Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

🌕 Full Moon in Scorpio – May 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 Ethony

Full Moon in Scorpio Oracle Reading with the Mewni Tarot, Hear Here Oracle, and Hear Here Home Oracle

Where in my life can I seek deeper meaning?

True Love and Bloom – Lean into the love you share with your partner and the connection you have with them. It is through this relationship you can find deeper meaning in life and what you are doing here in the world. This person above all others is the person in your life that helps to shine a light on your purpose and the qualities in yourself that you tend to otherwise miss. So let that connection bloom and shine brightly.

What shallow shit needs to stop?

Death, Expand, Heal – Stop looking at change as something to avoid and run away from. It’s really not that scary. Instead, try to look at change as an opportunity to expand from where you are now and heal from the things that you are leaving behind.

What instincts do I need to trust?

The Hungry One and Create – If you’re not getting what you need, maybe it’s time to consider “growing your own”. There are times in life when those things you need cannot be provided for you. Instead, you need to create opportunity and fulfill your needs on your own. If you feel the need to create something new? It’s time to look at why you’re feeling that need, and what this creative endeavor will end up fulfilling for you and your life.

What relationships do I need to tend to?

Princess and Ground – Those relationships in your life that are high maintenance are in need of a reality check. Bring their expectations back down to earth instead of trying to comply with their demands.

How can I express my sensual side?

The Hanging Cat and Open – Seek a new perspective, and be open to experimentation.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Battle Strength and Invigorate – Be ready. Make sure that you are alert, aware, and motivated to move when the time comes to do so. Now is not the time to let things you can prevent from doing so catch you by surprise.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE MEWNI TAROT, HEAR HERE ORACLE, AND HEAR HERE HOME ORACLE

Beltane 2025 – 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.

May Day

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 Midsummer celebration in June.

Beltane Tarot Reading with the Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, and Healing Herbal Cards

Theme of the Season – Welcome the May, Waxing Crescent, Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

The phrase “Welcome the May and the Greening of the Land” speaks of the change of season that happens around May Day / Beltane.  Finally, the trees are budding with new leaves and the world is turning green again. The deciduous trees and bushes are once again leafing, the evergreens are sprouting new tips, and wildlife is stirring to life, coming out to enjoy the sunshine.  It is a time of awakening, where those plants that have been stirring to life since March finally begin showing the fruits of their labors invisible ways.

The Waxing Crescent Moon is a moon phase that is often considered a time of growth and determination, associated with making plans on what you want to accomplish and taking those first steps in that direction. It is a time when the moon’s energy is building, and with it we can use that energy to our advantage in strengthening our own resolve.

The herb Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) is often seen as a weed, but exhibits antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties that has had it being used in folk medicine around the world to treat a wide range of maladies that span from diarrhea to diabetes, from skin disorders to inflammatory conditions, as well as many forms of menstrual and gynecological issues. The last of which connects with its metaphysical properties as well, where it is seen as an herb used to connect with feminine energy, create flow and growth of the feminine within us, and encourage creativity.

When looking at these three cards together, the message seen here is that now is a time in your spiritual path when reawakening your “feminine” side and setting goals in that direction is in its prime.  Take time to connect with your creativity and intuition, as well as those softer and warmer sides of your personality. Remember that it’s okay to be vulnerable, and that this vulnerability does not make you weak, but merely stronger in a different way.

Earth – Ace of Cups – A lot of your focus right now is on learning how your emotions affect your body and the physical world around you. It can be hard sometimes to look outward when something new and confusing is trying to draw your focus within, but it’s a part of the process of learning about your emotions to understand in what ways they influence your body and the world beyond yourself.

Air – Seven of Wands – Take care not to let others bait you into going on the offensive. You are susceptible to this right now. Remember that there is no need to defend yourself, your beliefs, or your values to others. As long as you are secure in them yourself, that’s what matters. 

Water – Knight of Pentacles – Don’t twist and turn trying to fight against the slowness of your progress. Just taking things as they come is enough. Pushing for more is just putting a great deal of unnecessary strain on you that doesn’t need to be there and won’t help.

Fire – Queen of Cups – Instead of continuing to pick apart and berate yourself for what you’re doing wrong or isn’t working, try a little more radical self-acceptance and encouragement.

Waning – The Crossroads and Light – Stop looking for a guiding light to lead you out of the darkness. That’s not what this lesson is about.  Although we aren’t speaking of “embracing the dark” here, what is needed is acceptance rather than banishment. Understanding rather than rejection.

Waxing – The Comforter and Standing Stone – By giving yourself that acceptance and understanding mentioned above, you create a space of strength within you that you can lean on when needed and others find safe and secure.  It’s something that has to come from within.

