advancement to power: Your work on the higher & lower ground
Saturday, April 24, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (includes a break for lunch).
$95; Early registrations (by April 16) $90.
Sharon Anne Klingler, guest instructor.

YOUR PATH OF SERVICE: YOUR PAST & FUTURE WITH THE MASTERS with Sharon Anne Klingler

Learn about the past and future in your evolution. Find out about the rites of initiation; discover your past lives in the ancient mystery schools; and map out where you’re headed next in your work with the Masters. (For special processes, please bring any gemstones or pieces of jewelry that may have significance for you). This workshop includes:

Investigating Your Ancient Histories & Present Powers

Past-life regression to the secret societies.
Freemason & mystical initiation practices.
Living a mystic’s life in a modern world.
Your Future in the Plan

Rites of initiation (and their physical & spiritual influences).
Triplicities of power in mystical & practical use.
Daily techniques for increasing your magnitude of power.
Global initiation: your future work with the Masters.
Sunday, April 25, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm.
$60; Early registrations (by April 16) $55.
Sharon Anne Klingler, guest instructor.

To register for any of Sharon’s events (and you DON’T want to miss any of them, believe me!), you can visit my website to download forms.

I am very excited about my upcoming TAROT INTENSIVE WEEKEND Workshop, scheduled for Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16, 2010. To register for this event, please visit my website, but read on to see all of the cool stuff we’ll be doing:

Ancient and mysterious, Tarot cards have fascinated humanity for centuries. The Tarot can be used as a divination tool, a meditation focal point, a sounding board for ideas, and a source of great inspiration. Whether you are a beginning reader or a seasoned Tarot professional, this intense weekend devoted to Tarot study and work will bring you deeper meanings for yourself and your interaction with this wise and venerable tradition.

Friday evening will include the following:

➢ Tarot overview and a brief history, including the Major and Minor Arcanas, the suits and their meanings, numerology and symbolism in Tarot, and how to care for your deck. A special Tarot connection experience will be conducted.

Saturday will include the following:

➢ Handling and shuffling the Tarot
➢ Spreads versus throws: what’s the difference and when to use what
➢ Exploring interactions between the cards
➢ Telling a story with Tarot
➢ Timing in Tarot
➢ Finding key ideas in spreads and throws
➢ Divination with Tarot
➢ Meditation exercises with key Tarot cards to enhance the student’s spiritual connection to the Divine and the oracle

Sunday will include the following:

➢ Tapping your intuition using Tarot
➢ Court cards in Tarot: who are these people?
➢ Reversed cards
➢ Card combinations
➢ Sample spreads to use for specific types of questions
➢ How to design your own Tarot spreads
➢ Using different decks to deepen and enhance readings

And much, much more!

This weekend experience will include many interactive experiences with the Tarot, and students will be expected to conduct readings using the cards for themselves and for others. All students will be awarded a certificate of completion at the end of the weekend.

Required: A standard 78-card Tarot deck. The Rider-Waite deck is preferred, but any is acceptable. Bring as many decks as you like, but you must have at least one to work with in class.

DATE: Friday, May 14 — Sunday, May 16, 2010
TIME: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (one hour lunch break)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (one hour lunch break)
PRICE: $165 if registered by April 25, 2010
$195 after April 25, 2010 or at the door

And, to enhance the Tarot workshop, I’ll facilitate a new TAROT WISDOM CIRCLE beginning Wednesday, June 9, 2010. In this fun, informal setting, we’ll explore lots of different ways to use and read Tarot. The circle will be open to anyone at any skill level, and you can participate in as many meetings of the Circle that you like. Sessions will cost $12 per night, or you can buy 5 sessions for only $50. We’ll meet for 10 Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. throughout the summer at my office in Blue Ash. I think this will be an exciting, experiential way for us all to deepen our connection to Tarot, that inspiring and fascinating tool!

As you can see, I’ve got lots of interesting things planned as we move forward into spring. I hope you’ll be able to join me for some of these events.

And I’ll see you again soon here on the blog!

May your Easter/Ostara basket overflow with blessings!

