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Part 3a: Experience the Egyptian Odyssey Through My Eyes

Divine Love
Divine Love

On a chilly, pre-dawn, Full Moon morning, we gathered together in the lobby of the luxe River Nile island resort we were staying at in Luxor. A combination of sleepy and excited, we milled about wondering out loud and to ourselves how we’d be received by the fierce goddess we were on our way to meet. Everyone had heard me tell of my personal, life-changing meeting with the goddess Sekhmet the previous year. Now, they were on the way to their own personal meeting with her.

For me, regardless of whatever else I experienced on the Egyptian Odyssey, spending time with Sekhmet again was what I was looking forward to the most. She is all things– fiercely protective and pure unconditional maternal love, as she heals and guides you through this journey called life. Great Mother energy is a recurring theme for me and I feel privileged to have been called to her.

We boarded the coach and were uncharacteristically silent as we rode through the still, dark streets of Luxor on the way to her private temple in the Karnack temple complex. Once we arrived at Karnack, we were escorted to Sekhmet’s outer temple by the guards who lit the way with their mega-watt flashlights.

There, in her outer temple stands a stone altar. We intuitively knew we were to form a circle around it. I instructed them to put their hands on the altar and told them that I would call them into the temple to meet Sekhmet, one at a time.

Rina and I went into the main temple and were greeted by her temple guardian, a man with a beautiful spirit and of such indeterminant age, you knew he’d been her temple guardian for countless numbers of lifetimes.

I wish I could describe in words what it feels like to be in the space of that inner temple. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more content, more at peace, more ageless and endless than I felt standing in Sekhmet’s inner temple that morning. Rina went to see her first. After a few minutes, it was my turn. She embraced me (how does a stone statue embrace you? I don’t know how; I only know that she did) and my soul felt loved, protected, and filled with an indescribable sense of peaceful joy. She thanked me for bringing her children to her and told me she was ready to meet them again.

As I prepared to leave her presence, she said, “Oh, and take off your hat!” Yes, I was standing in the presence of the goddess and had forgotten to approach her properly! I laughed, removed my beret, and went to get Casy, whom she specifically asked for first.

There was a correct order to the process and Rina, a high priestess of Sekhmet, guided me as I guided Casy and the others through the process before I handed them to the temple guardian who escorted them to Sekhmet. I noticed that he escorted each of them to different positions of closeness to her. He knew where each soul needed to stand on the path and Sekhmet met them the rest of the way. With each meeting, that person’s suffering was lifted from them and replaced by love.

Rina and I worked smoothly together; of course we would– we had overseen this same ceremonial mission over countless lifetimes. After everyone had their private meeting with her, we all held hands and formed a circle with her at one end and her temple guardian at the other. We said a prayer for those who were too ill to join us in person and I spoke and delivered the message Sekhmet wanted us to have before I instructed the Odyssey-ites to form pairs and approach her and hug her.

Melissa was in one of the last pairs to hug her and afterwards, she called me over and told me she had to go again, but this time with Jinan. Again, I wish I had words to describe what I felt as I realized what Melissa’s words meant. I knew then that Melissa and Jinan had a soul bond that was deeper and more beautiful than anything I could have imagined– I knew that these two sisters and temple priestesses had found each other again. I felt awed and humbled to be in the presence of such perfection. (Even now, I’m overcome with emotion as I remember and write about it.)

I found Jinan and took her to Melissa. I watched as they silently approached and embraced Sekhmet. And then my heart almost stopped from witnessing the pure beauty of what happened next. With their eyes closed, while still embracing Sekhmet, Melissa took Jinan’s right hand in her left hand and placed them on the front of Sekhmet’s heart. I had never witnessed so great a demonstration of Divine Love before that moment. Although I don’t remember taking it, there is a photo of that moment on my phone. Did I somehow, have the presence of– what? It couldn’t be presence of mind– I was completely out of my body by then– to take a photo of that moment? What else I didn’t know at the time was that at the very moment Melissa was reaching for Jinan’s right hand with her left and placing it over the front of Sekhmet’s heart, Jinan was simultaneously reaching for Melissa’s right hand with her left hand and placing them over the back of Sekhmet’s heart! Perfection!

