When Lightning Strikes - The Tower in our Lives and Loves

Lightning your presence from ground to sky, no one knows what becomes of me, when you take me so quickly -Rumi-

The Tower speaks of those life changing events that irrevocably alter what is familar to us.  The Tower comes on like a flash of lightning and shatters what has been holding us back from a greater realization of our spiritual purpose.  The Tower has recently made its presence known in my life as a young friend suffered as serious accident which has left her unable to walk, move her extremities or even to communicate.  One day, she was physically whole - the next day she was completely dependent upon friends, caregivers, and family to meet even her most basic needs.  As I watch her immobilized in her hospital bed, I see the impact of The Tower's ability to destroy and transform.  I don't know how she will come through her current situation, but it is as though she is in a cocoon-like state.  I feel that the most important phase of her life is about to take place.  This transformation would not have been possible without the lightning-quick shattering brought about by The Tower.

The Tower does not always have to involve a catastrophic event in the physical sense.  Some readers see it as a portent of accidents, loss of home, and other life-altering occurrences.  More often, however, it appears to me as a sign from God that it is time to let go of that which no longer serves you.  Perhaps it is an unhealthy relationship that we are clinging to - one that does not allow for spiritual or emotional growth.  When the advice to move on given by friends and family does not encourage us to walk away from a debilitatitng relationship, often the universe steps in and leaves us no choice.  When we are not in the place to make good decisions for ourselves or to work toward healing our toxic relationship, we need a little push.  Or a big push, as the case may be.  If left to our own devices, we would continue to cling to a long-dead love that does not allow us to grow.  So, the lightning crashes, and the energy of The Tower is released.  It must happen quickly, or we will continue to resist.

There is no way around the pain and the accute sense of loss that occur when the force of the Tower shatters a relationship.  If growth is to happen, we must learn to embrace this very necessary and transformative suffering.  And, it is no accident that the energy of the Star comes on the heels of the Tower's appearance in our lives.

A Thousand Half-Loves: The Seven of Cups

A thousand half loves
must be forsaken
to take one whole heart home.
-Rumi-

When I read this today, I immediately envisioned the Seven of Cups...the daydream, the illusory world of half-loves, crushes, and fantasy lovers.  As a reader, I get many questions about whether a relationship will progress.  I always ask whether the client is asking about an existing relationship or a possible relationship.  So many clients ask about whether their crush also has feelings for them, but even when they find out that feelings are reciprocated, they never seem to be able to bring the crush to fruition as a real relationship.  They prefer the fantasy over taking the risk and trying to turn a daydream lover into a real-time, flesh and blood lover.  Why?  Sometimes it is fear of rejection, even though they have been assured that the other person is just as interested as they are.  Other times, quite simply, the chase is better than the catch.  The client prefers to live in the illusory world of fantasy relationships.  That way, they can always see their crush as a tantalizing possibility, but they will never have to be disappointed with the day-to-day issues of a normal reality based relationship.  They will never have to have a fight with their beloved, and their beloved will always remain, the perfect man/perfect woman.

In order to realize the full potential of a relationship, we must be able to take the risk of letting go of the fantasy relationship.  Sometmes, taking that step may involve being rejected, but more often than not, the object of affection will be relieved that SOMEONE made the first move.  The fantasy, the crush, and the chase will be over, but the possibility of a solid, human, loving relationship will come to fruition.  It may take some hard work, and it may involve seeing the beloved as a human being with faults, fears, and failings.  But, in forsaking the 'half-love', the unrequited love, the unrealized possibility, we can truly bring home that one whole heart we have been seeking.

What does the Seven of Cups mean to you?

To contact me for a reading;
www.Keen.com/Cascade
or call 1800-ASK-KEEN Ext.04975339

Oasis of Contentment - The Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups brings joy and fulfillment - it is indeed an oasis of contentment. It speaks of the emotional contentment of home and family, and the simple joys that can surround us in the home.  Simple and earthly joys, yes, but ones which bring us closer to the Divine.  A bit of heaven on earth. 

