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Tarot Card of the Week (July 7-13)

Artwork: Ciro Marchetti

Happy July! This week's card came out to be the Knight of Swords reversed.
The Knight of Swords is generally a good debater that is frank and outspoken, but reversed he (or she!) can be blunt or brash to a fault. He is like a terribly rambunctious teenager- full of energy, impulsive, and lacking in direction. He can be quite disorganized and all over the place, an almost chaotic energy around him. This knight is a great talker and full of ideas, but be careful not to get caught up in his flurry of excitement! He can be critical, dogmatic and close-minded.
His very mental/logical view of the world can make him appear cold & aloof.  He is seen as unfeeling and lacking tolerance of others.
If you know someone like this, or come across someone like this during the week, take care not to be disheartened by his cutting remarks or to get caught up in his hype.
If you yourself might be behaving in this way, try to be conscious of how you speak to and treat others. Slow down and look before you leap.
This card could also indicate the need to go it alone in order to gain valuable life experience and wisdom. There is an opportunity to learn from reckless and hasty decisions and develop patience. Sometimes we need to be left to make mistakes on our own and be accountable for our actions in order to really grow and learn.
This Knight is very action oriented and hasty..focused on work work work. He can indicate the need to slow down in order to avoid burning out and becoming exhausted.  If you are feeling worn out by your responsibilities and work, take some time out for a breather so you can recenter yourself and refocus on the priority tasks first. You don't have to finish everything right this second.  It's usually better to do it right in a reasonable amount of time, than to do it fast and furious without regard to accuracy.

Card of the Week (June 23 - 29)

Artwork: Ciro Marchetti

 It's that time again for the card of the week! This time I'm drawing from my newest deck, Legacy of the Divine Tarot.

The card that came out was the 10 of Cups reversed.

This card is pretty loaded, it's hard to know where to begin!

Cups are representative of emotions and relationships.  The 10 of Cups is about home, marriage, relationships, & family.

In the image (as it would be upright) we see 2 animals generally at odds with each other being happy and content, cozying up together. The symbol of Pisces (an emotional water sign) and the male symbol hang from the fireplace.

Since the card is reversed though, something is definitely getting in the way of the perfectly cozy picture. Perhaps that all is well and content only in appearance. It can indicate conflict, and basically 'fighting like cats and dogs'. All the cups are reversed, dumped upside down representing a great outpouring of emotion. This could indicate a betrayal or a broken marriage.

It could also indicate not spending enough quality time with a significant other or family, or not really respecting or appreciating each other. 

In order to restore balance to the relationship, aim to treat others with compassion and respect in order for them to do the same in return. 

This card could also indicate focusing too much on one's own material gain and career pursuits and neglecting closest relationships.  The balance between work and personal life is out of whack, and is straining relationships.  It is important to be clear on where your personal values lie, and not preoccupy yourself with what might not be achievable. In order to attain and maintain the sense of happiness and contentment that was planned, it is important to dedicate enough time to attend to the garden of your relationships. 

In some instances depending on the cards around it and overall reading, the 10 of Cups reversed could indicate that emotional fulfillment is in its early stages, or hasn't yet happened. 

How to Request a Reading or Reiki

If you would like to request a tarot reading or reiki session with me, here's what I offer.

TAROT (by email, or in-person for local Santa Clarita residents only)
~ Short 1 card reading on your question (email only- average donation $5)
~ Basic past-present-future spread (average donation $18)
~ Life Purpose reading (average donation $20)
~ Relationship readings (average donation $20)
~ Couple's readings (average donation $22)
~ Family issues readings (average donation $20)
~ Past life issue readings (average donation $18)
~ More in-depth 11 to 13 card readings (average donation $32)
~ Year overview (average donation $32)
~ Personalized spread on a question not listed above (average donation $20 unless more complicated spread)

REIKI (distant)
~ 15-20 minute session (average donation $25)
~ Animal Reiki

I also do REALM READINGS..
For more info click here. (average donation $10)

How to request any of the above:
1. Send me an email at tarotempress@outlook.com with your name, date of birth, and what you would like. If you are requesting reiki, please also include a picture of the person or animal requiring reiki healing.

2. Wait for me confirm and respond to your request.  It should be within 24 to 48 hours.

3. If you enjoyed your tarot reading or reiki session, click on the button below to donate money in any amount you feel appropriate for the time and energy that I put in.
It is always good when there's an exchange, so donations are greatly appreciated and will go towards helping me start a business.





Here are some testimonials from others I have read tarot for.

