Today's storytelling.
The tide is high
And from the universal comms team a great song by the same name from Blondie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppYgrdJ0pWk
The lyrics that jump out at me today:
"The tide is high but I'm holding on"
It feels like it might be quite apt with our cards today... let's see.
First out today is the 4 of pentacles (pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation)
I notice our figure hanging on tightly to her purse, worried that there won't be enough, or that it will be taken away from her. She is using a filter of fear, when in truth she has all that she needs.
The number 4 spiritually is a sign of stability and balance. To reach a point of stability, we need to endure and overcome all the challenges that will present themselves in our life. To do this, we need to trust in our self and the abundant universe.
I notice the scarf wrapped around her head, it appears to be layer upon layer, it feels as though her head is overcrowded with thoughts and this is making her doubt her worth or abundance. Her red dress is symbolic of the base chakra, connected with safety, security and having her basic needs met, it makes me think of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Around her hand I notice a string of Greek worry beads, which are commonly believed to have first been used on Mount Athos in northern Greece during medieval times, where strands of beads made of woolen knots were tied on a string and used as an aid to recount prayers.
There is a link to Mother Mary and Mount Athos and as such is known as the “Garden of the Mother of God. Mother Mary is associated with healing, abundance, vision and truth.
Our second card today is the 3 of wands (wands representative of the fire element and of action)
The tide is high, but our figure is holding on, waiting for the wave to come. ( hmm now there's a metaphor if ever I saw one) She's next to the beach, waiting to drive right on in to the sea, yet she's holding back. We can notice this in our news right now, holidays being cancelled and talk of a second wave.
Just when we were ready to take action we are perhaps holding back, not certain if another wave is coming.
There's an anticipatory feeling with this card today, like an energy building, yet we haven't yet put this energy into action.
But hang on... here comes 7 The Chariot. We are about to be fast forwarded, it's quite a ride with the chariot, we are going to be required to merge the energy of opposing energies in a forward momentum.
Perhaps this is depicting the challenging balance of the ongoing pandemic and spikes appearing, whilst driving the economy and life in a forward direction.
It feels like we're being asked to hold the course, keep the focus and harness the energy and ride with the delicate balance facing us.
For some reason the words "Fibre optic" come to mind, as I observe the card, which connects me with the crystal Ulexite which has fiber-optic capabilities.
It is a stone that has metaphysical properties that connect the emotions and the mind, to enable us to see what we are feeling more clearly, it is a strong stone to stimulate the imagination.
Ulexite encourages us to develop the gift of clairvoyance
(clear seeing) and of far-seeing, either far in time, or far in distance, as well as aiding the development of intuition.
It assists us to in picking up on the energy and intentions of others, perhaps allowing us to discern our route ahead.
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Manifesting magic.
And from the universal comms team a personal favourite of mine "strange magic" by ELO.
https://youtu.be/eqxigCmFRng
Let's see what magic unfolds in our cards shall we?
First out today is a quick return of the 2 of cups (cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
Today it's the background colours that jump out at me, firstly the violet to the left of the card.
Violet is the colour of imagination and spirituality. It contains the energy and strength of red and the spirituality and integrity of blue.
It combines body and mind and creates a balance between our physical and mental energy. It helps us to find the meaning of life and attain spiritual fulfillment.
Violet governs the crown chakra, at the top of the head, relating to self-knowledge and spiritual awareness. It is the union with our higher self, with spirituality and our higher consciousness.
I'm then drawn to the lime green colour. This colour gives us a wonderful sense of anticipation at all the possibilities and opportunities the world offers.
Allowing us to be perceptive and non judgmental. Lime green inspires us to try new things by initiating change.
The colour then merges into a bright sunny yellow. This relates to the spleen and life energy. It is the colour of awakening, inspiration, intelligence and action shared. It's creative, playful, optimistic and easy-going.
It feels very much a progression through these colour energies in our card to bring connection and balance ,just as we looked at yesterday.
Our second card today is the King of swords ( swords representative of the air element and of thought and mind)
The cool ice backdrop of the snow capped mountains in the card jump forward to me today.
The mountain as a symbol is thought to contain divine inspiration, it is the focus of pilgrimages of transcendence and spiritual elevation.
It symbolises constancy, permanence, motionlessness and at it's peak it spiritually signifies the state of absolute consciousness.
Many ancient cultures considered the mountain the “Centre of the World.” It often serves as a cosmic axis linking heaven and earth and providing “order” to the universe.
When we look at the meaning of snow symbolically it gets quite interesting.
Snow consists of separate snowflakes that are actually independent of each other, unlike water which is one unified entity. Although it consists of droplets, each drop joins with another and they become one body of water.
As a metaphor then we can see this as a message of each of us being just like a unique collection of snowflakes, we maybe similar or quite different yet at some level, no matter how we come together we are still separate, when we become more fluid; just like water, we become a greater body of connectedness, we flow together so to speak.
My eyes are then drawn to the ties crossing over the heart of our king. Signifying perhaps that we are at a pivotal moment; a crossroads.
In folk magic and mythology, crossroads represent a location "between the worlds" and as such, a point where we can be the supernatural spirits that we truly are and where magic can truly take place.
Our final card for today is another king, this time the king of pentacles (pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation)
He looks pretty chilled sitting in his beanbag , his wolf by his side.
The wolf totem symbolises a high level of intelligence and a deep connection with our instincts. The meaning of the wolf also resonates with our desire for freedom and independence.
Wolves can function well in a group, or in a 'pack', but can also flourish when they are on their own.
We see in the kings lap he has manifested a large sparkling pentacle. It looks as though it is surrounded by stardust.
He sits in a vast library of books. The library is an important symbol, as it refers to wisdom, being our own wisdom or the human wisdom as a whole.
It could mean that if we are ready to examine our life, we might get access to the universal human wisdom and use it for our benefit now.
So today seems to be a progressive movement forward. By drawing down from our connection to our higher wisdom, we can shift in both our hearts minds to a place of greater oneness and this is where we can manifest true magic.
That's not to say we cannot retain our own sense of self, just as the old saying goes ...
"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts".
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Balance and connection.
And from the universal comms team a classic from The Beatles " I wanna hold your hand".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jenWdylTtzs
"Oh yeah, I'll tell you somethin'
I think you'll understand
When I say that somethin'
I want to hold your hand"
What comes to mind with this straight away is balance and connection. Duality connected into oneness, kind of following on from yesterday's storytelling.
Let's see how this weaves through our cards for today:
First out today is the 2 of cups (cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
What I notice today with this card is the rainbow created when the two hands come together. There is even a rainbow bracelet depicted on one of the wrists in the picture.
When the two become one through connection there is a domino effect as the rainbow merges in both directions, there is no separation only a infusion of energy.
When I think of a domino effect it's as though everything is lining up in order for us to make a breakthrough in the areas that we have most needed.
Once in alignment, a domino effect will happens where everything the universe has lined up for us will fall into place one after another.
Rainbows to me symbolise total balance, depicting the range of colours of the chakra system. It also signifies a bridge between heaven and earth. Which also for me has one of my own personal tarot birth cards, The Magician, who's wand points to the heavens and who's finger points to the earth, "As above ,so below" Whatever can be conceived in heaven can be made manifest on the earth... through balance and connection.
We see on one hand ( the right hand) a ring is worn on the middle finger. Because of its central location, the middle finger symbolises balance and responsibility and is associated with Saturn. Since Saturn's metal is lead.
Saturn is stability and calmness, It brings thrift, discipline, patience and seriousness, which can bring dominance, power, and change.Saturn can also represent being stubborn, organised and moving at a slower pace.
Lead is also associated with Saturn. For centuries, alchemists were convinced they could turn lead into gold. It’s associated with fire and melts easily over an open flame. Once burned down, the lead is replaced by a fine yellowish ashy powder, which is why alchemists believed that lead and gold were so intricately connected. Lead is the metal of transformation and resurrection.
Magical uses of lead include rituals that focus on connection with your deepest unconscious self, meditation, and stability and grounding.
On the other hand ( the left hand) we see a ring on the pinky finger. From an astrological or palmistry point of view, the little finger is associated with intelligence and persuasion. It represents Mercury, both the planet and the element.
