Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

📆 Transitioning from August to September

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Month End Tarot Reading with the Tarot of the Secret Forest and Menagerie Playing Cards

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

The Moon and Nine of Clubs – You are feeling a lot of uncertainty right now, which is understandable. These two weeks are the slowest part of the year for your business and you are currently in the lull that follows the completion of a large project. Don’t allow these feelings to push you to lax your boundaries with yourself. Healthy choices are needed, even when feelings of uncertainty are messing with you.

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

Death and Seven of Spades – Stop looking at changes as a disruption. Resisting creates problems and stress. Instead of looking at them as a destruction of harmony, try seeing changes as an opportunity.

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

Ace of Swords and Three of Diamonds – Inspiration and an ease of communication with others as you work together to prepare for the holiday rush. There hasn’t been a need to really synchronize over the past few months, but that time is fast approaching.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Eight of Cups and Four of Spades – Watch out for the ones that have gone silent or walked away. There are potential problems brewing in that direction.

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

Five of Wands and Ace of Hearts – When others have good intentions at heart, make sure to remember that just because you may not agree with what they say or their methods, it doesn’t mean that they’re not trying to help and don’t care about you.

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

Nine of Pentacles Rx and Two of Hearts – This is in reference to trusting people that turn around and let you down. Sometimes you find a connection with someone, and it feels like it’s just right, and then something happens that feels like it tears down everything that you’ve worked for all in one blow. Now is a good time to focus on healing from these experiences. Look at those times when this has happened in your life, and see if you can let go of some of the hurt and residual pain that resides there.

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

Six of Wands and Four of Diamonds – It’s not always a bad thing to feel good when people praise you. That positive feeling that the praise from others provides can be nice, as long as it’s not something that you become dependent on for feelings of stability to thrive.

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

Five of Pentacles and Nine of Hearts – Feelings of scarcity, whether real or imagined, have a habit of rising up at this time of year. Be sure that you are leaning into appreciating those things that are making you happy and seeing the value in them, instead of allowing yourself to fall prey to the rise of scarcity’s theme trying to inject itself back into your life and your mind.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Wheel of Fortune and Queen of Spades – Make sure you are paying attention to your reactions to stress and change. You are going to be given an opportunity to turn this around into something better, but you need awareness in this area to do so.

Message from the Spirit World – Sometimes when you’re unhappy with how things are and you want to make them better, you have to actually fight for the changes that you want to see and stand strong against the resistance that may rise up in others as a result. Complacency is not always something that makes life easier.

Message from the Mind’s World – Change can breed uncertainty and steal your confidence. Make sure at these times that you lean into keeping your boundaries in place and communicate with others on what you need to help keep things invigorated and moving forward smoothly.

Message from the Physical World – Those that care about you are working hard to convince you to take a rest and do what you need to do to create stability in your body. Physically, you’re not at your best right now, and you need to take their advice and do those things you know are needed to rectify the situation. Stop being a stubborn ass.

DECKS USED: TAROT OF THE SECRET FOREST AND MENAGERIE PLAYING CARDS

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Adrian’s Adventure

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Prompt: “Draw (at least) three cards, and use them to tell us a story about a farm with talking animals.”

Storytelling with the 愛されガールの かいこつ タロットAdrian Goat was a happy creature all the days of his life. He bounded and bounced around in his pen, climbed and played with the toys, and ate good food every day (The Sun).

One day the farmer left the gate unlatched though, and Adrian became curious. Tempted by the outside world (The Devil), he went against the warnings of Mother Spider and Brother Pig and squeezed through the opening (The Chariot).

He wandered off into the woods (The Fool), and soon found himself all alone as the sky began to darken.

Scared and alone, he could hear rustling in the trees, and he bleated fearfully instead of calling out for help, at a loss for words in the face of his first encounter with true fear (The Moon).

Remembering all the stories that the other animals had told him about wolves and bears with sharp teeth and claws, as the sounds came closer and closer he was terrified of what might jump out at him at any moment (Wheel of Fortune).

When the leaves right before Adrian Goat rustled, he shouted his fear and turned to run, dashing back through the trees and back into his pen, using his teeth to close the gate behind him.  No longer curious or eager for adventure in the outside world, he was now very happy for his safe, comfortable pen (The Hanged Man).

In the woods, Brother Dog and Alfred Horse chuckled to each other as they emerged into the clearing that Adrian Goat had left behind. Chatting quietly with each other as they returned to the farm at a leisurely pace, assured that Adrian Goat had learned his lesson (The Hierophant) and would stray no more.

