Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

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

Summer Solstice 2020 – Midsummer

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Yesterday was the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year and one of the eight holidays that I celebrate throughout the year. This day marks the ‘official’ transition into summer and a shift from days that become longer and longer through the spring into days from here on out will grow shorter and shorter for the next six months.

This holiday is often called Midsummer or Litha, although I usually just refer to it as the Summer Solstice. On my path, it celebrates the turning point of summer, where the build-up of creative energy from the spring crests into a time of abundance as we travel into the depths of summer in much the same way that the growing energies of the full moon crest before beginning to wane each month.

Summer Solstice Tarot Spread

Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months on each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are sure to be  some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the First Harvest (aka, Lughnasadh, Lammas, Lughnasa, Lugh) on August 1st.

Theme of the Season – Midsummer, Spiral Moon, Owl – Midsummer offers the opportunity to alter one’s course, tipping one’s balance in order to alter reality to deepen one’s connection with their chosen path.

Honeysuckle resides on the center card and speaks of love, while the Spiral Moon reminds us that this is a time of deepening connection to the self.  A connection that is found through peeling back one’s inner layers to reveal the softer bits within.   Through that process, you reveal vulnerable bits.

The presence of the Owl reminds us to be certain to stay on course and focused on what you want. It can be easy to get lost in the weeds of uncertainty and old habits, especially when feeling vulnerable.  Don’t allow distractions to hinder your path or turn you away from where you want to go.

The combination of these three center cards speak of a time of growth and deepening connection with the self.  There will be vulnerability and it may be hard to stay on task with the changes you want to manifest through the season, but stay on task with your self care and your desire to deepen that connection, and you will travel through this time of growth and adjustment with grace.

Earth – Ten of Cups – Even though the upcoming weeks are a slow time for the business, this time will also allow you a sense of emotional fulfillment concerning where you are and how things are going.  Enjoy this time, and take time to appreciate the sense of ease you feel concerning your work and home life.  It won’t last forever and should be cherished.

Air – Ace of Cups and Six of Cups – There’s always a bit of messiness involved when you mix emotions with intellect.  With all these new feelings and emotional growth going on, make sure that you’re not smothering the carefully unfurling lotus within you.  Hold the flowering growth with care and foster it’s development rather than allowing your logical mind and inner critic to have free reign.  In other words?  Give yourself the room you need to grow emotionally by shutting up negative thoughts and recriminations.

Water – Queen of Wands – Be open to the joy that comes from those things that inspire you. Making space doesn’t mean you have to be bored or sedate, it means that you allow pleasure and the spark of fun into those places that are usually dry and feeling a bit boring.  By allowing this spark to flourish and joy to bloom, your growth will continue and not be half so stressful as your intellect keeps trying to make.

Fire – Page of Swords and King of Swords – Strategizing is the name of the game for the next few months.  This is not surprising, as this is usually what happens during this time of year.  The summer is often a time of preparation for the busy season to come late in the fall.  Start now and take your time.  If you start early then there’s no need to rush, and you can feel more stable over all in as you work towards being in a place of preparation for the future.

Waning – Panther Spirit – Set your relentless aggression aside. Now is not the time to push and shove towards some illusive promise of perfection. Let go of the need to prod yourself constantly forward.

Waxing – Lion Spirit – Take pride in your abilities and foster your own self-confidence over the next few weeks.  You are worth far more than the business you run and the money you make.  What you offer to the world reaches beyond these trivial things. You shine as an inspiration to others… allow yourself to acknowledge and be grateful for those qualities you like in yourself as well as the opportunities you are given to help others using your unique gifts.

Take Away – The next handful of weeks need to be a time of rest and recovery.  Stop pushing and prodding at yourself.  Stop the recriminations.  Instead, it’s time to focus on fostering your inner spark and spirit, and giving yourself room to grow within your current emotional journey.  Although there’s some prep you can do for the business during this time, there is no need to rush. Instead, a better use of your time during this time is to focus upon those things that kindle that spark of curiosity and creativity within you and allow that spark to manifest some guilt-free pleasure and joy.

DECKS USED:  LIGHT SEER’S TAROT, THE GREEN WHEEL ORACLE, THE SPIRIT ANIMAL ORACLE

New Moon in Cancer – June 2020

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New Moon in Cancer 2020 Tarot Spread

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

1. How can I feed my soul during this moon cycle?

Knight of Pentacles – Keep in mind that the things worth having take time.  Foster patience in your expectations and in your actions as well.  It’s okay to take your time and take things at a slower pace right now.

2. What have I been hiding that needs to come forward?

Ten of Swords – I’m hurting myself with the expectations that I put upon myself.  My inner critic is far more vicious that I’ve been willing to admit to, and it’s becoming a detriment to my well-being. The blood drawn creates a perpetual cycle of exhaustion.

3. What needs to be tackled head-on?

Hierophant – Instead of focusing on the nebulous voice in my head that I can’t pin down, focus on what you can control and what you can do for yourself and others.  Don’t forget that the teacher is also a student.

The shield on the bird’s breast looks too big and too heavy.  It might be a good idea to take a look at all that you’ve taken on and do a little pruning, or take a break so that shield doesn’t feel quite so unwieldy.

