Two Cards of the Day

Woke up feeling moody and sorry for myself today. Perhaps a result of a lack of sleep lately and getting ready to move across the country. Instead of dwelling inside of negative mind-space, I decided to go into my room and pull a card of the day.
As I was shuffling the deck, I realized the importance of clearing my mind and disconnecting myself from negative emotions. A friend gave me and my husband a heart-shaped candle on our wedding day. I imagined the warmth and love of this candle burning inside of my chest and invoked the love of all of my friends and family. I visualized drawing the love of the universe to me, in order to cleanse and clarify my intentions (I've always believed that love is a cleansing energy).
The card I pulled was from the Shakespeare Oracle. It is a newer deck for me and I haven't had a chance to use it much. However, it resonates well so far and I felt myself drawn to it rather than the Crowley deck I normally use.
I fanned the cards and drew 8 of Quills (oftentimes known as Swords). It obviously reflected my own feelings at that moment- confinement, restriction...I was trapped by my own perception of circumstances, of imaginary (and somewhat real) obstacles blocking me from my goals and desires. The voice of my inner-critic oftentimes outshouts any optimististic vocalizations from my husband or other parts of myself.
That was when I realized that a second card of the day was sorely needed. The problem was revealed, but I yearned for resolution.
I shuffled the cards and fanned them out again. This time I drew The Queen of Quills: Beatrice. A very strong women, with a sharp tongue and keen mind. A woman whose virtues I was called to implement. An outspoken, confident lady whose razor-sharp mind cuts through the bull. This character also knows how to harness the power of humor, which is something I've been sorely lacking today.
Drawing two cards today was just what I needed. As always, even though these cards were a reflection of the immediate moment, they also reflected an aspect of my daily existence.

All Sizes & Shapes

Tarot decks come in many shapes and sizes. There are square decks, mini-decks, round decks, decks made out of very thick cardstock- and these details really do make a difference.
For example, I use the larger sized Crowley deck for meditation. For readings, it is much too large for my hands and I prefer to use the smaller deck. However, with the larger deck, more detail can be absorbed, so I also like just looking and thinking about particular cards with the large deck.
The Motherpeace Tarot's round shape compelled me to put it on my Xmas list one year. I LOVE the shape. Not easy to shuffle. I do not have the mini-deck, perhaps that would be easier to shuffle. A round deck bespeaks of Earth and Womanhood and life cycles and journeys.
Another odd-shaped deck is the Shakespeare Oracle. The thick cardstock and colors make the cards appear as if they have been made out of wood (to a certain degree). Thickness and shape bespeak of durability and simplicity. More square than most decks. Better for personal readings or those who know Shakespeare well.