Secrets of Success

You have a dream. And that dream is success.

But what is your definition of success?

Is it money? Wealth? Getting on top of the corporate ladder? Selling your Art? Public recognition? Earning a living doing what you love?

Success comes in many forms. Once you clearly know what you want, you can make plans, set goals and take steps towards achieving them.

But how do you actually make that happen? What are the practical steps you can take to turn your dreams into reality?

I call them 'secrets' of success, even though they are not intentionally kept secret from you, but not many people are aware of them or recognise them as vital components of the success formula.

These secrets of success are powerful actions you can take towards manifesting your goals:

1. Journaling

Journaling is about putting your vision, ideas and aspirations down on paper together with a step-by-step action plan on how to turn them into reality.

In the business world this is commonly known as a business plan, which is vital, if you need to apply for a start-up loan.

But as a creative and more intuitive soul, you can use more imaginative journaling. The key is to take stock every month and make adjustments if necessary.

If you want to use the Tarot for this purpose, you could try my Tarot for All Seasons workbook, which contains Tarot spreads through the year that help you focus and stay on the right track towards where you want to be.

For more intense and in-depth journaling, you can also use the Tarot Moon Journal to take into account astrological and in particular lunar influences.

If you don't yet feel confident in using the Tarot for life and business planning, then you might like the Shining Year Workbook.

Regular journaling is crucial not only towards success but also personal growth and development.

Quite often you will notice a pattern or habit that might help or hinder you while you are writing about it. You will reveal what is hidden and make what is unconscious rise to surface.

Don't believe me? I encourage you to give it a try.

Download my FREE Manifesting Change cards and use them to start journalling, and change your life at the same time.

2. Networking

Honestly, you can't do it all alone. You need to work with like-minded souls who are as driven and enthusiastic about achieving their dreams as you are.

There are some fantastic Mastermind groups out there, where individuals come together and support each other not only with helpful advice but also some emotional support when the going gets tough.

My online support group is the Shining Biz & Life Academy, where I've been a member since 2012, and over the last three years my Tarot biz has undergone a complete transformation. There are a wealth of eCourses and live training on offer. It's unconventional, but if you resonate with the design of what you see, then you will find that membership of the Academy may well be hugely beneficial.

Let's put it this way: I have renewed my membership since 2012 every year and will continue to do so in the future. I think that says a lot.

3. Perseverance

How many times have I seen people set their intentions, start their business and then give up six months or a year down the line, because they didn't make the money they hoped they were going to make?

Well, first there is a reason why they didn't reach their goal. See point 1 and 2. They probably didn't do regular self-assessment and tried do do it all by themselves without being accountable to a peer group that would actively support them.

Another reason can be they needed an income stream to sustain their livelihood. That's why it's unwise to give up the day job too quickly, and it may be necessary to combine your aspirations with a part-time job to keep you afloat.

Most of all, a sustainable business doesn't create itself overnight. It takes time. I started self-employment in 2006, and my income from my Tarot business was unsustainable until 2012, when I started to turn a corner. So until then I had to subsidise my income with other income streams and part-time work.

If you really want it, you can do it, but remember to implement these three secrets of success to give yourself the best chance to succeed.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Are You An Eagle Or A Duck?

Today's guest blogger Sibylle from Gentle Miracles Coaching is sharing with us Bodo Schäfer's wonderful and humorous distinction between people who are "eagles" or "ducks". 

It's a useful way to spot, who will be of help on your path, and of course how you can help yourself:

This article is based on something I read years ago, in a book by German money guru Bodo Schäfer. 

It’s such a wonderful metaphor, it’s stayed with me ever since, and I find myself applying the principle all the time.

Bodo Schäfer says that people basically come in two versions: 

They are either eagles or they are ducks. 

What he means by this is most of all a difference in attitude. 

Eagles soar, they overview the entire landscape, the “big picture”. They rise above little obstacles and if they come across any vermin, they simply eat them.

Ducks, however? Ducks quack.

Now while ducks are lovely animals, they simply don’t have the scope and the perspective of eagles. 

