Heliotrope Metaphysical Tarot and Oracle Shop

I move to a small touristy town up North. (Northern Oregon? California?) I buy a metaphysical bookstore/shop that has been in business for decades. In this delightful small community, the place has been a real fixture. Tourists love it, the staff has been dedicated and stable, the town considers it a good addition to the local economy and reputation. So everyone is very wary of me -- an outsider, a newcomer -- coming in and taking over. 

I assure everyone that I have no intention of changing anything. I want to keep the staff and let them know how valuable they are. I tell them I will learn from them, and I appreciate them. I only plan to add more, not take away. Become even more involved in local projects and issues, etc. Everyone seems more relaxed and trusting after this. 

During the dream I kept getting a sense of purple, violet, and a word that sounded like "heliotrope." The name of the shop? I think so.
The only real change I make in this shop is setting up a reading spot. At the top of the stairs (the store is in a charming converted two story house, sort of a small Victorian) is a small room with a large window and built-in bookshelves. I set up a table and two chairs, place all my tarot decks and books and pendulums and other divinatory tools on the shelf. A cozy space for doing readings. I start to read for a client, get up to get something to show the client, when I come back, there is a woman giving a reading at a table near mine. I am very upset. I tell her I am the owner, she does not have permission to read, it's distracting to myself and the clients, and a disservice to the clients. So I apologize to the clients, do their readings for free, and kick this woman out. She doesn't even work there, she just showed up.

I looked up the metaphysical aspects of heliotrope. I don't know how much of the following is accurate, but according to Witchipedia: (italics are mine)

Magical Attributes of Heliotrope

Heliotrope is associated with the Sun and the element Fire.
Heliotrope represents devotion, that to lovers as well as to a God or a cause.
To dream of heliotrope means unrequited love. You can place heliotrope flowers under your pillow to encourage prophetic dreams, especially related to finding lost things and people.
The essential oil can be used to anoint candles and other objects used in divination and in spells for wealth.
Heliotrope can can be burned for banishing. (Witchipedia.com)

And finally, while reading Brent Swancer's piece on the Djinn at Mysterious Universe, the reference to David Morehouse's book Psychic Warrior gave me a jolt. Last night, I had a dream I was back in this shop, and someone (unseen, and above) handed me a silver bracelet with the words Psychic Warrior engraved on the silver.

A Haiku, and a Tarot Dream

Funny dream last night, as well as one that came true, in a sense…

Dreamt I came into possession of a new tarot deck. A slight lucid dream moment; in the dream the deck was the Robin Hood deck, not the Robin Wood deck. I was aware of the funny change in both title and meaning of the decks.

 Later, I'm at work, and in a heated discussion about paganism and wicca, and found myself defending myself. Not defending myself but rather, really standing up for myself. 

Today at work, co-workers were commenting about paganism and how the meaning of pagan means not believing in god. I said "Pagans believe…" then I paused, and said "We believe…" and spoke about the different paths. "I'm a polytheistic pagan" I said, among other things. The co-workers are Christian, and they were very interested and very respectful. This was the first time I had come out as a pagan and a wiccan/witch at work. A good experience all around, but odd. I don't know what made me speak up in the first place, let alone make my practices known.

And now, for the haiku that I wrote this evening:

the tarot cards spread

summer evening and a full moon

awaiting the visitor 

Rabbit: Supernatural, Synchronicity and Strange

On my blog Animal Forteana, a new post about rabbit synchronicity. Last night's episode of Ghost Adventures explored the Bell Witch haunting, which includes the supernatural apparition of a hybrid entity that has the head of a rabbit and body of a dog. Bunny coincidences ensued. . . 

(By the way, just how many blogs do you have Regan, one might ask? About a dozen, I'd say. Check back for an updated blog list.)

