Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

Morning Bonus Read – Monthly Key Spread

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Lenormand Oracle by Alexander Daniloff - Monthly Key Spread

Key to Your Heart: What will guide you to make decisions that are aligned with your heart and your truths this month?

Ring – One of the heavy hitters in your life that guides you to make good decisions and always follow your inner compass is the responsibilities you carry and the commitments you have decided to take on.  Many times when you feel the need to let go and just stop, to curl up and step away, it’s these commitments and responsibilities that keep you on your path and moving forward.  The Ring card in this position indicates that this month is going to be one of those times.

Anchor: What will ground you in the face of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and existential dread in general?

Mice –  It is that anxiety and worry that helps keep me grounded in the first place.  The pressure of that nagging fear helps me to remember to ground and reach out for the support of others when I need it. The Mice card in this position is a reminder to not take for granted the crap ass shit that sometimes happens, because it’s only through trial and struggle that we grow and learn how to become better and stronger in the face of our fears in the future.

Star Wand: What accelerates your magic, creativity, and manifestation powers?

Crossroads – Having options open to me to pursue and the autonomy to be able to go in the directions that your interests and intuition leads to accelerated growth of your powers of creativity, manifestation, and magic.  It’s when you are backed into a corner or forced into a single path without the ability to make your own choices that you become stifled and your growth stagnates.

Blessings from the Stars: The Universe has got your back – how will you be supported this month?

Scythe – The universe is giving you the opportunity this month to practice your new, healthier methods of dealing with stress and discord.  Take this opportunity to cut out of your life those methods that are unhealthy and no longer working for you. Divorce yourself from these unhealthy methods, and instead pave the road forward with these newer methods you’ve been working on.

One Trick Up Your Sleeve: A life saving idea or inspiration for any unexpected challenge or difficult moments?

Dog – Lean on those you trust this month when you come upon unexpected challenges or difficult moments. Those in your life that you love, those that you trust and that are there for you through thick and thin, will be there for you now as well.   They are the added reinforcement you need when things are feeling out of whack and you’re struggling… so don’t forget that they’re there for you.  All you have to do is reach out for them.

Emergence Pt 1: What is emerging within you / within your reality right now?

Fox – That cunning creature within that makes sure everything gets done and cared for, and my responsibilities are being covered is rising up and strengthening as the month goes on. Sometimes the shit that you have to do to keep things running isn’t always fun or easy, but with a cunning mind and clever hands, you’ll make it through just fine.

Emergence Pt 2: What are you expanding towards?

Anchor – You have the opportunity to further your stability through how you react and manage the trials and struggles this month. Stability is yours if you want it, but as the cards above in this spread have indicated, you’ll have to earn it through growth spurred on by what you learn through dealing with this month’s struggles and strife.

DECK USED:  LENORMAND ORACLE BY ALEXANDER DANILOFF

New Moon in Capricorn – January 2021

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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 about drawing in stability, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Dark Days Tarot - Capricorn New Moon Tarot Reading

1. What medicine does the Capricorn New Moon offer?

The Hermit – The ability to look within and truly ascertain what’s working for you and what isn’t. Other readings I’ve done lately have been saying much the same thing.  It’s time to reevaluate methods and modalities, toss the ones that aren’t working and go with the ones that are going to further your goals not just in projects or material ways but also in your spiritual path and emotional growth.  In order to make that move, you have to take the first step and open your eyes.  Now is the time to start paying attention and really looking into these things and examining what’s working and what isn’t.

2. What aspect of my life do I need to restructure and shift?

Knight of Swords – Less impulsivity.  Slow down. Everything doesn’t need to be done right now and you need to stop barraging yourself with recriminations for not going at top speed all the time.  It is only your own expectation of speed that is causing that constant shove to go faster and do more.

3. How can I hold space to align with my TRUE purpose?

Page of Swords – Keep your mind open and don’t allow negative thinking to stab you in the back. You know it’s coming.  You know that those negative thoughts are sneaking up and trying to whisper in the background.  Be aware of this and do what you can to keep their volume as low as possible so that your mind is open and receptive to new methods and ideas.  After you have identified what isn’t working, after all, it will be time to discover what to try instead.

4. How can I create the security that I need in order to thrive?

Ace of Cups atop Judgement – Remember that you are just starting on this particular journey and stop judging yourself so harshly for the small mistakes that you make a long the way.  You’re learning and growing, mistakes will happen.  Backsliding will also happen.  That’s okay.

5. What resources am I overlooking that I need to bring into my awareness to help sow new seedlings for the Capricorn New Moon?

Knight of Cups – Instead of looking at what you should be doing, try looking through the lens of what you want to do and what will make you feel happy.  If there’s stuff that you want to happen or to change that will make you happy, you need to take these things into consideration rather than setting them aside as frivolous or immaterial.  Give them weight and allow them a seat at the table.

