SimplyNumbers

SynTarotis: Brainstorming with Tarot Cards

I've recently discovered SynTarotis! It's a wonderful site, which helps to show how to simply work with the Tarot, without feeling like you need to master your intuition first. Many different decks are utilized throughout the posts. One of my favorite entries is about Brainstorming with the cards.

From SynTarotis: "Brainstorming with Tarot cards is a remarkably effective technique to think up ideas and solutions. It takes advantage of the evocative quality of the cards—not only the images and symbols, but also the layers of meaning that have accumulated around the cards."

Understanding reappearing numbers (part 2)

Wow, you’ve looked up at your screen and it’s 11:11 again. Have you read my previous post about reappearing numbers? Please, take some time to read it and reflect on the questions there. After you have reflected on your answers, some parts of the puzzle may be a bit clearer for you. You can now use your answers to help you to dig even deeper.

If you believe that the numbers are something beyond mere coincidence, then what are you willing to do to work with them? Yes, understanding their meaning may be confusing at first. But, consider it an opportunity to work with your intuition. In her book Angel Therapy, Doreen Virtue discusses how seeing these reoccurring numbers is a form of clairvoyance and the numbers are a “vision”. This vision becomes more important to you as the regularity of its appearance increases. If you’re seeing your numbers on a fairly regular basis, then you may want to begin to dig deeper.

Numerologically, the number 1 represents qualities like creativity, inventiveness, direction, dedication, drive, and persistence. You might ask yourself where these qualities are in your life. How are you using them for your growth? What are you building or creating right now? What new idea are you bringing to the world?

In the Tarot, you can look to the Magician card and all four Aces. As you may already know, each card in the Tarot represents particular dynamics and energies. The Magician strongly relates to independence, vitality and power. Each of the Aces has a particular message as it relates to your drive, stamina and creativity. But, they can also relate to new beginnings, initial investments, new perspectives, raw energy and creative power.

You’ll want to dig these cards out of your favorite deck and leave them someplace where you will pass by them regularly. Reflect on them throughout your day. As you reflect on them, images and ideas may come into your mind. Record your thoughts and review them when you have the time. You may want to notice if there is anything that seems to be repeatedly coming through. Again, you may wish to keep a log of your thoughts. You may also wish to use some of the questions below for reflection.

Good questions to ask of the Magician:

• Where do I need to be more independent?
• How can I be of service?
• How can my voice be heard?
• What are my intentions?
• Am I willing to do the work that needs to be done?

Good questions to ask of the Aces:

• Where is my enthusiasm needed at this time?
• Where do I need to be clear and focused in my life?
• How can I manifest my dreams right now?
• How can I sharpen my intuition?

The cards can help you to review any current challenges and opportunities in a new light. They will also help you to empower yourself to harness and sharpen your own intuition, rather than having to solely rely on others. Outside guidance can be extemely beneficial, but inner wisdom is of far greater value. And, with some patience you may begin to see new, and previously unthought of, possibilities and solutions for your life.

Your “visions” have a message and a purpose, and may be offering clues that can help you to better navigate your life. But, you have to be willing to take the time to both understand your message and integrate potential solutions into your own life. You can do it. Have faith and compassion for yourself. Be willing to continue to dig deeper, by asking important questions and having a curious mind. Be discerning, but allow your life to unfold in new and unexpected ways as you explore the meaning of your numbers for yourself.

Understanding numbers that reappear in your life

Understanding the meaning of reappearing numbers, such as 111, 444, 11:11 or 12:34, in your life can seem a little bit frustrating. However, just as I recommend that you at least learn the basics of dream interpretation, I recommend that you find a way to "intuitively understand" these numbers for yourself. Nobody can tell you what they mean for your life. You need to discover their meaning for yourself. Understanding their message doesn’t have to be difficult, and it can be fun.

Ancient Shamans would interpret the meaning of the animals that appeared in their visions. They used their visions to lead their tribes to safety and to find medicine, water and food. Today, many people try to work with imagery from their dreams in order to make changes and bring clarity, health and greater joy into their lives. Perhaps, like the images in a dream or the symbols from a Shamanic vision, you might consider your numbers to be important guidance searching for you. What message do they carry? What wisdom do they have to offer? What empowering actions might they be connected to? If you're willing to be curious, you can be able to answer these questions.