It was time for us to leave Sekhmet and gather around the alter stone in her outer temple again. Rina placed a bag on the altar stone and told me the bag contained individual bottles of lotus oil, and that lotus oil would consecrate our experience. “You must touch them!” she said as she placed each bottle of oil in my hand, further instructing me to personally hand each of the Odyssey-ites a container of the oil. That was another time-out-of-time instance and I did as instructed, marvelling at how deeply connected to Spirit Rina is.

As we left Sekhmet’s temple, the sun was coming up, and that’s when we could see it– with the exception of the temple priests and the guards, we were the only other people walking through Karnack temple. I wish you could’ve been there with us, a handful of souls bonding with our past, each other, and ourselves as we walked through the vastness of the thousands of years old Karnack temple complex while greeting the dawn of a new day, both literally and metaphorically.

Rina caught up to me and slipped her arm through mine and said, “I know what you are doing.” I looked into her beautiful beaming face and I asked, “Oh, and what am I doing, Rina?” Still beaming, she answered, “You are training me!” I smiled, nodded, and said, “Yes, and you are training me.” My soul was elated– I love it when I see and feel the results of following the Divine’s instructions!

This was an exceptional experience and there is more to this day… Stay tuned!

Lots of Joy,
Sheilaa

Part 2: Experience the Egyptian Odyssey Through My Eyes


Early morning, after breakfast, we boarded the coach for our first day’s adventures. Every morning, I asked a different person in the group to choose a word from a purple velvet drawstring bag.

The chosen word acted as a window or lens through which we experienced the events of the day and/or it described, instructed us, or in some way connected us with our experiences. The word that first day out was WONDER. It was such a perfect descriptor for the start of our great life-changing Egyptian Odyssey adventure!

As we headed toward the Giza Plateau, there was lots of nervous and anticipatory chatter about what the day could bring. Our first stop was a sight that most people have seen in photographs but relatively few people have seen in person– the three pyramids that make up the Great Pyramid Complex.

Damla’s expression says it all!

That’s when it really hits you, “I. Am. Standing. In. Front. Of. The. Great. Pyramid– In. Egypt!” We all gasped in awe and time kind of stood still. Oh, WONDER, indeed! As Rina explained the history of the Great Pyramid to us, it wasn’t lost to anyone in our group that in less than two weeks, we’d be inside that Great Pyramid, making our way to the King’s Chamber.

We had fun taking pictures of the pyramids, of ourselves at the pyramids, of each other at the pyramids. Yep– we were pyramid giddy! Here is where I really began to see the Odyssey-ites, still near strangers to each other, begin to come into conscious awareness of their soul’s rememberance of who and what they were to themselves and each other.

Barbara, Renata, & Wendy– desert explorers!

We moved on from the pyramids to another part of the Giza Plateau where, for those who wanted to, camel rides were being offered. This was an exciting opportunity for most of the Odyssey-ites. Not me, though, or Jinan, another member of the group. We realized we both thought the same way about it– did anyone ask the camels how they felt about the rides? It was fun watching the others, though, as they were guided onto the camel’s backs. For the most part, they were like little kids, giddy with excitement. And I have to admit that when I saw the riders heading for the horizon and back towards the Sphinx and the pyramids, my spirit was having a moment of nostalgic de-ja vu, remembering when I was part of a caravan crossing the desert sands as I headed for the pyramids so many lifetimes ago.

Jinan & me

As we stood watching the riders and their camels, Jinan turned to me and asked if I had something I wanted to say to her because when we’d met the day before, she noticed that I had a reaction at our first in-person meeting. I looked at her and meant to say, “I don’t think so”, but instead, what came out was, “the moment I first heard your voice six years ago on the telephone, these words and feelings fluttered through my heart and mind– ‘My child’.” She threw her arms around me and we held on to each other, both weeping joyously from soul recognition, as she exclaimed, “I knew you were my mother!” I can’t put into words how wonderful it felt after all of these lifetimes to hold my child again.