Schäfer likens these qualities to people and says that “duck” people tend to stay stuck within their own limited horizon. 

Have you ever had to call the customer service department of any company? There always seem to be a lot of ducks working in these! They’ll tell you they can’t help you, and being every sentence with: “Unfortunately, …”

Whilst the ducks are quacking, the eagles will figure out how it can be done. 

Schäfer tells about an occasion when he arrived in a hotel and the receptionist told him there had been a a double-booking and unfortunately, the room wasn’t available any more. 

He kept explaining that the rooms were simply all booked, there was nothing he could do…. Until Schäfer asked to speak to “someone who doesn’t already know it’s impossible.”

That’s when he found an eagle. This person apologised profusely and then told Schäfer to have a drink on the house while she sorted out the situation. 

Within 20 minutes she had organized a small attic room which had been out of use for a while. It was cleaned and fresh bedlinen brought, and to top it all off, Schäfer wasn’t charged for his stay for that night.

Are you beginning to see the picture? Eagles find solutions. Ducks find excuses.

If you ever have a problem or an issue to solve, it’s pretty obvious that you’d want an eagle by your side, rather than a duck. 

What’s more, if you are an eagle yourself, your path through life will be a lot smoother in the first place. Eagles are the types of people who won’t give up at the first obstacle. 

They don’t waste their time “quacking” about the unfairness of life and how hard-done-by they are. Instead, they’ll get a ladder or a pole vault and get past the obstacle, moving closer to their goal.

Want to act more like an eagle? Here are a few tips: 

• Always think in terms of solutions. Instead of thinking up reasons for why something isn’t possible, try and see how it CAN be done. 
• Don’t ever waste time and energy complaining. It might feel comforting to whine and vent to your best friend, but the time would be much better spent on figuring out a solution. 
• When you are faced with a problem which seems overwhelming or unsolvable, take a step back. Resist the temptation to say: “No way!” Rather, take a deep breath, get a cup of coffee or tea, and then make sure you really understand every aspect of the situation. Once you do, start brainstorming ways to tackle the problem. If you have any other eagles around you, it can be very beneficial to involve them in the brainstorming. Don’t censor, just jot down in keywords every crazy idea. Then afterwards, read through your list and determine which of them are feasible. 
• Program your mind to see opportunities rather than obstacles, although it can be a bit of a challenge in a world which is so dominated by negative media. To counter their influence, read books like Cynthia Kersey’s Unstoppable for at least 15 minutes every day. You’ll see a big difference after only a few weeks of doing this. 
• When you are stressed and it seems like you are surrounded by obstacles (or negative people), try and rise above it. Think “eagle” and imagine yourself soaring high into the sky. What’s the big picture? What is the context of the situation? You’re bound to feel much less claustrophobic immediately, and that’s when you think of ways to make it work. 

Happy soaring! I wish you many other eagles along your path.

Here are some questions you can explore with the Tarot:

1. Which traits of the eagle do I need to develop, and how will that help me? 

2. Which traits of the duck do I need to avoid, and how will that help me?

3. In which areas of my career / business is my duck mentality blocking progress, and what can I do to overcome it?

As always, I'd love your feedback, and please take a moment to check out Sibylle's bio below and visit her website. 

This article first appeared in Sibylle's weekly newsletter Monday Sparkles, which I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Sibylle is a certified tree hugger and also a trained and experienced Life and Business Coach. She believes that everyone deserves the experience of crystal clarity, laser focus, and achievement that comes with coaching. Sibylle lives on the beautiful West coast of Ireland and works with Coaching Clients from all over the world via Skype.

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What the Suit of Pentacles Can Teach You About Money

Universal Waite Tarot

Many people are useless with their money; they have no idea, how much they've got and what they spend it on.

They overdraw their accounts and create expensive debts on their credit cards, rather than patiently saving up for things they want first.

If you need some help with your money and learn to be more in control with your finances, the Tarot can offer some valuable tips.

Although each card in the Tarot (from Major Arcana to the suits of Cups and Swords) can offer insight and advice on resolving your money issues, the suit of Pentacles is focused on money, possessions, home and wealth.