Authors that write about spirit, angels or healing might say that these numbers are indeed from spirit. Psychologists might say that they are connected to the collective unconscious. The methods and wisdom that these groups utilize does have importance. But, their guidance may not directly help you to develop a more intimate understanding of your numbers in a way that is truly personal and empowering.

For me, the real goal is to understand what your numbers mean for you. For someone else, these numbers may have a totally different meaning. Your mission is to find a way to work with the potential that the numbers represent. But, you first need to understand their meaning for your life. How can you begin to connect with and understand your numbers, so that you can work with them to empower yourself? As I mentioned above, you can begin to develop a curiosity about the guidance your numbers may be carrying. When you notice a number, you might ask:

• "What do you have to offer me?"
• "What is your guidance?"
• “What have I forgotten about?”
• “How can I allow myself to deepen?”

-- Or, something more offbeat (these are still for your numbers) --

• “Where are you in my life?”
• “Who are you in my life?”
• “What kind of music do you like?”
• “Where do you like to spend your time?”
• "What questions should I be asking?"

Wait for your answer and record any images, thoughts, feelings or ideas that come up. Be calm and patient, as it may take some time for your answer to come to you. Try to not make the process overly serious, and be open to having fun with this. Ultimately, you’re trying to find a way to work with your numbers in ways that are encouraging and empowering.

Keep a log, and track your questions, sightings and answers. Over time you may notice a common thread to your answers. When you begin to notice this common thread, you will have a course of action that you can take. For instance, you might notice that your answers tend to relate to a particular emotion or feeling. You might then begin to look more deeply at these emotions in your life, to see how you typically express or react to them. Don’t be afraid to explore, as your discoveries could be part of a much larger process that you're helping to unfold.

Another step that you might take is to use your numbers as a page or chapter reference to a book you’ve read. Open the book up to page 111, or chapter 11 page 1, and simply be open to the guidance that is there. You can even use it to help further answer the questions above. I am currently reading a book on ideas about growing a business. I open it to page 111 and find guidance about being a volunteer, so that you can become better known in your community. It's a good idea and generally helpful. Of course some, guidance might not be so immediately clear.

The same advice can work for a film clip, music video, song or movie as well. For instance, you could forward a movie to 1:11 or to 11:11.

I streamed “Mars Attacks!” and forwarded it to 11:11 and Jack Nicholson, playing the President, says: “We are entering the dawn of a new era.” Wow, that message is fairly powerful. Now, I could sit silently and let this message sink in. I could also record how that makes me feel. In the moment, it makes me feel hopeful and ready to take on the world.

Next, I streamed “Shutter Island” and forwarded it to 11:11. In the movie, they were talking about a woman who had escaped the night before. Now, escape can mean freedom, or it could mean letting go of a responsibility. The interpretation is up to you. You might return again and again to this movie to develop a deeper understanding of the message. You might use it a part of a “mosaic” of movies, where you watch certain sections of various movies to develop your understanding of your numbers. Also, you might never watch the movies that I or others might choose.

The movies, books or music that you do pick are part of the fabric of who you are. Think of your questions, movies and books as doorways and your numbers as symbolic keys, which can unlock the deeper mystery of your life. What will you find? What are you expecting? This process might seem strange at first, but you can have fun with it as you begin to see whether the “advice” that your numbers brings in, actually matches or blends with the “answers” that you’ve recorded.

If you're willing to dig even deeper then you might look to the Sutras, Torah, Koran, Bible or other sacred text and reference the appropriate sections within them. If you’re already in a study of one of these texts, then this may have a deeper significance for you.

Allow yourself the time to fully delve into a deeper exploration of your numbers. Don’t give up. Find a process that works for you. At first, understanding and interpreting your numbers might seem a bit daunting. But, with time, patience and dedication, you will eventually see that the guidance that you’re receiving is helping to shape your life in new, vibrant and exciting ways.

In the hidden order of reality, there is no distinction between mind and matter.  The split between inner and outer - subjective and objective - that we experience in ordinary life is unknown in the deeper reality. ~ Robert Moss

Developing your intuition - Healing steps to take

I'm often asked about developing intution and I usually reply that we're all intuitive, but you just have to be willing to take the time to tune in and listen. One the first steps to take that I recommend is to have an active meditation practice. Meditation can help you to slow down and step out of the "noise" of daily life for at least a few minutes.

The next step is to find a way to work with, and release, your stress and emotions. When you hold onto stress or negative emotions then you can slowly become out of balance and your health can be taxed. Finding a good therapist or counselor can help you take the steps to heal and overcome issues that are causing stress in your life. Finding a professional to talk with can be extremely beneficial especially when you don't seem to have others who understand what you are going through.

