Appreciating what’s already here, and exploring The New

This week, for a change, (and because it occurred to me to do it!) I chose cards corresponding to today’s date: card numbers 16, 03, and 25 (16 March 2025).

Please see below for the card images and audio.

In this week’s reading there are several themes:

  • A calling of the soul to something special or important
  • Self-sovereignty
  • Appreciating and enjoying the ‘beauty’ that is right here, right now
  • New beginnings, new explorations
  • Birth of a new era (and a new world?!)
  • Steering the ship we are travelling in (in the direction we desire to go)

AUDIO:

Card one: 016 The Call

Card two: 003 Right Here

Card three: 025 Beginning Exploration

Further Thoughts:

Audio below (if you’d rather listen than read):

What can I say?! For me, I think these are three rather intriguing cards this week. I am eager to see what unfolds and how the themes that were suggested to me might play out. šŸ˜€

As an aside, last week’s reading spoke of clutter clearing as one possibility. I totally forgot all about that. But remembered, after I had done some major sorting, clearing and cleaning this past week – in areas that had been bugging me, not just for months, but for years!

Books are the hardest things for me to get rid of (book-lover that I am) but I filled two massive sacks for the charity shop.

I also cleared out the food cupboards – and date-labelled all tins and packets so I know which need using first. If there was some kind of siege or food shortage, I would probably be okay for a good year . . . or more!

So perhaps, having done some major space clearing, and having released the old, it’s now time for The New to come in, whatever that might be.

As I say, it’s intriguing (and a little exciting, I’m feeling) to see exactly how the cards might relate to the unfolding week.

I wonder what is bubbling up and exactly what this ‘new’ is?

And, whether it’s something on a personal level, or whether it’s something that affects everyone on a global level? I get a sense that it might be both, but time will tell.


The background music to this week’s audio is:

Emotional flow into onenessā€™ from the album Emotional Flow by Thaddeus, on the OrinDaBen website. (Tracks can be purchased individually, or listen to a sample of the album on the website for free.)

https://www.orindaben.com/catalog/prodno/MS211


And in COMPLETE CONTRAST to that music(!) the artist of the song I was trying to remember in the audio is, ‘Right Here, Right Now,’ by Fatboy Slim.

If inclined, you can watch the Fatboy Slim YouTube video here.


Interestingly, the Fatboy Slim video is based on evolution, or evolvement, which is (I believe) what we are all particularly going through NOW! There is so much change in the air.

And whether or not it appears to be so, I also believe these changes are (ultimately) positive.

The music of this Fatboy Slim song sounds, to me, quite ‘epic’ and dramatic – and even, exciting. Another reflection of these changing times.

So, in concIusion, I believe we are all entering exciting times of transformation and that the trick is to go with the flow and let it be easy.

In other words, don’t try to resist or fight against change. Bend like the willow! And, most important, do what you need to do, for you, to feel okay.

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Awareness of what we ‘carry’ and create ā€“ and choosing the good-feeling stuff

Today the sun is shining and it is warm, at last! On the mp3 readings you can hear the sounds through the open window, including various bird songs (and at one point, a rather noisy motorbike).

Iā€™ve listened to the recordings three times and looked at the cards again. Further thoughts have sprung to mind and Iā€™ve listed them below the three audios. Totally up to you if you read the further thoughts, or just listen to the audios, of course!

If I sound directive, in anything I’ve written here, I donā€™t mean to be. Iā€™m really giving myself a little pep talk, reminding myself what I need to remember and remember to do!

This weekā€™s reading is a reminder to be aware of what we are carrying or holding on to. Not just physically (clutter?) but also, energetically (habits? negative emotion?).

And of course, the physical is linked to the energetic and emotional. (Don’t we always feel lighter and brighter, once we’ve cleaned the house, or cleared some clutter?)

I also think this reading is about awareness:

  • awareness of what we are creating in our life, through the thoughts we think
  • awareness of whether we’re focussing on good-feeling stuff – or not!

In other words, awareness of whether our point of view/perspective feels good to us. And if our perspective doesn’t feel good, do we want to change it, to one that feels better?

The answer is probably, Yes!

The question is, ‘Will we?!’

Card one: The Visiting Angel

Audio One (of four!) with my initial thoughts on the cards and summary:

Card two: Balance Between

Card three: OMG, She’s Riding Me!

Audio two, more thoughts on the three cards:

Audio three – message from my soul and soul family (transcript below):

For the story of how I started ‘communing with my soul,’ you can read this post here.

Soul’s message:

We say, it is always your choice. We say this, many times. Everything is a choice. Even the little boy, lying awake, has choice; whether or not to worry, or whether to think of something more pleasing to him.

Angels bless you all. And your Guardian Angel is depicted here, as blessing this woman as she sleeps.

The girl who carries the container full of (things of) her choosing, is in perfect balance, indeed. But focus is needed, on her part, and she is forward-looking, towards her vision.

And she has created many things, and some are beautiful, and some she chooses to turn her back on and leave behind, and look to new creations and new beauty.

And all the while, she blooms and she grows, like the fragrant rose.

The sky is blue, her way is clear.

And indeed, it is important, as the third card shows, to choose how you journey, and what you carry with you on that journey.

And there are many journeys, within this one journey of life, and it is good to be aware of what you are carrying, and not be taken by surprise!

In this way, when you are aware, and you have chosen certain things that you wish to hold, that you wish to carry, your journey will be easy and you will indeed traverse the waters of emotion and be surrounded by the brightness and clarity of the light.

Remember, to keep your focus, to be aware of your emotions, to take with you only those things of your choosing, and to know you are blessed.

Whether or not you know or realise this, you are indeed blessed.

And with that, we send you our love, as always.


AUDIO of ‘Further Thoughts (if you prefer listening, to reading):

Further Thoughts around the reading

What are we weaving and creating, with our thoughts, words and actions? Are we creating something beautiful and good-feeling?

Are we travelling light, or are we carrying a heavy burden?

Is someone or something, perhaps from the past, still weighing us down?

According to the cards, itā€™s a good time to choose; to choose to carry only those things we love and care about. Taking with us only the feel-good stuff and putting the other burdens down.

Itā€™s time to ride the waves, and stay in balance as best we can!

And to be aware of what weā€™re ā€˜carryingā€™ or holding onto. (As indicated by the card showing the centaurā€™s surprise at seeing the woman on his back!)

