Compendium of Witches Oracle

Second Harvest 2023 – Autumn Equinox

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Tomorrow 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 that 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 Altar

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. Unfortunately, I was unable to do my normal Sabbat reading this month, so I picked one off the internet that fit the theme of the holiday to do instead.

Autumn Equinox Spread with the Poison Apple Tarot Oracle

Where to focus my energy this season

Judgement – Staying true to yourself and who you want to become is where you need to ensure your energy is focused this season. There will always be potential distractions to draw you off track, and that is potentially even more true as we lean into the journey towards the final harvest next month.

Growth I’m bringing into Autumn

The Hierophant – You have learned a lot of skills over the summer that you will carry with you not just into Autumn, but the rest of your life. Physical skills, emotional skills, interpersonal skills.  How to take care of others as well as expanding on your own intuitive abilities. These things will in time become foundational knowledge for you so that you can stretch and grow even more.

An obstacle of this season

The Emperor – Don’t allow yourself to become an evil taskmaster pushing yourself too hard, and don’t allow others to treat you that way either. You only have a little bit of time to recover and find your center before chaos begins, and forcing yourself to push too hard now will be a detriment later.

Something to shed

The Touch – It’s time to lean into being less hands-on in the healing process of others. They need to re-establish their independence so that you can then re-establish your own.  When you do too much for them and help too much, it hinders that process.

Something to forgive

Wheel of Fortune – Life is unpredictable. It’s no one’s fault.  Don’t blame yourself… don’t blame others either.  Just roll with it and move on.

Something to harvest

The Gift – As previously touched upon with the Hierophant above, make sure that you are taking time to acknowledge the gains you have made over the past few months in your abilities, both mundane and more.

Something to embrace

The Fool – Head into Autumn with enthusiasm. Don’t get hung up on the shit that will try to hold you back or drag you down.

DECKS USED: POISON APPLE TAROT AND ORACLE

First Harvest 2023 – Lammas/Lugh

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Tomorrow is Lammas, which is known as the First Harvest of 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).

First Harvest Moon

This holiday is often referred to as 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. It is a time filled with a combination of abundance, hard work, and gratitude.

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. Unfortunately, I was unable to do my normal Sabbat reading this month, so I picked one off the internet that fit the theme of the holiday to do instead.

Lughnasadh Tarot Reading with the White Neuman Tarot

What skill have you grown that will best serve you?

The Devil Rx – Resisting temptation and being more discerning in indulging in your addictions.

What is still ripening and needs time to further mature?

Nine of Pentacles – Learning to appreciate your accomplishments and those things in life that make you feel fortunate, rather than ignoring them for the negative viewpoint or your ambitions.

What needs to be sacrificed/released for you to prosper?

Ten of Wands – Stop trying to do everything. It’s too much. If you don’t want to drop it all and screw it all up, you need to start selectively lightening your burden where you can.

Will your current path serve you well as we prepare for the darker months?

Page of Wands Rx – Not really… No. You need to be open to learning a different way to getting to what you really want.

What do you need to focus on between now and the autumnal equinox to prepare?

Eight of Wands Rx – Make sure you are taking things slow. You still have plenty of time to prepare for the holiday rush, and there’s no need to push yourself right now.

DECK USED: WHITE NEUMAN TAROT

Identifying Obstacles

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tanya Teibtner's Tarot de Marseille - Eight of WandsToday’s draw is the Eight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of action, speed, alacrity, and having a target goal in your sights that you are charging towards.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I just noticed that this card is reversed in this image… and that that reversal holds relevance in today’s message.

When the Eight of Wands is reversed, it speaks of obstacles getting in the way of a smooth and steady flow forward, and I feel that the fact I initially missed that this card was reversed plays into today’s message in the card of the day.

The message today is to make sure you are paying attention to what’s holding you back and slowing you down.  Don’t just shrug it off and keep pushing forward anyway.  Instead? Give yourself time to look at what’s really going on and sort things out the right way… instead of the quick way.

DECK USED:  TANYA TEIBTNER’S TAROT DE MARSEILLE

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 25th

Old Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards ca.1940In what area can I use the beauty of nature to find joy or rekindle my passions?

The Safe and The Dog – Bring your friends into your adventures in nature right now. It may feel like a burden to do so, but remember wealth comes in many forms, and this is one of them for you right now.

Where do I begin?

The Switch, The Bride atop The Rider – Forgive and let things go already so that the relationship can flourish and move forward on a positive note.  You can’t invite them with you if there’s still resentment stirring inside you, so do the work needed to let go of those feelings so that you can enjoy their company.

DECK USED: OLD GYPSY FORTUNE CARDS ca.1940

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 25th: International Waffle Day – How can you best treat yourself today?

