Category Archives: Write2Unpack

Stories of inspiration, things that are sexy, and the occasional random thought.

September: Death

September. The time of year when the world transitions from light and abundance to sleep and regeneration. Perfect for a card of transformation, and so this month’s card had to be, Death. Probably the most feared and most misunderstood card of the Tarot. It doesn’t symbolize literal death, that’s only in the movies, but material loss and the clearing away of things that do not serve you. The transformation necessary to make room for the things that do.

In the Rider Waite version of the Tarot, the card shows Death astride a white horse. White is the color of purity, and death is the ultimate purifier. All of humanity is shown – man, woman, and child. Death does not discriminate; he touches all of us. His armor is symbolic of his invincibility – no one has beaten death. Even the sun is seen to be “dying” in the background (between the same towers as in the Moon card – more on that in another post). A card of transformation, the sun will be reborn again fresh and new in the morning. Radiant Rider Waite shown here.

The Death card is a card of major transformation. It symbolizes the end of a major phase of your life and reassures that a new phase is just beginning. It tells you it is time to put the past behind you and be ready to embrace new opportunities. Sometimes we have trouble letting go of the past but, like Death, this is not a choice we get to make. If we refuse to embrace the change, and seek out the positive in it, the transformation can be less than pleasant. Sometimes, for us to learn this lesson, we need to experience the pain to complete the transformation.

Years ago, when I was teaching a self-defense class I would remind my students,

“There are many levels of cooperation. Not all of them voluntary.”

The Death card embodies this sentiment.

This card also indicates it’s time to let go of unhealthy bonds and relationships, so you can make room for relationships that feed your soul. It’s time to let go of old baggage so there’s room for The Universe to bring you what you need.

That rings true in my house this weekend. Daughter-In-Law wanted to have a yard sale at our house (more drive by traffic), and so The Best Husband and I decided we’d add some of our “treasures” to the pile. Well needless to say, it was a long weekend, but we managed to let go of many items that were no longer serving us. We did find some new items too, of course, but we were able to send many things back out into circulation where they will be fully utilized. I hope. At least they’re not in my garage anymore.

It surprised me how many things I’ve held onto for years that seemed significant and important enough to keep, but now, decades later, they’ve lost their hold on me and I was able to let them go. For example: Years ago I bought a large, glossy dark wood kitchen table, with a leaf, for my growing family. It was probably my first really large furniture purchase, and it’s moved with me over the years. I don’t remember the last time we sat at it as a family, but I do know it’s been in my garage for a long time and I’ve been unable to let it go. Now, while I appreciate the significance it holds, I no longer feel like I need to keep it. It’s time to let it go.

Tough love time. Time to deal with what’s preventing the change, so you are free to start your new journey unencumbered. This could be “stuff,” toxic relationships, a stagnant and unfulfilling career, anything – the card is not specific to where the change is needed. It’s up to you to reflect and evaluate your own life.

So, my readers, in this time of transformation, I encourage you reflect on what’s no longer serving you. Are you resisting necessary changes? Are you stuck and unable to take the steps to make the changes? Are you still holding onto a past wrong, or some other baggage that is taking up valuable energy? This card is a reminder that it’s time to reassess the changes you need to make. Change is scary (so is the Death card) but be reassured with the knowledge that not making necessary changes is not a choice you get to make. The change will happen, and it’s up to you choose your level of cooperation.

My thoughts are my own, but my pictures are generally found on Pexels. If you like what I write, please share with your friends or someone you think would like it! I’d love it if you follow me on Facebook (Melissa Gale), Instagram (write2unpack), or Twitter (@write2unpack). If you have any topics you’d like to talk about, reach out to me at write2unpack@gmail.com. Oh, hey, and if you sign up to follow me, you’ll never miss a post!

August: The Sun

I wrote this draft in August, and while it’s getting posted in September, I’m counting it as my August post because I’m a writer and I can do that.

As we prepare to (hopefully) move out of this second wave of 100°+ weather, the card for August had to be… The Sun.

The sun is an image of optimism, the light that follows the dark, the source of all life. A naked child playing happily on a horse is the featured image. It represents the happiness of our inner self – when we are true to ourselves and have nothing to hide. The horse is controlled without the use of hands, and is symbolic of perfect control/balance of our conscious and unconscious selves. The brick wall behind them represents the physical limitations of this world, but here it acts only as a support for four beautiful sunflowers – representing life and the abundance of the spirit under the sun.

This is a card of plenty. The Sun gives you strength and reassurance that no matter where you go, your positivity will follow and draw people to you. This is a beautiful, warm, energy and will see you through tough times. You’ve struggled through the dark and The Sun now lights your way. This is when you feel enlightened and can finally see the path ahead of you. The lesson of this card is to value the gift of life and it’s abundance, as our ancestors valued the warmth and energy of the sun.

August, at my house, marks the beginning of “abundance.” We are fortunate to have apple trees, cherry trees, pear trees, and even a peach and apricot tree. My zucchini plants have survived the heat waves and are producing. The black berries are plentiful and perfectly timed for peach/black berry cobbler. It is a wonderful time of year, for sure, but also busy. I have a day job that requires much of my time, a husband who still loves me and wants to spend time with me, and kids at home. I have very little time for myself or any sort of self-care, and now, with all the abundance at our home, I am even more hurried and strapped for time as I try to preserve and make the most of what Mother Nature has blessed us with. The Sun card is a good reminder to be grateful for what I have.