The Ten of Cups reminds often reminds me of the story about the dying man who wished he had spent less time at the office and more time with his family.  We work so hard at our jobs in order to provide for the material needs of our families, but in doing so, we may be neglecting their emotional needs.  Or if we bring the stressors from our work day into the home, the contentment of the hearth can slip away as soon as we walk in the door.

Let the home be an oasis for you; let your family be a source of joy and inspiration.  Enjoy the small moments that cause your heart to overflow...being met at the door by your spouse, reading a story to the child who sits in your lap, having the dog curl up at your feet.  These images may seem a bit Leave-It-To-Beaver-ish, but they can still be found in our crazy technology obsessed world.  It is so important to create a haven of a peaceful home to shelter your family from the world out there.  That oasis of peace and contentment is not just for those with families. 

The single person can also create that space for himself.  Then the Ten of Cups is about creating that oasis through self-nurturing.  Married or single, be aware of the Ten of Cups moments in your life.  Do not take them for granted, and learn to create them in your own homes.  Take care not to let the world encroach upon your oasis of peace and contentment.

What does the Ten of Cups mean to you?

To contact me for a reading;
www.Keen.com/Cascade
or call 1800-ASK-KEEN Ext.04975339

The Path of the Lovers: Standing at the Crossroads

The Lovers...excited to see it appear in your reading if you are asking about a potential mate or whether your relationship is moving toward a being a committed one?  Yes, you should be-- you are coming closer to taking the relationship to a higher level, but be aware that the implications of this card do not indicate an easy happily ever after...In my tarot deck, a man stands at a crossroads and contemplates a man and woman across the road.  Choosing to move forward into a relationship is a crossroads where we leave behind our selfishness, set-in-our ways singlehood and take the high road of melding our life with that of another individual.  We make the decision to put that person's needs often above our own, and to dedicate ourselves to the hard work of unconditional love (especially if the relationship involves marriage and children).  It is not an easy decision to make, and one that should not be taken lightly.

Yes, I want to be his lover, but am I willing to make the sacrifices needed to help him realize his soul's potential?  Would I sacrifice my freedom if he were to perhaps, fall seriously ill, or become physically incapacitated in some way?  It is so important for both parties to be in agreement as they choose the path of the Lovers.  It is not just about being lovers in the physical sense, and many people may read this card as a portent of a fulfilling sexual relaitonship.  To step onto the path of the Lovers is to make a life-altering decision that may have little to do with love in the physical sense.

It is to return to the Garden of Eden, the bliss of innocence.... the purity of unconditional love, and the joy and wonder of discovering your lover for the first time.  With love, prayer, and humility, that joyful and innocent discovery of one another can be something that occurs on a daily basis, even when the Lovers have moved into old age.  It is what happens when hearts recognize each other for the first time...the bursting of love's wellspring.  It is the promises of the marriage vow.

But keep in mind the connection between the Lovers card and the Devil card.  If the decision to tread the path of the Lovers is made only with regard for the self, it can be a path of bondage and sorrow.  If one individual in the relationship uses love or sex to control the other, the relationship will never grow to its highest good.  If unconditional love and the willingness to put selfish needs aside are not present in the relationship, there could be obsession, manipulation, and cruelty down the road.

As the decision is made to join two hearts, the Lovers must take hands and fortify themselves against the temptation to revert to self-love.  There must be devotion, and the desire to fulfill the relationship's destiny according to God's plan.  As you think about choosing the road of the Lovers, a reflection on the purpose of soul-love and/or marriage is in order.  It is important to discern what love is and what it is not: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 4-7)

The path of the Lovers is not for the flighty or the faint-hearted.  If this card comes up in a reading about your love interest, take it seriously and reflect honestly on whether the person you are asking about is someone you can walk that road with.

