"Part 1:
How you choose to work with the Clow."
Well, my method is pretty intricate, but it's based on my magical practices and studies. I work with them as spirits of contract, meaning that they are bound to follow their promises just like I am. I have to win them first (like Sakura did), and then they're loyal to me and I to them. This happens by inviting them to test me, by evoking them. The following day is filled with trials that they have a hand in- it is up to my intuition and effort to figure out what the lesson is that they're offering. Once I think I know, I go to them, and speak about what I've learned. If I'm right, I feel them accept me. If not, then it's off to try again tomorrow.
Once I've won their trust, I just speak to them as needed, and let them whisper their messages to me. I'm not very far through the deck yet- only four cards. But I plan on doing this right.
Part 2:
The card I love the most is the Silent. I also like the Sleep. Both are, in my opinions, very versatile and helpful spells as well as interesting spirits. I can't honestly say there are any cards I don't like, although some of them are less intriguing to me, I guess.
-What calls to you about the card you chose as your favorite?
The Silent is stern and demands adherence to protocol. I can get behind that attitude- I'm very much the same.
-What do you dislike about your least favorite card?
Hmmm... I used to not like the Bubbles or the Sweet, because they weren't "powerful" cards and therefore were "useless" to me. However, I've since learned better- they are there to provide a much needed balance. Indeed, the Bubbles can be VERY handy for some things.
-How does the card make you feel? Tearful? Joyous? Angry? Upset? Relieved? Why?
All of them make me feel very at home. I like the Clow spirits- they test me, and at the same time seem fun and wild and friendly and fierce and, well, alive.
-Do you associate any other senses with the card? Smells or tastes? If the card had a flavor, what would it be? Does it smell good or bad?
The Silent has a smell like heavy dark cloth, and she rustles around in clothing like the old Victorian period. So, lace and cotton and maybe satin.
The Sleep has a feeling of heavy warm blankets and soothing winds and maybe incense, like something with opium in it. Also something slightly spicy, can't tell what.
-Did the card make you remember anything from your life, your childhood or past lives?
Well, the Sleep isn't my card- it's the card of the Guide spirit I work with, my "Kero-chan" spirit. She's very good with sleep magic.
The Silent... nah, it's just something that reminds me of me and my own magic.
Part 3:
I don't know that I'm doing this last part right or wrong, but... I will share something I learned.
Originally when I started walking through the cards and accepting their tests, I thought they'd be difficult and grueling sort of life-changing experiences. My first test was the Libra. The card I got as an assist, by the way, was of no help whatsoever. And Sakura never showed how she caught the Libra, so I literally had no clue.
Which, in a way, was the test- could I trust my intuition and the spirits to guide me without trying to 'cheat' through using the fiction to walk me through? That is actually what the Libra means- sensing balance and intention, learning to trust the feel of things. Rather humbling for someone with my ego. *winks*
So, I moved on to the next few cards, and noticed something else. They weren't 'scourging' me with tests. They were guiding me, and gently but firmly moving me into situations where I had to make a decision based on their focal mystery.
*chuckling* It's been very educational, and really fun as well. I'm enjoying my work with these beings. They're similar to the spirits I've worked with through my spiritual practices, and also different. I suppose I look forward to what's next.
Do any of you have anything similar you've been through? Maybe experiences which contrast?