World Cup Prediction - Mexico vs. Brazil

Soccer fever is upon us with the World Cup so I thought I'd do a fun little reading on who will win tomorrow's Mexico vs. Brazil match.. Both powerful and very popular teams!
The two of Pentacles here represents the visiting team (as indicated by the boat coming in behind the man), Mexico.  The man in the picture is juggling the pentacles like a pro, which to me is indicative of some fancy footwork to be seen from team Mexico. They will probably finish with 2 points, possibly by one player on the team scoring both times.

The Six of Wands represents coming out on top and having your day in the sun. Looks like it'll be a great day for Brazil tomorrow! They will win by a hair with 3 points, maybe scored by 3 different players on the team.

Let's see tomorrow how accurate this reading is.. :)

Common Misconceptions About Tarot Card Reading

Whether or not they've had a tarot reading before, sometimes people can develop misconceptions about tarot card reading and tarot card readers.  I'm writing this blog to further explain and debunk some of the myths surrounding tarot.

1. All tarot card readers are psychic. And of course with the word 'psychic', additional misconceptions can arise.  Yes, some readers do have genuine verifiable psychic ability, and they present themselves as such because they enjoy using their gifts to help others.  Most others are not, and don't officially claim themselves to be psychic. Although they do tend to be quite intuitive, as all of us have at least some inherent bit of intuitive ability. Tarot can be a tool for the reader to access that intuition and subtle energies around the person requesting the reading.  

Some people fear psychics because they think they can jump in and read their minds at any time or sense something about them that they would rather not anyone know.  Ethically, a real psychic would never read someone without their permission.  And after a reading is done, none of the information contained in the reading or during the session would ever be revealed to anyone else or disclosed to the public.  It's kind of like doctor-patient confidentiality.

Other people might not like psychics because they think they are master manipulators that can read people's body language or profile them.  Unfortunately, there are a few of those out there who only help feed into the misconception. This shouldn't distract us from the fact that those with genuine psychic ability do exist.

2. Tarot reading is just fortune telling. Well, for some it might be.  And sometimes the cards can give a glimpse into what will happen, under the premise of a possible outcome that actually ends up occurring.  This doesn't necessarily mean the future is set in stone as some might believe- we have the power to co-create our futures with every choice we make.  Whatever shows up in a reading can be changed.  The purpose of tarot is not to tell the future, however, but to help you see how you are creating your future this very minute.  To help give you new insight on a situation, and show how your past choices have led you to where you are now. With this awareness, you can make positive changes that can greatly improve your life.  This is the true power of a tarot reading.

3. Tarot is 'evil' or witchcraft. Yeah, tarot is about as evil as grandma's flower garden.  No spell casting or connection with a Devil is needed to read tarot cards.  All you need is a deck of tarot cards and willingness to learn with an open mind.

4. A tarot reader can 'fix' you.  If you go to a tarot reader thinking they can fix for you whatever situation you're having trouble with, you will end up disappointed.  A tarot reading can offer you options and some hope, but you will have to do the work yourself.  The whole premise of a tarot reading is self-empowerment, and connecting you to your higher self/spirit to help guide you. We are here to give you insight and offer you some options, but what you do with that information is up to you. And no, we do not offer spells to bring you love or money, or put curses on people for you. If a reader does, chances are their motives are more to make money than help empower people.  If you like the idea of spells and potions, consult a Wiccan schooled in The Craft.

Tarot Card of the Week (June 9th-15th)

Happy Sunday! Please excuse the lack of updates the last week, I had a lot going on and didn't have a chance to post anything. In any case, I can update today, so here we go..!
For the coming week, I drew Three of Cups.
This card represents friendship and community, and specifically your emotional connections to others.  The women dancing are symbolic of coming together in love. You might be getting together with your friends or family to celebrate something like a birthday, reunion, wedding, etc. Or maybe you're part of a group that is getting together to do something for the greater good. Or maybe you've found a great creative outlet in a group setting.  In any case, it'll be a week of positive interactions and celebrations. You'll feel more at one with others.
Think about those that have always been there for you throughout the years, and be sure to show your appreciation.  And vice versa - be willing to be there for others and offer your support. Support can also stand for more formal forms of support you might be involved in, such as counseling and other social services.
You might might experience some changes in your attitude and how you react to situations. Although Mercury is in retrograde causing all sorts of disruptions in communication, any past problems you've had interacting with others will likely be resolved and you'll be able to find a compromise.