Mercury is the messenger of the gods in mythology. It is the planet of day to day expression and relationships. Mercury's action is to take things apart and put them back together again.
Because it appears as a living, breathing thing in constant motion, mercury is sometimes associated with the serpent. It’s symbolic not only with the life force itself, but also with the aspects of death and decomposition and rebirth.
Mercury signifies communication and progress, the god Mercury we might remember was a wing footed messenger. As well as mental clarity, higher learning and education, Mercury gives us the ability to be persuasive and convincing.
Our second card today is the 8 of pentacles (pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation).
Today my eye is drawn to the pile of old books and quill pen.
A quill, or a writing pen that is made from the feather of a bird, is a symbol of communication. It is also antiquated and old-fashioned, indicating manners and sensibilities that are a throwback to the past. It is often seen as being graceful and beautiful.
We notice that the feather is white. A white feather represents the crown chakra. It represents wisdom and blessing which are connected with the moon. It represents the celestial realm, angels, heaven, and higher dimensions. It denotes protection, peace, hope, faith, trust, innocence, purity, cleansing, and purification.
We are perhaps asked to reflect back in time so that we may cleanse and purify ready for the future.
Next I'm drawn to the Aloe Vera plant. It is believed that its presence on a spiritual and energetic level cleanses the surrounding environment from negative energy.
There are many shamanic uses for Aloe Vera, namely protection, cleansing rituals, as well as spiritual bathing, It is believed to raise spiritual energy. It has also been called the plant of eternity.
As it is placed next to the old books and quill, it is another suggestion of cleansing and purifying the past in readiness for our onward journey.
I'm then drawn to the bowls of herbs and flowers, in particular the daisy.
Daisies symbolise innocence and purity. This stems from an old Celtic legend.In Norse mythology, the daisy is Freya's sacred flower. Freya is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, and as such the daisy came by symbolise childbirth, motherhood, and new beginnings.
As a flower essence daisy helps us to stay centred, grounded and in command when circumstances which are out of our control, or threaten to throw us off balance. This essence helps us to centre in ourself, remain calm and composed, collect our thoughts and then move forward with peace of mind.
Our final card for today is the 2 of pentacles ( another earth element card).
We see our subject balancing the two pentacles, in a constant flow. I've mentioned before that often when I look at this card, it looks as though her skirt is o back to front, as though she is looking backwards.Maybe another suggestion of going back over history to reflect before moving forwards.
I notice that our subject wears two rings on her right hand one on her thumb and one on her forth finger.
In classic mythology the the thumb was believed to be an indicator of character: strong, straight thumbs meant an authoritative personality, while crooked ones were seen as a sign of wickedness or dishonesty.We can see our subject has a straight thumb.
The thumb represents the brain in terms of the body and also thoughts and the mind.
Symbolically, the forth finger or ring finger is associated with Earth's moon, creativity, and beauty, as well as its obvious associations with romantic relationships. The moon's metal is silver.
In astrology, the Moon represents our emotions, our comfort zone, our maternal side and how we express our feelings and vulnerability.
Silver is the metal of emotions, of the psychic mind and of loving as well as healing. It is used to bring patience and perseverance.
Silver is known to enhance the powers of the moon, particularly during the full and new moons. Throughout the world it is identified with the lunar manifestations of the Great Mother or Goddess therefore associating with the yin and feminine energies.
The lunar qualities of Silver brings balance to our life, developing what is good and necessary while diminishing whatever causes us harm or prevents our evolution.
Well we have some very strong themes running though our cards today..... cleansing and clearing the past, being in balance in the present in order that we can make deeper and more meaningful connection with the future.
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Nurturing growth.
And from the universal comms team the first song to be played on radio 1 I think ? (the random stuff I remember) from The Move " flowers in the rain"
https://youtu.be/tBpksplTZlc
Checking out the lyrics I notice the following lines :
"And yellow roses scattered all around
The time was still approaching four
I couldn't stand it anymore
Saw marigolds upon my eiderdown"
"Yellow Rose essence is for when you feel like you’re at a mad hatter’s tea party, when reason and obvious logic has started to blur and emotions become high, intense or over run.
Yellow rose has the ability to bring a sense of solace and calm. Comforting in times of sorrow, worry, sadness, misfortune and distress. She will bring her console as feelings of comfort and cheer to allow space to enjoy life or get through the challenges and confusion around you."
- Linda Perry - Natural Magick
4 a.m in Traditional Chinese Medicine relates to the Lungs.
The emotion the lungs relate to are sadness and grief.
Symptoms of an energetic imbalance in the lungs are feelings of sadness or grief that have not been dealt with.
This can manifest in shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, frequent cold/flu, fever with chills, sore throat, runny nose, headache, allergies, asthma, chest pain, pale complexion, dry skin, depression and crying.
And taken from the Yorkshire flower essences website ...
"Marigold is a component of Yin.
This is the essence for the person who has largely blocked their feminine sensitivity.
Whereas the Aqueous Bracken personality is merely suppressing their sensitivity, the Marigold personality has gone one stage further.
They may vehemently deny and attack any suggestion that there is anything in this universe other than what can be scientifically detected and explained.
The extreme of this characteristic is the professional sceptic who seeks to expose fake healers, mediums, dowsers, etc.
Often these people are inherently sensitive but are afraid to admit it. As Shakespeare put it "Methinks he doth protest too much". They could well find it too threatening to embrace fully the feminine Yin side of their nature.
Marigold is therefore particularly useful for all those who have largely blocked the light from their feminine side. It helps to dissipate the fear of the feminine aspects and gently encourages the growth of positive insight "
Let's see how these messages relate to our cards today..
First card out is the 5 of wands ( wands representative of the fire element and action)
There appears to be a bit of a battle going on as I look at this card today. Each person trying to get ahead of the other, regardless of the impact and debris they leave behind.
It reminds me of the battles I'm seeing on the news ( I have to admit I don't watch it much) also the polarised viewpoints, in some cases spats and arguments playing out on Facebook over masks, vaccines, covid-19, conspiracy.... the list goes on.
It feels like it's mirrored in our card today (and in the messages above)
It appears to be creating an antagonism, a disharmony and separation.
Just like our card, if the participants were to work together and support one another's journey, then the whole would benefit. ( a balance of yin and yang)
Hmmm .... it feels like it could be all too easy to get caught up in this standoff between viewpoints, causing ongoing disruption and emotional upset.
Our second card is the 7 of pentacles ( pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation)
We see a young man lovingly nurturing his plant. All the effort this far, in setting the seed, feeding, watering and tending to it has bought forth abundant growth, and yet he can't see the deep roots he is putting down, just his intuition guides him to keep on going, keeping the faith that his loving energy is having an effect. ( there's that yin energy once again)
Our final card today is 20 Judgement. A moment of spiritual awakening. A feeling that every single previous moment has led to this precise point in our history.... this exact moment.
It's time to shift to a whole other level, energy, paradigm.
To rise above the noise of the 5 of wands, to hold the course and belief of the 7 of pentacles, because the moment of judgement has arrived.
It looks a much lighter expression of ourselves as we rise up above the lower squabbles of as some will have heard me say before the " he said, she said... shit"
Maybe it's time to move beyond this duality into oneness ?
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Hanging around.
And from the universal comms team a song from The Stranglers
" Hanging around "
https://youtu.be/d4piHt4jvG4
Let's see what we're hanging around for with our cards today shall we ?
First card out today is the 2 of swords ( swords representative of the air element and of thought and mind)
Today I feel our subject is overwhelmed with the conflicting, polarised messages coming into her awareness.
Everywhere she turns there are opposing sides. The mixed messages and information is confusing.
There's a feeling of nothing being clear. And yet she is at a crossroads, decisions to be made 🤔 choices to be taken.
Our second card today is the queen of cups ( cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions) it looks as though she is waist deep in the waters of emotion. She is surrendering to her deep inner knowing and intuition.
Following the confusion of our first card, we now see our subject connecting in with higher guidance,
She also appears to be sending healing and compassion to the world around her.
The red dress she wears signifing her basic instincts and the fundamental need for saftey and security.
