KAJAMA.COM NEWSLETTER

November 21 through November 27, 2022

The Sun will move into Sagittarius on Tuesday, opening our minds and hearts a bit wider as we set aside our usual schedules for the next four weeks and embrace a more flexible and patient attitude. A Sagittarius new Moon occurs on Wednesday, and we'll spend the next two weeks embracing new possibilities and finishing up anything that stands in the way of free movement. Resolution is often an outcome of this Moon, so if there is anything that's been hanging over our heads, this next two weeks could bring the answers we seek. Jupiter will turn direct the same day, removing blocks to attainment and setting us on a brighter course for the future. Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. will unfold quite smoothly under the fun-loving Sagittarius Moon, but watch out for over-indulgence, as this sign is famous for pushing the boundaries! Our industrious sides will emerge over the weekend, as a Capricorn Moon encourages us to take action on the things we've been procrastinating on. Clearing out clutter, reorganizing files, or simply engaging in more physical activity are all ways to embrace the grounding power of the Capricorn Moon.

What to Do When You Draw a Tarot Blank, by Jenna Matlin

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

She was sitting at the edge of her seat looking at me expectantly. "Well?" she asked, unable to contain her excitement, "What do you see?" There was a long line of people behind her wanting a reading at this event, and they were all asking me to hurry up with their eyes. My querent had asked me, "What do you see about my love life?" And while that is often a question that single people ask, the cards were screaming "marriage" at me.

Instead of asking her if she was married, I plowed through the reading as if it was talking about her single love life. It felt like I was fighting the cards. Besides marriage, it just did not make sense. I forced the reading even though my intuition told me otherwise. As I finished, she said, "Oh, that's interesting because I am married."

Instantly, I knew she had intentionally misdirected me to test me. However, as soon as she confirmed that she was married, the reading fell right into place. The reading I had been fighting relaxed into comprehension, and I was able to give her what the cards were telling me all along. What I've learned is that when I draw a blank as a reader, something is off, and it typically isn't because I cannot read tarot!

Yet, many readers (especially newer ones) will blame themselves when a reading is not working. There are many different reasons why we are unable to make sense of what we see, and we can use the device of "drawing a blank" to be a warning sign that something else is afoot. So, instead of panicking, we can remain calm, cool, and very tarot-collected.

Why are we drawing a blank, anyway?

Misdirection: Sometimes, like in my story above, the querent may give us a question that is a trick. It is not the real question, or it is a vague question when the querent wants a more specific one but is scared to say out loud or even consciously to themselves.

Disrespect: If a querent thinks tarot is a joke, or they sit at my table inebriated, it will often cause the cards to go strange. It's almost as if my tarot deck is mad and won't help the querent unless proper respect has been given!

Chaotic Energy: If the querent is highly emotional, confused, or is thinking about two things at one time, it can often show up as a confusing card reading. Also, if the energy around the session is particularly messy—like a loud party—that can have an effect, too.

Jumping to Conclusions: Sometimes I jump to conclusions and expect the spread to talk about something that it is not talking about. This is where my ego gets in the way. If the cards show something I did not expect, then I may not see what it is trying to tell me.

I Was Triggered: Perhaps there was something about the querent or the question that triggered my own baggage. Perhaps it hit too close to home, and I got emotionally involved in a way that kept me from seeing the cards clearly.

I Am Too Close to It: We can draw a blank if we are reading for ourselves for a situation that we feel emotional about. Because we are in the thick of the situation, we can look at the cards and see the trees but not the forest. We simply do not have enough distance to see the big picture.

As you can see, there are many reasons why a tarot reading is making you go, "Huh?" and it rarely has to do with your skill as a reader! The good news is that there are many techniques that you can use to turn that confusion into some solid clarity, instead! Here's what to do when you draw a blank.

First, don't panic. Take a deep breath and slow down. If you are reading for another person, you may feel pressure to start talking right away. If you don't instantly start speaking, your querent may get anxious and begin to prod you for information: "So, what do you see?" Don't take the bait. Let them know that you are listening for impressions and to give you a second.

While you take that second, visualize above your head a glass container of clear, clean water. Focus on the clear water and breathe into it, allowing any worry or stress to fall away. While you do so, visualize yourself as asking a question and ready to receive a response without forcing it. It is important to stay as calm and centered as you can.

