Oooooooo, the Clouds.  Just in time for Valentine's day! 

:: Sarcasm off ::




Not that we need another introduction, but this week's card is the Clouds.  Great.  As if some of our current conditions aren't baffling enough.  As if some of us haven't spent enough time in a pit of uncertainty and stress and worry.  As if the future, maybe even the present, isn't hard enough to focus on or figure out. 

Will we ever know what the future will bring, though?  No, probablyyyy not.  I mean, it's not like we plan for a volcanic eruption when we make airline reservations, right?  Nah, we're too busy daydreaming about visiting Jamaica or England or Croatia or Japan or Insert destination of choice here to consider the possibility of our plans being pulled out from underneath our feet like a gigantic rug by some... asshole.  Not to mention that, well, volcanoes are just gonna vomit lava whenever they see fit, not on cue or when it's more convenient for you.

Because the Clouds indicates that a storm is surely brewing, and that we will see one coming, prepare we must for what may come along this week.  That means taking precautions with whatever literal and figurative protective gear we have out our disposal.  In other words, umbrellas, rain coats, hats, condoms, common sense, sound legal advice and more. 

No excuses.  We'll have time to prepare our thoughts and next moves, so take advantage of this week with  some breathing and quiet contemplation.  Don't be stupidly distracted like some folks who will absolutely whine and cry that they've "made a mistake" come Friday.  Stupidity and regrets will not be well-received.  Got it?

Speaking of distractions, try to set them aside for what really needs to get done.  Deadlines aren't gonna magically extend themselves for procrastinators.

And focus on cleaning your house or work space if you can.  It might be pretty polluted and dusty and cluttered, and that's not good for lungs or our health overall.  Investing in certain kinds of plants or a humidifier, even working on cutting back or quitting smoking, can help improve the quality of what you breathe in.  Alternatively, pull up those blinds and crack open those windows.  Let some sunshine and breezes in.

Good God, what are some of you breathing?

Nevermind.  I don't want to know.

Much of what happens this week will have a dream-like quality to it.  Maybe someone will send you to Cloud Nine.  Enjoy some harmless fun, just don't overdo it, stay out too late on a "school night", get lazy or play hooky from work if there's even a slight chance you'll get into trouble for it.  Trouble is on the horizon for some and, even if it will be temporary, even though it will pass, it will suck as a follow-up to joys and pleasures.  Think: getting arrested after a night of partying or an unforgiving hangover after a night of drinking.  Not fun.  And guess what?  These consequences will only be intensified this week.

At best, the Clouds card represents a dream, a dream that's beginning to take shape, or a dream that's about to come true (which can always be a little rattling if we don't expect it).  Hopefully some of us have wished for something good here.  We'll see.

At worst, this card indicates clouded judgment which can emanate from a bloated ego, drugs, disillusionment, etc.  Watch where you leave your drinks.  Don't operate machinery under the influence of certain cold and flu medications.  And proceed with caution regards dates, deals, meetings, negotiations, promises and contracts. 

Something is definitely not what it seems.  Someone is definitely not who he/she seems. 

In fact, some may very well resent others' happiness because, in their miserable minds, others' lives are either too good to be true... or too good and too true.  And to these folks, it's not fair that others are in the shoes they're in, even if they've worked hard for it.  Why them?  Why not me?  This is the mentality I'm talking about, a mentality of dissatisfied people that can eventually manifest into something scary. 

Be aware of the friendships you're all making and where your sympathy and sacrifices are going. 

Make experiences worth your while by doing what means something to you.  Fuck what everyone else is doing.   They are not you.

Also, it's advisable to lay low and remain under the radar this week.  Honor and appreciate your anonymity.




The Clouds translates to the 7 of Cups of the Rider-Waite deck.  Here we have an individual mesmerized by what lies before him/her. Options, treasures, fame, fortune, pleasures for the taking. 

I don't really like this card, even if it is pretty and does represent options, because the treasures and pleasures involved come with a price.  Or an ultimate sacrifice has been, or will be, made for such things. 

Terms and conditions also apply.  Blah.  Read through them (and receipts, etc.) carefully, or have someone else do the job.  Just make sure it gets done or else.

Wake up, OK?  Very important.  And if you can, take notes of dreams and instructions.

Do indulge, whether in daydreaming or dessert or sex or whatever, but without overdoing it or neglecting to do the work necessary.  Relive a significant moment in your life.  Life is to be enjoyed and savored after all.  It's not meant to be nauseating or oppressive.  We keep pleasures, even our choices, rich and fulfilling through a balanced, considerate, realistic approach about them. 

Otherwise, they quickly become sickening or dissatisfying or unmemorable-- and who the hell wants any of that?  I mean, it makes some of you downright nuts.

On another note, hm, what's your specialty? 

Um, got a specialty? 

What about a subspecialty?  Got one of those?  You may find you'll need one from here on out.  A subspecialty helps distinguish you from other people and makes you a more valuable asset in, say, the workplace.  If you don't have a subspecialty going for you, this might be the week that begins to catch up with you regards that.  It's time.

Finally, an air of mystery + courage = sexy.  (Just in case some of you missed that.)

Have a wonderful week.