A Past Life Tarot Spread

I’m working on putting together a fun and informative Tarot spread to present to our students when we present our Past Lives workshop this weekend. I’ve been reviewing past life spreads I’ve used in the past and “mixing and matching” different elements into a new spread. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

11 Cards, laid out in the following way:

Card 9………………………………………………………………………………………Card 11
Card 8………………………………………………………………………………………Card 10
…………………………………………….Card 7…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 6…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 5…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 4…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 3…………………………………………………..
Card 1………………………………………………………………………………………..Card 2

Card 1: Basic Soul Nature (yours or the querent’s)
Card 2: Present Life Issue
Card 3: Past Life Influence/Issue
Card 4: Environment/Early Life Influences in Past Life
Card 5: Accomplishments in Past Life
Card 6: Past Life Relationships
Card 7: Past Life Death/End of Life
Card 8: Lesson the Soul Wants to Learn
Card 9: How the Past Life Affects This Lifetime
Card 10: What is Needed to Learn This Lesson?
Card 11: What to Anticipate When/If the Lesson is Learned

I like this combination of information because it allows a reader or querent to see influences from a past life that affect his current life, but it also gives him a glimpse of his actual life circumstances in that past lifetime. Using intuition when looking at the pictures on the cards themselves can shed some additional light on the details of an incarnation.

When I did this modified spread for myself using the Rider-Waite deck, the following cards came up. My interpretations are in italics:

Card 1: Basic Soul Nature: Page of Pentacles.  A contemplative child who worries about security. A gazer/scryer who contemplates the mysteries of life. A slow, methodical person.

Card 2: Present Life Issue: 10 of Swords.  Debilitating worry. Negative thoughts that adversely affect progress of any nature.

Card 3: Past Life Influence/ Issue: 2 of Pentacles.  Juggling two rival energies. How to act in a tempest/storm. Excess energy not necessarily put to good use. Issues of balance and equilibrium.

Card 4: Environment/ Early Life in Past Life: Major Arcana The High Priestess.  A feminine energy with esoteric knowledge. The Goddess. Connections to mystical society with high expectations. Knowledge and feminine power.

Card 5: Accomplishments in Past Life: Major Arcana Death.  A major change. Death of old knowledge for something new. Movement away from one lifestyle to another. Re-birth.

Card 6: Past Life Relationships: 8 of Swords.  Restriction. Inability to stand up for self or to ask for help. A negative, abusive relationship or circumstance. Security that comes with too may restrictions or rules.

Card 7: Past Life Death/End of Life: 2 of Cups.  A good friendship or love connection based on respect, sharing, compassion. Reconciliation of a higher nature.

Card 8: Lesson the Soul Wants to Learn: Queen of Pentacles.  Self-sufficient woman of means and resources. The ability to rely on self or one’s own resources.

Card 9: How Past Life Affects You Now: Major Arcana The Fool.  No fear of the journey ahead. A need to trust in the Higher Power. The possibility of recklessness.

Card 10: What is Needed to Learn This Lesson? Major Arcana Temperance.  A peaceful attitude. The balance of the mundane and spiritual. Equilibrium in all aspects. Standing in two worlds. Angelic interventions.

Card 11: What to Anticipate When Lesson is Learned: 4 of Cups.  Choice coming from quiet contemplation. Offers from Spirit.

This reading makes a lot of sense to me. It seems to indicate that in a past life, I was raised in a mystical, esoteric community, probably one that was Goddess-based or matriarchal (The High Priestess). This resonates with me on a soul level; I know I’ve lived several lifetimes in societies like these. In this particular lifetime, however, I must’ve become upset or disillusioned with this lifetime and left it (Death), most likely to pursue a relationship outside of the society. That relationship was not all it seemed (8 of Swords) and left me feeling restricted and unhappy. At least at the end of my life, I was able to find a different relationship that worked on many levels (2 of Cups). My lesson in that lifetime, however, was all about balance and equilibrium, especially concerning the mundane and the spiritual (2 of Pentacles). In this lifetime, I am trying to learn how to keep negative thoughts from impeding my spiritual progression (10 of Pentacles). This resonates with my soul nature (Page of Pentacles), which is contemplative and interested in investigating the mysteries of the Universe. This past life is influencing me still; my soul understands the need to trust in the Higher Power and to have no fear of the path ahead (The Fool), but it is still working on these trust issues. To learn this lesson, I need peace and balance (Temperance). My work in between the worlds as a medium and with the angels can help me to learn this lesson. When I have learned it, I can look forward to more choices and contemplation of further soul lessons (4 of Cups).