Whatā€™s helpful and nourishing and what isnā€™t?

Time to dislodge people, things and thoughts (including needless worries) that are weighing us down.

Time to hold our visions and focus on what we want. (Not focussing on what we donā€™t want, or what we fear.) Because, fretting about what might never happen makes us feel heavy. So, letā€™s lighten up!

We can call upon our inner courage and strength. Courage of Lion.

Like the big cats, we do know when to rest and when to ā€˜huntā€™ and take action.

It’s not easy to stop worrying when you’re on that worry-train. But it is possible to stop focussing on what isnā€™t pleasing, or is downright upsetting. I won’t watch adverts showing animals suffering if they come on the TV.

Distracting ourself can be helpful. Personally, gardening tends to stop my worrying mind. When I lived in London, a trip to Richmond Park always helped. Nature is so very healing.

The universe is turning and continuing on (as symbolised by the swirling galaxies in card one), whether or not we are feeling good. Why not choose our visions and our focus,? Change our view and therefore our experience within that universe. Looking for the beauty that is all around us, and focussing on a bright future.

Is it easier for us to imagine bad-feeling scenarios? Some would say, oh yes. But if we are able to imagine the worst, aren’t we equally able to imagine the best?

Is the glass half full, or is it half empty?

ā€œWhatā€™s the best that can happen?ā€ That’s a question I’d love to get into the habit of asking, and imagining that best. Maybe at least once every day!

So, are yucky-feeling thoughts riding on our back, taking us in directions we donā€™t want to go? Are yucky-feeling thoughts creating feelings and situations we donā€™t want to experience?

If ‘yes’, then it’s time to get that rider off our back!

It may take a bit of practice, but Iā€™m willing to give it a go, if you are šŸ˜

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New life from death – and new social media platforms!

I wasn’t totally happy when I saw the first card I’d pulled out of the deck. It’s called, Fear of Death, and the image isn’t exactly cheerful!

But, I thought, there’s a reason I randomly chose this particular card, so let’s go with it.

Listening back to what I said in the audio (below), about ‘Big Brother’ and being spied upon, might relate to the unease I’ve felt lately about certain social media platforms and how they gather so much personal information and store it in the unknown ethers (or sell it?).

My unease about such platforms may be why I have (accidently?) locked myself out of Facebook. No matter what I do, I can’t get back in.

After three days of trying repeatedly to ‘recover my account’ and going round in circles, but getting nowhere, I suddenly thought:

‘Maybe I’m not meant to get back into Facebook? Maybe I’m meant to be trying a new social media platform?


I was surprised and pleased to see the second card, which reminds me of my brother. My brother died young, taking his own life after suffering for years with a mental illness. The images in the card represent his new life, beyond here, surrounded by love, peace and clarity.

The third card is about listening to our intuition, asking for guidance and signs that we’re on the right track, and also trusting our own heart and hunches.

So, on to the reading and the audio!

I started by ‘speaking from the images’ within the first card, but wasn’t overly happy with what came out of my mind and mouth.

Even so, (whilst listening to that first bit on the audio makes me cringe a little), I haven’t deleted the beginning of the audio, in case it means something to someone. Y’never know.

First Card: Fear of Death

I am crow, alighting on the skulls, delighting(!) in the feast before me.

I am the child, with my feet bare, eyes wide with fear, scared of what I see before me. Alone, with no-one to comfort me.

I am the face of a being who does not see. I do not have the eyes to see. My face is covered and painted in designs of various shapes, and my skin is pierced. But I choose this (by choice.)

I am the woman who clings to my partner tightly. I am wide awake and he is fast asleep.

I am the eye (‘I am the I’?!) that looks out at you.

(Apologies for the chime-sound on the audio here.)

And I am the being within the eye that gazes at you. You do not see me immediately, and only see me if you look carefully.

Second Card: I Can See Clearly Now

When my brother died I did a lot of crying, and talked to him a lot, even though I couldn’t see him. I felt he could hear me.

One day, I was in the bath with the radio playing, crying tears into the water and saying I was sorry, wondering if I could have done more.

Then a song came on the radio and I knew and absolutely felt it was a message from my brother. Every word was meaningful, every word reached my heart. I could feel his love, and knew he was telling me, he was okay, and that he loved me.

And why wouldn’t he communicate through music? He loved music and read and wrote music and played guitar and bass guitar. I love music too, so what better way to reach me.

The song was, ‘Love is all Around,’ by Wet Wet Wet. And I believe that the ‘wet wet wet’ part was also my brother’s sense of humour coming through, seeing as I was in the bath at the time(!)

Right at the end of this post I’ve shared some of the song’s lyrics.

Third Card: Inner Guidance

Some of the lyrics from the song, “Love is all around,” by Wet Wet Wet:

“You know I love you

I always will

My mind’s made up

By the way that I feel.

There’s no beginning

There’ll be no end

Cos on my love, you can depend.

It’s written in the wind

It’s everywhere I go

So if you really love me, come on and let it show.”

And my brother certainly did show me, with that beautiful song-message.


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A SoulCollageĀ®ļø Reading

I’m doing something different this week. I’m using my SoulCollageĀ® deck instead of the digital oracle cards.

If you want to skip straight to the reading, scroll down to the audio and image of card four. If not, read on!

I mentioned SoulCollageĀ® in last week’s reading, saying that those cards are very different from the digital oracle cards, (although you can do readings with both).

One difference is that the SoulCollageĀ® deck is created by you, for you, and is therefore (obviously) personal to you.


Some SoulCollageĀ® cards are made intuitively (randomly placing images until they feel ‘right’).

Some SoulCollageĀ®cards are made intentionally (with an idea in mind, of the card you intend to create).


The oracle cards I made digitally (on Freemix.com) were all made intuitively. Usually, I have no idea as to their meaning – until I look at them later and see what comes to my mind!

With my SoulCollageĀ® deck, I know each SoulCollageĀ® card intimately – because (to summarise very simply) each card represents an aspect of me. Your SoulCollageĀ® deck and cards would feature the many and varied aspects of you.


Without getting into too much detail now (I’ll say more in later posts) about the various aspects and process of SoulCollageĀ®, let’s go straight into the card readings.

The first reading was a personal one for myself. I’ll share the cards and a brief summary of the meaning of that reading.