6. Message from the Ancestors and Guides.

The Magician – You can do it!  Your ultimate and eternal cheerleaders are on deck and rooting for you.

DECK USED:  DARK DAYS TAROT

Morning Bonus Read – Year Ahead Star

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The prompt for this reading came from one of my Discord servers and is as follows:
“Welcome to the other side of the holidays! I sincerely hope you survived them mostly intact. Let’s take a moment this week to take a deep breath and look toward the new year with the following spread.”

Year Ahead Tarot Spread using Stars & Moons Playing Cards by Trendy Spirit

Sunset: Lessons from your previous year

Ace of Clubs – You can only handle so many new projects at once, and sometimes you have to leave a few of them on the back burner in order to focus on what’s more important.

I had a lot of projects I wanted to explore and get to last year that I didn’t manage to get to.  The wood burning, some new pendant designs, and a few other things were all planned to be worked on over the spring and summer.  Instead, I found my hands full to the brim with self care… and everything else had to be set aside.  I had to learn how to be okay with that and let go of the stress that tried to rise up in setting those things aside for later.

Horizon: What you can expect in the next year.

Ace of Spades – Lots of new and potentially successful ideas.

I need to remember to write these down because otherwise I will begin to feel overwhelmed by how many of them I want to pursue and the worry that I will forget about them before I get the opportunity to explore them.

Obstacle: A challenge you’ll face this year.

Jack of Spades – Reevaluation of and a re-learning of how you deal with your ambitions and ideas.

There’s only so much time in each day, and only so many days in each week. At one time I used to spend the majority of my energy pursuing as many projects and ideas as possible, constantly on the run and pushing for more.  And to be fair, it’s possible to obtain a lot of knowledge through this process… it can also wear you down until you’re nothing but a pencil nub with no eraser.  It’s time to continue the journey of learning a better way.

Strength: How to harness your inner power.

Five of Diamonds – Scarcity issues.  That feather in the imagery of the card is very fitting with this theme, as it so often feels like security and stability are tenuous things, and like one small shift, one slight breeze, will whisk all that has been gained away.

Scarcity issues are something I deal with a lot, and when the rise up into the forefront, I become a working demon.  I duck my head and find inner reserves that one wouldn’t believe exist, and plow forward until I resolve that issue.  This is not something sustainable all the time, but it is something I can use during times with extra inner strength is needed.

 Advice: Lessons you learned last year.

Nine of Clubs – You can only do so much. This is a repeat of the sunset position in that in the Nine of Clubs imagery we see a universe hanging by delicate tendrils from a controlling hand above it.  It is a reminder of how much you can control, and how much you can take on.   That “how much” does not include “everything.

I learned how important it is to choose my battles, my projects, and my responsibilities wisely.  I can’t take on the world, or even everything that I’d like to take on.  So it’s important to make good choices, and leave room for my own self care.  Everything falls apart if you overwhelm myself with too much and don’t give myself the self care that is needed.

Navigation: Guidance for the year ahead.

Eight of Hearts atop Eight of Clubs –  When something isn’t working for you, don’t stick around and hope that it will get better.  Get your ass out of there and find something better that will work instead.  No hesitation.  No doubts.  Just do it.

Sometimes, when something isn’t working for me, I do hesitate.  Either because I hope it will come around and change, or through some of the self-destructive urges that I’ve battled with all my life that can at times turn into flirting with self-defeating behavior (among other things).  The cards here are saying that a better tact in the year ahead is to simply move on and find something that works better right away.  Don’t linger or try to wait it out.

Clarity: Your personal theme for the year.

Jack of Clubs – You can do it! There is an unlimited amount of potential before you.  All you need to do is choose a direction to explore… and start exploring.

DECK USED:  STARS & MOONS PLAYING CARDS BY TRENDY SPIRIT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Learning to Fly

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Prompt: Pull at least three cards and use them to formulate a response to…
“You’re early,” said the Grim Reaper with a hint of surprise.

Paul Klee TarotSitting down with a sigh, the young man looked up at the Grim Reaper with a rueful grin and began to speak…

Well, you know how I always enjoy a good hike in the woods at night (The Fool atop The Moon). It’s one of my favorite things to follow along the deer trails and small paths through the silhouettes of trees cast upon a moonlit sky. I go often, and I know the mountain well. (Strength)

So I decided to go out last night and climb to the peak of Rosemont, and sit and relax for a while and meditate on life.  That particular peak has a breathtaking view of the river running through the valley below, and I go there often to enjoy some peace and quiet. (The Hermit)

Once I arrived, I settled comfortably on the edge of the cliff with a sandwich for a snack.  I was appreciating the splendor of nature around me and the quiet night song of subtle sounds. I ended up losing track of time. (The Empress)

