Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

Beltane 2026 – May Day

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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.

Spring Lilacs

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 for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This year’s Beltane reading isn’t structured like my normal Solstice practices, as I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, but instead is a lovely spread provided by @DarkFaeTarot

Beltane Tarot Reading with The Alchemical Tarot of Marseille

Tall wildflowers reaching the sky

King of Pentacles – You strive for the stability that you crave. This is a part of who you are. Instead of trying to abandon this part of yourself, consider working at managing it so that your craving for stability and security doesn’t become stagnancy, but instead creates an opportunity for growth.

Celebrating and embracing the joy of friends & family

Ace of Pentacles – Remember that sometimes when the opportunity lands in your lap to spend time with others, it does so for a reason. Take these moments for what they are… an opportunity to build stable and lasting relationships.

Everything that I am releasing as the days grow longer

Three of Swords – Use the movement of spring and the energies it stirs up to release disappointments and the negative emotions that stagnancy allowed to grow and fester within you. That energy and movement of spring offers a breeze to help blow away the dark pall that lingers and replace it with fresh air.

The grass beneath my feet

Ten of Swords Rx – It’s not over yet, so don’t act like it is. There’s plenty left to do, plenty left to experience, plenty left to enjoy, and plenty left still to overcome.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
River Rock for Resilience within Life’s Flow
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE ALCHEMICAL TAROT OF MARSEILLE

📆 Transitioning from April to May

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Month End Oracle Reading with the Jeremy Miranda Deck

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

Center – Awakening. There is a first blush of awakening upon you right now. You left the light on all night through the darkness and your struggle… and now the sun returns, coming back to illuminate the world once more.

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

Center Left – Over the past six months or so you have been functioning in a state deep shadow. Although the light cast within your sphere has allowed you to fumble your way forward, it has created more shadows than you’ve been able to deal with on your own. It’s time to work at leaving those shadows behind and stepping into the light. Open the blinds and let the sunlight in.

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

Center Right – You want to hold within you an unflappable strength, but you need to remember that that kind of strength comes with a frigid amount of cold. Perhaps you need to consider a warmer approach instead.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Center Bottom – That cold mentioned above is not your friend, and thus why looking for a warmer approach is a good idea. Don’t freeze others out, and take care not to freeze yourself in. It may look like strength, but it’s actually doing more harm than good.

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

Center Top – Don’t just “open the blinds” as mentioned in The Slough position of this reading, but tear them down so that the light can come in more fully. There’s always going to be dark spots in your life that you struggle to illuminate and have the ability to take over from time to time. Now is an opportunity for you to shed light as far as you can and beat that darkness back.

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

Bottom Left – Sometimes when alone feels safe, it’s really just loneliness giving you a false sense of security. After all, when you’re alone, the only person who can hurt you is you. This may provide a sense of serenity, but it’s counterproductive to what you really need.

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

Bottom Right – If you want to spend some time with yourself and wallow in alone time, make sure that you’re doing so in healthy ways, with bare feet on bare earth or your fingers in the soil. Pull up a chair and settle in when presented with these healthy options.

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

Top Left – Don’t fall for superficial bullshit. Especially when the real thing is so easily accessible to you.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Top Right – Remember that there are two sides to every coin, and you need to take every opportunity that you have to look on the positive side instead of wallowing in the negative one. Just because the negative one seems more comfortable doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you, or healthy for you either.

Message from the Spirit World – Lean into the nurturing of nature. Get yourself outside. Allowing yourself to be secluded inside all the time is not healthy for you and thus has a direct impact on everything around you.

Message from the Mind’s World – It’s time to cast light on the beliefs you hold that hold you back from connecting with others and keep you at a distance. Especially in your efforts towards positivity and optimism.

Message from the Physical World – Your body is going to be much happier if you connect with nature and get your ass outside rather than freezing yourself back into a pattern of solitude.

DECKS USED: THE MIRANDA DECK

🌕 Full Moon in Scorpio – May 2026

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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 @sistersvillage

Full Moon in Scorpio Tarot Reading with the Mystic Faerie Tarot

What pattern or habit do I need to let go of for me to become the person I want to be?