Yes, that sounds good to me!

If you’re interested, give this Tarot reading a go, and let me know what you get in the comments below.

Blessings to you on this lovely Tuesday!

The Radio Ambush

A week or so ago, I was a guest on an internet radio show. I do a lot of these since I’ve published my books, and, for the most part, I really enjoy them. I get to talk with some very interesting, smart, fun people about topics I love: mediumship, ghosts, Tarot, magick, Spiritualism, writing, the creative process, and many others. Whenever I get a request to do one of these shows, I try my best to fit it into my schedule. It’s another way to connect with more people and to spread the message that my books promote. I consider it an honor to be asked to appear, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Most of these radio shows are done on stations that cater to a metaphysical audience. This latest one was no exception. When the host contacted me, I checked out the webpage and thought the show’s audience would be right up my alley. They’d featured interviews with other mediums, psychics, and ghost hunters. Via email, the host and I arranged a night that would work for both of us for my appearance. That correspondence took place over 3 months before my spot. In the meantime, I tried to send him copies of my books (which didn’t work out), but we didn’t really have any other contact.

The day of my appearance (which was scheduled for that evening), I received a surprising email from the host. He explained that he had a co-host on the show who was a conservative Christian and might have some questions for me about my mediumship work. I got the distinct impression from this that there might be a confrontation about religion on the docket.

Honestly, I didn’t know how to respond. The terrified, non-confrontational part of me wanted to immediately back out. I don’t enjoy fighting about anything, let alone feeling as if I have to defend my spiritual beliefs. I even wrote an entire chapter in my latest book, Ask A Medium, about a similar topic. I wrote that chapter for all of the clients and students who tell me how much they hate trying to defend themselves against radical religious types who berate them and try to scare them out of their spiritual views. I don’t like this any more than the next guy, but over the years, I’ve learned some strategies to at least feel more sure and steady when embroiled in this kind of debate. But having to do this on the radio was not my idea of a fun time.

The responsible part of me chided myself for wanting to cancel my appearance. Having hosted my own radio show, I didn’t want to leave anyone in the lurch if I backed out at the last minute. My reasonable side posited that I had not been treated fairly and told up front that this show might turn into a religious debate, and if I didn’t want to do that, I shouldn’t harbor any qualms about saying, “Forget it.” The self-righteous part of me swelled up, too, saying that I shouldn’t be driven away from an opportunity to talk about my beliefs because I was scared I would offend someone with more strident and stringent views. I should be allowed to speak my piece; after all, wasn’t that why I was invited to participate in the first place?

In the end, I dashed off an email to the host, saying that I was not very happy about the prospect of debating religion on the air, but I would do my best.

Well, I did my best–and then some, perhaps.

Look, here’s the thing: if you’re a Christian, and even if you’re not, don’t fling Bible quotes at me. Truth be told, I like the Bible, and there are some wonderful, inspirational words of great wisdom in there. There is also some stuff that is a product of its time and the many, many interpretations and translations the writings have gone through over the centuries. Using the Bible to back up your case is like building a Three Pigs house out of sticks: it won’t withstand the wind from the Wolf. The Bible can be used to support ANY argument that you want to make. Think it’s OK to kill someone? There’s certainly a lot of havoc-wreaking vengeance in the Old Testament, often initiated by Yahweh Himself. Want to sell your daughter into slavery? Go ahead–the Bible says you can! Considering consulting a medium to talk to the dead? The Old Testament says you shouldn’t, and that God will hate you if you do–but isn’t it funny that God didn’t seem to hate Jesus when he had his pow wow with Moses and Elijah on the mountain as his disciples watched? Do you see what I’m driving at here? Evangelical Christians use the Bible as the literal Word of God, but many, like the co-host of this radio show, use it to support their way of thinking while ignoring some of the other parts that don’t suit their parameters.

