Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

April 4, 2008 at 2:17 pm (tarot)
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The Eight of Pentacles

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Is there anything better than doing what you love? Being lost in the act of creation? That is what the Eight of Pentacles tarot card is all about. Ignore the fact that the figure on the card looks like Willie from Eight is Enough. Speaking of eights, eights in tarot symbolize Splendor and Pentacles always mean a bit of money could be made. The Pentacles lead up the wall or tree like a ladder. He is working on a pentagram whose five points represent earth, air, fire, water and spirit. The apron he is wearing is symbolic of Freemasonry. When the Eight of Pentacles appears, is means that it is time to get to busy. The Eight of Pentacles can also be a confirmation that the work you are dedicating yourself to is perfect. You are beautiful in the act of creation.

I’m struggling a bit this week, still trying to get my schedule back on track after returning from vacation. Truth be told, I’m tempted to curl up on the couch. The Eight of Pentacles appeared as my card of the day to remind me to get back to work. The reward will be work itself.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

                        Goethe

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog – The Lovers

April 3, 2008 at 2:48 pm (tarot)
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The Lovers

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An invitation. A Choice.

I find The Lovers tarot card to be one of the most intriguing cards in the deck. On the surface, The Lovers card appears simple to interpret. One could understand it quite literally and take the meaning as just that – a pair of lovers, a hook up, a good time. But take a moment to scratch the surface and a world opens beneath your fingertip. What does it mean to become the Lover in The Lovers card? What does it imply to become intimate with something?

We can understand this card as speaking about sexuality and remember sex can be a beautiful or destructive act. Take your thoughts past sex and think about other things we engage in intimately through out our day. Our thought patterns, our beliefs, our habits. The figures in The Lovers card are open and vulnerable. What do you allow yourself to be vulnerable to? Where does your comfort level lie?

Take a look at The Lovers card. Assume you are one of the naked figures. You stand there unclothed, completely vulnerable beneath an enormous angel. Suppose this angel has come to tell you whatever you want to embrace will be yours. Now, think for a moment. What it is you want to embrace and hold dear in your life? Do we open ourselves up to the beauty of the world? Do we allow new experiences to shape us or do we put on blinders and stick to what we are used to?

Today, I feel the Lovers card is an invitation to open yourself up to life. There is so much beauty surrounding you this very moment. You are an extension of the world’s beauty. I often tell my daughter how special she is, how there is no one else in the world just like her. The same is true for you. Surrender yourself to how absolutely fabulous you are. How fabulous life is. When you make any choices today, conscious or unconscious, make positive, creative ones. Invite the world in and see how truly phenomenal it is!

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

April 2, 2008 at 2:18 pm (tarot)
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Nine of Wands

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The Underdog.

The Nine of Wands tarot card is about stepping forward into new and uncharted territory, when you are not so sure of yourself. The Nine of Wands is about having the guts and wherewithal to move forward despite fear, pain and uncertainty. Nines in tarot often mean something is about to be completed, about to become real. This particular nine resides within the realm of Wands, which represent fire, passion and energy. Drawing this tarot card insinuates something you feel quite passionate about is to become manifested in your life. This will happen as a direct result of you sticking to your guns and being fearless.

The Nine of Wands feels right on target as my tarot card of the day. In theory, a vacation leaves one rejuvenated and refreshed. I’ve just returned from a beautiful two-week frolic in LA with my daughter. I was moving full steam ahead when I left for California. I was busy practicing yoga, writing, reading cards, working every day and being a mom. I made a conscious choice to just relax while away. Now, I find myself back in New York almost afraid to pick up where I left off. Just like the figure on the Nine of Wands I am at this moment attempting to move forward, despite the fact I feel less sure of myself than before. I remind myself though, really, all I have is this moment. The work that came before is irrelevant. What matters is what I’m doing now, what you are doing now. Thank you, by the way, for reading this. I’m very happy to have you here.

What are you most passionate and excited about in life? Is it your relationships, your job, your hobbies? Is there an area where you attempt to make progress but feel a bit frightened or unsure of yourself? Sometimes passion and fear are quite interlinked. You can use the Nine of Wands as a reminder to move forward in spite of fear. You can do it! Is there anything better than a victorious underdog? I don’t think so, especially if that underdog happens to be you.