As you feel yourself start to settle, check in with your intuition—is anything nagging at you, no matter how implausible or strange it sounds? Is your intuition telling you that the question is off or that something is missing that you need from the querent? Be honest and tell your querent that you are sensing something off and ask whether there is anything else they need to share to clarify the reading. Ask them if they were thinking about something or someone other than the stated question. Or ask if there was something they were worried about in their lives that they did not express.

Asking for clarification as a reader is not an indication that you are a bad reader. It is an indication that you are a careful reader who is not a mind reader. Most querents will end up appreciating your transparency around your process versus trying to force something that does not feel right (and if they aren't, do you want to read for them, anyway?) If the querent reveals a question or worry that they did not express, take a look and see if the reading now makes sense. If the querent expresses no further detail or information, take a look at their emotions. Are they anxious? Do they seem afraid?

If a querent is very emotional while getting a reading, it can often influence what tarot cards show up. I liken this effect to a rainstorm on a lake: the rain is acting to mask the clarity beneath. If you find that this is the case, then you can help the querent center themselves and try again. Usually, the second try from a calmer place will make the cards regain the clarity you are used to seeing.

However, before you fold your confusing cards, try to salvage what you can by sharing what you see even if it does not make sense. As readers, we can lean into dangerous territory if we take on the idea that we have to make everything make sense. That is not how oracles work. Sometimes, we get information that will only make sense later or is meant for someone else. But if we try to make everything make perfect sense all the time at the exact moment we are reading, then we are leaning into speculation. Speculation is logic and reasoning, not a tarot reading necessarily!

When you just spit it out—when you say what you see without trying to make it all make sense—you could be far more accurate than you know in the moment. And, it is okay if your querent is still confused at the reading; they have the rest of their lives to figure out the meaning after!

Another thing you can do is take the confusion directly to your deck. If you decide to ask your deck what's going on, here is what I recommend: use your deck minus the spread currently on the table. Then, as you normally do, ask your deck, "Why is this spread confusing me?" Pull 3 cards and see what it says. Typically, you will get some information as to what is going on: whether it is you, or something happening with the querent. But, if your second reading is just as confusing, then it may be time to scrap the reading.

Scrapping the reading often feels like a cosmic, "Ask again later" scenario, and who are we to defy the Gods? If, at this point, there is still an opaque feeling to the reading and I have not figured out why, then I tend to see it as something that the Fates, the Universe, the Gods—whomever, for whatever reason, does not want to talk about. So, why would I want to go looking for trouble by asking yet again?

One thing I am constantly reminding myself and my querents is this: I am only entitled to ask the question. But, I am not entitled to how the cards wish to answer that question. I am just grateful when they do. If we expect the cards to always tell us the message, every time, in exactly the way that we want it, are we being good tarot readers or good toddlers? Who are we to demand that all tarot readings come to our beck and call? Tarot is not the servant. I am the servant to tarot. At least, that is how it works for me.

At the end of the day, once we have tried to solve every for every aspect that could be interfering with our desire for truth, we have to let it go. And, letting it go doesn't mean that we are bad readers. In fact, learning when to let go is the mark of a very good reader. So, the most important tip in all of this is that we need to be kinder to ourselves. Tarot readers are working with the magic of this indefinable something, a dance of magic and mystery. It is a wonder we get anything at all, isn't it?

The more we acknowledge that we are merely humble readers trying our best but ultimately, there are a lot of things going on above our spiritual "pay grade," the more we can get out of our way and let the cards do what they will. And as you know, they absolutely will!

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2022. All rights reserved.

I have recently realized how important fulfilling relationships and the expression of love are in the journey of life. The only problem is that I'm a very shy, introverted, and at times flat-out not very confident person. This makes it really hard for me to form fulfilling relationships and express love to other people. Are you able to shed any spiritual light on people like me and our struggles to engage in these most basic functions of life? Why are some people so shy and sensitive? Are there any spiritual reasons for this? Thank you in advance.

Dan

Susyn:

There are many reasons why some people are more introverted than others. For example, people's astrological signs often dictate how they approach the world. You didn't mention your birth date, but it is common for the water signs of the zodiac, those born in July, November or March, and those born with an abundance of Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces planets in their natal chart to be more sensitive and shy than other signs.