After a while, Jinan spotted someone she knew and went over to them. That person was an old college classmate of hers. What are the odds that you’re thousands of miles and years of living away from your past associates and you meet up with one of them in the shadow of the pyramids in Egypt! That’s Egypt for you– great for meeting yourself and others from your past in this lifetime and in previous lifetimes.

Still on the vast Giza Plateau, those of us who weren’t traveling to the next destination on camelback, rode there in our luxury coach. At the “jewel in the crown” of the days outing, The Great Sphinx– we gathered for our own private visit to that grand symbol of the solar deity, protection, and wisdom. Larger and more majestic than you expect, with paws higher than most of us are tall, the Sphinx is everything you’ve imagined it to be. Though it’s visible from a distance, you have to have a special permit to walk around it and stand within its outstretched front legs.

Rina and the Goddess Ma’at had a vision of how our time there was to be, so we followed Ma’at’s instructions and let each Odyssey-ite choose a white feather symbolizing balance, truth, and harmony and a brass Ankh, symbolizing eternal life, that was to be worn on a ribbon around their necks.

The energy of the Sphinx is incredible! I could feel and hear his heart beating as we walked around it and stood in the shelter of his towering form. I gathered everyone together and we took a journey into the heart of the Sphinx via a Guided Meditation that revealed the first of many of each individual soul’s treasures. I felt that this wondrous symbol of ancient and modern Egypt was telling us that he held us safely in his heart and would be one of our protector-guides on our Odyssey.

The guided meditation over, we nestled next to his heart as we gathered for a group photo in the arms of the Sphinx. As soon as the picture was taken, Rina looked to her left, pointed to an ancient temple ruin, and exhorted us with the cry, “Yalla bina!”, which is Arabic for “let’s go”.

Wow– just wow!

Rina has many wonderful talents, one of them being, having an eye for what will make a great photo. We followed her over to the ruin, which still had an intact framed entryway. As we entered the temple ruin, she took a photo of each of us with the Great Sphinx behind us– magnificent! She then read the hieroglyphic inscriptions which told us who the temple was dedicated to.

Rina, channeling her inner goddess!

Finally, our private time with the Sphinx was up and we boarded the coach for our next stop– an Egyptian essential oils shop. Informative, entertaining, and a delight to our senses! Everyone, no matter what they’d promised themselves, allowed themselves the gift of purchasing these exquisite oils that were made from formulas and ingredients that were thousands of years old. I still had oils from my previous trip to Egypt, so I knew I wouldn’t let the seduction of my olfactory senses convince me to get any additional oils. Well, so much for what I thought I knew– I left there with three new blends! It was beautiful to see that whatever awkwardness anyone might have felt before we entered the oils shop, was dissipated in the beautiful energy of the “olfactory delights temple”, aka the essential oils shop.

After a delicious lunch, we headed back to the hotel to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures. What energies would we encounter? What new-old aspects of ourselves would we discover?

Stay tuned for Part 3 of The Egyptian Odyssey Through My Eyes…

Part 1: Experience the Egyptian Odyssey Through My Eyes

Rina & me sailing on the Nile

A few days ago, I returned from leading a phenomenal group of souls on a Grand Reunion Odyssey in Egypt. It was powerfully unique and I’ve never experienced anything like it. We were all at the same time here in the 21st century and fully realized in a time thousands of years ago.

I’ll begin with a bit of a back story. Though Egypt had once been on my list of hip things to do many years ago, I’d “gotten over it” and though I was still intrigued by the thought of Egypt, I no longer had the desire to travel there. Fast forward to one day in April of ’21 when I was told in a 12&1/2-hour period by two people who have no knowledge of each other that I’d be going and who I was to contact to make it happen.

Experience has taught me that when that type of instruction comes in, I need to listen and comply. Which I did. So, in December of ’21, I went to Egypt, completing an eleven + day journey back in time in only 5 days. On my arrival, I met my sister, Rina (who was disguised as my guide), and at my departure, I met my brother, Mahmoud (who posed as my airport departure escort).