So, in this radio discussion, I was lambasted with Bible quotes and had my integrity as a medium called into question. How did I know I was talking to good spirits when there are lots of righteous Christians tricked by the devil? Didn’t I know it was wrong to speak to spirits? Didn’t I worry about the health of my soul?

Well, quite frankly: give me a flipping break.

I believe in intention. And I believe in a loving, nurturing God. If you set your intention to always remain in that Divine Energy that is God, then you are not going to touch in with anything in your mediumship work that is evil or negative. Why? Because God’s energy is in EVERY energy. If you set your intention to connect with the Divine Spark of God that resides within every energy, then you will be able to connect with loving, high vibration energies of loved ones who have passed as well as guides, teachers, and angels. Yes, I am aware of the warnings in the Bible that the devil can disguise himself as an angel. But why would a loving God allow this to happen? If you set your intention to connect first with God, then God is not going to allow anything negative to happen to you. Period. Nothing can harm you. You will find your peace, and you will do your work–any work–in that loving light of Creator. End of story.

So what happened in the interview? I tried to be patient, and I tried to answer the questions in a mild tone of voice and explain my position as lovingly as I could. I even threw a few Bible quotes of my own in there to prove my point about being able to use the Bible to support any position. (Another reason not to quote the Bible to me: I can quote it right back to you, mister.) But ultimately, I said, “Look. You are not going to convince me that I’m wrong, and I’m not going to convince you that you’re wrong. You have your faith, and I have mine. All we’re doing in arguing is perpetuating a negative energy cycle because we’ll wind up mad at each other. Why do that?” Eventually, the co-host relented, and the first host went on with questions about mediumship development–questions I would much rather answer.

I am not advocating disagreements here, nor am I advocating picking a fight and trying to belittle someone else. But I am advocating standing up for your beliefs. Educate yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to read arguments against your beliefs and then to come up with intelligent answers as to why those arguments don’t hold any water. If you’re going to argue theology, know your subject. Be as smart as you can about what you do so that you can present your side in a thoughtful, organized, intelligent way. Knowledge is power.

Try not to let yourself become embroiled in a heated argument, though. I did my best in this instance to control my temper. It takes a lot to make me mad, but I was mad by the end of that segment. (And hey: Jesus got mad in the Bible, too. Remember the scene he made at the temple?) But I tried to remember that keeping a cool head was only going to make me look more reasonable, and raising my voice in anger would make me look defensive. In the end, I was proud of myself for defending my beliefs and not backing down when confronted while remaining reasonable and gracious.

I was, however, quite miffed about the whole situation. I don’t think it was very professional of these radio hosts to treat me this way. I think there’s a lesson here for me about better preparation for these shows. I’ll have to be more careful, more selective, in the future. So I do thank Spirit for this, because I know it will make me a better person in the long run.

I hope some of you will find encouragement by reading this post. Be respectful, but don’t make nice; don’t back down. Your beliefs, and your integrity, are worth more than that.

The Dixie Chicks say it pretty darn well.

May blessings abound for you.

Honors and Other Scary Things

Yesterday, I went to a reception for local authors given by the Ohioana Library and the Cincinnati Public Library. I’d received an invitation in the mail and really didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a large gathering of folks at the main branch of the public library, people who really seemed excited to welcome and honor local writers for their publishing successes. The reception consisted of introductions, a panel of sports writers talking about their work (it seems there are a bunch of Cincinnati writers penning books about the Reds!), and then a presentation of certificates to the authors themselves. During the presentation of the certificates, the hosts read a brief biography about each author, which they asked us to submit beforehand. When I’d accepted the invitation to the event, I’d dashed off my “normal” biography without a second thought and sent it in. It contains the usual information about my work as a medium ,writer, and instructor–no big changes, nothing unusual.