Sensitivity and shyness can also be attributed to childhood experiences. Most babies are born with open, embracing spirits, and are well-versed in the art of just <q>being.</q> Once society or parents begin to direct them in certain ways, they will gravitate toward being either an extrovert or an introvert. For example, first born children may be carefree and happy until a sibling comes along and attention shifts away from them. Unsure of how to handle this, they may pull back and become more self-conscious and tuned in to what is happening around them.

Influences from past lives can also contribute to a person's tendency toward shyness or sensitivity. Depending on their experiences, they may carry post-traumatic symptoms that cause them to try to protect themselves. For example, many psychics relay that as children, they tended to hide their gifts, partially because they received negative or fear-based responses from adults. They may also have been labeled witches and put to death in past lives, which would understandably lead them to think twice about expressing their unique views on life and the world this time around.

We all grow and evolve over the years. Realizing that your shyness could be limiting you from experiencing the loving connections you long for is the first step toward positive change. Developing self-confidence and the ability to express yourself does not have to cancel out your sensitive true nature; instead, it can enhance the very traits you view as liabilities.

You can eliminate the limits you are experiencing through spiritual means. Meditation is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your life force and self-confidence. Because of your sensitive nature, joining a spiritual group or taking up metaphysical practices would be ideal ways to encourage your psychic side to emerge.

Interacting with kindred spirits who share your journey will enable you to compare notes and see how they are reaching their dreams. From that point, Spirit will bring an ideal partner who can embrace your sensitivity and balance out your introverted side. Once that happens, you won't have any trouble expressing yourself and sharing your heart with another.

2636

Oceania:

<p>I believe your personality resulted from a combination of nature and nurture. Some children are born shy and others are born bold. If being shy is part of your genetic makeup, I encourage you to muster some compassion, patience and kindness for yourself. We can stretch past our natures to a degree, but it's important to notice the pain vs. gain ratio as we go along: there's no point in forcing ourselves into situations that just don't fit us.

<p>Shyness can also result from family environments where parents and older siblings were abusive or overly critical, as these energies are not conducive to children expressing themselves freely. If your shyness resulted from an abrasive family, psychotherapy can help you heal; by expressing your feelings in a safe environment, you will no longer fear opening up.

<p>Shy people often worry that they'll express their feelings in an unappealing manner when they become too close to someone, but part of any real relationship is exposing our messy imperfections. With practice, we can learn to share our truths more gracefully, so do consider joining a therapy group or assertiveness class!

<p>You can overcome paralyzing anxiety by taking baby steps towards your goal while remaining as relaxed as possible. A young male client of mine described himself much as you have. I asked him to think of the tiniest step he could take that would provide him with a sense of accomplishment. He chose glancing at coworkers instead of avoiding eye contact. After mastering this task, his next chosen step was to smile at coworkers, regardless of whether they smiled first or smiled back. Next, he verbally greeted them with a <q>hi</q> or <q>good morning.</q> Before long, he was conversing with people he had gone to great lengths to avoid in the past.

<p>It can help to recognize that shyness has an aspect of self-centeredness to it. One of the best ways to dissipate self-consciousness is to focus on the other person and THEIR comfort. Poet Emily Dickinson began one of her poems with this notion: <q>If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.</q> You DO have the power to ease the pain of others, and that's empowering.

<p>It's also helpful to remember that most people can't see our anxiety; what we feel inside during anxious moments rarely shows on the outside. I don't think there's a spiritual origin for your shyness, but rather a spiritual aspect to it in the sense that our limitations invite us to walk through our fears. As we overcome one obstacle, we gain momentum and courage, and our next challenge becomes that much easier to face and overcome.