Tanya Teibtner's Tarot de Marseille - Nine of Coins, Six of Swords, Queen of CupsReading Summary: Focus on what you enjoy in your life and your accomplishments (Nine of Coins) and don’t worry so much about pleasing others today (Seven of Swords Rx). You need and deserve a supportive uplift as much as the next guy (Queen of Cups).

Take Away: You may not lean into people pleasing in the conventional way that most do, but it’s still something you struggle with in your own way.  For today, let go of the urge to make others happy and spend some time enjoying the fruits of your labors.  Doing so will give you an emotional boost that you are in need of right now, and deserve to enjoy.

DECK USED: TANYA TEIBTNER’S TAROT DE MARSEILLE

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 25th: A bromance between a tarot deck and an oracle deck.

Pagan Underworlds Tarot and the Compendium of Witches OracleThis is the Pagan Otherworlds Tarot and the Compendium of Witches Oracle.  Ever since the latter came into my home, they have been paired together and used for my Sabbat readings for each holiday on the Wheel of the Year.  I combine then with an herbal oracle that has a similar color scheme, and a collection of holiday cards I use to signify which holiday I’m reading for.

They read beautifully together, as you can see in my most recent Sabbat reading for the Spring Equinox. They, in fact, work so well together that I rarely ever use them separately for anything else.

DECK USED: PAGAN UNDERWORLDS TAROT AND THE COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, and I can’t for the life of me remember what my self-kindness on this day might have been.

Ostara 2023 – 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 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.

In my path, the Spring Equinox is also known as Ostara.  Although this holiday is celebrated (as Easter around) the world by those that embrace many traditions that originated in Paganism, most don’t realize the full and rich history that this holiday holds.

SpringEquinox

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 Tarot Reading with the Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, and Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Spring Equinox, New Moon, Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The Spring Equinox is a time of renewal. Buds are showing on the trees, early crocus and snowdrops are breaking free of the soil, farmers fields once dry and brown are beginning to green once more.  The energy is fresh and new, bright and ready to break free of winter’s hibernation, even if it has to do it in fits and starts in the beginning, it will continue onward as the daylight hours become longer and the earth is warmed by the sun’s return.

Like the Spring Equinox, the New Moon is also a time of great potential and the stirring of new energies.  As the earth plans its way forward towards spring, so too with this new moon is the energy ripe to plan our way forward and utilize the growing energy between now and the full moon to its fullest.

Dandelions are an antioxidant and are excellent for stimulating digestion. It’s often used in cleansing the liver and kidneys.  It is cleansing properties fall over into the metaphysical as well, as it can be used to disperse negative energies, and is associated with abundance, wishes, hope, and luck.

When looking at these three cards together, I am reminded about what the energies at this time of year are all about and the renewal that can happen when you set aside the negative aspects of your past to focus on the positive.  I was never really much of a believer in the “power of positive thought”.  In fact, it was one of those things that could be guaranteed to create an eye roll in me for much of my life.  And yet?  After finally giving in and giving it a try?  I can’t deny the benefits it creates.  No, it doesn’t erase the bad, nor should it be used to ignore the bad… but it definitely makes the bad far more tolerable to work through.

Earth – Strength – Your connection with others is strong right now, as your influence. More so than usual, considering how much you like to avoid social obligations. Use this time to help steer things in the direction you want them to go.

Air – Knight of Wands Rx – You’re not feeling particularly inspired or impulsive right now when it comes to your spiritual path. Remember that it’s okay to have some downtime now and then, and it can keep you from acting (or reacting) rashly.

Water – Three of Swords – As indicated in the air position of this reading, you are currently in the space of a “down time”. Stop beating yourself up about it and referring to yourself as a disappointment. It’s okay to drop the ball sometimes… in fact it’s needed, and isn’t something that you need to be punishing yourself for.

Fire – Five of Coins – As already noted in this reading. your energy is scarce at the moment and you are in a time of hibernation. Don’t worry, the thaw will come eventually, and you will come out of this hibernation refreshed.

Waning – The Shapeshifter and Light – You spend a great deal of time trying to grasp other’s viewpoints and empathize with their situations, illuminating their experiences so that you can not just find common ground but understand their way of doing and seeing things.  Right now, though?  It would be better to step back from this on your spiritual path and focus more on your own practice and path instead for a time.

Waxing – The Stargazer and Storm – Tests and trials are coming.  Ground and root yourself into your own practices for a time, and you will eventually be ready to open up and be receptive once more. For now, it’s time to focus closer to home on those things that are unique to your own path.

Take Away – You are in a period of rest right now. Sometimes breaks are necessary, and often they are when you experience the most growth, just like a child experiences the greatest growth spurt while they are asleep in their beds. Don’t get down on yourself about taking this time. It’s all a part of the process.

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

Imbolc 2023

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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.

