Compendium of Witches Oracle

Last Harvest 2022 – Samhain

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Coming up on October 31st is the third and Last Harvest of the 2022 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.

spooky_jack_o_lantern_halloween-wallpapdder-1920x1080

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 Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, Samhain Art Card, and Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Samhain, First Quarter Moon, Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Samhain is a time of connection. It is a time when those that have passed have the chance to reach through the veil that separates the living from the dead and connect with us… if we are open to that connection. It is a time to honor our ancestors, both of the blood… and of the spirit.

The First Quarter Moon is a time of preparation, when the world is building in energy and the moon is growing towards full. There is a moment… a pause here where the world takes a breath before the final plunge towards the peak of the moon’s energy.

The Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a representation of stability, responsibility, and strength. It is a spice used in protection as well in many rituals and spells. On mundane matters, it is an antioxidant, and also an antibacterial that has been used for centuries to fight bad breath and gum disease.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is one of preparation and protection. Reinforce your wards and make sure that you aren’t allowing yourself to to be pulled into interactions with those on the other side that could be harmful to you. Only through cleansing and protections can you ensure the season goes smoothly and you will be able to continue to build energy toward the full moon to come.

Earth – Seven of Cups – It’s time to par down on your responsibilities. This includes those things that you do on your spiritual path that you can cut back on during the season ahead. Practical matters need to take precedence.

Air – Death atop King of Swords – You have no time right now to be stuck up in your head. Make sure you are communicating clearly and helping to guide others through the transition into the holiday season as smoothly as possible.

Water – Three of Cups Rx – There is no room in your life first parties and revelry at this time. With the holiday rush upon you in a mere week, you have to buckle down and temporarily set aside your desire for fun and frolic.

Fire – Ace of Swords Rx – There is also no room for new ambitions and new ideas right now. Write them down and save them for later what’s the holiday season is over. You can then explore to your hearts content once more.

Waning – The Dusk Child and Ruins – Shadow work and the digging up of the past needs to take a back seat for a while.Time will come when you can pick up this part of your practice again, but for now it’s time to set such things to the side.

Waxing – The Shaman and Autumn – Pay attention to those things that feel like they are falling apart. It makes you feel vulnerable, but the process is actually one that builds strength if you are a part of the process instead of a “victim” of it.

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

Second Harvest 2022 – Autumn Equinox

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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 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

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 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 third and Last Harvest of the year (aka. Samhain, Halloween) at the end of October.

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

Theme of the Season – The Thinning Veil Art Card, Waning Crescent, Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

The Thinning Veil art card shows a depiction of a fox in a forest with the veil represented by the sparks of light in the air, and as he stands and looks through the veil, he sees the ghost of another fox on the other side. Mabon is a time when the veil begins to thin between us and the dead, but what is thinnest at this specific time of the year surrounding the Second Harvest is the veil between us and the Fae.  This is what I see in the imagery of this card, that veil.  The connection that can be found in the forests and woods where the liminal spaces between the Fae and our own world are already thin, and now become nearly non-existent.

The Waning Crescent Moon is all about finding balance through letting go, release, banishment, and atonement. It is a time when we seek to exhale the dregs of energies used, so that with the new moon we can then inhale fresh energy into our lives that will stir up creative juices and invigorate.  Now is the time to make room, cleansing away those last lingering leftovers and releasing what is finished and needs left behind.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is harvested for its roots, which are used most often to treat coughs, skin irritation, and digestive problems as it is excellent for forming a protective layer within the throat, on the skin, or within the digestive tract that can soothe inflammation and upset and in turn calm these ailments.  Metaphysically, it is often used in spellwork that involves gentle protection, love, fertility, and/or connecting with benevolent spirits.

When looking at these three cards together, the personal theme that I see here has to do with letting go of the “staying away from nature” bullshit that has been going on this summer and taking this time while the veil is thin between our world and that of the  Fae to get back out into nature.  Shed self restraint and the parts of you that are holding you back from getting out into those liminal spaces and getting what you need. Connect with the entities you know so well and spend time with them.  This is a part of your practice that has been sorely lacking this summer, and now is the perfect time to return to it.