Card of the Week (May 27 - June 1)

Artwork: Ciro Marchetti

For this week, I thought I'd go back to my primary deck, the Gilded Tarot. The card that came up is the Seven of Wands reversed.
This week you might be a little more vulnerable to criticism. You might feel tired of constantly having to compete against others, or that you are always comparing yourself to others. Your family or friends might be giving you some grief on why you are doing certain things, and you don't want to hear is at it doesn't make your situation any better.
The Seven of Wands can also indicate avoiding conflict and giving in too easy, since you'd rather just have people like you then have to argue all the time. However, be aware of getting caught unprepared while those defenses are down!
Perhaps you're realizing something you've been giving your best shot at for a while isn't really worth the struggle, and are thinking of letting it go and moving on.
On the opposite spectrum, this card can mean that you are overprotective of your actions and beliefs and are quick to jump to the defense even when you're not really being threatened.
If you're not feeling too confident this week, focus on learning and developing new skills, or working on bettering things you're having a hard time with.  It'll help you restore some of your confidence so you're ready to get back in the game.  And don't forget to have some fun and enjoy yourself in the process!

Tarot Card of the Day

Artwork: Severino Baraldi

Happy Saturday!  For today I will again use my Ramses- Tarot of Eternity deck. I drew the Nine of  Pentacles..!
Which is quite fitting for the long memorial day weekend as it represents leisure and enjoying the finer things in life. 
This card can also be about discipline and control. By showing restraint and sticking to a program, the couple in the picture has been able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and investments. 
As pentacles represent assets and finances, the Nine of Pentacles can indicate monetary gain and profits from past investments.  So if you have been playing your cards right, expect a nice return! And when you do receive it if you haven't already, don't be afraid to treat yourself or your loved ones to something nice. 



Card of the day

Artwork: Severino Baraldi

Happy Friday!
Since I love working with different types of cards, for today I decided to shuffle and draw a card from one of my other less-used decks, Ramses-Tarot of Eternity. I drew Judgement.
Here we see Moses parting the Red Sea for the exodus of Israelites freed from slavery from Egypt. A day/time of reckoning. This card gives a sense of release.. which is appropriate for a Friday where most of us get to be released from our jobs to the freedom of the weekend! Other aspects of this card are renewal, birth, awakening, and recovery. Awakening in the sense of hearing a call to action as Moses did, and recognizing your true vocation.
If you or someone else have been having trouble making an important decision for a while, this card lets you know a decision will be reached, or that it's time to get off the fence and choose!
Judgement can also represent taking a stand - for your beliefs, against oppression, or for someone less able to defend themselves such as animals or the Earth.  Today the cards ask us not to be afraid to assert ourselves, and remind us to help others and protect the Earth and all the creatures that live on it.

Tarot card of the week (May12-18th)

Ah the Empress, the life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of nature and the rhythms of the Earth.  At the most basic level, she is the epitome of love, and the birth of life resulting from that love.  From her comes all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms.  Appreciate the beauty around you, and spend time outdoors this week.  Realize the abundance there is to be had, and appreciate how rich you truly are to have all that you do.
An appropriate card to get post Mother's day, as she represents mothering and the aspects of femininity - beauty, sensuality, fertility, creative expression, and nurturing.  Treat yourself to a massage at the spa, have dinner at a nice restaurant, and spend time with your significant other. Discover new ways to express your creativity like through painting, dancing, music, drama, or other art forms.
The Empress can also indicate pregnancy, or the birth of a child or new idea.. so if you've been trying to conceive (whether it be a child or a new project/idea) it's prime time for it to happen! 

Are you an Earth Angel?

An Earth Angel is someone who feels different from others.  Lots of times they are teased for it.  They might even wonder when someone will pick them up and take them home.  They don't like being around harsh energy and are often described as being very or too sensitive.  Often also referred to as Lightworkers, Indigos, or Crystals, they are incarnated in this lifetime to help make the world a better place and bring about peace and love and lift the vibrational frequency of the earth.
Earth Angels can come from various different types of realms, or vibrational frequency locations.  The realms tell us where we have been since our initial inception as a divine spark of light by the Creator.
I am very excited to report that I am now an...

 ....and can help you decipher which realm you belong to, and help you learn more about your realm. This is a new thing being offered on Earth for the first time ever!

What can you discover in a Realm reading?
-the physical characteristics of people belonging to your realm.
-the life mission - personal and global - of your realm.
-relationship patterns of individuals within your realm.

If you've ever done anything with astrology or like to read your horoscope, I'm sure you'll enjoy a Realm Reading.  Please contact me if you are interested in a realm reading.  I can also incorporate realms into tarot card readings.


