The Magic of Love

TABLE OF CONTENTS 7

The Magic of Love

10

How to use the deck

14

Self LOVE

28

Erotic LOVE

50

The love OF OTHERS

64

The love OF FAMILY

80

Universal LOVE

Self-esteem, self-compassion, healing

Passion, intimacy, connection

Friendship, empathy, sharing

Family ties, ancestors, protection

Divine connection, gratitude, harmony

TABLE OF CONTENTS 7

The Magic of Love

10

How to use the deck

14

Self LOVE

28

Erotic LOVE

50

The love OF OTHERS

64

The love OF FAMILY

80

Universal LOVE

Self-esteem, self-compassion, healing

Passion, intimacy, connection

Friendship, empathy, sharing

Family ties, ancestors, protection

Divine connection, gratitude, harmony

THE MAGIC of emotions

L

ove helps you recognize. . . . Today is the perfect day to recognize simple and more complex emotions.

Every emotional nuance has the right to exist within you, without your feeling bad if you feel anger, without your thinking you’re wrong if you’re sad. When you love yourself, every emotion is a tool of the life force, like an element of nature. Love anger, so that it no longer kindles a fire in the bowels and festers in rage.

If an excess of joy can cause damage, overwhelming us and others like a rushing wave, give joy your gratitude and love it.

If we do not differentiate and do not embrace the nuances of our emotions, all we perceive is a vague discomfort. Distinguishing the various shades of each mood is the first step to loving and understanding the wonders of human nature.

Some psychologists have identified and catalogued emotions through facial expressions. Today you too should practice decoding emotional cues by observing your face in the mirror. You may take selfies that you won’t share with anyone. Play at recognizing these emotional cues in the people close to you and discover the magic; a smile triggers a positive mood in you and others; a frown causes irritation or discomfort in you and those you encounter.

Accept all emotions without being preyed upon, and make good use of them as you get to know them.

16

SEL F LOV E

THE MAGIC of emotions

L

ove helps you recognize. . . . Today is the perfect day to recognize simple and more complex emotions.

Every emotional nuance has the right to exist within you, without your feeling bad if you feel anger, without your thinking you’re wrong if you’re sad. When you love yourself, every emotion is a tool of the life force, like an element of nature. Love anger, so that it no longer kindles a fire in the bowels and festers in rage.

If an excess of joy can cause damage, overwhelming us and others like a rushing wave, give joy your gratitude and love it.

If we do not differentiate and do not embrace the nuances of our emotions, all we perceive is a vague discomfort. Distinguishing the various shades of each mood is the first step to loving and understanding the wonders of human nature.

Some psychologists have identified and catalogued emotions through facial expressions. Today you too should practice decoding emotional cues by observing your face in the mirror. You may take selfies that you won’t share with anyone. Play at recognizing these emotional cues in the people close to you and discover the magic; a smile triggers a positive mood in you and others; a frown causes irritation or discomfort in you and those you encounter.

Accept all emotions without being preyed upon, and make good use of them as you get to know them.

16

SEL F LOV E

THE MINDFUL touch

I

ntimacy is not merely physical connection, but the meeting of souls in the reciprocity of touch.

Tonight, take some time to share a moment of deep mindfulness with your loved one.

You can still do the exercise even if you’re not in a couple right now: visualize the image of the person who might be right for you, fantasize over the characteristics you like.

It only takes a few minutes for the intensity of the mindful caress to do the trick. Sit across from each other and look into each other’s eyes without speaking.

Breathe slowly, synchronizing the rhythm of your breaths.

As you inhale, gently touch the face of your loved one. As you exhale, apply some pressure as you stroke their cheek, accepting every nuance of the gesture, every sensation as if for the first time.

Continue by taking turns in this game of caresses and listening to the touch for a cycle of three to six breaths. Finally, share your emotions with each other.

Did you feel embarrassment, erotic desire, fear? If you enjoyed the exercise, wait at least one day before doing it again, but keep sharing your perceptions.

This simple practice helps create and sustain a deep intimate connection, by rediscovering the magic of physical contact as the language of love.