At least, not unusual to me. But as I sat in the audience yesterday, watching the other authors receive their certificates and listening to their biographies, I started to feel very nervous. Most of these people were professional writers with credentials as long as my arm. They taught at the university level or wrote for magazines and newspapers. Some had written countless books about heavy subjects like cancer, cardiology, the architecture of Cincinnati, or the history of the Catholic Church. Many of them had a “Doctor” in front of their names, and lots had awards out the yin-yang. And as I started sweating my background, I started to wonder how my biography would sound to all of these learned, intellectual people. What would they think of a clairvoyant medium? Would they chuckle and shake their heads over my references to Tarot reading or angels? I could just hear the snickers and the whispers as I sat there, my folded hands clutched together in an ever-tightening death grip.

Worse, what would my children think? They sat next to me, politely paying attention, well-trained from their 9 years in Episcopal school, where they sit through chapel services every week. Would they hear their mom’s biography and sink lower in their seats? Would they be embarrassed if someone in the audience laughed as I walked up to accept my certificate?

Boy, your mind can do terrible things to you, can’t it?

When my name was read out (and mispronounced, as usual), I stood and started up the aisle. It felt like I was walking in a dream, underwater, with no clothes on. I was glad I didn’t have to say anything except “thank you” to the woman handing out the certificates because I was afraid my voice wouldn’t work. When I turned to face the gathering, I spotted my husband on the side aisle, the family camera in hand. I tried to smile, but I’m sure it looked more like a grimace. I haven’t yet looked at the pictures he took; I think I’m afraid I’ll be as white as a sheet. Everything seemed amplified: the lights, brighter; the sound, magnified; my feelings of dread, intense enough to turn my stomach.

But you know what? No one laughed. At least, I didn’t see it if they did. I didn’t notice any disbelieving, shaking heads, either. And I wasn’t pelted with tomatoes. I made it back to my seat in one piece, and I sat there, staring at my certificate with the tremor in my hands melting away.

Now, why would I feel this way? Why would I assume the worst at a moment when I should be proud and happy?

It’s hard to say. Sometimes I am still afraid to speak up for my beliefs. There remains a small part of me that wants more than anything to be accepted, liked, and respected by everyone. EVERYONE. This is, I know, completely unrealistic, and yet I can’t deny that the feeling is there. I don’t like confrontation; I don’t like to have to fight for anything, because I’ve never been a good fighter. I prefer peace; I prefer compromise; I definitely prefer everyone getting along. But the world isn’t always like that, is it? Sometimes, you have to stick up for yourself. Sometimes, you have to voice an unpopular opinion because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes, you have to realize that not everyone is going to agree with you, or, worse yet, that some people may downright not like you for what you believe, say, or do. And you have to be able to live with that.

Over the years, I know I’ve come a long way in this department. It has never been easy or comfortable for me to voice a dissenting opinion. It has been extremely difficult for me to show emotions like anger or grief because, as a child, I wasn’t allowed to have these feelings. I was expected to always be happy, sunny, and/or quiet. Only one person in my household was allowed to have feelings, and it wasn’t me. I have always been a peacemaker, a referee, the one who smoothes things over and makes it nice. I still do this; I accept that this is part of my nature, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing to embrace. And yet, I’ve learned some things about myself and the world around me. I’ve learned that I have the right to believe the things I do and to live the way I want to live, as long as I’m not hurting myself or anyone else in the process. I’ve learned it’s OK to demand respect and to have the expectation that I deserve it. I’ve learned that I’ve worked long and hard to get where I am, and in recognizing my own divinity, that I should love myself and the journey that has brought me to this place. I have learned that I can and should defend myself if I’m backed into a corner (there may be another post coming soon about this), and I should be proud of who I am, no matter what others think of me.

So, even though I’ve learned all of this, I still get nervous sometimes. Just like yesterday. And yet I was relieved and happy when things turned out well. I did belong at that reception. I worked arduously on my books, and it’s nice to receive some recognition for the work. And maybe, just maybe, someone will pick up one of the books who wouldn’t have before, because they remember seeing me there and thinking, “Well, isn’t that an interesting subject to explore?”