I was having such a nice time and so wrapped up in my thoughts, the nip of the cool mountain air, and the view below… that I didn’t hear the bear approaching from behind. (Wheel of Fortune)

So when the bear chuffed in my ear in the process of looking over my shoulder at my sandwich (The Tower), it startled me badly that I jumped in surprise… right off the edge of the cliff I was sitting on. (The Chariot atop The Hierophant)

In the fall, I ended up caught on a root sticking out of the rocks. (The Hanged Man) I hung there for a bit before I came to the realization that nobody was going to come for me.  A long wait of starvation and dehydration sounded extremely unpleasant, so I said “Fuck it”. (The Magician atop The Emperor)  I took out my knife to cut myself free. (Justice)

And here I am. (Death)

DECK USED:  PAUL KLEE TAROT

Morning Bonus Read – 7 Questions from Inc.com

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The prompt for this reading came from an article on Inc.com called 7 Questions Every Leader Should Ask Themselves at the End of the Year which reminds us that “whatever chapter of life you are in, ongoing reflection and goal setting will help you turn into a better version of yourself, no matter what happened in your past.”

1. Who or what would you like to praise?
The answer to this can be acknowledging or praising anything: a mentor, a family member, or an inspiring figure. It doesn't matter. The important component of this question is understanding why you want to acknowledge them. So often we aspire and respect others because there is something within them that we aspire to embody within ourselves.

Aurum LenormandGarden – Those that I interact with.  Those in my social circle.  That includes those that I interact with over social media, friends that I keep in contact with over the internet, and the wonderful community I am a part of at Tarotholics.  I’ve never had so much positive social interaction with others as I have over the past year, which is really interesting considering how much of our time around the world has been stuck in-house and on lock-down.

This positive interaction isn’t about me, but rather about the community of others that I find myself in and the wonderful support that they offer to each other (and to me) every day.  It is truly breathtaking to me.

2. What would you like to praise yourself for?
Take the time to really get clear on the strengths you exhibited throughout the year and how you want to continue to grow them moving forward.

Ship – A large part of the past year has been on working on my self care, and a huge part of that process is in the relationship that I have with Gideon.  Although we live nearly 2400 miles (over 3810 km) away from each other, these efforts toward my self care and the time I’ve spent throughout the year with Gideon has only made our relationship that much stronger. His support has helped me in those self-care goals, and supported me through the year in all of my different endeavors, and I hope that I have done the same for him and that he feels the same… because I feel that we are stronger (and happier) than ever.

3. What would you like to let go of moving into 2021?
When you get really honest about what is holding you back, your future won't feel so heavy. This could be letting go of anything from a partnership, a project, an employee, to even a mindset. Look at what or who drains your energy most.

Scythe – Pissed off customers.  Ugh… even when I bend over backwards trying to satisfy them, sometimes you just get those customers that want to be not just pissed off, but also abusive. I wish I could say it didn’t hurt, but if I’m entirely honest?  It does.  It hurts when I can’t make someone happy, especially when it’s my job to make them happy.  Id like to leave dissatisfied customers in my dust as I move into 2021, but unfortunately you can’t please everyone all the time, so there’s sure to be some no matter how hard I try.

4. What did you love most about 2020?
Reflection isn't only dedicated to mistakes or regrets. Spend some time celebrating your biggest wins and the highest moments within your year. While 2020 was a hard year for most, perhaps your biggest win was recognizing the value of connection with others or the importance of your family. Find gratitude for what you have in order to create more positive moments moving towards the future.

Letter – This card is an echo of what is said in the first two questions of this spread.  It involves the connections that I’ve made with others.  The ability to write with Gideon every single day, to connect with people about like ideas and interests.  It’s in the writing… in the communication.  For me, all communication is writing, due to my mutism.  And it is in that communication and connection that I truly found a great deal of joy this year.

5. What would you want more of, or want to be different in 2021?
Review which aspects in your life you want more of, and then outline what changes would elevate your life in that area.

Clouds – When I started off the year last year, I went through a few months at the beginning of the year where I struggled with a fog of confusion and uncertainty.   This year is different, and I’m so thankful for that, but I still feel a hint of that fog this year once again.  Just not as severe or all encompassing.   Hopefully that means it will clear more quickly and not be so severe.

6. What would you need to feel complete closure in 2020?
In order to start the new year with a clean slate, pinpoint what unwanted doors are still opened and then shut them for good.

Dog – Quality time with Gideon.  I need to spend more time with him.  I need to sink into his presence and the security of his arms around me and the trust that I feel in him.  This is what has been lacking so far in the transition into the new year.  I keep being pulled away and so we haven’t had much time together yet… and I need it.  I can’t make the transition complete without that time together.

