A new deck of cards just arrived in time for our monthly card pull. Portal to the Sacred Trees: A Celtic Oracle by Jane Burns, artwork by Judith Bird. It’s a beautiful “wee” deck that draws you in to the ancient meaning and the Druidic energy of the ogham trees, bringing information and story of Celtic lore as well. I have mentioned Jane’s work and her course on Celtic shamanism in previous blogs and thought it would be fun to learn more from her through the medium of the cards.

Without even looking through the deck, I shuffled, setting the intention that the first card that popped up would be “our” monthly card. Imagine my surprise when The Sea jumped out. Not one of the trees at all, but The Sea, “the All, the Soul”. So simple, yet profound and deep and all encompassing.

What a perfect message for these times of sea changes: Flow, be in rhythm with the Universe, ride the waves of change, be both the wave and the ocean. Note the free-flowing forms flowing in the circular ripples. Imagine yourself as one of those forms and see where the sea takes you.

For each card, Jane suggests a healing ritual and a meditation. Thus, offering an opportunity to go deep into the meaning and message of the card. For example, if there is a situation that you would like to lift up for healing, she suggests a journey to the seashore. (If you have never done shamanic journeying,  try a simple guided visualization). Imagine yourself walking along the strip of sand where the water meets the beach .Allow yourself to feel and sense the rhythm of the  water ebbing and flowing around your feet. As you walk this ribbon of land and sea, tell yourself the story of the situation that is challenging you. Keep walking until you feel ready to stop and simply be present with the sea. Now, look back. Notice that your footprints have been erased. Let your past perception of your situation be released into the sea, washing away like your footprints in the sand.

And in Jane ‘s words, “Deep Peace of the Tree People to you.”