Working with a simple pendulum can help you to tap into your intuition. You can find an inexpensive one, or create your own with some string and a paperclip. You can then use the pendulum to ask basic yes/no questions. To start, you will want to "tune" your pendulum by asking some initial questions to define your yes, no or maybe swings. Simply hold the string in your fingers, without swinging the pendulum or paperclip. Allow the pendulum to be still. No, without moving your hand, you can ask questions like, "Am I a male/female?" and "Do I live at X?". You may want to ask a series of questions to determine how your pendulum works. When you feel confident that you understand how your pendulum responds, you may begin to ask your questions. Write down your responses and review later for your accuracy.

There are many authors that walk you through what I am talking about. You may want to pursue the work of Sonia Choquette, John Holland, Laura Day or Carolyn Myss. These authors all provide excellent books that help you to open to your intuiton through seemingly basic ideas and excercises.

Of couse, there are also many excellent podcasts and streaming radio shows available. Achieve Radio has a streaming radio show called "Walking the Path" with Dawn and Laura.  They recently interviewed Psychic Medium Jennifer Farmer. In the interview she talks about some simple steps to take to better prepare yourself to be intuitive. One of the subjects she raises is indeed taking care of your psychological issues, so that you can be better able to help others.

Book ideas: The Three Only Things - by Robert Moss

"The Three 'Only' Things - Tapping the Power of Dreams, Coincidence & Imagination" by Robert Moss.

Robert Moss has written several books on the subject of dreaming and leads popular seminars about learning to understand your dreams all around the globe. He even offers an intensive training to learn to teach his dream interpretation techniques.

Moss was born in Australia, where he managed to survive multiple life threatening illnesses in his childhood. During his early career he worked as a journalist and as a lecturer at the Australian National University, where he taught ancient history. I believe that the skills and training he acquired in these fields adds further depth and validity to his wisdom that he tries to portray in an honest, simple and fully intelligent manner throughout his books.

The title "Three Only Things" refers to dreams, imagination and coincidences. The book urges that we not be dismissive about them. How often do you find yourself treating a dream, idea or chance encounter as if it were meaningless. Think about how often you hear phrases like the following:

• "It’s only a dream."
• "Our dreams are meaningless."
• "That was only pure chance."
• "That was only a coincidence."
• "It was only in my imagination."
• "Don't let your imagination run wild."
• "I was thinking of X, and I bumped into him at the market."
• “Funny meeting YOU here.”
• “I was just thinking of you.”

The ultimate goal of the book is to help you to begin to see that your dreams, imagination, experiences and synchronicities have value, importance and meaning for your overall life and well-being. The well structured guidance from the book can help you to better appreciate that what you once considered "only" a dream might actually offer a solution to a particular challenge. Perhaps, what you consider "only" to be your wild imagination might be important guidance to keep you out of harms way. A remarkable opportunity might unfold from what you initially perceived as "only" a coincidence. Moss helps you to look at dreams, imagination and synchronicities as personal guidance. 

“In our everyday speech, in our unconsidered reflexive behaviors, we discount or put down dreams, coincidence and imagination as only this or that. Ironically, these three ‘only' things are extraordinary sources of guidance, healing and power - if we will only pay attention.” ~ Robert Moss, The Three Only Things

Throughout the book Moss shares stories that help you to see that somehow, buried within the trappings of everyday life, important personal symbols are awaiting your discovery. Through various simple, yet often fun, games and exercises Moss teaches you how to recognize the value and uniqueness of your experiences. The book is packed with powerful examples of people who have begun to recognize the power of the "Three Only Things" within their own lives. Personal stories from anonymous and well known people are included. He mentions Mark Twain, Winston Churhill and others. For many of these people, it's interesting to see that their lives were probably not that different from yours, but they learned to work with their intuition, and became keen observers of the events and surroundings in their lives. Their stories make you eager to try out the examples and exercises for yourself.

The book offers plenty of tips, practical guidelines, ideas and tools. For myself, and I hope you too, the exercises and the stories were both motivational and inspiring. The book helps to melt away your disconnect with reality, symbolism and intuition. You learn that there is a place for mystery and wonder in your life. By being alert to the symbolism within your everyday waking life you can tap into an important, and often hidden, source of personal guidance.

