Days of Wine & Roses

I have no clue where the title for this blog came from. Okay … it was a movie, but I am not even sure what kind of movie. I am pretty sure that it has nothing to do with today’s mini-rant. Let’s start with organisations – Tarot or otherwise. Let’s just broaden the field a bit. From BusinessDictionary.com ( http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/organization.html) we get:

“Definition;

A social unit of people, systematically structured and managed to meet a need or to pursue collective goals on a continuing basis. All organizations have a management structure that determines relationships between functions and positions, and subdivides and delegates roles, responsibilities, and authority to carry out defined tasks. Organizations are open systems in that they affect and are affected by the environment beyond their boundaries.”

I have belonged to several different organisations over the years, some of which have totally fulfilled their stated purpose, some of which have not. At its heart, any organisation is, as stated above, a social unit of people. They are together to accomplish collective goals on a continuing basis. If you found an organisation, it might pay to remember what the organisation is all about. Primarily, it is not about you … and if it is, please state so upfront so that people are not signing up for something that is built on false pretenses.  There should be a management structure … something more than in name only. Nifty titles sound great but mean relatively little if they are not related to each other. There needs to be a purpose to the madness.

If something goes catastrophically wrong,  don’t try and repeat the same scenario several months later, on the premises that “it might work this time”. Try not to set things up that actually act as conflicts of interest within the organisation. The public is going to notice this. Don’t promote things that are only tangentially connected with your organisation – people will leave by the droves. And when they do, and they are kind enough to tell you why, don’t immediately go “WTF!” You have been gifted with an opportunity to see where you are failing. My suggestion would be to run with that opportunity.

A friend who works in the business world commented to me recently on a series of fiascos that I had described to them: “A little shake up is good for any group. It’s the Tower energy rattling the house to make sure everyone is awake.”   They are probably right – energy shifts allow us to see ourselves and others in an entirely new light.

I have been back to so many square ones lately that they definitely are beginning to look like home! I am learning that it is okay to stand back and watch the implosion, as long as I have done everything in my power to avert it.

(c) March 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

King Solomon Oracle Cards

King Solomon Oracle Cards

Author: Itzhak Mizrahi
Artist: Orna Ben-Shoshan
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
2011
ISBN #978-1-57281-666-4

The “King Solomon Oracle Cards” is a thirty-six card oracle deck, with four extra cards, entitled amulet cards, that are not intended to be used in readings. The four amulet cards are meant to be used as such – as personal, sacred amulets. They may be kept at home, or carried with the Seeker. They are written in Angel’s Writing and ancient Goatic symbols by the author, kabbalist Itzhak Mizrahi. They influence every aspect of the bearers life, as long as they are kept in their possession. According to Mizrahi, their effect will be felt after about 21 days. After 40 days, their sacred power will be quite noticeable. The instructions are to write your name, and your mother’s name, in the white space on the back of the card. The four life areas that the cards cover are Livelihood, Relationships, Health, and Security and Protection.

The cards themselves are meant to help the reader the significant situations and profound questions that life places in our path. They provide powerful insight into current situations and future outlooks. The lens of perception, or the focus of this deck is the wisdom of King Solomon. The magical signet ring that he received from the heavens inspired the seals that have become powerful symbols in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and are widely used in charms and talismans. The seals carry different frequencies that relate to different life situations and physical characteristics.

Each card contains several different types of symbols. There is a Solomon seal that looks like a stamp, some cards carry a Goatic symbol, which represents specific energetic traits, while other symbols are frameless text written in ancient script. The texts incorporate the “72 names of God” – kabbalistic names that represent unique strengths, and are in angel writing. The placement of the seals and text varies, according to the layout of the artwork.

The mystical symbols are meant to connect the Seeker spiritually to the essence of their inquiry. In other words – to the spiritual response to their inquiry. The deck was created to be used as a personal deck for daily use. Morning reading help prepare the Seeker for the day ahead.

In the section on reading the cards, there is very good advice about inhaling light and positive energy before doing a reading. The Seeker is advised to connect with the cards, and put their faith in the responses. It is highly recommended to read for a single question at a time. Interesting advice is given on drawing a single card, and having that card be either unclear or irrelevant. The Seeker is advised to stop he reading, because the situation the Seeker is inquiring about, or the day ahead, is unpredictable. The Seeker is advised to accept and embrace whatever comes their way.

Card meanings are given in text only (no images), and divided into three sections: (1) the situation, (2) the person you are inquiring about, and (3) advice on the action to take. From the LWB:

“32 – Timing – Taking Time

Situation: There’s plenty of time, no need to rush / progress depends on timing / time will work things out / things proceeding slowly / time is on your side.

Person: Someone who examines the situation thoroughly while taking all the time that is needed.

Advice: Proceed with patience / take the time to think things through and get it right / pace yourself.

Inverted: Time is working against you / you don’t have ample time / a rigorous schedule / act quickly to avoid missing your goal.”

At the end of the LWB three spreads are presented: a one card spread, a three card spread, and a four card spread. Note: The spreads as presented are read from right to left. It is noted that a clarification card can be drawn if a card seems vague or unclear. It is then placed over the ambiguous card.

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The cards are approximately 2 ¾” by 4 5/8”, of good quality cardstock. The backs are a light blue, with a seal in the center and background text in light gray/white. The card faces have a ¼” white border, with the card number in either the upper right hand and lower left hand corner, or the upper left hand and lower right hand corner. Each card contains a seal and text, placed according to the imagery in the card. The artwork is in basic colors, drawn in a very whimsical, uncomplicated manner.

In card number 8 (Unity/Partnership) the bodies of the figures are a clear gray/white, very ghost-like and can be seen through. In many of the cards the figures are floating through the air. Card number 30 (Devotion / Perseverance / Believing In Your Path / Sacrifice) the outer walls of the house are a yellow and green mystical checkerboard pattern. Card number 22 (Magical Influences / Spells / Evil Eye) shows the outline of the house in light gray/white. Card number 19 (Sexuality / Romance / Seduction / Intense Involvement) shows the outline of two figures – one in dark gray, one in lighter gray/white. Card number 11 (Flexibility / Leniency / Compromise / Tolerance / Forgiveness) shows three figures flying between two pillars. Cards number 10 (Growth / Development / Achievement / Discoveries), 24 (A Favorable Era / Positive Conditions) and 6 (Happiness) show figures with red outlines for heads. Card number 28 (Delays / Obstructions / Blocks) shows a seated figure wearing a fools cap, with a see-through white veil over his head and pinned to the earth at the four corners.

I found the artwork and imagery to be very magickal, drawing the Seeker into the picture. The readings that I have done for myself have been very appropriate and enlightening. The deck works for me in a very deep way. Seekers from all backgrounds would have no problem working with this deck.

© March 2011 Bonnie Cehovet