Ah, the Seven of Swords. When you are a reader, this is one of the more touchy cards when it comes up in a spread, because it can indicate that someone is lying or hiding something from someone else. It doesn't always have to mean that and I tell people to trust their own intuition on what is happening in their own lives, but it does lead me to another discussion today. If you are empathic or psychic, perhaps you will relate. I keep seeing the memes that say things like, "You can't lie to an empath." I am going to have to argue. You absolutely CAN lie to an empathic or psychic person. Especially if you are someone close to them or that they love. The psychic, intuitive person may sometimes subconsciously try to drop a veil over what they sense because they love the person and they don't WANT to believe whatever weirdness it is that they are picking up on. The problem is that even if they don't have anything to validate their feelings, THEY STILL KNOW. And it changes things. Mainly the relationship and trust they have with the person who is hiding something from them. It goes without saying that empaths are emotionally sensitive, so they may try to play along with the game in order to keep the peace and give the person time to reveal things on their own. They usually hope that sooner or later the other party will come clean, and then they can do something else they love, which is to kick into healing mode and try to fix everything. But be forewarned. Everyone has a breaking point and when someone takes advantage of, manipulates and lies to ANYONE repeatedly, especially an intuitively sensitive person, the empath WILL eventually withdraw themselves from that person's life, taking their love, light, caring and sympathy along with them. And when they do, the black hole and void of emptiness that is created where their presence used to be is going to sting. Sadly, it is my experience that the empathic person usually feels worse about this than the one they leave behind! Psychics and generally loving people seem to pull the plug on relationships with people they truly care about only when the crushing weight of the pain from being treated in a way that is out of alignment with their loving soul simply becomes too much for them to bear. In terms of Karma, this is the moment when the scales of balance, finally tip from LOVE to SELF-PROTECTION. We are all subject to the Karmic rebound of our actions, both good and bad. As a Tarot Card Reader, the Seven of Swords may have a much simpler meaning when you are reading for yourself or someone else, but do remember that it also may be HIDING something much deeper below the surface. And if you are an intuitively sensitive, empathic or psychic person and you find yourself in this situation, please remember that you are MAGIC but you are also HUMAN and you deserve to be treated as such. Blessings to ALL. 

Well, the cicada are here and I do understand why everyone is so annoyed. However, I went for a walk today and as I did, I had a different appreciation for them.  It may be impossible to ever understand the Divine Creator completely, but I do believe He/She speaks in the Universal language of signs and symbols.  The symbology of the cicada has me thinking.  They “awaken” every 17 years and I have never before had so many people coming to me for readings who are going through their own “awakenings!”  Cicada also shed their skins, and much like the symbology of the snake, this can mean it is time to grow and shed our own old “skin.”  The cicada come as a collective group and I feel this is meaningful as well.  If you listen to them closely you can hear the way their sound cycles and to me, it sounds like they are all breathing in and out as one big, unified congregation.  So, what do I take all of this to mean? I believe the Divine Creator of us all is telling us that it is time for humans to wake up.  We must realize that our old belief systems and ways of doing things are no longer working for us.  We must shed old judgmental habits that no longer serve us or the Highest Good.  We must be honest with ourselves and examine our own beliefs and behaviors. Are we being kind?  Are we being decent human beings that love and support one another or are we clinging to an old “less than” mentality and structure of greed?  Do we see each individual person as an important and integral part of the Universal design of a Higher Being or are we creating false illusions that keep us separated not only from one another but from that Divine Spirit as well?  It is time to come together as a collective society that exists peacefully together.  We do not have to agree on everything, but kindness and love for one another are basic human qualities that we can share. Nature teaches us that the odds of survival are greater in numbers.  It is my hope and prayer that we can wake up, shed our old skins, and all come together to sing one big, beautiful song. If you are able to hear the song of the cicada, I hope you will try to enjoy it rather than to curse it.  I also feel that it is a literal vibrational and spiritual upgrade if you are open to receive it.  If you are in an area where you can’t hear them for yourself, I am including a link to a short video on my Facebook Page for you. (It won't let me upload it here.) An owl was actually hooting in the background while I was recording as well!  You can hear it for just a moment at the very beginning if you listen very closely.  Owls, the symbol of wisdom, but a story for another day!  Blessings to all and here is the link!
​fb.watch/5K28YPu1g2/

​It has been a long time since my last blog post.  2020 has been daunting for me as well as the rest of the world and I just have not felt compelled to write for a while.  I had an experience the other day however, that I would really love to share!  I am always telling clients that the Universe/God/Spirit/Goddess speaks to us through signs, symbols, and synchronicities but I am not sure that everyone really understands what I mean.  So here is a story of something that happened to me personally which really moved and amazed me, and I hope that it inspires you to look more closely for the messages that Spirit may be whispering to you too.  

