Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

🌕 Full Moon in Libra – April 2025

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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 courtesy of @moonandcactus.

Libra Full Moon Oracle Reading with l'Oracle de l'Or et de l'Encre

With each breath, I release the weight of imbalance and return to my sacred center.
How can I use this time to address any relationship imbalances?

Homme – Acknowledge your place in the lives of others as a leader and authority figure, and work on better understanding that these aspects don’t need to be sharp or harsh. You don’t have to be so stiff all the time; kindness and warmth can also be aspects of this role.

I honor the truth within my heart while holding space for the truth of others.
Where in my life am I being encouraged to release grudges and foster forgiveness at this time?

Évolution – Look closely at the relationships in your life that are currently in a state of flux. Address any old resentments and grudges that are weighing down the change that is trying to develop right now.

In stillness, I become the harmony I seek.
At this time, what practices can I engage in that promote inner peace?

Passage – Remember that right now the veil is thin, as we at a counterpoint to Mabon and Samhain. Pay attention to liminal spaces and visit them to get in touch with that sense of “welcome home” that they can often provide you.

What spring activity (such as redecorating, getting a new hair cut, or indulging in creative arts) should I take time to explore right now?

AmitiĂ© – Connect with friends instead of holding yourself apart. Dip into their worlds and spend time with them there, instead of always expecting them to come to you.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Excès – Pay attention to those places where you are slipping into excess, and reign things in by balancing your addictive tendencies with a healthy dose of moderation.

Other elements in this reading…
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: L’ORACLE D’OR ET D’ENCRE

📆 Transitioning from March to April

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Month End Check-In Oracle Reading with the Botanical Dreams Oracle

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

Observe – You are focusing the lion’s share of your energy on taking a step back at the moment. Observation is an important tool in understanding others actions and motives. You recognize this fact and are trying to distance yourself emotionally in order to get a better view of what’s going on around you.

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

Abundance Rx – It’s time to let go of the scarcity mentality that makes you feel as if you’re never able to do enough or “catch up”. Instead, spend time appreciating just how far you’ve come.

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

Soulmates – That special connection you have with those that truly “get you” needs recognition and celebration. It’s time to make sure you aren’t taking them for granted.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Blessings – Watch out for those that go overboard in stressing how valuable they are to you, or how valuable you are to them. Look for the hidden motivations for why they are so dead set on pointing out and drilling home the silver linings of this relationship.

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

Summer Dreaming – In a reinforcement of this week’s Self Care Saturday reading, the advice here is to give yourself permission to loaf off and be a bit irresponsible right now.

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

Confidence Rx – Reflect back on experiences where you have lost your confidence due to feeling exposed and vulnerable. It’s in these experiences that you can find healing at this time.

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

The Warrior – Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your wins. They aren’t a fluke, but instead are truly a reflection of your skills and abilities.

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

Pearls of Wisdom – The “pearls of wisdom” soon to be offered to you aren’t truly to your best interest. Instead, they have the potential to entangle you in a mess of restraints you don’t need and that will be far too heavy for you.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Spider Woman – Balance is coming. You have the opportunity to be skilled and dexterous on the web of others traps and snares if you are wise enough to stay aware and not ignore warning signs as they arise.

Message from the Spirit World – Take care that even while you are loafing off and being irresponsible that you stay vigilant in protecting yourself from the potentially negative influences of others disguised as help or advice.

Message from the Mind’s World – Combat that negative inner narrative of scarcity in your head through enjoying a bit of extra time with your “tribe” of like-minded souls.

Message from the Physical World – You are a fighter and a survivor. This mantra needs to be remembered and repeated when you are not feeling at your strongest.

Take Away – This month ahead is going to bring a lot of trip lines set by those trying to ensnare you deeper in responsibilities you don’t need and can’t healthily take on. Embrace “irresponsibility” instead of being drawn in, and remember to “stand back and watch” instead of engaging.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Saucer Magnolia Painted on Bamboo for Perseverance

DECKS USED: BOTANICAL DREAMS ORACLE

🌑 New Moon in Aries and Partial Solar Eclipse – March 2025

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Tonight 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 Ethony.

New Moon in Aries Oracle Reading with the Harney & Sons How To Read Tea Leaves Oracle and Dream Song Oracle

The card you’ve chosen to represent the change you want to bring about.

Bubble Your Boundaries and Heart – Someone from your past has re-entered your life in a time when they are in great need. Unfortunately you don’t have the energy or space in your life to fill that need for them at this time. They have latched on in an extremely codependent manner, and you need to make sure that even as you provide compassion for their situation, you keep your boundaries firmly in place so that you do not become overwhelmed.

The most likely outcome if you make this change.

Unfurl the Wings of Forgiveness and Leaf – They will forgive and seek that additional help elsewhere. Don’t let them make you to believe that there are not other people in their life that can provide support for them.

What boundaries do I need to set during this change?

Have Tea With the Birds and Question Mark – Keep things superficial no matter how hard they try to drag you in deeper, and remember that a little attention can go a long way if it’s the right form of attention given. You don’t have to give them what they want you to give. You can gain good results with low effort.

