Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Strength

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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 card from your own deck. How would you read them differently and why? Share your card(s) and your interpretation differences between the imagery on them cards.

Tarot of the Hidden Realm - StrengthTarot of the Hidden Realm – Together the wolf and the girl stand. Although I do not see persuasion here other than in the dynamic of such an unlikely companionship, what I do see is the strength that comes in numbers. The strength of support as two lend to each other their strengths, and use them to make up for the other’s weaknesses. They are stronger together than either could ever imagine being separately.

Tarot Matryoshka, Flower Essence Tarot, Sortilegium Tarot

Tarot Matryoshka – Here in this card we see savagery not tamed, but in a moment of being controlled The man holds the tip of the serpent’s mandible in his grip. Eye contact is full on as the man holds the serpent still. It appears that it is not the hold of the hands that keeps the serpent from striking here, but rather the eye contact that signifies a battle of wills, perhaps between one’s civilized nature and more savage inner instincts.

Flower Essence Tarot – Figure skating is a skill that takes a lot of inner strength and determination to excel at. Here we see a skater that, from the path of her skates carved into the ice to the posture and pose of her body, has clearly put in the time and effort to improve herself.  Added to this imagery, we have the elements of the Elm and Gorse plants, both of which carry metaphysical properties that speak of the strength of the heart, and in this card speak of having the strength within to follow what is true and right for you.

Sortilegium Tarot – Here we see a lion tamed by a beautiful woman, which is very similar to traditional imagery for the Strength card. The lion sits patiently, pleased by the attention she gives him and soothed by her petting and care. The water below is quiet and calm, speaking of serene emotions.  This card indicates that you can get more with sugar than vinegar.  By being kind and gentle, the woman has created peace, where a more forceful approach would have resulted in resistance and chaos.

DECK USED: TAROT MATRYOSHKA, FLOWER ESSENCE TAROT, SORTILEGIUM TAROT

Negative Self Talk Lenormand Reading

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Negative Self Talk Lenormand Reading - The Seeker's Lenormand

The part of me that needs be embraced.

Child and Mountain – The inner child that is intimidated by challenges and is trying to hide instead of deal with the scary stuff in life. It is that inner child that plagues you with self doubts. This child is in need of attention and care, not shaming and degradation.

Why I hold onto the negative self talk.

Lily, Fish, Birds – The constant chattering of elders that ha sunken in deep until you’re going with their flow out of habit. You know that their words were abuse, so stop allowing them to whisper on in the back of your head even though they are no longer a part of your life.

What can I say to myself instead?

Bear and Feminine – Be “mama bear” fierce about being kind to yourself. Stand up for that wounded inner child. Remember that gentleness and nurturing is not a weakness, but a strength.

DECK USED: THE SEEKER’S LENORMAND

Cartomancy Reading – Focus On Practice

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The prompt for this reading came from one of my Discord servers and is as follows:
“I wish you well on the start of this new month! It may be slow, fast or just right, but no matter the pace, know that you are still an amazing soul.”

The Reminisce Playing CardsWhat is an aspect of my practice can I look into by the end of this week?

King of Diamonds and Jack of Clubs – You need to explore different ways you can get out in nature and ground yourself that won’t aggravate your knee. There are benefits you get from spending time in nature that you need right now. Benefits that can help you transition into the holiday rush that starts in a few days just a bit more smoothly.

How can I better apply this feature of my practice to my daily life?

Four of Clubs and Nine of Spades – Stop allowing your mental health to keep you burrowed in at home. Hiding away from the world in the comfort of your home and wallowing in that welcoming comfort might feel good, but it isn’t helping anything. In fact, it may be furthering the mental health struggles you’re trying to get a handle on.

What is a way I can finish this week with a better or more improved outlook for next week?

Three of Hearts and Jack of Hearts – Give in to pursuing those things that will lift your spirits.

DECK USED: THE REMINISCE PLAYING CARDS

New Moon in Scorpio – November 2021

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

New Moon in Scorpio Tarot Reading - Lux Ex Umbra Tarot

1. What do you need to face that you’ve been avoiding?

Knight of Swords – Your reckless energy expenditures. Where are you putting your time and energy that is not paying off? Here, we return to something that came up in a reading done yesterday.  That is to say… it’s time to stop wasting time playing games on your phone.  They aren’t giving you the rest you need, nor are they relaxing you at the moment.  They’re just allowing you to retreat when it would be far healthier to spend your time in other ways.

2. What secrets need to come into the light?

King of Coins – It’s time to go some financial reorganization. You’ve put it off for too long. Things that need to be attended to need to be actually dealt with. This includes telling L it’s time to get a job again (okay, so not until January, but it needs to be brought up so she has time to prepare), instead of pretending you’ve got that shit under control without her help.

