I love a bit of woowoo. I have loved ‘pulling a card’ since Di Coleman introduced me to her little affirmation cards close to thirty years ago. I am not the type to put my life in the hands of the gods, but I do like to make meaning of things. So I like to pick a card and see where it makes my mind go, what connections I make, and whether or not I see it as relevant to me.

Today I had a little time, so I decided to use my cute little animal tarot cards to do a full Celtic Cross. It’s always fun to see what I think about the ‘problem’ I see myself in, once the cards give their opinion, and what will happen going forward, based on tiny pieces of cardboard. Would I make a major decision due to the presence or absence of the Dragonfly card? No. However sometimes having someone (card, person, meme) jump into my mind can solidify what I really think. Below the surface of the daily to-do list, the opinions of others, and the demands of running a business or two, it can be fun to take a moment and reflect on what is under the calm surface of a life.

So I dutifully laid my ten cards out, nodding along at some of the suggestions (and let’s face it- a card reading is only going to be as good as the person interpreting it) and tilting my head in curiosity at others. I always hold my breath a little when it comes to the last card in the cross, for it’s the the big enchilada: “The Most Likely Outcome.” (Ta-da). It’s the card where the curtain is pulled back and we get to see what the great and powerful Oz really looks like. Are we still in Kansas, Toto? Or are we about to land on some funky ol’ witch?

I sucked in my breath when I saw that my outcome card was from the Minor Arcana (damn) and the suit of Winter (double damn). I hate Winter in life and in cards. The Winter suit is always a bit sucky. Anyhow, it was too late to put it back in the pack in the hopes of getting a more auspicious card*. To add insult to psychological injury, it was a card with bloody birds on it. Winged-rats are my kryptonite.

I’m about to share with you what my most likely outcome card said, but I don’t think it was just for me. I think it might be for you too. I won’t type the whole thing out, but here are the Cliff Notes on it:

• It’s easy to convince yourself you’re trapped when you really aren’t.
• Being afraid of change can prevent you from having the vibrant, colourful life you’re dreaming of.
• Believe in yourself.
• Ask for help.
• And most of all the message is: “Escape the cage of your thoughts, sing your song, show your true colours, and know that you’re beautiful.”

So take this as your reminder this lovely day. It’s your permission to be wholly and fully you.

Go and “Fly my pretties! Fly.”**

*I may or may not do this sometimes if I don’t like a card.

**Don’t come at me. I’m referencing the original cut.. Or Mr.Burns, choose your poison.

PS That Em Rusciano vid is worth a watch. It’s a banger.