In order to facilitate growth and change, it appears that the basal needs have to be attended to first and foremost. The words
" foundation , security and safety " come up very strongly.
Our final card for today is 12 the hanged man.
The green of the card jumps out at me today.
It's the colour of the heart chakra and of healing. Her trousers are the lime green of new will.
Below her the water is a turquoise colour,
Swirling around with runic symbols.
Her vest is a grey colour of stillness or stuckness; dependant on her viewpoint at any given moment.
When looking at this through the eyes of a storyteller, it says to me the of a need for more healing being required, that stillness is required before new will can drive us forward to drive the momentum of the flow below her .
More and more light appears as she watches and waits. What an opportunity to simply surrender and see life from a totally new viewpoint.
Instead of the polarised viewpoints of our first card; with their unease and separation, she can now see not only a bigger picture, but have the potential to tap into a whole new paradigm of understanding.
"Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?"
-Rumi
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Here we go...
Oh and the universal comms team had me movin' and a groovin' with today's tune .... the 1993 hit by Stakka Bo and "Here we go".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGNK-cOtxSs
Well these guys were ahead of their time with these lyrics, I wanted to include every line in all honesty, as they are so apt to where we have been and where we might find ourselves again if we don't learn from our experiences.
I would say look up the lyrics and make your own mind up, I will include a few lines here though:
"Here we go again
Here we go-go-go to the temple of consumption
Get your gear and start to spend
Here we go-go-go with a total dedication
Consume today and leave the rest behind you
Tomorrow's a surprise party buy a ticket or two (two)
Faster livin', faster, live as fast as you're able
Eat the food while it's still hot on the table (table)
Now spend if you can, the greens are burning in your pocket
Everything you don't use will lose its value tomorrow
Consumed too much today, you can always borrow
This paradigm's the best one since the day of creation
Get your gear and shape up, this is the revelation
Shop till you drop has built this civilization
Don't believe what you hear 'bout the next generation
If you go with a lot of toys you'll slip away a happy man
The greens are burning in you pocket, spend it while you can
The moon and the stars they all look down on me and say
There's a correlation between tomorrow and today
Use it in, wear it out, then throw it all away
Go get yourself a new one all you gotta do is pay
Because the more I will get, the more I will own
With a lot of things around me I will never feel alone
I work around the clock just to earn my livin'
And I wanna get, I won't spend my funds on givin', now
I'm acting irresponsible, is that what you say?"
Hmm, what a message of how we have been living life hey?
And could be tempted to charge straight back into, resuming where we left off pre-pandemic.....
Let's see what our cards have to say shall we?
First out today is the 2 of wands ( wands representative of the fire element and of action) There she is, still wondering and longing, still imagining and planning, not sure if to stay put or take action.
We see our character longingly looking out on her window onto the world.
Windows are literally the visual bridge between inside and out, both literally and metaphorically speaking.
Windows provide welcome light but also pose a threat by virtue of what the light might expose. Windows bring both light and darkness from the outside.
As human beings we are often drawn to the bright, warm light that shines through windows, possibly representing health, growth, and the courage to change. However, at a deep,unconscious level, we may also fear the light that the windows allow in as they may metaphorically illuminate our deep inner fears.
So will she stay in the cocoon of her comfort zone or will her zest and passion for life edge her to step into the unknown of the opportunities presented beyond her window.... out in the big wide world?
Our second card today suggests the latter, as in steps the 3 of wands, the subsequent card in the suit. So she's made the step, she's picked up that surf board, she was previously just imagining and this is it.... here we go.....she's ready to ride that wave, she see's those opportunities on the horizon just about to manifest..... here we go.... progress.....
Ahhh, right.... and then comes the 3 of swords... ( swords representative of the air element, thoughts, intellect and the mind) Just when we were making progress as well, full of positivity and excitement, this came to up skittle the plans!
I'm not one to swear but I do have the letters "FFS" running through my head lol. (sorry, no offence intended)
Just when we were getting some traction, a bit of a setback comes to light, its not a full stop to progress, just a couple more hurdles come into view.... but hey we are becoming Olympic hurdlers by now aren't we?
"A positive attitude, can turn a storm into a sprinkle".
~Robert M. Hensel
We can weather this storm.To weather every storm of life we must acknowledge that all storms pass. Storms are lessons, the more we face them, the more we become prepared for life and It’s journeys.
"Even paradise sees its share of storms, but in the end, it's still paradise".
~Trevor Driggers
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Let's ride away...

Oh and what a beautifully reminiscent tune from the universal comms team today. I'm a little girl once more as I listen to the TV theme tune "The white horses" by Jacky Lee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtCNbERKvMs
And what dreamy escapism in the the lyrics...
"On white horses let me ride away,
To my world of dreams so far away
Let me run
To the sun.
To a world my heart can understand
It's a gentle warm and wonderland
Far away
Stars away
Where the clouds are made of candy floss
As the day is born.
When the stars are gone
We'll race to meet the dawn
So when I can only see the grey
Of a sad and very lonely day
That’s when I softly sigh
On white horses
Snowy white horses
Let me ride away"
We talked about white horses yesterday too, when white horses are seen, it is often an indication of being spiritually aware. It can symbolise innocence and purity, be a sign of good fortune, or even represent prosperity.
On the other hand, it would be remiss of me not to mention that in Christianity,the first horseman (of the four) rides a white horse (believed to symbolise Christ, goes well with the them of our lovely song perhaps?), the third horseman rode a black horse and represented famine. We'll revisit this a little later in the story.
So let's see how our cards play out today...
First out is the 2 of pentacles ( pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation).
Blimey, she's busy trying to balance those pentacles today, isn't she?
Her skirt looks like she's popped it on back to front to me, she doesn't know if she's coming or going by the looks of it.
There has been a lot of painstaking work gone into the carving on that beautiful leather bag. The deep orange colour representative of the sacral chakra.
The sacral chakra is the second chakra. It is associated with the emotional body, sensuality, and creativity. Its element is water and as such, its energy is characterised by flow and flexibility, of course the chakra where we hold a fear of change if blocked or over burdened.
The landscape around our figure is grey, perhaps she feels a bit stuck, between her responsibilities and changes she is needing to make as she flows with the changes in the world around her.
Our next card today is 7 The chariot. Well it seems those opposing energies from our first card are now being harnessed and combined in one direction.
Things are moving at a pace, it's going to be one heck of a ride, hold on tight cause we're off... ready or not..... Pah! The universe doesn't let us sit and stagnant in our comfort zone... why, that would be no fun!
We are in the driving seat, but without any steering or brakes.... best get focused on where we're heading and keep an eye on the road ahead.
Now what did I say earlier about white and black horses?
We have duality weaved perfectly within this card, both the potential for feast or famine..... see what I did there?
On a more serious note, it is important now that we create balance, conserve what we have and use it wisely. The phrase "Waste not, want not" pops into my mind.
Buddhist teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, wrote “The situation on Earth today has been created by unmindful production and unmindful consumption. We consume to forget our worries and our anxieties. But tranquilising ourselves with over-consumption is not the way.”
I think if anything, the pandemic has taught us what truly is of value. It's vitally important now that we remember these lessons. That we don't just jump back onto the motorway of life, forgetting the experience we have had.
Our final card today is the page of cups (cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
Ah... I love this dreamer, he's innovative and limitless in his ideas.... just as well as that chariot is moving fast and following new perhaps unexpected, uncharted trajectories.
Just as well that we have this intuitive and sensitive page to spot the synchronistic opportunities available to us. He holds an open heart and mind to what is ahead and what is now possible.
We see two hands coming together in spirit form.... it seems the universe is working behind the scenes, creating magic that as yet we cannot see.
Don't be surprised if pigs start flying ( metaphorically speaking.... well maybe?..)
I guess it's a message to adopt a beginners mind, to hold a sense of curiosity, as magic may be unfolding in every moment.... It's our job is to notice it!
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling
Light at the end of the tunnel.