Reading the book really helps you to begin to want to listen to the voice of your intuition. Gradually, the book will help you to begin to be able to decode messages hidden in your dreams, imagination and chance encounters. As you begin to work with the exercises, you'll come to understand the validity of the "Three Things" and realize that they do often contain guidance and insight for making changes, being creative and healing. You will come to realize that you can be your own guide, if you're willing and able to listen to your intuition. Your dreams, coincidences and chance encounters all can be vital sources of intuitive guidance. Moss teaches that by being discerning, yet curious, you can find meaning within all of your experiences by peering beneath the surface of your life. The process is about becoming more alive, awake and conscious of your choices and actions. It's also about having a sense of wonder. This process will help you to more deeply embrace and appreciate your life and the richness that it has to offer.

You'll find many simple exercises and suggestions for how to develop and sharpen your intuitive skills. One of the exercises I found most exciting is one done with a group of people. The exercise has everyone in the group write down something that "pops" into their mind on an index card. They are only instructed to write something on the card, but not about what is about to happen after they are done. They can jot down anything that they are thinking of in the moment. It could be a quote, song lyrics, something they said to their kids or whatever they are inspired to write or draw on their card. The cards are then collected and shuffled and placed in a basket. Then one at a time, everyone asks a question that they want an answer for. They do this aloud or to themselves, and then pull a card from the basket. The card is now treated as if it was a Tarot or oracle card, and you can use it to answer your question. I worked with this at a workshop that I attended and many people had amazing answers that brought wisdom and clarity to their questions.

The "Three Only Things" is a practical and simple to understand book that will help you to develop and enhance your intuition. I encourage you to read it, especially if you have an interest in dream interpretation or understanding more about the the power of your imagination, or the significance of coincidences in your life.

Find out more at: www.mossdreams.com

 

Faith is an oasis in the heart which can never be reached by the caravan of thinking. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Intuition and Active Imagination

In developing your intuition, meditation can be very important. Many teachers and authors, such as Carlos Castaneda, stress the importance of quieting the inner mind, and then tapping into your intuition through meditation. Then you will be more freely able to access the inner wisdom and power of your intuition. At first you may need to find simple ways to activate your imagination, to begin fostering growth in your intuition. To develop your imagination, you must become intimate with your thoughts. Psychologist CG Jung called this your Active Imagination.

The object of active imagination is to give a voice to sides of the personality that are normally not heard, thereby establishing a line of communication between consciousness and the unconscious. Even when the end products-drawing, painting, writing, sculpture, dance, music, etc.-are not interpreted, something goes on between creator and creation that contributes to a transformation of consciousness.

The most direct way of explaining what Active Imagination is this: Active Imagination places us at the threshold between our everyday sort of awareness and the dream world. If we can bring a degree of alertness and openness to the threshold, the dream world will reach out to meet us. The dream world provides us with its unique view on the world and we bring our questions, our capacity for learning, and our ability to be surprised. This marriage of inner world and outer world can provide our lives with much needed insight, energy, passion, and meaning.

Working with our dreams & active imagination can integrate our conscious & unconscious selves, leading us to wholeness & a more satisfied life. By making inner work a personal project, you can begin the journey toward the integration of the total self & gain insights into the emotional conflicts & desires that motivate your life.

C.G. Jung in Civilization in Transition

The first stage of active imagination is like dreaming with open eyes. It can take place spontaneously or be artificially induced.

In the latter case you choose a dream, or some other fantasy-image, and concentrate on it by simply catching hold of it and looking at it. You can also use a bad mood as a starting-point, and then try to find out what sort of fantasy-image it will produce, or what image expresses this mood. You then fix this image in the mind by concentrating your attention. Usually it will alter, as the mere fact of contemplating it animates it. The alterations must be carefully noted down all the time, for they reflect the psychic processes in the unconscious background, which appear in the form of images consisting of conscious memory material. In this way conscious and unconscious are united, just as a waterfall connects above and below.

The second stage, beyond simply observing the images, involves a conscious participation in them, the honest evaluation of what they mean about oneself, and a morally and intellectually binding commitment to act on the insights. This is a transition from a merely perceptive or aesthetic attitude to one of judgment.

More Information:
The Authentic Movement Institute offers an innovative curriculum, experiential and theoretical, exploring the inter-weaving of the creative, psychological and sacred through the unique body-based process of Authentic Movement. In this work, one develops body (or kinesthetic) awareness, gaining access and giving creative expression to the inner life through an approach in which "movement is the personality made visible."

