Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

#BackupDecks (non) VR to The Hermit’s Cave

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I’ve been sitting on this post for quite some time, because originally?  I wanted to do pictures of all of these decks.  But it turned out that the pictures were just becoming a HUGE pain in the ass, so I revised the idea and will be sure to add links to each deck so that you can see what they are, but I’m not going to bother taking pictures of them all.

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Luna (upper right corner) assisting me in sorting and organizing my decks to be stored in my trunks.

The original theme for this post was created by Simon over at The Hermit’s Cave, where he did a video a few months ago about his backup decks. I had thought that I don’t often purchase back-up decks until I started writing this post. Now? Lets just say it started out with a few decks that I have done so because the deck was just TOO important to me to risk ever being without… and then kind of shifted from there.

In fact, I only have…. hm, three?  No, four, I think.  That is to say, back up decks that are very literally and very much bought -as- back up decks.

Gypsy Witch Fortune Cards – I have the original 1970s version that was given to me as a child as my very first divination deck, and then I also have an old 1920s version that I picked up more recently.

Sasuraibito Tarot – This one is because I already owned a copy and was then gifted a copy by Z a few months after I’d already bought it for myself.  I held onto the second one because I really like the deck so… why not?

Tarot of the Hidden Realm – I’ve mentioned this deck many, many times.  I connected to it from the moment it came out of the box and that connection has only gotten stronger over time. I have a second copy of this deck (and TWO extra guidebooks for it) because I love it so much.

Tyldwick Tarot – I have two of this deck for the same reason as the Tarot of the Hidden realm.  It’s because I love it so much.   And, because it speaks to me in a way I’ve not found any other deck has ever spoken to me before, and I find that it communicates well with ALL of the various Fae themed decks I have.

And, soon to be added, the Stolen Child Tarot, which has quickly stolen second place right behind Tarot of the Hidden Realm as my all time favorite deck.

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The trunks where I home the majority of my decks.  These are located in my bedroom on the far side of the bed beneath the windows.

Aside from those mentioned above, I also have a few that I have two decks for, but it is because I have done some kind of alteration to the deck that has significantly changed how I use it or how it reads, and yet still wanted to retain one for myself in its original format as well.   These include….

Arthur Rackham Oracle – Essentially, I took both decks and picked out the best artwork for each card, added in the cards from both decks that were different, and thus created a giant deck.   With the repeat cards that were left over, I then trimmed them down to just the image and use them as an intuitive oracle deck.

Fairy Lights Tarot – Both of the versions of these I have trimmed, but in different ways.   The first one, I trimmed off just the sides of the deck.  This is because some of the cards fit together to make panoramic views of a larger picture and the side borders made fitting them together impossible.  The second deck I have trimmed down to just the images, and use them as an intuitive oracle deck.

John Bauer Tarot – I have an un-modified version.   And then I have one that I’ve removed all the borders and text, cutting them down to just the images and edging them in multiple colors to match the artwork on each card.  Like the others in this group of decks, I use the trimmed down version as an intuitive oracle deck.

Nicoletta Ceccoli Tarot – I have three versions of this one.  I have an un-modified full size deck, I have the mini pocket size of this deck, and I have a third one that I have trimmed down to just the images to use as an intuitive oracle deck.

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The interior of one of the trunks prior to finishing filling it up.

Ok, so then there’s a third category here… because I also have a handful of decks that I have more than one of that are not back ups, but different versions of the same deck.  These would include…

1971 Rider Waite Deck; plus a newer “mini deck” size copy of it.

Centennial Smith Waite – I have three versions of this one.  That includes the borderless edition, the edition with borders, and the tarot-in-a-tin pocket size.

Earthly Souls and Spirits Oracle – I have this one in both the large 2nd edition format, which I use as center focal cards for wheel spreads sometimes, as well as the tarot-sized 3rd edition of the deck.

Good Tarot – I have the official mass-market copy, and a mini bootlegged copy from China.

Halloween Tarot –  For this one, I have it in the full sized version, as well as in the tarot-in-a-tin pocket version.

Luminous Void – I would probably not have both sizes of this deck, but I bought the original size before the smaller “shuffle size” came out. The shuffle size is a bit easier to handle and I really struggle with the larger cards of the original deck, so I bought the ‘shuffle size’ and now have both.

Morgan Greer – Like some of the others in this section of the list, I have this deck in the full sized version, as well as in the tarot-in-a-tin pocket version.

Mystic Faerie Tarot – I have both the bordered edition, as well as the borderless edition.

Radiant Rider Waite Tarot – I have three versions of this deck, which includes the standard full sized edition, a standard full sized edition in Chinese, and a tarot-in-a-tin pocket edition.

