week 1 ~ Life Path Challenge 2017

Here's what we're covering in Week 1 of the 2017 Life Path Challenge (#lifepathchallenge2017) in case you'd like to get a head start in working with your Life Path Cards next year. Get out your journal as you're going to want to write your insights so you can look them over at the end of the month for any special revelations.

I'll be sharing more of my insights on the photos below through my Instagram feed (@otmoraclecards) each day in January.

Monday, January 2, 2017 ~ Light & Shadow Exercise

This is a great exercise to help you get to know the deck and understand the light and shadow aspects of your goals and dreams. Go through your deck face up and pull out two cards -- your favorite card (light) and least favorite card (shadow). Make a quick list in your journal about what you like about the favorite card. Then make another list about what you don’t like about the least favorite card. Compare and contrast the two images. How are they different? Are there any similarities?

How does the light card reflect your goals or ideal situation?

How does the shadow card reflect your current difficulties, fears, or things you avoid?

Tuesday, January 3, 2017 ~ Pathworking Meditation

This is an introduction to the pathworking method I use with these cards. The deck was designed for pathworking or a projective image methodology which allows you to “step into” the card and imagine you are standing on the path. Everything you might encounter on the path becomes a symbol for some aspect of your life. What you see is a reflection of yourself and your life experiences. Some will see a pleasant scene while others looking at the same card will see unpleasantness. This process requires some imagination and intuition to maximize your results with the cards. We'll be using this process each week so you will gain proficiency with it. 

Pose the question, What path am I on? and pull one card face down at random. Then imagine that you’re stepping into the card and onto the path. Gaze at the card imagery and consider these questions:

What kind of path are you walking on? Does it seem pleasant or unpleasant? If the path is pleasant to you it suggests you’re currently going through a pleasant experience. If unpleasant, you’re dealing with difficulties.

What’s at your feet? Is the ground difficult to walk on? What’s at your feet reflects your foundation. Is it a smooth and solid foundation, or are you on shaky ground?

What’s directly in front of you? What’s directly in front of you is a symbol of what you’re currently facing (dealing with) in your current environment.

Are you traveling alone or with others? How do you feel about that? If you’re traveling with others it suggests your concerns involve other people.

Where are you headed? Why? Where you’re headed reveals your life direction. It gives some insight into the near future. Why explains the purpose of this path or journey. It gives you a sense of the big picture.

Based on this path, how long do you think it will take to get there? This reflects the timing of where you’re headed.

Are there any obstacles on this path? If so, how can they be removed? A key question. This helps you understand what barriers prevent your progress. These obstacles are also prolonging your journey and may delay you in reaching your goals.

What's beyond what you can see on this path? This points to the future beyond what you expect. This response represents the final or outcome card in a reading. The distant future. It also shows what you’re expecting or what’s hidden from you (potential, fears, hopes).

Some of you may actually go into a dream-like state during this journey while others will be able to use your imagination to come up with the answers. If you're able to, journal your responses to these questions as you do the pathworking meditation, and include as much as you can about your feelings, what you notice about the path, and any memories or experiences it brings up. You can also just experience the pathworking and journal later.

Here’s a list of symbols you can find in the cards and possible interpretations. Remember that these are just suggestions. Use your own impressions first.

Benches = rest; waiting period.
Bridge = transition.
Darkness = shadow aspects; unconscious issues; fears; challenges.
Desert landscape = emotional dryness -- unable to tap into emotions.
Fog = lack of clarity; unable to see the whole picture.
Garden = growth; creativity; talents.
House = a place of comfort and stability.
Mountain = obstacle; accomplishment; achievement.
Mud = slow process; feeling stuck.
Narrow paths = limitation; lack of variety; staying focused.
Open areas = freedom.
People = other people in your life; society; following the crowd.
Railings = structure.
Rocky paths = difficulties; ups and downs.
Snow = purity; new beginnings; isolation.
Stairs = levels of understanding or knowledge. Specific steps to reach a goal.
Tunnel = Entering a stage of change and transformation.
Urban settings = dealing with pressures of the day to day grind.
Vehicle = drive and energy.
Water = emotions and flow.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017 ~ 2016 Life Path

Shuffle the cards and choose one at random to represent your overall life path in 2016. Perform the pathworking meditation with the card you chose.

What kind of life path were you on in 2016?

Where were you headed in 2016?

What barriers or obstacles were in your path in 2016?

What is your overall impression of your 2016 life path?

Thursday, January 5, 2017 ~ 2017 Life Path

Shuffle the cards and choose one at random to represent your overall life path in 2017. Perform the pathworking meditation with the card you chose.

What kind of life path are you on in 2017?

Where are you headed in 2017?

What barriers or obstacles are in your path this year?

What is your overall impression of your 2017 life path?

Compare and contrast the 2016 and 2017 cards. 

Which path appears easier to walk? 

What challenges will you face in 2017 that you didn't encounter in 2016? 

How will you overcome those challenges (based on the imagery)?

Friday, January 6, 2017 ~ Vision Board: New Year's Resolution

A vision board is a place where you display photos and images that reflect a specific goal you’d like to attain. It helps identify your vision and gives it clarity. When displayed where you can see it frequently, the vision board will keep your attention on your intentions. The goal of this exercise is to use the card as a mini vision board to help you reach your New Year's Resolution.

The first step is to come up with a goal or desire you wish to attain this year, your New Year's Resolution. Next, shuffle your deck focusing on the question: What card represents the path to my goal? Select a card at random from the deck. This card represents the path to your goal.

What are your first impressions of this path to your goal? Doable or daunting?

Is your goal attainable? Sometimes your goal is attainable and sometimes it’s not. If you receive a card that shows a major obstacle on the path or some type of dead end, then this might not be the right time to try to attain your specific goal.

What type of journey? Pleasant, struggle, obstacles? What will you need to experience in order to reach your goal? Are there obstacles in your path?

How long will it take to attain your goal? Look at the card to give you a rough estimate of how long it might take to reach your goal. If the path looks very short, then your goal may be within reach. If the path looks long or the card shows a desolate area, then it may take some time to reach your goal.

Use the card as your vision board. Look at it every day and imagine taking steps along the path to reach your goal. If the path is daunting, imagine that you’re easily overcoming the obstacles (jumping over rocks, or wading slowly but surely through mud, for example). You can also add angel cards or other oracle decks to your layout that will provide guidance or inspiration. Photograph the card or layout and save it as a screensaver or wallpaper so you will have a constant reminder of where you wish to be and how to get there.

Next week I'll post Week 2! 

Join me on Instagram to share your Life Path Cards photos and pathworking insights.