January, 2015 WINGS - It's Early Days

January, 2015   - Sun at 7 degrees Aquarius

Now that we've gotten this newfangled 2015 up and running, how is it going? Have your resolutions, vision board promises, and divinations begun to feel a bit vague, as the celebrations fade in the rear-view mirror? So far, I am finding myself constantly grabbing my PlannerPad (that brilliant calendar planner I shared with you in the October Full Moon WINGS), trying to stay on track and keep the promises I made to myself. This is the year that I especially intend to be more conscious of how I spend my time, because I have so many ideas and hopes for what I want to accomplish. What about you? What early successes have you been celebrating? What challenges are already facing you? Be patient - especially if you need a "mulligan." There are several potential reboots still ahead, like the celebration of the ancient Celtic festival of new beginnings and dedication -- Imbolc, Feb. 2. Or if you've had trouble making forward progress, maybe the end of Mercury retrograde Feb. 11 will offer you some traction. And then we get a whole new annual kick-off on the Lunar New Year, Feb. 19. Consider these gifts of grace -- more chances to launch your new year in meaningful, magical ways; possibly more clearly and calmly than you could while still under the influence of the holiday intensity. As they are so fond of saying in the BBC series, Midsomer Murders, it's early days yet. May these early days of 2015 be bountiful with the exquisite renewal that you most dearly desire.

