September, 2012

Volume 4, Number 9

The Wheel Turns...   Is it looking like Autumn where you are, John?   As I write this, the leaves in our woods are still mostly green, but patches of dogwood, sumac, sweet gum, and sugar maple are glowing in their Autumn finery. More will quickly be joining the rainbow riot, as the daylight surrenders to lengthening dark, and the temperatures drop.    In the midst of these crisp, golden days, there is something in our bones that stirs us to be busy preparing for the darker months. Ancient instincts urge that we secure the harvest, take stock, find our flock, and seek the place that some deep memory whispers is home.   Profound change is in the wind, fraught with promise and mystery.   I am feeling it myself, both in my daily life, and in my business. As you know by now, this year I have been celebrating my 40th anniversary of working with the Tarot, and I can firmly say that my love for working with and sharing the cards has never been stronger or happier.     But the ways I offer my services, and show up for my work are changing. I am feeling a fundamental shift in my calling. I am being pointed towards more teaching, fewer one-on-one readings; longer, more focused writing projects, less blogging and online conversation.    I will also be cutting back on some of my other obligations and extracurricular activities, to make room for this new direction. In this edition of WINGS, for instance, you are seeing a less lengthy format from past issues, as I make this transition. (I am primarily concentrating on getting the word out this month about some terrific events and opportunities coming up!)   While I have not yet made a final decision, I may also be changing WINGS to a bi-monthly, or quarterly publication. How would you feel about that?  And what would you prefer for me to keep, add, or cut back?    But have no fear -- I will not be disappearing or losing touch with you. The best adventure stories always include beloved companions, and that means you, John.  I hope you'll be along with me for the unfolding of the next chapter.    Blessings,