28

EROTIC LOV E

THE MINDFUL touch

I

ntimacy is not merely physical connection, but the meeting of souls in the reciprocity of touch.

Tonight, take some time to share a moment of deep mindfulness with your loved one.

You can still do the exercise even if you’re not in a couple right now: visualize the image of the person who might be right for you, fantasize over the characteristics you like.

It only takes a few minutes for the intensity of the mindful caress to do the trick. Sit across from each other and look into each other’s eyes without speaking.

Breathe slowly, synchronizing the rhythm of your breaths.

As you inhale, gently touch the face of your loved one. As you exhale, apply some pressure as you stroke their cheek, accepting every nuance of the gesture, every sensation as if for the first time.

Continue by taking turns in this game of caresses and listening to the touch for a cycle of three to six breaths. Finally, share your emotions with each other.

Did you feel embarrassment, erotic desire, fear? If you enjoyed the exercise, wait at least one day before doing it again, but keep sharing your perceptions.

This simple practice helps create and sustain a deep intimate connection, by rediscovering the magic of physical contact as the language of love.

28

EROTIC LOV E

THE LOVE letter

T

oday is the perfect day to write a letter to the god Eros, the psychic energy that flows through us and feeds the desire to love and be loved.

Resume corresponding with him every time you draw this card.

It will be a golden opportunity to deepen your thoughts on the subject.

Eros will respond with small or big signs that will make your day special. It doesn’t matter whether happiness smiles at you or turns its back on you, whether you are single or not; we all have an idea of what love is. Writing to Eros is an act of symbolic power. Using pen and paper stimulates the brain more than typing a text message— and, corroborated by many scientific studies, it opens the mind to creativity, curating the words that manifest between concept and ink. Edits, doodles, and drawings make the text one of a kind. Each letter is unique and special, just like Eros.

Do this humbly; volunteer to be of service before asking for help, give yourself earnestly. Turning to the god helps you focus on doubts and convictions, and improves the relationship with your loved one and yourself.

Undertake an epistolary relationship with Eros to open the portal of magical writing that helps nurture and empower the precious transformative energy of love.

32

EROTIC LOV E

THE LOVE letter

T

oday is the perfect day to write a letter to the god Eros, the psychic energy that flows through us and feeds the desire to love and be loved.

Resume corresponding with him every time you draw this card.

It will be a golden opportunity to deepen your thoughts on the subject.

Eros will respond with small or big signs that will make your day special. It doesn’t matter whether happiness smiles at you or turns its back on you, whether you are single or not; we all have an idea of what love is. Writing to Eros is an act of symbolic power. Using pen and paper stimulates the brain more than typing a text message— and, corroborated by many scientific studies, it opens the mind to creativity, curating the words that manifest between concept and ink. Edits, doodles, and drawings make the text one of a kind. Each letter is unique and special, just like Eros.

Do this humbly; volunteer to be of service before asking for help, give yourself earnestly. Turning to the god helps you focus on doubts and convictions, and improves the relationship with your loved one and yourself.

Undertake an epistolary relationship with Eros to open the portal of magical writing that helps nurture and empower the precious transformative energy of love.

32

EROTIC LOV E

A CURE for jealousy

B

etween you and your loved one, jealousy.

The concept derives from the Greek (ζῆλος, zêlos) and refers to the zeal that sets souls ablaze. A pinch of ardor keeps feelings alive, but one must restrain the level of jealousy. William Shakespeare’s old yet timeless story of Othello recounts how baseless suspicions lead the protagonist’s actions to extreme consequences: namely, to murder his wife, Desdemona.

This card asks you to learn about the jealousy thermometer.

If you are single, consider the gradients of poison in past relationships and imagine an antidote to jealousy for the relationship you will experience in the future. Is your jealousy cold, lukewarm, intense, or over the top?

When it manifests as a claim to exclusivity without consent, do not hesitate to seek out professional advice. Otherwise, cleanse the couple’s energy by explicitly stating the intention to respect your mutual choices and desires without prevarication. Before a mirror, place a hand on the other’s chest or heart as they do the same to you. Together, say aloud: “As guardians of jealousy we shall keep the balance between remedy and poison. Let not the zeal of one oppress the freedom of the other!”