Many do not have an abundance of fruit. Many are hungry and would love to have too many zucchinis. Many don’t have spouses who, after 20+ years of marriage, still think them beautiful and crave their attention. Many don’t have teenagers who still want to go paddle boarding or bowling with their parents. Many don’t have homes with gardens that need tending, or animals that love unconditionally and need daily care.

My older son was scheduled to go to Spokane Falls Community College and run track for them next month. Unfortunately, a shoulder dislocation and probable surgery has changed his plans, and now he’s scheduled to attend the local JC. He’s sad, but instead of looking at it like his life has ended, he has a positive energy and is focusing on saving money (he’ll be living at home instead of paying rent), already has a job (doesn’t need to worry about how he’ll pay his bills), and is looking forward to growing some of the friendships he’s made this summer.

He definitely has the vibe of The Sun, and while I was looking forward to him spreading his wings, I am also relieved that he’ll still be here where I can help him continue to grow a little while longer. This isn’t a forever set back, just a fork in the road he didn’t see coming.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Melodie Beattie, Author

So, my readers, in this time of abundance and needs fulfilled, I encourage you to take a breath. Take a look around and see where your life is abundant. See it through the eyes of another, and be grateful for everything you have, including the accompanying obligations. Know The Sun reflects the Law of Attraction – send that positive energy out into the Universe, and you will receive positive energy back. Enjoy these times and remember to give thanks.

My thoughts are my own, but my pictures are generally found on Pexels. If you like what I write, please share with your friends or someone you think would like it! I’d love it if you follow me on Facebook (Melissa Gale), Instagram (write2unpack), or Twitter (@write2unpack). If you have any topics you’d like to talk about, reach out to me at write2unpack@gmail.com. Oh, hey, and if you sign up to follow me, you’ll never miss a post!

German Shepherd Guidance, Part 2

We said goodbye to a Good Girl this week. My family and I belonged to Jack Jack for about 13 years, and she was an amazing addition.

When Jack Jack was about 2 months old a friend of mine brought her into the office where we worked. The moment I saw her my heart whispered “mine,” and a few months later I got the call and I knew I would. She was part of our pack, and we were part of hers.

Jack Jack taught without trying, and set a good example for me and my children. Today’s post is in remembrance of her, and an update on an earlier post (here’s the link) about the guidance from our German Shepherd.

1.  Be loyal. Everything Jack Jack did was because she was loyal to her pack. From the way she would stomp her feet at the chickens – not to hurt them, but to make them poop so she could eat it, the way she tamed Jacqueline (the cat) when no one else could get close to her, to the way she patrolled the house every night before settling in where she could watch over everyone. German Shepherds will love you and stick with you until their last breath. We returned that loyalty to her. We loved her fiercely and did everything possible to save and protect her.

2.  Touch and snuggle. Jack Jack was a hugger. She’d come up to you and put her head in between your arm and your side and push into you. She’d hook you with her tail when standing next to you. She was good about staying off the furniture, but if you were sitting on the floor she would come and stand over you and either sit in your lap or hug you on the neck with her big, fuzzy, head.

3.  Listen. Jack Jack listened intently when you talked to her. I think she actually understood me. So much of communication is not in the words we say. She didn’t judge, and loved me even more when I talked to her. She reminded us of the importance of listening to others, even if you don’t understand them. Listen without judgment.

4.  Think. Shepherds are super intelligent. Jack Jack could solve a problem by looking at it, thinking about it, and then making a decision. Sometimes the best way to get through something is to wait, look, and think about it. Sometimes that thinking got her into trouble. Like when she was home alone during the day and figured out how to get the garbage lid off and took out the garbage and lined it up in a very neat line across the living room floor. She definitely noodled that one out.

5.  Protect those you love. Jack Jack would run straight at anything she thought was a danger to us or any of her pack. We always knew the chickens were safe from skunks, weasels, or sneaky neighbor dogs when she was around. When we let Jaqueline out at night, Jack Jack would insist on going out to make sure it’s safe for her, and you could not open a door without her right by your side. This week was the first time in 13 years that I’ve filled my bird feeders without a guard dog to protect me from the ground squirrels. She was a good reminder to stand up and protect those you love.

6. Serve. Jack Jack loved us, protected us, made us laugh… she served our family in so many ways. She brought comfort, smiles, and tears of sadness at her loss. I hate that she’s not here, but I love that she made such an impact that her absence is enormous.

I miss her so much. My heart aches without her, but I know we made the most thoughtful and loving decision for her. I remember wrapping my arms around her, how she hugged me, and breathing her in. She smelled like fresh air, freedom, running through fields, and love.

This week, my readers, while my family and I process this loss, I encourage you to open yourself to the guidance of a German Shephard. Even if you don’t understand with your ears, listen with your heart. Love, protect, and serve each other.

Jack Jack “helping” me work remotely during COVID.

My thoughts are my own, but my pictures are generally found on Pinterest (you can find anything there!). If you like what I write, please share with your friends or someone you think would like it! I’d love it if you follow me on Facebook (Melissa Gale), Instagram (write2unpack), or Twitter (@write2unpack). If you have any topics you’d like to talk about, reach out to me at write2unpack@gmail.com. Oh, hey, and if you sign up to follow me you’ll never miss a post!