diviation spread

Summer Solstice 2021 – Midsummer

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Yesterday was 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.

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.

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

NOTATION:  I did not finish interpreting this spread here on the blog.  I got some of what I needed from it at the time of the reading, but I just never got around to writing it all down.   Regardless, I want to place this on the blog to make sure I have a record of it to look back on.

Theme of the Season – Summer Solstice, Waxing Gibbous, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)  – Break down each card individually, then…

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is

Earth – Nine of Cups – I’m feeling very secure emotionally I’m really enjoying a quiet time with less stress in the area of the home and health and finances.

Air – King of Swords – Focus on taking ownership of your thoughts and directing them where they need to go. Now is a good time for strategizing and solidifying your knowledge and ambitions.

Water – Six of Cups atop Ten of Wands – Watch out for feelings of overburden in the area of familial responsibilities.

Fire – The Devil – Don’t retreat from those overburden feelings by turning to work and trying to bury yourself, as is your usual habit of dealing with things that are unpleasant. Now is not a time to be burning yourself out with these things.

Waning – The Dusk Child atop The Priestess –

Waxing – Offering –

Take Away –

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

Solar Eclipse in Gemini – June 2021

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

There was a Solar Eclipse this morning!  In celebration of that upcoming event, I decided to do a reading geared towards the eclipse and the energies surrounding it. This spread is brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot By the Moon series.

Solar Eclipse in Gemini Reading - Love and Magic Oracle

1. What aspect of myself needs to be realigned?

Top Left – It’s okay to put things on the back burner when you’re not ready.  It’s okay to put them on the back burner for a long ass time, if that’s what you need.  Stop beating yourself up for setting these things aside.  Stop shaming yourself and telling yourself over and over “I’ll pick this back up next week” or “I should pick this back up soon”.  Instead, allow that time of rest and don’t worry about it.  You will pick it back up when you’re ready and the time is right, there’s nothing to be ashamed about.

2. How can I let go of unhealthy expectations of myself?

Bottom Left – You don’t have to know every step of your path and exactly where you’re going every step of the way.  The path you walk isn’t set in stone, it forms before you with every step you take.  You don’t have to plan.  Just take steps forward… and you will find your way just fine.

3. How can I let go of unhealthy expectations of others?

Top Right – Make sure that you’re listening to both your intuition and the guidance from your guides when it comes to what you offer to others and what expectations you allow to dictate your actions and your life.  You aren’t a people pleaser, but you still fall into occasional pressures sometimes when you’re feeling vulnerable.  Make sure that those pressures are aren’t to your detriment, and when your intuition and/or guides say no?  Then don’t do it.

4. What part of my life could be healed during this time?

Bottom Right – You have an opportunity right now to embrace joy without guilt, and find a path that allows you to be more present in the here and now. Nurture yourself with abandon and enjoy instead of finding excuses to stay miserable or hang back from the growth awaiting you.

DECK USED: LOVE AND MAGIC ORACLE

New Moon in Gemini – June 2021

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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 about  integrating the qualities within, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

New Moon in Gemini Reading - Minute Tarot

1. Now can I embrace the Sacred Feminine within to help birth what is in my heart space?

Queen of Cups – Stay focused on your emotions and allowing them to stretch and grow into a stronger and more stable place.  Things might feel a bit wobbly and unbalanced right now, but you have the potential to become not just more connected with your emotions, but through them to others as well.

2. How can I allow the traits of the Divine Masculine within to flourish without resistance?

Queen of Wands atop Ace of Swords – Look for new ways to express yourself that are not so jagged around the edges.  You can be both fostering to other’s as well as logical, without being sharp tongued… and that includes self directed thoughts in your head, as you know damn well you’re much harsher up in your head where others can’t overhear than you are with what you express outwardly to others.

3. How can I integrate the Dualities within?

Eight of Cups atop The Tower – You are in the process of tearing shit down and rebuilding it.  Make sure that as you do,  you are leaving behind what isn’t working for you. That includes that negative inner narrative you have going on.  It sends things askew and prevents integration and balance.

4. What needs to be Expressed that is fluttering in my head?

Seven of Swords – You’re struggling with strategy and figuring out how to break away from the old unhealthy habits. You’re trying to carry too much forward and need to let go of a few more things.  The struggle here is in what to let go of… and how.  There’s a desire to bring this forward into the light, and yet there’s so much confusion going on about the whole process that it’s gotten stuck in shadows instead.

5. What Seeds of Inspiration do I need to draw on for the New Moon in Gemini?

Nine of Cups – Sink into your emotional contentment instead of being so much in your head. Gratitude and positive influences are important to keep you uplifted during the shifts of change that are going on in your life right now.

6. Message from the Ancestors.

Three of Pentacles – Don’t forget that you have people to help you.  You’re not in this alone.

DECK USED:  MINUTE TAROT

Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius – May 2021

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Along with the Full Moon, which I did a reading for yesterday, tomorrow is also a Lunar Eclipse!  In celebration of that upcoming event, I decided to do a reading geared towards the eclipse and the energies surrounding it. This spread is brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot By the Moon series.

Lua Tarot - Lunar Eclipse Tarot Reading

1. What external influences are not serving my highest good right now?

The Hanged Man Rx – Make sure that you’re not allowing the closed-mindedness of others to influence your own perceptions. Be aware of where their motivations are centered in relation to the perspectives that they share instead of taking what is said at face value.  Dig deeper and read between the lines, then let go of what doesn’t serve you instead of falling into the trap of their perspective being the only one.