Be aware of your level of jealousy and monitor the zeal in the person you love. Check in regularly, and remember: a couple is an alliance between freely united individuals.

40

EROTIC LOV E

A CURE for jealousy

B

etween you and your loved one, jealousy.

The concept derives from the Greek (ζῆλος, zêlos) and refers to the zeal that sets souls ablaze. A pinch of ardor keeps feelings alive, but one must restrain the level of jealousy. William Shakespeare’s old yet timeless story of Othello recounts how baseless suspicions lead the protagonist’s actions to extreme consequences: namely, to murder his wife, Desdemona.

This card asks you to learn about the jealousy thermometer.

If you are single, consider the gradients of poison in past relationships and imagine an antidote to jealousy for the relationship you will experience in the future. Is your jealousy cold, lukewarm, intense, or over the top?

When it manifests as a claim to exclusivity without consent, do not hesitate to seek out professional advice. Otherwise, cleanse the couple’s energy by explicitly stating the intention to respect your mutual choices and desires without prevarication. Before a mirror, place a hand on the other’s chest or heart as they do the same to you. Together, say aloud: “As guardians of jealousy we shall keep the balance between remedy and poison. Let not the zeal of one oppress the freedom of the other!”

Be aware of your level of jealousy and monitor the zeal in the person you love. Check in regularly, and remember: a couple is an alliance between freely united individuals.

40

EROTIC LOV E

GOOD collaboration

L

ove is a perfect orchestra conductor.

Imagine an orchestra in which the string, woodwind, and brass sections create a melody released from the entire whole. The sound of the violin is wonderful, you appreciate the clarinet, yet the intention is to create an ensemble in which the synergy is different from the sum of the parts. No single note forms the tune; it’s the harmony of sounds generating the symphony, a marvel for the ears and soul.

Any group—team, squad, friends, the whole community—is based on the value of collaboration. Today, celebrate the magic of intertwining roles in your relevant groups, welcome strengths and weaknesses, support each other in reaching a common goal, nurturing good practice to create an effective group. Observe and explore the following points: 1. listening with empathy; 2. respectfully expressing ideas and valuing creativity; 3. transforming judgment and envy into trust and sharing in consideration of the goal, whether it’s a trip among friends or a project to be completed. At the end of the day, based on what emerged, write down what you can improve within your group.

Appreciate the contribution of others to the common project, conjure within yourself the harmony of the orchestra, and offer your input with dedication.

59

TH E LOV E OF OTH ERS

GOOD collaboration

L

ove is a perfect orchestra conductor.

Imagine an orchestra in which the string, woodwind, and brass sections create a melody released from the entire whole. The sound of the violin is wonderful, you appreciate the clarinet, yet the intention is to create an ensemble in which the synergy is different from the sum of the parts. No single note forms the tune; it’s the harmony of sounds generating the symphony, a marvel for the ears and soul.

Any group—team, squad, friends, the whole community—is based on the value of collaboration. Today, celebrate the magic of intertwining roles in your relevant groups, welcome strengths and weaknesses, support each other in reaching a common goal, nurturing good practice to create an effective group. Observe and explore the following points: 1. listening with empathy; 2. respectfully expressing ideas and valuing creativity; 3. transforming judgment and envy into trust and sharing in consideration of the goal, whether it’s a trip among friends or a project to be completed. At the end of the day, based on what emerged, write down what you can improve within your group.

Appreciate the contribution of others to the common project, conjure within yourself the harmony of the orchestra, and offer your input with dedication.

59

TH E LOV E OF OTH ERS

THE FAMILY TREE: mothers

I

n human imagination, beyond everyone’s personal history, love reverberates in the face of the mother.

We can all be “mothers.” We are mothers when we harbor a new idea inside the mind’s womb, keeping it warm with the energy of the desire to watch the project come to fruition. We are mothers when we feel benevolence toward our inner child, when we forgive them any oversights or mistakes, while simultaneously teaching them to grow and not succumb to life’s obstacles.

We are mothers even without having children in the flesh; besides, we’re always sons or daughters. We are the vessel in which the small seed gains strength by the day, until it’s a plant, provided that we treat it with care and affection. We are the fruit of the tree that has spread over generations.