Imbolc

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 the Sabbat Themed Art Card, Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, and Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Imbolc, Waxing Gibbous, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

In order to begin, we must prepare, and Imbolc is all about that time of preparation. Rebirth is coming soon with spring on the horizon, and this time of year is all about preparation for what is to come. Whether this is prepping the land with the first plow, cleaning the home, or allowing yourself a little extra care and cleansing… now’s the time to begin preparing, setting intentions, and getting all your ducks in a row.

Like the theme of Imbolc itself, 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?

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a common herb that is often used in cooking. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties, and has long been used to help in healing minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes. It also has been shown in studies to increase blood flow, and reduce blood sugar and blood pressure. In metaphysical circles, it is often used in spellwork that has to do with courage, building up one’s strength, and happiness, as well as healthy sleep and preventing nightmares.

When looking at these three cards together, the message I see here is a reminder that preparations made are not meant to control outcomes, but to pave the way towards what we seek to succeed at. Yes, being prepared can influence outcomes, but so can so many other things in life. Instead, they are meant to make things easier for you moving forward, often by clearing away obstacles that might otherwise end up in your path down the road.

Earth – Three of Pentacles – Collaboration with others is something that it took you a long time to get a handle on and learn to accept. You have done really good with it through the past few months, and need to make sure that you continue on with that theme going forward. The busy season is not the only time when you need a helping hand. Let others around you carry a bit more of the load.

Air – Judgement – Working on keeping negative self talk in check is extremely important. All that negativity has a tendency to pull you off track and keep you off center.  Don’t allow yourself to get to the end of your life and look back and think “Damn, I wasted so much time and energy on being a dick to myself that I missed out on all I could have become.”

Water – Page of Cups Rx atop Six of Cups – Experiences from your past are weighing heavily on you right now. Stop trying to push these feelings away or they will impact your creativity. Deal with them instead.

Fire – Eight of Wands Rx – You may be moving slowly at the moment, but still moving forward. Take things one step at a time so that you don’t allow slow movement to turn into stillness and stagnancy.

Waning – The Soothsayer and Standing Stone – Step aside for a bit concerning your explorations in mediumship. Just as you can’t be “on” all the time with your work and responsibilities, neither can you allow yourself to be “on” all the time in this journey. Down time is needed so that you can stay strong..

Waxing – The Dusk Child and Moon – Help yourself to better navigate the encroaching darkness instead of ignoring its approach.

Take Away – There is an impressive amount of prominently phallic symbols in this reading, speaking of your renewed vigor and encouraging you to enjoy it to its fullest.

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

Winter Solstice 2022 – Yule

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The Winter Solstice is tomorrow! 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.

Yule

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 Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, Solstice Cards, and Healing Herbs Oracle

Theme of the Season – Winter Solstice, New Moon, Zea Mays

The Winter Solstice is a time of celebration that the light is to begin returning to us.  From now on 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.  It is the very first step towards warmer weather, spring, and rebirth.

This year, the Winter Solstice lands on the Waning Crescent Moon. This is a very auspicious time for the Winter Solstice, as the holiday itself is about the end of the cold winter and rebirth of light upon the world as the days begin to become longer. With the Waning Crescent Moon, we see themes that do with putting away and setting aside the old so that we can begin making room for the rebirth to come.

Corn (Zea mays) is associated with the sun and the elements of fire and earth, and are often associated with good luck, abundance, prosperity, and the balance between life and death.  Arriving as it does in this card on Winter Solstice, this card reminds us that the sun will soon come again.  It is a promise of what is to come, just as this holiday is as a whole.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is all about looking forward to the thaw.  Yes, it is still a long way off, but there is good fortune and warmth coming, and the first and finest seeds of that are being planted in the present so that they can awaken as the sun becomes more and more present each day… and flourish as spring and summer eventually arrive.

Earth – Nine of Cups atop Three of Cups – It’s time to once again return to leaning into what makes you happy and celebrating those things you enjoy. Spoil yourself with the bounty of what lies all around you.

Air – Ace of Cups – Don’t sink into your head, but instead be open to the return of your emotions now that the holiday rush is coming to the end and let them flow freely.

Water – Wheel of Fortune – Not everything is going to go 100% smoothly all the time. Just make sure that you are flexible enough to land on your feet no matter the scenario before you. Becoming disheartened and giving up will help no one.

Fire – Nine of Coins – Appreciate and enjoy what you have accomplished throughout the holiday season. I look at where you are with clear eyes and a positive outlook in order to keep yourself from falling into negative patterns.

Waning – The Weaver and Offering – Throughout the holiday season you have created many beautiful things that you have sent out into the world at a rapid pace.  Now that things are slowing down, it’s time to turn all that energy in another direction.

Waxing – The Alchemist and Bee – Creativity abounds, and with the support of your community around you, you will have the time and energy to pour into your creative spark. Give it some priority moving forward.

Take Away – Plant the seeds for what you want to flourish later on next year.  Now is the beginning of these things, so reflect upon what you want to accomplish and start planting those seeds in your life now.

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