Making Magic: Oracle and Animal Guidance for the Week

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Our cards this week are Flexible in protection (reverse) and White Raven.

Flexible in protection is asking us where it is we are being too rigid in our lives. When we stay stagnant or stuck in a certain way of perceiving something or a situation we can potentially lose out on a way in which we could grow.

With White Raven as our second card and symbolic of magic, creation and deeper awareness ask yourself in relation to flexibility how you can see something in a new or different way.

How often do we get stuck in our logical and analytical mind? White Raven reminds us to pause and tune into the deeper aspect of ourselves, within the center of our heart, and really listen for the answer of what is true. This is where the magic is.

In the book, The Key to Spirit Animals, author Dawn Brunke writes “Raven is a powerful bird that oversees changes in consciousness, helping us to deepen awareness and move between worlds.”

When we get locked in something or an outcome to be a certain way, being inflexible, Raven can help us tap into our deeper self in connection with the Divine to hear the truth of what is best.

***

Yesterday I ordered a book by author Brianna Saussy called Making Magic – Weaving Together the Everyday and the Extraordinary. Then just this morning in my inbox was an email from Sounds True who published Brianna’s book. It was an announcement of an interview they recently did with her and I listened to part of it before I pulled today’s cards.

After pulling the cards for our reading I looked up to notice on my bulletin board where I keep photos and inspirational quotes this quote from the book, The Secret Garden:

I shall live forever and ever…I shall find out thousands and thousands of things. I shall find out about people and creatures and everything that grows and I shall never stop MAKING MAGIC.

How perfect I thought to be surrounded by all this symbolism of magic. And something I’ve realized over the years is that we can have magic not only in big moments but in many simple and what we might deem as small moments.

I tend to be someone who loves routine and the perfectionistic part of me can get in the way of being too rigid and thus losing out on the magic that could come my way.

But when I allow myself to listen to my heart and follow its lead, I’m often granted the gift of magic. And in those moments I feel that deeply in my bones as the truth of who I am. That IS magic while at the same time that is REAL.

And I don’t know about you, but the more magical moments in my life, the more I want to be like that quote above from The Secret Garden. The more it happens, the better I feel, and the more I want to keep living in this way.

Cards used: Wisdom of the Oracle and Spirit Animal Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid

XO,

Barbara

P.S. I offer personal one-to-one oracle readings and guidance sessions. If you are feeling stuck and need some support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can learn more about my oracle reading service here.

This Gift Captures It All

Posted by Barbara Techel

Oh, the depth of heart within this artwork!

I cried hard as a smile slowly came across my face. This precious gift is from my mom and now hangs on my living room wall.

The picture in its entirety – I had to crop top one for Facebook requirements

Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is a complete chapter in our lives that lasted almost twenty years. A path I didn’t plan on taking but that I would end up caring for three special needs dachshunds.

I love gazing at this as a reminder to reflect on all the beautiful memories and profound teachings I gained from three sweet souls. I know with absolute truth that I wouldn’t be who I am today without Frankie, Joie, and Gidget. Nor would John.

I feel blessed to have captured the teachings of each of them in three memoirs, Through Frankie’s Eyes, Wisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift, and the one I’m currently finishing, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.

While I don’t know what the next chapter in my life will be, looking at this picture brings me into a space within my heart that feels gratitude…so much gratitude.

There’s really not much more I can say about this special gift because this is definitely a case where a picture speaks a thousand words (times three!!).

XO,

Barbara

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The Official Mayor of Elkhart Lake? Boone Dog.

Posted by Barbara Techel
Photo: Patrick and Connie Mertens

Personally, I think the best part of the Elkhart Lake Farmer’s Market is seeing Boone. He lives across the street from the post office and one block from the market.

Patrick and Connie Mertens belong to this handsome fellow. I hopped off my bike for a few moments to pet Boone’s sweet face and head this morning on my way to the market. He is super friendly. Patrick told me today that this is one of Boone’s favorite things to do and greet all the people who walk past on their way to the market.

I think you can tell by the photo that he takes his job very seriously and enjoys it immensely.

After this photo was posted on Facebook someone said that Boone should be the mayor of Elkhart Lake. We’ve never had a mayor. We are a small village of 950 people, but dare I say, he’d be the kind of mayor I’d want!

It was a bittersweet day as it was a first riding my bike to the market without Gidget in my basket. I also realized how often it was that people I didn’t know would stop me to comment about Gidget and we’d get to talking. Now that I was alone that didn’t happen. It made me a bit sad.

But I realized I was also looking for people with dogs too because well, I just love seeing the dogs. Though I didn’t stop and talk to anyone with a dog. It’s so interesting how animals connect us and seem to make it easier to start a conversation with a total stranger. I kind of missed that today. But I was happy for the opportunity to pet Boone and chat with Patrick.

You’ve got my vote Boone should you decide to run for Mayor of Elkhart Lake! 

XO,

Barbara

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