2. Where do I need to shift my perspectives?

Queen of Cups – It is not a weakness to seek out support and a sympathetic ear when you need one.  It takes strength to share your weakness with others and trust them to support you during those times instead of closing up and dealing with it all on your own.

3. How can I best re-charge my energy?

The Seeker – It’s time to get your ass back out in nature and do some hiking. This is about more than a bit of forest bathing, but should include some exertion and effort combined with the peace and comfort that the forest gives you.  Realistically, you can’t go on your own right now, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go at all, just make sure you pick your trails wisely so that whoever you take along can keep up.

4. What is the best course of action for my highest good?

Page of Cups  – Stay open and receptive to input and allow your creative energy to stretch and flex.  Imagination and enjoyment in what you do is a good thing and will help you thrive and move forward, just make sure you’re not closing yourself off emotionally as it will close you off in other ways as well and none of them are healthy.

5. What belief do I need to leave behind??

Knight of Wands – That you have to be go-go-go all the time, moving non-stop toward your goals.  It’s okay to rest, and it’s okay to take your time.  Don’t worry so much about how fast you’re getting where you’re going. Instead slow down and enjoy the ride and the stops along the way.  You’ll get where you want to go eventually and without the unhealthy pressure, burnout, and stress that going full speed all the time creates.

DECK USED:  LUA TAROT

Full Moon in Sagittarius – May 2021

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

On Wednesday 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 brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot By the Moon series.

Stolen Child Tarot - Sagittarius Full Moon Tarot Reading

1. What impulses need taming?

Six of Flame – Be unique. Fitting in isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  You know this already but sometimes you forget or the awareness gets pushed aside a bit.  It’s okay for that to happen as long as you remain true to your values and ethics, but it’s better to return back to the confidence of self that allows you to not feel the desire to fit in in the first place.

2. Where can I best direct my energy?

The Emperor – Own your environment, and own yourself. Focus on becoming better seated in your element and projecting that true strength that lives within you and that others depend on.  This doesn’t mean you are supporting them, but when you simply stand beside them, it makes them stronger as a result.

3. How can I best redirect my aggression?

Five of Oak – Don’t allow your feelings of scarcity to trigger you into being miserly. Turn it around into generosity instead.  Just because you feel like things are not going well doesn’t mean that’s the truth.  Work at letting go of the inward directed aggression that feelings of scarcity create. Instead, look at all you have and all you offer to others, and you can see just how well things are actually going.

4. How can I add a little spice to my life?

Page of Oak – Lean in.  Finding the fun and finding your way forward sometimes requires a bit more dedication than others. Push forward to seek more joy and more positivity.  Actively commit to this path and put genuine effort into the process. Don’t put it off for later as your happiness is important.

5a. What personal beliefs need re-examining?

King of Zephyrs – You don’t have to be harsh to be “large and in charge”.  Not everything has to be a battle plan with a sharp tongue and sharper mind behind the wheel 100% of the time.  Everyone needs down time.

5b. What spiritual beliefs need re-examining?

The Star – Leaving things up to chance now and then is not irresponsible and will work out just fine. Your guides are there and will help in times of need, so too will your own intuition.  The world… the universe… it will provide.  So relax a bit and enjoy a bit more of the world around you instead of believing that you need to have your thumb on the pulse of everything all the time.

DECK USED: STOLEN CHILD TAROT

New Moon in Taurus – May 2021

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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 about  rooting in earth medicine, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Floriography Tarot - Taurus New Moon Tarot Reading

1. How can I draw in the fertile energy of the Taurus New Moon for manifesting prosperity?

Wheel of Fortune – Have some faith that luck is on your side right now.  You’ve seen this theme pop up a few times in some of your readings over the past week or two. There’s always going to be ups and downs in everything, and that includes in your luck… right now is an up swing, so have a little faith and take advantage of it.

2. As an earth sign, what can Taurus teach me about nourishing my heart and soul with the raw pleasures of life?

High Priestess atop Eight of Tulips –  Listen to your intuition on what’s right for you… and what’s not. Keep in the forefront of your mind that it’s okay to reject those things that your intuition says are not for you.  No matter who might be suggesting them or where those things might come from. Follow your intuition.  Always.

3. How can I root myself into the divine medicine of the Earth?

Ace of Tulips – Emotions feel counter intuitive to rooting, and yet they are an important part of being healthy. To connect stronger to the medicine that the earth has to offer, you need to be willing to allow your emotions to flow freely… which means you need to continue seeking out that emotional growth and the newness of experiences it is providing you.

4. What self-imposed beliefs and blocks do I need to release that are connected to money?

Four of Tulips – Your recreational spending habits may be connected to your emotions, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  Don’t worry so much about it but instead work on accepting this as a healthier way to deal with certain emotions than the alternatives available to you at the time. There are some things you’re just not ready to deal with yet, and that’s okay.

5. Message from the Ancestors and Guides.

Nine of Trunks – Be watchful and be careful.  You’ve been warned. Paranoia isn’t always a bad thing. Being careless just because it’s not what you want to do right now isn’t an acceptable way to deal with the situation. Instead, stay diligent for the time being.  It won’t last forever.

DECK USED:  FLORIOGRAPHY TAROT