I accept donations for readings

Angel Card Message of the Day

So what do the Angels want us to know today?  To listen to our bodies! We are always receiving divine messages even when we're not noticing them. Your body responds physically and emotionally to energies and situations around you.  Notice how your body reacts to people and situations.  Do you light up, relax, or feel yourself tense up when a certain someone you know walks in the room? Do you get a sinking feeling when you hear the phone ring?  Do you feel content and energized or inspired while doing your job at work, or does the thought of it fill you with dread? 

Trust your body's truthful wisdom, and act accordingly. It will tell you which path you should ultimately take to be in line with your divine purpose.



Doreen Virtue Angel Therapy Oracle Card



 

Card of the week (May 4- May 10)

The theme for this week is balance - physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual.  Temperance reminds us to have patience and tolerance.  Maintaining our center and sense of self when circumstances around us are changing is sometimes easier said than done! Fortunately it should be easy to foster cooperation from others this week.
If you have been in disagreement with a love interest, spouse, friend, family member, or coworker, chances are you will find middle ground with them and reach a compromise.
Temperance also draws our attention to our health. Eating a well balanced diet and getting exercise is crucial to maintaining vitality and vigor. If you've been postponing that checkup visit with your doctor, it's better to schedule an appointment late than never. Most insurances cover annual physicals and well-women visits, so there's no reason not to use the benefits you or your employer have been paying for.

Testimonials

"Just want to say thank you to Maria Bonnell. Your reading was very inspiring and it put my mind at ease and you got back to me so quickly. You are truly talented and give the best advice. Please do not give up your dream because you are so good at it. I wish you all the best. Thank you"  -Jasmine

"I had a recent reading from Maria, I am amazed how accurate it was, she captured most details of my life that is happening now, I have a lot of emotionally led sensitive situations I felt like the reading have great advice and it was almost as if she could read my inner thoughts. Sometimes a reading is what you need to put your life into perspective and to show you where you are heading, Maria is really good at saying the right words at the right time I am so pleased that she was my Tarot Reader, what I liked also is that there was so much of it I had to make a cup of tea and then I read it and I was astounded and amazed. Thank you so much Maria I will be coming back regularly I hope that I receive Maria again also."  -Kaye

My tarot card reading really opened my eyes. It has helped me become more positive and has guided me in a direction that will lead to self love. My reading was correct on so many things! Thank you Maria!" - Desiree

"I really like how Maria explained her own thoughts about Tarot and the purpose of getting help from the cards, i.e to help guide our own intuition. She was careful about explaining the actual meaning of each card but also relating it back to my own context which is very useful. Her kind and caring words helped me to find my own peace of mind and ultimately make the best decision for me. Thanks Maria" - Juliet

How to requesting a reading or reiki with Maria

Angel Card of the Day

It's Angel Thursday, so here is the Angel card message of the day!

Doreen Virtue Angel Therapy Card

Chakras are energy centers throughout our body in which energy flows through.  They are often also referred to as spiritual centers.  The crown chakra is located at the top of the head, and it is where our ability to connect to our spirit and spiritually resides.  It is associated with the colors violet and white.  Along with the third eye, it is one of the few centers we receive divine guidance and messages from.

You can call upon Archangel Uriel, the angel of Divine wisdom and knowledge, to help you clear and balance your crown chakra and help you boost your faith and belief in the messages that come to you and ideas you receive.

Wearing a clear quartz crystal can also help open up and bring the crown chakra into balance.
This site also has some good ideas on how to take care of your crown chakra.



Card of the Week (April 27-May3)

This week stimulate your imagination. It's ok to be a little out of the ordinary and a little bizarre sometimes!  Open yourself up to fantasy and the mysteries that lie in the subconscious.  If you have vivid dreams or visions, be sure to write them down. The Moon is also about false perceptions and illusions, and with the solar eclipse and new moon in Taurus this week, illusions about ourselves, others, and the world will be brought to light.  As these illusions crumble away we can rebuild a clear new more real picture.  Through this process, the darkness of our shadow selves can surface causing us to release our repressed weaknesses, shortcomings, and instincts.  If we are afraid of our shadow selves, we can easily be led astray by the Moon and become lost, walking aimlessly in the dark without a destination.  Be careful not to let false ideas and deceptions lead you astray.  Only when we courageously address and see the repressed feelings that surface can we transform the way we look at ourselves and the world around us. Let The Moon inspire and enchant. It holds out the promise that all you imagine can be yours. It guides you to the unknown so you can allow the unusual into your life. 

and the winner is...

...Desiree!

Thank you for your submission!  Your reading will be emailed to you in the next 24-48 hours.