Roots and Wings Oracle – I love this oracle and have been loving it for a while.  I originally bought the full sized version, and then later ordered the mini size in a tin when she released it earlier this year.

Sun and Moon Tarot – I have it in the full sized version, as well as in the tarot-in-a-tin pocket version.

Universal Waite Tarot – Again, I have it in the full sized version, as well as in the tarot-in-a-tin pocket version.

Universe Has Your Back – I have the official mass-market copy, and a mini bootlegged copy from China.

Wild Unknown Tarot – I have the official mass-market copy, and a mini bootlegged copy from China that I plan on coloring in to see if I can connect better to the cards with them colored.

Wildwood Tarot – I have two official mass-market copies of this deck (one that’s trimmed and one that isn’t), as well as a mini bootlegged copy from China.

Witches Tarot – I have the original 1989 mass market edition, and I have a mini bootlegged copy from China.

Okay so… I think that’s all of them.  I’ve considered picking up a second copy of the Llewellyn Tarot, as I am planning on trimming the one I have down to just the images, but I haven’t pulled the trigger on it yet.

 

Making “Florida Water” at Home

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Right, so my mother did not call this “florida water”, but I’ve looked at a LOT of Florida Water recipes, and it’s essentially the same thing with a few tweaks.  This version is my mother’s recipe for what she has always called her “Energy Cleanser” or “Energy Spray”.

I thought you might be interested, since you’d asked about spell craft.  This is an example of spell craft, although I will be doing a separate post to go into a better explanation of what that is and how it works later on.

As my mother’s name suggests, this is used for cleansing energy of an area or thing.  It can be used to wipe down furniture or items, to wash your hands, to spray in the air or on items, etc.  My mother uses it on EVERYTHING.   My sister and I are not usually so liberal with it, though, and so we only make enough to fill a 2 liter jar at a time.

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What You Need:

Orange Peel, Rose Hips, Cedar Shavings, Rosemary, Garden Sage, Cinnamon, Lavender, Cloves, Sweet Grass, Star Anise, Ylang Ylang essential oil, and an air-tight jar.  Mason jars work, as will any other type of glass bottle or jar as long as it can create an air-tight seal even when turned upside down or shaken.  Many of these items can be substituted for their essential oils if you don’t want to forage and/or grow what you need.  I simply prefer the growing and foraging method.

You will also need a CLEAR alcohol of at least 80-proof.  I have used rubbing alcohol, everclear, and vodka in the past.   This batch is made with vodka, as it’s what I had on hand at the moment.

You’ll notice in my ingredients pictured above, I’m missing Star Anise.  That is because they were OUT where I normally source the magickal herbs that I’m not either ethically sourcing through nature or growing myself.  Thus, I will be adding it to the jar a bit later.

Once you have all that you need, clean your jar well  inside and out, then dry thoroughly.  Once dry, add all of the ingredients to the jar except the alcohol. I usually add the loose smaller ingredients first, but you can do this in any order that works for you.   As you add them to the jar, introduce them to your intention in using them and, while doing so, set your intentions energetically with each ingredient.

Each of my ingredients are introduced with the following intentions….

  • Lavender – energy purification, peace, and protection
  • Clove – repel negative influences, psychic protection, raising positive energy, and silencing gossip
  • Sweet Grass – energy purification, healing, attracting positive energy, and good fortune
  • Garden Sage – energy purification, wish fulfillment, and creating sacred space
  • Rosemary – energy purification, and warding off negative energy
  • Cedar Chips – banishing and warding of negative energy, creating sacred space
  • Cinnamon – grounding, protection, and success
  • Rosehips – attracting good health, attracting abundance, and promoting peace and harmony
  • Orange Peel – fostering positive energy, protection, hex breaking, and abundance
  • Star Anise (to come) – good luck, protection, calming energies, and increasing intuition
  • Ylang Ylang – clearing of and protection from negative energy, inviting in soothing energies, and nurturing the inner spirit

As you can see from the list above, each of the ingredients has its own purposes, but also works together with others in the jar to create a blend of primarily protective and cleansing properties.

Florida WaterOnce everything has been added to the jar, the alcohol you’ve chosen to use is then added and the container is filled up to its rim then sealed.   After sealing, this is a good time to give it a good vigorous shake to make sure your jar is air tight, as well as to get everything inside the jar mixed together.

Place the jar in a cool, dark place to set for three months.  It is usually a good idea to use a sharpie marker and write on the jar when the mixture was made and how long it needs to sit for, that way you do not forget. I prefer to do this making during the full moon as a part of my full moon ritual, so that I can include that burst of energy into the making.  I have made this mixture during this last full moon so that it will be ready to be opened for the new year, which is a tradition in our family.