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

March 10, 2008 at 2:45 pm (tarot)
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Seven of Wands

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Activity. Movement. Engaging.

 

The Seven of Wands has been a tricky card for me to decipher in the past. Sevens in tarot imply Victory, so one may view this card as a triumph. The wands express fire, passion and energy. So, the essence of the Seven of Wands is the victorious combination of exhilaration and combustion. That is pretty powerful! The picture on the card leaves much open to speculation. Who is this gentleman battling and why aren’t they revealed? Is this a cruel fight between enemies or playful game amongst friends? What is that strange mountain he is standing on and does the river give way to a waterfall? One thing that can’t be denied, a lot is happening in this card.

I pulled the Seven of Wands for this past weekend. If the Seven of Wands represents energized activity, it was right on target. The weekend flew by so quickly, I did so many things, and I could barely catch my breath. I had a playdate, a bridal shower, a party, friends in from LA, a yoga class. Plus, we lost an hour due to daylight savings. Yay for sunlight! The cohesive piece of whole weekend was that I had a great time! I can’t say my energy was at full Wands capacity; I stayed out ‘till 2am Saturday night and paid the price the next morning. I was, however, surrounded with friends and family the whole weekend, I was engaged, busy and happy.

I get the sense from the Seven of Wands that although he is pictured alone on the card, he is anything but. I think the Seven of Wands has much to do with the energy exchange you engage in with other people. Just think, when you are having a fabulous day, you can’t help but lift the spirits of those you interact with. You are free with the jokes, with compliments and easy in spirit. However, isn’t it easy to make someone else feel bad when you are having a bad morning and snap at someone?

Are you aware of the influence you have over other people? When you find yourself busy, do you easily go with the flow, from one activity to the next? Do you open yourself up when you are feeling great and close off when you are felling low? If you were the person pictured in the Seven of Wands, whom do you think you’d be sparring with? Is it a playful game or more of a fight? If you are fighting, is it really worth it? Could your energy be better spent in other ways?

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

March 8, 2008 at 4:52 pm (tarot)
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Eight of Wands

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Speed. Energy. Safe Journey.

 

The Eight of Wands is a feisty, fiery card. To experience the energy of the Eight of Wands, imagine the music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a racecar accelerating past 90mph, the power of the space shuttle’s engines. Because the Eight of Wands resides within the realm of Wands, it expresses passion, fire and excitement. It could easily be romantic excitement or pure enthusiasm for what you are doing.

I pulled the Eight of Wands and laughed when I saw how it applied to my day. If you have been reading my blog, you might recall I am trying quite hard to live life in the moment. To take life as it comes and not anticipate anything. I want to be present. At first, it seemed like it might be hard to get anything done. It seems contradictory to stay focused on the present, yet lead a productive life. When I drew the Eight of Wands, I came to the realization, I actually get more done living in this way. Rather than anticipating upcoming tasks and spending a lot of time pondering if I did or didn’t want to do them, I just got them done. My level of productivity has increased three fold. Yesterday, I think I crossed the island of Manhattan four times on foot, got a ton errands done, hit a yoga class, wrote, wrapped 16 party favors, and read for a client, all with my four year old in tow. What really linked my activities to the Eight of Wands was the excitement within me as I went about my day. Life feels amazing when you are truly living it.

Take a look at the Eight of Wands. Can you imagine a passionate energy infusing you through out your day? What are the things you get most worked up over? Is it romantic attraction, politics, money? Are you passionate about what you do for a living? If you have a day, where you have a ton to do, try this exercise. Before you get out of bed, picture the Eight of Wands. Imagine the speed and power of the wands, helping you. Aiding you as you go from here to there, getting everything accomplished in the best way possible. Trust you’ll get it all done. More importantly, enjoy the ride!

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

March 6, 2008 at 2:09 pm (tarot)
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Strength

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Inner Power.

 

Okay. I have to be honest. It came time to draw my card of the day and I didn’t like what I picked. I chose another, didn’t like it, and chose another. Finally, it became clear the message the cards were sending me. I just picked the Strength card out of the deck because it looked like there might be a problem heading down the road. I figured if something weird might happen, I could just focus on my inner strength to help me get through it. I put it far out of my mind. I didn’t want to ruin my day based on a few cards (Seven of Swords, Eight of Swords, Chariot reversed).

