Notes of a Desolate Libra

I like to organize them as follows:

8 Word: These “eight words” are formed from two words that represent the year you were born (ancestors), two that represent the month (parents), two that represent the day (self), and two that represent the hour (children/offspring). Tells the entire life of the querent, from the starting point of life to the end of life, including influence of parents/ancestors, children, marriage, jobs, etc. You can also match up 8 words (birthdays) to find out whether or not you’re a good match with someone. This is very useful for a long term overall view of your life, if you want that (many people don’t because it represents that loss of free will to them). I have also done 8 word (I would only allow someone I really trust with this because your birthday itself has immense power, just as many ancient peoples believe ones name holds special powers, enough to control that person). My results were quite interesting and were very much in synch with the current path I am heading down. The most poignant thing and the very first thing she mentioned was that I am a “teacher,” which I never though of as part of myself, but am now realizing more and more as part of what I want to become (or am already are/am becoming).

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="101" caption="Balancing*"]

Astrology: We often use this as a way for the stars to determine ones personal inclinations and predispositions for certain things. It's a much deeper mystical art than that of course. It’s excellent for exploration of ones personality and background and the reasons behind why one would act as one does. As you can tell, I totally buy into the Libra bit. Astrology gives amusing and eye-opening views into ones psyche and allows one to take note of the factors that influence his/her actions. This is also great for matching up people. Trust me, contradictory horoscopes have a really rough time with the relationship. Of course, that doesn't mean it's a destined failure. As long as you know what the issues are and are willing to deal with them, most things can be worked out.

Tarot: As a tarot reader, I’m rather biased toward Tarot. I like it because it is NOT permanent, because at the same time that it represents the manifestation of a “destiny,” it also allows room for the “free will.” I usually use it to figure out a situation that I can’t sort out and do the same for my friends (I've rarely done public readings for strangers because it takes too much energy). On the personal level, I more often than using it as less of a divination tool, but rather a mirror of my inner self – what I truly want, what I'm truly thinking, how I truly want things to be. And most of the time, it yields amazing (and sometimes honest to the point of hurting) results. Of course, it can be used a tool of divination, but why limit it to that? The wonderful thing is to figure out what the current trend is, and make any changes for the better if necessary.

I have recently done some readings for myself and others. I’ve found that the more I allow my emotions and spirit to roam free, the most accurate these readings become, to a degree that sometimes scares even me. However, the most important thing to remember is that Tarot is most powerful in its role as a guide, not as a director. You are the ruler of your own life, regardless of whether or not there is a “destiny” for each of us. If we do not apply ourselves to our destiny, it might as well be non-existent. And if you do everything as according to your heart, then you will find that your destiny is always walking right next to you.

*Courtesy Jay | Su Photography.

According to the experts (Master So in this case), I've had a run of bad luck for the past few years, might as well endure another year of bad luck.  I'm not certain how much faith I place into these divination tools  (but I do appreciate and respect them, especially since I do tarot myself, which people sometimes use as divination), but they're always interesting to hear and Master So especially tells them in such a funny way that they make good entertainment. He mentioned a few things for people like me:

1) This, 2009, is a year of change - good or bad depends on month you were born in (Sept-Mar is bad, btw). This includes changing jobs, moving, life status change... etc. Any changes that were imminent but you didn't get around to it, they will happen this year.
2) 2007, 2008 has been bad, 09 will be pretty bad as well, but 2010-2015 will be significantly better so just tough it out. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
3) This is a year of spending. Lots of money flowing out the door. He said in order to fit the description, might as well spend the money on investments like school or large purchases or traveling.

Well... so far so good - correct on all accounts! Let's see how the next few years will be like.

On a recent trip, my travel pal Zhou gave me a palm reading and gave me the following pieces of information:

1) I'll have some money, not a lot, but some.
2) Around 60 I will have some health issues but make a strong comeback and live to a ripe old age.
3) I will have one significant love affair (I kept on bothering him about past present or circumstances haha)
4) I will be very successful in my career (after a change or two), which explains the money

And then he told me he mixed up a few of the lines... = =+ we'll see how THIS one plays out.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="A better tomorrow."]

There has always been an argument among tarot readers with regard to what tarot does - does it tell the future as is or does it tell you a possible future so that you can have the chance to change it?

I believe that it's both. One of the teachers that I have been learning from said that: if there is no set future then you wouldn't be able to read it. That's logical, no? But the future changes according to changes that happen to us, because we create the future. So therefore, there is a possibility to change it.

Geez, it's like the chicken or the egg.

Point being, Ms. F went ahead and commenced what ended up to be a very intense but short-lived relationship. There were fundamental differences between the two of them that could not be resolved and in the end, parting was the best way to salvage whatever friendship they had.

Not saying that my readings are very accurate. Occasionally things like this happen and I raise my eyebrows too. But that's the interesting thing about tarot. Perhaps you would ask whether or not my reading actually led to what happened. Well I can tell you that with her personality (as with many other girls), she would had gone ahead anyway, but with their differences, it really would not had been possible to maintain a balanced relationship. So... it's both. The relationship itself was written, but it was her personality that created what would be her future. Love is a strange thing. It can be a blessing, or a curse... but I guess in the end, it's what you learn from its trials that counts...

As for the other part of her readings (i.e. SF vs. NY), she has not yet made a decision but it was previously indicated that something will happen in June that will give her greater clarity. I'm hoping for the best for her.

I can't believe I have a tag for Love. But it's definitely an interesting topic... that's why people can't help going back to it in conversations, books, movies, everything. Duh.

Before I left NY, out of boredom I did a reading for myself with both my Osho Zen and Waite decks. The funny/interesting thing is, they both gave me similar answers.

Waite: April - Three of Cups (R)/Six of Swords (R); May - Lovers (R)/Queen of Pentacles (R); June - Knight of Cups/Two of Cups
Osho Zen: April - Going with the flow/Patience; May - Fool/Friendliness; June - Change/Ripeness

For divination I generally use the Waite deck since I'm more familiar with it and also it's more accurate when it comes to practicality. But the Osho Zen deck is good for personal development.

April is a time of indulgence and acceptance; it is what it is. May is a time of possible relationships but on a general level the conditions are just not right for anything substantial. June is the time of change and actual realizations.

Knight of Cups (new opportunity/charming suitor)/Two of Cups (attraction and forming a bond) and Change/Ripeness (the Osho cards are pretty straightforward) all indicate that there's a strong chance of romance solidifying. Of course, there's some traveling that I'm planning to do in June with Lan so it's possible that this is what the cards are referring to, because that also presents a new opportunity as well as bonding. Though I have learned recently that whichever question you ask, the cards will answer you specifically for that question. So... I think it's up in the air. I don't treat it as an experiment, since that would be disrespectful to my cards. However, I do think it amusing that in my annual reading I got the Fool for June. That's why I *knew* that my move was going to be in June and despite that I tried to move twice in May, it didn't happen until June.

It's the most interesting thing to tap into the secrets that life holds for each of us. I believe that there is a strong energy around us, and that's why I'm agnostic and not atheist. I am reluctant to name that energy, because that would limit/confine it. But I believe in it, and I believe it shall lead me the right way... provided I have the courage to follow.

I don't care much about having a flourishing love life (lol), but I think having new opportunities and forming bonds with other people is always an interesting and educational thing. I don't look forward to anything (been very zen, following the advice of my dear monk xD) and it seems my policy of staying clear of any/everything is working! My precious PEACE!

Here's to new discoveries and new life (only if I choose it to be)!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576" caption="From left to right: Kn of C (W), 2 of C (W), Change (OZ), Ripeness (OZ)"]