Take Away – You are in a vulnerable place right now where emotions are taking the center stage. If you feel like you are twisting in the wind? It’s because you are in fact doing just that. It’s in connecting with your values and finding the strength to accept and be kind to yourself that you will build the inner strength needed to carry through.  This is a time of growth and vulnerability, not a trial or a test.

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

Transitioning from April to May

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Month End Tarot Reading with the Wild Reflections Tarot and The Light Seer's Tarot

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

Queen of Pentacles – You are working on not just finding, but also nurturing a better sense of balance and stability in your life in the areas where responsibility has been taking the lions share of your time, energy and attention of late.  You’ve realized that through this balance you can not just take better care of yourself, but in doing so you can create greater stability for others too.

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

Page of Swords atop Four of Swords – You can try as you might to put new ideas to rest, but you won’t be able to get far with this if you don’t at least write them down. Doing so will help you from being carried away by them, and keep them from disappearing into the ether of memories lost as well.

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

The Hanged Man – You feel the need to lean into the ability to pause and observe, rather than act. There have been a lot of readings lately that have been steering you in this direction, and you are doing your best to embody that message as best you can at this time.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

The Hierophant – Don’t let the way things have always been done hold you back from thinking outside the box and finding new paths forward. Tradition is all well and good, until it becomes a problem. There has to be a balance between traditional methods and innovation. Neither is ideal on their own.

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

Eight of Swords – There are some things you’re not meant to see or understand.  Just because you choose to accept this fact doesn’t mean being in the dark necessarily has to hold you back. Move forward regardless of what you can’t see, and trust that your steps will steer you true even when you’re unable to get a clear picture of what lies ahead.

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

Eight of Cups – Remember the reasons why you have chosen to walk away. You need some memory lane time with these events in your life where you’ve stepped away in the past, in order to refresh your memory on why letting go is an important step and touch upon guidance on how to do so with grace.

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

Temperance – This card always makes me think of a young Gideon. His casual seat seems to always be telling me that I’m wound up too tightly.  There is a reminder here that sometimes you have to “fake it until you make it” when it comes to casual ease and relaxation. You’ll never get there if you don’t try, so stop letting yourself get wound up tighter and tighter. Keep trying to untie those knots, even if you don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere with it.

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

Three of Pentacles atop King of Cups – Don’t allow yourself to get too emotionally invested in the projects of others right now. You have enough on your plate without trying to direct something that doesn’t have all that much to do with you and doesn’t really need to be in your hands anyway. Hold yourself apart instead and let the others sort it out.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

The Fool – More fun. Make sure that you are taking care not to let too much responsibility weigh you down. You can only put so much on your plate, and the more you put on there? The harder it becomes to take time  just to find a little joy in life to savor.

Message from the Spirit World – It would be folly to allow others to deceive you into believing you can emotionally handle being a part of their projects right now. You will sacrifice too much of your own personal freedom and happiness by going down that path.

Message from the Mind’s World – There is much you can learn from moments of stillness by remaining quiet, maintaining your peace, and watching closely from an objective distance.

Message from the Physical World – Make sure when you decide it’s time to turn over new leaves that you aren’t carrying forward with you too much of the past and its baggage.  Lessons learned in the past are all well and good, but you need to let go of the pain, resentment, and other weights associated so that only the lesson itself comes forward with you into the future.

Take Away – Wait and watch is the theme at this time. Lots of observation, little action. Maintain what needs maintained and learn what you can by watching others sort out their own problems for once. Work on accepting that in order to have a little fun, you just can’t be on top of things 100% of the time… and that that’s a perfectly alright sacrifice to give for the joy of those moments of fun and enjoyment you get in return.

DECKS USED: THE LIGHT SEER’S TAROT AND WILD REFLECTIONS TAROT (MIX DECK)

🌑 New Moon in Taurus – April 2025

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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 @hermitsmirror

New Moon in Taurus Oracle Reading with The Bloodlands Oracle

CLEARING – What burning ache is it time to let heal?

Anthelion (Spirit) – You need to work on not worrying so much about upcoming changes so that you can flow with the changes more easily instead of trying to resist them when they arrive. Stop worrying that whatever changes coming are going to be catastrophic, for even if it is, you will recover from it and move on. It won’t be the end.

TRANSITIONAL PAUSE – Where do I have momentum to carry me forward with ease?

Crossroads (Air) – Instead of balking at changes, whether they be gradual or forced upon you in chaos, try to remember to look upon these shifts as new opportunities to seize upon that in the end could lead to something even better.

NEW SEEDS – How can I cultivate abundance in my own life and for others?

The River (Water) – Keep moving. Stagnancy is not your friend. This is why working to go with the flow of change rather than fighting against it is such an important part of growth. You harness the immense power and energy of change to your benefit when you go with the flow instead of resisting.

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS – What self-indulgence is tonic for my weary soul?

The Dolman (Earth) – Ruminating on good memories that you have built into your history in the more recent past, rather than on the harder and more painful ones of your more distant past, can help to ease your soul when you are feeling “tight” and worn through.

