I wasn’t completely sure how to approach my birthday this year. Inauspicious to be sure – it’s not a traditional milestone, but when have I done anything traditionally?
Some years I do nothing at all, or I make a huge list of all the things I want to do, or a list of all the things for which I’m grateful, or fill a “god” box with meaningful contents and sincere intentions, or dive into some woo ideas. (Consistently, every year I get a carrot cake, so hopefully, someone has that on their list of things to bring home to mama, today!)
So much has happened in the last few months, I’m at a loss for how to process all of it. Bill’s death has definitely left a mark on how I look at my past, present, and future. I’m living firmly in the present tense – it’s incredibly hard to look at my life without him in it.
I need a nudge. I’ve often thought of using futureme.org to write myself a letter to read the following year and that’s what I’ve done. I have a hard time looking a week ahead, let alone a month. A whole year? Inconceivable.
So let’s do it. I can do hard things, I know I can!
My “note to self” includes a bit of how I’m feeling, what I want to do, what makes me proud – and I’ve included much meaningful content as well as sincere intentions. I wonder what it’ll look like when I open it in a year – what will have changed? What will have stayed the same?
In the meantime, so that I have something pretty and fun to share, I thought I’d do a birthday spread using Colette Baron-Reid’s brand new – and truly magical – 7 Energies Oracle Card Deck.
Birthday Oracle Card Spread
This Spread (originated here) covers, synchronistically, 7 areas and themes:
1. Celebrate — What else is to be celebrated today?
Now is the time to let go of the need to be heard, instead now is the time to avoid distractions and connect fully with others. Deep listening and keen observation is how we connect intimately and respectfully with what is true in the world. Bottom line: sit down, shut up and pay attention, it’s time for someone else to be heard.
2. Lesson — The major lesson of your previous year?
The universe is inviting you to step into uncharted waters. Something is stirring; adventure is calling. You might want to resist because it means leaving your comfort zone, but embarking on this journey is essential for your well-being. It’s time to dive into a novel experience and fully immerse yourself in the new. Be a magical cartographer who draws your map with your own life force as the ink.
3. Theme — The energetic theme of the year to come?
Prayer lets us know we are not alone, a power greater than us acts on our behalf. We are in a co-creative partnership with so much for us to be grateful. Focus attention on even the smallest aspects of your life and what you have already experienced, it’s like a magic wand, obstacles fall away and your purpose becomes clearer. A prayer of deep, abiding gratitude will turn you into a magnet for miracles.
4. Relationships — The energy around your relationships in the coming year?
Empathy reminds you that you are not alone. Feel the connectivity all around you, giving you a profound sense of belonging, a broader experience of being part of the larger whole. It can be overwhelming so be clear with your boundaries. Be discerning with those you spend time – do not mistake codependency for closeness. Trust your instincts and take care of you. Your empathy is beautiful and important, it just has to be balanced in order for you to access its gifts.
5. Work — The energy around your work and career over the course of the year?
Sometimes we fall into an automatic response to life and react from a learned, conditioned place rather than one of awareness. Being reactive keeps us repeating old patterns. Conversely, the avoidance of our triggers could keep us in our comfort zone. Imagine yourself sitting on the back of a bird a thousand feet above your life: wouldn’t your perspective change? You can move beyond the obstacles in your way and easily discover a path that holds more beautiful and compelling choices. Get a little distance: wait before responding, be more graceful in your interactions, see the gift in every experience.
6. Health — The energy around your health and wellbeing this coming year?
Someone is telling a tall tale right now. Is it you? Is it someone else? What is the motive behind the deceit? Is the truth not good enough? Is something being hidden? It’s all about controlling the narrative, the need to maintain a lie so we can manipulate the outer world and hide our inner one. Today ask for the truth. Be willing to pay the price and be okay with the vulnerability of exposing yourself.
7. Spirituality — The energy and spiritual lessons you will be encountering this year?
Feeling comfortable in your own skin, knowing who you are and that nothing outside you can challenge your authentic self, the hard-won seat of awareness that you’ve earned. You’re being invited to consider what discipline you need to apply to your thoughts – are they consistent with the values and beauty you intend for your life? Keep your focus on what is right and good for you and others. Meet challenges with a measured response. Set your boundaries with grace and surety; calm, intelligent leadership is called for now. Lead from your heart, your authenticity and integrity. Hold your head high and know your worth.
Wow! I can already see how each of those cards are perfect for the theme they represent. CBR’s cards can be consistently counted on to reveal exactly what you need to know when you need to know it.