What does the Lovers card mean to you?

To contact me for a reading;    www.Keen.com/Cascade

or call 1800-ASK-KEEN  Ext.04975339

And a Sword Will Pierce Your Heart

The Three of Swords...Ouch!  Not the card you want to get in a spread about where your relationship is headed.  Usually seen as the break up card, the Three of Swords portends sorrow and loss of love.  Perhaps a love triangle has contributed to the separation and the overwhelming sense of sorrow you feel.  What happens when this card appears deeply wounds both parties in a relationship.  It is almost as though the hurt is unbearable and will never go away.  It is not an amicable parting of the ways; it is a severing of love and a mourning for what has been lost. 

It is healthy to experience the pain of swords...for a time.  Lick your wounds, nurse your damaged heart, let all of those pent-up tears flow.  However, if the mourning period for a relationship lasts longer than what is healthy, and you cannot move on, it is time to seek some wise counsel from a friend, priest, pastor, or counselor.  Your spirit needs to heal along with your heart.  It is tempting to let the pain and darkness of a broken relationship separate us from the rest of the world, but there is a danger in getting too comfortable in that dark place.  Get an emotional check up from a trusted friend to make sure you are not crossing the line between situational depression and clinical depression.  Be careful that self-flagellation does not become a comfortable habit that keeps you from healing from the pain of the break up. 

Of course, it is difficult to stomach the platitudes:  "other fish in the sea", "time to move on", "he/she was not the one", etc., but it is important to consider the perspective of friends and family who are not as attached to the situation as you have been.  They can be the first to give you that emotional check up and let you know whether it is time for some guidance toward healing.  Work with a trusted advisor to discern whether you are letting your broken heart define you.

Broken hearts do heal.  Healing from a relationship, especially one in which betrayal has been a factor, can be a painful process.  Those swords will eventually stop piercing you, and the wounds will close.  In the meantime, try to be kind to yourself.  The little comforts that you give yourself will lead to you allowing others to give you care and comfort.  Eventually, a little joy will creep in.  Keep letting it happen.  Even if it is the last thing you want to do, say yes to that invitation to the movies, party, park, or whatever.  Being in the moment with other people is an effective way to kick start the healing process.

Soon you will become more aware that the pain of your lost relationship has given you some wonderful lessons and has made you a stronger person.  When you begin to come to this realization, you will be ready to move on of your own accord.

What does the Three of Swords mean to you?

To contact me for a reading:
www.keen.com/Cascade

or call 1800-ASK-KEEN  Ext.04975339

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Or Get Off the Pot - The Knight of Wands

Although there are many ways to read this card depending on where it falls in a given spread, the Knight of Wands tends to crop up in my readings when a lover is here one minute, then uncommunicative the next.  There are plenty of stops and starts to getting the relationship going when this knight represents your love interest...a few dates, some physical affection, sweet words...then, he can't be reached, he doesn't call of his own accord.  He may even act as though you are 'just friends' for a time.  What is it with this guy, and what should you do about it?

Of course, you may accept or reject anything you hear during a reading, but it is important to discern your  feelings for this knight as well as the possibilities for a relationship with him VERY early on.  Otherwise, you may be in for a heartbreaking situation.  With the Knight of Wands, it is not usually the case that he is afraid of getting rejected or hurt and wants you to make the first move.  This guy has no problem taking initiative; it's just that he wants to take it when he is good and ready to take it.  He may even enjoy keeping you second guessing.  Is he afraid of committment?  Very likely.  He seems to want to have you on hand when he needs you, but does not want you to make any demands on his time.  In an impulsive moment, he  may tell you that he loves you or cares for you deeply, at the very least...but he may think better of it in the morning and then pull back. 

It is best if you figure this man out before you get hurt.  Don't let it go on too long.  If he continues to make you feel like a ping-pong ball, it may be time to move on before you are faced with months or even years of his vacillation. 