And from the universal comms team a song from Starlight Express " Light at the end of the tunnel"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J88EpiFMK2s
"There's a light at the end of the tunnel
The inside might be as black as the night
But there's a light at the end of the tunnel
When the Angel Gabriel blows his magic toot
We saw light at the end of the tunnel (we see the light)"
Archangel Gabriel symbol denotes communication,he assists us in finding ways to communicate with others, especially if there is something which needs to be finalised, discussed or if highly charged emotions are involved.
Interestingly ,Gabriel is the patron saint of messengers, i.e. those who work in broadcasting and telecommunications such as radio and television.
This is a very interesting theme, as I scroll through social media or see mainstream media, there at times, appears to be very polarised debates popping up all around.
Perhaps this is a nudge to shine a light into these areas, to illuminate, discuss and communicate more effectively in order that we may all learn and grow?
Let's see how this threads through our cards today:
First card today is the 10 of pentacles ( pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestaton)
Look at the happiness and abundance in this card.
And yet in the background I see children playing in a circle, hand in hand and I hear "Ring a Ring a Roses" This is interesting in itself, it has been thought to be about the great plague (black death), other historians have suggested that it is to get around a religious dancing ban, when dancing to music was prohibited.
I have to smile at this really, we have a virus hanging around right now and we've had singing and dancing stopped in bars, nightclubs and at weddings!
Hanging above the scene we see a pentacle depicting a mandala and the tree of life.
The mandala represents the universe. The circular designs symbolises the idea that life is never ending and everything is connected.
The mandala also represents spiritual journey within the individual viewer. So the first level is understanding the unity in cosmos and secondly each individual must find their own place within it.
The tree of life symbol represents our personal development, uniqueness and individual beauty. Just as the branches of a tree strengthen and grow upwards to the sky, we too grow stronger, striving for greater knowledge, wisdom and new experiences as we move through life.
In the forefront of the card we see a woman and a man with a small girl between them, they are all smiling with joy.
We also see a Labrador retriever, representing trust, loyalty, empathy, compassion, joy, and playfulness. Dogs accept us just as we are. They bring unconditional love to our life.
I wonder is this reflecting to us, that no matter the situation, we can choose our own feeling of joy and abundance, regardless of the outside influences?
Our second card today is the 5 of cups (cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
I hear the song " Starry, Starry night" a song based on Vincent Van Gogh's own internal struggle with life. In the card we see a young woman, eyes and energy downcast, she doesn't see the starry night sky above her or the beautiful palette of colours next to her.
Interestingly, what I notice looking at the card today, is that instead of a dark hole, there is in fact a light at what appears to be the end of a tunnel. Perhaps suggesting that even though it may have been a very difficult time, lighter and brighter times are within reach.
Our final card today is the knight of cups, another water element card.
I'm drawn straight to his winged shoes and his hat today.
To ensure rapid delivery of his messages, Zeus presented Hermes with golden winged sandals as swift as the wind.He also gave the young god a round hat to protect him from rain.
I also notice the letter with a wax seal.
Sealing wax was used to form a bond that was difficult to separate without noticeable tampering.
The colour was significant. Vermilion, the most common colour of wax seals was used on business letters needing a quick reply.
It would suggest that messages and communication will arrive quickly now, so we must ensure that as we started in today's storytelling that our communication must be swift, with the utmost clarity, honesty and respect.
The essence of the ruby red roses he holds is also significant I feel today. This essence connects with the Ruby Red Ray of forgiveness and helps us attune to a higher Consciousness. Its beautiful vibration gently transmutes old pain and sorrow held in the heart chakra leaving love and compassion in its place.
The white horse in the background is an indication of being spiritually aware, symbolising innocence and purity, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.
So our cards seem to take us in full circle today. Abundance of mind and spirit, movement through darkness to receive rapid messages of hope and prosperity to come.
Let's keep our focus on that light at the end of the tunnel!
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling
On top of the World, looking down on creation.

And from the universal comms team The Carpenters and "I'm on the top of the World" ... looking down on creation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDPMmaHWj1I
Looking at the lyrics ...
"Such a feelin's comin' over me
There is wonder in 'most every thing I see
Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes
And I won't be surprised if it's a dream
Everything I want the world to be
Is now comin' true especially for me
And the reason is clear, it's because you are here
You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen
I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation
Somethin' in the wind has learned my name
And it's tellin' me that things are not the same
There is only one wish on my mind
When this day is through I hope that I will find
That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me"
What a description of our new World!
It's a truly heart opening time for us as we step into this new World experience.
Let's see how this plays out in our cards today.
First out is the king of swords ( swords representative of the air element thoughts, mind and intellect)
As soon as I look at the cards the words from another song come to mind,(Lacing in this case) "Zippin' up my boots, going back to my roots" as I write this I'm noticing the dragonfly on the post behind him. Dragonflies were some of the first winged insects to evolve, some 300 million years ago, if we think about that for just a moment, whatever has come and gone over 300 million years, the dragonfly has evolved to be here with us today.
No surprise then that the dragonfly symbolises change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realisation.
I wonder, what can we learn from dragonfly today?
The change we are being presented with is to embrace an understanding the deeper meaning of life.
As if we needed any further nudges, bat appears, soaring high in the cool, pure air, another omen of change. Bat urges us to pay attention to the signs around us.
The transition may seem frightening at first, but we are encouraged to let go of our old habits and patterns that no longer serve our higher calling now. They will only hinder our growth going forward.
Bats are also symbols of communication, they are highly sociable with strong family bonds. They are nurturing, highly verbal and are sensitive to those closely connected to them.
Bat appears to teach us how to enhance our level of communication and strengthen our bonds with family and friends.
In the foreground sits a wise owl. The owl represents deep wisdom, good judgment, and knowledge.
The owl is known for its sharp vision and keen observation, it reminds us that we possess insight and intuition, in other words we are urged to see beyond the masks that people wear.
Our second card today is 0The fool. Just look at that energy all converging at that one crystal point.
The energy then connects all of the seeds in the flower of life, suggesting that this is the precise moment of a new energetic era.
The flower of life symbolises creation and reminds us of the unity of everything: we're all built from the same blueprint.... even the dragonfly!
A new awakened beginning, back to the lyrics of our song today "I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation"
Our final card today is the 6 of cups ( cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
We see the timeline of a life before us, it's a card of nostalgia, reminiscing and looking back over our journey.
Memories of times gone by, old friends, fond feelings arise, was life simpler then?
We are in retrograde season, astrologically speaking, so no surprise as we transit into the new world that this card should show up.
Another link to going back to our roots, back to home and hearth and family... did I mention we had a new moon in Cancer yesterday ?
Looking back over our journey to see what we wish to bring with us and what we can now leave behind. Or perhaps, recognising what we had lost and now we may have rediscovered, found or reconnected with once again .... reclaiming the important, the meaningful and letting go of the gloss, the trivial the superficial.... we never needed it really anyway did we?
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

And from the universal comms team a song by Jack Johnson of the same name.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhTvifGShw4
And that feeling of sitting, waiting and wishing simply leads me straight into our first card today.
The 2 of wands ( wands representative of the fire element and action) And we can see she's primed and ready, well in her head at least.
All those juicy opportunities out in the big wide world, it's almost overwhelming, it would be easy to stay in her comfort zone, but that's not where the adventure lies.
She has a choice to make, be the observer or be the adventurer and take action. Imagining and planning are honourable pursuits, but without action they're simply pipe dreams.
In the picture we see a surf board propped up against a camper van.
The camper van represents a direction in life that is focused on necessity and unpredictability. It's our ability to make decisions during a difficult time where we are still sheltered from harsh realities.
The surfboard represents a crutch or support we are using to survive an emotionally turbulent moment. We may be holding a daring attitude about surviving an uncertain moment in our life, or conversely have a casual or fearless attitude about surviving difficulty.
Our second card today is the King of wands ( another fire element card).
This fearless , charismatic king has all of the zest and energy we need to push us out of that there comfort zone. Yes he imagines and then he just cracks on and does, no deliberating with this dude. He isn't afraid to take a risk, the perfect antidote to our deliberation in our first card.
Our final card today is the knight of cups ( cups representative of the water element and of feeling and emotions)
A true romantic and a creative soul, excited by the future. Passionate and expressive, he can sometimes be unrealistic with his dreams versus the reality, but we need the dreamers, the poets and the artists of this world and here he is!