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December 10:

due November 12

Could Her Infertility Be Karmic?

due November 12

I am trying to understand when a situation is karmic versus when it's God's plan. When I was little, I intuitively knew I wouldn't have kids; I believed I was barren. It turned out that I didn't have kids, although I've been wanting and trying to conceive for the last couple of years. I've done a lot of spiritual work and past life regressions and I believe my infertility is karmic, but I'm not clear as to whether that means God has another plan for me in this lifetime so I should just leave it alone, or if I need to keep trying to conceive in order to clear my past karma. My date of birth is September 28, 1968. My boyfriend's is October 15, 1966. Thank you! Joan

Susyn:

Many believe that past life karma or current life <q>sins</q> are preventing them from attaining their dreams. This concept covers everything from having children to finding one's soul mate. In truth, an intense drive to make something happen can be the very thing that is preventing it. Some people I counsel are interested in finding out the karmic reason why something is not working when in fact, they need only make a few simple changes to rectify the situation.

Assuming there is no physical reason you can't conceive, you may simply be trying too hard! Time after time I have seen people struggle to conceive, give up and adopt a child, and then find themselves pregnant soon after. My sister tried for years to become pregnant to no avail. When she found herself in the middle of a major move, she put the idea of a baby out of her head, and before she had even unpacked the boxes in her new home, she discovered she was with child.

If both you and your boyfriend are physically able to conceive, the answer may be to quit trying so hard. Also, you may want to consider natural supplements that encourage fertilization; for instance, taking vitamin E is a great way to create a more friendly environment for conception. A homeopath or natural doctor of medicine in your area may have additional ways to promote pregnancy. Remember that the mind is very powerful. If you have carried the idea that you are barren since childhood, it is time to reverse that idea by replacing it with positive beliefs and affirmations. This is the quickest way to open up a channel so Spirit can rectify the situation.

You have done well to take the spirital aspects of this situation into consideration, and to investigate and attempt to clear past life karma. If there is some spiritual reason you've been struggling with this, then when you do conceive, you will know that the lessons you were learning have been completed. If you do not conceive, you can trust that there is a good reason for that. My sense is that following the above suggestions will clear any blocked channels and bless you with the child you are hoping for. Divine timing is an amazing thing: there are no limits to what Spirit can do for you if you are open to letting things unfold in their own way and time.

Our paths can take some pretty interesting turns. Life is full of surprises, so often, we don't know whether to attribute certain situations to karma, fate or chance. One thing does seem to be clear, however: when we stop fighting a certain situation and accept it, it begins to change.

*****

Oceania:

<p>Though the details change from person to person, we've all asked the same question! When something we desire is out of reach, we all wonder if should we continue to go for it or give it up. Is the frustration we feel due to karma or because we're resisting God's plan? Is overcoming an obstacle within the scope of our power, or should we surrender because it's bigger than us and out of our hands?

<p>This very issue is addressed by tarot cards IX and X: the Hermit and the Wheel of Fortune. The Wheel represents God's plan, though there are other words we might use for this concept: fate, destiny, a power greater than ourselves, the natural unfolding of the universe, the Tao, the flow, quantum physics or rules of randomness. The Hermit card represents Karma, though we can use other words for that, too: free will, personal choice, integrity, making amends, creation, manifestation or the law of attraction. The Serenity Prayer, which I'm sure you're familiar with, addresses the issue of God's plan vs. karma when it asks for the <q>wisdom to know the difference.</q>

<p>I recommend wise balance between tarot's IX and X energies. Being too willful leads to energetic pushing and shoving, and is likely to land you in a codependency meeting. Too much surrendering to fate will land you on the couch watching television and waiting for someone to show up at your door with your life in a package. It's the dance between these two energies that leads to the manifestation of our dreams or a better version of them.

<p>I advise my clients to do all they can to manifest a desire: visualize it, affirm it, suit up and show up, do the footwork and act as if it's already happening...and then let go of their attachment to the outcome! In your case, that would mean seeing yourself pregnant, thinking <q>I'm pregnant,</q> following the suggestions of a fertility specialist, living a healthy lifestyle to prepare your body to carry a child, reading books about babies, choosing names and decorating a nursery...and then letting it go! We are co-creators with the universe because we are PART of the universe, not separate from it.

<p>Any intellectual debate such as karma vs. God's plan can be a way of avoiding feelings, so I also recommend you stop thinking for a while and focus solely on your emotions and any related physical sensations. As you think about having a child, allow yourself to feel happy, excited and hopeful! When you fear it may not happen, allow yourself to cry, mourn and feel sad. In so doing, you will discover truths that can't be found with the intellect.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.