What does the Knight of Wands mean to you?

To contact me for a reading;    www.Keen.com/Cascade

or call 1800-ASK-KEEN  Ext.04975339

Three of Discs - The Artist at Work

This card often comes up when I read for my artist friends.  They take a lot of grief from their inner circle for being flakey and unavailable - quite frequently, their unpredictable work times can cost them their relationships.  But there is something so powerful about watching the artist at work. (So sexy to see my artist-lover at work.  I love to look on as he plans, makes adjustments, and creates!) There is such precision and focus as they delve into a new project.  It may be sketched and planned, but it is apparent that there are times when even the creator does not know how the finished product is going to turn out.  I love to watch how they learn from each creation and how they hone their skills and talents as they go along.  If the artist is trying to make a living from his work, the focus often becomes more intense.  Although I tend to surround myself with those in the creative sphere who are constantly perfecting their craft, the three of discs is not just pertinent to the artist.  Whatever you are doing, it is important to see it as a craft, a work of art, a product that defines your skills and talent.  Take the time an initiative to learn from others and to pass on your craft.  Learn from your creations, your projects, your clients.  Don't ever think that you have perfected your craft to where it can never grow beyond what you are doing now.  Take delight in the fact that each creation, business interaction, or project is a new experience.  With this attitude,  you can never grow bored.  Take pride in your work, and know that it is a necessary work.  No matter what your occupation, there is dignity in the work you are performing, and your work should be seen as deserving respect and recognition.  Your hard work will pay off if you approach it in this manner.

We should approach our relationships as a work of art in progress as well.  That way they have less tendency to go stale.  When we approach the relationship as a collaborative creation with our lover, we can learn from one another and teach one another as we work to make the relationship as beautiful as it is meant to be.  There may be times when we must seek the advice of a priest or counselor to learn the necessary skills to move past relationship hurdles.  Perhaps seeking the advice of other couples who have seen their relationships grow and change for the better because they have put in the hard work could also be helpful.
Trust in the creative process in your relationships in the same way your trust in it when creating works of art!
What does the Three of Discs mean to you?

To contact me for a reading;    www.Keen.com/Cascade

or call 1800-ASK-KEEN  Ext.04975339

Our Cups Runneth Over...The Ace of Cups and Unconditional Love

I chose the image of the Ace of Cups for my blog photo because of what it represents to me when it comes up in a reading.  When I see the Ace of Cups, I know it is open-hearted, unconditional love coming in - the kind that has more answers than questions.  It brings healing as it rushes over a couple.  Their cups runneth over with the knowledge that they would do anything in the world for one another.  It is Christ in the Eucharist, it is the divine love of God coming in.  A love that expects nothing in return except to love and to witness the effects of the divine love upon the souls that receive it.  It opens hearts as it washes over.  This is the kind of love that keeps its vows...the kind of love that one sees when lovers minister to one another over the long haul...til death do us part.  The Ace of Cups brings blessings, and when received humbly and gratefully, these blessings can transform a relationship (new or old) into something full of holiness as both partners strive to bring one another to realize their highest spiritual good.  It is an abundant love that never seems to be disconnected from its source. 

What does the Ace of Cups mean to you?


To contact me for a reading;    www.Keen.com/Cascade

or call 1800-ASK-KEEN  Ext.04975339

Welcome to Tarot for Lovers

Welcome to Tarot for Lovers!

As a tarot reader with over 20 years experience, I get many clients who want to gain better insights into their lover's feelings and heart.  The tarot provides a useful tool for gaining these insights and for finding out how best to proceed with new and established relationships. 

Please join me as I share what I have learned about how tarot can help us to understand our love relationships.

Feel free to post questions, ask about particular cards, or even ask a relationship question that I can respond to...

To contact me for a reading:
www.keen.com/Cascade

or call 1800-ASK-KEEN  Ext.04975339