The second reading was an extra SoulCollageĀ® card I chose, intending it for you. If you’re reading this, that means you-you! I hope it resonates. There’s an accompanying audio for that card. (Scroll down to Card Four!)

In the first reading I chose three cards:

  • Aiming my Creations
  • The Confident One
  • Abundance through Work I Love

CARD ONE

AIMING MY CREATIONS (SoulCollageĀ® deck)

Aiming my Creations: The first card spoke, today, of sending my creations out into the world. The arrow represents dreams and desires and things I’m asking for, or wanting.

There is what looks like an embryo joined to the pregnant woman by an umbilical cord. The meaning here is that the woman is not quite ready to completely release her baby (creations/projects) to the outer world. Also, the ‘baby’ is not quite fully formed. More work needs to be done.

CARD TWO

THE CONFIDENT ONE (SoulCollageĀ® deck)

The Confident One: I made this card when I wasn’t feeling at all confident, but wanted to be. So this is telling me that I need to feel more confident in what I am doing and do my best to push aside any doubts, fears, or apprehension about sharing my cards – and the readings!

The third card is very positive. It’s what I want – to feel fulfilled in my work, earning a (really great!) living through doing what I love.

CARD THREE

ABUNDANCE THROUGH WORK I LOVE (SoulCollageĀ® deck)

Abundance through Work I Love: The card is promising that ‘abundance through work I love’ is possible – especially as the woman lying on the earth is clearly joyful. The money is also a good clue! The woman is lying on her belly, connected to the Earth, as she works away on her computer. An angel is kissing the top of her head, signifying that she’s blessed and protected. The dancing seedlings represent new ideas and joyful, steady growth.

CARD FOUR

(audio below)

THE SILENT ONE (SoulCollageĀ® deck)

The fourth card I chose for you (but also for me!) surprised me. It’s a card I made a long time ago and one that proved very healing.

Here is the audio for the card:

AUDIO:

Soul Message

I asked my soul and soul family for a message about the card, The Silent One.

Below, is what emerged.

I was only going to include the transcript, but (at the last minute – and after I’d posted this) decided to include the audio too. Some will find it too slow (like pulling teeth), and will prefer to read the transcript. Your choice – as always!

“We say, you are no longer the small defenceless child. Unfairly treated, or misunderstood by others that you looked up to, and who were responsible for you, and even, of course, loved you and cared for you.

Many times you were chastised. Many times you were told that you were wrong. And this, is what this card speaks of now. That feeling of being wrong, of doing something displeasing, that would make others critical of you.

Whatever it was, and whoever told you you were wrong, did not know how this would affect you. Deeply. To your very core.

And this, is a wound that you carry, from all those times, in the past. When you were impressionable, when you were vulnerable, when you were dependent on adults.

However, you are now an adult. And you can be the loving adult to your own inner children. You can reassure them that they are loved and understood.

It is beneficial to acknowledge the hurt children, the little ones, who reside within you.

And you may do processes, such as you have done, in making this particular card. You were unaware that it would make you feel light, once you had made it. But the child, and the wound, was acknowledged.

There are many who cannot forgive their parents, their teachers, the adults who raised them and taught them.

But this does not serve you either.

Know, that within them are these hurt children of their past, who were equally misunderstood, and equally chastised.

And it is their memory of that, and also the wounds, their own wounds, and childhood memories, that caused them to lash out at others who also feel vulnerable, who are indeed vulnerable.

It is possible to break this pattern. Those who are parents have choices. And, if their childhood was one of misunderstanding and . . . abuse, of some kind, from adults, they can instead raise their own children in loving ways.

Knowing, the damage that was done to them, and setting intention to raise their own children, or children in their care, in new ways, in loving and gentle ways.

Know, that the adults who were unfair, and even, bullying, were simply carrying their own hurts from childhood. And, mainly unconsciously, projecting that hurt, repeating that hurt, and perhaps, trying to justify why that hurt was caused.

Largely, this was unconscious. They were unaware of the harm they were doing to the little ones in their charge.

But there is no blame upon their heads. For they too were wounded, hurt, misunderstood.

The process of SoulCollage is one way of acknowledging all these wounded parts within you, and giving them a voice. And you have learned, from personal experience, the value of creating such cards, and honourings.

And with that, we send you our love, as always.”

One important point I want to add to that, is that for every wounded inner child there is a playful, joyful, spontaneous child! It’s important to find, and love, and honour that happy child too.

Finally, whilst SoulCollageĀ® is not therapy, I’ve found, over the years, that aspects of the card-making and card-reading process have been immensely therapeutic, healing, insightful, uplifting and freeing. And I’m certain that many others have too.

How the Soul Messages came about

It was the SoulCollageĀ® process that gave me the practice to step into the cards and speak from the images. You focus on one aspect within the card – a person, animal or thing, and you become it and speak from it, or ‘as it’, using the phrase, “I am one who . . .”

Doing this is like role-play. Similar to how an actor or an opera singer would step into a part or a role, becoming the person they are portraying (and embodying the character and perhaps also the emotions of that person).

As I practised this SoulCollageĀ® ‘role-play’ it became easier and more natural to me. I could ‘become’ (speak from the point of view of) not just people and animals, but of a tree, a mountain, the sky, a cloud, or a stone.

I think it was mainly due to using this practice within SoulCollageĀ® that I one day decided to speak directly to my soul and also answer, from my soul’s perspective, without using a card image.

I call this, ‘soul communing.’

For the last four or five years, I’ve asked for my soul ‘s (and soul family’s) perspective on my cards, but also on other things that are bugging me.

The answers I receive are usually surprising to me. At times, my soul also has a sense of humour, which I’m thrilled about, as humour is important to me!


I wonder, if something was puzzling or troubling you, what do you think your soul might say to you about it? I’m pretty sure their words would be wise and loving.

So, if there is something troubling you, today, can you imagine, what that wise and loving part of you might tell you?

image AI generated using CANVA.COM

Awakening of Inner Fire

Lion Awaken

Today’s three cards have one thing in common: fire. Chiefly, the reading seems to be talking about our inner fire, or our personal oomph!

Card one refers to Leo and fiery Lion Energy. Card two features the equally fiery Aries energy. It also shows the sun, and what could be more fiery than that?! Card three shows a depiction of inner (spiritual) fire.

Before you listen to the audios for each card, below, you might want to view the cards first and see what the images suggest to you, (before hearing what they suggest to me)!

