Compendium of Witches Oracle

Second Harvest 2026 – Autumn Equinox

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Today is the Autumn Equinox.  This is considered by many to be the first day of Autumn, and is one of only two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator, and thus day and night are of equal length.  Like Halloween is a time when the veil between the land of the living and the realm of the dead is thin, this holiday (as well as its cross-point in the spring) are times when the veil between our world and that of the Fae is at is thinnest… and it is when I personally experience more interactions with them than any other time of year.

Mabon, the Second Harvest

In my path, the Autumn Equinox is also known as the Second Harvest (also called Mabon), and is a day that marks the transition of the growing season into full harvest.  After this day, the darkness of night begins to overtake the sun’s reign in the sky as the days continue to grow shorter and shorter, and the nights longer and longer. The earth is winding down its abundant generosity and beginning to close up shop for the year.

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 reading’s focus is about progress and my path. The time period for this reading reaches through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the upcoming third and Last Harvest of the year (aka. Samhain, Halloween) at the end of October. Spread by @onyerbroom

Mabon Oracle Reading with the Seasons of the Witch Mabon Oracle

Area Ripening – Harvest Moon

You have done well at finding a more moderate pace for yourself and tamping down on your unreasonable expectations concerning performance and perfection. As the fall season progresses towards winter, these new self restraints and efforts towards moderation will come with extra challenges.

Notice how you are utilizing your mindset and time to create this balance, so that you can use these tools later on when they are needed most. Make sure that you are tapping into those tools and that part of yourself that is in need of a slower pace so that you don’t overdo it during these times.

Needs Gathering – Coven

Don’t forget that you are not alone. You are connected to others who are eager to be there for you and help when you need it.

Make sure that you are staying connected with these people and appreciative of their efforts and their offers. In doing so, you continue to hold them near you even when you don’t necessarily need the help… so that they are there when you actually do.

Must Tend To – Campfire

Communication is extremely important at this time of year, letting people know not only that you are going to need them in the season ahead that is coming, but building the connections needed to make sure that they will be available to you when you ask.

Make sure that you are expressing your needs, including the future ones to come. In doing so you are giving those you love a heads up. Do not look at this as demanding their time on or inconveniencing them. Instead, tap into your awareness that they actually -want- to help and are looking for an excuse to join you.

Season Ahead – Tea Magick

There are a lot of hidden “magics” in your life that help to keep you healthy and happy throughout the year. When you ignore these tools that are embedded into your life in the day to day, you neglect important parts of yourself that you don’t even notice are flagging until it’s too late.

Make sure that you are drinking your tea, doing your meditation, and otherwise taking care of yourself so that you will stay strong and healthy as you move forward.

Other elements included in this reading:
Goat Figure as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH MABON ORACLE

First Harvest 2026 – Lammas/Lughnasadh

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Today is the First Harvest Celebration for 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).

harvest

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 First Harvest, though, I’ve chosen to do the Tarotholics First Harvest Spread instead of the regular spread I usually do at this time of year.

First Harvest Tarot Reading with The Luminous Void Tarot

Calves: How can I better express my needs and vulnerabilities to welcome in nurturing assistance?

Six of Swords – Tune into what is right for you, and make sure that you are rejecting those things that aren’t. When you clearly communicate what works for you and what doesn’t, others are able to more easily understand what you need and provide it for you.

Corn – How can I foster the gift of greater long-term prosperity in my life?

Nine of Discs – Gratitude is the path to abundance. When you appreciate what you have and what you have done, gratitude allows you to open yourself up to more in a healthy manner. The key here is in the “opening up” instead of pushing and pursuit.

Peridot: Where can greater focus and clarity draw out more joy in my life?

Seven of Cups – There’s always going to be more things in life that you’re interested in than there is time to explore them. By trying to explore too many of them at once, you end up overwhelmed and take the joy out of these experiences. Instead, be more judicial in picking and choosing which interests you pursue, and as a result, you will find more joy in the experience.

Golden Topaz: How can more authentic self-exploration improve how I see the world?