After the presentation, they served refreshments. As I stood in line for punch with my boys (who, after all, didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed to be seen with me), a lady approached and asked, “Are you the medium?”

“Yes,” I said with a smile.

“Can I have your card?”

I handed her one with steady hands. Will she call me? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I was there, and it was a good experience.

Blessings to you all this fine day.

xo

Monday Message from Merlin 3-8-10

Good day! I do greet all of you beautiful souls in the midst of your Earthly journey from the realms of Spirit. My name is Merlin, and I am the Master Teacher of this beloved soul called Rose with whom I work in this lifetime. I am honored to be her mentor, and I am equally honored to be with you in this manner today as we all strive to reach our highest potential as spiritual beings.

Yes, even I, in my present form, am still learning, still growing, still expanding the depth and breadth of my knowledge of the Universe and the Great Divine Presence that permeates it all. How exciting is this for all of us, to be in such a form, to be children sitting at the feet of the Unknown, thirsting to learn and to experience All That Is? What a privilege to be here, and what a true manifestation of the love and blessings that the Divine provides for us!

I asked Rose to choose the photo above today to go with my words because of the beautiful image of the melting ice. Spring is on its way in the part of the world where Rose resides, and there is a melting of fear and isolation from the hearts of those who have felt the chill and loneliness of winter. We are on the cusp of a new day, a new season, a new beginning, and there is excitement and anticipation in the air. Do you feel it stirring within yourself? What have you been preparing for through the long, dark months of winter? Most feel compelled to withdraw, to look within, to retreat from the outer world to spend time in the inner sanctum. And this is a sacred process for those who truly wish to delve deeply into their spiritual selves. Often this process can cause fear and doubt, never easy to wrestle with in the dark recesses of the soul. And yet it is only through confronting fear and doubt that true enlightenment can be achieved. Now, as the Wheel of the Year once more turns toward Spring, the Light that returns to our lives can nurture the qualities, attributes, and situations we most want and need to grow. Embrace this loving Light! Allow it to cast your fears away and to warm your soul! Know that you are a powerful being, with loving, compassionate intentions, and that you can achieve the hopes and dreams that you have by trusting in your own divine nature. Know that you yourself are a seed, and within you in the sprout that can and will grow into a sturdy oak with the right care. You can accomplish so much if you trust yourself, trust the Universe, and trust the growth process. Allow it to be what it needs to be. Allow yourself the space to make mistakes and to change your mind, for these are the ways we learn to trust our intuition and to understand how it works in the physical world. Ask for guidance from your spirit teachers, but know that you are ultimately in charge of your forward progress. Expect good to come, and it will–perhaps not always in the form that you anticipated, but always for your highest and best spiritual fulfillment.

You are loved, beautiful souls, more than you can possibly know. If you were here in the planes of Spirit, you would feel the constant, undeniable energy of this great, consuming, powerful love. Since you are not, you must trust that it is there–no easy feat, I understand, but one that gives great comfort and great strength to those who embrace it. This starts with recognizing your own personal divinity–different from ego, which drives achievement at the cost of all else. Divinity recognizes the beauty of every living entity and strives only to resonate and vibrate at the highest energy possible–love energy! Do all that you do with love. Put love first, always, in your life, and you will never go wrong. Let love, which is the energy of Creator, permeate all that you do. When you start from this compassionate, peaceful, beneficent place, you will attract only good into your life, and you will have heaven on Earth.

Let your hearts melt at this time. Let them open, like the new buds on the trees, to soak up the Light that returns to you now. You have never been alone; the Light has always been there. But sometimes we need it to be terribly dark before we can actually see the Light, no matter how tiny it is.