Card One AUDIO:

Card One: LION AWAKEN, from the deck DIVINELY HELD

Card Two AUDIO:

Card Two: SOLAR FLARE – REBIRTH, from the deck DIVINELY HELD

Card Three AUDIO:

Card Three: MY INNER FIRE, from the deck DIVINELY HELD

Further thoughts

Card One:

The circle of women, ‘dancing the lion awake’ are awakening the sleeping lion and all those positive Leo-like qualities.

However, it’s impossible to miss the large lion to the right of the card, who is very much awake, and his power and strength are clearly visible to us. Personally, I wouldn’t want to mess with him!

The fact that there are several women, holding hands, working together to awaken the lion, may suggest a group that you are part of. It could be a coaching or business group that offers mutual support, or it could be friends and/or family.

Perhaps you have a common goal, or purpose. Perhaps the positive Leo-like qualities I mentioned in the audio would be useful for you to embody at this time.

Do you need to stand in your own power, or assert yourself in some way? Or do you just need more courage, or stamina, to do what you have to do?

The positive Leo qualities I mentioned in the audio, include:

  • Confident
  • Self assured
  • Sense of humour
  • Warm
  • Generous
  • Sociable
  • Strong
  • Sunny disposition.

And, personally, I’d be happy to embody all of those!

I would also say Leo-types are resilient, and are often (at least seemingly) fearless – possibly because they are so sure of themselves and their own capabilities.

And being sure of yourself is no bad thing, in my view. Because, for one thing, it means you get things done! You don’t waste time dithering, because if you want something, you go for it.

Card Two:

The Ram (Aries/Mars energy) is gazing forward, strong and stable. This ram seems to be looking ahead, to the future, with confidence.

What would the ram say, if we gave it a voice? To me, it seems to be saying, “I know where I am heading, and I am determined to get there, in my own time, in my own way”.

Today, I came across an mp3 I had made about this card, some time ago. The message I received then, regarding the Buddha-like figure, was quite lengthy – and surprising! I had recorded it onto mp3, and have included the transcription below.

I am the one who sits with legs crossed and arms gently resting in my lap, holding the vessel that contains the sacred substance. I am looking straight ahead, seeing into the future, and imagining the best, for all. 

I see the beauty in death and in life, and I know the secrets of these. And, like the crow, we are working together to create the continuation and balance on this beautiful Earth.

Mankind cannot destroy this planet. It will not be. For there are forces of good that will work together to ensure all remains as it should.

Gently evolving, and at times, through more seemingly catastrophic means. But rest assure ... rest assured, there is no death. In fact, there is only Life. And, most of all, there is Love.

This card reminds you, you are nourished by the light of the sun and by the light of spirit. You are cared for and provided with all you need for your life, for your tasks, for your chosen activities, projects, and experiences.

Trust, that all will be provided, and all is working in perfect balance. Step forward with confidence on your chosen path. You do have all the resources you need, and all the strength and stamina within.

Well, I don’t think I can add anything else to that!

Card Three:

I’ve discovered (via trusty Google) that the mudra I spoke of is called Gyan Mudra (thumb and forefinger touching each other, other three fingers relaxed and extended). Amongst other things, this mudra is said to be good for concentration and bringing peace and calm.

I haven’t mentioned the woman in the centre of the card, who seems to be some kind of observer. Yes, she is naked – my metaphor for someone who is open, honest, authentic, and happy in her skin.

Perhaps she is the embodiment of that Leo self-assuredness, and self-confidence, featured in the first card.

It’s interesting that this naked woman is taking centre stage in the card – something Leo energies love to do! Certainly my Leo father loved to hold court (often down the pub), and also loved to sing to an audience. Luckily, he did have a very good tenor voice. I remember at every party, his friends used to call out, “Give us a song, Peter!”

Regarding the woman wearing what looks like a fur coat: I initially thought this might signify wealth (and perhaps ignorance)! Then I remembered a card I had made, many years ago, as part of my SoulCollage(r) deck, that features a bear.

By the way, my SoulCollage(r) deck is very different and separate to my oracle decks. I’ll talk about the difference in a blog post – soon!

Anyway, the card I was reminded of, pictured below, is called Brown Bear.

In the image, you can clearly see this Native American Brave, embodying the power qualities of Bear through wearing a bear-skin, and becoming Bear.

So, I wondered, perhaps the fur this woman wears, suggests her embodying a Power Animal of her choosing. In other words, taking on the strengths and positive qualities of a particular Power Animal.

And I wonder, what animal would you choose, if you wanted to embody the positive qualities of an animal, or bird?

Personally, I can resonate with Bear. For me, a bear is slow and plodding, but can also move like lightening when it has to.

Bear is obviously strong and powerful, and we all have both of those qualities within us, even if they are buried deep, or only surface in challenging times.

In the winter, female bears find a place underground, or perhaps sheltered in a cave, where they can safely gestate, then give birth to their young.

image courtesy of NakNakNak on Pixabay

This might suggest a need for you to ‘retreat,’ perhaps in order to plan or create something of value to you.

Or it might indicate a need to retreat in order to rest and recuperate.

Certainly, the couple who are nestling against each other, both seem to be in some kind of peaceful place; a place of rest, or (temporary) withdrawal from the external world.

Sometimes we need to rest up, before we can plough ahead. Strength and reserves need to be rebuilt, before emerging in the Spring.

The Winter can be dark and cold, but the Spring brings new life and new hope – and the urge to get back out into the world, and plant those new seeds.

Despite the relentless cold and rain, I can feel Spring is now on the way. The bulbs are pushing up shoots, the birds are singing, and I’m beginning to feel excited about all the new potentials and possibilities ahead. I hope you can feel it too. šŸ’•

To book a personal reading, please send me an email at: coocards@btinternet.com

To find out more about a personal reading, please go here

Emerge from the shadows, make new music, bloom brightly!

Midas Touch

This week’s reading is about rising up from the shadows into the light, (perhaps, even, into the ‘spotlight’). Cast off past shackles of guilt and shame. You are worthy. Accept the golden blessings being offered to you – and bloom!

AUDIO:

CARD ONE:

Card: UNDERWORLD Deck: A Bridge Between Two Worlds

CARD TWO:

Card: HAUNTED BY THE PAST Deck: A Bridge Between Two Worlds

CARD THREE:

Card: MIDAS TOUCH Deck: A Bridge Between Two Worlds

Further Thoughts on the Cards:

Card One:

It wasn’t intentional when I created the card, but it seems that the oracle card I named (intuitively) Underworld, could refer to the story of Persephone.