In that 5-day period and between meeting those two people, I traveled all over Egypt, visited many familiar temples, met with holy men, had a life-changing audience with the goddess, Sekhmet, was anointed by her high priest, downloaded messages and the itinerary for what was to become the December ’22 Egyptian Odyssey from the goddesses and gods at their altars, knew soul recognition and unconditional love and acceptance, and experienced in real time what it’s like to live life without the restrictions of time, mortality, and physical limitations.

Once back in the States, I worked for a year with phenomenal travel agents on the physical structure and with Rina on the physical and spiritual content of the Egyptian Odyssey – The Grand Reunion.

I created the brochure, sent it out, and one-by-one, those who heeded the call, signed on. Finally, the day arrived and we all met in Cairo to partake of the adventure we’d waited so many lifetimes for. Though almost everyone was a stranger to each other, immediately after meeting, the soul recognitions began to take place and we recognized who we were to each other, past and present, and why we were with each other now. (One person hurt her back badly and couldn’t join us in person. We could feel her energy and knew we were to include her in our prayers at each of the temples we visited.)

I’d hurt my back, too, just enough to make life difficult while getting ready for the Odyssey, which made traveling more of an ordeal and I arrived in Cairo, tired, listless, and in pain, a day before the Odyssey was to begin. My brother, Mahmoud, who had seen me off a year before, met me at the airport and was very concerned as he escorted me through customs and immigration, and made sure I was settled at my hotel.

Arriving early gave me a chance to meet with Rina and go over the plans for the Odyssey. The next day, pain-free and feeling rested, I met Rina (and her husband, Sharif) in the hotel lobby and the “reality” of having spent a year apart vanished and all that was left was the power of the moment. We ran into each other’s arms and I’d never felt more unconditionally loved and loving. Feeling unconditionally loved and loving– this was to be a recurring theme and energy of the Odyssey.

They took me to lunch at Sharif’s favorite Cairo restaurant and there, I discovered that unconditional love and soul memories can be reawakened by food, too. If Egypt was trying to tell me it was happy to see me again, it was doing a very good job!

After lunch, Sharif dropped us off at the hotel and I held my right hand out and said, “I know we just met…” Without hesitation, he opened his arms and gave me a big hug! (Egypt is a conservative and Muslim country and hugging a woman or man you don’t know well just isn’t done.) With that, I knew he was happy I was in Rina’s life. Rina later told me that Sharif doesn’t hug her other friends unless he’s known them a long time.

Later that night, I was waiting in the lobby for my friend, Doreene, to arrive. Mahmoud was her airport escort and as soon as we saw each other, I told him, “I’m feeling so much better now, I just needed to get some rest.” He said, “I was so worried about you!”, as he threw his arms around me and gave me a big hug! I assured him I was back to my old self and thanked him for bringing Doreene to the hotel.

Doreene’s room wouldn’t be ready until later the next day so she was staying in my room her first night in Cairo. The hour was late and we were both tired and expected to sleep until the next morning. But that didn’t happen. It’d been years since she and I had spent time together and we wound up catching up on each other’s lives. As the sun came up, I showed her my view of the pyramids from my balcony and she was beyond suitably awed. (Seeing the pyramids in person is a sight that never gets old!)

After breakfast, her room was ready and she went on her own personal exploration of Cairo while Rina and I met again and ran a few important errands. Upon our return to the hotel, several more of the Odyssey-ites had just arrived and were waiting in the lobby to be checked into their rooms. Although we’d all met on Zoom, this was the first time many of us were meeting in person and noisy, joyous introductions abounded as we greeted each other.

After dinner that night, all eighteen of us met in one of the hotel’s conference rooms and Rina and I went over the itinerary and explained how the Odyssey would go. I had each person choose their Odyssey quotes, their journals, and a few other Egyptian Odyssey talismans. During the meeting, each person introduced themselves and told us why they’d come along on the Egyptian Odyssey.

Interestingly enough, three of the people on the Odyssey were named Jennifer! How does that happen!? One of the other Odyssey-ites, Damla, who is from Turkey told us that it’s a Turkish custom that whenever two people have the same name, you can stand between them and make a wish! Someone else pointed out that with three Jennifer’s, they too, could avail themselves of the benefits of that powerful wish-making custom.

