Now is not Then

 From the Spiral Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Sacred Journey Cards, Courage:

The fact that we don’t know—that nothing is certain and we therefore can’t hold on to anything—can evoke fear and depression, but it can also evoke a sense of wonder, curiosity, and freedom. Some of our best moments come when we haven’t yet decided what will happen next.

—Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel

          A man and woman look at the past, represented by a sepia photograph. Not all their cups are standing, suggesting that some of the past wasn't a time to be fondly remembered. It may in fact be something that haunts them in the present. Courage suggests that while the past may be useful to learn from, it doesn't have to ride around on our shoulders. Certain conditions and circumstances brought about that experience, and though something in the present may show a slight resemblance, it doesn't mean we'll be repeating it. Step forward with eyes wide open, watching each moment unfold instead.

Simply Irresistible

From the Morgan-Greer Tarot, the Six of Cups:

What is the past but what we choose to remember? ~ Amy Tan

For some reason this particular card made me think of looking through a box of old photographs, and all the feelings that come up as a result.  Some I see and think, "Those were some good times," and feel grateful.  Others photos remind me of a pain or hurt, and I experience that same feeling all over again.  Then there are those (like the one of me in a bikini) that make me long for what I had and lost.  Memories can trigger all kinds of emotions; today I choose to focus on those that bring me gratitude rather than regret or anguish.

     From the Goddesses and Sirens Oracle this morning comes "Freya / Irresistibility:"

The keyword for this goddess made me laugh out loud.  At my age, I have a hard time thinking of myself as sexy and irresistible.  But the authors make a point to say that the Norse goddess Freya has something else going for her besides her sensuality that makes her attractive to others - her optimistic confidence.  Combined with the tarot card above, my lesson here is that the past doesn't have to predict the present or the future of my life.  I have the power to make new choices and change my behavior.  My decision to act with Freya's poise and assurance could boost my mood as well as my outlook.