I don't know about you, kind reader, but I constantly have demands on my time. Part of the problem, of course, is having varied interests and things I like to support. Recently, I've decided I need to pull back a little and focus on my own health and spiritual wellness. It's not an easy thing to do - but we must all learn to balance setting healthy boundaries for ourselves and not becoming an all-out recluse.

Isn't this card just beautiful? Notice the use of flowers and wings on a rhino - not exactly what we tend to associate with the animal. But it supports the notion that we can overcome obstacles in more than one way. My domestic partner likes to say some people's "dominoes only fall one way," and this isn't a good thing. Be open to other ways to get where you want to be.

Whenever we look at things we view as tradition, we must balance that with the discernment to know what part of it serves us and what part of it binds us. Sometimes binding is a good thing - being bound with other kind, helpful humans is helpful. Being bound to outdated modes or the service of one person's ego is not.

New Kansas businesses with demanding electricity requirements will be subject to a large-load tariff after the KCC approved it Thursday

Have you neglected your magic? Or your creative pursuits? Have you paid attention to the ancestors recently? It's easy to let ourselves get too busy to pay attention to these things, but they help create the magic in our lives. Take time for them today. Blessings, Thistle Four of Fire - Elder Make a little magic, stir up a special ceremony; holy helpers guide you and lend you power; honor the beings who guard the liminal spaces.

This is a beautiful card that brings great joy and strength to some of us. But for others? Well, it can be painful. Recent ancestors can sometimes muddy the waters of what could be a beneficial journey for our spirits. I've said this before: I have struggled with this on my father’s side of the family as he, his mother, and a few siblings were not what I would qualify as good people.

It's going to be a busy day for my household, but I wanted to reshare this post from 2019 that kicked off a lot of discussion. It would seem that Hedge/Osage Orange trees have many fans and thought some newer followers might enjoy it! - Thistle As a child growing up in the Ozarks, I loved Redbud trees. Not just their spring-budding beauty, but also the branching structure that was as fascinating as their rosy blooms.

Joy takes many forms, and sometimes people forget that Samhain need not be a solemn occasion. We can honor the Beloved Dead and still enjoy the pleasures of this life in many different forms: laughter, games, food, a day off, and more. Also, be cognizant of the joys you have - appreciate them. It often seems when we start there, the joys multiple.

Apples are associated with divination games at Samhain. But with this card, we are reminded that the apple has been connected symbolically in other ways: In the story of Adam and Eve (even if that’s not the correct fruit), the poison apple of fairy tales, and more. This card is pretty straightforward: It is time to consider your risks and rewards, whether you need to take more chances or perhaps be less reckless.

We often hide our true selves from the world. Whether because we fear being ostracized for being "too much" (or maybe too little), from fear of a society that doesn't accept certain things, trauma, shyness – the list of possibilities goes on and on. Current events don't help; even witches and Pagans (in the U.S. anyway) who have been out for decades are suddenly wondering if we will need to hide again.

So often, what makes someone "lucky" is that they had they head up and were seeing potential opportunities. If we never look around, reach out to others, or just grovel about our lives, we will never be as lucky as those who look for it. So, open your eyes. Something might just be around the corner. Blessings, Thistle BLACK CAT – Fortune meets opportunity…

When things are dark, either literally or figuratively, trying to ignore or push through it is rarely helpful. Allow yourself to rest, to plan, to gestate ideas. The dark hours around midnight can be restful and fruitful in a different way than "waking" hours. Magic is afoot as well as a different mindset. Blessings, Thistle MIDNIGHT – The most magical hour of all…

Good Thursday! We are enjoying cooler mornings, and hopefully soon that will also mean cooler days (we are still low 80s here). This always makes me think of home and preparing it to be cozy. And while yes, this card can refer to the physical state of your home, it also refers to the energy of it and its occupants. If there's an issue eating at you within your close relationships, it's time to address it.

My Mom had some of those often used Mom expressions. “It takes all kinds to make the world go round.” “We all put our pants the same way – one leg at a time.” While my Mom was not perfect about acceptance and equality, these phrases stuck with me when considering people who were different from myself. Well, the Lady de Los Muertos is here with a similar – but stronger – message.

We often tell ourselves we aren't good at something more because people have told us that or to protect ourselves from the pain of failure. Sure, failure isn't fun - but it's instrumental in growth and learning. Today, get past these things and start thinking big. Blessings, Thsitle SKULL OF STARS – Infinite possibilities Why think so smallwhen galaxies spin within?

Don't forget to add intuition to your judgements and decisions today. It can be easy to think we have to be purely logical, but anyone who's watched Star Trek knows that pure logic isn't really very human. Trust your gut - sometimes we are subconsciously picking up something we need to know. Blessings and have a lovely weekend, Thistle SCRYING – Intuition…