Inspiration and Courage

Life is full of challenges. Some of them we take on willingly. Some of them come out of nowhere when we least expect them. Good or bad, happy or sad, all those things that challenge us also give us the opportunity to grow stronger, to push our boundaries and move out of our comfort zones, to reach deep inside or reach out toward others. Whether you are seeking inspiration for work or play or dealing with illness or grief, don't underestimate the power of your own thoughts.

We all have patterns of thinking that are a part of who we are as human beings. Some of them work for us. Some don't. During a challenging time, or when you are seeking to push yourself to be more creative or make big changes, it is easy for those old patterns of thought to get in the way of forward movement. Take a few minutes to consider your own patterns: do you default to the positive or the negative? (Is your glass half empty or half full?) Do you automatically think, "I can do it" or "I'll never succeed?" Are you willing to try new things or do you cling to the old, even when you know it isn't working? Do you let other people help you if you need help or believe you must always tough things out on your own? If everything is working perfectly, that's great. But if not, perhaps it is time to consider changing those patterns. It's hard work, but it can be done if you stay self-aware and keep plugging away at it.

If you get this card, you are probably in need of either inspiration or courage, or possibly both. That's okay, because this card is also telling you it is out there. Or maybe waiting right inside you. If it is inspiration you need, look to the natural world that surrounds you. It is full of wonders. But don't forget to look inside, too. The human mind is an amazing place, filled with ideas and possibilities that few of us explore fully. If courage is what you seek, you may discover you have a core of inner strength you never knew existed. But don't forget to allow others to encourage you and to reach out to the god and goddess and the elemental forces of the universe; spiritual beliefs, no matter what they are, can be a great source of both inspiration and courage if you remember to call on them when you need them.

Carnelian is a wonderful stone for both creativity and courage. Find a carnelian crystal or tumbled rock or even a piece of jewelry with carnelian in it, if you want to have it with you often. Sit with it for a while in front of your altar or someplace quiet outside and ask the element of Fire to help you connect to the power inside the stone. Ask for help with whatever you need and feel the stone vibrate with that power. Then either carry it with you or hold on to it when you need that extra boost.