It needs to be stored in a cool, dark place in order to protect the contents from degrading due to light.  But, be sure to pull it out each month at the full moon to set out in the moonlight after dark, but also be sure that you put it back in a cool, dark place before daylight.

Once opened, you want to strain the liquid inside through a fine mesh (or cotton cloth) to remove all the little bits of debris inside.  You can then tie up the contents in a biodegradable bit of cheesecloth and bury them to return them to degrade in the earth.   Strain the liquid a second time to ensure it is well cleaned, then transfer to a clean jar.

For use, you add 1 part mixture to (at least) 4 parts distilled water.   DO NOT use this mixture without diluting it by at least a 1:4 ratio or more.  It is very strong and needs dilution to be safe for your skin, pets, etc.   I personally use a 1:10 ratio just to be sure it is safe for Miss Luna to be around.  In my case, I fill a glass spray bottle with the diluted mixture and use it to clean surfaces before spell crafting, as well as to spray on my hands prior to tarot readings.

The remaining undiluted mixture can be stored in a cool, dark place until it’s needed.  As long as it is undiluted and sealed in an air-tight glass container, it will have an indefinite shelf life.

Self Care Saturday (on Sunday)

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SCS

As I’ve mentioned before, these readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and are not meant as a predictive reading.

The question is… What do I need to focus on in the week ahead?

Earth – Ace of Pentacles – New opportunities in manifestation and abundance for 2nd week in a row. The little girl happily swinging, shining bright in her glass bubble is an indication of inspiration and enjoyment in exploring these new opportunities from a secure place.

Air – King of Cups – Seek out Gideon when my mind becomes too chaotic and anxieties threaten to take over. Remember he is a safe place to take refuge and a breather.

Water – Ten of Swords – If I don’t work on finding balance instead of bulking up my defenses, things are going to run the risk of going catastrophically wrong emotionally.

Fire – Queen of Swords – I often view the Queen of Swords as cold and restrained.  The clarification card expands on this theme for a message concerning caution and restraint in sharing inspiration with others in order to protect your interests.

Moving Away From – The Staff & Beauty Way – These cards in the “moving away from” position indicate that finding balance, positivity, and optimism will be a bit of a challenge over the next week.

Heading Toward (and Moral of the Story) – Middle World – Now is a good time for new endeavors, as the world and its energies support you. But, take caution to not be reckless or careless with your resources or confidences.

Decks Used: Crow Tarot, Dixit Pack #6 Memories, Mystical Shaman Oracle

 

#TarotForGrowthSeptember prompt 14 … Patience

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For the hell of it, I did the #TarotForGrowthSeptember prompt today from Instagram.

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Question: How can I develop better patience with myself?

Reading Summary: Let out that magical childlike wonder and magical inspiration that sparks fire within the depths of my soul. It’s okay to have fun and play, even while you work hard at that which supports you.

Take Away: I’ve been pushing so hard on focusing on the business and separating myself from the more emotional and fun-loving side of things. For some reason this has been a really strong focus for me recently, and I’ve been highly judgemental with myself for the struggle involved. I’ve lost sight of the FUN that is a part of my business and my craft. It’s time to get back in touch with that aspect.

What this reading is saying is once I am able to get back in touch with the -fun- of my business and craft again, my harsh inner critic over my lack of enthusiasm will ease up.

Decks Used: Dixit Quest Expansion Pack #2

 

Communicating with Spirit(s)

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This week’s question from the Pagan Perspective YouTube channel is a two-in-one, both of which deal with spirit communication and sensing energies.

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First, I think I need to set some parameters about what “spirit” means in this post, because in the metaphysical world there are two very different common definitions for this.

  1. Spirit can refer to what I define as “the elements and energies of creation, evolution, and balance”.  It is the ‘universe’ aspect.  It is the deity aspect.  It is the Fae aspect.  It is the aspect of the spirits within trees and nature.
  2. Spirit(s) can refer to communicating with ghosts and the deceased.

With that out of the way, the first question in this week’s topic is….

Shadow_sun:
“Does spirit communication play a role in your practice?”

As I have mentioned before, I have a sensitivity to energy in general.  I am not more specifically attuned to the spirits of the deceased than any other type of energy.  Is it possible I can sense them in the clairsentient type of way that I sense most energy?  Absolutely.  But I’m not attuned to it to the point where I would consider it as communication.

This is why, as well, that I say that I do not do mediumship in my tarot.  Could messages be coming through from the deceased on the other side?  Yes, they could be.   But I am not able to differentiate that energy out, let alone identify it as a specific person.