Three of Pentacles – You need to continue to ask for help more and take everything on your own shoulders less. Set aside that stubborn streak that says “I can do it myself”. Of course you can. That’s not in question. Just because you can do it yourself, though, doesn’t mean that’s the best choice.

How can I embrace the shadow parts of myself and hold grace for all aspects of my being?

The World Rx – Sit with them. Just as simply being in a room with someone whose hurting can provide them the support they need, so to can sitting with these shadow parts of you create the space and grace needed for acceptance to bloom. Allow them this space and time to breathe and be acknowledged.

What changes am I calling into my life?

King of Wands – You are seeking a return to motivation and direction, not just for yourself, but that you can bring others with you into. It’s been a while since you’ve felt that spark within you kindle into a blaze, but you’ve recently begun seeking out a re-invigoration of spirit.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Six of Swords Rx – No sudden movements or over the top changes needed during this Full Moon phase. You’re already on the right path.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Labradorite Moon for Lunar Driven Emotional Healing
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MYSTIC FAERIE TAROT BORDERED EDITION

🌑 New Moon in Aries – April 2026

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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 @biddytarot

New Moon in Aries Tarot Reading with the Black Lily Tarot

How can I shape my life to align with my true desires?

Knight of Pentacles (The Killer and the Lioness) – Take time to gather the allies you need. It’s a long journey to reach your end goals, both in time and distance. Having those along with you that can share in your interests and have your back along the way make the effort (and the wait) far more satisfying.

Where do I need to assert myself to feel emotionally secure?

Seven of Cups (The Hedger and the Octopus) – Autonomy and independence make you feel secure. When you give up your choices to others, it weakens that sense of emotional security you get from making the decisions yourself. Part of this is because you’re choosing to not think about things, which is killing that little clever and curious spark within you little by little through giving up your choices to others.

What new experiences will heighten my self-confidence?

The Moon (The Avoider and the Scorpion) – Confront your fears head on. Don’t worry so much about the bumps and bruises you may gather along the way. You have been blowing the possible consequences out of proportion of late, when considering your options. Worry less, act more.

What courageous action do I need to take to achieve my goals?

Seven of Wands (The Fuckboy and the Dragon) – Remember that you don’t have to take on every challenge that crosses your path. Not even the ones that are directed at you. Sometimes it takes more courage to snort with an eye roll and walk away, then it does to open your mouth or engage in battle.

How can I handle conflict effectively?

Eight of Swords (The Princess and the Swan) – Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. You will learn more (including how to get yourself out of sticky situations) by listening than engaging. Just stay quiet. The knowledge you glean will become useful when it’s needed.

What is my highest intention for my personal power?

Nine of Pentacles (The Resting Woman and the Seabird) – You seek to look back at the end of the day with satisfaction, and in doing so feel as if your rest is well-deserved.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Princess of Swords (The Ballerina and the Moths) – Keep a close eye on your addictions and remember that mistakes happen. Just do what you can and stay aware of your tendency to be drawn toward those things that are dangerous for you or unhealthy.

Other elements included in this reading:
Goat Charm as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Banded Brown Agate Mushroom for Grounding and Stabilization
Flower Agate for Opening the Mind to New Possibilities
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BLACK LILY TAROT

🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Art Interpretation

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Prompt: Below is a 3-card spread from Sasuraibito Tarot and a question/prompt to go with it. Your task is to pull the same three cards from your deck(s) and tell us how you might interpret these two (or more) decks differently, and why. Same question, same cards, different decks. And if you’d read them similarly? Tell us that, and explain why!

Today’s cards are Six of Wands, Two of Swords, and Two of Cups. And the question from our imaginary querent is “How can I best nurture whatever is sprouting right now?”

Sasuraibito Tarot - Six of Wands, Two of Swords, Two of Cups

You are at an impasse (Two of Swords positioned in the center) between people pleasing for your community (Six of Wands), or connecting more closely with someone specifically that matters (Two of Cups).

Although you connect strongly with your community (strong, sturdy staffs) and they provide you with a great deal of growth (leaves and flowers growing from the staffs) and comfort through the diversity you find there (rainbow), you can’t pursue this connection -and- connect more deeply with this single person (linked pinky fingers in the Two of Cups) at the same time (separated by Swords).