7. What’s next for you in the week ahead?
While it is very valuable to look at the big picture, there is also great treasure in being present and assessing your immediate needs. When you can look at life from a birds-eye view, it becomes easier to then zoom in and see what you need on a granular level. Tuck the larger vision of the year into your mind and begin to make daily decisions based on this overall landscape.

Key – Positive energy and success.  Everything I need to make this week a positive experience and a success is within my grasp. Make sure to lean into the optimism and use these tools not just to slide back into work with grace, but to defeat that small remnant of fog and send it packing.

DECK USED:  AURUM LENORMAND

Year Ahead Spread 2021 – January thru March

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This spread is a predictive spread that is very commonly used as a bit of a preview of the year ahead. The question asked for each of these positions is…
Tarot Card: The theme of the month in question,
Oracle Card: What to focus on for the month in question, and
Affirmation Card: A ray of hope to hold onto for the month in question.

Year Ahead Spread for Divination

This reading is simply a brief exploration of the current trajectory of my path and energy for the year ahead. Like all predictive readings, nothing here is written in stone, it’s more of a look ahead just to have an idea of what to anticipate and what to work at avoiding.

As an experiment, I have decided to do my year ahead reading a little differently this year, and will only be pulling cards for the first six months of the year in today’s reading, and will interpret the first three months today then the next three months at the beginning of April.  I will then revisit the spread at the end of June to do the following six months. I feel that this might help in ensuring a more accurate reading for the second half of the year.

Six Month Ahead Spread for Divination - Part 1 - January through June

2021’s Theme – Justice – This card is calculated through mathematics, and is not drawn randomly.  My card for 2021 is the Justice card, with the theme of having to acknowledge that what you put out into the world and what you do in your life reflects back to you in turn.  Good begets good, bad begets bad.  Following that inner moral compass will be especially important this year and possible a bit of a challenge.

Six Month Ahead Spread - Brady Tarot, Tree Whisper Oracle, Magickal Herb OracleJanuary’s Theme – The Devil – Temptation and finding your balance within your addictions and bad habits is going to be the theme of January.  There’s a lot of bad habits and other addictions that got a bit out of control toward the end of the year last year, and now is the time to address and correct those issues before they take root.

January’s Focus / Advice – Guidance – You’re not in this alone. Make sure that when you need help or added perspective, that you reach out to others to provide you with those things.  You have a variety of wise people around you that can help you when you’re struggling to understand, or need a little help with finding your footing or the right direction to go in.

January’s Ray of Hope – Dill (Enthusiasm) – Combat the negative not with just optimism, but also with enthusiasm.  It can be hard, when feeling overwhelmed, to stir up that eagerness to get different things done, but you have the power within you to set yourself on the right track if you train your focus and your interest into the project and allow it to sweep you up into the process.

February’s Theme – Five of Arrows (Swords) – Your issues with scarcity and feelings of failure are going to be a bit of an issue for you this month. Keep in mind that this is temporary and something you can walk away from and heal from… but in the moment it’ll feel pretty bad.  Although the theme of this month is defeat, being forewarned is to be armed and there are things you can do to ease up these influences in your life this month.

February’s Focus / Advice – Integration – Coming together with others can help in finding the support you need during this time.  Although the issue is different from what came up in January, the advice here is very similar in that you need to be open to not just reaching out to others, but connecting and working together to find mutual support.  A burden shared is a burden halved, as the saying goes.  Share your burdens so that they are not so heavy upon your own shoulders and in turn you will be able to help others in the same way.

February’s Ray of Hope – Ginseng (Endurance) – You are strong and healthy, and with others to help you with your burdens you will find that you are more than strong enough to make it through to the end of the troubles that are weighing on you. Take things one step at a time and you’ll get through to the other side no worse for wear.

March’s Theme – Mother of Arrows (Swords) – Communication is key through the month of March. As the darkness lets up, connect with others to share what you’ve learned from your experiences, and to gain knowledge and understanding from them in turn. You are starting to feel strong and steady once more, and will need to make sure that you stay on the positive side of things. Keep your chin up and your eyes forward.

March’s Focus / Advice – Listen – Listening is an extremely important part of communication. Don’t forget that you have as much to learn from others as you have to share with them in turn.  Take time to be still and quiet and not just listen, but actually hear what others are saying.  For communication to be truly successful, your ears and mind must be open.

March’s Ray of Hope – Ephedra (Expansion) –  Knowledge and understanding, as well as a healthy and supportive community, grow through clear and honest communication.  Open up and share, accept what others have to share in turn, and all will grow from the experience, becoming better than before as a result.

DECKS USED:  THE BRADY TAROT 2ND EDITION, TREE WHISPER ORACLE, MAGICKAL HERB ORACLE