He urges us to follow our inspirations and flow with them.
As we look at our trio this morning, it would seem we are being urged to take action on our dreams today, to take the steps to make them manifest, flowing with the juicy opportunities that come into our awareness, instead of just Sitting, Waiting, Wishing. What perfect timing then that we should have the energy of a new moon the guide us!
#Makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Rabbit hole.

And another new song from the universal comms team CamelPhat, Jem Cooke and "Rabbit hole".
https://youtu.be/09vAAk2PzcY
Looking at the lyrics
The line that jumps out is:
"We're going in now deeper down and round we go"
It feels like we might be in for more discoveries...
Let's see what our cards have to show...
First card out today is the 5 of cups ( cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
Round and round it goes, down and down it goes.... we see the emotions draining away down into the earth.
She focuses on her losses, missing the gains and abundance right next to her.
No matter what the seeming current reality, the stars are still shinning in the sky, another day will dawn and with it a whole new day of opportunity will arrive.
We see our subject delving deep down into that rabbit hole of dark emotions, discovering new depths of understanding, that previously was hidden . Now, if only she could notice the spark of new opportunities...
Our second card today is 12 The hanged man.
The number 12 is an important number in numerology as it signifies completion.
It's also associated with the star sign Pisces, a spiritual sign that is constantly in touch with the energies of the universe.
If angel number 12 appears, it signifies that it is time for big changes in our life.
Paired with 3 The Empress ( 1+2=3) The hanged man looks like the new born of the empress, still attached by the umbilical chord.
The gestation period has come to an end and the new is being birthed.
The hanged man can only surrender to the process and wait for the birthing process to be complete.
Out of the darkness of the cocooned womb of The Empress, the hanged man sees the light of the world from a whole new, changed perspective.
We see our subject reaching out to take hold of the new opportunity offered by life.
Our final card today is the knight of swords ( swords representative of the air element and action)
Quick out of the blocks the energy of this knight is fast and swift .
The waiting is over and he can't wait to get going, he feels there's no time to waste now.
So it would seem today our cards are suggesting that we've been down that rabbit hole, we've had no choice but to surrender to the process, we may have had a paradigm shift in our perceptions as a result of the experience and now it's time for swift and strategic action.
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Spark into flame.
And from the universal comms team Alicia Keys and "This girl is on fire"
https://www.youtube.com/watch…
What jumps our at me today are the lines:
Looks like a girl, but she's a flame
She's on top of the world
Let's see how this plays out...
First card today is 3 The Empress.
Wow she looks ready to give birth, how long has she been hanging on, ready to push forward with delivery of a new life?
She is the nurturing mother energy, bringing a pure creative force and limitless new potential.
I notice in the card a move from the yellow of the solar plexus chakra through to the orange of the sacral chakra.
The solar plexus chakra provides a source of personal power and relates to self-esteem, warrior energy, and the power of transformation.
The sacral chakra is associated with the emotional body, sensuality, and creativity.
A little like yesterday's storytelling it feels a little like a move from masculine driving, transformational energy, into feminine nurturing and creative energy.
Our second card today is the knight of wands ( wands representative of the fire element and of action)
Wow what a vibe this card has, spontaneous, high energy, she's drumming so quickly she's creating sparks into a flame.
She's so vibrant, energetic, passionate and fun.
She has such passion and this fuels her creative energy
There's plenty of that orange of the sacral chakra going on in our card.The energy of this chakra allows us to let go, to move, and to feel change and transformation (feel rather than think, heart rather then head) .
It feels like a continuation of flow and movement through from the empress before her.
Our final card today is the two of wands, another fire card and yet more orange.
Now we see the world is external to our subject. The empress has at last given birth to the new world.
Now what ?
As with any new born, after the excited and celebrated arrival, the reality sets in,it's not easy, it can be tiring, it can bring sleepless nights.......but it's worth it!
Now begins the learning as we go, the adjustment to the way life now flows,with it's new routines and new approaches. All of which need to be integrated into our way of being.
Where we had freedom to go where we wanted, when we wanted, before the birthing process, we now have responsibility, we have a new role, this is of course joyful , yet also can feel like we have lost our individual identity, that we have lost our spontaneity.
Ultimately we know that the rewards outweigh any limitations.
It's time to nurture our new World, take our responsibility as a parent seriously and for us to develop a balanced and loving, new creation.
#Makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Hands up, baby hands up!
And of course there's only one tune to go with that title from the universal comms team Ottawan and "Hands up, baby hands up!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR2qjvsqNSk
Looking at the lyrics today this stands out:
"Hands up, baby, hands up,
Gimme your heart, gimme, gimme
All your love, all your love"
A heartfelt theme to today's storytelling then perhaps?
Let's see shall we?
Our first card today is the page of pentacles( Pentacles representative of the earth element and of manifestation)
Ah this page has a curious mind and an open heart. Don't be fooled by the sulky teenager act, there is depth and meaning to this page.
We see her standing atop a mountain above the tree tops and yet she wears earthy colours. The perfect combination to bring her lofty ideas into grounded reality.
For the first time I notice the streaks of red from below her foot across the 1970's style rug type mandala.
This red colour signifies strength, independence, self-sufficiency, rootedness, groundedness, a symbol of earth connection, of purpose, of fire. Stimulation of energy, rising,
and physical energy.
Angels associated with the colours in our card are Nathaniel, Uriel, and Sandalphon.
Archangel Nathaniel is the patron saint of lightworkers, and he helps to keep us grounded during meditation and spiritual connection and communication. Nathaniel brings balance, harmony and trust, and can be called upon to help us to connect with the spiritual aspects of ourselves.
Archangel Uriel, angel of wisdom and illumination can help us find inner power. Angel Uriel helps humanity reach the highest level of illumination.
Sandalphon helps to clear karma, reverses past patterns and brings out the hero in each of us and he does all of this while invoking the power of gentleness.
It's time to manifest our destiny. This is our new beginning.
Our second card today is the queen of cups. ( cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions).
We see our queen with her hands up, asking us to lead with our heart, as she does herself. She is deeply intuitive, emotionally intelligent leader.
As we see her waist deep in water she is in flow with all around her, she can connect at a deeper more meaningful level from a heart centred space. She moves beyond outer trappings and hear's the unsaid, connecting with a deeper knowing and compassion.
When I think about this queen as a leader I think of Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand as an example of this energy of heartfelt leadership.
We see her raising her hands,The lifting of hands is a universal sign of surrender, It's a physical demonstration of the surrender in our heart and mind to a higher power, it signifies freedom, to be raised up and live life to the full.
Our final card for today is the 4 of swords ( swords representative of the air element and of thought, mind and itellect)
The first thing that jumps out at me today is of course the heart, it's attached to a string, with what appears to be small pearls attached.
Pearls bring centering and a calming reflection, as well as attune us to the ebb and flow of life. They give purity, promote faith, charity and integrity.Pearls are symbolic of wisdom gained through experience.
She has flowers tattooed on her arm, delicate and colourful, flowers have long been important symbols of natural beauty and life, flower tattoos in general symbolise femininity.
It would seem there is a theme of feminine energy weaved throughout today's cards. Of course we all have both masculine and feminine energy within us.
It feels we are being urged to tap into our heart and into the Divine Feminine energy to lead a way forward. A strength in yealding and surrender, in bending with the breeze, rather than breaking in rigidity.
The Divine Feminine represents the connection to the part of our consciousness responsible for nurture, intuition and empathy, regardless of gender.
It's the aspect of the self associated with creation, intuition, community, sensuality (felt sense rather than thinking sense), and collaboration.
It feels as though we are being asked to flow into a more gentle collaborative way of being, a heartfelt experience of living, rather than jumping back onto any competitive, ever spinning, driven hamster wheel.
“Peace is life. Love is life. No river holds a grudge against a rock in its path. No leaf refuses to blow in the breeze. No plant denies water or sunshine. We, as human beings, have the gift of self-awareness, but this gift quickly turns to self-destruction if we do not learn to use it. We must learn to turn our minds towards the peace and love that we are flowing within at any given moment. This is the key to serenity. This is The Love Mindset.”