​First, bear with me as I give you some background knowledge and a bit of a mini-Tarot lesson, along with a touch of astrology and history.  I have been researching the Qabala and the corresponding symbolism of Tarot to the Qabalistic Tree of Life for some time now.  As part of this study, I routinely do recurrent research and meditations associated with each of the Tarot Major Arcana cards in a certain order.  I tend to spend several days or weeks at a time on each card and the paired Path on the Tree of Life.  It just so happened that I came to The Moon card in my rotation of study on the day of the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction on December 21st.  This was a major astrological event and it seemed to coincide nicely with my Moon meditation work.  As I go through this process, I keep a daily journal of all my findings, thoughts, and experiences, and I noted that during this window of time there was also a full moon in Cancer on December 29th.  The timing of this was especially significant for the obvious reason that I was working with The Moon card, but also because the little crayfish crawling out of the water at the bottom of the card relates to the sign of Cancer.  The Moon card is linked specifically with the sign of Pisces, but the little crayfish has more in common with the sign of Cancer.  In astrology Cancer corresponds to the heavenly body of the Moon itself and I happen to be a Cancer, so all of this seemed to fit together for me in a significant and personal way. 

​For whatever reason, the crayfish really caught my attention in this particular round of research.  (If you work with Tarot at all you will find that the symbolism, depth and meaning of every card is never-ending. You will continue to see, notice, and learn new things each time you return to one.  It is a fascinating spiral of learning that I never tire of.)  Anyway, the crayfish was something I wanted to focus on.  I had noted in my journal that it was symbolic of the early stages of consciousness unfolding, but also represents the creative power of the highest force there is.  It is the instinctive nature and development of the physical body as it begins its journey of self-expression from the lowest organic form of cellular development.  It is the evolution of the personality that begins by seeing itself as separate from the rest of nature, as it expands into the liberation that comes from the understanding that all things are connected through the One Force that creates and sustains the Universe.  

​The crayfish symbolism here may have originally developed in one of my favorite of all places, Egypt.  The crayfish and the sign of Cancer as the crab are both associated with the scarab or dung beetle and the Egyptian Creator and Sun God Khepri.  If you look closely you can see the image of a beetle or crab-like figure in one of the ceiling reliefs at Dendera Temple in Egypt.  It represents the constellation of Cancer and it appears to be leading the march of the other zodiac signs through the sky. The Egyptians must have noticed that dung beetles lay their eggs in balls of poo (I know, not very glamorous) and then they roll them around until eventually the sun warms them and they burst forth as beetles. To the ancients this process may have appeared as though these beetles were self-created or born from the poo to become the beautiful scarabs that shine in the Sun.  The God Khepri fits into the picture as the Scarab headed man who births the morning Sun and creates the day by rolling it through the sky. This thought process flows into the symbolism of The Moon card through the crayfish who would appear to come from lowly places yet has the ability to symbolically move up in the world along the Path of evolution.

​Having given you some history and meaning behind the design of The Moon card itself I can finally explain how this all came together in one big happy hello from the Universe in the end, which I have noticed often seem to happen when I am completely submerging myself in something this way.  I had decided to finish up my work on the Path of the Moon on New Year’s Eve with a final meditation.  It seemed like the perfect thing to do to help leave 2020 behind me and begin the mysterious journey of 2021 in a more peaceful place.  During this particular meditation I saw a vision of the beautiful Moon Goddess Artemis. She told me that soon I would see something in my waking world that would convince me that the visions I see in my mind are real and not just figments of my imagination or the fantasies of my overindulgent subconscious mind.  It was a very pleasant experience and I felt like my work with this card was complete, so I was already thinking about moving on to the next Tarot card, but The Moon wasn’t quite done with me yet.