Here are some useful money lessons you can learn from the pip cards in the Pentacles suit:

Tarot of Quotes

Ace of Pentacles - A windfall, a bonus payment or new financial opportunities that offer a good return of your investment in the future.

Aces are all about planting seeds that - when nurtured well - will turn into something precious and valuable in time to come, such as the proverbial nest egg perhaps in the form of a lucrative pension fund.

What to do: start a savings plan, even if you just invest a little every month. Spending money on a training course will pay off later, if it enhances your skills and you can apply it in your work. Invest money in assets that will increase in value over time.

What to avoid: risky investments, get rich quick schemes, spontaneous purchases and reckless spending you won't have anything to show for later.

Two of Pentacles - a time when you need to juggle your money, because you have some unexpected expenses, and you need to cut back elsewhere. Money goes as fast as it comes, but the trick is not to succumb and overdraw your account. Debts are not the answer.

What to do: be ruthless and cut out any unnecessary spending. Identify those areas in your spending pattern, where money just leaks away without you noticing, e.g. see how you can save on your electricity bill or avoid expensive branded products in the supermarket.

Now is a good time to start writing down what you spend your money on and set your budget.

Become your own Money Magician!

What to avoid: getting into debt; ignoring financial warning signs, hoping for the best.

Three of Pentacles - While working on a project, such as renovating or sprucing up your home, you may need to enlist the help of skilled professionals. This may cost money, but it will be well spent. Nothing is worse than a botched DIY job.

What to do: invest your money into something, that restores and increases value. Focus on your living or work space, where you spend a lot of your time. Upcycling, e.g. furniture and old soft furnishings. If you invest into your business, seek professional advice. Focus on quality.

What to avoid: cutting corners to save time and money; this won't pay off in the long-term.

Four of Pentacles - Take stock of how much money you have stashed away; can you afford to live a little, or do you still need to hold on to your money so tightly?

It's good to be in control and be careful with your spending, but sometimes it's not so good to skimp, especially on necessary repair bills, essential foods and clothing. You can enjoy life and have a good time without blowing all your life savings.

What to do: re-evaluate your savings and spending pattern and make some adjustments

What to avoid: high-risk investments; putting all your money in one basket; depriving yourself (and loved ones) of luxury you can easily afford

Tarot of Quotes

Five of Pentacles - Tough times financially. It's hard to make ends meet. A time for thriftiness and frugality. Getting back to basics and making the most of what little you have left. Sometimes a purge of material possessions can help you gain a new perspective on what "things" you really need and what you can do without.

What to do: reduce your spending to the bare essentials; review your remaining assets; consider selling some of your possessions, but also explore how you can make money using the knowledge and skills you have. Ask for professional advice and help, if you have debts or lost your job. Be persistent.

What to avoid: isolation and trying to fix your money problems all by yourself; giving up, despair and resigning to poverty. Don't be shy or proud to ask for the help you need and are entitled to. Money blocks and blaming others.

Six of Pentacles - You may need to apply for a loan or a mortgage, or you feel generous and donate money to good causes. Invest wisely and reap rewards later; be charitable and nurture your heart. Give and take in equal balance. We are all givers and receivers throughout our lives.

What to do: repay a debt to stop it from growing. Offer financial help, if you can afford it. Consider donating to and buying from charity shops to support good causes. If you are entitled to benefits, apply for them.

What to avoid: don't let your generosity be exploited; watch out for cons, who appeal to your kindness. Pay-day loans will haunt you for a long time.

Seven of Pentacles - Money keeps trickling in steadily, but there hasn't been growth for a while. You may need to be patient or take a risk to increase your income.

What to do: find new ways of an additional income stream. Invest into a business venture you are keen to work on, but don't give up your day job yet. Make sure you always have your basic living costs covered. Start a new savings plan in addition to the ones you already have.

What to avoid: rash decisions and indecisiveness. Take your time exploring opportunities, but don't ponder on them forever or you might miss them. Abandoning what you already have for high-risk ventures and investments.

Eight of Pentacles - You need to work hard and all hours to keep your current standard of living. Is it worth it, or is there a better way? Money should work for you, not the other way round.

