Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

Full Moon in Capricorn – July 2020

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The full moon is a time of release and letting go, and this is doubly true during this month’s full moon in Capricorn. The influence of Capricorn on this month’s full moon is one of transition and a reminder of patience.   This is a theme that has been very prominent in  my personal readings of late, and is echoed in the energy that surrounds this full moon.

As we honor the completion of this moon’s cycle over the next couple of weeks, it’s time to reflect upon our growth and how far we have come… and remember that the way forward is not a race toward a destination, but a journey along which we must be conscious and aware, and savoring each step along the way.

Full Moon in Capricorn - Psychopomp Tarot

Yesterday was 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 brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot By the Moon series.

1. What long term plans are calling me?

The High Priestess – This is a reminder that the development I am going through is mostly  unseen by others.   It is an internal growth, and although I openly share that growth and struggle through my readings and this blog, the truth is that it is about changing things on the inside more than the changing of habits on the outside.  Only by changing how I see things, feel about things, and my internal perspectives will I be able to change my actions and methods.  The High Priestess says…. focus inward for outward results.

2. What foundations do I need to lay to succeed?

The Chariot – Control.  In this case (and as indicated by the position and angle of the tip of the spear towards the warrior’s Achilles tendon) the control has to do with getting control over my own bad habits and hidden weaknesses.

3. Where do I need to apply patience?

Eight of Wands – Don’t give up on this journey that you are on, and remember that these types of transitions take time.  You are too impatient with yourself.  Ease up and let things move at their own pace.

4. Where do I need to think BIGGER?

Queen of Pentacles – Look for ways in which you can foster stable and responsible growth in the area of your home and finances.  This isn’t a time for big growth spurts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some small progress that keeps things stable and on track.  Nurture these areas of your life without training your entire focus upon them.  They only need a little encouragement to do better and not become stagnant while you focus on other things.

5. Where do I need support?

The Empress – Hey Gideon… do you remember a few months ago when you asked the cards what I needed from you and you drew the Empress?  *Points to the Empress*   You’re up.  (I’m teasing… but not entirely joking here.)

The Empress indicates that the areas where I am in need of some support are in those more caring and nurturing areas that I’m not all that good at providing for myself.

DECK USED:  PSYCHOPOMP TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Happy Endings

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Draw up to three cards from your deck and use them to tell a (real or fictional) story with a happy ending.

Tarocchi dei Celti

La Torre – There was once an old man who was always too worried about what others thought about him and it caused him a lot of struggle and inner strife. He always felt like everyone’s eyes were upon him, and throughout his life he struggled with going after any of the things that interested him, which stunted his growth and left him stalled and standing still throughout his life rather than enjoying each and every day.

La Sacerdotessa – One day, a new family moved in next door to the old man. Their daughter was very friendly and he met this young girl, who found joy and mystery in everything.  She encouraged him with her smile and assured him in her young but wise ways that even old dogs can learn new tricks. She brought him a gift every day.  Each day she brought him a little plastic Easter egg with a small wonder inside just for him.  Sometimes he opened them right away, other times he set them on his mantel and savored the anticipation.   In the end, she encouraged him to open himself up to new experiences.

Il Giudizio – Thanks to this lovely little girl, the old man’s life changed forever.  The small joys she shared with him fostered within him the confidence and curiosity to seek out and explore new experiences in other ways and finally go after some of the things he has always wanted to do but avoided due to the judgements of others.  Instead, he learned to judge his actions through his own eyes instead of the eyes of others, and his burdens lightened with each day that followed.

DECK USED:  TAROCCHI DEI CELTI

Transitioning from June to July

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This is a spread that I do at the end of each month to close out the month.

Brady Tarot and Nature's Wisdom Oracle

Individuality – High Priestess and Dragonfly – You are currently in a place of spiritual growth and transformation.  As you explore your emotions, you are transforming more than that small aspect of your life.  Like ripples in a pond, these changes spread outward into other areas.  Those ripples hold within them threads that tug and transform what lies beneath the surface of the water as well, allowing for permanent growth through a shifting within the subconscious and spiritual realms.

Dependence – Hermit, Hanged Man Rx, Orchid – You are currently in the process of finding healthier ways of using your alone time. Let go of the tendency to retreat into the self and close yourself off. Stop using your obsessions to self-soothe as it is not healthy.

Creativity – Nine of Horns, Justice, Lotus – You are currently seeking a balance of emotional fulfillment and awakening.  You’re struggling a bit with finding that balance because of impatience, and you need to make sure that you are keeping in mind that this is a process that takes time and will not be forced but rather progress naturally, much like the process of reindeer shedding antlers.