Drawing for a Free Tarot Reading

Happy Friday!
Have you been curious about Tarot and want to get a reading for yourself? Or maybe you've had a reading done before, but are currently looking to get some questions answered?

As a gift to those who read this blog, one lucky person will be randomly selected to get a free online reading! 

You can enter the drawing by using the contact form below on the right and entering your name, date of birth, email, and what you would like to ask the cards.
Please keep in mind that the best questions to get a stellar reading with are those that take ownership instead of put the ball in someone else's or the card's court. Instead of asking something like "when will I find a new job?" try "what can I do right now to help my chances in finding the best job for me?"

I will announce the winner tomorrow. 

And please, don't be shy! Any comments or feedback are always welcome.

Angel card message of the day

It definitely seems like more people these days are asking about their life purpose, and this card signifies living in a way that is true to yourself.  Do you keep the promises that you make to yourself and others? It's a good time to think about how what is in your heart is reflecting in your actions and in your environment. 

Doreen Virtue Angel Therapy Oracle Card

Reading on the Ukraine Crisis



So I decided to pull some cards on a current event and I chose the conflict going on in Ukraine right now.  The Hermit here is very important, and indicates the need to learn from history, and to use the wisdom of past lessons learned to resolve the conflict. The wise old Hermit is coming out of seclusion to illuminate the situation with his lamp of wisdom. Perhaps he reflects Secretary of State John Kerry and his diplomatic efforts? Also, the need for self-reflection and use of diplomacy from all parties involved.  The Five of Swords reflects the current situation of conflict and an environment of every man for himself.  Each side is looking out for their own interests, employing power-plays.  The warrior in the picture is like the rebels seizing grounds, the swords representing the principles they hold on to in their fight for what they perceive is justice.  On the other side of the conflict is the Two of Swords, which represents an impasse and not being able to decide.  I also see it as being cut off from the rest of the world through sanctions.. maybe more so of a fear of deciding on the part of the international community. The woman in the picture looks a little like Lady Liberty with her blinders on (whether intentionally or by someone else's accord) in deciding to intervene. The moon however, represents her intuition and inner wisdom which can assist her in attaining a much needed truce, as represented by the crossed swords.  The swords indicate this issue needs to be resolved using logic and intellect. The blindfold can also indicate there is some information missing in order to make an informed decision. Once the key players seek more outside opinion and feedback, and research their options, they will be able to see the situation more clearly and come to a solution.

Goodies for Newbies

For those new to Tarot, I stumbled upon this article on the ever-informative How Stuff Works website. Though some of the links don't work, are outdated (like the Tarot Certification Board of America which doesn't exist anymore), or are in a different language, it gives a good general overview. 
One of my favorite resource links they provide is to learnttarot.com which has plenty of free great lessons!
It's always fun to ponder the history and mystery of the Tarot.. we don't know exactly how they originated.  Was it first in Egypt (where I feel I have a distant tie to) and lost in the great fires of its libraries? Or did they start as a game in Italy and France?  Do they have an origin with other forms of divination, like the casting kind such as runes (which my husband reads) and dice? What can we learn from the ancient Hermetics and Kaballah? 
I love delving deep into that stuff. :)

Card of the week (April 21-26)

Seven of Wands
This week, be ready to defend your position! You might have to do something like give a speech, write a paper, or defend a thesis.  You will be asked to defend your actions or beliefs.  Instead of fearing the evaluation of others, use the questions raised to clarify your understanding and further confirm the soundness of your beliefs.  Even if you don't win everyone over to your side, understand that it's sometimes impossible please everyone.. so it might take a little persistence.  Know who you are and what you stand for and draw upon your courage to hold your ground at all costs.
If you're going in for an audition, be prepared to explain why or how you chose to read for that particular part, and what you feel the essence of that character is about.  Draw upon your self-confidence and determination to play a convincing role.

Card of The Day

The Fool
This is one of my favorite cards (and it in no way implies any puns towards anyone!). The fool represents numerous possibilities, a clean canvas on which to create whatever we want on. ...All possibilities and seeming contradictions exist at this moment. He is the anticipation and hope of setting upon a new journey. The moon is his intuition behind him, guiding him all the way. The Fool represents the need to set forth on a new journey, one that is completely unknown and will take you to uncharted territories. The Fool is all about new experiences, personal growth, development and adventure. The Fool Tarot card asks you to take a ‘leap of faith’ and to trust in the Universe in that if you begin a new journey, you will find success. This Fool lives a carefree life, free from worry and anxiety. He does not seem to mind if he does not really know what lies ahead.