Welcome New Subscribers!  Sending a big hello and thank you to our 43 new subscribers who are getting your first current issue of WINGS.  I am thrilled to have you here.   I really hope you'll love it. Maybe you'll even be inspired to invite your friends, or forward a copy to them, if you wish!  Please do (there's a link at the bottom to make it easy).  The more, the merrier!  Astrological Tidbits   Time to Get Serious   The climactic energies of 2012 are now in play, and I don't mean the end of the world á la Mayan calendar end-times.   The astrology is intense enough without all that, thank you.    First, as my friend and world-renowned astrologer Dan Furst notes, "The Aries Full Moon of Sept. 29 - 30, opposite the Sun in Libra, is still echoing like that dramatic soprano who can shatter wine glasses a mile away.   "We expect huge volume from an Aries Full Moon, the Birgit Nilsson of the 13-Moon cycle, and we pause to note an event just past because this implacable Moon is one of the crucial ones in the life cycle of all beings on Earth. It's Harvest Moon, close to the September Equinox, when our tribes have no time for petty conflicts, lies, pointless competition, dirty tricks and separation mind...   "Right now, we're in the moment of Harvest Home, when families and clans gather for what must be done: get the crop in, get it weighed and safely stored for winter. "This weighing of the harvest is, after all, the literal meaning of Libra, as the Scales are used now to measure the grain and fruit, and allocate them fairly."   Let us hope it may be so.   As for the rest of the month, I am going to let the brilliant Judy Joyce take over from here:    "The world will need to face reality in October when the No-Nonsense planet of Saturn moves into the Tell-It-Like-It-Is sign of Scorpio on October 5, 2012, where it will stay until September 2015.   "Many problems in the world that we have been trying to avoid will begin to rise up from the depths and they won’t be pretty. After all, they’ve been stuffed down, thrown scraps, denigrated, trampled upon and blamed on the other guy. Like mushrooms growing underground in the dark, they are now ready to burst forth into the light in all their power and glory. "In October and November, we will see this reflected in world headlines. There are many ways this energy can manifest.   "One is likely to be the economy, especially pertaining to debt. No big surprise. Pick any of the concerns reflected in the headlines that never seem to end up in anything but a finger pointing contest – those are the very areas that will reach a crisis point that will demand real action. "Saturn in Scorpio tells us it is time to take responsibility. It will be necessary to be disciplined, determined, organized and realistic. The chickens have come home to roost. The bills are due. And Saturn in Scorpio will be very serious about it. No excuses, period. Time to get down to business. "Saturn’s passage into Scorpio on Oct 5 will also boost the transformative power of Pluto, currently in the sign of Capricorn and part of the radical social restructuring energies the world is experiencing.   "That’s because Saturn will be in Scorpio, the sign ruled by Pluto, and Pluto will be in Capricorn, the sign ruled by Saturn.   "In astrology we call this mutual reception.   "It’s like the rulers of two different countries switch places for a period of time. In this case, the countries already have good relations with each other and are likely to be supportive and helpful of each others aims.   "Saturn represents authority, laws, governments, rules and regulations and Pluto represents power, purging, breakdown, intensity, profound change and renewal. With these two planets working together, we will see the transformative process speed up. "The most likely time for success in making positive and realistic changes will be from December 2012 through March 2013, and in September 2013. It won’t happen overnight. Saturn will require us to be patient, mature and persevering. "Change and transformation will speed up in our personal lives, too. Whatever we need to accomplish in our own personal restructuring will become more pressing.   "The key to using these energies successfully will be the willingness to be hardworking, disciplined and determined – plus the courage to look reality in the eye.   "We need to see what is actually occurring in our lives – no excuses, no blaming, no idealizing and no pretending. Once we are willing to do that, we can begin the work of making the changes and transformations that will lead to a healthier and more authentic life. "For some this will be a time of complete transformation, for others it won’t be so dramatic. We will all be affected one way or the other because the world will definitely be transforming and that will impact each one of us."   Well, that leaves us lots to think about, doesn't it?   Until next time... May the stars shine brightly for you. Green Living: Will be back next time..   Let’s stay in touch!   I specialize in helping visionaries, healers, artists, and innovators thrive in changing times.   If you seek inspiration, practical wisdom, and solid tools for living an extraordinary life, my classes, workshops, and personal sessions will help you predict your future by creating it.   Limited appointments are still available. You can check my availability for a phone appointment by dropping by here and then "locking in" the time with your PayPal payment.   Or if you are able to meet in person, you can see my schedule here.   For further information, you can also visit my website.    Live in balance * Focus your creativity * Manifest your vision.  My Upcoming Schedule Tarot Readings at Dancing Moon Books, 1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh   Twice each month: Friday, October 5 Saturday, October 13 Note:  Despite my message at the top of this newsletter, I love my visits to Dancing Moon and do not plan to change my availability there.   Hour or half-hour appointments begin at 11:30 am, and end at 6 pm. I try to accommodate walk-ins, but I tend to get booked up. So I suggest you schedule in advance by calling (919) 833-8081. Is the Tarot Calling To You?Sign Up Today for... The Wisdom Journey: Basic Tarot Reading Skills in One Day Saturday, October 20, 2012 11am – 6pm  $80 Dancing Moon Books, Raleigh   What if you could have centuries-old Wisdom at your fingertips -- anytime, anywhere?   What if there was a clear, inspiring, and fantastically accurate way to connect to your highest, most creative, most trustworthy guidance?     Suppose it was packaged in portable, beautiful art that resonates with your deepest self?  And .. No fees, Wi-Fi, or appointments necessary!   That's what the Tarot is .. and much more! Skip all the memorizing and confusion!  There is nothing like personal guidance from a life-long reader and master teacher.   If you understand the basic principles of how the Tarot deck is organized (number of cards, the elemental correspondences of the suits, etc.) I will have you reading your Tarot cards with confidence and skill .. all by the end of the day!   I am the most experienced Tarot teacher in our area and this may be your last chance to learn from me in person. I promise you the very best Tarot training available, delivered in fun, insightful exercises that you will easily understand, and put to work -- right away.   Call Dancing Moon Books (Tues-Sunday) to register:   (919) 833-8081.   For more details, including my recommendations for prerequisite background, please visit here. Local and Long Distance! Beginners and Seasoned pros! Everybody is welcome!   Looking for a good vibe Tarot tribe? Our Triangle Tarot and Friends Meetup group is both a local gathering once a month, and also host to hundreds of Tarot friends online, from all around the world. In October, we'll get to physically experience the card we've been working with in our study of Mary K. Greer's 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card. I'll be facilitating Chapter 17, Embodiment.   If you're new or haven't come for a while, it's easy to get caught up and we'll be glad to help.     Be sure to bring your decks, past study notes,  show & tell items, announcements, and a friendly smile. Note: Space is LIMITED, so RSVPs are strictly observed! For time and location details, please sign up (free!) by going here. Join us for learning, laughter and discovery! Highlight of the Month: Robert Austin ~ Crystal Bowl Sound Healer and Energy Sound Healing After missing his usual Springtime visit this year due to family obligations, I am thrilled to tell you that from Oct. 4th through the 10th, the extraordinary healer and musician, Robert Austin, will be back in the central North Carolina area.   Playing his Crystal Bowls and Tibetan Singing Bowls, his workshops, concerts, and private healing sessions are nothing less than life-altering.  I cannot recommend Robert highly enough.  His gentle energy, his extraordinary talent, and his wise teachings will open your heart in the deepest, most amazing ways.  When Robert plays, miracles happen.   (Yes, I actually speak from personal experience).   Robert will be scheduling a few private appointments, as well as presenting a limited number of musical healing concerts at a number of locations.  Visit here to see his calendar. Please do not miss this rare and very special opportunity. Best wishes to you for a beautiful, bountiful Autumn, John.  May plentifulness and generosity be the constant guests at your table.   Blessings,