We then did a brief round-table reading for everyone present using my treasured Clive Barrett’s Ancient Egyptian Tarot deck. It was amazing to see how all of the quotes and Tarot cards matched their stated reasons for being there.

At the end of the meeting, we said our good night’s, retired to our rooms, and prepared for the next day’s adventures of pyramids, Sphinxes, camel rides, past life recognitions, and more!

The 3 Jennifer’s & me at Seti, the 1st’s temple

August 2021 Tarotscope

It’s August and the summer is half over. This month is ruled by The Sun card, which encourages you to be creative, relax, and listen to your heart. Instead of working to exhaustion, let The Sun guide you back to a time when what mattered was chilling out, exploring the countryside, and enjoying life. Go ahead– enjoy life from the perspective of not having a care in the world– your heart and soul will thank you!

For all of us:

“I love you, my sister and brother, whoever you are– whether you worship in your church, kneel in your temple or pray in your mosque. You and I are all children of one faith, for the diverse paths of religion are fingers of the loving hand of one Supreme Being, a hand extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, eager to receive all.” Khalil Gibran

And for now and forever:

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” Roy T. Bennett

 

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) The Universe is giving you quite a gift– becoming a Master of calmness and discernment. As you fully experience the effects of your choices, you’re also learning that How and Why you choose are just as important as What you choose.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20) Though the tumult continues, please remember that nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come. You are experiencing that phenomenon now. The changes occurring are paving the way for a better future. Your mission is to accept what is happening with grace and trust. Your key phrase is “I let go and let God.”

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20) The words power, choice, and fulfillment are very meaningful to you right now. Those words are informing you of the opportunities and responsibilities that are available to you. Please take matters into your own hands, listen to your inner voice, and take advantage of the powerful energy presenting itself to you.

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20) You’re coming to the end of an important cycle in your life. Experience is teaching you that you must be willing to see things as they are and not as you’ve imagined them to be. This wake-up call is necessary and you’ll profit from the insights you gain about your life and the people in it. Your key word is “Clarity.”

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) The Universe is acknowledging you in a powerful way. Breathe a sigh of relief as you count your winnings. You must make an important decision for your present and future well-being, and that decision must come from your heart and nowhere else. Your key phrase is I am blessed.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22) Remember the lyrics of that wonderful old song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”? That song is part of the soundtrack of your life right now. Learn the lyrics and sing it often. Things are changing and assistance will come from a surprise source.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) “Sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth”, is your mantra. Repeat it to yourself as you risk making the necessary commitments to manifest your deepest desires. The groundwork you have laid in the past is your foundation– build on it and you will see positive results before the holidays.

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) Your efforts are beginning to pay off. ‘Stay the course’ as you take your bows and accept well-deserved rewards. Someone from the past returns, wanting ‘another chance’.  Reminder– issues of the past are often better left in the past.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) Though life seems intense right now, please avoid the negative emotions that cause you to project unnecessary stress onto your present-day life. Give yourself the gift of going within and listening to your inner voice as you discover the peace that’s developing within.

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) Your fertile period continues and your ideas are becoming more valuable now. With proper planning, the support of appropriate actions, and focus, faith, and follow-through– the bounties will roll in!  Your mantra is “Life is what you make it”.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) Stand in the center of what you have created and take stock of your situation. You are your greatest asset and the best person to decide the course of your destiny. Rely on your intuitive sense for guidance and you will not fail.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20) Don’t dissipate your energy by telling others of your plans– just enact them! Like newly planted seeds, your ideas and plans need time to grow and take root without the negativity of those who don’t share your vision. Keep your focus on the positive and you’ll have reason to celebrate.

July 2021 Tarotscope

It’s summer for those in the Northern hemisphere and winter for those in the Southern hemisphere, which means that we’re still in the pivotal time of the year where we need to ask the important questions, “Where am I? What’s motivating me? What matters to me? What do I stand for and against?”

Please continue going within and exploring. The answers that come up for you will help define and guide you during this second half of the year.