Earth – Queen of Wands Rx – You have not been connecting with the earth in the way that you need of late, and now that energies are shifting and the temperatures are starting to cool it’s time to get back into the habit of getting out in nature on a regular basis. Don’t allow this disconnect to become a problem.

Air – Temperance – You have a tendency at this time of year to allow yourself to get locked into a mentality of deadlines. This is overwhelming and holds you back, so make sure that you aren’t dipping into those thought processes again this year. You still have plenty of time for the things you love before the holiday rush starts.

Water – Three of Coins – Finding balance is going to be a community effort this year. You don’t have to do it alone, and a lot of the things that you want to do alone you’re not going to get to do alone. Don’t let that hold you back.

Fire – Six of Cups Rx – Train your gaze on the present, not the past… and not the future either. Enjoy this time while it’s here instead of allowing yourself to be distracted by other things.

Waning – The Companion and Shell – You don’t need to protect yourself so very vehemently from others. Your vulnerability is not as obvious to them as you think, and only those you trust are going to see it for what it is.  Your walls are to high and built too thickly due to defense mechanisms you no longer need.

Waxing – The Crossroads and Hare – Dive into those liminal spaces you crave, but stay alert and aware of your surroundings as you do so.  Enjoy the present without worry about the future or casting your gaze back at the past.  It’s in the now that you need to be in order to savor the bonds this Mabon encourages you to reconnect with.

Take Away – It’s time to make reconnecting with nature and the liminal spaces that the forests have to offer a priority.  Enjoy what free time you have left before the holiday rush starts. Soon enough the time will come to deal with all that…. not yet tho.

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

First Harvest 2022 – Lammas

/ Twist the Leaf / 2 Comments

Today 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).

Lammas

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 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 Second Harvest (aka. Mabon, Autumnal Equinox) in September.

Lammas Tarot Reading for the First Harvest with the Pagan Otherwords Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, and Herbal Healing Oracle Deck Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Lammas, Waxing Crescent Moon, Elder (Sambucus nigra)

In this card a woman dances among sunflowers, celebrating in her harvest with the product of her labors cradled close under one arm and boline in the other hand ready to reap what she’s sown. There is pride in the angle of her jaw and tilt of her head, strength in her posture, and voluptuous elegance in her form.

The Waxing Crescent Moon is a symbol of growth, creativity, and attainment and welcomes the energies of positivity and expansion into one’s life.  It is a time for welcoming in new habits, new themes, and for leaning forward into changes that you wish to control the direction of with your actions and will.

The Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a tree of transitions and change, guarding liminal spaces and providing purification and protection within the transitional places that we travel between. The dried bits of this plant can be used for spellwork involving physical and emotional healing, as well as hex breaking, purification, and protection.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is one of healing through progress.  You are at a place in your life and upon your physical path where you have choices to make and these cards encourage you to lean hard into positivity and optimism.  Don’t allow yourself to step out of the light, but instead take an active role in making sure your harvests this year are abundant and plentiful.

Earth – Four of Wands – You are comfortable and relaxed in your path forward at this time. You know what needs done and have a solid plan as your foundation.  Use this energy to carry you toward your goals rather than wallowing in the comfort in more languid ways.

Air – Nine of Swords – Careful that you don’t let your worries become hurdles that hold you back.  Negative thoughts and a pessimistic inner dialogue won’t help you in making progress at this time.  Better to set these things aside so that you can move more freely and continue to charge forward toward your goals.

Water – The Moon Rx – Moments of uncertainty can feed into negativity. Make sure that you are not giving uncertainty the chance to grow and thrive in your life. If you have to “fake it ’til you make it”?  Do so.

Fire – Knight of Pentacles – Business is slow right now and that’s a good thing.  Don’t become restless during the lull, but instead use this time wisely on other things.  It won’t last forever and you want to work on what you can get done now so that when things pick back up you can feel a sense of accomplishment from the slow season.

Waning – The Memory and Pruning – It’s time to set aside self reflection and deep exploration of inner thoughts and feelings. Action is needed, and you can’t stand in stillness and mull things over, and -also- act at the same time.

Waxing – The Explorer and Mirror – Movement and knowing yourself.  This is the theme you need to lean into at this time.  You know what you want and need, and it’s time to take the steps and action to reach the fulfillment you seek.