Persephone was taken to the underworld by Hades (God of the underworld). Her mother Demeterā€™s grief caused cessation of growth of plants/crops (winter/dying).

When Persephone returns to the world above, life and growth return (spring/rebirth).

The myth reflects life and death, dark and light, and might also be a metaphor for our light and dark shadow selves.

Most of us donā€™t want to acknowledge our dark shadow selves and try to keep them hidden.

Equally, we are often reluctant to acknowledge our light selves, (our blooming, our true essence) and may stay humble and hidden.


The right-hand side crystal looks like Smokey Quartz, so I did an online search as to its properties:

ā€œA stone with a smoky hue that represents grounding, letting go, and surrendering old wounds.ā€

ā€œSmokey quartz is associated with Hecate.ā€

* In Greek mythology, Hecate is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, and the moon.

* Hecate is goddess of wisdom, crossroads/transitions, and ghosts.

She is goddess of the occult and the dark moon.

She has power over the heavens, earth, and the underworld.

I noticed three points or corners of the womanā€™s veil.

Hecate is depicted as triple goddess: maiden, mother and crone (three phases of a womanā€™s life).

Or, as having three forms, back to back. This may represent her ability/power to ā€˜seeā€™ all directions, doorways and crossroads.

Looking at Foolā€™s Gold, or Pyrite, it seems thereā€™s not much it canā€™t do(!)

Itā€™s said to be good for protection, confidence, grounding, and emotional healing as well as attracting abundance/prosperity.

Card Two:

In Card Two, when you listen to the audio, please note that I was not advocating murder!

I’m simply saying we are all capable of all things, both good and bad. Hopefully, most of us choose ‘harm to none’! Including, no harm to ourselves (which means not berating ourselves for past mistakes).

Also, in that card, Haunted by the Past, I was struggling to find the right words to describe Britain’s persona, all of those years ago, in the time of its ‘conquering all-and-sundry’ history. I was meaning the days of imperialism and the British Empire .

To end on a brighter note, this reading is about leaving the past and the ‘dark’ behind. Leaving behind shame and regrets relating to your past, and embracing who you are now.

I mentioned a woman playing a double-bass, but it could be a cello. Interestingly, both cello and double-bass can be used for (haunting or solemn) classical music, and also tango – take your pick!

Card Three:

The Midas Touch card is a great card to end with. It speaks of your new ideas and projects ‘turning to gold’ and your reaping rewards from all you turn your hand to (and turn your enthusiasm to, no doubt)!

The message is, don’t be shy, let your light shine. Bloom, in your true and beautiful essence.

You are capable of great things, we all are. However, in order to ‘get the gold,’ some courage is needed.

We have to do the thing, we have to try things out. And we can let it be heavy and hard, or we can let it be light – and fun.

(I know which one I prefer.)

So, blessings to you, this week and beyond, and to all your endeavours and adventures!

A reading for February 2025 – and forever

This is a card reading for February (audio and cards below).

If you come upon it in February, then let it be a reading for potential energies for February.

However! If you find it at another time, then let it be for that point in time – if it resonates.

My intention for these readings is for them to be evergreen and (hopefully) helpful, whenever they are found.

I also hope that you might want to put your spin on the cards, in addition my suggestions.

Why? Because your own personal insights could be even more relevant to you than my insights!

So, before listening to the audio, maybe see what the card images suggest to you. (If doing that floats your boat!)



AUDIO:


Card One

PLAY IN THE WILD WATER

Card Two

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Card Three

WILL YOU BE SWAYED?

In this reading, I refer to the Archer, from January’s card reading, which you can find here.

Further thoughts and summary of the reading:

CARD 1

  • What does the ‘vast ocean’ symbolise to you? Perhaps, something ‘big’ that you’re possibly feeling a bit out of your depth in?
  • If so, are you willing to ‘ride the waves’ and let the waters carry you?
  • Minimal effort is needed by you in order to stay afloat.
  • It’s about Playing in the wild water, not Panicking in the wild water!
  • What is ‘wild’ can be unpredictable, and certainly untamed. But wild is also free.
  • Be playful. Don’t worry about potential storms (which may never happen).
  • This card could also refer to remaining ‘buoyant’ – upbeat, light-hearted, joyful.
  • Things are more fun with like-minded friends.
  • The sun is rising on a new dawn.
  • Immerse yourself in life (the vast sea) and new experiences.

CARD 2

  • Look closely and you’ll see the playing cards are not ordinary playing cards! (Some people use playing cards instead of Tarot cards.)
  • We all have ‘tools’ (and skills) that can make life easier. We just need to remember to use them.
  • Something or someone is in a transitional stage. At some point, the butterfly will emerge from the cocoon, spread their wings and fly!
  • ‘Broken things’ can be put back together and made whole again. Or, you could design and create something completely new and more perfected.
  • You can create new ‘patterns’.
  • The green crystal might suggest the heart chakra, or for some, prosperity. What does it suggest to you?
  • In what areas of life are you ‘sitting comfortably’ and is this a good thing for you? Where do you feel comfortable/supported?
  • Do you feel secure/financially stable – are you ‘sitting pretty’?
  • Do you need some kind of business or personal support group?

CARD 3

  • The warrior is standing ‘at ease’ not leaping forward or heading into battle. (It’s almost as though she is observing what is before her, observing the decision/choice to be made).
  • Does the warrior represent an aspect of you? Or perhaps a warring situation?
  • Do you have a choice or decision to make?
  • What do you consider the ‘right’ thing to do? (Never mind what anyone else says or thinks. What feels right to you?)
  • In this reading, I refer to the Archer, from January’s card reading, which you can find here.
  • Which way will you be swayed? Towards the Court Jester/The Fool (perhaps frivolity), or towards truth and justice? Justice and truth according to who? The Law of the Land? Society? Or the truth according to you?

Follow the Call of Your Soul, See What Unfolds

ASPIRATIONS

AUDIO:

TRANSCRIPTION:

So, this is a reading for the upcoming week, and Iā€™m going to choose three cards, at random, from the deck. I’ve just shuffled. So ā€“ one, two, and . . . three.