Judgment – When you connect not just with who you are, but with the person that you want to become, it allows you to see life as a journey of growth and experiences instead of a race or a trial to survive.

Crow: What message from beyond have I been ignoring that it’s time to acknowledge?

Queen of Discs – The stability you’re lacking (and thus crave) does not reside within resources or money, but rather it resides in the nurturing energy you feel is lacking in your life. If you want to find that stability, it is through nurturing yourself and allowing others to do the same that you will discover its source.

Basil: What risk or danger in my life is it time to take seriously?

Nine of Cups – There is danger in stagnancy and in wallowing in one’s comfort zone. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the things that make you happy and appreciate them, but it does mean you shouldn’t linger there so long that you start to wallow and languish instead of just enjoy and recover.

Why?

Queen of Cups – It isn’t just your body and mind that need nurturing, but your emotions as well. Stagnancy in nature creates an environment for rot and decay, and this is also true for one’s body, mind, and emotions. To nurture these things in yourself there is a need to actively pursue those things that make you smile and spark joy, rather than just wallowing in comfort.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE LUMINOUS VOID TAROT

Summer Solstice 2026 – Midsummer

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Today is the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year and one of the eight holidays that I celebrate throughout the year. This day marks the ‘official’ transition into summer and a shift from days that become longer and longer through the spring into days from here on out will grow shorter and shorter for the next six months.

midsummer

This holiday is often called Midsummer or Litha, although I usually just refer to it as the Summer Solstice. On my path, it celebrates the turning point of summer, where the build-up of creative energy from the spring crests into a time of abundance as we travel into the depths of summer in much the same way that the growing energies of the full moon crest before beginning to wane each month.

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 on each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This Midsummer, though, I’ve chosen to do a Midsummer spread by de_tarotjuf

Midsummer Tarot Reading with the Fauwna Tarot

Sun Energy: Which potential or light within me is asking for attention?

Seven of Swords – Pay attention to what you choose to take and what you deem to leave behind. Strategy only gets you so far, then you need to take a closer look at your priorities and possibly make a hard choice or two. In these moments, what will you prioritize? It’s time to start that prioritization now.

Earth Root: How can this light from within be nourished?

The Moon – Remember that clarity comes from confronting your fears instead of ignoring them. To have the clarity needed to make good decisions concerning your priorities, you can’t allow your fears or uncertainty to guide your choices.

Heart Connection: Which wisdom connects the energy outside with the root within and is my way of finding balance?

Ten of Swords – All things come to an end eventually. It’s what you do with that ending that creates the next chapter in your life.

Summer: Which action helps me anchor this light throughout the summer?

Eight of Swords – You can’t achieve clarity without some pursuit of it. Seek out truth instead of trying to bury your head in the sand and hope the discordance and struggle pass you by.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: FAUWNA TAROT

Beltane 2026 – 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.

Spring Lilacs

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 year’s Beltane reading isn’t structured like my normal Solstice practices, as I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, but instead is a lovely spread provided by @DarkFaeTarot

Beltane Tarot Reading with The Alchemical Tarot of Marseille

Tall wildflowers reaching the sky

King of Pentacles – You strive for the stability that you crave. This is a part of who you are. Instead of trying to abandon this part of yourself, consider working at managing it so that your craving for stability and security doesn’t become stagnancy, but instead creates an opportunity for growth.

Celebrating and embracing the joy of friends & family

Ace of Pentacles – Remember that sometimes when the opportunity lands in your lap to spend time with others, it does so for a reason. Take these moments for what they are… an opportunity to build stable and lasting relationships.

Everything that I am releasing as the days grow longer

Three of Swords – Use the movement of spring and the energies it stirs up to release disappointments and the negative emotions that stagnancy allowed to grow and fester within you. That energy and movement of spring offers a breeze to help blow away the dark pall that lingers and replace it with fresh air.