Limitation – Father of Roots and Jack in the Pulpit – Don’t get so wrapped up in what you have done that you forget to assess where you are and what’s coming.  In this time of change it’s important to stay open to possibilities instead of staid and stagnant in your assessments and focus.

Change – Magician and Luna Moth – Keep in mind that you already possess all of the tools and skills needed to continue along this path of growth you’re currently on.  Don’t allow darkness to creep in and create doubts or  unnecessary strife. Focus on the light and stay positive.

Sympathy – Ace of Feathers, Two of Roots, Hummingbird – These times in which you have allowed yourself to forsake your inspiration and creative spark, taking it for granted and leaving it behind to pour your energy into the drive of your responsibilities and obligations, have hurt you even if you haven’t taken the time to acknowledge it. These wounds linger and are a negative influence on your current growth and goals.

Luck – The World and Nautilus – You’ve gone through transitions in development before and know that these times of growth and change are a process that takes time. Organization and structure always makes you feel a bit more in control, and it would help in this instance as well if you let it.

Power – Eight of Feathers, Chariot, Pumpkin – Pay attention that you don’t get too comfortable and confidence in the pause of stability you currently find yourself in. Things can change in a heartbeat, and you need make sure you are prepared so that you can control the situation when it strikes.

Responsibility – The Tower and Iguana – Keep yourself open to communicating with those around you, even when things feel like a struggle.  Don’t close up, as the opportunity these events provides to you is about increasing your bond with others through communicating with them about what is going on when things feel chaotic, and allowing them in to help.

Message from Spirit World – Hurdles require a sense of optimism and confidence in your abilities.  Make sure your connection with others is strong.  Sometimes shit hits the fan fast, and it’s important to foster these connections and qualities in yourself so that you are prepared.

Message from Mind’s World –  You are slowly learning that closing yourself off blinds you to what’s going on around you and within you as well.  Staying open and aware, and grateful for what you have will better allow you to move through these transitions with grace and further your growth along the way.

Message from Known World – Stop limiting yourself by training all of your focus and attention on the physical world and the responsibilities that lie within it.  There’s more going on than what lies on the surface and in order to move through the growth and transitions in your life right now, you need to open yourself up more and give yourself a foundation of order and organization that will allow you to open up more fully while still feeling secure.

DECKS USED: THE BRADY TAROT, NATURE’S WISDOM ORACLE

The Fight for Justice vs Self Care

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A reading topic posted on one of the Discord servers that I’m a member of.  I was curious what the cards would say for this topic, so I decided to go ahead and give it a go.

The question is… The world is full of those we need to stand up for, and/or things that we need to continue to fight for ourselves. Spend some time with your divination tools meditating on how to balance fighting for justice with internal peace and self-care this week.

Tarot of the Animal LordsMyself – Knave of Chalices – You are currently going through a time of transition where you are in the process of learning about your emotions, how to live with and balance (instead of suppress and ignore) your emotions, and while doing so, experiencing a depth within your emotions that you’ve never experienced before.

The Fight for Justice – Five of Pentacles – If you want to continue upon your path of growth, this isn’t a good choice right now. Even if you are able to take the steps to allow others to support you on this path, you will need to close down that emotional growth to protect yourself, as keeping yourself open and vulnerable during conflict is a very bad idea.

Personal Peace & Self Care – Four of Wands – This path is not just the easier path, but the healthier path for you at this time. It offers stability and progress, as well as support from others that is both easily given by them, and easily accepted by you.

Balancing the Two – The Fool – Take the easy road. This is not usually the best choice for you, or the healthiest choice. But in this instance, it is. Allow the fighters to fight their fight, and take the time you need to grow and develop so that you can become a better and more capable iteration of yourself.

Clarifying Card (because surely my cards aren’t telling me to mind my own business) – Two of Pentacles Rx – Yep… That’s exactly what they’re saying. Mind your own business, or upset the apple cart… your choice.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE ANIMAL LORDS

#31DaysofWitchcraft Prompt 5 & 8 (non)VR to Heather Carter

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Heather Carter on YouTube put together a series of prompts titled #31DaysofWitchcraft that she’s been working her way through since the beginning of May.

I really like this idea, but I can’t handle the responsibility of any more daily posts, so I thought that for the next few weeks, I would do one (or a few at a time) for the end of week “My Pagan Perspective” posts. This is the third installment!