― Vironika Tugaleva
#makingadiffernce #lifeisbeautiful

In today's episode I chat with Owen Lewis, Human Rights Advocate, Social Entrepreneur and one of Lincolnshire's 30 under 30.
Owen is a passionate human rights advocate and social entrepreneur identified as one of Lincolnshire’s 30 Under 30 Rising Stars by The Lincolnite in 2019. Their work focuses on creating and empowering inclusive communities, building better communication and using our voices to create social change.
Owen has led workshops across Europe focused on gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and race. They have worked in South Sudanese refugee camps and hospitals and works with global environment defenders as part of an international charity.
To learn more about Owen's work visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenlewiscommunications/
or
https://www.3-degrees.uk/our-speakers

Today's storytelling.
On the horizon.
And a song I don't know from Melanie C "On the horizon".
https://youtu.be/1MifMrBCBR8
The first line jumps out at me today:
"People see different things when they look on the horizon"
Very apt right now perhaps ? 🤔
Let's see what shows up in our cards....
First card today is 11 Justice.
Master number 11 symbolises connection to a higher source of wisdom. It is intuitive to the point of being psychic, channeling its knowledge and meaning from a spiritual source.
Number 11's duty is to use this gift of awareness to deliver cosmic truths that encourage humanity.
It is a channel for truth and answers to reach us and help us on our way.
An interesting idea when we consider our potential interpretations of our horizon.
Justice represents balance in all if it's guises.... she weighs the balance, holding her sword of truth.
The sword symbolises the use of the conscious and logical mind. The scales represent fair and impartial judgement.
In all choices we make now we are being asked to consider this balance.
Our second card today sees a quick return of 6 The Lovers.
Today they appear to me to be caught up in a whirlwind, they seem to be in a situation in which a lot of things are happening very quickly and are very difficult for them to control and so they hang on to one another in the eye of the storm.
Whirlwinds represent the mother goddess in life and associated with rebirth due to the “spiral” shape.
The eye of the storm is symbolic as the key to rebirth as well as spiritual enlightenment.
Whilst all around them maybe being deconstructed ( in the storm) they are cocooned in the centre, preparing for rebirth into a simpler, calmer and more meaningful life.
Our final card today us the 2 of wands ( wands representative of the fire element and action)
She looks longingly out of her window to the horizon. The globe in front of her.
What is on her horizon I wonder 🤔?
I guess that is a matter of what she sees... or does not see.
There is much orange in the card, her zest and passion for life is present and yet her face seems dulled by her longing without action.
She is presented with a choice. What will she choose?
I guess this is our dilemma right now...
Which horizon are we setting a course towards ? And is it one we are choosing ?
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Spirals.
And from the universal comms team we have Illenium & sound remedy spirals featuring king deco. ( another new one on me)
https://youtu.be/acseyuGgfOU
The beginning of the video looks a little like our first card today interestingly enough.
"Remember when our paradise was green grape vines and leaves" from the lyrics reminds me of our recent period of staying at home and treasuring nature more, and noticing nature more.... will we remember?
So let's see what our cards can illuminate for us today.
First card today is 16 The Tower. ... ah more sudden change I here you cry ! ( more plot twists than a Hollywood B movie in 2020 right ?)
In truth it feels like this story of transformation is speeding up right now.
Each day something new, each day another change, a new instruction, a shift in information. ( don't wear masks, wear masks if you want, masks aren't necessary, masks are mandatory) you get the idea.....
In the chaos of change we can either be consumed by the energy, or we can harness the energy to flow into the new, riding the flow and surfing the wave.
I guess all we can do is to expect the unexpected....
And have faith that all will be ok in the end... I think 2020 has been a lesson in this to be fair.
The 80s song by Toyah comes to mind "It's a mystery "
https://youtu.be/R1c1ed72arI
"Somewhere in the distance,hidden from view.
Suspended in the atmosphere, waiting to come through.
Sometimes it's so far away, sometimes it's very near.
Sound being carried by the wind, just loud enough to hear.
Feel its power within me, bells ringing in my head.
So often I have heard its cry, but forgotten what it said.
It's a mystery, it's a mystery, I'm still searching for a clue.
It's a mystery to me
shot in the dark
The big question mark in history
Is it a mystery to you?"
"It can lift you to the heavens
Put your troubles in the past"
Well I think 2020 will certainly be that big question mark in history, maybe it is to lift us into a new era and leave behind our troubles? Only time and distance will tell.
Our second card today is 6 The Lovers... funny as I type this I can hear the blind date music playing, courtesy of the universal comms team 😆... and Cilla saying " Surprise, surprise" ... I know two different shows... I don't make the rules of how this stuff comes to me .
This kind of suggests on the back of the previous card that we don't know what we don't know yet, we are being presented with choices to make at short notice( surprise, surprise) without all of the information, ( blind date).
I guess we're either going all in.... or not.... and with all that orange in the card, it suggests that we must follow our gut instinct to make that choice.
Our gut instinct is the physical reaction we have to the world around and inside of us.
When we experience an overwhelming “gut feeling,” our body is carrying out a primal response to subconscious information.
The ultimate purpose of our gut instinct is to protect us. As our gut instinct is the most ancient and primal “sixth sense” we have, it is the one we can rely upon the most.
Our final card today is the 4 of swords (swords representative of the air element and of thought,mind and intellect )
And so to rest .... a time to curl up in our nest , nurtured and safe, to rest and heal...
Chiron, the wounded healer , has entered a retrograde cycle in Aries right now, it means we are able to go within to tend our own wounds and reflect on how we have used them as a source of power and healing.
The poet Rumi says that "The wound is where the light enters you."
Along with finding the light from our wounds, this is also a time to think about the things that still pain us and how we may be able to create some space for ourselves, in order that we may heal and transform them into growth, power and light.
“The pain of our experience becomes our greatest teacher and the lesson we learn is who we truly are beyond our wounds.“
- Linda Star Wolf and Ruby Falconer.
Under this energy, we can allow our wounds to help us take action for a brighter future.
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

In today's episode I chat with author, yoga and mindfulness teacher Brett Moran, who now lives on a beautiful island off of the coast of Thailand, where he runs yoga and meditation retreats.
A far cry from his earlier life as a drug dealer, addict and prison inmate, he shares his transformational journey from as he puts it "crack to coconuts"
To find out more about Brett's work please visit:
www.brett-Moran.com and www.bodhiyogathailand.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brettmoran_

Today's storytelling.
Wild is the wind.
And from the universal comms team, David Bowie and of course the song of the same title "Wild is the wind", I was trying to remember if the team had given this song before, well no matter it's here again if so. The haunting sound of my idol Bowie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cSAKlu0OlU
The lyrics that stand out for me today are:
"For my love is like the wind and wild is the wind,
Wild is the wind.
Let the wind blow through your heart, for wild is the wind,
Wild is the wind.
Don't you know you're
Life itself"
The phrase "Blow away the cobwebs" comes to mind, this of course meaning, to banish a state of lethargy or to refresh oneself. Blowing the cobwebs away brings an energetic and lively feeling, putting a spring in our step and making us feel alive.
Lets see how this is mirrored in our cards for today.
First card out today is the 8 of pentacles ( pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation)
Many hours of work and study have gone into this young woman's progress. It is a labour of love, she is truly on purpose, she is moving ever closer to fulfilling a soul-full life.
We can see in the card, she is taking a moment of reflection as she gazes into the candle flame of a green candle, related to the earth element, growth, personal goals and healing.
There is a feeling of forward movement in the colours and design of the card, all towards that radiant light ahead.
We see the depiction of many moons above her, this has been some time in the making. All of the hard work is paying off.
Her left ankle is crossed over her right. She is still emotionally holding back, almost waiting with baited breath for the outcome of her heartfelt efforts thus far.
Our second card today is the 3 of swords ( swords representative of the air element and of thought, mind and intellect)
It looks at first glance, a deeply emotional card and yet it is from the air element, so very much ruling thoughts. How we are thinking about what is lost causes more pain than the reality of what is.