The day wasn’t a total nightmare. As a matter of fact, most of it was quite lovely. Then, my daughter threw the mother of all tantrums at a play date. It was awful and left me feeling like a complete failure. Later that evening, my husband graciously put her to bed and I went to the movies to see a film based on a book I really enjoyed. It was not a good movie at all and I pondered the Strength card as I walked home. Had I utilized my inner Strength to act in the best way when my daughter started freaking out? Doubtful. Had I somehow created her tantrum by thinking something bad might occur based on the cards I pulled? Okay, thinking like that will drive me crazy! I had to let it go. Four year olds spaz out sometimes, just a fact of life. Maybe if I use the imagery on the card it will aid in how I deal with the situation, next time she has a tantrum – assuming there is a next time.

The Strength tarot card talks about using your strong inner power. It is only through a resolute and firm belief in oneself that the trainer is able to exert calmness over the large lion looming over her. Can I be stronger and more resolute the next time a situation like that occurs? Absolutely. Can I do better? Yes, I can. Can I be strong without being to controlling? Good question and I hope so. Normally, I end my blog with questions turned around to you, the reader. Right now, I’m still trying to figure them out for myself.

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

March 5, 2008 at 3:47 pm (tarot)
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The Ace of Swords

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A Gift. New Beginning. Fresh Start.

An ace in tarot is always a gift! Aces start their particular suit and represent a new beginning. The Ace of Swords specifically deals with the mind, the intellect. Although the suit of swords is often seen as the toughest suit to deal with and lots of sword cards appear frightening, the Ace of Swords is particularly jubilant. Because aces are so fresh, often the effects of the card are not seen until later. Whenever an ace appears, I tell the person I’m reading for to trust their instincts. One can look at aces as the seedlings sprouting beneath you, the rumblings of fantastic new ventures. Your job, when you receive an ace, isn’t to figure out what it means. Your job is to follow your instincts and allow the ace to work for you. Trust that whatever develops, it will be good.

I chose the Ace of Swords yesterday and carried it in the back of my mind all day. I reminded myself that The Ace of Swords says trust any clever ideas that come to you. I also regard Swords as the writing suit because the sword reminds me of a pen. The Ace of Swords reminded me of how hard I’ve been working to use my mind to experience life in a better, richer, fuller way. I’ve said earlier, the sword is representative of the mind. Well, the mind has a habit of acting like a tape recorder. I often replay negative things that happened over and over again. Or, my mind might get stuck on a negative thought and obsess about that. I know this is not productive and I’d much rather be in charge of my thoughts than my thoughts controlling me. I’m also actively trying to live in the moment, paying attention to what is right in front of me. If I am successful at being present then my mind doesn’t have a chance replay any negative old patterns. I’m too focused on what’s going on.

Now, look at the Ace of Swords. If I can control my mind then I am like the hand on the Ace of Swords. I’ve grasped the sword victoriously. I’ve won control over my thoughts! As a result, I’m happier because I can focus on all the good. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this process has helped me become a better parent. My home life, my career, everything I experience is more vibrant, more alive and full of more joy.

Do you think it possible to gain control over your thoughts? Do you think you can improve your life based on the quality of thoughts in your head? Do you sometimes replay negative past experiences over and over again? If you could utilize your mind to its fullest potential, what do you think you could do? If you like, gaze at the Ace of Swords and imagine yourself taking control over your mind and thoughts. Imagine what victory means to you. Imagine yourself getting whatever it is you desire in your life.

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

March 3, 2008 at 3:46 pm (tarot)
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The Ten of Wands

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The Ten of Wands brings us to a conclusion as tens always imply endings. Wands represent passion, fire and creativity, so we have the end of a cycle that generated lots of excitement. What is the fellow on this card to do? He seems overburdened with all of the wands, as if it were too much for him to carry. Each wand blossoms with fresh leaves, implying new growth. What is the lesson of this card? Let go of what you don’t need. In other words, don’t break your back. If you have to force something to happen, maybe it is not worth it.