The grass beneath my feet

Ten of Swords Rx – It’s not over yet, so don’t act like it is. There’s plenty left to do, plenty left to experience, plenty left to enjoy, and plenty left still to overcome.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
River Rock for Resilience within Life’s Flow
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE ALCHEMICAL TAROT OF MARSEILLE

Winter Solstice 2025 – Yule

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Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice! This holiday is (in essence) the Pagan equivalent to Christmas. Fun fact… when Christmas was placed on December 25th, the church chose that day to coincide with the pagan holiday of Yule (because as most know, Christ was actually born in the spring, not in December).

Although many of us have been feeling like we’ve been in it for months, the Winter Solstice is the “official” first day of winter, and marks  its spot on the calendar not by its date, but by being one of only two days each year where the daylight and darkness are equal.  In my path, this holiday marks a day of hope for the future, and candles are lit to celebrate the return of the sun as it begins to now become more and more prominent with each day that passes and every day becomes longer as the nights decrease.

Christmas Socks

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 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 upcoming Imbolc at the beginning of February.

Winter Solstice Tarot Reading with the Jahreskreis Orakel Der Keltischen Feste, Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, and the Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1-3

Theme of the Season – Yule / Licht in der Dunkelheit, New Moon, Coriander (Ceriandrum sativum)

Yule (Light in the Darkness) is a time when we celebrate that the light is to beginning to once more return to us.  From now until mid-summer, each day will be longer and each night shorter.  With the longer days and the return of the sun, the earth will begin to warm and awaken.  This returning of the light is the very first step towards warmer weather, spring, and rebirth.

This year the Winter Solstice lands on the waning end of the New Moon. The New Moon is a time of beginnings, when we take the ideas we have been fostering in the back of our mind and bring them forward to prioritize and begin to encourage to grow. Planning is the first step to acting on one’s dreams, and the new moon encourages us to plot and plan to our heart’s content concerning those things most important to us, and that we want to accomplish or achieve.

Coriander (Ceriandrum sativum) is is metaphysically used to stimulate bold energies, awaken passions, and protect through clearing away issues with jealousy, ill will, and stagnant energies. Added to this, in areas of health, coriander is a source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is an antioxidant that is believed to assist in lowering blood pressure through its diuretic properties. Its essential oil also contains antibacterial properties.

When looking at these three cards together there is a pervasive message that speaks of a need to let go of those things that are “poisoning the well”  as the new beginnings that come with the Winter Solstice and New Year approach.   As the light grows, commit to allowing it to burn away the negative influences of ill will and stagnancy, so that the light can invigorate and heal.

Earth – Nine of Cups – Savor more. Work at living in the moment, and enjoying those moments to the best of your ability.  Seek out those things that make you happy and make the choice to enjoy them rather than brushing them aside for aspirations.  That time spent savoring creates a stability that all  your striving never can.

Air – Knight of Swords Rx – Watch out for moments of impulsiveness. Take care to make sure that you’re taking a pause and actually thinking things through before you act. This especially includes before you speak, particularly if you’re jumping forward to speak out of turn.

Water – Seven of Cups – Don’t allow your emotions to get involved in making decisions, or you may find yourself stuck and unable to choose which way to go. Logic is needed, and when emotions get involved, sometimes logic becomes harder to ascertain… or harder to actually choose out right.

Fire – Two of Pentacles – Lean into focusing on creating a good balance in your life between the opposing forces within you. Remember that balance is not stagnancy. It requires movement in order to be achieved and sustained.

Waning – The Dusk Child and Roots – “A balanced view relies on the acceptance of obscurity, just as a healthy tree relies on the nourishment of the black soil.” – Guidebook

It is best to linger on the surface for the time being, and allow the light to do the healing work that it needs to do for you. You’ve spent enough time in the dark, and your inner balance needs the light just as trees need sunlight.   Your roots are oversaturated.

Waxing – The Oracle and Scythe – Lean into the development of your intuitive abilities. Although logic is a solid foundation for making decisions, it shouldn’t trump the knowledge that comes from within.  Even without proof, that knowledge holds the high ground through its consistency at being right.

Take Away – Recommit yourself to the light as the warmth of the sun’s return burns through the darkness this Winter Solstice.  You need to focus more on your mindfulness, positivity, and optimism exercises to balance yourself out, and allow yourself to trust your moments of intuition without question.  Just take care not to mistake impulse for intuition. They’re not the same and the former can cause a lot of extra problems you don’t need.

DECKS USED: JAHRESKREIS ORAKEL DER KELTISCHEN FESTE, PAGAN UNDERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 – 3

Last Harvest 2025 – Samhain

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Today is the third and Last Harvest of the 2025 autumn season.  Although this holiday (which is also known by most as Halloween and by many as Samhain) is celebrated around the world by those that embrace the rich history of many traditions that originated in Paganism, most don’t realize that is what they are doing… or that this holiday carries special significance as the eve of the Day of the Dead when the veil is at its thinnest between our world and those that have passed.

Samhain

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 Winter Solstice (aka. Yule) in December.

Samhain Tarot Reading with the Jahreskreis Orakel Der Keltischen Feste, Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, Healing Herbal Cards

Theme of the Season – Anderswelt (Otherworld), Waxing Gibbous Moon, Evening Primrose (Oenethera biennis)

Anderswelt (Otherworld) is a reference to the thinning of the veil during this time of year.  It is during Samhain when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, and many of the traditions and activities practiced during this time are based in either protecting us from the negative spirits that might come through, or welcoming in those of our loved ones that come to visit.

This Samhain, we are on the cusp of the Waxing Gibbous Moon. Metaphysically speaking, the Waxing Gibbous Moon is a time of preparation for rebirth. Soon, the full moon will be upon us, and its power at its peak. During this time, power is building and condensing, and we must be active in planning what we are going to do with that power when it reaches its peak in another few days. Do we want to siphon off of that growing power a little at a time? Or do we want to let it build into something bigger and greater that we can utilize all at once?

Evening primrose is a symbol of rebirth, helping us to release old wounds and other emotions that weigh heavily on the heart that have been carried with us from childhood.  This release opens us up to allow for a rebirth of joy and enjoyment.  Medicinally, this plant’s essential oil is used to also release us from pain and discomfort to make room for healing, as it is used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, menstrual cramps, and labor pains.

When looking at these three cards together, what I see here is a reminder that when we allow ourselves to explore our past, it provides us with the healing needed to become stronger and better moving forward. This healing releases us from the weight and pain we carry in old scars and long-standing wounds, giving us a new lease on life. In the same way, working with one’s ancestors and loved ones that come to visit during this time can heal generational trauma as well, if we’re open to the experience of working with them in this way.

Earth – Eight of Wands Rx – Slow your roll. Taking things easy right now is the best course of action for you. There is too much activity going on with the veil being thin, and you don’t want to get so caught up in the whirlwind that you lose your footing.

Air – The Tower Rx – There is currently a lull in the chaos. It’s temporary, but it’s giving you the opportunity to rise a bit before the next plummet begins. Use this time to bolster your inner dialogue and get your head on straight… or a straight as you can get it.

Water – Five of Swords Rx – Again, we see a message encouraging slowing down and holding back. Now it’s not the time to leap forward into battle. You’re not emotionally ready for it right now.

Fire – Knight of Swords – Focus your energy in the past, and seeking restoration through healing past wounds. Now is the time to deal with these issues; while the veil is thin, and those from your past are here and present to assist you.

Waning – The Memory and Briar – There’s smooth sailing when it comes to dealing with your past at this time. You won’t end up tangled up in the ways that you normally would be, because during this time you have the assistance needed to make changes and heal.

Waxing – The Oracle and Ruins – Lean into your ancestor work and mediumship abilities right now, and do a bit extra to honor the past and those who are long-standing at your side.

Take Away – There is a lot of advice here on slowing down in forward growth, your future goals, and aspirations. Instead of growth and the future, during this last harvest while the veil is thin, you are encouraged to dip into the past and work with your ancestors and guides. Be open to their guidance and focus in this direction rather than on advancement..

DECKS USED: JAHRESKREIS ORAKEL DER KELTISCHEN FESTE, PAGAN OTHERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 – 3