Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

Ostara 2025 – Spring Equinox

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

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

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

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

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

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

Imbolc 2025

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

The time between February 1st and 2nd is Imbolc (also known as Candlemas, Imbolg, and Brigid’s Day), which marks the half way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and signifies the transition from winter into the first stirrings of spring. This holiday is about life renewing, but in the hidden darkness of cold months and dark earth. Deep in the darkness seeds stir and roots begin to feel the warming of the earth as the days grow longer and nights shorter. Life awakens, invisible in its infancy.

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 Spring Equinox at the end of March.

Imbolc Tarot Reading with a Sabbat Themed Art Card, Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, and Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Imbolc, Waxing Crescent Moon, Elder (Sambucus Nigra)

Imbolc is a new beginning, when candles are lit to beacon in the warming light of the sun and the very first stirrings of seeds and bulbs beneath the soil are yet unseen but begin to awaken.  It’s a time of new beginnings and rebirth.

The Waxing Crescent Moon is about intention setting and refining one’s goals. The moon has emerged with fresh energy, and it’s time to to connect with our new ideas, dreams, and goals. 

Sambucus Nigra is used to treat both influenza and the common cold alike, this herb is a Kickstarter to the auto immune system. Caution is needed, though, as the stem, leaves, raw and unripe berries, as well as the rest of the plant contains cyanogenic glycosides which breakdown into hydrogen cyanide in the body. This toxic chemical can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Cooking has the ability to neutralize these toxins.

When looking at these three cards together there is a reminder that in order to keep one’s feet on a healthy path, you need to take care to do your due diligence in the area of preparation and planning. This time of year offers lots of opportunity for refining one’s path and goals, but once you have your eyes set on what you want, there’s more to getting there than just keeping that in your sights. There has to be a plan, a sustainable one, that you can stick to which nurtures growth and progress.

Earth – Seven of Coins Rx – There is a feeling of having stalled out at the moment. The perception of stagnancy makes it feel like you’re not making any progress towards your goals right now. This isn’t necessarily true, as sometimes you must pause and wait for other things to move into place prior to acting. That means that this moment of stillness is also progress.

Air – Six of Cups – You feel like you’re spinning your wheels at the moment, and like you need to be doing something in order to get things to progress in the way that you want them to go. The problem is that there are so many options at the moment that any movement you make could be in the wrong direction. It’s better to sit still, wait, and watch where things go, rather than try and push them in one direction at this time.

Water – Six of Wands – Make sure that you are touching base at home and savoring your time there, as well as with the people that matter to you. It’s okay to want to please those you care about. Not everything has to be about moving forward. Sometimes, it’s about lingering in the moments of goodness with others and enjoying it (and them).

Fire – Three of Cups Rx – Make sure that the time you are spending with others is time that you are enjoying. Do not invite them in on your spiritual journey right now, though. They will have nothing to contribute to your efforts of getting yourself back in focus in this area.

Waning – The Scholar and Light – You have been feeling lost and struggling with clarity for a while now, and this trend looks to be continuing for a bit longer.  Don’t despair if you feel lost or as if you are in a holding pattern at the moment.  Use this time to rest instead of pushing yourself to find a way to move forward.

Waxing – The Weaver and Distaff – Here again we see mention that now is a time of stillness and planning, rather than action. Take charge of your urges and don’t fidget or stress that things aren’t moving at a pace you’re used to or would normally aim for.

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

📆 Transitioning from January to February

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Month End Oracle Reading with the Land of Giants Oracle and Spirit Cycle Oracle

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

Building and New Look – Well, we can’t get more on the nose than that. Tomorrow, the first payment of the levy for my condo building’s repairs come out and things are put in motion to begin the work. There’s been a lot of stress involved in getting the money for the levy together. These cards indicate that with papers signed and payments lined up, everything is now on its way to moving in the right direction.

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

Force and Barriers – You don’t have to keep pushing in this area.  You’ve fought your hardest through the month of January, and are battle scarred as a result. There’s no force needed now, though. Any pushing you do at this point will only make things more difficult.  Now that you’ve managed to get done what needed done, and the ball is now beginning to roll? Settle in and let things move at their own pace instead.

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

Dead and Dawn – Your need for vengeance is riding you hard right now. The clusterfx of January has someone to blame, and you want your pound of flesh for making such a mess of things. It’s okay to let it go now, though. You’ve already done enough. Like the boots left behind by the dragon after his meal, there is no need to choke down the boot leather as well as the traveler who wore them.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Past and Yearning – There’s no point in looking back on what was and wishing you could return to it.  There’s going to be a few hurdles still to go before things calm down for you again, and you need to keep your eye on the prize and optimistic about getting there, rather than looking behind you and wishing for what’s been left behind in the past.

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

Frugality and Dream Tree – Having to refinance your mortgage has really helped you in getting all your ducks in a row financially, and this new level of organization is allowing you to not just see where your funds are going, but the possibilities of what you can do with them moving forward as well.

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

Indolent and Self-Awareness – Stop looking at the times you need a little rest or are enjoy a bit of relaxation as laziness. That word… “laziness” is an echo from the past. It’s not your word, but a viewpoint you have been conditioned to see through past treatment from others.  It’s time to work on re-framing these moments into a healthier perspective.