Okay, so turning over the first one. Now this one is called Aspirations. And it shows ā€“ the first thing I notice – is that the little girl, holding the doll in one arm, and with her other hand she is, almost surreptitiously, touching the golden leg of this golden being, here.

That suggests to me that she really wants to Go for the Gold, she wants to go for something more, something higher. And the golden being, the golden person, is sitting almost in a star shape.

So it could be about . . . not fame, it doesnā€™t have to be fame, but ā€“ yes, Shining!

Being the shining star, shining your light. Shining your true light.

Itā€™s almost as though sheā€™s doing it very quietly, almost as though she doesnā€™t want people to see, what it is that sheā€™s aspiring to.

Especially not the figure to her left, the woman wearing black, who seems quite staid, quite serious, and she has this very obvious backbone.

So you can almost hear, almost imagine her saying, ā€˜You need some backbone here! You need to knuckle down. You need to work hard and do the right thing ā€“ according to me!ā€™

So, quite a strict and almost regimented authoritarian figure/influence. And that could be an authority figure of some kind. It could be someone from (childhood) ā€“ that youā€™ve grown up with, a parent, an adult, a teacher, a boss even.

Or just Authority in general, maybe she represents authority in general.

Structure. The System. Upright. Very upright.

But she doesnā€™t look as though thereā€™s much fun about her. Thereā€™s not much joy about her.

So, the little girl, despite that, is aspiring to something more, something greater.

And she has a blooming flower behind her, so sheā€™s wanting to bloom. Sheā€™s wanting to shine her light and sheā€™s wanting to bloom.

And the large crystal there, the amethyst crystal, which also seems to be encased in gold, will give her the clarity and the, I would say, protection, that she needs (in order) to do whatever it is that she wants to do.

Iā€™m not quite sure of the significance of the other figure here. As with all the cards Iā€™ve made, I just place the images randomly, in a way that feels somehow ā€˜rightā€™! Or looks, somehow, complete.

And, looking at this figure now, the one behind the (grave?!) stone ā€“ she almost looks like a zombie figure ā€“ coming out of a grave! Which, in a way could be a metaphor for waking up and coming back to life, and – make of it what you will really, thatā€™s all I can think of it, at the moment.

And thereā€™s a lovely green energy in the background ā€“ could be like a vibrant, verdant kind of energy ā€“ like the colour of new grass in the Spring.

As to the large white head, well, I would say that is probably a soul-self, or a spiritual-self, kind of ā€˜watching over,ā€™ just to show that sheā€™s not on her own. Sheā€™s watched over, and probably guided.Ā 

Okay, thatā€™s that one.

Now, the next one. Ah. Okay, Iā€™m just going to check what I called this . . .

READY TO LEAD, LIONESS

I called this card, ā€˜Ready to Lead, Lioness.ā€™ Itā€™s similar to a card I made a long time ago, that I called ā€˜Leading Lioness,ā€™ that was (and still is!) in my SoulCollageĀ® deck ā€“ and I wanted to do a similar card for my oracle deck.

And theyā€™re very different ā€˜beastsā€™: the decks, the SoulCollageĀ® deck and the oracle deck. Iā€™ll probably do a blog post about the difference, as I see it, at some stage.

(Apologies for the slight distortion on the audio.)

But, anyway, this is called, Leading Lioness, (or, Ready to Lead Lioness!) and it appears that the lion is looking to the girl on the left there, who is reluctant to lead, sheā€™s reluctant to step up, sheā€™s reluctant to take the lead, go first.

And she has like a shining ball, almost like a halo around her head, but it hasnā€™t quite settled, settled down onto her shoulders. She hasnā€™t quite taken it on, taken on the commitment or responsibility to do whatever it is sheā€™s being called to do ā€“ probably by her soul, probably by her destiny. But sheā€™s very reluctant, so sheā€™s looking a bit kind of, ā€˜Ooh, I donā€™t really want to do it. Donā€™t ask me!ā€™

Then, the other girl, or woman, on the right-hand side, who has an angel whispering in her ear, she looks calmer and more ā€“ to me, she looks as though she is ready.

And the halo around her head is well and truly settled. Itā€™s settled around her. So, sheā€™s taken on that mantle, as it were, sheā€™s taken on that task, that role, that role to lead, to perhaps go ā€“ do something in a new way, do something new, step forward, be seen.

And the lion is well and truly behind her. Well and truly with her, well and truly with the strength and the courage and the power really, personal power ā€“ empowerment. Feeling of empowerment. That she needs, in order to do whatever it is she is being called to do.

THE WRITER (Public or Published)

The third, the final one ā€“ oh how interesting. Okay, now, this card is called, The Writer.

I made two cards called, The Writer ā€“ very similar cards, with very similar images. But this one refers to writing publicly.

So, whether that be blog posts, whether that be books, articles, magazines. I think Substack is quite up and coming. I havenā€™t explored it, really, at all, myself yet. But that kind of thing, or articles on LinkedIn or . . .

Itā€™s the public face, the writer with the public face. The other card I made called, The Writer, was about writing, but personal writing, like in your journal (diary) and not (the kind of) writing that you show to anybody.

Itā€™s quite ā€˜busy,ā€™ this card. But thatā€™s what itā€™s talking about. So, Iā€™m just going to pause this (audio) a minute . . .

Yeah. Iā€™ve just had a quick look at all three cards (together) and it certainly resonates with me, in many ways! Because Iā€™ve just started this blog again, and itā€™s new/itā€™s not new ā€“ Iā€™ve done it before (blogged about other things), but it is a commitment. And it is something that, once you make the decision, you have to go all out, really.

So, itā€™s like wanting to do something different, wanting to show and share, what youā€™re doing. But there is a reluctance, there is a slight reluctance. And all that is, I think, is lack of confidence, or ā€“ yeah, just lack of confidence.

But I think, with practice, keep doing it, keep doing something, keep putting yourself out there, keep sharing.

And even if youā€™re doing it and youā€™re (just) speaking to yourself and no one else is really bothered! Itā€™s still a good practice, I think. And itā€™s something Iā€™m interested in doing (sharing the cards and the readings) and itā€™s something that I enjoy! So, why not?

I hope that the readings that I do, and whatever I share, is of some use! Some help, some interest, to somebody.

And then of course, the third card, with the public face, the public writing ā€“ the writer who is out there, in the world, showing their stuff. Yeah, that mirrors, to me, the blog.