In the context of card oracles, what messages does Rabbit bring? Depends on the system:

RABBITFertility and New LifeThe Rabbit is known for its ability to procreate, its fleetness, and its movement is by leaps.People with this totem may find that their endeavors go in leaps and bounds also.If a Rabbit totem has appeared in your life, it may indicate a need for more planning or to check those plans already set in motion.Do not box yourself in a corner.This totem may also bring a need to examine the kinds of foods you eat.Perhaps a vegetarian diet, if only for a short time, can help you strengthen and heal.Rabbit is associated with Eostra, the Celtic goddess of Spring, and therefore associated with Ostara (or Easter).This is the reason we celebrate with Easter eggs.Rabbit is also sacred to the moon goddess Andraste, the Norse goddess Freya, and the Greek god Hermes.The Hare is associated with the moon in many cultures including Native American, Hindi, and China. (from Medicine Card Meanings/Golden Mousedeer)

Medicine Cards tells us that Rabbit signifies FEAR:

The keynote here is: what you resist will persist! What you fear most is what you will become.
Here is the lesson. If you pulled Rabbit, stop talking about horrible things happening and get rid of "what it" in your vocabulary. This card may signal a time of worry about the future or of trying to exercise your control over that which is not yet in form - the future. Stop now! Write your fears down and be willing to feel them. Breathe into them, and feel them running through your body into Mother Earth as a give-away. (Medicine Cards,David Carson, Jamie Sams.) 

Medicine Cards oracle, David Carson and Jamie Sams

Day Three: Tarot Card Essence

More Synchronicity

I mentioned in previous posts I’ve been experiencing a lot of synchronicities lately, and they’re continuing. I’ve been thinking very strongly of Emma Woods the past couple of days and intending to email her. Today I find that she had sent me two emails. (If you’re unfamiliar with Emma Woods, she was a client of Dr. David Jacobs, a UFO researcher who uses hypnosis to regress UFO witnesses and abductees. He has written several books on UFOs; specifically, alien abudctions.  Unfortunately, his tactics concerning Ms. Woods were reprehensible. Fortunately, her response to the unethical and surreal treatment has been stellar and brave.)

The Essence

Last night I decided to choose a glass to use just for this purpose. I got a pretty vintage cocktail glass that I had stored in my cupboard down from the top shelf, washed and cleansed it, and that is what I used last night. I also used the violet cloth I use for spreads with the Angel Tarot deck. I’ve been doing this little ritual close to bedtime, using filtered water and letting the glass sit for at least fifteen minutes -- last night it was about forty five minutes. 

Last Night’s Card: Queen of Water

From fire (previous two cards were (9 of Fire and 8 of Fire) to water. I am a Pisces with Cancer moon and Cancer/Leo rising. Still using Doreen Virtue’s Angel Tarot deck; when my whim shifts I’ll use another deck but for now, the Angel Tarot feels fine.

Water corresponds to CUPS: emotions, creativity, nurturing, relationships, intuition...

“Relationships develop to a new level. Trust your intuition. Care for yourself and others.”

Mom on a Motorcycle

I don't’ remember much about the dream last night, but the dream has a definite Water/Cups/Mother/Creative energy. I see connections between the dream elements and the card.

I’m in an airy kind of garage type place, with my husband. I think a few others are around. My husband and I are both artists in waking life. In the dream, we’re painting. I have a few large cans of paint set on the floor. I really like this paint. It’s a new kind, and very easy and smooth, very pleasant. it’s soothing.  Something about the texture -- so nice to stir with large wood paint sticks. But when I go to paint -- and I’m painting directly onto the ground, the asphalt -- I’m a little disappointed. The paint, when applied, doesn’t live up to expectations. When it was in the can, it was so nice. But I find I have to apply a few coats to get it to stick and cover properly. And the color is a bit washed out. So, I’m a bit bummed but not terribly so. I’m still enjoying being peaceful, painting.

Visitors, acrylic on masonite, Regan Lee

To my surprise, my brother drives up on a motorcycle, with our mother on the back! In waking live, the brother and I are estranged, and my mother, who is in her mid-eighties, is not doing at all well health wise. Her health is very poor. In the dream she’s using a walker, and yet, she is happily riding on the motorcycle! She is youthful and healthy and enjoying herself. My brother is also “better” --- very open and genuine.  No games, no lies, no disconnect. Such a weird funny surprise! My brother pulls into the garage on the motorcycle, mom hops off and immediately uses her walker. They both seem happy.

Relationships

Since Water (Cups) corresponds to relationships, and considering the state of the relationships in this context, it seems this card is an encouraging message of hope, and, possibly, release.  The Queen, a court card, can be seen as both a part of myself, as well as my mother. 

A lot to digest here, and much more concerning these relationships than I choose to share. However, I felt a distinct pull and connection between the Queen of Water and last night’s dream. I haven’t worked through it all yet; much to think upon!

Hematite and Fire

Tarot Card Experiment: Essence

I’ve been experimenting with a tip I found on Lisa Frideborg’s Tarotize  as one way to get in touch with the cards.