This can also be a card of new inspiration. What was before, has maybe changed,is not as was planned. Maybe all of the efforts of the past may feel pointless and yet, if we just take a different look at the image, we could say that the heart is suspending the girl, whilst it may have been a painful journey, her heart sustains her and uplifts her.
If she can get out of her head and those negative thought patterns, she could potentially feel her way into a new way of being.
The phrase "cutting ties" comes to mind. As we move through our lives, growing, learning, evolving, we must let go of that which no longer serves us. When we let go, we create space. This space is that of potential, of possibility.
We can think of this like a period of transition. Each day we are evolving. Learning and growing beyond what we once were. Holding on to what was, would prevent us from moving forward.
If we were to continue accumulating all of the old experiences, from every past thought, action and experience, we would be heavily weighted down by the burden of it all.
Cutting ties ( or cutting energetic chords) assists us with this transition, without the burden of carrying the weight of the past. It frees us to move forward with lightness and a sense of openness.
Our final card today is the knight of swords. Having done the hard work, the growth, the healing, followed by cutting the ties of the past we are ready to really go for it. This air element card embodying the wildness of the wind, aiding his speed in moving forward.
I hear the phrase " Wind at his back" meaning forward momentum and a boost in our prospects for success due to favorable events or circumstances.
It feels like a massive shift change is occurring in our storytelling today.
We are being propelled forwards; at speed, leaving behind what was and embracing what is now coming.
Exciting!
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
The Journey.
And from the universal comms team a song sprung straight into my mind, from the band America " Horse with no name".
https://youtu.be/zSAJ0l4OBHM
The first verse jumped out at me:
"On the first part of the journey, I was looking at all the life.
There were plants and birds and rocks and things, there was sand and hills and rings.
The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz and the sky with no clouds.
The heat was hot and the ground was dry
But the air was full of sound".
A little like mother Earth after her recent rest. We started to notice nature coming to life more, the birdsong was louder, the skies were free of planes and chemtrails and we noticed just how beautiful Gaia became when we slowed down.
We began to feel more at one with nature.
So onto our cards for today.
First card today is 0 The Fool.... poised at the very beginning of the journey.
The “Fool's journey,” begins with the fool and the childlike innocence of someone just coming into the world and ends with wholeness and fulfillment of a person who has well learned life's lessons.
The Fool is excited to go on their journey, not aware of the risks and downfalls that they may meet along the way.
The fool is the answer to the pure call to adventure. It could be said as we emerge back into the world, we are responding to our own call to adventure, after a period of reclusive weeks or months for many.
It seeds a new beginning, just like our card we find ourselves on that cliff edge, ready to take the leap of faith with wild abandon..... but take the step we must , if we are to reach our dreams for the future.
Our second card today is the 10 of wands ( wands representative of the fire element and action)
Ahh it's been a heavy load, perhaps our card today is urging us to lighten the load, streamline or delegate some of our burdens and responsibilities. The journey has been tiring and taxing , yet its another push to reach our goals.
Today I see the animal helper as a yak.
The Yak spirit animal is such a powerful spirit guide with ancient wisdom. Its presence in our life could be symbolic of being overprotective or over cautious perhaps ?
It's also symbolic of endurance. It can survive in extreme cold weather conditions, this is a reminder for us to learn how to survive and persevere.
If we put our plans to action and keep the focus regardless of the obstacles we may face, eventually we will come out victorious. Whether the conditions are favorable or not, yak suggests that we must choose to forge ahead.
Our final card for today is the 2 of cups ( cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
This is a card of connection, collaboration, love and partnership.
We see two hands held and entwined together. The rainbow of energy from water element combining together between both cups ( or singing bowls)
The intertwined hands symbolise friendship, love and hope.
The interlocked fingers signify a deeper connection both emotionally and physically.
Most of all, holding hands means, “We are stronger together than we are apart".
To walk hand in hand with someone is to walk with someone who is on our level. We are both on the same path, aligned by the same purpose,drawn together by the same meaning.
As human beings, we want to connect with one another. We want to feel the life going through someone else and have it affirmed that the same life flows through us.
We want to feel valued, to be trusted, and be able to trust, most of all, we want love.
I guess this could be symbolic of our relationship with one another and also with mother Earth, we are all ultimately headed in the same direction and life flows throughout us all and all of nature.
The journey continues, in fact it feels that we are at the start of a new fools journey, yet we are perhaps the fool returned , about to step into a new cycle of life... together, in unison as one with all of nature.
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
The lightening strike.

And from the universal comms team a song I haven't heard before of the same title, from Snow Patrol.
https://youtu.be/S0BDS0-ZwOw
The lyrics make me think of the risk of loosing sight of the lessons we have learned during the past few months. Of taking things foregranted once more perhaps, of not taking this moment to recognise how far we've come.
Let's see what our cards suggest.
First card today is 16 The Tower, often associated with sudden or unexpected change, I can identify with this, as us therapists were told that we can return to seeing clients , albeit with some restrictions from Monday.... now that was unexpected 😳
I will be a little while longer before I am able to provided face to face appointments in truth, but this is the type of thing that is sprung on us with this energy.
What I'm specifically drawn to today is the butterflies.
Butterflies are deep and powerful representations of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope and life.
An orange butterfly represents passion, but it can also represent agressiveness.The appearance of an orange butterfly reminds us to stay positive.
It also looks like fireflies to me in the card , as I look at it today.As a creature of light, it should come as no surprise that the firefly is a symbol of illumination.
Fireflies produce a “blue light”, symbolic to wisdom, inspiration and healing, a gift from the universe, an inner glow of heavenly spirit energy.
Maybe something is being illuminated today ? Maybe another reminder to recognise the massive changes we have been through, changes that were thrust upon us without real preparation or warning.
Our second card is the 7 of swords ( swords representative of the air element and of thought, mind and intellect )
Again we have illumination, this time it is the light of the moon, which in our card is full.
The Moon represents powerful feminine energy. It signifies wisdom, intuition, birth, death, reincarnation, and a spiritual connection. The cyclical changes of the moon represents the rhythm of life within us.
The moon also represents our deepest personal needs. At the full moon the Sun illuminates the entire moon. This particular moon cycle signifies release and sealing of intention.
Perhaps symbolic of the letting go of the old ways of being in the world and setting our intention as we step back into the world, changed.
And yet in our card the intention that is depicted, doesn't appear a positive one, I wonder are we being misled in someway, or are we misleading ourselves that all is back to what it once was ?
Only time will tell, if we come from a place of love and an intent of a pure heart then we can be safe in the knowledge we have taken 'right action' with the information and resources available to us.
It feels like perhaps someone is being 'called out' in terms of the true intentions behind their actions.
I wonder if it is raising the questions of the balance of risk between health and economy that we find the nation, well in fact the World inbetween right now ?
Our final card today is the 9 of pentacles ( pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation)
Ahhh.... haven't we come a long way in these past months?
It's time to recognise our successes, not just hurry on, rushing by the moment. It's a precious time to stop and appreciate the journey and just how much has been achieved.
Let's not miss this moment to celebrate our progress. As we have recently experienced, it can change without warning, so every small move forwards is to be savoured.
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Cupid
And from the universal comms team, an old classic from Sam Cooke "Cupid".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S28tILqie1o
Looking at the lyrics, what comes to mind is a call for love above all else.
Two of the major planets in our solar system bear the names of Cupid's mother Venus (Love) and his father Mars (War).
Cupid was said to carry two arrows, one gold tipped and the other with a blunted tip of Lead .
A suggestion then of a choice between love or war.... or perhaps love or fear? Or maybe togetherness or separation?
This reminds me of a song I heard years ago, " I choose love" by Shawn Gallaway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMOMgQCRAqM
Looking at the lyrics of this song , we are clearly being given a choice between love or fear right now.
I can see laughter or I can see tears
I see a choice
Of love or fear
What do you choose?
I can see peace or I can see war
I can see sunshine
Or I can see a storm
What do you choose?
I choose to love with freedom fire[?]
From my heart where the light keeps shining
And I choose to feel the whole world crying for the strength that we can rise above
I choose love, I choose love
Let's see how this plays out in today's cards...
