Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Knight of Swords

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Prompt: “Pull the Queen of Cups card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

Japaridze Tarot - Knight of SwordsJaparidze Tarot – The benefits of listening. In a conversation, a debate, or an argument… do you speak? Or do you listen? When the other person is speaking, are you listening? Or are you chomping at the bit to open your mouth and have your side heard? How much restraint does it take to hold back? How hard is it to not hear “Charlie Brown adults” wah-wahing away and instead hear the words said and -think- about them before opening your own mouth? In this card, that is what I see. I see someone fighting to choke back their words, all the while rolling their eyes. Not listening. Just waiting for their time to speak. Is this something that you do? How can you do better, and what will it change if you try to step back and listen instead of jumping forward with “guns blazing”?

Knight of Swords - Lucid Mind Tarot, The Caticorn Deck, The Lighted Window Tarot

Lucid Minds Tarot – This is one of those rare Knight of Swords cards where the Knight’s sword is pointed down.  It speaks of taking time to think before you act rather than charging ahead.  Whether acting is a physical manifestation, or about what is about to come out of your mouth that may influence others or the world around you, this card is a reminder that we need to think first.  Not just about what we want or need to say or do, but about how we say it, as well as how those words (or strategic actions) may affect others.

The Caticorn – A classic knight, this card is filled with action and the knight is poised for battle. His face shows keen intellect and that posture of preparedness indicates that he is ready to act without hesitation. Movement in the background reflects an “Eight of Wands” type of theme, speaking of a need for speed, while the cat’s expression and body language makes it clear that if you’re going to act, make sure you do so with purpose.

The Lighted Window Tarot – In this card, although the sword is up and at the ready, there is no indication of speed nor impulsivity.  The knight’s hair floats around in the air above their head, speaking to me of inscrutable thoughts that are clouded and messy.  Perhaps this is why the Knight is not moving.  The clenched fist of his left hand indicates he wants to, but they hold off to make sure that they are clear-headed first.  I would see this card saying that sense of holding off for clarity is a good idea for the querent as well.

DECK USED: JAPARIDZE TAROT, LUCID MINDS TAROT, THE CATICORN DECK, THE LIGHTED WINDOW TAROT

🌑 New Moon in Taurus – May 2024

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Tonight is the new moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of Ethony.

New Moon in Taurus Tarot Reading with the Muse Tarot by Ethony

What is blocking my prosperity?

Page of Wands Rx – This has to do with not just actual prosperity in the monetary sense, but also with the feeling of prosperity. Even the poorest can feel wealthy in their own way… but at the moment you are being blocked from finding that feeling. That blockage comes from a current lack of enthusiasm and inspiration to try new things.

Where am I playing too small?

Three of Pentacles atop Nine of Swords – It’s okay to share your worries and concerns with those you trust. There’s no need to hold back. They won’t use these things against you.  Instead, by sharing those worries and concerns with them, they can help you in finding solutions.

What past financial situations do I need to forgive myself for?

The Fool – Frivolous spending is a part of nearly everyone’s early years. It’s one of those life lessons we all have to learn, and you are no different.

What untapped well of wealth have I been ignoring?

Queen of Cups – Allowing others to support and nurture you on an emotional level can lift you up and make even situations of extreme scarcity seem less dire. Stop trying to keep your need for that support and nurturing to yourself and instead seek it out from those you trust.

Where can I be more fiscally responsible?

Eight of Wands Rx – Continue to slow down on your spending. There are other places yet that you can pull back.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

The High Priestess – The knowledge and guidance you need right now is already within you. Lean into seeking advice through your intuition rather than through your logical mind.

DECK USED: THE MUSE TAROT

Beltane 2024

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The last evening of April through the first day of May is Beltane, which is also my sister and I’s birthday. Like Halloween is a time when the veil between the land of the living and the realm of the dead is thin, this holiday is the time when the veil between our world and that of the Fae is at is thinnest.  I personally often find myself amped up with extra energy around this time of year, which I most often use to spend more time playing in that thinning veil as much as possible.

May Day Oracle Reading with the Liminality Oracle

Dandelion – How can I use my inner strength to help me in healing old wounds?

Alliance – Connect with those you truest to help get you through the healing process, and find an accord with those you don’t trust in order to facilitate peace.

Bees – Where could I put in more effort to help my community?

Balance – More effort is not what you need right now. Putting in more anything is not what you need. Moderation is what you need, or you will wear yourself too thin. Practice temperance, and allow your social burdens to balance themselves out.

Garnet – What do I need in order to foster a greater sense of self empowerment?

Inspiration – That creative spark within you has always been the path to self empowerment for you. When you connect with it, it creates for you a sense of enthusiasm and confidence.

Swallow – Where do I need to more openly display my love and loyalty to others?

Center – To yourself. Love and loyalty to yourself is something that others look for. It speaks of a knowing of yourself that’s deeper than logic and the mind. It lets them see the depths of you without as much vulnerability on display.

Malachite – How can I better use intention to bolster the abundance in my life moving forward?

Journey atop Deception – Distance yourself from those that deceive. This is a part of their nature and will not, in fact cannot, change. Pull away and move on from allowing them to hold sway with you.

Goat – How can I best overcome obstacles before me at this time?