This process involves choosing a card from your deck, and placing a glass of water on top of the card. The glass must sit on top of the card for at least fifteen minutes, longer is preferable. Drink the water, mediate on the card. 

Lisa Frideborg advises creating these essences following the lunar cycle and gives other specific pointers. However, I was curious to see what would happen without delving into things on a deeper level for now, but it is important to know what energies you are working with and how they will affect your intent. For now, I didn’t have any more of a specific intent other than to see I liked this process.  

Fire and Water  -- and Synchronicity

I used my Doreen Virtue Angel Tarot deck for this. The first evening I pulled 9 of Fire. I used filtered water -- very important -- and drank that, meditated on the card, and went to sleep. I had an interesting dream that concerned accepting changes and unexpected events. For example, I went to my car, but it was parked on the other side of our neighbor’s house. Unusual in reality, but not in the dream. But when I got to the car, it was submerged in water. I could see the car and briefly thought about reaching into the water but then thought better of it. I didn’t want to get wet or slimy. So I walked on, but I had a sense of acceptance and wasn’t upset in the least.  

9 of Fire: "Don't give up. Protect that which you've created. Have courage, and believe in yourself."

(I’ve also been experiencing a rash of little synchronicites the past couple of weeks. Two examples out of many: Out of the blue a co-worker, now retired, just popped into my head. I wondered where she was, how she was doing. Next day, she shows up to visit. After the water dream, our other car wouldn’t start and we had to call AAA. )

More Fire, and Hematite

Last night was my second night doing this experiment. Once again I pulled from the Angel Tarot, and once again, I pulled a Fire card! This time it was 8 of Fire. Believe me, those cards were shuffled well! Obviously there is a message there. Drank the water and meditated on the card before sleep.

8 of Fire: "Events moving at a fast pace. Delays are over. Many things happening at once."

Last night’s dream: I don’t remember much, except for a huge hematite crystal formation, so heavy and strong in my hand! I remember barely able to hold the stone, and feeling awed by the weight, the coldness -- which wasn’t unpleasant at all, in fact very soothing -- and the strength of the hematite. I remember holding the stone up to objects to see how they would react, and finding the magnetic pull delightful. 

Hematite is used for many purposes. It helps with the blood, wounds, -- which is interesting since I just had a procedure -- having to do with my "lady parts" --  done that involved those things. Hematite is used to dispel negativity, as well as opening the psychic abilities within us. It is grounding and balancing. Healing Crystals for You says: “They have a highly protective energy and are good to help women who lack courage.” I don’t lack courage, but... well, I guess I do, in some areas. Procrastination and other issues are a form of self-sabotage.  Remember 9 of Fire: "… have courage, protect yourself." Things are opening, changing, (Fire) and some grounding is needed (hematite) during this adventure.

Unicorn Synchronicity and Exercise

I started a new kind of journal a few days ago. I'm not sure how I came to the idea; it was sudden inspiration. I have no doubt the angels helped with this one. But a simple daily list, which is an idea I abhor, seemed the thing to do. If I want to accomplish things, maybe this will help, was my thinking.

I decided to include whatever came to mind, no matter how silly, small, seemingly trivial -- or, huge and crazy and impractical. Just jot it down for the day. Try to keep it at ten items. At the end of the day, cross out what I had done, and begin anew the next day. The list changes; some things remain, while other items might go away for that day.

I realized something early this morning: that for every day, I have "exercise" on the list. And every day, exercise is something I did not do! Later this morning, my daily spirit card reading arrived in my email. The card was from Doreen Virtue's Unicorn oracle deck. Specifically, the exercise card!

Doreen Virtue Unicorn oracle deck

Later this morning, at work, I walk into the classroom to see, written on the board, a little story about unicorns the class had made up.

Runes of Light from Lisa Frideborg

New blog from Lisa Frideborg: Runes of Light. I like the idea -- we can always use info on runes. I have a set myself but, while I like the idea of runes as well as the tactile pleasure of using runes, I haven't delved much into them. Although, here's a bit of synchronicity: just today I was visualizing this rune for protection earlier today (pulling out all the tricks for protection) then found Lisa's link to her new blog.


So, the runes, they seem to be a callin' .