To best nurture what is sprouting right now in your life, you need to decide which side of the coin you want to pursue; the community connection, or that closer one-on-one relationship. Both offer you growth, but it’s too much to try and do both at the same time.

Best Deck Ever Tarot - Six of Wands, Two of Swords, Two of Cups

You can work hard to achieve the recognition you crave from others (Six of Wands/Spatulas), or (Two of Hooks/Swords) you can allow yourself to build something meaningful between yourself and someone else (Two of Patties/Cups).

Either of these pursuits is going to snare (hooks instead of Swords) all of your attention, tangling you up in it so that you’re unable to do both. Specifically, on the side of things where you develop a meaningful connection with someone else, there’s a good chance that even if you met them at work, they’re going to be a distraction -from- your work in the end (there’s a spatula hanging in the air between them in the background).

You have a choice. These cards indicate that you can’t have both, after all. You can try to balance both, but in doing so both situations are going to get dicey and you’re giving up your ability to choose which one will be your end result. By directing your attention to the choice you prefer, you give that side of things a better chance of growing into fruition.

DECK USED: SASURAIBITO TAROT AND BEST DECK EVER TAROT

📆 Transitioning from March to April

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Month End Check-In Oracle Reading with the Birds Oracle Deck 1&2

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

Kiwi – You are poised on the cusp of letting go of what’s no longer serving you, you’re just feeling particularly shy and timid about it as yet. Still, the opportunity and potential is right there for you to reach out to, waiting for you take a leap.

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

Wild Turkey – Stop trying so hard to focus on finding balance, and instead let it find itself. It’ll do it on its own without your help. Instead, focus on where you want things to go and what you want out of life. Everything else will fall into place.

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

Your Bird – You want to enjoy life more than you are currently, and seek to allow more of your life to be tailored to the things you enjoy and want to experience.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Inca Dove – You are selling yourself short. Work harder to stop listening to that negative inner voice that keeps telling you you’re nothing special.

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

Sandhill Crane – You have an extensive and varied amount of knowledge and experience to help support you on your journey. Using this knowledge and experience in your efforts and pursuits is like using “cheat codes” in a video game. It gives you a leg up and allows you to work smarter instead of harder.

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

Turkey Vulture – You still feel some resentment over what happened a few summers ago, and sometimes feel like you are still trapped in that cycle even though life has continued on. It’s time to do some work and reflection on those lingering feelings of resentment, and how you might be able to let them go so you can perceive the present situation with more clarity instead of through the lens of that past experience.

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

Double-crested Cormorant – Stepping into a spiritual path you tailor just for you takes independence and courage, as well as an unerring focus on your own needs and beliefs. Take some time to reconnect with the intrepid soul of the youth that began this journey in the first place.

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

Monk Parakeet – What feels wrong in your home right now? What needs dealt with or repaired? Even if you have to do it a little at a time and enlist help along the way, now is the time to begin dealing with these issues.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Brown Headed Cowbird – When you ask for help instead of just expecting it to be given, it makes for happier helpers. Know when it’s time to say “no” to doing things on your own and ask others to help you. Doing so allows you more time to do what -you- want with your time and your life.

Message from the Spirit World – Sometimes the benefits of leaning on others to help you go beyond just the help that’s given and the time and energy saved. Sometimes you get to learn new things from them, and other times teach them new things as well.

Message from the Mind’s World – If you hesitate too long, opportunity will pass you by. In the choice between action and inaction, moving toward what you want out of life is always the right answer.

Message from the Physical World – There is more to your spiritual path than thoughts and intentions. Let yourself get outside and into nature more, and as a result the muck of stagnancy will give way to flashes of inspiration. Work on the farm just isn’t cutting it where this need is concerned.

Other elements included in this reading:
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Picture Jasper for Sense of Proportion and Grounding
Calcite for Gently Calming the Mind and Stimulating Insights
Clear Quartz Man in the Moon for Amplification of Lunar Energies
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: BIRDS ORACLE DECK 1 & 2