But it could be something else for you. And so, there might be an area that youā€™re thinking of going into, but youā€™re not sure whether or not you should, whether or not you want to commit long-time (long-term) to it, whether anyone will be interested, whether itā€™s worthwhile . . .

But, somehow, you canā€™t not do it.

You might tentatively be ā€˜touching that gold,ā€™ tentatively be aspiring to something new, something different, something better than youā€™ve perhaps got, at the moment.

And it isnā€™t all clear (to you, now), it isnā€™t totally clear, as to what itā€™s going to look like. But youā€™re doing it anyway. Step by step, youā€™re doing it anyway.

And youā€™re just seeing how it unfolds ā€“ and thatā€™s interesting in itself ā€“ just to see what happens, and see what works and what doesnā€™t work.

So, I would say, yeah, Courage of Lion ā€“ be the leading lion or the leading lioness, and hear those whispers, the angelic whisper in the ear, the call of the soul.

There is a reason why you feel that you want to do this. Itā€™s not something that youā€™ve logically thought about. Itā€™s an idea thatā€™s come to you and where has that idea come from? And itā€™s an idea that can be explored. Itā€™s just (about) having a bit more confidence, I think, rather than courage. At this stage, confidence, yeah.

So Iā€™m going to leave that there for now, and I hope that has resonated in some way, and if not, maybe next week! Or maybe, as the week pans out, it might have some resonance to you.

So, not (necessarily) going with what is learned, not going with how youā€™ve been trained ā€“ with this backbone, this stiff upper lip and backbone. To be a bit more free and easy, and try things, and go with the flow and see how it unfolds.

And thatā€™s it for this week. Okay, bye!

If you have any questions about this reading, or the cards, do get in touch.

To book your own personal reading, please go here.

Have a great week!

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This week: Eagle’s Perspective and Trust

This reading is for the week ahead. However, if you’ve found this today and resonate with it, then it is meant for you, today.

Sorry about the faint ‘chirping bird’ on the audio; it’s my smoke alarm, telling me it needs a replacement battery! I shall do that today, of course. But first, I wanted to get this post out for the upcoming week. (Gotta get my priorities right!)

Please scroll down for images of the three cards. The transcript is below the audio player.

AUDIO:

TRANSCRIPT:

So, this is a reading for the week ahead, and Iā€™m just shuffling the cards.

Iā€™m using the deck called, A Bridge Between Worlds, and Iā€™m going to choose three cards.


The first card, I thought, would be about where the current energies are.

The second card, the coming energies for the week ahead; whatā€™s coming in.

The third card, I thought, would be, ā€˜What do I need to know? What do I need to most know or remember?


So letā€™s choose the first, at random, just take a card out of the deck ā€“ that one. Then, Iā€™ll just choose a second, at random, and a third. And Iā€™m just choosing very quickly.

The First Card:

AFRAID TO LOOK DEEPER

Okay, so the first card, this is current energies.

Before I say anything about the card ā€“ although Iā€™m intending this is for the week ahead, Iā€™m also intending that itā€™s a reading for anybody who comes across this at a later date. So, if someone is surfing online and they find this reading, and it resonates with them, then itā€™s meant for them, at that time.

The first card is called . . . (?!) Now, I canā€™t remember what I called this one (Afraid To Look Deeper). All of these cards are relatively newly made. I made 200 of them in quick succession, so Iā€™m not familiar with most of them.

But I named them all, intuitively, I immediately named them, as I completed them. And although I canā€™t remember the name of this, Iā€™m just going to say what it appears to be saying to me.

Thereā€™s a woman who is hiding her face. She seems as though she might be either in sorrow, or sheā€™s just taking herself away, quietly, to ā€“ itā€™s almost like sheā€™s hiding away, or she canā€™t deal with whatā€™s out there, whatā€™s outside, whatā€™s going on.

She doesnā€™t want to look at it. And even, what looks like an angel, on the right-hand side, is hiding her face.

So perhaps the angel, or Guardian Angel, is suggesting we donā€™t have to look at, or focus upon, what we find distressing. (Unless we can help in some way?) But, if we canā€™t help on a physical level, we can at least pray for, or envision, a beneficial outcome.

So, itā€™s (about) not wanting to look at something in particular, or just whatā€™s going on in the world in general ā€“ and yeah, thatā€™s understandable.

Then, thereā€™s another face, of a girl, who is behind the naked woman, and she looks as though sheā€™s thinking about something. Her mind is thinking about something, sheā€™s probably deep in thought, sheā€™s mulling things over.


(I’m amused that I said, ‘Her mind is thinking about something,’ because sometimes, it’s as though our mind takes over and runs away with us. As though we have no control of our own mind. And it takes practice to quiet our mind, or quickly nip in the bud those negative or troubling thoughts.)

Then there is the face of the man ā€“ part of his face is revealed, to see his insides. So, he is revealing whatā€™s inside of him. Even he ā€“ theyā€™re all looking ahead. He looks as though he is thinking, he looks as though heā€™s thinking about something too.

So itā€™s (about) whatā€™s going on in the mind, and not wanting to see whatā€™s going on in the outside world.

And that certainly mirrors what I was saying previously (in another blog post), about wanting to know, wanting to be informed as to whatā€™s happening in the world. But in another way, really, not wanting to see all this bad news, disasters, and things that make us feel uncomfortable. (Or fearful, or despairing!)

Okay, so the only other thing, that I think is worth noting, is the lion.

And the lion always makes me think of strength and courage, and self-sovereignty. And, for me, Leadership . . . (yes) it reminds me of leadership, also.

So this is about whatā€™s currently going on, that first card.

The Second Card:

CONNECTING WITH THE ANCESTORS

The second card is . . . okay.

I think I may have called this something to do with The Ancestors, I’m not sure. (The card is called, Connecting with the Ancestors.) Obviously, when I post the cards on the blog, Iā€™ll put the names up there.

This shows people from the past.

Possibly, the image of the Native American, he could be ā€˜in Spirit,ā€™ because he is all in white. (Shining with a Heavenly Light!)

There are a couple of people playing instruments. So, theyā€™re making music.

Then, there is an eagle who is being nourished, by somebody.

Now that immediately makes me think of the Perspective of Eagle, which is where you look at the Big Picture. You rise above the minutia, you rise above your own life, even, and see the bigger picture of whatā€™s happening as a whole, in the world, or on the Earth. Seeing your issue, your problem, from a different perspective, a higher perspective.

