Joan Murrel Owens embodies the words of resilience and persistence.  At an early age she loved the ocean, but had four barriers to her dream of being a marine biologist.   She was a woman, black, had sickle-cell and was growing up in segregated Miami, Florida in the 1940s.   She studied hard and got partial scholarships  at Fisk University, but in landlocked Tennessee where there were no marine biology programs.   So she gained a degree in Art minoring in psychology.  However, science persisted to call her, and she continued her studies in psychology receiving a Master’s degree in guidance counseling with an emphasis on reading therapy.  For the next thirteen years she taught and designed programs for teaching English to educationally disadvantage students.

At 37, she heard the call of the ocean again.  Her barrier once more was no marine science program at George Washington University, so she majored in Geology with a minor in Zoology.  After graduating with her third degree, she is continued on to her doctorate.  This time her sickle-cell was the barrier, for she could not dive in the ocean.  Undeterred,  she did her graduate study in the labs of the Smithsonian working with coral specimens.   At 51, she earned her Doctorate in Marine Biology by studying the deep-sea species of button coral from an 1880’s science expedition.  Two years later she discovered 2 new species of button coral,  and at 61 she found discovered another  – never diving into the ocean.

P.S.  Look for me on Instagram @thefoxandthetarot.

Aries – Page of Cups

The love continues this week with the Page of Cups.  This Page wants you to practice looking through rose-colored glass.  This card’s challenge is to see instead of an experiment in naiveté,  you actually perceive with a cleaner perspective.

 

*Taurus – Chariot

Wow the Chariot again, guess you all are dealing with balance issues while making a change in your life.  The Chariot at its best is movement in equilibrium.  You must also remember that the Chariot is change that you have total control over. You create the pace.   Your challenge is to check and make sure you have all you need while embarking on this time of change.  The question is what you choose to carry?  In its simplest form this can be traveling light but with all you need.  Remember, no need to carry something that you can get along the way.

Gemini – Knight of Wands

The Knight of Wands means you are on the right track.  Do not add or deviate from what you have been doing.  Things are working, so keep on this track for at least this week.

 

*Cancer – Temperance

Last week, the Sun asked you to basked in your successes, see the beauty of what you have, and see that the road you are creating is lining up with many of the things you have wanted.  This week Temperance to focus on creating balance in your life that leads to a sense of calm.  Keep to the Middle Way.

Leo – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups advise to hang out with friends and loved ones this week.  You need to refill your good vibe cups.  Your challenge is making this a priority.

 

 

Virgo – Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords challenges you to take responsibility for your actions and words this week.  There is a time to stand up for your beliefs but your actions must emulate your words.  Walk your talk.

 

*Libra – Hanged Man

The Hanged Man advises this week to lay low.  Last week you had the advice from the Queen of Swords to strategize.  This week you need to continue the contemplation, but you need to examine all possibilities.  It is not that you have to take all those possibilities to fruition,  it is to make the reasons behind your choices stronger.

 

Scorpio – Eight of Wands

The last three weeks have been deep with change and contemplation.  This week the eight of Wands advise you to keep your senses open for information about what you need to add.  I would go back re-read the last three weeks to remind yourself where you have already focused and where to pay attention to this week.

*Sagittarius – Emperor

Hope you did that intel gathering the past two weeks because this week is about put things into action.  The Emperor loves to build on what is already out there.  No more gather information, contemplation, or discussion.  Go make it happen.

*Capricorn – Sun

The Sun is shining on you this week.  Your only challenge is to bask in all the good that is growing around you. The motto and question being – if it ain’t easy why am I doing it.

 

Aquarius – Queen of Swords and Eight of Wands

The Queen of Swords is all about strategy, and the Eight of Wands is about information.  This combination of these cards are interesting and direct with their message.  Stand back and look at the all information around you and then create a strategy that takes all that you have learned into account.

 

Pisces – King of Cups

Well your birthday month has begun with the King of Cups, Mr. Mardi Gras. He is the about the polarities and balance of emotions. For example, he is the card of jolliness but also excess.   The work with him is to know the depth and width of one’s emotions by experiencing them. The challenge with him is realizing you don’t have to walk to the edge of your emotions to know that the edge exists.

 

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

 

Nina