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

Summer Solstice 2022 – 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.

summersunrise

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 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 First Harvest (aka, Lughnasadh, Lammas, Lughnasa, Lugh) on August 1st.

Summer Solstice Tarot Reading with the Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Herbal Healing Deck, and Compendium of Witches Oracle

Theme of the Season – Summer Solstice, Last Quarter Moon, Grass Lily (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

This year’s Solstice card shows an explosion of verdant growth under the nurturing rays of a radiant sun. It speaks of the abundance of the season and all of the growth that goes on during this time of year while the sun is shining bright and the earth is warmed into fertile ground.

The Last Quarter Moon is a phase that is dedicated to the energies of release and letting go. It is a time for gratitude, generosity, and for cutting ties with those things (and people) that are no longer benefiting you and your life.  As the moon has waned, we have examined what these things (and people) might be and it is in this phase of the moon that we now take action to cut those ties loose.

The Grass Lily (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is associated with themes that have to do with innocence, purity, honesty, hope, and forgiveness.  The flowers and bulbs contain cardiac glycosides, which make them toxic to humans and livestock. Although toxic, in certain regional areas they are (in moderation) eaten and/or used in homeopathic remedies.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here strongly echoes the phase of today’s moon and making sure that when you let go of those things that are no longer suited to you that you truly -let go- and don’t secretly cling on some internal level.  Make it a clean break so that you can foster the growth of new and better things.  These new and better things need room in which to flourish that can’t be cluttered with regrets or clinging to what’s being cut loose.

Earth – The Empress – With all that’s going on in your life and all you have plans to accomplish, make sure that you are not losing sight of what is really important. Take care of yourself. Take care of others. These things should come first.

Air – Justice – What goes up must come down and what goes down will bounce back up. Don’t let the ups and downs of life in the process of seeking balance frustrate you. Ride them like ocean waves instead.

Water – Three of Pentacles – “That penis didn’t erect itself, it had help.” (Quoting the voice in my ear.) A relationship is a group effort, not a solo mission. Take time to appreciate all that you and Gideon have accomplished together.

Fire – Ace of Wands Rx atop Page of Cups – No entertaining new ideas or inspirations right now. Explore what is already before you more thoroughly instead.

Waning – The Scholar and Goat – Your time of intellectual contemplation and stewing on plans in the background has come to an end. It’s time to start acting instead of thinking about it.  Movement is your friend.

Waxing – The Preserver and Pomegranate – Begin reaching for those things you value and moving into making sure that they are being cared for properly.

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

Beltane 2022

/ Twist the Leaf / 2 Comments

This Sunday 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.

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

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 Litha in June.

Theme of the Season – Beltane, New Moon, Viola tricolor

Beltane is a holiday permeated with themes that have to do with being in the peak of spring, fertility, and the growth and bounty of the summer to come. It is a holiday filled with the energy of anticipation and abundance.

The New Moon is a time of beginnings, where the seed of new energies are presented and the spark of energy for growth is sparked. It is a time to embrace new beginnings, set intentions, and launch new projects.

The Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor) is a beautiful wildflower that is also cultivated as an ornamental. It is a diuretic, as well as having been used to treat respiratory issues caused by inflammation, as well as certain skin issues like eczema. Metaphysically, the wild pansy represents represents purity, love, and death, and is often used in spellcraft surrounding these themes, as well as in easing grief from separation and loss.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is about letting go of expectations, and starting fresh.  This feels never more true than in this moment, in this time when I am between sickness… and recovery and wellness. My body purged clean.  A new start approaching.

Earth – The Devil – You are currently embroiled in a battle with your addictions and addictive impulses. Continue the good fight and keep a diligent eye to make sure that this battle doesn’t cause further disruption to your finances and home life.

Air – The Hermit – Take a moment to reflect on where you are and where you are going. Alone time might not be feasible at the moment, but reflection upon yourself and your path is. Consider who you want to be, and who you want to become.

Water – Six of Cups – You had a serious backslide this week in the area of your emotions. Acknowledge it, but don’t dwell on it. You can’t undo what has been done, but you can carry your mistakes with integrity and make sure they do not end up repeated again.

