#2 Newsletter
If you are new here, each week, I share an Oracle card reading, a short story, and a playlist. I am so so glad you are here...
This week, I chose a 3 card pull for our reading.
The first card represents a past dynamic (who I was).
The second card symbolizes a present dynamic (who I am).
And the third card signifies a future potential (who I will be).
Do not worry if you can’t see yourself in any of these cards. Simply make a decision to open your heart to what feels right and let the rest sift on through.
**Note: Oracle cards, just like any divination tool, synchronous event, or answered prayer, are simply sacred way finders. Tools that help us find our way back to ourselves.
Past: Panther
Annihilation of the unnecessary, purging
“The Panther won't stand to see our growth of energy stagnate. Instead, it pounces into our lives and causes all kinds of havoc…. With the ultimate intention of bringing us toward more fulfilling lives. It’s unexpected, uncomfortable, and sometimes feels devastating, but after all the dust clears, it’s easy to see the Panther’s wisdom at work. We’ve all been through these experiences, and they’ve made us better people. Trust that the Panther’s journey always leads us to a brighter place.”
~ Kim Krans, The Animal Spirit Guidebook
Panthers in the Wild
You know what they say, a Panther a day keeps the doctor away.
My first Panthers were the events that led up to me quitting drinking. The time I invited 30 friends over for a barbeque and passed out in the bathroom at 5 pm and missed the entire thing. The time I stayed out till 3 am and had to take care of a sick baby the next day. The time I fell on the dance floor in front of everyone at a mardi gras ball after doing coke in the bathroom and drinking all day. And all the times I passed out tucking my daughters in at night and had to be carried to bed by my husband. All the nights that had been erased by alcohol and stimulant abuse. And the days I’d lost trying to pretend I was ok. The things that caused havoc. Brought me to my knees on the bathroom floor. Felt devastating and death-like. And pushed me through the amniotic sac of discomfort into a new version of myself. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it to the other side. From here, I am grateful. At the time, I was terrified.
Reflection
Identify 3 experiences that felt devastating in the moment, but that eventually catalyzed your life into a more expansive place.
__________
__________
__________
Present: Beaver
Hard worker, loyal, tireless, family first
“The Beaver personality is a welcomed sight. These good-natured and dependable creatures have infinite love and enthusiasm for family and express it by way of the earth element (providing a home and financial stability). Although a Beaver doesn’t usually initiate a project, once started, they’ll work steadily for weeks, months, or years to see it through. The beaver card appears when the task at hand requires your long-term, steady effort.”
~ Kim Krans
Beavers in the wild:
“The beaver card appears when the task at hand requires your long-term, steady effort.”
For me, this card represents my forest fairies. My magic makers. My wee wisdom keepers. My forever babes. Providing a home and stability for them in the midst of change and uncertainty will require long-term concerted effort.. The Beaver reminds me to keep at the book, to keep writing every day, even when I don’t want to, even if it takes a year. Patience is paramount. And trust—lots and lots of trust.
Reflection:
Name one thing you do on a consistent basis that reflects your commitment to a long-term goal. How could you celebrate your efforts? Our culture tends to recognize only the big milestones. But without the small stacks of everyday tasks compounded over time, there would be no big milestones, no goals reached, and no dreams realized. What is one small celebratory act you could gift yourself this week? Could you buy yourself some new pajamas? Or luxuriate in a long bath with Epsom salts. body oils and picked flowers? Could you buy a fancy piece of cake, close your eyes and smile as you savor every decadent bite?
**Below is a snack of a story I wrote about the last A.A. meeting I will likely ever attend and why.
Empty Seats In A.A. Meets
On Sunday morning, at 10 am, I drove myself to an A.A. meeting. A thing I have not done in about 2 years: but I felt like it would be a good opportunity to meet some sober people my age. Since moving to Kansas City, I know plenty of people that don’t drink. But have yet to come across any who used to drink like me. And sometimes, you just need the comfort of unspoken familiarity.
Future: Vulture
Guardian and purifier, essential for rebalancing
“The vulture is perhaps the most misunderstood creature of all. This intriguing bird balances our ecosystem and prevents the spread of disease. It does the dirty work that no one else wants to do and cleans up our messes. The vulture appears when there is a situation that needs to be purified or brought back into balance. Remember, the vulture is greatly undervalued…what you thought was a mistake or tragedy is a blessing in disguise.”
~Kim Krans
Reflection:
Is there any dirty work you’re avoiding in your life simply because it’s not very flattering to look at? As you move through your week, be aware of any situations where “Vulture energy” could be applied. It is often by facing these shadows, cleaning up “our side of the street,” and taking ownership of our ugly parts (because, let’s face it, everyone’s got ‘'em) that we are brought back into balance and are able to see things clearly.
Playlist:
Here’s your playlist for this week! These are all songs I’ve been listening to calm my nervous system lately. Listen while you’re journaling or ambling or driving around. And remember how much I love you. And how much the work you are doing matters.