Friday, 8 May 2015

What the Suit of Pentacles Can Teach You About Money

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:

ace of pentacles tarot of quotes
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

five of pentacles tarot of quotes
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.

nine of pentacles tarot of quotes
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



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Sunday, 1 February 2015

Tarot For Writers - Three-Card Spreads For Story And Character Development

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 three card spread
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 

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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Tuesday, 30 December 2014

A Message From Strength for 2015

strength aquatic tarot year card 2015Strength is the global year card for 2015.

Embrace the energy of Strength by following your passion.

Be it in love, romance, work, career, education, personal growth, spirituality, life style, health, parenthood... anything that is important to you.

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.”
Simon Sinek

More wisdom for 2015 associated with Strength:
  • You don't find time to do something, you make it. You are the source of time.
  • Accept 100% responsibility. Don't blame it on the shitty economy, other people or bad luck. It's down to you and how you handle your inner demons that sabotage your success.
  • Stop caring about what others think of you. Have the courage to be yourself and stand by your choices with confidence. If you keep living your life to please others, then you keep stifling your potential and happiness.
  • Find pleasure in the challenge. Stretch yourself, push your comfort zone to expand your vision. The more you do it, the less you fear change and uncertainty. 
  • Get in touch with yourself often. Ask questions like 'why' and 'how'. Explore your feelings, desires and experiences. Journal about them to help you grow and make your dreams come true
  • Whatever you do, put your heart into it.
  • Always remember to nurture and take care of yourself. 
“There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.”
Richard Branson

Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling 2015.

Christiane


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Saturday, 22 November 2014

The Hierophant - Fitting In Vs. Standing Out

hierophant aquatic tarot
“I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.”
Rita Mae Brown


The Hierophant is a guide, mentor and teacher.

The pope-like figure in the image suggests religion and as such institutions, large organisations and rules based on dogmatic ethics, values and philosophies.

Other keywords linked to the Hierophant are tradition, ritual, conformity, society, the collective, a family business, mission statements, education, corporate power and influence.

Astrologically, the Hierophant is linked to Taurus, and in a reading this may indicate rigidity but also a need for security and stability.

When this card comes up in a reading about work and career, you may need to
  • conform to the rules in a corporate business, if you want to be successful and move ahead in your job
  • stick to proven work methods and follow instructions consistently to produce quality work
  • get involved in education; e.g. enrol on a course related to your work, or share your knowledge and skills with others
  • make conventional and predictable choices and decisions rather than taking a risk
  • avoid innovation; just do what you've always done
  • start a long-term savings or pension plan
  • integrate into a group or team at work by adapting to their culture and customs

But does all that sound too boring for you? Does the idea of following orders make you feel uncomfortable?

Do overpowering corporations, political correctness and the same old routine stifle your true self? Are you itching to blow a whistle?

Then you may need to explore, whether you'd rather break free from "normal" and ruffle some feathers, including your own.

The Hierophant may ask you to align your soul and spirit with your working life, pursue a job or career that reflects your own values and inherent talent.

Challenge the status quo, confront the brainwash and speak up for yourself and others.

Get involved in charitable work, or start a volunteer project to make a positive difference in your community.

Do you prefer to be one of the sheep in the herd, or take on the role of the shepherd?

The Taurus energy makes the Hierophant reluctanct to change, but change is necessary for innovation and growth.

In Tarot Magick, meditate on the image of the Hierophant to gain clarity on your spiritual path and follow your own truth, to succeed in educational activities and exams, and to gain respect and recognition from others.

What special message does the Hierophant hold for you today?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane


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Tuesday, 20 May 2014

Tarot For Writers - Introduction

tarot for writers
If you are a fiction or poetry writer, have you ever thought of using Tarot cards to help you create your stories or poems? (here's a haiku)

This idea might come as a surprise to you, if you aren't familiar with the Tarot card images and how they can be used as a tool to fire your imagination.

Forget fortune-telling; you can be very creative with a Tarot deck in different ways.

The main protagonist in a story can be associated with the Fool in the Tarot, who embarks on some kind of journey (new experiences, events, an inner journey of self-discovery, an adventure, etc.), which leads to a yet unknown destination (The World).

The purpose of a story is to tell how the Fool moves from the starting position to the end of the story. Along the way, many things happen, either internally or externally.

A 78-card Tarot deck is divided into the Major Arcana (22 trump cards) and the Minor Arcana (four suits numbered Ace – 10 and 16 court cards).

The Major Arcana represents archetypal experiences, events, personalities and processes that are inherent in all of us. 
eight of swords
Inhibition, self-restriction, a hostage 
situation, damsel in distress...what 
does the Eight of Swords tell you 
about a character?

The Minor Arcana represents everyday events and activities, with the court cards signifying 16 personality types (see also Myers-Briggs personality profiling)

Shuffle a Tarot deck and pull cards at random in order to 
  • generate new ideas for a story 
  • get unstuck out of your writer’s block 
  • develop a character, personalities, story lines and more

One idea is to pull just one card to define the central theme of your story:
  • What is it about? 
  • What does the central character need to deal with?