Algiz: (Z or -R: Elk, protection.) Protection, a shield. The protective urge to shelter oneself or others. Defense, warding off of evil, shield, guardian. Connection with the gods, awakening, higher life. It can be used to channel energies appropriately. Follow your instincts. Keep hold of success or maintain a position won or earned. Algiz Reversed: or Merkstave: Hidden danger, consumption by divine forces, loss of divine link. Taboo, warning, turning away, that which repels. (From Runes, Alphabet of Mystery)

Pit bulls, cats and raccoons . . . and a dove

As I've been writing about, I've been having a lot of dreams where Dog has visited. A few nights ago I had a dream: one of my recurring dreamscapes, where my guide -- the white haired woman -- appeared. This time, she was wearing blue hooded cloak. There was a little white dog running around, and she gave the dog to my husband, telling him she had a job for him. That she would pay him to take care of the dog. She seemed to believe that it was a done deal, and that of course he was going to take care of the dog, whether or not he'd be paid for it.

Sunday night, at approximately 8:50, we heard the most awful banging and thumping against our front door -- we opened it to find a pit bull attacking our cat, who was on the shelf on the porch where we keep our wood. It all happened so fast; the dog and cat screeching, in a ball, then our cat takes off. He went a good twenty feet up into the large apple tree. Here we are, trying to get him down, but of course he wouldn't come down. My husband tried to get him, but no use. Poor cat stayed out there all night and Jim was able to get him down the next day.

We thought Mango was going to be all right; we didn't see any external injuries and the cat seemed okay. But then he started to breath funny and wasn't moving much and was obviously not only depressed and freaked but in pain. We took him to the vets where he is now; x-rays, oxygen, overnight, etc.

This morning, walking the block and half from my car to work, I hear a dog bark. I look over and there in an unfenced yard, is a large pit bull. It isn't growling but barking at me, looking right at me, and taking a step or two towards me. I found that I was literally frozen, I couldn't move. I didn't know if I should go back to the car or keep walking towards my building. I was shaking and then I saw the owner; who was just standing there. I said "Is that your dog?" and he grumped "Yes," and reluctantly took the dog into the house. Then I saw another pit bull, also unleashed, who was standing there, looking at me. I looked at the man with a "Really? You're going to leave that dog out here while you're int he house?" look, and he took that dog in as well. When I glanced back as I walked towards my building, he gave me a dirty look.

I have walked past the house many times -- every morning just about since September -- and have never heard or seen dogs in that yard. This morning was the first time I had come across those dogs.

Just as I was nearing my building, I saw what I thought was a dog at first, then a cat (because it was small and moving oddly) then saw that it was a raccoon. The raccoon was walking slowly and then it stopped, looked right at me, and didn't move. I stood watching it -- there was something strange about the whole thing -- then it turned around and climbed up a tree.

By the time I got into my building I was almost crying. The interactions with those two pit bulls really got me.

One more pit bull synchronicity: a pit bull rescue and rehabilitation place has opened literally around the corner from our house, not even a block away. Coincidentally, I know the owners, having met them through a previous job.

So Dog again, and pit bulls. (It was a pit bull mix that killed our cat Roswell almost exactly a year ago.)

As we pulled into our driveway after leaving Mango at the vets, we saw a dove at the fence where the bird feeder is. The only time we have seen a dove around here was within the first few weeks we moved into this house over twenty years ago. A dove hung around for a couple of days then left. We never saw it again. While there are pigeons around in parks, etc. we have never seen pigeons around here in the neighborhood. However, both doves -- the one from years ago and today's -- were definitely doves and not your typical city park pigeon.

Synchronicity, Cat Killer, and Archangel Raphael: Be Willing To Forgive

Archangel Raphael: Be Willing To Forgive | Archangel Oracle ~ Divine Guidance: Archangel Raphael: Be Willing To Forgive: “Ask the angels to clear your mind and body of past pain in exchange for peacefulness.” ~ Doreen Virtue, Angel Therapy Oracle cards

This card is from Doreen Virtue's Angel Therapy Oracle card deck. It's not one I have; I do have her Angel Tarot and Healing with the Angels. (Also Magical Mermaids and Dolphins, Angel Dreams, and Mary, Queen of Angels.)

Just yesterday I was reading about how synchronicity occurs once you start working with oracles. And just a few minutes ago, I got into an altercation with a woman who lives down the block. Absolutely not a proud moment for me, but I am still hanging onto my anger and  deep sadness over the loss of my cat -- the cat that was killed in front of me by her two dogs last spring. Two dogs she consistently allowed to run loose in the neighborhood. Aside from the depression I am still feeling over my beloved cat's death, I am angry at this person's complete lack of compassion or responsibility.