And keep in mind that even though Mercury is no longer retrograde, we’re enduring a messy break-up. It’s not letting go easily, so please make sure you check that you’re dotting your “i’s” and crossing your “t’s”.

For all of us:

“I love you, my sister and brother, whoever you are– whether you worship in your church, kneel in your temple or pray in your mosque. You and I are all children of one faith, for the diverse paths of religion are fingers of the loving hand of one Supreme Being, a hand extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, eager to receive all.”  Kahlil Gibran

And for now and forever:

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” Roy T. Bennett

 

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) It’s now the time to thoughtfully process all that you’ve experienced lately in order to put it in its proper place in your life. Enjoy the experience and prepare to appreciate the upcoming adventure—you will soon be off on another quest that promises to reveal an exciting new chapter of life for you.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20) Life is tumultuous right now and it’s important to make sure you’re grounded. During these interesting and unpredictable times, remember to be interesting and unpredictable. Live in the moment and approach life with your senses and arms open. You’ll encounter memorable surprises and have enlightening moments of awareness.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20) The energy and efforts of the last few months are beginning to show results. Make sure you attend to the details and continue to listen to and follow your intuition.  There are many opportunities for your growth and advancement right now and it’s important for you to pay attention to the signs that pop up for you. What you see and sense will provide you with excellent guidance.

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20) The experiences of the past few weeks have been invaluable. One of those lessons learned—holding your mind and senses still long enough to decipher what’s really happening. This new way of being creates an excellent opportunity for you to know yourself as you begin to manifest that which is of value to you in the world.

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) Remaining focused and taking appropriate action are your strongest allies right now. No matter what happens, keep your eyes on your goals and keep moving methodically in the direction of your dreams. Remember to ask for and accept mundane and Divine Guidance. As you advance toward the completion of your quest, you’ll discover that there was/is a Plan and you’re on course to actualize it.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22) During what feels like a long, intense journey, you have grown on all levels. Please pause and look around– you’ll be able to see how far you’ve come. As you evaluate your life from this new perspective, you’ll begin to see that life doesn’t have to be a wrestling match. Now is the time to reflect and reassess your journey as you take control of your new future.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) Your momentum is strong and your trajectory is clear. Strengthen them by consciously acknowledging your efforts and results. It’s almost time to celebrate your soon to be victories, so do remember that balance and self-trust are two of your most powerfully learned lessons from this experience—use them as you begin to live your best life.

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) This is a time of manifestation for you. Your words, energy, and actions are powerful and what you ask for, you are very likely to receive. Please make sure that you are specific in your requests and always express your gratitude. ‘Thank You’ is magical and magnetic.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) Are you resisting one of life’s inevitable forces—change? It’s time to ask yourself, “Why?” It could be that you’re resisting out of habit and fear. It’s time for you to stop resisting and begin an enriching journey of gentle compliance.  Doing so will enable you to go with the flow of empowering, dynamic energy as well as reap the benefits of your actions.

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) The Universe is strongly urging you to take “the next big step.” Please set aside your “reasons” for not moving forward and take the actions necessary to shepherd you through this current phase of your process. As you do so, you’ll discover a whole new self-confident self and lots of validating achievement.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) Yea! You’ve learned to be true to yourself and your goal.  You’re achieving things you would never have thought possible in the past. Be careful not to minimize yourself or your achievements and do remember to treat yourself to a well-deserved reward. You’re your time, so please enjoy your victory with joy, grace, and gratitude.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20) The last few years have been tough. Thankfully, that phase of experience is winding down and you can begin to pay attention to how well you’ve matured. During this “resting” phase, be kind to yourself as you begin preparing for the time when living and learning become a joy again. Do look in the mirror and thank yourself for doing the work that got you here.

May 2021 Tarotscope

It’s May– we’re a third of the way through the year. Please, be like spring– be fully engaged in your life and do whatever it takes to acknowledge and celebrate yourself.

