The Reflection
This situation is rooted in an emotional experience with a family member, which we can help you to understand and heal. In your mind and heart, surround this person, yourself, and the experience with calming blue light and many angels. Be open to the gifts within the situation, and allow yourself to feel peace.
The Image
Two winged angels and four children commune in a tone of joy, comfort and acceptance. The little ones are lifted and cared for; the older children equally present but in different ways. Each plays a role in conveying the message of Family. Look closer and find trails of brilliant white light encircling them. Even at first glance, one gets the sense that the angels are “present” for the children. Although this may not appear to be a traditional family, it is Family nonetheless.
The Message
noun, fam·i·ly \ˈfam-lē, ˈfa-mə-\
Short Definition: A group of people who are related to each other; including those who have lived in the past.
We’re not saying Webster’s Dictionary got it wrong. We just want to emphasize, as they do, that is indeed the “Short Definition”. We believe our angels would be more likely to encourage us to scan down a bit to Definition 3a : a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation.
Sometimes that common affiliation is birth. Sometimes it’s dedication to a cause. Often, those certain convictions are personal philosophies or traditional religious beliefs. It would be, and is, truly wonderful when those who share the same parents also share the same convictions and affiliations. In many ways, it strengthens an already existing bond. Sadly, that’s not always the case.
At times when our family dynamics are particularly difficult, hurtful or confusing, the angels remind us that they, too, are part of our family. We need only to ask for their light and warmth to come into the situation we are struggling with and into our lives, in general – and to be there for us, as family should.
Angels are particularly astute at taking our hand and walking us to higher ground where the view of a situation is broader, gentler. When we ask for their intercession, they take us to a place where we feel protected and secure. In their company, we can feel the hurt and know that, should the emotional pain bring us to our knees, our angels will drop with us and hold us and, most importantly, help us to stand when the time comes. Angels will always, always bring clarity and direction in the most gentlest of ways possible.
Like all angel cards, this card has many layers and messages, depending on the state of mind you are in when you seek your reading. Don’t be disheartened to see the angels embracing children rather than struggling adults. In truth, it is always the child in us who is struggling during difficult times. It is the child in us who says, “I don’t understand! Why did they …?!” It is the child who says, “They don’t love me,” “I didn’t win,” or “I’m not good enough.”
In all angel work, it is the child that they speak to – to the innocence of our soul.
We have all had the experience of a failed relationship. It’s particularly painful when that separation comes between us and someone who is part of our birth family. A disconnect from a family member, be it parent or sibling or an old friend is particularly difficult because they share our history. The older we get, the more important it is to be around those who share our memories.
A tear in the structure of the family triggers that child within us to feel abandoned. As an adult, we can transfer those feelings of abandonment into feelings of anger and judgment, depression and adult tantrums – like drugs and alcohol.
What starts the ball rolling? That can range anywhere from abuse and neglect to “Mom likes you best” or who inherited Aunt Sally’s dining room set. Whatever the case, be assured that it isn’t the Real Reason. It’s just that proverbial camel’s-back-straw. It’s the culmination and combination of a pattern of (perceived!) behavior. Sometimes those perceptions are correct. You, sadly, truly did suffer abuse at the hand of a parent; but sometimes they just thought that you had your own dining room set …
Troy Dunn, author of Family: The Good “F” Word and creator of The Locator, advises that being proactive is not only the best way but the only way to heal familial upsets: “I believe time heals almost no wounds,” says Dunn. “What heals a wound is good treatment. That doesn’t come from sitting there, waiting. …
That’s where the angels step in. You don’t have to think about how you can make things right – you just have to have the desire and ask the angels to intervene for you. Will they magically fix it overnight? Will you awaken with all things healed and no need for those unpleasant, uncomfortable conversations and trying, often tear-filled debates? Well … rarely!
What you will find is that angelic intercession creates the scenario for reconciliation. The angels bring everyone to the table. Often in unimaginable ways! They are Beings of love. It is only love and peace that they desire for us. It’s to that end that they work.
A physical reconciliation with an abusive parent may never be possible. Yet, the angels can facilitate closure for you. You will come to a place where, in spite of the events, you have peace, if never understanding. Their intercession may be through the gift of clarity or it may be by leading you to the perfect-for-you professional who helps you to walk through the darkness to the light.
In situations where there have been long-standing disagreements on lifestyle and personal choices, the angels excel! Again, because they bring clarity, peace, wisdom and love to any situation with their help you will find that even in the most trying of discussions – even if you’ve had them a hundred times before – there is a newfound sense of understanding. Your words are heard in ways they haven’t been before. There may never be a consensus! There will be understanding and peace. There will be closure.
Aunt Sally’s dining room set? It’s unlikely that, even with angelic intercession, you will awaken to find it replacing your table and chairs. But you may well awaken with insightful questions to ask yourself about why it is so hurtful to you – and the prompt to ask the angels to take away that hurt and frustration. You may find yourself encouraged to remember Aunt Sally and her Sunday dinners. Period.
The Reading
When the Family card appears on your reading, it’s a gentle reminder to address the issues that are causing you disconnect – or even unhappiness – within your family. Remember to use the broad-brush when you consider who that may be and that family doesn’t always mean those you were born to or with.
As difficult, painful and scary as the process may be, this card encourages you to come to the situation with the heart of a child. True reconciliation is only possible when we are open and brave and truthful – with ourselves and all involved.
When this card appears, it is confirmation that the angels are with you as you approach the situation and will see that you are heard in the way you are intending. It is the assurance that they will be with you before, during and after. They will be a part of the healing for you and for all involved.
As always, when we accept the angels into our lives we feel an almost instantaneous sense of being cared for and treasured. We find ourselves in a place where we are accepted as we are and gently guided to a path right for us and for our soul’s growth.
This card drawn in your reading may also be a nudge to facilitate healing between warring family factions. Friends who are at odds with one another; siblings who can’t see eye-to-eye; even separated or divorced parents who struggle to come together for the good of the children. How and when to facilitate? As always, we ask for angelic guidance. Then we listen in the way that always works best with the angels: We watch for signs and messages; we put on our “angel ears” – we listen with our hearts.
In this time between the celebration Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, take some time to reflect on Family. Your family. In doing so you are very (very!) likely to find that your Family is larger than you ever imagined!
The Family Angel Card is selected from Doreen Virtue’s Daily Guidance from your Angels deck.