And sometimes, seeing yourself as that little ā€˜speck,ā€™ in the entirety of the Earth, can sometimes help, and put whatever it is that you are worried about, or dealing with, into perspective.

And to realise that itā€™s actually a small thing, in comparison to the largeness of the Earth, the Universe, and . . . all of the beauty, really, of the planet. And sometimes, it does put it into perspective (or proportion) to take that view. Sometimes, it helps.


So the second card, the coming energies next week.

The little girl is lightly ā€“ almost dancing, almost skipping along.

So she has a playful energy about her, a light-hearted energy. Maybe, both that (playful) energy and the energy of taking the higher perspective, is the way to go.

Also, these people who are ā€˜playing their instruments,ā€™ perhaps itā€™s about playing your own tune. They both seem ā€“ certainly the chap in the centre there ā€“ seems to be very much concerned with his own instrument, his own music, his own . . . yeah, making his own music.

So, perhaps, again, it is about just getting on with your own stuff. And, not worrying about things that you canā€™t control.

But there are things you can control. You can ā€“ play, your own instrument, play your own music, make your own song. And that is within your power.

The Native American, the Spirit (Being), I think this (card) was something to do with ancestors. He seems quite . . .  wise. Calm. Someone to be relied on (trusted). Almost like that feeling ā€“ the (sense of) All Is Well. All is Well.

You know, ā€˜Weā€™ve got this!ā€™

You may not know why all these things are happening. But those who are in Spirit, those who are in that place (or plane of existence) know the reasons for whatever is going on, and how itā€™s going to ā€“ how itā€™s playing out, why itā€™s playing out.

To me, this about just trusting.

‘Donā€™t panic, Mr Mannering!’

Just trust that itā€™s playing out as it should. I get the feeling itā€™s playing out as it should. And we donā€™t know why. And we can see things that we think are going completely wrong and people are suffering, and we donā€™t know why that is (at least, in the grand scheme of things, even if we think we know, on a practical and ā€˜obviousā€™ level.)

We canā€™t see the Big Picture. As, I say, we need to nourish that Eagle and try and see the bigger picture, the higher perspective ā€“ or just trust that there is one.

And try and be as Light as we can be.

Then, in the background, thereā€™s the dark night sky, with the stars, representing the bigger universe, the Beyond-Beyond. The things we know exist, but we donā€™t know all the answers, and we can just really deal with whatever weā€™re dealing with in this moment, now, in our own lives, in our own (immediate) world. And have faith that all will work out.

The Third Card:

WILD WOMAN AWAKENS

The third one is just a reminder: What (do) I need to most know or remember?

Letā€™s have a look. Now, this one. Itā€™s showing a Wild Woman.

And, she looks like sheā€™s in a place of surrender. A place of giving up, opening to perhaps a ā€˜higher power,ā€™ or a place of trust. A place of, as I say, letting go, release, surrender. ā€˜What will be will be.ā€™ ā€˜What is, is. It is what it is.ā€™ And, yeah, Trust and Surrender.

And thereā€™s the little girl there, who is just standing very still, and looking, almost looking out to us. In a place of trust ā€“ perhaps vulnerability ā€“ but hoping that, whoever is responsible for her, looking after her is looking after her, is caring for her, is going to keep her safe!

And, the Goddess figure, who I think I named, Lilith, in another card, another kind of Wild Woman: strong; independent; capable; equal; balanced; powerful.

And again, the self-sovereignty; not being bullied by anybody, not being forced to do anything she doesnā€™t want to do. In her own power, in her own strength, and her own authenticity.

As I say, every time there is a naked being in one of my cards, I see it as a reminder of our real self, our true self, and our authenticity.

And then there is a woman there who is sleeping. I might have called this (card) something like, Wild Woman Awakening. Iā€™ll be interested to see, myself, what I called it! See whether it bears any resemblance to what Iā€™m describing here. (Almost! ā€˜Wild Woman Awakens.ā€™)

But, as with all the cards, they donā€™t have just one meaning. I may have named them, but whatever I named them can have several meanings.

And certainly, the images within each card can have different meanings, depending on the question, depending on the time. Depending on whatā€™s happening. Depending on where you are, or whatā€™s happening in the world.

And there are things that you might see, that you havenā€™t seen before, that are significant and that you can read, in terms of whatever the metaphor, or symbolism is.


So, what do we need to remember?

We need to remember our own power. But also, we need to trust, and we need to surrender to whatever is going on, and not necessarily fight against it, but flow with it.

There is a lot we can do. Because we have that personal power. We have choice. We can choose our perspective – and that is very powerful. A perspective that makes us feel stronger, safer, hopeful, positive.

And, perhaps the sleeping woman is also just reminding us to rest and take time, to recuperate, recharge, maybe review where we are.

And yeah, Trust is a big one, with the little girl there; trusting that those ‘in charge’ know what theyā€™re doing (!) and have her best interests at heart.

And, in the other card, with the (Native American) spirit with his spear, and drum and feathers, knowing more than we know about whatā€™s going on.

And the little girl, who is stepping lightly, and skipping her way through her life. Perhaps oblivious of much of whatā€™s going on. And, the better for it, really. Because, what good would it do, if she knew?

(Because, her knowing, her being aware, of all the doom and gloom – that is not in her control – might crush her joy. Might crush her light and playful spirit. And for what purpose would that be? For what useful or beneficial purpose?)


So, I hope thatā€™s resonated on some level!

And I think Iā€™m going to leave that there for now. If I think of anything else, if anything else occurs to me, Iā€™ll add it at the end of the blog post (or within it!)

Okay, thatā€™s todayā€™s (this weekā€™s) reading. Righty ho!

Wishing you a Beautiful Week.

An Energy Reading for the Week Ahead:

A three-card reading.

In Audio 1, it takes me a little while to get in the swing of things, but by Audio 2, I’m more ‘in stride’.

I originally posted this at the bottom of the previous post but it was a bit lost there! So I’ve created a new post here.

AUDIO for Card One:

STOLEN INNOCENCE

AUDIO Card Two:

REARRANGING BEAUTY

AUDIO Card Three:

WAITING FOR LOVE

Final Note: I had drawn the ā€˜Waiting for Loveā€™ card before, and featured it in a previous post. Go here to see that post:

Have a great week!