What to do: investing into learning a new skill or enhancing an existing one, can help you demand a higher salary in the future without working your socks off. Applying for funding for a business project or further studies.

What to avoid: cashing in a savings plan prematurely. Making major financial changes.

Tarot of Quotes

Nine of Pentacles - Trust your instincts in money matters; you tend to be on the right track. Investments into land and property are likely to offer an excellent return in the future. Good money management gives you a feeling of abundance and stability.

What to do: reap rewards and enjoy the good life without going overboard. Maintain and nurture what you have. You may not lack anything now, but ensure you won't lack anything in the future. Focus on self-reliance and financial independence.

What to avoid: complacency and recklessness with money.

Ten of Pentacles - Create a legacy and ensure you and your family are taken care of, if the worst happens. Having to fulfil your financial obligations and responsibilities may stifle your flexibility. When it comes to possessions, less is more.

What to do: life insurance, health cover, pension fund... If you are due a payout, consider re-investing it to build on what you have already gained. Unless you love and use those family heirlooms, sell them if they just collect dust in the attic.

What to avoid: becoming a slave to your debts and material possessions. Being too attached to material things. Hoarding rather than selling.

My top tip on improving your money situation:

Keep a written record of all your expenses, from food shopping to nights out. This way you can identify careless spending and make adjustments. Do you really need to buy that expensive take-away coffee from Starbucks?

By writing down each and every expenditure, you gain control and make better decisions on where and what you spend your money on.

Consult the suit of Pentacles in your money reading:

simply remove the ten cards from your deck, shuffle them and draw a card. What does it advise you to do?

Get on top of your money issues, take charge and start creating abundance with the Tarot.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane



Transform your life this year:

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Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life
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Tarot For Writers - Three-Card Spreads For Story And Character Development

Create awesome stories with the Tarot

“You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” 

Jack London

The Tarot can be an excellent writing coach.

Let the magickal scenery of the cards fuel your imagination and help you with plot and character development.

Once you are familiar with the basic card meanings, you can use spreads to help you generate ideas.

Start off with 3-card spreads to keep it simple.

Character Development

You can explore a character’s

• Past – Present – Future
• Job – Love Life – Ambitions
• Strength – Weakness – Potential
• Goals and Motivations – Stakes – Internal conflict
• Dreams and Desires – Hopes and Fears – Inspiration

Sharman-Caselli Tarot

Example:

Job: Five of Cups - Funeral Director, Bereavement Counsellor

Love Life: The Devil - In a co-dependent relationship; sex addiction

Ambitions: Six of Wands - To escape the current rut and become a travel rep

Story Development

Develop a plot simply with

• Beginning – Middle – End 
• Dilemma – Action / Climax – Resolution 
• Action – Reaction - Movement 

Sharman-Caselli Tarot

Example:

Beginning: The Star - recovering from a serious illness

Middle: Queen of Wands - living life to the full 

End: Seven of Cups - new possibilities; dreams, desires; crossroads; an open ending

In order to get more specific ideas, you can pull one or two sub-cards for each position. 

For example, how does the Queen of Wands live life to the full?

Sharman-Caselli Tarot

Answer: Knight of Cups, Nine of Pentacles - She falls in love with an artist 10 years her junior, and together they take on a smallholding to convert into a bird sanctuary and B&B.

You can also adjust your ideas to a specific genre such as sci-fi, fantasy, crime, chick lit, horror, romance etc.

For example, in sci-fi terms, the Star could indicate a journey into space heading for an earth-like planet to find new living space for the human race.

The Queen of Wands suggests a charismatic female commander of the spaceship, whose task it is to explore the planet to see, if it is suitable as a new home for humans....

But how does the story develop according to the remaining cards? Now it's up to you to let your imagination run wild :)

I must stress that I'm not a fiction writer, so what I've come up with in this exercise may not be that brilliant, but the cards certainly made me think and challenge my imagination.

If you would like to learn the Tarot in order to use it as a story-telling tool, then consider enrolling on my correspondence course to unblock your blocks and accelerate your creative writing power.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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