Each year I like to look back over the previous year, and then set goals for the coming year. Many people do this on Jan 1st; I prefer to do it on my birthday. I often refine the accomplishments and goals until my new year, Samhain, but the bulk of the work is done on or around my birthday. I also like to do a tarot reading.
Tag Archives: tabula rasa
Free Will’s Annual Poke in the Eye
“Is it bad to live without a hell?” poet Pablo Neruda asks in The Book of Questions. Let’s add these queries to his: Is it dangerous to live without the awakening force that an enemy provides? Is it naive to think you can achieve great success without the driving motivation that comes from thinking about ideas you hate?
Consider the issue from another angle. Dentists love tooth decay. Treating cavities provides them with a steady income. Likewise, exterminators are dependent on termites, lawyers need crime, and priests crave sinners. Lots of people have symbiotic connections with nasty stuff. In fact, isn’t it true that most of us nurture our feelings for the things we love to despise and fear?
What’s your favorite poison or adversary? Assume that your exposure to pronoia is changing you in ways that will require you to update your relationship with it. Speculate on how you’ll go about this task.
I am contemplating.
/looks at navel
2015 Accomplishments/ 2016 Goals
Each year I like to look back over the previous year, and then set goals for the coming year. Many people do this on Jan 1st; I prefer to do it on my birthday. I often refine the accomplishments and goals until my new year, Samhain, but the bulk of the work is done on or around my birthday. I also like to do a tarot reading.
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2014 Accomplishments/ 2015 Goals
Each year I like to look back over the previous year, and then set goals for the coming year. Many people do this on Jan 1st; I prefer to do it on my birthday. I often refine the accomplishments and goals until my new year, Samhain, but the bulk of the work is done on or around my birthday. I also like to do a tarot reading.
(I apparently didn’t blog for 2013, another indication of the deep introspection I was feeling at the time. I’ll have to see what I did on paper (I keep a journal, sporadically). One reason for doing this, btw, is that time seems to be speeding up, and things I thought I did last month actually happened a year ago – I’m beginning to lose my perspective. Or gain it, depending.)
A Year In Review (2012)
Each year I like to look back over the previous year, and then set goals for the coming year. Many people do this on Jan 1st; I prefer to do it on my birthday. I often refine the accomplishments and goals until my new year, Samhain, but the bulk of the work is done on or around my birthday. I also like to do a tarot reading (and other’s readings of me are ALWAYS welcomed).
This year has a lot going on: it’s a year ending in -5, which are always a BIG deal . . . but we’re not doing anything extravagant. In fact, it’s a very low-key, fun weekend. Exercise, good food, entertainment . . . I’m getting a chance to read a lot of books, do some writing (I have a few articles due this week, because I am going on holiday next week), work with the class, and maybe see a movie. On my actual birthday, it’s up early for brekkies, off to water aerobics, then hustling up to Seattle for a 4 hour session at Habitude (pedicure, hydrating salt scrub, and a 90 min massage). After that we’re going to see Samsara with friends and then have dinner. The ‘big’ celebration is actually next weekend, when we’re going with a HUGE bunch of people to dim sum, and maybe Raiders of the Lost Ark (in IMAX) afterwards. 🙂
What can I say? It doesn’t take much to please me.
Birthday Tarot Reading (2012)
Presented without comment.
The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. The Lovers: A caring and trusting relationship. Beauty and inner harmony. A decision calling for emotional control and faithfulness to spiritual values.
Birthday Reading, 2010
What do I Need to Know for the Upcoming Year (2010-2011)?
Center: 4 of cups
Those who enjoy kayaking and other river sports know that there are areas of the river where the water flows in a dangerous circular motion. Instead of moving forward, it turns back on itself. In the same way, we can get stuck in emotional hydraulics. The Four of Cups represents such periods of self-absorption.
Birthday Reflections, 2011
Each year I like to look back over the previous year, and then set goals for the coming year. Many people do this on Jan 1st; I prefer to do it on my birthday. I often refine the accomplishments and goals until my new year, Samhain, but the bulk of the work is done on or around my birthday. I also like to do a tarot reading (and other’s readings of me are ALWAYS welcomed).
My Birthday Tarot Reading
Thought I’d share, no commentary.
Center: 4 of cups
Crossing: page of wands
Foundation: The Lovers
Passing: 8 of cups
Crown: The Moon
Coming: 8 of Wands
Self: 5 of cups
Environment: 10 of swords
Hopes/Fears: King of Swords
Final: 2 of swords
Happy Birthday to Me
Today I turn 43.
Today I close the door on the last year, the Lost Year (as it will henceforth be known.)
Today I move forward into a new adventure.