I don’t know about you, but I often overwhelm myself. There seems so much to do in a day, let alone a lifetime. I can easily paralyze myself when I start to think about all the things I want to accomplish. Add to the mix, I’m a passionate person who gets excited at the drop of a hat. I have always had loads enthusiasm; it was the follow through that was tough for me. The answer? I, like the fellow on the Ten of Wands, needed to slow it down. Were he to give his wands a rest, he might realize he need not sacrifice anything to get to where here’s going. Perhaps, he needs two trips to carry those wands or maybe he doesn’t need all ten wands. The key here is if he takes a break and reevaluates his situation, he’ll be much better off. He’ll find himself more productive in the long run and save himself a sore back.

In what area of your life are you overexerting yourself? Can you stop and take a pause to reassess where you are headed? Would it be possible to plot out a simpler course for yourself? Are you involved in any activity where you are putting harsh physical stress in your body? How can you ease the load that you carry? Can you discard what is not essential in your life? I think you can. 

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

February 26, 2008 at 7:21 pm (tarot)
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Death

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Out with the old – in with the new!

The Death card is all about transformation and rarely, if ever, implies actual death. I have begun removing it from my deck when I’m hired for party readings because people often see the Death card and totally freak out. They don’t understand that the Death card can signify so much else in their life. The Death tarot card implies any major event that completely changes the meaning and scope of your life. This could be a move to Paris, a new boyfriend, a huge sum of money dropping in your lap. Be it good or bad, it changes your life and creates room for new growth. Now, does that sound like a bad thing?

When I received the Death card yesterday I was thrilled. With so much change going on for me, internally and externally, this card felt like a confirmation. My life feels greatly in flux, and for the first time, I’m going with the flow rather than fighting it. There is so much I am ready to embrace and bring in that I’m not afraid to let go of the old.

What areas of your life are ready for a complete change? What endings might make way for exciting new beginnings? Is there something you’d really like to change about yourself? Why not use the Death card to say good-bye to an old behavior? Did you know you could facilitate incredible change in your life? You don’t have to wait for an outside influence to do it for you. In fact, it is better if you instigate the change yourself! Why not write down a short list of things you’d like to transform. It can often be the first step!

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Sasha Graham’s Tarot Card a Day Blog

February 25, 2008 at 3:56 pm (tarot, Uncategorized)
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Queen of Wands

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Passion. Ability. Sensuality.

The best place to begin to understand the Queen of Wands is, perhaps, in relation to the King of Wands. The King of Wands is an explosion of fire, passion and creativity. Students of Qabalah will remember he sits on the expansive side of the Tree of Life. If the King is an explosion, than his Queen of Wands is the one who shapes to his great outpouring. She gives form to his wild, untamed energy. In this way, she is the sculptor, the novelist, the architect, the vehicle, through which your passion is channeled and turned into something concrete.

Many will point out she is the most sensual card in tarot because wands represent passion. The wand, itself, is phallic and we see her open knees. Look at how she is seated, and note she is wide open and relaxed. I also have a tendency to also see her as the actress, the Julia Roberts of the deck. This may have something to do with the flower in her hand; it seems like a gift bestowed after a performance. We see the flower is a sunflower, representative of the dog days of summer, and the fertility her passion is capable of creating. There is a huge amount of fiery charisma emanating from the Queen of Wands.

I drew the Queen of Wands yesterday and pondered what she meant to me as my card of the day. Certainly, I considered how I express what I am passionate about. I considered what the maturity of a queen means for me as I mature as a woman. In my youth, I had fears about myself as a creative being. Rather than immersing in the creative process, I did a lot of thinking about it. Sort of a stuck King of Wands. The passion was there but I didn’t channel it well. Now I am older and trust in who I am, I feel free to express myself creatively, be it a painting class, writing, yoga. We can also learn, as I have, to live our lives in a creative way. Every act, even making breakfast, can be an expression of passion. Well, maybe not on the mornings when you are groggy but on an inspired Sunday, you could make a brunch Martha Stewart would die for. Table manners aside, just think of the world, your life, as your canvas. You can fill it with anything you want. The Queen of Wands lives her life in a constant expression of passion.

Do you experience your sexual energy fully or are you holding back? What do you do with your creative energy and inspiration? When an exciting idea strikes you, do you act on it or do you spend a lot of time thinking about doing it? Is there a project you’d like to get off the ground? Do you think you live your life creatively? If you were to make something right now, what would it be?

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