Coffee

5. Have you had a teacher in the craft? Have you ever taken a course or classes to help you learn witchcraft? What were your experiences? If you haven’t, how are your thoughts and feelings on such courses?

I have had a teacher in my craft.  In fact, I’ve had a couple. The first was my mother, who raised my twin sister and I in the Wiccan path, while my father provided influences from his Buddhist beliefs.

When we were around the age of nine, my mother reached out into the pagan community and welcomed a pagan parenting mentor into our lives to help with better teaching us the Wiccan path and incorporating us into the rituals and celebrations of that path.

What really ended up happening is that the mentor (Z) ended up being our main teacher and guide concerning not just our spiritual path, but also our moral compasses, learning self worth and independence, and many other things.  She cared for us a lot, and we spent a great deal of time at her house and attending different rituals and celebrations with her throughout our youth.

When I emancipated from my parents, she was there to help encourage me to find my own path.  A path that would fit me and feel right to me.   Even now, she is a part of my life and I consult with her often.   In fact she’s currently living with my sister and I because she’s stuck abroad while things are closed down and restricted due to the pandemic.

I have never taken a class about witchcraft.  I actually wasn’t even aware that there are classes available for witchcraft.  Apparently there are, but I’ve never seen them or heard of them before.  This is probably because I am primarily solitary, though.

I don’t really have a lot of thoughts and feelings concerning the idea of classes and/or courses on witchcraft.  Primarily, because I haven’t taken one and have no idea what they cover or if they would encourage individualization… or require conformity.  I lean in the direction of individualization… obviously.

8. Do you refer to yourself as a witch? If not, why not? If so, what does the word mean to you?

Okay so, yes.  I refer to myself as a witch.

In my opinion, the term “witch” is just another label for “person that does spellcraft/magic”. So therefore, whether you call yourself a witch or not is pretty irrelevant. A duck is a duck is a duck… call it a mallard (witch)? It’s still a duck.

As I do not live in a place where calling myself by what I am puts me in any real danger, nor am I in the closet or trying to hide myself in some way, I see no reason not to use the term.

I do understand choosing to not adopt a label tho. Labels can be problematic if taken the wrong way by family, society, etc and can even create personal safety issues. I think it’s okay to not use the label… but important to acknowledge that you are a part of the underlying group that includes that label, even if only to oneself.

 

Tarotholics June 21st Challenge Spread

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Fanuna's Tarot

So!  I kinda sort a did the wrong Taraholics Challenge spread yesterday.   I thought I’d rectify that by doing it separately today.  This is Spread #3 of the #TarotholicsDiscordJun2020 Challenge.

1. What in my past is it time to let go of this summer?

Six of Pentacles – One of the biggest reasons that I struggle with asking others for help is because I was taught that such help is considered charity and you become indebted to the one that is providing help. The Six of Pentacles in this position is telling me that that is not how it works, even if it feels like it should.  This belief is ingrained not through reason or observation, but was taught to me at a young age and has stuck with me all this time.  Perhaps it is time to start seeking a different perspective in this matter.

2. What have I carried over from winter I need to weed out?

Three of Cups Rx – Now that you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy some alone time, it’s time to do it.  You need that time for your self care and to help you in feeling balanced and grounded.  Restrictions have lifted enough to allow that to happen and the girls are safe being left home alone while you go off and have a bit of time on your own.

3. Where do I need to focus my energy thru the summer months?

Page of Swords – Finding a different way to communicate with yourself.  Preparation for when you need to charge ahead into your responsibilities is fine, but take your time at it and give yourself time to learn and grow.

4. What opportunity will arise to fill the space I’ve weeded?

Seven of Pentacles – Some of the readings lately have spoke about the patience needed to follow the path of my emotional growth, and the changing of habits and methods being a long term effort and not a quick change.  This card reinforces that sentiment, speaking of long term growth that, over time if I stick with my plans, will bleed over into growth in areas I usually am so very, very focused on such as that stability and security I crave.   In other words, following through with plans to make room on my plate to breath combined with getting the alone time I need to feel balanced and centered will, in turn, end up providing long term growth of not just these areas, but beyond that limited scope as well.

4. How can I help this new opportunity to flourish?

The Empress – This new opportunity is about growth, and how that growth, even as slow moving as it is (or perhaps because of how slow moving it is) has the ability to spread into all aspects of one’s life, influencing them all in positive ways.   The Empress indicates that to encourage this opportunity to flourish, I need to allow my more nurturing energies and connection with the earth to rise to the surface.  She also reminds me that these qualities are not weaknesses.

DECK USED:  FANUNA’S TAROT