What do I need to let go of to move forward?

Learn From the Bees and Apple – Not everything has to be fully dependent on you and rest upon your shoulders alone. Allow others in their life to give their support as well. They might be trying to put it all on your shoulders, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be diversified if you keep your boundaries firm.

What do I need to remember during this change?

Turn Your Back and X Shape – Stay vigilant, and make sure you are saying no when you need to. Don’t allow those who would try to ignore your refusals any wiggle room.

Where do I need to be careful? Continue with caution around this.

Lean Into the Storm and Fox – Take care not to get too invested. This person is wily and looking for ways into your “henhouse” of emotions and attention. If you lean in too far, you’ll have a hard time pulling back. Stay vigilant instead.

What/who is my ally?

Fly With the Dreamer and Ear – Look to those who are eager to listen to and support your own wishes and dreams instead of merely seeking you out to help fulfill theirs.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Go Dark and Kite – Remember that sometimes the only way to enforce your boundaries is to step back. You can send up a signal that you are still supporting them and still care, without investing yourself and staying out of the picture when you need to.

Other elements in this reading:
Foraged Lichen for Perseverance
Foraged Cedar Tips for Protection Against Negative Influences
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: DREAM SONG ORACLE AND HARNEY & SONS’ HOW TO READ TEA LEAVES CARDS

Ostara 2025 – Spring Equinox

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Today is the Spring Equinox, which is considered by many to be the first day of Spring, and is one of only two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator and, as a result, day and night are of equal length. After this day, the brightness of daylight begins to overtake the dark hours in the sky as the days continue to longer and longer, and the nights shorter and shorter.  This transition is the basis within the celebration of the holiday itself, as we celebrate the warming and awakening of the earth as she prepares to share her abundance and generosity with us all.

spring_tree

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 Beltane at the beginning of May.

Spring Equinox Ostara Tarot Reading with the Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Healing Herbal Oracle, and Compendium of Witches Oracle

Theme of the Season – Ostara, Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), Last Quarter Moon

Ostara is a time of rebirth, with nature awakening from the slumber of the winter months as the days become longer and warmer. There is a promise of fertility and abundance in the air as the world warms and thaws from the cold of winter’s grip, breaking free with renewed energy and new beginnings.

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) is used in various countries as an astringent, laxative, diuretic, mild tonic, blood cleanser, for easing spasms and convulsions, and bile production agent.  Metaphysically, it is often used to assist in releasing emotions that are tied to the past and anxiety those emotions can cause. It can also be used to clear boundaries between inner and outer spaces.

The Last Quarter Moon is a time for reflection on what has been accomplished (and what hasn’t) over the past moon cycle, identifying and releasing those things that it’s time to let go of, and forgiveness of self and others.

When looking at these three cards together there is a prevailing theme of allowing emotions to move through you and onward past you rather than holding onto them or letting them bog you down. This time of year is invigorating and filled with fresh energies that you can only take advantage of by letting go of and leaving behind those things that don’t serve you.  Process… and release.

Earth – Ten of Cups – Your cup runneth over when it comes to stability and the anchoring in your life needed to follow your path. You know what you are good at, you know what you want to do, and you know where your strengths lie. This creates a sense of pleasure and emotional security that you’re happy to share with others through those practices that intersect with others in your life.

Air – King of Wands – You are on track in your spiritual path, with a comfortable and stable balance between your past experiences and  your future growth. Your plans and ideas are falling into place, and you are finally learning that growth and progress doesn’t always have to be made in leaps and bounds.

Water – Ten of Pentacles – You have reached a point where emotional stability is the reward for awareness of not just yourself and what’s going on with you, but what’s going on around you as well. This awareness allows you to react generously, but without going overboard and giving too much of yourself in the process (which would then disrupt that stability).

Fire – Ace of Pentacles Rx – Now is a time of rest and enjoyment. Don’t worry about your progress, nor about new projects or opportunities.  Let yourself enjoy the stability you are experiencing in this moment. Nothing lasts forever, and savoring the moment is important.

Waning – The Guardian and Thaw – There is no need to be at the “head of the pack” at this time. Take a step back and allow others to leap forward to fill that empty space you leave behind. You can still enjoy the journey while remaining in the eaves.

Waxing – The Reconciler and Teeth – Allow yourself to experience moments of pain and anger, and seek out how to process them instead of pushing them away. Look for the boon in the situation instead of reacting by lashing out or burying away what’s bothering you.

Take Away – This spring is a time to savor and enjoy.  No pushing needed, you’re on the right path for your practice and spirituality, and just need to stay aware of what’s going on around you and protect your peace of mind and sense of stability with awareness… as well as stepping back when needed instead of forward into the fray.

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

🌕 Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse in Virgo – March 2025

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Tonight 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 @moonandcactus

Full Moon in Virgo Oracle Reading with The Oracle of Wandering

Emotional purging and release. With this eclipse, I cleanse my soul of self-doubt and limitation.