3. What conversation needs to be had?

Two of Cups – More appreciation of loved ones, more “I love you” for Gid. You’ve slacked off in both of these of late. Although it’s true that your love and appreciation is there whether you express it openly or not, it’s something that they need to hear.

4. What do I need to forgive in myself?

Temperance – Moderation does not come easily to you in so many, many different ways.  If you enjoy it, it can become addictive. If you can punish yourself with it, it can also become addictive. It doesn’t really matter what it is as long as it can fill one or both of those prerequisites. You need to remember that it’s natural to slip up now and then. Just keep trying.

5. What shadow aspect requires integration?

Three of Coins – Why is asking for help so difficult for you? This is not the time of year for shadow work for you, but it is something you struggle with and need to be aware of, as not asking for help can easily become a form of self sabotage at this time of year.

DECK USED:  LUX EX UMBRA TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Halloween Candy

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Prompt: Halloween is upon us! In celebration of a favorite holiday of mine, I challenge you to draw five random cards from your deck (or different decks), and decide what candy (different for each card) that you think fits each of the cards you pulled. Show off your cards, and tell us what candy you matched with them and why you made those choices!

Legend of Zelda TarotThe Devil – Reece’s PeanutButter Cups – You know the little bite sized ones that are individually wrapped? Oh god I love them so much.  I can just eat and eat and eat them.  I can, in fact, go through an entire bag of them without even realizing it… and still want more.

The Moon – Mixed Chocolate Gift Boxes – I hate them. Absolutely completely hate them. Especially the ones that don’t give you any guide to what chocolates are what? It turns out that I pretty much dislike most of what is in these boxes, and have to guess my way through the different candies just to find those two or three I like.

The Hanged Man – Werther’s Originals – Okay so, these candies? I always think I don’t like them. And then I put one in my mouth and I’m like “eh.. it’s okay”, but by the time it melts down to nothing? It’s so good! I have no idea how it happens, but every single time, it’s the same.

The Hermit – Pixy Stix – I have to eat these alone.  If I don’t hide them and eat them alone?  My sister steals them from me.

The Sun – Werther’s Creme Savers – Whether the orange flavor or the strawberry flavor, these candies were always so good. They were discontinued quite a while ago (although I hear they brought them back recently?) but they are absolutely the best non-chocolate candy I’ve ever had. The flavor is so light and bright, yet also somehow comforting.

DECK USED: LEGEND OF ZELDA TAROT

Lenormand Reading – Monthly Key Spread

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Weekly Key Spread - Lumière Lenormand

Key to Your Heart: What will Guide you to make decisions that are aligned with your heart and your truths this month?

Crossroads – There is no external guidance here, only an encouragement to follow your gut.  Make sure that you are checking in with your moral compass, and allow it to lead when you feel uncertain or like you are waffling.

Anchor: What will ground you in the face of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and existential dread in general?

Child – Look at the rush to come as something new and exciting instead of as something to dread the arrival of.  You may have done this before, but there’s always potential for new and better experiences with each year that comes.  It doesn’t have to be a repeat of the past.  Make the experience something shiny and new instead.

Star Wand: What accelerates your magic, creativity, and manifestation powers?

Snake – Your adaptability makes your creativity and magic shine. The fact that you are able to shift and adapt, changing your methods and the details of what you’re doing to adjust to external influences as well as changes in your own trajectory is a skill that elevates your magic, creativity, and manifestation powers.

Blessings from the Stars: The Universe has got your back – how will you be supported this month?

Rider – The universe is ready to give you the burst of forward moving energy that you need to not just get things going, but ride out the rush that is coming.  Don’t worry about lagging behind or not having the energy you need, just focus on keeping that energy flowing on a positive trajectory in all the ways that matter.

One Trick Up Your Sleeve: A life saving idea or inspiration for any unexpected challenge or difficult moments?

Clover – Luck is on your side this month and you’d be wise to take full advantage of it while lady luck is shining her bright smile your way. Trust things will turn out okay… and they will.

Emergence Pt 1: What is emerging within you / within your reality right now?

Bear – Protective mama-bear energy is on the rise right now. Make sure that you are directing that aggression and protective instinct in constructive ways.

Emergence Pt 2: What are you expanding towards?

Man – Responsibility and strength. Stand strong in the storm to come, be steady and dependable for those around you.  Steer the ship forward using the advice above, and everyone (as well as everything) will fall into place.

DECK USED: LUMIÈRE LENORMAND