Take a piece of paper and, using a brown marker, draw a small seed in the bottom section. Take a green marker to sprout the seed upward and create the roots below. By breathing consciously, follow the slow, precious development of the shoot.

Accept it lovingly, and don’t hurry. Add leaves, different-colored flowers, and, lastly, fruit. You may color them in a blend going from brown to vitality. Discover the apple tree, the oak, or the birch being born. . . .

This is a creative, magic exercise to arouse the wonder in you; bringing your tree to light is an act of mothering.

64

T H E L O V E O F FA M I LY

THE FAMILY TREE: mothers

I

n human imagination, beyond everyone’s personal history, love reverberates in the face of the mother.

We can all be “mothers.” We are mothers when we harbor a new idea inside the mind’s womb, keeping it warm with the energy of the desire to watch the project come to fruition. We are mothers when we feel benevolence toward our inner child, when we forgive them any oversights or mistakes, while simultaneously teaching them to grow and not succumb to life’s obstacles.

We are mothers even without having children in the flesh; besides, we’re always sons or daughters. We are the vessel in which the small seed gains strength by the day, until it’s a plant, provided that we treat it with care and affection. We are the fruit of the tree that has spread over generations.

Take a piece of paper and, using a brown marker, draw a small seed in the bottom section. Take a green marker to sprout the seed upward and create the roots below. By breathing consciously, follow the slow, precious development of the shoot.

Accept it lovingly, and don’t hurry. Add leaves, different-colored flowers, and, lastly, fruit. You may color them in a blend going from brown to vitality. Discover the apple tree, the oak, or the birch being born. . . .

This is a creative, magic exercise to arouse the wonder in you; bringing your tree to light is an act of mothering.

64

T H E L O V E O F FA M I LY

THE HOME of the heart

T

he home is the world you inhabit: it’s the land outside you and the kingdom within you.

The home mirrors the first landscape, the mother’s belly, the cosmic egg. The home is the place of primary comfort: food, sleep, love.

Home is home, be it a primitive cave, a lair, a tent, or a sumptuous palace or castle. In dreams, the home of the heart is the memory of the home you inhabited in your childhood, which closes squeaky doors on flashes of experiences, and opens windows onto the cities of the future. We’re always seeking the ideal home, building tomorrow with a bit of nostalgia for the past. The home of the heart exists when we consciously inhabit the space of our desires and evolve as we transition from childhood into adulthood. Beyond the threshold, the horizon leads us to the ideal “home, sweet home,” which resembles the Anahata chakra, the energetic center that attracts peace and harmony within us. Nothing can represent the refuge, the vessel, the container par excellence, more than the heart.

Every time you pull this card, if you are at home, walk through all the rooms, breathing slowly. Place a hand on your heart and feel the inner vitality as a flame connecting you to your current home. Listen to the soul of the place. Embrace the heartbeat and focus on thoughts of caring and connection.

Place your soul in the home of the heart and put the strength of the heart in your home.

72

T H E L O V E O F FA M I LY

THE HOME of the heart

T

he home is the world you inhabit: it’s the land outside you and the kingdom within you.

The home mirrors the first landscape, the mother’s belly, the cosmic egg. The home is the place of primary comfort: food, sleep, love.

Home is home, be it a primitive cave, a lair, a tent, or a sumptuous palace or castle. In dreams, the home of the heart is the memory of the home you inhabited in your childhood, which closes squeaky doors on flashes of experiences, and opens windows onto the cities of the future. We’re always seeking the ideal home, building tomorrow with a bit of nostalgia for the past. The home of the heart exists when we consciously inhabit the space of our desires and evolve as we transition from childhood into adulthood. Beyond the threshold, the horizon leads us to the ideal “home, sweet home,” which resembles the Anahata chakra, the energetic center that attracts peace and harmony within us. Nothing can represent the refuge, the vessel, the container par excellence, more than the heart.

Every time you pull this card, if you are at home, walk through all the rooms, breathing slowly. Place a hand on your heart and feel the inner vitality as a flame connecting you to your current home. Listen to the soul of the place. Embrace the heartbeat and focus on thoughts of caring and connection.