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

Absolution and Nurturing – When you seek forgiveness from within, it helps everything feel a little healthier and a little better.  Sometimes you just have to accept things as they are rather than always judging yourself harshly. No one else holds a grudge against you like those you hold against yourself. Cut yourself some slack and give yourself a little kindness, and you will thrive far better than starving yourself of these things would ever manage.

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

Imploring and Rough & Ready – Don’t ignore the danger hidden among the weeds.  Don’t give second chances to those that don’t deserve it. Keeping your eye on the prize is one thing, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be looking around and acknowledging the risks and dangers that are far closer than you think.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Famous and That’s All – I can’t say that fame has ever been one of those things that I’ve ever been interested in, but I do enjoy being admired.  These cards indicate that the opportunity is there. That when you remain close to those that matters and watch over them, you earn the most valuable kind of admiration of all.  What more recognition does one really need?

Message from the Spirit World – Working hard towards something doesn’t have to mean it’s all about immediacy and force. Sometimes it’s important to take things a little at a time instead, and in the end you achieve what you really value most instead of the less important goals you’d set your sights on in the first place.

Message from the Mind’s World – Sometimes the negative inner narratives in your head that hold you back can’t be overcome by force.  Instead, a chance of scenery is needed to put them in their place and show them just how inconsequential they are.  Get out in nature and breathe deep.

Message from the Physical World – You are in need of rest and self-care.  You’ve been through a lot of stress lately, and it’s time to give yourself the TLC you deserve (not to mention have more than earned in the past month of struggle, strife, and tribulation).

Take Away – It’s time to step back and let things move at their own pace.  Not just with the mortgage and the bank, but with the levy, with your work worries, and with everything else too.  Don’t push right now. Not yourself, not anything else either.  Just take it easy and let things roll along. Whatever pushing you do is only going to get in the way and slow things down right now.

DECKS USED: LAND OF GIANTS ORACLE AND SPIRIT CYCLE ORACLE

📆 Transitioning from December to January

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Month End Lenormand reading with the Petit Lenormand Noëldine

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

Anchor and Fox – You are finding yourself with the urge to avoid risk and take things slow with others. Although you are feeling stable and comfortable in who you are, you are currently feeling cautious about moving out of your shell, and feel the need to take things at a slow and careful pace.

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

Woman and Ship – The absent woman needs to remain absent. Although they are on their way, they are still at a distance and have been missing for some time. Now is not the time to welcome a return with open arms.

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

Star and Man – A hopeful, positive, and optimistic outlook with a sense of self-possession and stability. Your dominant temperament is rising. Make sure you take these urges to a good place, and don’t let your negative tendencies smother them or turn them toward somewhere dark.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Fish and Book – Financial tomfoolery is afoot, and there are important lessons to be learned from an incoming experience that you are not going to enjoy. This makes perfect sense considering the building levy quickly approaching that you need to make time to see a financial advisor about this month.

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

Key and Path – New avenues are about to land in your lap that you need to open yourself up to. Just because they aren’t the plan you had in mind doesn’t mean it’s not the right path for you. Don’t be stubborn. Be open minded and don’t allow yourself to get stymied by indecision or bullheadedness.

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

Tree and Bear – There are those in your past that were meant to create a sense of stability in your life, but did not. This lack of stability from others when it was so sorely needed may have made you the fiercely independent person you are today, but has also had long reaching negative effects on your health.

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

Sun and Moon – Take time to reflect upon those in your life that have helped you to sort through your emotions. They are the light that shines upon your moments of uncertainty, and help everything make sense. Be mindful to turn toward them instead of away.

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

Letter and Mountain – Do not allow communication to stagnate between you and others. The longer you hold back and more you avoid dealing with communication issues, the more insurmountable those issues will begin to feel.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Mice and Birds – People talk and the assholes are restless. Make sure that you are paying attention to what’s going on around you, and any hint of whispers on the wind. You are not being paranoid, but instead need to be prepared to act quickly and decisively as soon as any issues arise.

Message from the Spirit World – In times when struggles approach and you feel held back or cornered in, be true to yourself and listen to what your gut is saying instead of the murmurs and whispers of those that seek to break your self-confidence.

Message from the Mind’s World – It’s okay for the softness within you to be on the retreat for a time. Know thyself. Know your needs and own them. Embrace the dominant side and have fun with it while it’s on the rise.

Message from the Physical World – Protect your health with time proven methods you’ve researched and developed over time. When you feel better physically, you feel better emotionally as well.

Take Away – There are warnings here about harmful rumors approaching and troublemakers trying to skirt along the edges. Be proactive and stay on top of these issues instead of putting them off until later.  Being decisive is needed in this area.

Take care of your physical health, and make sure that you are communicating openly with others about how you are feeling emotionally.  These two aspects of  your well-being are connected and work together.

Deal with the levy issue as soon as possible and don’t plant your feet in whatever plans you’ve been making in the back of your head.  That financial advisor has good advice to give and a  possible better route through the financial struggles to come than the ideas and worries that you’ve been percolating on.

DECKS USED: PETIT LENORMAND NOËLDINE