DECK USED: 愛されガールの かいこつ タロット

🌑 New Moon in Virgo – August 2022

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Today 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 the medicine within, and brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot by the Moon series.

New Moon in Virgo Tarot Reading with the Seed and Sickle Oracle

Where should I focus my energy this season?

Poppy – You need to focus your energy on letting go of regrets, recriminations, and other unhelpful self-talk and emotions that can only get in the way of you continuing to move forward in a healthy way.

What needs re-evaluation?

Cherry – Where are you neglecting yourself and what do you need to do to step up in this area? In the lull between your last project and your next big one, you need to take time to realign and find balance again.

Where do I need to get more organized?

Feverfew – Look at your schedule and get better organized with your time. There are people who need some of your time and attention who are not getting what they need, but by taking some time to re-organize your schedule you can better make sure they are getting that time with you.

What is just a distraction that I need to ignore?

Mustard – Your fears that you are weak and incapable are unfounded. In truth you are strong and capable of far more than you could ever imagine.

What project would benefit from my full attention?

Strawberry – Be generous with those that need your time and are feeling the scarcity of your attention. Make them feel as if their cups are full.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Verbena – Take some time to rest, breathe, and make a nice with yourself.

DECK USED: THE SEED AND SICKLE ORACLE

🌕 Full Moon in Aquarius – August 2022

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Today 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 about the medicine within, and brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot by the Moon series.

Full Moon in Aquarius Reading with the Dare to Shine Oracle

What possibilities are being offered to me right now?

Be the Reason Someone Believes in Goodness of People – Inspire others through leading by example. You can show them it’s possible to be good and kind and fair, no matter the circumstances. When you nurture others, it helps them see the world in as a better place and in a better light.

What area of my life is craving freedom and experimentation?

True Self-Discovery Begins Where Your Comfort Zone Ends – Stop letting fear and anxiety dictate what you do and where you go. Getting to know yourself on a deeper level involves moving past those fears, or moving through them.

Where can I be more open-minded?

To Activate and Open Your Third Eye is to Live a Most Awakened Life Rx – Instead of always searching for more and better, stick with where you’re at and learn to better appreciate what you have in the now.

What old habits/beliefs need to be released under this full moon?

Take Time Out to Reconnect with Mother Nature; We are One and the Same – You haven’t been able to get as much time out in nature as you usually need over the summer. Take a breath and release your expectations in this area. Self recrimination doesn’t help anything. Blaming yourself for not getting the time you need out in nature doesn’t solve anything. Just accept that reality hasn’t allowed for it right now, and look forward to times in the future when you can.

Where do I need to go with the flow?

It’s From the Deepest Wounds that Light Finds a Place to Shine – Don’t let disappointment set you back or tie your hands. Sometimes shit hurts, just because it’s supposed to. Even in these times of trouble, you will continue to grow if you allow yourself to go with the flow instead of resisting.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Harness Your Sexual Energy For it is Your Vital Source – Don’t avoid those things that make you feel good just because you feel like you want or deserve to feel like shit.

DECK USED: DARE TO SHINE ORACLE

Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Magician

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Prompt: Pull the card from your deck(s) that matches the card posted below. Compare the imagery between the card provided and the cards(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?

Tarot of the Hidden Realm - The MagicianTarot of the Hidden Realm – Right, so… Perfection, for me, is not complete without a flaw. This card is essentially the “flaw” in an otherwise perfect deck that makes the deck truly perfect.  (This deck is my “Soul Deck” and thus, perfect for me… not in general.)

I have issues with this Magician.  Issues! I tell you.  Because when I look at him? I see a porn star. A gigolo. A male whore.  That’s what I see, and I’m unable to see anything else.   So yes… he’s a man with all the tools (and what tools they are!) and all the skills as well. He’s ready to go, knows what he wants, and is not just well suited for his work but very good at it.  Interpreting this card leaves me with an awareness that not everyone’s goals and values are going to align with everyone else’s and sometimes you have to focus on what’s right for you and only you.

The Magician in the Four Twenty Tarot, Mystical Medleys Tarot, and Ema Poetica Tarot

Four Twenty Tarot – Classic imagery in a non-classic artform, the Magician in this card is empowered (and a bit baked) and has all the tools they need at their disposal including the four elements that lie on the table and the smoking pipe in her hand as well. Around her sprouts her desires, manifested into reality. I would see this imagery as encouragement to go after that which holds value to you, that you have all you need to accomplish what you want in life if you use your skills, abilities, and tools wisely.