Or you can pull one card, if you are stuck in the middle of a story. This one card can give you a prompt about:
  • what happens next
  • an obstacle
  • a helper
  • an interference
  • a characteristic
  • an opportunity
  • a secret
  • a solution
  • a twist
  • the ending
  • anything else you can think of

There is much more you can do with Tarot cards to accelerate your writing and take it to a new level. 

I will cover more ideas over the coming weeks. Make sure you subscribe to get the latest posts straight into your inbox.

In the meantime, if you are new to Tarot, why not check out my online beginners' course, so you can learn the basics and apply them to your writing

Let me know, if you're a writer, and I will adjust the course to your needs when we work together.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane


Transform your life this year:

Tarot Readings - Insightful guidance when you need it
Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life.

For more inspiring quotes and affirmations for each card, check out my ebook Empowering Messages from the Tarot

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Thursday, 24 April 2014

Social Networking Mistakes You Don't Want To Make

Social networking mistakes
I'm not a social animal when it comes to maintaining my Facebook pages and Twitter account.

I admire people, who can always engage their followers with witty, imaginative posts several times a day.

Admittedly, this is still a big learning curve for me, but I do know what best to avoid when networking online.

Here are some of my pet hates I have come across that make me unfollow Facebook pages and Twitter accounts:

1. Lots of photos or status updates are posted in  a short period of time cluttering up my news feed on both Twitter and Facebook. I'm not talking up to 10 a day (already quite a lot) but something like 30 - 50 in a row...

Stop that spam! It's really annoying. There is too much noise and information out there already. Quality counts, not quantity. Just remember it's so easy to unfollow or block your updates.

2. Imagine getting this message: "I have just liked your page. Can you follow this link and like my page, too?"

Honestly...let me put this straight: I only want you to like my page, if you genuinely like it and want to engage with me. Expecting a favour in return only irritates me, but I do often reciprocate as long as you don't ask. And when I do, you will know that I genuinely like your page and want to interact with it.

Tip: If you want to promote your business with a Facebook business or personal page, increase your exposure by not only liking other pages but also engaging with them. A win-win for all.

3. Auto-scheduling self-promoting posts in public Facebook groups. 

Yes, okay, I did mention the benefits of auto-scheduling tweets and Facebook updates in one of my earlier posts, but you are walking a thin red line, when you are auto-posting to public groups.

What you do with the accounts and pages you own is entirely up to you, but please treat public groups with respect and show up in person when you post there. Otherwise it gives the impression you just can't be bothered.

And I know it's an auto-scheduled post, because it says via Hootsuite at the bottom, and it's always posted at the same time every day ;)

Furthermore, auto-posting the same stuff again and again is simply spam. I had to turn off notification of some Tarot groups on Facebook, because certain members keep posting links to their website, products and services every day.

Please don't ram your stuff into my face. It's irritating, and I just block you off my radar. And I guess I'm not the only one ;)

4. Addicted to auto-pilot

You still need to show up on your pages and respond to your followers. Don't lose the personal touch. Respond to messages and feedback in person rather than setting up auto-replies, so people feel valued and keep coming back. Automating social media tasks is helpful, but don't turn into a robot. You still need to engage with your followers.

5. Twit Validation "TrueTwit"

One of the most irritating things on Twitter. If you use this service, rest assured that you are missing out on loads of followers, because they can't be bothered having to prove they're not robots.

The moment I receive a direct message asking me to follow a link to confirm I'm human, I unfollow straight away. Not worth my time.

So, if you use TrueTwit, consider ditching it. There is no need to check, if your followers are spammers; likelihood is that not many are anyway.

6. Don't Rely on Social Networks

This is one of the worst mistakes you can make; relying too much on social media platforms to promote your business.

When you invest a lot of time creating pages on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest and so on, remember that you don't own your pages there, and therefore have no control over them. You could be shut down any moment, or your pages become less visible unless you start paying for ad fees.

Keep time you spend building your social media pages to a minimum, and instead focus on creating valuable content for your website. This is where you are in control, and eventually working on what you own will pay off.

What turns you off on social media? I'd love to hear from you.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane


Transform your life this year: 

Tarot Readings - Insightful guidance when you need it 
Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life.

For more inspiring quotes and affirmations for each card, check out my ebookEmpowering Messages from the Tarot 

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Friday, 11 April 2014

Business Inspiration From The Hermit: Simplicity

the hermit tarot
Steve Jobs gave a small private presentation about the iTunes Music Store to some independent record label people. 

My favourite line of the day was when people kept raising their hand saying, "Does it do [x]?", "Do you plan to add [y]?". 

Finally Jobs said, "Wait wait — put your hands down. 

Listen: I know you have a thousand ideas for all the cool features iTunes could have. So do we. 

But we don't want a thousand features. That would be ugly. 

Innovation is not about saying yes to everything. It's about saying NO to all but the most crucial features.” 


Remember to keep it simple.



Transform your life this year: 

Tarot Readings - Insightful guidance when you need it
Learn Tarot - A magickal, inspirational tool for life.

For more inspiring quotes and affirmations for each card, check out my ebook Empowering Messages from the Tarot

Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

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