Celebrating the beauty of a sunflower field ready to harvest on an recent Autumnal evening walk. 

Here's how October's card reading encouraged me: 

I just returned from a week long "embodiment" retreat on the California coast. In retrospect I see how right-on the message in this card turned out to be during that experience and will continue to be, now and always. 

There was a group exercise where we were invited (and expected) to each get up in front of the group and act out through movement and sound the essence of our experience from our three hours on the beach interacting with Nature.

In a nutshell, here's what opened up when I chose to resist the social pressure (real and imagined) to do what others wanted me to do and instead listened to the beat of my own drum, heeded the voice of soul leadership instead.

As each person took their turn, although truly inspired by the beauty I was witnessing, 

I also grew increasingly uncomfortable and eventually very clear 

I was not going to do this!!!

When my turn came and I told the group I preferred to be a starfish at the bottom of the sea, it felt so loving and empowering. Afterwards our guide gave a little bit of a gentle "teaching" about why it would it would have been good for me to do as instructed anyway. But later, many participants came and thanked me for role modeling. The empaths in the group seemed especially appreciative. 

I think of Soul-Higher Self-Wise One Within as holder of the inner compass. What happens when your inner compass points you away from the expectations of others or even your own preconceived habits, preferences, visions, goals or plans???? 

I don't know about you, but when I betray myself by not listening and acting on my truth, ultimately in some way big or small, I suffer. 

For me, this month's card is a reminder to

trust the I am, I can and I will listen to the leader within!!! This

serves not only my well being, but ultimately the well being of others too. 

How about you? 

What does the message in this card reading invoke for you???

Georgette Star MA, D.Min