4. How can I improve my relationships at this time?

Ace of Swords  – Share my thoughts and ideas instead of keeping them to myself.  Communicate what’s going on with me.  It’s okay to open up with those that you love and trust.

DECK USED:  DREAM RAVEN TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Magical Spell

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Pull (at least) three cards and use them to write about a magical spell.

The Magus Arcana Deck

There was once a young girl (The Fool) named Emmaline that spent all of her time frolicking by herself (The Hermit) in the forest among the Fae. They taught her many things (The Hierophant) and filled her days with an abundance of joy (The Sun).

Her mother was worried for her daughters safety (The Empress), and did everything in her power to dissuade Emmaline from going out into the woods on her own (The Magician).  When nothing seemed to work, the mother eventually consulted with the old crone witch that lived at the edge of their village (The High Priestess).

The witch was powerful and used her significant magical abilities (Strength) to cast a spell upon Emmaline and pin the girl in place at home (The Hanged Man).

It worked! But it made Emmaline very sad, and the Fae missed her very much (The Tower). So much so that they came to rescue the little girl (The Chariot) and allowed Emmaline to choose if she wanted to live in the forest forever or stay at home with her mother (The Lovers).

Emmaline chose the woods (Death).

The Fae’s powerful magic broke the spell and the little girl bounded off into the forest with the Fae, never to be seen again by human eyes (The World).

DECK USED:  THE MAGUS ARCANA DECK

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Childhood Antics

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Draw up to three cards from your tarot (or oracle) and use them for guidance in choosing  something to share with us about your childhood.

IMG_4794The Emperor (Ego) –  Once when I was very young (around the age of 9 or 10) my sister and I decided to do an impromptu ritual in our front yard.   We had been doing our own rituals and spellcraft for quite some time, and we were both very confident in our abilities.

The Star (Elation) – We set  up everything outside and began our ritual.  Everything was going along great.  We had been very careful in our set up and things were going smoothly.

Justice (The Lesson) – Until I accidentally bumped the small makeshift altar we’d set up using a wooden stool, and one of the candles toppled off into the dry summer grass.  We were both barefoot and the little cup of water we had for offering didn’t put out the flames (which are incredibly difficult to SEE on dry grass in the middle of the day, by the way.  I had to run and untangle the hose, turn it on and then bring it back, because we were not prepared!   Half the yard burned before we managed to get the fire out.

Moral of the Story –  When preparing for ritual or spellcraft?  It’s not enough to prepare to do the ritual or spell.  You have to prepare for if things go wrong as well.   ie: If you’re playing with fire in the middle of a yard of dry grass?  Have the hose ready and the water already turned on.

DECK USED:  THE STITCH RABBIT TAROT

 

Full Moon in Sagittarius – June 2020

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When the moon is full, its energies are at their peak. The placement of the moon in the sky this full moon is within the constellation of Sagittarius, which imbibes the full moon’s energies with that of the Sagittarius astrological sign. This places the theme of this month’s full Strawberry Moon as one of cresting energies surrounding enthusiasm and adventure, as well as one of intense sussing out of truths, often through the exploration of culture, philosophy, and religion.

This search for truth gives us an opportunity to reflect upon and acknowledge old wounds and internal struggles, to take ownership of these wounds, and to use the power of the moon to take back control. Then, as the moon’s energies wane over the next two weeks, we can then take those truths we have confronted and allow the moon’s waning energy to help us in discarding what no longer serves us.

Full Moon in Sagittarius Spread by Ethony

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 impulses need taming?

Eight of Cups – As I struggle with difficult situations there is often an urge to just throw up my hands and say “fuck this” and walk away.  This is especially true when it comes to areas where emotional wounds are being poked and prodded. A number of readings I’ve done about the month ahead have spoken on a rise of emotional distress and discomfort.  The Eight of Cups here indicates I need to make sure I don’t retreat, but stick around and find a solution instead.

2. Where can I best direct my energy?

Wheel of Fortune – I would be best served by focusing my energies on staying centered.  There is a great deal of symmetry in this card, all surrounding that blue center point where the spinning wheel’s axis resides.   The message here is to be the axis rather than the chaos of the centripetal force.   Focus on staying centered and calm.

3. How can I best direct my aggression?

Five of Swords – Winning.  I should direct my aggression toward those tasks and projects that need an extra bit of “oomph” so that I do not allow them to make me feel overwhelmed but instead can use the energy and focus from my aggression to plow through them and come out on top.

4. How can I add a little spice to my life?

Temperance – Stop trying so hard.  This has to do with the posture of the angel, who does not hold vessels in their hands… and yet appears to be trying to regardless. If I want to add a little spice in my life, I need to remember to allow my hands to be empty and my time free to experience new things and joyous moments.

5. What spiritual and personal beliefs need re-examining?

The Empress – I don’t like this card today.   Something feels wrong about the monkey and the tiger and the exposed breast.   The message here is to be careful where you put your energies and who you trust.  Not everyone respects or deserves the energy that you put into helping and nurturing others.  Make sure that you are choosing the recipients of those pieces of yourself (and your time and energy as well) more wisely.

DECK USED:  LINESTRIDER TAROT