I take your leave now, Earth angels, and bid you peace, love, and blessings in all you do. Until next time…

Merlin

Tarot and Men’s Figure Skating, Part 2

Well, the Men’s Figure Skating results were interesting to watch! Congratulations to all of the medalists:

Gold Medal: Evan Lysacek, United States
Silver Medal: Evgeni Plushenko, Russian Federation
Bronze Medal: Daisuke Takahashi, Japan

If you follow my blog and read my last post, you’ll see that the Tarot did a pretty decent job of predicting medal winners, if not the colors of the medals the men achieved. That was an interpretation on my part, which is all part of reading Tarot. It’s very possible that I may have interpreted things differently had I pulled more than one card for each skater, which would have given a lot more detail to their upcoming energies. I put more stock in the upset power of Major Arcana The Tower than perhaps I should have in predicting Evgeni Plushenko might not even medal in the competition. Obviously, he did win silver, a great achievement–but honestly, after reading some of the comments he’s made since the competition and the reactions of fans to these comments, his ego is possibly causing some damage to his image. This could be the big lesson that The Tower’s energy is trying to teach him at this time, or there could be more shake-ups coming for him as he goes forward.

Major Arcana The Magician did seem to indicate the strong possibility of a gold medal win for Evan Lysacek, which was awesome. Evan can continue to capitalize on this manifestation energy as he goes forward. Things are looking bright for him!

The appearance of Major Arcana The Hermit for Daisuke Takahashi also seemed to indicate a medal performance, which obviously happened. I will be interested to see if he goes on to become a skating teacher in the future, as this card often symbolizes a leadership energy, one who wishes to pass knowledge on to others.

This was a fun project! I’ll have to do more of this in the future. But first, maybe I’ll read the cards to see if that’s a good idea…

Happy Tuesday, all.

Tarot and Men’s Figure Skating

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been enjoying watching the Winter Olympics from Vancouver this last week. Even though I’m in the final week of rehearsal for my show, I HATE HAMLET, I have been DVRing the events and watching them the next day when I can. After a long rehearsal last night, it’s nice to have a day off, so I sat down at lunch today (with my new healthy eating plan) to catch the Men’s Figure Skating Short Programs. I love the artistry of figure skating, and, I’ll be honest–the jumps are incredible to watch when they’re well executed. As usual, there were some terrible mishaps on the ice for some of the competitors, but an exciting battle has shaped up for the gold medal between leader and 2006 gold medalist Evgeni Pleshenko of Russia, Evan Lysacek of the United States, and Daisuke Takahashi of Japan. These athletes are only separated by small margins as they currently stand in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively.

So, as I watched these men and their competitors this afternoon, I thought it might be fun to do a one-card Tarot pull for each of the top six, to see who may end up on the podium on Thursday night after the Free Skate. Those top six are:

1. Evgeni Pleshenko, Russia
2. Evan Lysacek, United States
3. Daisuke Takahashi, Japan
4. Nobunari Oda, Japan
5. Stephane Lambiel, Switzerland
6. Johnny Weir, United States

I’ll use the Rider-Waite deck to take a peek at what may be in store for each man in the finals on Thursday. Let’s see what comes up!

1. Evgeni Pleshenko: Major Arcana The Tower
2. Evan Lysacek: Major Arcana The Magician
3. Daisuke Takahashi: Major Arcana The Hermit
4. Nobunari Oda: 5 of Swords
5. Stephane Lambiel: 7 of Swords
6. Johnny Weir: Major Arcana The Moon

Wow! Out of six cards and for six different men, Major Arcana cards came up 4 times! This is an important turning point for all of these gentlemen, which I’m sure they realize. Spirit reminds them with these cards that they are not only fulfilling dreams in these games, but life plans. They are right where they need to be, and there are important lessons for each of them to take away from this opportunity, win or lose.

The appearance of Major Arcana The Tower for leader Evgeni Pleshenko worries me. He is known for his amazing jumps and his bravado, but The Tower forecasts destruction of the foundation on which he stands. He may have something that shakes his faith in himself before Thursday that throws a wrench into his hopes for another Olympic win. Because of the power of The Tower, there is a vital lesson for him to learn here: he has physical strength and determination, but extraneous ego may strip him of his win. The outlook for him is ominous. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes a very costly mistake that bumps him completely off the medal podium, opening the door wider for one of his competitors. I wouldn’t rule out a possible injury, either.