​The next day, New Year’s Day, I went for a walk at my favorite park and I took one of my Tarot decks along with me as I sometimes do.  It was a beautiful day, and I was strolling along not really thinking about anything in particular when I noticed something right in the middle of the path moving towards me.  You may have already guessed it, but yes, it was an absolutely gigantic crayfish! I was amazed at the synchronistic and rather dream-like experience of seeing the crayfish coming down the path towards me as if it were crawling out of The Moon card right before my eyes.  I have been walking in this park and along this path and many others there for literally years and years now and never, ever have I seen one there before.  Nor have I ever seen another crayfish that was as large as this one anywhere in my life.  It was practically the size of a lobster!  I stepped back and aside so I wouldn’t scare him, but he came right at me like he was on a mission.  I finally thought to take some pictures and video of him which I hope you enjoy!  (And yes, I talk to animals and all other creatures!) I realized that I had my Tarot deck with me, and I even rooted out the Moon card to take pictures of that too.  This particular deck didn’t have the image of the crayfish in it as the traditional one does, but it was still fun to take pictures of the two together.  I finally thanked him for his time and watched him crawl on his way. 

​I had headed off in the opposite direction, but I was soon stopped once again.  Now there were two more crayfish approaching!  The first one was even bigger than the original that I encountered, but his companion was the smaller size of the typical crayfish that I was used to seeing in the local creeks and streams as a kid.  The smaller one had lost one of his claws somewhere along the way (which I have yet to figure out the symbolism of) but that did not seem to be bothering him at all, so I visited with them for a few moments and took more pictures and video to share. These two seemed to have places to go so they didn’t stick around for long, but it was just so wonderful to have been blessed with a visit from not only one, but three of these special creatures that I had been researching for the past week or so.  Three is the number of the Goddess and I remembered the words of the beautiful Lady Artemis from my vision.  “Soon you will see something in your actual world that will convince you that all of this is real.”  Honestly, at the time it puzzled me because I have such a strong belief in this sort of thing, and I didn’t really feel like I needed convincing.  It made more since later because as luck would have it, a few days later some things happened in my life that hit me sort of hard and I was reminded that sometimes in those difficult moments I do fall back into old habits and question myself and my faith.  My unexpected encounter with the crayfish helped me dig deep and remember that I am never alone.  There is a much Greater and Higher Power than me that sees, loves, and encourages me and It even sends cute crayfish my way when It knows that I am in need.  And this Higher Power loves you too.  It will talk to you through Nature and in oh, so many ways if you dare to believe.  Look for the signs, pay attention to your surroundings and don’t second-guess those fabulous moments when they happen.  Remember the old saying that those who do not believe in magic will never find it.  May many blessings and much magic find its way to you in the New Year and those to come, my friends.
 

I am very excited about opening my new space at the Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center!  I am planning to have an Opening Day Celebration on May 30th.  My Studio space there is small, as it is intended to be a private and cozy environment for my in-person readings and a place to sell and display some of my jewelry and talisman pieces.  Therefore, in order to follow the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines, I am simply planning to make myself available there that day from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm so that folks can come by a few at a time and check it out and say hello!  I will be scheduling appointments, selling my jewelry and may even do some quick one card readings for visitors if time and space allow. I do hope that you are able to stop by but if not I will also be releasing pictures and video throughout the day on my Facebook and Instagram sites.  Please know that I will be wearing a mask and following the Healthy at Work guidelines and do ask that if you plan to come by, you do as well.  No sense in taking any chances!  You can find more information about the Covid-19 procedures I will be following as well as more detailed directions on my Contact/Schedule Page. Thank you again to everyone for all of your love and support along the way and for making this a possibility for me!  My heart overflows!   

