When I lived in San Francisco, my friends and I would often eat at our favorite neighborhood sushi restaurant.  It had the comfort and coziness of Mom and Pop joint but each meal had the quality of an all-sensing experience:  the cyclical cadence of conversation, the warm sake, the coolness of the fish, the smell of the soy sauce, the spice of the wasabi, the beauty and simplicity of how the sushi was plated on a variety of shaped white dishes …

At the end of our meals, my friends and I would take the left over bits of wasabi, rice, and pickled ginger and create small landscapes on our plates.  We did these as small offerings to our sushi chef and his wife for the lovely meal they had created for us. It felt more personal than just the ten dollars we slid under the plate.

In Japan tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.  So it was interesting that I came across this waiter who collected what he has now coined as the Japanese tip. In his words: ”  …I thought that it was a “thank you” sign from the customer.  Before it was just trash for me, but it changed to become a TIP from the customer.  Since than, cleaning the tables became much more fun.  I want to see more shapes. And I want to share this feeling with many people. So I started this project.”  Even in a country that doesn’t tip, this waiter still wanted to feel recognized for his service. My challenge for you all is to not only monetarily tip your waiter (in the countries where it is appropriate) but also give them the gift of recognition in another form: a smile, a thank you, draw something on a napkin, etc…

P.S. Please share.

Aries- King of Pentacles

The Strength card last week seems to be your birth year card, so throughout the year you will be tested or learn ways to strengthen all aspects of your life.  The Strength card energy this week is with the King of Pentacles.  This card wants you to strengthen the activities that ground you.  This King asks you if you don’t believe in what you do for money than why are you doing it?  And if you do than be proud of the path you have chosen.

Taurus- Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles is all about healthy indulgences and creating spaces of comfort.  Do things that pamper you this week.  The more you do for yourself the more you will be ready to be there for others.

 

Gemini – Four of Wands

The Sun continues to shine this week for you with the focus on home life.  The Four of Wands challenges you to make your home a place where people and things can grow.  This is a great week to Spring Clean or bring nature into your abode. Throw open your windows no matter the temperature you need to let some fresh air into your life.

 

*Cancer – Sun

This is the second time the Sun has “shone” up for you this year.  Look back and see what you started around February 18th that needs tending again.  The Sun foretells that you will find success in what you have started.  If things aren’t growing or moving, this means you are missing only the last piece to the puzzle and with the light of your conscious mind you will find it.

Leo – Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles declares that this week you should spend your time hitting the books.  The challenge is to be open to learn something new.  You will find that you will need that knowledge in your near future.

 

Virgo – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups challenges you to go get your friends and hang out this week.  Yep that is right your challenge is to enjoy this week. Since this card has shown up twice this year, seems you need to hang out with friends more constantly.

 

Libra – Ten of Wands

You are carrying too much again Libra.  Time to let go of some of your duties and obligations.  The Ten of Wands warns that you have chosen to take on more burden then is necessary or healthy.  Lighten your load this week.  Even letting go of one thing will make you feel better.

 

*Scorpio – Devil

This is the fourth pivotal week in your life. Last week Death returned to push you to learn how to work with the environment to make change that sticks.  Now the Devil is here in all his glory trying to divert you from that path.  This week people, events, environment, and even that little voice in your head will try to sidetrack you. Keep strong.  Keep to your integrity.  And Keep moving forward.

 

*Sagittarius – Justice

Justice is the card of fair play.  Here is the interesting thing with Sagittarius and the Justice card, you both believe in fairness and equality and are willing to fight for it. But Sagittarius, like their forebears the centaurs, you have a bit of a wild streak. When you think you are right, well, you all can get a bit fiery about it.  Where Justice card many times teaches us to let karma take its natural course.  So your challenge this week is to see how to champion justice with the mind and spirit and not with the heart and sword.

 

*Capricorn – Sun

Success is on the horizon for you.  The Sun is here to help you grow anything you put your focus on.  The question is where do you want to direct your gaze first?  This is a big karma card so take your time but don’t let your dreams wither away with indecision.

 

Aquarius – Queen of Cups

The Queen of Cups is all about the 3 Cs:  calm, compassion, and comfort.  The challenge is to make sure you have at least two out of the three first then you can spread it around.

 

Pisces – Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups of cups heralds the beginnings of emotional fulfillment.  The challenge with this card this week is seeing that no matter how full the cup that it is “good to the last drop.”

 

 

May light be on you, around you, and within you,

Nina