Mercury will be retrograde from May 29th to June 22nd. Since Mercury rules communication, transportation, and contracts, when it’s retrograde, all manner of mistakes and misunderstandings can occur. If you can, please hold off on buying or leasing any big ticket items. It’s also a good idea to triple check any and all plans you make. This is an excellent time for introspection and research, though. Those things that are usually hidden from view, show themselves more easily during a Mercury Retrograde period. Wait until Mercury goes direct before making any big decisions.

And no matter what’s happening in the cosmos– down here on planet Earth, especially in the U.S., there is still great work to be done. Now is the time to make sure that the freedoms we’ve worked so hard to keep are supported by our actions– volunteer to help keep voting rights accessible to everyone. At last count, Republican politicians in over 40 states are actively working to pass laws or have already passed laws that will make voting impossible for people in many key states. Let’s all actively participate in preventing our world from being force marched into the dark ages!

For all of us:

“I love you, my sister and brother, whoever you are– whether you worship in your church, kneel in your temple or pray in your mosque. You and I are all children of one faith, for the diverse paths of religion are fingers of the loving hand of one Supreme Being, a hand extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, eager to receive all.” Khalil Gibran

And for now and forever:

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” Roy T. Bennett

 

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) Please avoid dwelling on the ‘what ifs’ of a situation. Now is the time for you to engage in the art of pleasant persistence. The clarity and confirmation you’re looking for will come after the dust is settled. Even though you can’t see it yet, everything will turn out fine.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20) That aspect of yourself that doesn’t like change is very uncomfortable now. An era has come to an end and you don’t trust letting go of the past in order to embrace the newness of the present and the future. Please don’t think that if you deny the obvious long enough, it’ll go away. You must put aside your reluctance and move toward what you know is the future. The discomfort of accepting the new is temporary, so commit to going with the inevitable.

 THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20) You love a strong challenge, which is good, because right now, challenge of one sort or another is all around you. Remember to use that natural cleverness of yours and you’ll be able to work towards resolution as you overcome those pesky challenges. You’re not alone in this; others who share your vision will step up and assist you. And lest we forget, Mercury, your ruling planet, will go retrograde on May 29th, use the time to reflect on your goals and create a strategy that you can use to bring your goals to successful completion once Mercury goes direct on June 22nd.

 THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20) Study the quotes of the great philosopher, humanitarian, and mathematician, Albert Einstein. Read his life story, too. His heart, wisdom, and ability to explain and apply practical concepts to what only he could see are the guides you need to break through into a new phase.

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) Being indecisive is a result of being afraid to take a stand because you’re afraid that you may be wrong or unpopular. We’re all afraid at many points in life. It’s part of the human experience. Follow your strong heart and gift of natural courage– they’ll lead you to make the moves you know are right.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22) This is a good time for self-reflection. Use the first twenty-nine days of this month to get your ducks in a row. Mercury, your ruling planet, will go retrograde on May 29th, effectively throwing a monkey wrench into most of your plans. Use the three weeks of enforced ‘down time’ to reflect on your goals and create a strategy that you can use to bring your goals to successful completion once Mercury goes direct on June 22nd.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) What are you yearning for these days? You’re in a very magnetic space now. So many new opportunities are coming your way now. Take advantage of this magical time and indulge those yearnings. Allow yourself to be amazed as you sample the largesse that the Universe is presenting to you.

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) As wild as it may seem, it’s time for you to just chill. You’ve been expending a lot of energy and you need to take time to recharge. Enjoy the beautiful days of spring by simply just being. As you observe life and store up your energy for the next few weeks, you’ll easily come to realizations that previously eluded you.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) Be daring and exercise emotional courage. A lot of old thoughts, beliefs, and feelings will be coming up for you. Look them in the eyes and free yourself from their tyranny by proclaiming on every level that the past is in the past. Acknowledge that you have the right and the responsibility to live your life out loud and then– do it!

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) You’re currently enrolled in a course called, Major Transformation. The energies of change, transformation, and releasing the old to make way for the new are your current study partners. It’s best to cooperate with this unstoppable force– that way you’ll lead the charge and march triumphantly into a future whose time has come. You’re not alone in this, though, Divine Energy is guiding you.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) Wow! Things aren’t dull these days are they? You’re now ready and able to call the tune you like, pick the partners you want, and dance the dances that step to your rhythm. Be vigilant and make note of what you want to do, who you want to meet, and where you want to go during this prolific time. This is your parade, your party– by all means, have a blast!