Alright, so this is not my typical blog topic, but I have been so captivated by the news stories about Dr Helen Sharman, the first Briton to go to space, and some of her comments that I just feel compelled to talk about it. (You can read more about this by following this link...https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51003374) So let's just say it. Aliens.  I have personally always been a firm believer that there simply must be other forms of life out there besides ourselves.  When I lay out at night and look up at the immense blanket of stars above me, the vast majority of which we know absolutely nothing about, it just seems ridiculous to me to think that we are the only planet existing with the right conditions to support life.  Although I feel this way, it has never really been anything I feel drawn to research or debate with people.  I am far more interested in the supernatural, spiritual and paranormal phenomena of our own atmosphere. However, this recent quote about aliens from Dr. Sharman caught my attention and has really been on my mind. "It's possible they're here right now and we simply can't see them."  Wow! What a thought!  Very cool and intriguing and a little creepy and unsettling all at the same time.  Some might find this hard to believe, but it resonated with me. As a psychic medium, I interact with human spirits that we can't see on a daily basis, so for me this just isn't much of a stretch.  Since beginning my spiritual journey after my near-death experience in 2012, I have become aware of and opened up to all sorts of energy and information and if I know anything at all, it is that we don't really know anything, so I am pretty wide open to most theories and speculations. I may not be able to prove that the spirits I sense around me are real, but thus far Science has not been able to prove that they aren't, so why not the same with aliens?  In fact, over the last two or three years if I focus on it, I am able to pick up on more and more energy that seems to be coming from the stars or space itself rather than spirits of the deceased or the Source/Creator. It is hard to describe it, as it is not a specific message or image, but more of a simple feeling of "knowingness."  I think they are there and I think they are very aware of us too.  I remember reading somewhere that the famous psychic Edgar Cayce had once attempted to use his abilities for remote viewing to look into outer space, but he connected with something looking back at him and it frightened him and he wouldn't do it anymore!  This energy does not feel "alien" to me.  In fact when I think about it, I much prefer the term "Star People."  When I tap into it, I get a sense of calm and peace that seems more similar to the energy I get around Guides, Ascended Masters or Angels.  It does not feel frightening but more concerned, peaceful and mentoring for lack of a better word.  I believe all things are connected, so any other alien species out there are simply other forms of God/Goddess/Creator expressing and experiencing itself through a physical body just as we are ourselves.  There certainly may be other life out there that is hostile, but as far as what I tap into, it seems to be expressing a longing to connect rather than a desire to take over our planet.  When people talk about humans as possibly being "seeded" from other planets, this doesn't seem too far off base to me.  I rather like the term "Star Seed" as well.  Exactly how and when we were created and how long we have been here or from where we came is so far from being able to be proven that it is almost laughable.  When I read about the things that we have "proven" I can't help but think of the things that we have then proceeded to "disprove" time and again.  The world and our perception of it is ever-changing.  Food Pyramid, case in point.  Anyway, it is not a big stretch for me to think that we may have originated on and traveled here from some other planet eons ago. 
​So what in the world does all this have to do with the Emerald Tablets of Thoth?  I stumbled across an interesting translation on Crystalinks website yesterday.  It was sited only as being done by Doreal. You can find it through the link below if you would like to read the entire thing.
www.crystalinks.com/emerald.html
(Also, if you would like to know more about the Emerald Tablets and their origins and what they contain or would like to read more on the teachings of Thoth, I recommend The Emerald Tablet of Hermes by Hermes Trismegistus and The Hermetica by Timothy Freke & Peter Gandy.)
Back to the point, as I was reading through the version of the tablets given on Crystalinks, a few passages just jumped right out at me.  The first was:
"Know ye that throughout the space
that ye dwell in
are others as great as your own,
interlaced through the heart of your matter
yet separate in space of their own."
The second was:
"Space is filled with concealed ones,
for space is divided by time.
Seek ye the key to the time-space,
and ye shall unlock the gate.
Know ye that throughout the time-space
consciousness surely exist.
Though from our knowledge it is hidden,
yet still forever exists."
​Hhhmmm. Super interesting!  My mind went right back to the quote form Dr. Sharman. "It's possible they're here right now and we simply can't see them."
This may be a stretch for many, but topics like this and the strange synchronicities that we encounter in our minds and other various ways are one of the things that I simply love about life. It is one of the reasons that I am so very drawn to mysticism and the unknown. Life is so darn interesting and there is no possible way that we can ever know everything that there is to know.  It is an endless rabbit hole and I love to dive into it whenever I can.  I want to absorb as much as I can while I am here on this planet and I am so grateful that I believe I will have more chances to come back again!  But reincarnation is a discussion for another time!  ;)  Blessings!

​The Ten of Cups is often called the “Happy Family” card.  It is a great indicator of happiness and companionship in the world of friends and relatives.  When I drew this card however, the first thing that jumped out to me was the rainbow.  I have been seeing them everywhere lately!  Not just in the sky but being refracted off jewelry and through windows and on street signs and in all sorts of interesting ways.  The symbolic meaning of rainbows is mostly about having hope and they remind us to keep our chin up and focus on the “gold at the end,” whether figuratively or literally.  They can also be signs from spirit and lost loved ones, sent to cheer you up and let you know that they are rooting for you.  Finally, they can be an indicator of a spiritual awakening of sorts.  You are beginning to see things in their true colors! In case you are interested, the stones in this picture are labradorite.  These are some of my favorites because they are said to help you connect with universal energies and raise your consciousness.  I also love all the “rainbows” inside!  Thank you for reading and may good fortune shine on you and your family today.
​#Ten of Cups #Labradorite #Rainbow

​www.bustle.com/p/why-aug-8-2019-will-be-the-luckiest-day-of-the-year-according-to-astrologers-18555255

I could not resist sharing this great article about the energies of August 8th!  This year, the star Sirius (Isis in her star form) aligns with Orion's (Osiris) belt and the Great Pyramid just as Venus (the planet of love) and Jupiter (the planet of luck) form a positive trine. I hope you all make today your lucky day!