Ema Poetica Tarot – All elements are again accounted for in this card, as is growth in the form of flowers, and the addition of an all-seeing-eye that speaks to me of a greater sense of awareness of the world around them than what is seen in the previous two cards. Not only is the Magician determined and equipped, but they are aware of the world at large and will see hurdles coming and adapt to them to ensure success.   I would read this card as a reminder that there is more to success than determination and skill, and that sometimes to obtain one’s goals we must look outside ourselves at what’s going on around us as well.

Mystical Medleys Tarot – Singular focus is the theme I see in this card.  There is still growth in the flowers at the Magician’s feet, and all the tools are there for his use.  But instead of looking -out- at the world, the eye in this card is the Magician’s head and it is singularly focused upon what he holds and what it can do for him.  Where the Ema Poetica card speaks of looking outward, this one speaks of bearing down one’s focus and buckling down for the effort it will take to manifest what they desire.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, FOUR TWENTY TAROT, EMA POETICA TAROT, MYSTICAL MEDLEYS TAROT

First Harvest 2022 – Lammas

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Today is Lammas, which is known as the First Harvest of the year. This day marks the transition into the harvest season of August, September, and October (of which there is a Second Harvest and Last Harvest that correspond to these months).

Lammas

This holiday is often called Lammas, Lughnasadh, or Lugh, although I usually just refer to it as the First Harvest. On my path, it celebrates the beginning of Summer’s decline and ramping up of the busy season where we begin to reap in the abundance that the bounty of summer’s energies has encouraged to grow and flourish.

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 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 upcoming Second Harvest (aka. Mabon, Autumnal Equinox) in September.

Lammas Tarot Reading for the First Harvest with the Pagan Otherwords Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, and Herbal Healing Oracle Deck Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Lammas, Waxing Crescent Moon, Elder (Sambucus nigra)

In this card a woman dances among sunflowers, celebrating in her harvest with the product of her labors cradled close under one arm and boline in the other hand ready to reap what she’s sown. There is pride in the angle of her jaw and tilt of her head, strength in her posture, and voluptuous elegance in her form.

The Waxing Crescent Moon is a symbol of growth, creativity, and attainment and welcomes the energies of positivity and expansion into one’s life.  It is a time for welcoming in new habits, new themes, and for leaning forward into changes that you wish to control the direction of with your actions and will.

The Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a tree of transitions and change, guarding liminal spaces and providing purification and protection within the transitional places that we travel between. The dried bits of this plant can be used for spellwork involving physical and emotional healing, as well as hex breaking, purification, and protection.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is one of healing through progress.  You are at a place in your life and upon your physical path where you have choices to make and these cards encourage you to lean hard into positivity and optimism.  Don’t allow yourself to step out of the light, but instead take an active role in making sure your harvests this year are abundant and plentiful.

Earth – Four of Wands – You are comfortable and relaxed in your path forward at this time. You know what needs done and have a solid plan as your foundation.  Use this energy to carry you toward your goals rather than wallowing in the comfort in more languid ways.

Air – Nine of Swords – Careful that you don’t let your worries become hurdles that hold you back.  Negative thoughts and a pessimistic inner dialogue won’t help you in making progress at this time.  Better to set these things aside so that you can move more freely and continue to charge forward toward your goals.

Water – The Moon Rx – Moments of uncertainty can feed into negativity. Make sure that you are not giving uncertainty the chance to grow and thrive in your life. If you have to “fake it ’til you make it”?  Do so.

Fire – Knight of Pentacles – Business is slow right now and that’s a good thing.  Don’t become restless during the lull, but instead use this time wisely on other things.  It won’t last forever and you want to work on what you can get done now so that when things pick back up you can feel a sense of accomplishment from the slow season.

Waning – The Memory and Pruning – It’s time to set aside self reflection and deep exploration of inner thoughts and feelings. Action is needed, and you can’t stand in stillness and mull things over, and -also- act at the same time.

Waxing – The Explorer and Mirror – Movement and knowing yourself.  This is the theme you need to lean into at this time.  You know what you want and need, and it’s time to take the steps and action to reach the fulfillment you seek.

DECKS USED: SABBAT THEMED ART CARD, PAGAN UNDERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 & 2