When things are dark, either literally or figuratively, trying to ignore or push through it is rarely helpful. Allow yourself to rest, to plan, to gestate ideas. The dark hours around midnight can be restful and fruitful in a different way than "waking" hours. Magic is afoot as well as a different mindset. Blessings, Thistle MIDNIGHT – The most magical hour of all…

Good Thursday! We are enjoying cooler mornings, and hopefully soon that will also mean cooler days (we are still low 80s here). This always makes me think of home and preparing it to be cozy. And while yes, this card can refer to the physical state of your home, it also refers to the energy of it and its occupants. If there's an issue eating at you within your close relationships, it's time to address it.

My Mom had some of those often used Mom expressions. “It takes all kinds to make the world go round.” “We all put our pants the same way – one leg at a time.” While my Mom was not perfect about acceptance and equality, these phrases stuck with me when considering people who were different from myself. Well, the Lady de Los Muertos is here with a similar – but stronger – message.

We often tell ourselves we aren't good at something more because people have told us that or to protect ourselves from the pain of failure. Sure, failure isn't fun - but it's instrumental in growth and learning. Today, get past these things and start thinking big. Blessings, Thsitle SKULL OF STARS – Infinite possibilities Why think so smallwhen galaxies spin within?

Don't forget to add intuition to your judgements and decisions today. It can be easy to think we have to be purely logical, but anyone who's watched Star Trek knows that pure logic isn't really very human. Trust your gut - sometimes we are subconsciously picking up something we need to know. Blessings and have a lovely weekend, Thistle SCRYING – Intuition…

A transformation of sorts was what happened when ancient cultures mummified their dead, helping them into the afterlife as well as preserving their bodies. That's the way change is - some things will always remain the same, but nothing ever stays completely the same. Mummification rituals helped people (I suspect the living as well as the dead) when life was transforming from one thing to another.

People often freak out when they see a Death card, but they need not. Just as it is in the Tarot, this Death card speaks to something ending. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing, but it could be a much-needed change: a new job, the end of a relationship that's run its course, moving, etc. What changes do you need?

Alright, we are finally to the Halloween Oracle! I do love the Woodland Wardens oracle and plan to write a review soon. (Though why is it that October is always crazy busy?) Anyway, on to the today's card. While it's easy to assume this card means we need to amp up activity to protect ourselves, it can actually mean we are protected by his warm grin already.

Back when I was in college, Victoria's Secret had a scent called Peach Hyacinth. It was lovely, bright, and inviting – and I remember being so upset when they stopped making it. The use of peach in a romance card made me think of it just as I was scratching my head at the choice. That's what I get for thinking!

Alright, I know I often switch to the Halloween Oracle in October, but I'm going to wait until next week and finish out this week with the Woodland Wardens. For today, we have a card that suggests we put our shoulders into our work and efforts. Set aside distractions, try to push past pity parties (say that three times), and get done what needs done.

This card might seem a bit too specific for a broad audience as this card of the day is intended for. However, all of us are leaders in our own way. Some are leaders within their own home and family, but might not be in public. Others are the grand and dramatic style of leader, full of ideas and receiving a lot of attention.

Most of us go through major changes a few times in our life. Because they don't happen often, it can be difficult to deal with them in a positive manner. Remember that change is normal, and resisting it will only cause more stress. Learning to navigate changes so that you can still be fulfilled and creative is key. Blessings, Thistle…

It's hard to find a better animal to represent determination than the ram (as a Taurus, I might suggest the bull – but I think the ram still fits better)! Use your determination to get done what you want done this weekend, whether that's a special project or just getting your home in order. Blessings and here's to a lovely weekend,

Upon seeing this card, I was going to joke that I needed to prepare for a D&D game tomorrow night! Alas, the author does specify that life isn't all about fun and games. It's true that sometimes we need to take preparations more seriously. Are you not getting where you want to be professionally? Maybe it's time to prepare that path by building connections or getting some additional training.

Another card was strong today, the Skunk and Magnolia that represents protection, but the Wolf and Rose Hip was just a tad stronger. Thought I'd mention that in case the protection element seems better for any of you. But in day-to-day living, and even more so in troubled times, we sometimes need extra guidance other than what we can provide ourselves.

OK, so we are back to our card. I tend to love any card that focuses on hearth and home, so you know this is right up my alley. Luckily, the reverse meaning doesn't apply for me because I have an outgoing partner who keeps us busy (plus, having interest in community gets me out and about). I must say, we've been meaning to give the altar an autumn remodel and a few other things to spruce up the house.

Today is the day when many of us celebrate the autumn equinox by one of its many names, along with harvests, cooler weather, colorful leaves, and so forth. Honestly, here in southeast Kansas, it doesn't feel much like fall yet. We had a crisp, cool streak several weeks back, but then it bounced back up into summery weather. Today's high is 82, so we are getting there slowly.

If you keep doubting yourself, this is a signal to stop that! Yes, caution can be a good thing, but there is such a thing as being overly cautious. Whether you are looking to start a new project that will stretch your skills, asking for a raise or applying for a new job, or needing to assert your needs personally, you have the ability to do what you need to do.

The otter is an animal that helps remind me to engage in my relaxed, playful side. It's an important thing to be able to do, tap into that nature, especially when the world seems to have gone crazy. Sometimes, we have to create a space and time for our peace, getting away from the news and chaos of the world. …

Almost every oracle deck has a card like this and for good reason. Many of us humans suffer one of two conditions: We are too impatient to realize our dreams, moving on just as the Universe is about to help us bring it to fruition, OR we are lost in the fantasy of a dream and forget to put actual effort into making it reality.

Thank you for being patient as I run behind today. I tried to post around 7:45 this morning before my 8:30 appointment, but Wordpress wasn't cooperating (or our system since a restart solved the issue). Anyway, we have today a reminder to be flexible to navigate life's challenges. As a Taurus with a ton of Earth in my chart, I often find these reminders helpful.

I am a crow person, always fascinated by their intelligence, quirkiness, and social behavior. As a child, I remember crows hanging around the garden, especially during late summer/early fall cleanup. I also grew up in southwest Missouri, on the edge of the Ozarks, where redbuds and dogwoods reign supreme in the springtime with their gorgeous blooms. (Literally, the background image on my computer right now is a photo I took of dogwood blooms with redbuds in the background - the Ozarks are magical in springtime especially.) These trees survive harsh tornado storms, partially because they grow under the cover of big trees.