I still have free tickets to this event! Message me through my contact page if you are interested!
www.facebook.com/events/2767655163459520/

Ah, the last day of my trip…what a mixture of feelings.  I was so happy and content and had a feeling of elation simply because I had been able to have this experience.  It was the fulfillment of a life-long dream for me and everything about it had been perfect.  I was tired and ready to go home and rest for a while and process everything.  I missed my family and my pets, and I wanted to see them.  On the other hand, there was also a deep sorrow and grief.  Somewhere deep down I never wanted to leave.  This place felt like home and I was so completely settled and at peace with it all.  It was serious work to focus on overriding any regrets about leaving with complete gratitude for having been there at all.  In the end I managed and didn’t shed any tears.  I found contentment with knowing that one day I will be back again.
It helped that some of the best sites were saved for last.  We started the day with a private visit to see the sun rise with the Sphinx, followed with a tour of the Great Pyramids.  From there we went into the market in Cairo and we ended the day with a private dinner and boat ride on the Nile for one final time.  We were way too busy to have time for being sad but forgive me if I don’t elaborate much in this post.   I do want to remember and relive it but the feeling of melancholy as I write about this last day are difficult for me.

​The Sphinx is an amazing monument.  It really does give you the sensation that it is a living being.  It is said to be the gatekeeper for the Akashic Records, the place where the life experiences of every human being since time began are kept.  We stood between the paws and watched as the sun rose between them in the Eastern sky.  So very lovely and moving.  

The enormity of the Great Pyramids when you see them in person really sinks in.  It is one thing to see them in pictures and another to see them in person.  The age-old question of, “how in the world did they do this” was certainly in the forefront of my mind.  I loved going up to the King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza.  It is a very steep climb that seems to go on for a very long time.  You pull yourself along up a ramp with handrails and foot holds, rather than steps.  I so enjoyed that it was not polished and fancy.  It was dimly lit but still felt dark and damp and raw like it must have been since they first opened it up.  When you finally reach the chamber at the top, there is a granite sarcophagus which you can lay in if you are willing to pay.  I chose to pass because just feeling the energy in the place was plenty for me.  Everyone’s experience there seems to be different.  I myself felt the “speeding up” sensation of high frequency vibration throughout my body.  It gave me an incredibly dizzy feeling, especially when I stood in front of either of two air shafts that were there.  This was heightened when we did toning or chanting.  The Pyramid seems to amplify and increase the resonance of any vocalizations you make, especially if it has a musical or singing quality to it.

After we left Giza, we went into the marketplace in Cairo.  This was a fascinating experience for several reasons.  For one thing I so enjoyed the chance to mingle with the people in a setting that just felt more natural and less “touristy.”  It was an opportunity to be part of the community and more immersed in the culture.  The shops and streets were full of fabulous things and the merchants were not as aggressive and pushy, it seemed.  I found some lovely things to bring home with me.  I also loved the architecture and the buildings there.  So much care, thought and detail everywhere!  I had to remember to watch where I was going because I wanted to look up at everything all the time.  The last thing of note was the military presence that was there.  On the particular day that we went, the officials of Saudi Arabia and of Egypt were going to meet nearby.  The streets were lined almost shoulder to shoulder for what seemed like miles with military personnel.  There were tones of people along the route that the Saudi Arabian officials were going to take, waving flags and waiting to see them go by.  My knowledge of worldwide politics is little (and I like it that way) so I don’t know much about the relationship between these two countries, but all of the people that I saw seemed very happy that he was there to visit.  No one seemed angry or like they were protesting anything but given the number of armed guards everywhere I don’t think they would have caused any problems if they were.  The vibe seemed more welcoming than anything.  Anyway, it was interesting to be able to see it.  

​At some point, we went back to the hotel to rest up.  That was lovely because it was such a nice place with beautiful grounds and views.  Soon though, we left for our farewell dinner which was organized as a very kind surprise by our group hosts.  We boarded a small ferry boat designed just for groups to have meals and then we set off one last time for a float on the Nile.  There were plenty of other boats going by, all lit up and playing music and full of people having fun.  It was a beautiful evening and a wonderful send-off.  