On the other hand, Major Arcana The Magician for Evan Lysacek indicates that he has the magic to manifest a personal best and a podium win in these games. Everything is working for him right now; he needs to focus and concentrate his will to make his dreams a reality. A medal certainly looks promising with the appearance of this card, and it would not surprise me one bit, under this card’s influence, to see Lysacek bring gold home to the United States.

Daisuke Takahashi looks to have a strong chance for a medal as well with Major Arcana The Hermit appearing as his card. The Hermit is an energy that lights the way, not just for the self, but for others. I get the sense that Takahashi must remain committed to his coach and the teachings that have been passed on to him; he must remember all the nuances of what he has been taught to succeed. He also needs to meditate and go within to pull the very best performance out of himself that he can. Success looks assured, however, and as The Hermit is the card of the teacher, Takahashi may go on to instruct others and continue the cycle of excellence and pride.

Nobunari Oda has drawn the 5 of Swords in this reading of his energy, which indicates that he may take something away from one of the other more well-known competitors. His finish may upset a favorite, but this may come at a high price. Some may see him as a usurper. Still, Oda seems to have what it takes to win a place on the podium at Vancouver. He does need to keep his ego in check to ensure success.

Our fifth skater, Stephane Lambiel, has drawn the 7 of Swords. This card seems to indicate someone stealing something away from him, which makes me believe his chances of medaling at these games are slim. The 7 of Swords can be a deceitful card, which I hate to see in any sporting event. It brings to mind cheating or some sort of dishonesty. I wonder if this athlete will be judged fairly, but I’m not sure that’s something that will be discovered if it happens to be the truth. It could also mean a win for Lambiel as a result of deceit. I don’t feel good about this card, however, and I don’t think Lambiel will make it to the podium after his performance on Thursday.

Finally, our last competitor in the top six, Johnny Weir, falls under the influence of Major Arcana The Moon. The Moon can be a temperamental, cranky sort of card. She can indicate mystical influences, but often she symbolizes illusions. I think Weir’s hopes of medaling at this Olympics may be a reflection of those illusory Moon qualities. He is certainly true to himself, but there is a quality about him that makes me think he may not know himself as well as he thinks he does. This makes him vulnerable and perhaps a bit uncertain, which may be his downfall when it comes to performing under intense scrutiny and pressure. I don’t think he’ll medal here, but this won’t tarnish him in the eyes of his fans, who see him in an iconic sort of way. In reality, this card indicates that he’s a completely different person than we may think–and he may want to keep it that way.

So, based on these cards, here are my predictions:

Gold Medal: Evan Lysacek, United States
Silver Medal: Daisuke Takahashi, Japan
Bronze Medal: Nobunari Oda, Japan

It will be fun to see if these predictions turn out to be accurate. I’ll be sure to post again after Thursday’s results to reflect on the competition and the card reading.

Happy Wednesday, everyone! xox

TONIGHT: ASK A MEDIUM Lecture and Booksigning

I’m pleased as punch to be appearing tonight at my church, The United Spiritualists of the Christ Light, for a lecture based on my new book Ask a Medium, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bring your friends and your questions about the spirit world, and we’ll have a wonderful, entertaining discussion! After the lecture, we’ll serve light refreshments, and I’ll have books for sale and will sign any that aren’t nailed down. We do collect a love donation for the church for the lecture, just so you know.

The USCL’s address:

4412 Carver Woods Drive Suite 210
Blue Ash, OH 45242

I’d direct you to the USCL website, but it’s currently down. We hope to have it back up soon.

Hope to see you tonight! Have a great weekend!

xox

ASK A MEDIUM on Sale At Llewellyn!

My current book, ASK A MEDIUM , is on sale now through Llewellyn Worldwide’s website. It will make a perfect Valentine’s gift for someone you know and love—or for yourself!

Hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the lovely winter weather. We’ve got plenty of snow in my neck of the woods. I’m a little mad at the groundhog right now.

Blessings to you all! xo