Defend – Don’t stop fighting. Giving up is not an option, or at least not a healthy and safe one. Keep fighting for what is important to you.

Primrose – How can I add more of the exuberance of young love into my life?

Guidance atop Rhythm – Seek guidance in finding your own rhythm. It isn’t through following others that you find your own joy and exuberance, but in breaking out of the mold and finding guidance in those sources you have always connected most strongly with.

DECKS USED: LIMINALITY ORACLE

📆 Transitioning from April to May

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Month End Check-In with the Tarot of the Absurd

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

Three of Blades – Disappointed. Yeah. Unfortunately there’s been some conflict with friends recently and disappointment pretty much covers it. Your brain keeps poking at your emotions, trying to wring out logic from them, and have managed to sort through things, but it’s left you feeling disappointed and sad.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Strength – Let go of the need to manipulate and “fix” the situation. It’s not going to work and you’re going to end up hurt if you keep trying.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Two of Sticks – New direction cleansed of imbalance.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Ten of Swords – Seeing this as “the end” is not healthy or constructive. Although you don’t need to fix things, you do need to let them lie rather than playing “clean up on aisle 3”.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Knight of Blades – Ambition and drive are on your side. Don’t allow the current setbacks to bank those fires.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

The Sun – Losing something that you perceive as happiness hurts. The winds of change can take these things away and leave you bereft. Look to past experiences and see if this one can help heal some of those that might be along a similar vein in the past.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

Six of Cups – Not all of it was bad. Make sure you are remembering and connecting with the good memories too. It helps even out the imbalances.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

The Star – Don’t blindly put all your eggs (or faith in others) in one basket. Closing your eves and running ahead while ignoring what’s going on in front of you is a bad idea.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

The High Priestess atop Nine of Sticks – Better understanding of threats and challenges to what matters to you through a combination of intuition and experience.

[Messages from Spirit World, Mind’s World, and Physical World have been skipped this time around.]

Side Note – Although this was supposed to be a personal check in with myself, it turned into a reading about a specific, ongoing situation due to the fact I was trying to pull my cards while talking to my partner about that situation.

DECKS USED: TAROT OF THE ABSURD

🌕 Full Moon in Scorpio – April 2024

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Tomorrow is the full moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of Seeds of Shakti.

Scorpio Full Moon Oracle Reading with the Ocean Dreams Mystic Oracle

Scorpio is extremely intensive, emotional, and highly intuitive. As a water sign, what old wounds will Scorpio help to illuminate, cleanse, and heal?

Earth Waters – Trusting where you come from is difficult. Take time to purify your relationship with your your origins, reground yourself, and begin again.

What aspect of my life is undergoing a potential transformation?

Magnetic Heart – You lost your way for a time where it came to interactions with others, but should be  beginning to find your truth once more and be once again starting to align with those things that truly matter to you.

How can I magnify my senses to experience more pleasure?

Dreamgate – Don’t just doggedly go after the goals that you set for yourself in the past. Examine where you really want to go in this life and really want to achieve. Reevaluation of one’s values and goals is important, as they will shift and change as we grow.

What illusions do I need to breakthrough?

Transcendence – You are not alone. You are never alone. You are connected to the world around you through the ebbing and flowing tendrils of energy that are a part of everyone and everything.

What suppressed feelings will surface during the Scorpio Full Moon to unravel insight?

Nectar of Life – Break free of stagnancy and realize that stillness is an illusion. You have an opportunity during this full moon to release yourself of the trappings of unhealthy inactivity and the stagnation it brings.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Convergence – Make sure that you are connecting with others and not trying to put too much on your own shoulders. Everything runs more smoothly when worked on together.

DECK USED: OCEAN DREAMS MYSTIC ORACLE

🌑 New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Aries – April 2024

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Tomorrow is the new moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of

New Moon Solar Eclipse Oracle Reading with The Naked Truth Oracle

Space – What parts of my life should I be prepared to re-assess and shift during this eclipse cycle?

Retreat – You just did a reading earlier about how you have been using your alone time in unhealthy ways lately. This card indicates that you need to take that advice to heart, and look at how you are retreating and why, rather than letting yourself do so in thoughtlessly unhelpful and unhealthy ways.

Lunar Gift – What is emerging from within me that will challenge my sense of who I am?

Impede – If you are open to listening, you can learn more about yourself during this time. These transformative informational things about yourself can help you become a better person, and more aware of yourself and your surroundings, as well as how you influence others and the world.

Growth – How will this help me grow over the next six months?

Haughty – It can help you in learning how to react in less ego driven ways to the world around you. Allowing you to listen more, understand more, and cram your foot in your mouth less.

Understanding – Why is now the right time for this particular emergence?

Dispute – It can help you in being prepared for future upcoming conflicts. By resolving these issues now and becoming more self aware, you can head off “fight or flight” responses that might otherwise emerge in the moment later on.

Care – How can I best support myself when things get uncomfortable?

Break Out – Remember that you are not trapped. You have choices, and by thinking outside the box, you have more choices yet.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Wary – Pay attention to your surroundings and watch for the snake in the grass. They are about to strike, but you can circumvent their efforts and plans by staying alert and aware.

DECK USED: THE NAKED TRUTH ORACLE