Welcome New Subscribers! Hello and thank you to our 306 new subscribers that have joined us since I last checked in early November. I am just stunned to count up and discover there are so many new friends here. In gratitude, I have just now been going over my mailing list and saying everyone's names aloud, just to send you energetic greetings and thanks! (Maybe you heard me). As you will see (I hope), WINGS is my gift to you, and I hope you'll find it valuable and fun. 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! Learn More. Be More. This year, let’s put the cards in YOUR hands!   I am honored to be one of the Triangle’s most trusted, experienced Tarot experts and readers. But the beauty of Tarot is that you can read the cards for yourself!  Find out how to tap into the vast wisdom of the Tarot almost as easily as you look up things on Google. As a lifelong reader and master teacher, I can show you how easy, useful, and fun the Tarot can be! Now enrolling: Tarot Without Tears Dancing Moon Books in Raleigh Part One: Planting the Seed Sunday, March 22, 2015 1 – 6pm   $50 *                           If you have been curious about the Tarot, or are considering learning to read the beautiful, mysterious Tarot cards for yourself, this is the class for you! Work with me and know that you are developing superior skills that will bring you years of enjoyment. If you have a deck, bring it, or choose a new one during class. No experience is necessary - this is THE place for beginners to start.  And the information in this class is vital for our May 2 class. Part Two: The Wisdom Journey Read Your Tarot Cards by the End of the Day Saturday, May 2, 11am – 6pm  $80 * Once you are at ease with the fundamentals of Tarot, the big question is, how do the cards interact with each other? How do you actually read them? By the end of the day, you will know this and more! And best of all, you won’t have to do tons of memorizing or feel helpless without the books. No prior experience is required, however, you should have a deck and be comfortable with the basics of the Tarot (exactly what’s covered in our March 22 class). * Pre-register for both, and receive a $10 rebate in our May class. More info can also be found here. Feature Article      How to Receive Blessings (Or Not) Four of Rainbows (Earth): Osho Zen Tarot and the Four of Pentacles: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot   In the November issue of WINGS, I began a discussion of the importance of cultivating gratitude as an antidote to the fear, anger, and cynicism (which is really despair in disguise) that is rife in our culture. For those of us who are awakened empaths, the daily assault on our senses and spirits can be especially corrosive. Like emergency first-responders, we must go to extra lengths to protect ourselves in what is often a hostile environment, while still being fully, courageously engaged in it. And the most reliable super-shield I know is to cultivate the habit of gratitude. It is also the most reliable route to abundance because ... (To continue reading, click here) Tarot Readings Dancing Moon Books 1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh It is my great honor to be featured as a reader twice a month at Dancing Moon Books in Raleigh. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, "The Moon" is a fantastic shopping destination -- one of the biggest locally owned metaphysical shops in the Southeast.  I'll next be there: Friday, Feb. 6 Saturday, Feb. 21 Saturday, March 14 My hours are 11:30 am to 6pm and it is the only place I offer both hour and half-hour long appointments. I encourage you to bring your smart phone or other recording device so you can save our conversation for later review. Walk-ins are welcome but why risk disappointment?  Call (919) 833-8081 (Tuesdays-Sundays) to schedule your visit, or even reserve your time months in advance! The Raleigh-Durham Triangle Tarot and Friends Celebrating Our 12th Anniversary To help celebrate our February anniversary, we are delighted to welcome a special, long-distance guest via Skypecast - the brilliant Paul Quinn. Paul is the author of one of the most innovative and popular Tarot books in publication, "Tarot for Life."  Unfortunately, our maximum for attendance was filled within 24 hours of its announcement, but you can be added to the waiting list once you become a member and RSVP. Then in March, we return to our very popular new format, learning and practicing new layouts.  RSVPs for March will open soon. For date, time, and location details, you must become a member. But don't worry, there's no charge and it's simple! All you have to do is go here and sign up!  All experience levels are welcome and long-distance members are also encouraged. Join us for friendship, learning, and insight. Green Living: Dreaming of a Wild Springtime As cold January gives way to February, my mailbox is beginning to fill up with the colorful annual deluge of seed and flower catalogs. One of my very favorite pastimes in the dark afternoons of Winter is to curl up with a pile of gardening books and catalogs and imagine my ideal garden paradise. But for me, no garden is happy unless it has a friendly spot for our furry, scaly, and winged friends. Whether you have a city balcony or a 20-acre homestead, you can create a wildlife-friendly habitat, and help some of the most stressed species, including endangered birds, bees, and butterflies. All you need to do is offer the four key components that wildlife need to thrive: Food - An abundant supply of seeds, foraging plants, nectar, berries, and nuts. Water - Clean, fresh, and plentiful. Cover - Needed during inclement weather, or to hide from people and predators A place to raise their young - can often be the same as cover area.  Interested? Great, because it's not hard at all. The National Wildlife Federation suggests these five simple tips gardeners of every experience level can use to create a yard both people and wildlife alike will enjoy:     1.    Develop a design. Layout is key to creating a space that is pleasing to wildlife and humans. Use pathways, borders, hedges and even fences to create order and group plantings. Sketch out a basic design ahead of time and work from your plan.     2.    Start slowly. Don’t tear up your entire yard at once or you can easily get overwhelmed. You can start small — such as with a butterfly garden — and gradually expand it.     3.    Cluster flowers and ornamental grasses. Grouping plants together creates a bold impact and makes flowers more visible to the birds and butterflies that enjoy them.     4.    Include natives. Because native plants are indigenous to a specific region, they usually require less maintenance and are welcomed by birds, butterflies and other wildlife who have adapted to them over time. Native doesn’t have to mean “unfamiliar” to you — there are many popular natives that you might already be familiar with, like some hollies, oaks, and dogwoods.     5.    Create orderly cover. If you aren’t thrilled about brush piles in your yard, a rock garden or neatly stacked logs can provide appropriate shelter for many small wildlife. You can even get your yard certified as a wildlife habitat by going here. Just a small corner of a city patio, or a quiet section of your backyard will do. And why wait until Spring? It's a fun, easy, and rewarding way to help Mama Earth and Her children. Remember - Every little bit makes a world of difference. Let’s get together! I specialize in helping visionaries, healers, artists, and innovators thrive. If you seek inspiration as well as practical guidance, I will help you to predict your future by creating it. The cats and I would be happy to welcome you in person to our magical Laurel Hill Cottage in the woods of Northern Durham County (North Carolina). As mentioned earlier, I also visit twice a month at Dancing Moon Books in Raleigh. And I am available worldwide, by phone. Pick Your Ideal Appointment Time To find out when I am available for a phone appointment, drop by here. Pick a time, and afterwards, you can "lock in" with your PayPal payment. Or if you wish to meet at my home, in person, you can see my availability here. My bookstore reading dates are back up near the top of this newsletter. Of course you can also visit my website or email me. Please be patient - I am usually booked for several weeks in advance. As we navigate these tumultuous, exhilarating times, I am honored to be of service to you, and help you find your own WINGS.   Live in balance. Focus your creativity. Manifest your vision. Thank you again for sharing this time with me. May the gift of gratitude bless you with lovely surprises each and every day.   Warmest wishes and bright blessings,