Standing strong... 5th April 2020

Today's storytelling.
Standing strong.

So today's theme tune to go with the cards is "Roar" by Katie Perry.
https://youtu.be/CevxZvSJLk8
This did bring a smile to my face, as I've had this energy myself this morning, after sharing a lovely video made by a friend.

She was talking about holistic approaches to support people through this time, some folk had some very differing views on all things holistic and were ROARING their response.
I have to say I could feel my own ROAR rising. Then I reminded myself of the four agreements ( a great practice by the way, you can read the book by the same title by Don Miguel Ruiz)
The first agreement is always be impeccable with your word. Say only what you mean and from a place of truth and love. Never use your word against another or yourself.
And the second agreement, never take anything personally. Anything anyone says or does is purely a reflection of their inner world projected out into the outer world.
With this in mind I removed the post from where I had shared it and carried on with my morning. Remembering that it is simply an opportunity to practice the agreements.

Which brings me to our first card for today the 7 of cups.
We see a young man, casually dressed , wearing a cap, he appears indecisive and perplexed.
Behind him is the sea, perhaps an ocean of possibilities. In front of him we see seven upturned singing bowls, a snake and some ladders.
We see what looks like a bat wing , the bat spirit animal is one of the most misunderstood animals because it has always been linked to darkness, death, and the underworld.
It may not look it, but the bat has a very sweet and warm nature. These creatures of the night are cute and cuddly, and they can even symbolize good luck and abundance, yet the young man in the card doesn't seem to be aware of his abundance, instead he is deep in emotion, trying to make a decision.

An illusionary sketch of a castle stands upon the sand. We can also make out a small eye mask. Perhaps asking us to consider where we maybe blinkered or building castles in the sky of our imagination.
Water flows out from a small break in one of the bowls.
Between the bowls we see mist and clouds.
Perhaps it shows us that this I a confusing and emotional journey, without clear answers as to which way to go or when we will move beyond it.
Perhaps we are feeling the ups and downs of the journey, yet we may be failing to see the abundance that we do have.

Maybe its showing us to hold a down to earth, heartfelt assessment of what we are presented with, to look beyond any current illusion or confusion.
Our next card is the king of wands.
We see a strong Male image, he is wearing an orange t shirt, the colour of the sacral chakra.
It’s the chakra that’s closely associated with emotional responses and often described as the seat of emotions, or gut instinct. It is also the seat of passion, creativity and zest for life when energy is flowing freely.
Conversly this chakra is said to be blocked by fear, especially the fear of death.
We see that his t shirt has a lizard or salamander motif.
Just like the lizard spirit animal, salamanders re-grow their limbs and tail. This represents that rebirth and regeneration they bring into our life.
The salamander guides us to use our internal resources to spur our own growth and development. It represents rebirth and regeneration being bought into our life.
In the picture we see a lion.It's truly no surprise to know that the meaning of the lion is strength.
The lion symbolism also emphasises personal power – our strength, self-confidence, courage, and assertiveness.
We see that his crown, bearing flames, sits atop of his wand. And we can just see a tattoo on his arm, also depicting a lion, reminding me of  the emblem of Richard the Lionheart.
The lion emblem in this context denotes heraldry. It traditionally symbolises courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour, because historically it has been regarded as the "king of beasts".

I think we've got the measure of the energy of strength and power that emanates from this fiery dude!
He's a big picture kinda guy, a creative visionary, a natural born leader.
Perhaps he's encouraging us to stand strong together, hold our nerve, as we navigate towards a much bigger picture of the future.

Our final card for today, sees a quick return of yesterday's 7 of swords. The crow seems to be crying even louder today!
Crow asks us not to fear change. All of us have shadows in our lives that need purging.That deep transformation isn’t easy, so Crow steps in to support our effort with greater insights. When we need that “higher perspective”
Crow asks us to speak our truth without fear. Crow also inspires tenacity. Whatever the wall or barrier, we will eventually figure out a way to get around it.

Another important element to Crow is its voice. This bird uses its voice to warn other members of it's tribe, even those far away. In this sense, Crow gives us the gift of watchfulness and the ability to protect those we love as a result.
A timely repetition of yesterday's message to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

#makingadifference #lifeisbeautiful