On the other hand, connecting to ‘spirit’ as mentioned in the first definition outlined above is something that I connect and communicate with daily as a part of my daily devotional.   I reach for and welcome elemental energies into my devotional, and into most of my spell crafting and spell casting.  I also connect with and communicate with energies of ‘creation, evolution, and balance’ at the same time and in the same ways.

At these times, I am not usually asking anything from these energies, but rather inviting them to join me in my work should they wish to participate, and expressing my gratitude for their participation in my life as a whole.

This is, in my opinion, different than when I am sensing energies and reacting to it, such as sensing danger and taking evasive measures regardless of the fact that there does not -appear- to be any danger present at the moment.   This, too, is a type of communication, but it is not initiated by me and is entirely receptive (or perceptive of some inner sense) in its nature.   Is it possible that on the receptive side of things I am mistaking what I sense and consider to be from one source (such as spirit definition #1 or my own instincts) as the other and vice versa?  Absolutely.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am also an auditory –> tactile/olfactory/gustatory synesthete.  This means that there are a lot of crossed wires in my brain where my hearing is concerned, and this sometimes can result in experiences can be confused with my energy perceptions as well.

The second part of today’s subject was more of a request for a topic, and that is….

Althaea Ratliff the Religion:
“General communication with spirits and feeling spiritual energy through body parts. (I feel through my right leg, my friend feels through their spine.)”

I feel like I’ve mentioned this somewhere before, but I couldn’t find it to link the post, so maybe not.  The process of my sensing energy is primarily physical in nature and is not always pleasant.

It usually starts in my solar plexus, travels along the insides my rib cage around to my back then up beneath my shoulder blades to eventually surface and span out under the skin over my shoulders and up my neck to my scalp.    How this sensation comes across, whether it hurts or not, whether it tingles or stings, whether it moves fast or slow, where along that path I feel it most succinctly… all of those factors and more determine how these sensations are then interpreted.

I think, for those that can sense spirit (or spirits), energies, etc, that this is pretty normal. Normal in that everyone is going to experience it differently, and it’s how well you tune into those experiences that speak on how well and how clearly they will speak to you.

#SpeakingUpForMyBeliefs (non) VR to Shadow Harvest

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Although this hashtag was created by Shadow Harvest back in August, I originally saw Amethyst Ascension’s reply that she did the other day.   I found both of their thoughts on the matter very interesting.  I think that this topic is one that most people are a bit awkward with, whether they are under the pagan umbrella, or just of a different religion to whatever is being worshiped in the moment.

Essentially, the question is what do you do in situations where you are stuck with people worshiping where there is an expectation of the “accepted norm” of following along, or risk standing out due to lack of conformity.

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The example given was being a pagan at a Christian wedding where they request everyone to bow their heads to pray during the ceremony.  This included mention of certain scripture or vows that you do not agree with personally, or have an issue with.

For me?  This also fits into when I visit other people’s homes.  J’s parents like to hold hands and say Grace before they eat.   Out east, some of my family also say Grace (without the hand holding, because my family is NOT a touchy feely type of family).

So…. what do I do?

First, I accept that I can’t control what other people do, I can only control my own actions and behavior.

Second, it depends on the situation.    Do I wear my pagan jewelry when visiting a church?  Absolutely.    I do not see it as a disrespect to the church, but rather feel I am presenting myself as… myself, and showing that I have come FOR a reason.   I’m essentially saying “although this is not my faith, I’m here for you”.

This follows as well with prayer.  No, I do not participate in the bowing of my head and entreaty to their god.  But I am there for it.  I’m standing tall and projecting my own well wishes, my own hopes for their future, my own entreaties to my own entities and energies.   I don’t know their religion.  I don’t know their beliefs.  It would, in my opinion, be disrespectful to pretend to be doing something I don’t know anything about or does not follow MY beliefs.  It would be, essentially, being deceptive within a sacred space.   And for me?  That’s not okay.

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As for Grace…  In J’s parents home as well as other people’s homes when they want to say Grace?  I will hold hands if it is a part of their tradition, because I believe this creates a circle of energy that goes beyond prayer and into intention.   But, I do not bow my head and pray their prayer.  Instead, I again put out my own entreaties to my own energies and entities.  Entreaties that will align with the spirit of saying Grace, and will add to that circle of energy created in that moment.

This is how I deal with these situations.

There are plenty of times when life has required me to intentionally hide my faith.  There have been places I have traveled where personal safety made it an imperative.  Personal safety trumps everything else, including my feelings of being disrespectful by being dishonest in a sacred space.  That aside?   I do me, and I expect others to do them and LET me do me.