The Hit List - The cuckoo and the path

A few weeks ago, we found an injured yellow-billed cuckoo washed up on our second-floor porch. The picture above isn’t him although I wish it was. I would like to envision him fully healed, sitting in a tree high above, doing whatever bird things he wanted to do.

Sadly, it didn’t work out that way. Instead, Kip Winger (that’s what we named him), didn’t pull through. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center couldn’t save Kip. I was devastated.

In fact, I was surprised that the news hit me so hard. Even though I knew it wasn’t looking good, the optimistic part of me hoped that we got to him in time. After all, we successfully rescued a baby squirrel – but poor Kip wasn’t so lucky.

After I received the news, I made a quick donation to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and spent the next few days feeling sad. Even though Kip was only in my world for about an hour, that little bird made an impact on me. I don’t know why that is. Perhaps it’s because I am tender-hearted when it comes to animals. But it’s also probably linked to the fact that I am making big changes in my life. I’m in the midst of letting go work and it’s hard stuff. Resistance is coming for me but I know I need to move on.

Because holding on to something that fills me with pain isn’t wise or healthy.

As I wrote in a recent post on Instagram: “Sometimes the path needs to change. When it becomes broken, unsafe, or outworn, it is time to go in search of something different. The unknown, although not without risk, is often better than the familiar.” So now, one door closes and another opens.

While I wish I could have saved Kip, I am glad to know that he’s no longer in pain. We eased his suffering. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Doesn’t letting go release us from unnecessary suffering? I don’t have all the answers to that but I’m going to find out.

This path needs to change.

Other stuff:

From the always wise Lisa Boswell: Will Speaking Out Against Racism Harm Your Tarot Business?

I LOVED Mucho Mucho Amor: Netflix’s Walter Mercado documentary gives him the international star treatment he earned.

WOW: Unlucky Charms: The Rise and Fall of Billion-Dollar Jewelry Empire Alex and Ani.

I want to make this: How My Grandma’s Swiss Roll Helped Me Cope With Losing Her.

Don’t try this at home: I Dressed Like Catherine the Great for a Week.

The Pandemic Has Made Me Reconsider Becoming a Single Mom.

Join me over on Patreon for the extended card of the day interpretations, political astrology, community tarot practice, classes and more. It’s where all the cool tarot kids are hanging! Ha!

Good to know: This Dentist’s 60-Second Hack to Make Your Face Mask Fit Better Is Going Viral.

The Key to Creating Memorable (Socially Distanced) Days.

Here’s what you need to do when a tarot reading doesn’t feel “clear.”

Many women I’ve talked to confirm this: Women Feel More Anxious Because The Pandemic Is Forcing Them to Do More Unpaid Care Work.

Tarot Thoughts: Hanged Man Vibes for Tower Times.

Good question: ‘What is so frightening about equality?’ Cate Blanchett on playing a historic anti-feminist in Mrs. America.

Must watch: Two New Documentaries Explore the Intersection of Gender, Identity, and Activism.

Sheilaa Hite is an amazing tarot reader.

Love them: Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood.

Damien Echols’ latest book is dropping in a few days: Angels and Archangels: A Magician’s Guide.

Coming soon: The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic.

There is a Golden Girls Tarot!

Cannot wait for this new goodness from Gabriela Herstik: Embody Your Magick: A Guided Journal for the Modern Witch. I LOVE journals!

This looks like the grimoire of my dreams: The Grimoire Journal: A Place to Record Spells, Rituals, Recipes, and More by Paige Vanderbeck.

Do I really have to wait until fall to get this The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle?

Other books may tell you to “just go with your gut” but I don’t think that’s wise. Learn how to read tarot + trust your intuition like a pro withTarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading.

Summer’s here and The Tarot Coloring Book is the perfect activity for chilling on hot nights.

When Shaheen Miro and I wrote Tarot For Troubled Times we never anticipated how timely this book would be. The world is chaotic, messy right now. Our book can help you cope.

Astrology is so cool…but it’s also bewildering when you first begin. I make it easy with Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious).

Events:

August 30, 2020: Brushes and Stars. Where: online. A full-day of astrology and intuitive painting – and fun! Join me and Chris Zydel for a joyful, astrology-inspired intuitive painting experience. We begin exploring intuition, followed by examining your natal chart. From there, it’s time to paint your interpretation of your chart! Group insights follow.

May 2-8, 2021: The Tuscany Tarot Intensive. Where: Italy! A full week of tarot immersion. Due to the Coronavirus, we moved the event to next year. Good news: the dates allow for a few extra seats which mean you can join us next year! Yay!