First card out today is the queen of swords ( swords representative of the air element and of the mind, thoughts and intellect)
She can seem distant or aloof, yet in truth she is simply "rising above" as in our song. She is calm ,considered and truth seeker. She doesn't get caught up in low vibrations or low energetic drama. She keeps her thoughts elevated to a higher perspective, whilst she may seem a little cool on the exterior she cares deeply for those around her and the World. She sees beyond the illusion, the masks, the gloss to witness the truth.
We see her cup of emotion carefully protected by her feet, she may appear to be in her head and logic, yet don't be misled she has deep feeling in her heart.
She represents our independent wisdom and inner truth, she suggests that we should make up our own mind now, based on truth and not be misled by media, gossip and hearsay, but follow our own considered truth.
Our second card today is 6 The Lovers.
We see a man and a woman in a loving embrace. They look into one another's eyes...
William Shakespeare once said “The Eyes are the window to your soul” The great Roman philosopher Cicero also said, "The face is a picture of the mind as the eyes are its interpreter." In the bible Matthew reveals, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"
Perhaps suggesting that the truth is seated in the soul, the eyes then giving us a glimpse of the truth behind any mask.
We notice that the two figures have skin of different colour, their love and connection is deeply powerful, their souls are not limited by any differences in outward appearance, they know that they are connected, they are one, they are a part of the greater whole.
On her back we see the Celtic symbol Triskelion, a symbol comprised of three conjoined spirals with rotational symmetry, it is also called “the triple spiral”.
For the Celts, firstly it was used to represent triune/triadic/triple deities, in other words, three deities worshipped as one.
It also represents triple nature and the movement of life which is formed of past, present and future .The triskelion was also a symbol of strength in Celtic culture since it represents the will to move forward overcoming adverse conditions we might face.
The triskelion symbol looks like it is moving and in that sense, it is also considered as the symbol of progress, personal growth and improvement.
Our final card for today is the king of cups ( cups representative of the water element and of feelings and emotions)
We see our king in a meditative state. Around his crown is the light of illumination. Around his neck he wears the symbol of the fish.
A fish symbolises, creativity, rebirth, transformation, health, abundance, serenity, strength, and endurance. Connecting us with the water element, it represents the deeper awareness of the unconsciousness or higher self.
We see that he wears a ring on his middle finger of his right hand. The middle finger is symbolic of balance and order,
being in the center of the hand.
The light around his crown is drawn down to emanate from his heart.
The energy of the crown chakra describes our direct relationship with God, the Divine, heaven, universe, whatever term best describes our image of the highest spirituality we can imagine. Energy that enters the crown is very high vibrational, spiritual energy.
This Light energy brings with it the vibrational equivalent of qualities that can be embodied in human existence.
The vibrations of each of these qualities matches up with a specific chakra vibration, each chakra has the seeds of specific qualities contained within it.
So as the Light travels downward through the body, it awakens the seed of each specific quality in its corresponding chakra.
As it passes through the heart, it awakens the seed of harmony, compassion and unconditional love that already exist in our heart chakra. As the Light energy is circulated in the heart chakra, our own seed of these qualities begin to expand.
This energy radiates outward, so at first we feel the sense of harmony, compassion and unconditional love within us and then we begin emanate the energy so that people around us experience it as well. This continues, flowing throughout the web of energy by which all life is connected, eventually having an effect on all of creation.
So today seems to be all about "Love" , being love, sharing love, emanating love, adding to love in the World.
"Listen to the inner light; it will guide you. Listen to inner peace; it will feed you. Listen to inner love; it will transform you, it will divinise you, it will immortalise you".
Sri Chinmoy
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

Today's storytelling.
Running up that hill.
From the universal comms team we have a song of the same title from Kate Bush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp43OdtAAkM
The lyrics that jump out today are :
Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts
Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
And I'd get him to swap our places
I'd be running up that road
Be running up that hill
Let's see how it threads through our cards today.
First card today is the 2 of pentacles ( pentacles representative of the earth element and manifestation)
Strangely as I look at the card today I'm drawn to the upper pentacle in the picture and it reminds me of a nucleus.
In biology, the nucleus is the central and most important constituent of cells, forming the basis for growth and activity.
From a symbolic point of view we can view the "nucleus" as showing us that we are at the core of an issue or the centre of a debate. It is a place of beginning and of inspiration.
We are in a time of energising ideas and coming to terms with issues.We may feel we are about to be challenged, with the challenger being used to having power and winning. They may use tactics such as coercion or manipulation, to impress their will .
It suggests it's time to stand our ground and believe in our selves; for in doing so, we will rise above the emotional trauma of the issue and be able to make clear, decisive choices.
It's not a time to make any hasty decisions however, or feel we must do anything that does not feel right. We are urged then perhaps, to follow our intuition, follow our heart, and be true to ourselves.
It's about finding that space of equilibrium, that inner and outer balance in the World.
Our second card today is the knight of swords, there he is running up that hill. He is swift in his action towards his goal, in his hoodie , he could be seen as a modern day super-hero
( wearing his hooded cape)
The crossbow slung over his back is generally a symbol of strength, agility and being the protector.
I'm also drawn to the soles of his trainers, covered in what looks like binary code.The binary code of ones and zeros that we are familiar with from "The Matrix" film, really does hold a deeper meaning . ( we will never watch that film trilogy in the same light again!)
The film is about an unreal, holographic, world wherein there are millions of slaves, performing a role in the society, such as doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians etc.
They all carry on, fueling the very system that enslaves them, yet they are unaware of the truth because their “minds” are essentially still plugged into what is called the “machine.”
The Machine is what generates the matrix via Binary Code through the mind, and we see the cause and effect of "As Within So Without".
Maybe this is asking us to consider what is real and what is not, what is truth and what is not. We may have conditioned our minds to believe that the World isn't a safe place over these past months and now it may feel difficult to shake off that belief, or the opposite may be true.
Whichever is true for us, we are being given an opportunity then perhaps to reconsider our viewpoint, to find a comfortable space in which to move forwards.
From an esoteric viewpoint we can easily ascertain that 0 (zero) resembles nothing and 1 (one) resembles something.
Taking us back to the void I mentioned the other day. Out of nothing we have the opportunity create something so to speak.
Number one means new beginnings, a fresh start, achievement, optimism, insight, intuition and manifesting linked to our ideas and actions. This is doubled so that means double the power.
Number zero means"Divine energy, unity, timelessness and to continue on. When the zero accompanies any number, it increases the power of that number so in this case it's behind the number one doubled, so powerful positive new beginnings then!
Angel Number 1010 means that by listening to our inner voice and feelings, we can achieve your dreams and goals.
It suggests strongly to take action and be proactive in accomplishing our goals. This will lead you to a life of living our dreams in harmony, peace and happiness.
Our final card today is 10 The Wheel ( The 1 and zero haven't missed my attention here of course)
And with regards to running up that hill, the wheel gives us traction in the upward trajectory of course.
We see a woman keeping her balance as she spirals up and forwards .The spiral is the age-old intuitive symbol of spiritual development and our identity with the universe.
As ‘re-volution’ or ‘re-evolution’, the spiral progression is symbolic of the transpersonal route to that higher level of consciousness.
In summary then today, perhaps we may feel like we are running up that hill, still constrained by our own internal thoughts, I guess it's a question of personal discernment of how to evolve from here.
#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful

In today's episode I chat with best selling business author, motivational speaker and founder of 4 Networking, the one and only Brad Burton.
As ever he is full of infectious enthusiasm,as he shares his journey, is frank about his own experience of burn out and the lessons he's learned, how he has adapted and innovated his businesses through the current challenge of covid and leaves us with his top tip for life.
For details of Brad's work visit:
Mentoring & Live online event
https://www.bradburton.biz/home1
Business Networking
www.4Nonline.biz

In today's episode I chat with CEO and Founder of The Rosie May Foundation, Mary Storrie. She shares the truly inspirational story of her journey to setting up this amazing charity and the thread of life experiences; including the tragic loss of her daughter, that led her to becoming a such a beacon of hope, both at home and overseas.
For more information about the work of The Rosie May Foundation visit:
Website: https://www.rosie-may.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RosieMayNPO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosiemayfoundation/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/rosie-may-foundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosiemayfoundation/