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Life is full of questions, crossroads, and challenges. When seeking guidance, some look to the stars, some to introspective meditation, and some to the ancient art of tarot and oracle card reading. If you're new to these practices or have never even heard of them before, fear not! This guide will walk you through the basics of using both the Mystery Deck and Oracle Cards (a form of tarot) to help navigate those pivotal life moments.

The Mystery Deck: A Tarot for Beginners

The Mystery Deck, as its name implies, is designed with the beginner in mind, offering straightforward insights without overwhelming the user with complex symbolism.

1. Familiarize Yourself:
   Before diving in, spend time with your deck. Look at each card, feel the energy they radiate, and take note of any that particularly resonate with you.

2. Shuffle and Draw:
   Shuffle the cards while thinking of your question or situation. Then draw a card. As a beginner, single-card draws are recommended. This card will provide insight into the situation at hand.

3. Interpretation:
   Look at the imagery on the card. What feelings or thoughts does it evoke? The Mystery Decks comes with a guidebook, which interprets each card. However, trust your intuition, too; sometimes, the personal meaning we derive from a card can be more powerful than any textbook definition.

4. Reflect and Apply:
   Once you've interpreted the card, reflect on its meaning in your life or situation. How can you apply this guidance to your current situation? Remember, the cards don't determine your fate – they provide insight, and it's up to you to act or decide based on that insight.

Oracle Cards: Another Window to Wisdom

Unlike traditional tarot, which has a somewhat fixed set of 78 cards, oracle decks can vary greatly in the number of cards and themes. They offer guidance, clarity, and perspective.

1. Choosing Your Deck:
   Oracle decks come in many themes - from angels to animals to nature. Choose a deck that resonates with you or aligns with what you're seeking guidance about.

2. Shuffle and Draw:
   As with the Mystery Deck, shuffle the cards while focusing on your question. Draw a card (or more if you feel called to).

3. Dive into the Message:
   Each oracle card typically has a clear message. It might be a word, a phrase, or an image. Reflect on this message. What does it mean to you? How can it provide clarity or perspective on your situation?

4. Keep a Journal (Optional):
   One powerful practice is to keep a journal of your oracle card readings. This helps track patterns, provides a space for reflections, and deepens your connection to the cards.

In Closing

Whether you're drawn to the enigmatic pull of the Mystery Deck or the clear messages of Oracle Cards, both tools can provide guidance, clarity, and reflection in times of uncertainty. Embrace them with an open heart and mind, and let the journey of self-discovery and insight begin. Remember, the true power doesn't lie in the cards but in how we interpret and apply their wisdom.

This morning I heard an acquaintance say “Wellness is a practice, not a pill.”  I loved how he summed up the importance of taking care of one’s self.  Taking care of one’s self requires paying attention to health, mood and staying connected to what is around each of us.

 Nature is a powerful tool to stay connected to self. We are part of nature.  We forget in the era of internet, office buildings and working in doors.  Our bodies need nature.  Research has shown that healing is augmented by being in nature or even looking at nature photographs.  The most recent study demonstrated that spending 10 minutes in nature just before taking an exam improved students exam scores. 

 There are many ways to connect to nature, starting with going outside.  However, there is a myriad of ways if one just pitches one’s awareness to it.  Try growing plants indoors, working with an animal ally, or exploring the energy of nature and energy medicine. Noticing is all it takes.  The body and soul will soak it up.  A client of mine exploring this came back to me exclaiming about all the trees near her home in New York City; she had not really paid attention to them as an adult until she began to really look for nature in everything.

Enjoy the journey!   

Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson

There's a unique magic that unfolds when a group of women embarks on a journey together, especially in the breathtaking beauty of Sedona. As we set out on our girl's trip, little did we know that this adventure would not only take us through awe-inspiring landscapes but also reveal the true essence of the people we were with. This captivating journey allowed us to form deeper connections and understand each other on a profound level.

Initially, some of us were acquaintances, while others were friends who hadn't yet discovered the depths of our similarities and struggles. But as the days passed in Sedona, our shared experiences began to weave a tapestry of bonded friendship. There's something about being away from the usual routines and surroundings that strips away facades and reveals our true selves.

Our first adventure was hiking through Sedona's Midgely trails, immersing ourselves in the splendor of towering red rocks and serene desert landscapes. As we navigated the winding paths together, we laughed, shared stories, and took in the sounds of nature. Initially, we were going to try to hike one of the more popular trails, but they were packed. I am so glad we didn't because the trail we found took us to a beautiful uncrowded spot called Grasshopper Point. Grasshopper point is renowned for its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and stunning red rock surroundings. The luck we had today to randomly search for a nearby trail and land in one so beautiful. After hiking we headed into town and grabbed a bit to eat and then explored all the incredible shops Sedona has to offer. 

In the evening, we gathered around a fire and took turns talking. Wanting to do something that would further bond us, we pulled out the Mystery Deck Oracle Cards. Although this group of women were not into metaphysical decks, it was easy to convince them to pull a card as they were familiar with Dr. Andrew Weil. We took turns pulling a card, and with each card drawn, conversations deepened, vulnerabilities were shared, and authentic connections blossomed. The mystery deck acted as a catalyst for emotional exploration, fostering a sense of trust and belonging within the group.

Our girl's trip to Sedona was not just about exploring the natural wonders of the landscape; it was a transformative journey that revealed the true essence of each individual. As we returned home, our bonds strengthened, and the memories of this soul-enriching trip would forever hold a special place in our hearts. Sedona had gifted us not only with its majestic beauty but also with the priceless gift of authentic connections.

Steph Feder

One of Hippocrates' main tenets of healing was “Revere the Healing Power of Nature.”  Nature has long been known to have a calming effect on the human mind and body.  The same patterns that dictate healing in humans dictate healing in the natural world; it is our disconnection from  nature that may be the underlying cause of stress and many current medical conditions.  As our current lives are becoming more removed from nature, we are missing the underlying healing that is present within nature. This connection between nature and healing has been explored through the millennia and now the scientific evidence demonstrates that there is indeed a healing power of nature.

The evidence to date demonstrates that just five minutes of exposure to green space can produce measurable improvements in mood and self-esteem, a 50-minute walk in nature improved memory and attention span by 20 percent, and that nature exposure can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and lower cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress.)    There is even evidence that exposure to nature can increase feelings of awe and wonder, which in turn can lead to greater life satisfaction and well-being.  One study found that patients recovering from surgery who had a view of nature from their hospital room required less pain medication and had shorter hospital stays than those with a view of a brick wall; as a result of this newer data, photographs of nature scenes are starting to hang in Emergency Departments and hospital hallways.

Yet nature has more to offer us than photographs on a wall or even walking outdoors.  Birds, plants, energy and even the stars - these are all a part of nature, as we humans are.  While it is clear that history and the scientific evidence now agree that a connection to nature is healing, remembering this connection in any way one can will augment our human experience to a life much larger than our offices, screens and supermarkets.  Go out and look at the moon, watch the birds in the park, go for a hike, or look at photographs of beautiful landscapes or nebulae to reduce stress, boost cognitive function, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increase feelings of awe and wonder. 

Oracle decks are a powerful tool for exploring the unconscious mind and accessing insight and guidance. When used in conjunction with dream analysis, oracle decks can provide valuable insights into the symbols and archetypes present in dreams, and help to illuminate the hidden meanings and messages contained within them. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on using an oracle deck to explain dreams.

Step 1: Choose an Oracle Deck

The first step in using an oracle deck to assist with dreams is to choose a deck that resonates with you. There are many different types of oracle decks available, each with its own unique set of symbols and archetypes. Look for a deck that feels intuitively right for you and that aligns with your personal spiritual beliefs and values.

Step 2: Establish a Connection with the Deck

Once you have chosen an oracle deck, take some time to establish a connection with it. Shuffle the cards and hold them in your hands, focusing your attention on the energy of the deck. Take a few deep breaths and ask the deck to provide insight and guidance into your dreams.

Step 3: Draw a Card

After establishing a connection with the deck, choose the dream you would like to gain insight on.  While you hold this dream in your awareness, draw a card from the deck with the intention of gaining insight into your dream. Once pulled, hold the card in your hands and focus on the image and symbols present on the card.

Step 4: Interpret the Card in the Context of Your Dream

Using the image and symbols present on the card as a starting point to interpret the context of your dream. Look for similarities between the symbols on the card and the symbols present in your dream. Consider how the message of the card relates to the themes and messages of your dream. 

Step 5: Reflect on the Message

If the deck has a booklet to assist with interpretation, read what each card you have pulled represents. Reflect on the message of the card and how it relates to your dream. Consider how the patterns in nature can offer insight and guidance on the challenges and issues that you are facing in your waking life. Journal your thoughts and reflections on the card and its significance for your dream.

Step 6: Repeat the Process

Repeat this process if needed, drawing a few additional cards from the deck and using them to gain further insight into your dream. Remember to trust your first trust your own interpretation and intuition and then allow the messages of the cards to further guide your interpretation of your dream.

Step 7:  Avoid Rushing into Action

Dreams do not require action, they are more like messengers, informing you of what is already occurring in your life, subconscious or hidden parts of self.  There is nothing you need to “do” from a dream - the patterning is already underway and the dream is allowing you a glimpse of what is occurring.  Try not to make a big change or rush into a different direction from your interpretation of the dream until you are very adept at dream work.  

The Mystery Deck, is a unique and innovative tool designed for therapists or healers to use personally or with their clients.

The Mystery Deck is a deck of oracle cards designed to help people unlock their hidden potential, identify underlying patterns and energies and find new resources to address a current problem. The cards are based on nature and include plants, animals, minerals, energies and celestial forces; it includes a guidebook to help with the interpretations. Have a client focus on an issue and pull a card(s); the guidebook prompts and encourages self-reflection and introspection of the images. Due to the principles of synchronicity - they will pick a card that is relevant to whatever they want to work through in your session.  It can be used as an icebreaker or as a way to deepen themes in a healing session.  It may also offer a different avenue to help clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop different strategies for coping with their problems.  It can also allow clients to align with the patterns of nature for healing.   Healers can also use the Mystery Deck as a tool for themselves personally to deepen their self-awareness in the same way. 

The Mystery Deck is easy to use, versatile, and can be used in various therapeutic settings. If you are a therapist or healer looking for a new and innovative tool to use with your clients, the Mystery Deck is worth considering.  Starting by leaving a set of cards in your waiting room with a “Pick a card” note and see what happens.  Your session will begin even before they see you, allowing your dynamic healing session to launch for your client before they walk through your door!

Self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. While it's important to treat ourselves to special indulgences now and then, incorporating simple daily routines is the key ingredient to our overall well-being. Here are a few simple self-care routines that you can add to your daily routine, including using The Mystery Deck, a fun and engaging tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

1. Start Your Day with a breath work practice and gratitude

Starting your day with a positive mindset can set the tone for the rest of the day. Take a few moments each morning to practice the 4-7-8 breath and then reflect on what you're grateful for. Write down a few things in a journal or simply focus on the things in your upcoming day that could bring you joy.

1. Move Your Body

Physical activity is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your mental health. Even if it's just a 10-minute walk around the block or a quick yoga flow, moving your body can help reduce stress and anxiety and boost your mood.

1. Use The Mystery Deck

The Mystery Deck is a unique tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Each card has a different message or theme designed to connect you to nature and inspire reflection and introspection. Take a few minutes daily to draw a card and reflect on its message. This can help you gain insights into your thought patterns and behaviors and guide you towards personal growth and self-awareness.

1. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment without judgment. Take a few moments throughout the day to focus on your breath and bring your attention to the present moment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and increase feelings of calm and peace.

1. Wind Down Before Bed

Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help you wind down after a long day and promote better sleep. Try listening to calming guided imagery or practicing meditation before bed to help relax your mind and body and let go into sleep.

Incorporating these simple self-care routines into your daily life can help improve your overall well-being and promote a happier, healthier lifestyle. Using The Mystery Deck as part of your self-care routine can help you gain insights into your own thought patterns and behaviors and guide you towards personal growth and self-awareness. Give it a try and see how it can enhance your self-care routine!

Dinner parties are a great way to bring friends and family together for a night of good food and even better company. But let's be honest, at times, your party may need a bit of help as sitting around a table and making small talk can only go so far. That's why it's important to add some extra fun and excitement to your dinner parties to make them memorable for everyone. One way to do this is by incorporating an activity into the evening. Whether it's a game, a craft, or something else entirely, adding an activity can take your dinner party to the next level. 

In this blog, we'll explore some tips and tricks for making your dinner parties more fun and memorable with The Mystery Deck.

How To use The Mystery Deck cards as a dinner party game:

1. Start by having each guest choose a card from the deck. 
2. Each card has a different message or theme, so ask your guests to read the description from the provided guidebook and reflect on what their card means to them and how it relates to their life. 
3. Then, go around the table and have each person share their card and thoughts. This can lead to interesting conversations and insights and is a great way to get to know your guests on a deeper level. 

*Extra fun Put the cards in the order they were pulled in and create a story.  Go around the table, hearing the story each guest creates.  Add some friendly competition by having everyone vote on the best story, with a small prize for the winner. Since the healing power of nature inspires this deck, we suggest the gift be in theme. Our suggestion would be a snake plant. Snake plants have numerous health benefits, including filtering indoor air, removing toxic pollutants, boosting mental health, being easy to care for, and being effective against allergies. They may also enhance the energy of a space according to feng shui and help with minor ailments.

Overall, using an oracle deck as a game is a fun and meaningful way to add extra depth and connection to your dinner party. 

Dr. Weil’s newest project, The Mystery Deck, draws from the healing power of nature.  The Mystery Deck is an oracle or divination card deck that can help you develop your intuition and use it to guide you in making better decisions and attain greater wellness. The natural world, with its animals, plants, minerals, and energy, embodies all the patterns of life. Learning about these universal symbols is a way of learning more about yourself.

Read the full interview on drweil.com