Place your soul in the home of the heart and put the strength of the heart in your home.

72

T H E L O V E O F FA M I LY

CARING for the sky

S

ince the dawn of humanity, the sky has been a spiritual realm inhabited by a fertile principle.

It’s a mythical power that envelops the Earth and fertilizes it with passion.

From the marriage between the starry sky, Uranus, and the earth goddess, Gaia, life emerges victoriously from chaos.

The sky is with you as you consider this card, prompting you to spend a moment with clouds, thunderstorms, and constellations.

If you can, walk through a park or the countryside and observe the patterns of cirrus and cumulonimbi; appreciate the shades of the celestial vault during the day and at night. Alternatively, gaze at the blue depth within you. Close your eyes and follow the fog, the dance of the rain.

Now take a piece of paper and a pen and perform an act of magic: describe the feelings arising from looking at the sky. As metaphors for one’s innermost feelings, stories of clouds may inspire poetic writing. In the manner of haiku, three verses would suffice— 5,7,5 syllables. If you like, hang the poem from a tree branch.

The sky will repay you with its protection.

The power of the sky is at your disposal. Open the window of your soul and be inspired by the poetry of love to create verses of rain and wind.

84

U N I V ERSA L LOV E

CARING for the sky

S

ince the dawn of humanity, the sky has been a spiritual realm inhabited by a fertile principle.

It’s a mythical power that envelops the Earth and fertilizes it with passion.

From the marriage between the starry sky, Uranus, and the earth goddess, Gaia, life emerges victoriously from chaos.

The sky is with you as you consider this card, prompting you to spend a moment with clouds, thunderstorms, and constellations.

If you can, walk through a park or the countryside and observe the patterns of cirrus and cumulonimbi; appreciate the shades of the celestial vault during the day and at night. Alternatively, gaze at the blue depth within you. Close your eyes and follow the fog, the dance of the rain.

Now take a piece of paper and a pen and perform an act of magic: describe the feelings arising from looking at the sky. As metaphors for one’s innermost feelings, stories of clouds may inspire poetic writing. In the manner of haiku, three verses would suffice— 5,7,5 syllables. If you like, hang the poem from a tree branch.

The sky will repay you with its protection.

The power of the sky is at your disposal. Open the window of your soul and be inspired by the poetry of love to create verses of rain and wind.

84

U N I V ERSA L LOV E

THE SUBLIME is within you

L

ove reveals its transcendent essence and transports you to the sacred.

The sublime is the greatness you perceive as unattainable, and yet it’s reflected in your mood every time you fall in love with someone and encounter the divine principle of human beauty. Sometimes one comes across the sublime through the painful alternation of pain and joy that every “impossible” love story brings with it. Anyone who has lost a great love is familiar with the stormy wind, yearning for the beyond, the desire to transcend the boundaries of the familiar, the everyday, blowing from the depths of space. They recognize the echo of the universal power of life and death. May your heart open to infinity like the petals of a lotus flower! Through spontaneous singing, invoke the connection with the whole, exalt the flame of your existence with wild dances.

Embrace the sublime in yourself, in the greatness of your vital passion. Love is the carnal and spiritual experience leading you to higher knowledge.

88

U N I V ERSA L LOV E

THE SUBLIME is within you

L

ove reveals its transcendent essence and transports you to the sacred.

The sublime is the greatness you perceive as unattainable, and yet it’s reflected in your mood every time you fall in love with someone and encounter the divine principle of human beauty. Sometimes one comes across the sublime through the painful alternation of pain and joy that every “impossible” love story brings with it. Anyone who has lost a great love is familiar with the stormy wind, yearning for the beyond, the desire to transcend the boundaries of the familiar, the everyday, blowing from the depths of space. They recognize the echo of the universal power of life and death. May your heart open to infinity like the petals of a lotus flower! Through spontaneous singing, invoke the connection with the whole, exalt the flame of your existence with wild dances.

Embrace the sublime in yourself, in the greatness of your vital passion. Love is the carnal and spiritual experience leading you to higher knowledge.

88

U N I V ERSA L LOV E