Raise Your Soul and Spirit – Allow yourself to get in touch with that inner flame that lies within you and sparks your creativity. This flame feeds energy to both your spiritual practice and your creative endeavors. Let yourself enjoy those moments of inspiration instead of ignoring them. Have a bit of fun with them in the moment, with no commitment made to do more later or added responsibility to weigh these moments down.

Clarity & Course Correction. I release what is heavy and step into the light of my truth.

Towards Happiness – The darkness of depression is cloying, It tries to reach out from the pit in tendrils of energy to slide feelers over ankles and tangle among your toes. It looks to get a good grip that will allow it to -tug- you toward the pit and drag you down into it.

Don’t allow it to get that grip.  Do the things you need to do to keep yourself on solid ground. Use the tools you’ve been taught by your therapist, tools that are tried and tested. Tools that you know actually work to help you.  Lean into the optimism and positivity that are not your natural inclination, and let these themes help keep you afloat.

Balance between practicality and surrender. I embrace imperfection as a part of my journey, knowing that every step forward is guided by wisdom and purpose.

A Clear Mind in a Healthy Body – Take care to stay aware of your habits and temptations. You know where the slippery slopes of addiction lie, and you know how to side step them.  In order to do so, you have to be aware, though.  You can’t pretend everything is okay and ignore the sneaky first steps down that slippery path, but instead stay self aware enough to catch yourself heading in that direction and turn things around right away.

Health and well-being focus. I trust in the unfolding of my destiny, grounded in faith, clarity, and self-love.

Safe in my Shelter – You have a tendency to retreat when you feel vulnerable. Remember that this affects not just you, and you have others in your life that are ready and eager to support you. Touch in with those people that hold a piece of your heart and let them in, even when you are feeling vulnerable or defensive.

You need others…. especially when your negative inner narrative is trying to tell you that you have to handle things on your own and protect yourself from being hurt. That narrative does not have your best interests or well-being at heart.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

The Line of Sight atop Dancing in the Rain – Sometimes to accomplish your goals and get where you want to go, you have to take the unpleasant experiences that come with getting there.  Hike on the mountain and seek the treeline, expect to freeze your ass off by the time you get to the top.  Swim in the ocean, expect there to be seaweed… and possibly sharks.

Instead of being fearful of these things or allowing them to dissuade you from your goals, think ahead and do what you can to prepare yourself. You may not be able to prepare for every eventuality or avoid every unpleasant experience along the way, but by being prepared, even if just mentally, for them to come?  You are better able to weather the storms that may come.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Dried Pansy Flower for for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE ORACLE OF WANDERINGS

📆 Transitioning from February to March

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End of Month Check-In Tarot Reading with The Somnia Tarot

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

Queen of Swords – It’s time to rise. Leave behind what is needed to rise to your potential, and accept help from those in the know rather than doing all the work yourself. You can put on an unaffected front even if you are more deeply involved in the equation than it seems. The Queen is the power behind the crown (as opposed to beneath it), guiding the way, as each powerful and wise King has one whispering in their ear.

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

Knight of Pentacles – Practicality and slow movement can only get you so far. The time for movement and action is now upon you. Leave the drag of sluggishness behind and get moving.

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

Two of Wands – To move forward you have to have a plan. Don’t waist the time of stillness in inaction that you’re unable to get past or control, but instead use it wisely to plot your course forward.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Seven of Cups Rx – Take care that you don’t become stymied by too many options. If you don’t stay laser focused on what you want and the opportunities that can get you there, you will become mired in indecision.  Lots of options isn’t always a good thing, so don’t let them become a distraction.

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

King of Swords – Decisiveness is the key to getting where you want to go. Listen to good sense, and don’t let those previously mentioned opportunities that have nothing to do with your end goals distract you and bog you down. Now’s not the time to become scattered, but rather to strategize and make strong, focused decisions.

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

The Chariot – Remember that even in times when you are forced into a corner, you still have choices and autonomy. In those moments, you may feel powerless, but just because your options are limited doesn’t mean there are none. It just may take some creative thinking to continue moving things forward in the direction you want to go.

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

The Tower – Remember with every “shit happens” that you have survived, you have become stronger. It may feel like the world around you is crumbling, but it’s only adding to the ground beneath your feet, lifting you up so that you will sit higher, and thus have higher ground for the next round.

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

The Hanged Man – Delay in stagnancy is all well and good when you have something to contemplate, but sometimes it’s just a delay for the sake of a delay. You have the opportunity to mitigate the effects of that if you stay focused on your goals.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

The World – Finding the finish line isn’t always easy, and sometimes even when you reach it you think you have a long way yet to go. Make sure you are paying attention so that you don’t miss your moment to finish things.

Message from the Spirit World – Use your times of stillness to strategize towards finishing things.

Message from the Mind’s World – Times of slowness can allow you to seek council in plotting your course.

Message from the Physical World – Seize control of your moments of indecision in order to avoid chaos and possible tragedy.

Take Away – After a very long time that felt like stagnant inactivity where life and the cards both seemed to be saying to “wait” and let things move at their own pace, here is a call to action. It’s time to begin moving again, and the first step to that is planning and strategy. Time to get your ducks in a row.

DECKS USED: THE SOMNIA TAROT