Fire – The Chariot – Seize control and make sure things are going in the direction you want with your business. When things are running smoothly here, the rest of your life often feels as if it’s easier to get it to fall in line.

Waning – The Explorer and Autumn – It’s time to stop allowing your melancholy and disrupted energy to hold you down and keep you stagnant. Allow the fresh air of spring to swirl through and sweep away the cobwebs.

Waxing – The Shaman and Standing Stone – Self exploration and laying yourself bare is a part of the process at this time in your life.  It’s frightening, and it can be painful, but this is how you become who you want to be, by taking yourself apart and then putting yourself back together again better than before.

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

Ostara 2022 – Spring Equinox

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Tomorrow 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.

Sabbat Holiday Cards, Herbal Healing Cards Vol 1 & 2, Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle

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.

Theme of the Season – Ostara, Waning Gibbous Moon, Betula alba (Silver Birch)

Ostara, as mentioned above, is a celebration of nature’s awakening after the long winter’s sleep.  It’s about the eager energy of spring finally beginning to show itself to us in visible ways, and the uplifting hope that comes with this renewal of energies in the world around us.

In farming, the Waning Gibbous Moon is a time of planting (with the exception of annuals) and transplanting, as it’s believed that absorption of nutrients from the soil occurs the most during the waning phase of the moon, and this sets up bulbs, tubers, and young plants with the energy and food needed to burst into growth for the approaching new moon to come. 

Metaphysically, it is a time of release, in which we focus on ridding ourselves of bad habits, negative thinking, and other barriers that hold you back from growth, creating room for more positive energy to flow in as the new moon approaches.

Silver Birch (Betula alba) symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, purification, and protection. This tree holds lessons for us in how hardy even the most fragile of us can be, and in lessons to do with potential and growth. Its oils, extracted from the bark, can be used as an insect repellent as well as to treat certain skin conditions, while an infusion from its leaves is both a diuretic and antiseptic. It’s sap also has healing properties that are useful in treating urinary tract infections.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is as the Ostara card says… “The land shall sign with the promise of Spring”.  Yes, the equinox is here and yes, spring has begun, but it is the promise spring brings that we see in these cards.  A promise that in the days and weeks to come we will find energies renewed, and life once more ready to emerge and grow strong.  The abundance is not quite here, but it’s coming. The promise has been made… and it’s coming.

Earth – Five of Cups – Dissatisfied and pessimistic. This is something you’ve been battling a lot over the past month or so and you’re finally at a place where you are aware of what is going on and that it’s not just a fog but a depression. This awareness has the potential to allow you to see your moments of dissatisfaction with your current progress towards manifesting what you want as a side effect of that depression.  An illusion instead of reality.

Air – Knight of Cups atop The World – Stuck in the moment and not focusing ahead on where you’re going but instead on old ideals. The Knight faces toward the past and toward the world of potential that the past holds.  Turn around and look forward towards the future, instead of staying stuck focusing on past ideals.

Water – Three of Wands – You’re getting there. The depression screws with your emotions, but you’re on your way to clearer skies. It may not always feel like it, but keep moving forward and don’t look back (an echo from the Air section of this reading).

Fire – Seven of Swords – You need to let go of what is too heavy to carry. Moving forward is easier without all that weight. Ease up on the expectations you put on yourself and let go of the responsibilities that don’t matter right now. You can pick stuff up later on after you’re feeling better if it’s still important at that time.  Right now, it’s just too heavy and is weighing you down. Take only what you can carry and leave the rest.

Waning – The Mystic and Staff – Wandering into the woods with no direction and allowing yourself to meander is not going to serve you well right now.  You need direction, purpose, and focus at the moment to assist you on your travels both spiritually and in life.

Waxing – The Reconciler and Moon – Accept what cannot be changed and focus on what you can alter through reasonably chosen achievable steps. Don’t allow your imagination and what is illusory to stand in your way, but instead use determination to seek clarity, purpose, and direction.

Take Away – Everything here is about opening up to potential. There is a great deal of opportunity upon the road ahead, but in order to see that opportunity clearly and take advantage of the healing it has to offer, it’s going to be necessary to confront inner demons and let go of the negative bad habits that are tying your hands and holding you down.

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