There is so much more that I would like to say about this trip, mostly of a deeply profound and spiritual nature, but honestly, I just don’t have it in me today.  I’m afraid it will make me too sad and nostalgic.  And part of me wants to hold it all close to my heart and keep those deepest thoughts and impressions to myself, at least for now.  I so appreciate everyone who took the time to read this and it is my deepest hope that it might inspire you to go and visit yourself one day.  I promise you that it will be a trip you will never forget.  I know that it has enlightened and changed me at the deepest of levels and I am forever grateful. 

The end of this trip deserves a special card, and I have decided that one from my Anubis Oracle is just right.  It is the Roman numeral I in the deck and the card of “Entering the Mystery.”  The image of Isis and Nepthys and the Great Mother Nekhbet, all with their arms and wings open wide, show that they will always welcome the innocent dove or traveler of pure heart home to Egypt.  If you follow the path of the Nile or of your own heart, the ancient mysteries will open up to you and speak of long hidden meanings. 

Not long after I came home, I did a meditational journey and in it, I saw Horus.  I was crying to him and I said, “Lord, Egypt is gone.”  He laughed, and said, “No, little one. Egypt isn’t gone. Egypt is just underground.”  And So It Is.” 

The 15th day in Egypt began with a visit to the shore of the Mediterranean.  For me this was sort of the climactic point of the whole trip.  We had begun at the far south end of the Nile and worked our way all the way up to the North.  It was just a beautiful place, the water and the sky were so blue, the temperature was perfect, and it was early so no one else was around.  You could see the Lighthouse of Alexandria off in the distance and I love the symbolism there.  The light that guides you home.  We weren’t there for swimming, but I couldn’t resist the urge to jump in anyway.  It felt like a baptism of sorts.  I had to experience swimming in that lovely sea.  I am so very glad I did.  Fortunately, it is so dry and warm there that you dry off in about two minutes.

​From the beach we moved on to the catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa. On the way we passed the Bombay Pillar and I did manage to get a few quick pictures as we passed.  The catacombs were discovered when a poor donkey accidentally fell into an access shaft.  At least they kept him there and he was sort of memorialized which was nice.  These catacombs were right in the middle of the city and they went so far down underground!  I could see why no one knew they were there.  They also had a much more Roman/Greek influence in the carvings and reliefs, although still clearly Egyptian too.  It was an interesting mix of styles.  Sadly, I don’t have any pictures to share from this location.  Another "no pictures" place.  (Please do know that if you really want to see what any of these sites look like, you can find lots of images available on online.)  

The last place we visited that day was the Alexandria Library (or Bibliotheca Alexandrina).  What a tough piece of history that is to swallow.  To imagine the loss of all the knowledge that was kept there to a fire…it almost makes me physically ill to think about it.  What actually happened is up for debate, but supposedly it was Julius Caesar that started the fire which burned everything to the ground.  The idea of someone doing something like that on purpose is incomprehensible to me, but who knows.  I just wonder how different the world would be if we still had access to all that literature and information.  Heartbreaking.  The new Alexandria Library is built in a very modern style.  They didn’t try to recreate it and I don’t think there were any records of what it looked like originally anyway.  It is a beautiful and impressive building and absolutely huge.  It is more than just a library.  It houses six libraries in one as well as art galleries, a laboratory and a planetarium among other things.  There are symbolic nods to the original Library in some of the design, but the main goal of the University of Alexandria was to continue the tradition of this being a major source for the storage and dissemination of knowledge and learning.  Countries from all around the world have donated books and documents. I am incredibly grateful that it is there and functioning again.  

The 15th day of this trip goes well with the Hermit Tarot card.  Traditionally this card can be seen as encouraging you to follow the light of your spiritual truth, but the reason I have chosen it has more to do with the connection to inner knowledge and reflection.  The Hermit is a guru, someone who receives his information not only from books but from his higher self and God or Spirit.  The Alexandria Library is certainly still a place of knowledge and a vessel for the wisdom of all nations.  As I look at the Hermit, I would compare him holding out his lamp to illuminate his way or that of others, to the Alexandria Lighthouse shining like a beacon in the night.  In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the ground is covered in snow and can be likened to having forgotten oneself.  Here in the Nefertari version, it reminds me more of things (like knowledge) being lost in the sands of time.