Book Ideas - Discover your Inner Wisdom

"Book Ideas" is a brief, but insightful, glimpse into books that I am currently reading, or have read in the past. My intention is to give you a flavor of the book and perhaps interest you in the subject matter, such as Intuition. It's hoped that the excerpts will entice you to read the book or perhaps find a similar one that better fits your personality. With each topic, I also try to provide some free external resources that can help you to develop the skills or learn more about the subject at hand

In this Book Ideas, we'll look at the book "Discover your Inner Wisdom", by Char Margolis.

 
"We've been taught to use our common sense to evaluate the choices we're offered, and to apply logic to help us weigh the pros and cons.  But seldom do we tap into the power that I believe is equally important in helping us make the wisest choice in any moment - intuition.
 
My students and clients say that they make better choices when they use their intuition. Intuition can take you places logic and common sense never will. And when you combine logic, common sense and intuition, you'll make even wiser choices."


I like the above quote because Char makes it clear that we don't have to give up on our reasoning skills when we want to solve a problem. Instead, we can use our intuition in conjunction with all of our senses AND our logic and common sense. It's not about giving anything up, or relying on one skill. It's about working with all of your available skills and traits.

In order to work with and develop your intuition, you might wish to find a friend and try some of the following activities together. These activities may be able to help you to be more aware of your intuition, and help you to work with it in ways that are comfortable for you.

•     Read a book (perhaps the book above) about intuition and discuss
•     Work with the Tarot together
•     Talk about your dreams together. What messages might be hidden in them?
•     Keep intuition journals & share you insights
•     Take a class on intuition together

Numerology and Intuition

Q: How can I use Numerology to develop my intuition?

A: I recommend that you work with a friend, partner or significant other as you work with the guidance from your Core Numbers. They are a reflection of who you are, and who you can become. Others may see things in us that we can't or are still unable to see. Working together with the insights that your Core Numbers can provide will help you both to hone and sharpen your intuition. In addition, you'll have someone to verify your insights.

The Core Numbers help to indicate what matters to you. When you deny that something is important you’re denying a part of yourself. You’re shutting down your inner voice, which wants to find a way to express who you are in the world. By not listening, you’re missing out on parts of your full and true self. When you're feeling stuck or blocked, you're not trusting your instincts. A partner may be able to help you work through any perceived difficulties or obstacles that would prevent you from acting on the guidance from your inner voice.

As you work with your Core Numbers you can begin to learn more about those things that inspire passion within each of you. By following your instincts, desire and passion, you can begin developing a connection with your intuition. What inspires you? Follow your inspiration! In particular, you can heighten your intuition by developing a closer connection to your Soul Number, which represents your inner feelings, drives, dreams, and aspects of your spiritual strengths and sensitivities. Together, you may remember past inspiring activities and events that had long been forgotten.

For instance, if your Soul Number is #1, then your inner voice, the voice of your soul, calls for creativity, artistic expression and individuality. At one time you may have taken art classes or music lessons, and let life events stop you from fully pursuing these interests! Yet, you take great pride in your abilities. Inwardly, you may have a strong desire to be recognized for your talents. Yet, outwardly you may push away feelings of worth and the compliments of others. Find ways to express yourself, and allow yourself to experience how the process and the end result makes you feel. You'll come to feel empowered as you learn to trust "your gut", and seek out those activities, events and people that fuel your passion.

In her book on intuition, "How to Rule the World from your Couch", Laura Day has this to say about trusting your own power and intuition: "Living as we do in a culture of 'experts', my greatest pleasure is to make you become your own best expert. In doing so, you also become an expert for your families, friends, companies, and culture. Pardon the cliche, but together, we really can create a better world. This world really, truly starts from your personal and individual experience-your very own power and ability to create the world that you want. When you know how easy it is to create this unique world, what is born is not insatiable desire, but rather unstoppable generosity."

You can do it! Choose a partner, or find a way to develop your intuition on your own. You become your own expert, your own intuitive guide! As you do so, you can also inspire others to do the same. Today, many of us may be unaware of, or unable to listen to, our inner voice. We may keep our inner dreams locked away, unable to bring them to fruition. Your Soul Number is part of the key to unlocking the mysteries of your soul. What does your Soul Number mean for you? What ideas, or wishes, have you had in your mind and put off as impossible? These dreams can be a part of your Soul Number. Your Soul Number is about tuning into your inner voice.