Upset at myself for behaving so immaturely and lashing out, upset with her for being a scary, threatening and irresponsible person, upset at the death of my cat, I stormed into the house. Opened my email to find this post from the Divine Guidance blog: Forgiveness.

I realized that, yes, I am angry at this woman and her selfish idiocy, but I am also angry with myself. So not only do I have to forgive her, but I need to forgive myself. Forgive myself for indulging in holding onto anger towards her, forgive myself for making the decision to let my cat outside, forgive myself for behaving so reactively and immaturely.

(There is also the practical reason: the potential unstable nature of this person and possible escalation.)

Now that is a heavy lesson for the day!

But there it is. Forgiveness. Intellectually I understand the importance of forgiving, but as most of us have experienced, sometimes it is harder to understand this emotionally. So I welcome Archangel Raphael and ask for healing and the ability to forgive.

The Angel cards, whether by Doreen Virtue or other creators, sometimes have a "new age dippy" vibe. There are some things I don't like about them. Fluff bunny, I am not. On the other hand, I have had powerful readings with these decks, and continue to have powerful experiences concerning angels. In part I think those of us who all too easily see the "dippy" side of these things need to know there are moments when we need this comfort and healing. We don't have to be married to the whole show. Just accept what works for us and take it in in our own way. Interpret it in a way that fits. There may be sugary gooey parts but the message and the literal energy and actions from accessing what the Angels have to give us transcends any moments of self-consciousness.

Angel Dreams Oracle: The High Council and Amethyst

This is the image I used recently to promote a free three card reading using Doreen and Melissa Virtue's Angel Dreams Interpretations oracle. (Melissa Virtue is Doreen's daughter-in-law.) Notice the High Council card on the far left. This is one of my favorite cards in the deck. The first reading I did, this card came up in the reading. I've had a lot of synchronicities using this deck; for example, Amethyst came up several days in a row, even leaping out from the deck. No matter how well I shuffled and pulled the cards, Amethyst always came up for me. Clearly telling me something!

The High Council represents higher beings, guides, on the astral plane. If this card shows up, you are being asked to "take on a task..." that, despite the size of the task, will contribute to your inner growth as well as help humanity in some way. It is a card that reminds you of your potential, in the present, and in the future. Time is not linear; you might be asked to act now, or find to your surprise, that you have always had what you needed to act in the future.

It is a card of shift; a "spiritual shift" and reminds you to take a look at your current spiritual stage. {Virtue:p63}

Amethyst is a stone I use a lot in meditations and crystal work. Beautiful color and of course, it is excellent for protection and opening your intuitive and psychic channels. It is the stone of the third eye and the crown chakra. If this card appears in a reading, Amethyst is reminding you to work on your psychic self!

It is also a stone of protection from excess, drug or alcohol abuses or other kinds of self-abuse. It is a healing stone; the book that comes with this deck suggests that: "There is an animal in need of healing, nurturing and protection."
{Virtue: p18}

Daily Oracle Sites: Wisdom of Avalon

There are lots of sites that offer free, daily oracle or tarot card readings. Here's one: Colette Baron-Reid Daily Oracle cards. These oracle cards are new to me; I chose the Wisdom of Avalon deck, beautiful! My card was OWL, which is synchronistic, given my UFO interest and experiences. (The owl is an image that repeats throughout UFO, enitity and abduction encounters; from synchronistic moments of seeing owls frequently in nature as well as popular culture, owls appearing just before or during contact, on the astral realm, etc.)

My question had to do with my reading/intuitive counseling career path. This is what OWL has to say:

The Owl

deception, wisdom

The Owl lends you eyes that you need in order to see in the dark around you. The Owl can cut through the shadows to illuminate the real truth. Someone may be trying to camouflage his or her real intentions. Deceit, lies, and unclear intentions are exposed with Owl energy.The Owl also reminds you to be honest with yourself and snap out of any lies or denial inside you. Lying to yourself is the way that you’ll remain lost in a prison of your own making. The Owl appears to ask you to seek the truth in the darkest places within yourself. This will set you free and restore you to wholeness.All is well with the Owl to guide you. Deep wisdom into human nature is gained through the ability to recognize untruths. This is an important marker on your path.