PLANETARY BOON – How can I nurture the beauty in my world?

The Lightning Strike (Fire) – Keep in mind that cataclysm ultimately results in growth. If shit’s gonna hit the fan, go with it and let that shit become fertilizer for what you grow out of the rubble after everything else has fallen.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

The Old Bridge (Earth) – Long-standing and trusted friendships are your ally at this time. Keep them close and appreciate their presence in your life.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TTHE BLOODLANDS ORACLE

🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Connecting to Earth’s Gifts

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Prompt: “Pull a random card, then spin the wheel to be given an herb to work with. Share with us your card, and tell us what similarities or differences you find between the herb and your card. The info you use can be on any aspects of the herb in question from cooking, growth info, teas, personal experiences with the plant, medical, metaphysical, etc.”

[Safety Note:  I have based my writings on teas.  Although all three of the teas that the wheel offered to me are quite safe, if you are pregnant, have any medical conditions, or are on medication, please be sure to research risks, interactions, and side effects before consuming.]

Sucreabeille Perfume's Wildland Tarot - Page of Cups and PeppermintPage of Cups and Peppermint

Peppermint tea is often used to help in easing digestion issues, but it also has a number of other benefits from easing tension headaches and easing menstrual cramps, to improving sleep and concentration.

This is because peppermint acts as a muscle relaxer and a pain reliever. This is done through the menthol in peppermint, which increases blood flow while simultaneously providing a cooling sensation.

Often, the Page of Cups is traditionally interpreted a representation of a receptive “omega” energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, or intuition. This often translates into themes that have to do with emotional growth, second chance relationships, or exploring one’s imagination and creativity.

When combined with peppermint, there is a message here about relaxing into such creative pursuits. It can often be difficult to let go and just enjoy when dipping into our imagination and creative endeavors. We often are held back from experimentation and exploration by a need for everything to be perfect.

This herb with the Page of Cups encourages us to relax our grip on perfectionism and ease up on our expectations when delving into creative endeavors. Let go of expectation and the tensions that come with it, and let yourself be a bit messy.

Sucreabeille Perfume's Wildland Tarot - Ten of Pentacles and ChamomileTen of Pentacles and Chamomile

Chamomile tea is best known for its calming benefits, and is used by many as an anti-anxiety tonic to assist in relaxation and sleep. Chamomile has other benefits that are also worth noting. These include containing anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants, and having antispasmodic properties.

These qualities make chamomile an excellent choice for relaxation and putting one at ease during times of discomfort or stress.

The Ten of Pentacles is traditionally a representation of satisfaction and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with hard earned success, accomplishment, abundance, and stability that has taken time to accomplish and is now established enough to share that stability with those around you.

When combined with chamomile, there is a message here about not stressing the small stuff. It can be hard to turn off that hard push to drive for more and better than what you have now. Everyone needs to retire at some point, though, and turn their focus toward helping future generations or others around them find stability as well. Otherwise, the chaos continues around you and influences your stability even when you’ve reached your own success.

This herb with the Ten of Pentacles encourages us to look take a breath and let the constant drive pushing us forward to ease now and then. Sit back and check in with where you are, instead of always plowing forward toward more. You might be surprised with just how far you’ve come when you take a moment to look at things with a quiet and calm mind instead of the jangle of that inner drive ringing in your ears.

Sucreabeille Perfume's Wildland Tarot - Judgement and Lemon BalmJudgement and Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea, interestingly enough, holds benefits that are in many ways a combination of the previously covered peppermint and chamomile. Lemon balm is excellent for assisting in relieving indigestion and bloating, has been used to help in easing anxiety and promoting more restful sleep, and also has displayed beneficial neurological effects that improve cognitive function and memory.

These qualities make lemon balm an excellent alternative to chamomile or peppermint, and can be blended with either to combine their effects and benefits. (Although, on a personal note, it’s my opinion that peppermint and lemon balm don’t really taste good together… but that chamomile goes with just about everything.)

The Judgement card is traditionally a representation of looking back on one’s history and reflecting upon if they are happy with all that they have done and become in life, as well as getting in touch with one’s true calling, and themes to do with forgiveness and absolution.

When combined with lemon balm, there is a message here about how when we look at who we have become and where we want to go with that moving forward, that we don’t panic about how much time is passed and how much we might have left. It’s easy to become too focused on the goal and forget that what we really should be training our attention on is the journey, not the end.

This herb combined with the Judgement card encourages us to slow down and enjoy the journey. There’s no rush to get to the end of things. Let things move at their own pace so that when you eventually find yourself at the end of the journey? You can look back on all of your memories and be happy that your time wasn’t wasted, but rather… enjoyed.

DECK USED: WILDLAND TAROT

🌕 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?

Amitié – 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