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20) Remember the old saying, “You’re known by the company you keep?” Well, it’s time for you to choose company that will respect and honor you. Changing from the old habit of accepting what’s put in front of you to establishing the new habit of consciously choosing who and what deserves to be in your presence is going to be pretty wild for a while. You’ll like the results and get the hang of it pretty quickly, though.

(VIDEO) Sheilaa Hite – Loving Yourself And Your Patterns

Listen to my interview with the powerful healer Damla Aktekin!

In this Conversations With Healers episode, my guest is Sheilaa Hite, world-renowned Tarot Master and Teacher, Master Transformational Astrologer, Intuitive and Author. Sheilaa was featured in the book 100 Top Psychics and Astrologers in America. Sheilaa and I had a delightful conversation about:

– Her unusual upbringing and how her intuitive gifts were celebrated from birth,
– The concept of Spiritual Hedonism (which is the title of one of Sheilaa’s books) and how our pleasure and joy can lead us to deeper healing and what Karl Lagerfeld can teach us about life,
– The art of healing others and how there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to psychic readings or healing work,
– Tarot and Astrology, how these tools can help us on our healing journey,
– How grace can work regardless of the tools we use as healers,
– What spiritual alchemy means for us and for the world,
– And more.

My favorite healing nugget from Sheilaa is “Start turning within and start loving yourself. Liking yourself is great but go ahead with unconditional love. If divine can love you, why not you?”

With love and light,

Damla

July 2020 Tarotscope

We are a simple species who too often insist on making things complicated.

Treat others the way you want to be treated.“Love one another as I have loved you.” “We all do better when we work together.”  “What goes around, comes around.”

You see, the rules are clearly stated. And, for extra incentive, the most obvious advantage to following them is rooted in self-interest!

Currently, there’s a strong wave of awareness and activism motivated by most, if not all, of the above quotes. Good, because that’s what it’s going to take to save us now. I’m again reminded of Edmund Burke’s quote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.” I’m glad that so many good people are finally willing to do something about the evil that has been draining the life out of our existence. It’s a good start and we can use a few more.

So– are you willing to do what it takes to boost your level of self-interested harmony? In addition to signing petitions, putting your body where your convictions are is the next great step. Show up and make phone calls, knock on doors, make signs, make sure your voice is heard, and please for the love of everything that’s holy– VOTE and encourage others to vote, too!

Margaret Mead said it best– “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

This month’s message comes in the form of a song. Some of the songs will have a special meaning for you and some of them are here just for the joy of it. I encourage you to listen to your song and any others that call out to you.

 

For all of us:

Something Beautiful Remains – Tina Turner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kaOLKEAVLo

 and

 Love’s in need of Love Today – Stevie Wonder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZditPOzJnM

 

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) How Can It be Forbidden If It’s Love – 3rd World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy4ut4S4Ap0

 

EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20) A Change is Gonna ComeSam Cooke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEBlaMOmKV4

 

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20) Celebrate Me Home – Kenny Loggins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVbPgBGv2to

 

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20) Why I Sing The Blues – B.B. King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWGfX3U8tUM

 

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) Who Will Buy? – Aaron Neville

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuqG2gnr4xA

 

The Hermit (August 23 – September 22) Amazing Grace – Aretha Franklin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3UJxD2za1Y

 

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) Standing Knee Deep in a River and Dying of Thirst – Kathy Mattea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWyFW1siCwQ

 

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) Take it to the Limit – The Eagles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJkW0Clsvrk

 

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) You May Be Right – Billy Joel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilsv0C1-aBw

 

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) Nature Boy – Nat King Cole

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0XJCJ1Srw

 

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) Painted On Canvas – Contra Costa Singers, Stephanie Austin Letson, Director

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRm-YAaF9bI

 

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20) Hallelujah – K.D. Lang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_NpxTWbovE