divination

Full Moon in Taurus – November 2021

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Coming up on Friday is the Full Moon! I’m a bit early, but 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 being rooted in prosperity, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

The Edvard Munch Tarot

1. What self-imposed beliefs connected to money do I need to release?

Page of Swords / Traumatized Child – You need to let go of the idea of that money is the key to everything. Although you acknowledge this intellectually and readily accept there is more to life than money, you still focus on monetary gain as if it is. It’s time to begin letting go of this mentality and allow yourself to learn to act in accordance with what you believe, instead of what you’ve been taught.

2. How can I use the energy of the Taurus Full Moon to break unhealthy patterns that are blocking my flow of prosperity?

Strength / Wound – Acknowledge the pains from the past, and absorb their lessons instead of allowing the wounds to sit on the surface and dictate your behavior. You do not gain additional strength by letting these wounds remain open or allowing them to fester, but you can gain strength by helping yourself to heal instead.

3. As an earth sign, what can Taurus teach me about creating a safety nest of abundance for a rainy day?

The Fool / Beginning – You are already far too rooted in this idea, and you need to loosen up. That said, banging on again and again at old methods will not produce new results, just more of the same. Sometimes, for growth and expansion beyond your current limitations, you have to break out of old habits and try something new.

4. How can I root myself to the magick of the Earth to draw in prosperity?

Seven of Pentacles / Longing – Patience. Prosperity grows over time and it’s not immediate, therefore expecting immediate gratification only leads to feelings of failure and self-flagellation.

5. Message from the Ancestors.

Knight of Cups / Connection – Do not forget that you have others in your life (both physically and spiritually) that are willing to support you in not just your day-to-day work, but also your happiness.

DECK USED: THE EDVARD MUNCH TAROT

New Moon in Scorpio – November 2021

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

New Moon in Scorpio Tarot Reading - Lux Ex Umbra Tarot

1. What do you need to face that you’ve been avoiding?

Knight of Swords – Your reckless energy expenditures. Where are you putting your time and energy that is not paying off? Here, we return to something that came up in a reading done yesterday.  That is to say… it’s time to stop wasting time playing games on your phone.  They aren’t giving you the rest you need, nor are they relaxing you at the moment.  They’re just allowing you to retreat when it would be far healthier to spend your time in other ways.

2. What secrets need to come into the light?

King of Coins – It’s time to go some financial reorganization. You’ve put it off for too long. Things that need to be attended to need to be actually dealt with. This includes telling L it’s time to get a job again (okay, so not until January, but it needs to be brought up so she has time to prepare), instead of pretending you’ve got that shit under control without her help.

3. What conversation needs to be had?

Two of Cups – More appreciation of loved ones, more “I love you” for Gid. You’ve slacked off in both of these of late. Although it’s true that your love and appreciation is there whether you express it openly or not, it’s something that they need to hear.

4. What do I need to forgive in myself?

Temperance – Moderation does not come easily to you in so many, many different ways.  If you enjoy it, it can become addictive. If you can punish yourself with it, it can also become addictive. It doesn’t really matter what it is as long as it can fill one or both of those prerequisites. You need to remember that it’s natural to slip up now and then. Just keep trying.

5. What shadow aspect requires integration?

Three of Coins – Why is asking for help so difficult for you? This is not the time of year for shadow work for you, but it is something you struggle with and need to be aware of, as not asking for help can easily become a form of self sabotage at this time of year.

DECK USED:  LUX EX UMBRA TAROT

Last Harvest 2021 – Samhain

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Coming up on October 31st is the third and Last Harvest of the 2021 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.

Solstice 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 the upcoming Winter Solstice (aka. Yule) in December.

Theme of the Season – Samhain, Waning Crescent Moon, Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) – In my path, Samhain is not just a time to remember and pay our respects to our loved ones that have passed on, as well as reach out to them more easily… it is also a day that marks the end of the harvest season as well as the year’s cycle of seasons as a whole. The earth has gifted us with her abundance throughout the spring, summer, and fall and now settles in to rest throughout the colder months ahead.

Magically speaking, the moon’s waning crescent phase is a time of purging, severing, or otherwise cutting free things that need released and let go. This theme carries over into farming and gardening, where the waning crescent is a time of pruning and trimming, weeding, cutting timber, and other purging practices. This is the phase that the moon will be on during the night of Samhain, and as children reap in candies and treats, the magical and spiritual worlds will be in a phase of letting go and saying goodbye to those things that are no longer serving us.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is primarily a digestive herb that is used to treat a wide variety of ailments that have to do with purging waste and toxins from the body.  This includes not just treatments of the gastrointestinal tract, but also the liver and kidneys. In magic, it is used in spellwork that has to do with release, creating barriers, protection, and atonement.

When looking at these three cards together, the overarching theme that I see here is that this Samhain’s theme is all about releasing what isn’t working and letting go of the things that are holding you back.

Earth – Queen of Pentacles – The queen is a nurturing soul at heart, and is here as a reminder that you don’t need to beat yourself up over your mistakes.  Just fix them.  So you slipped on your self care.  It happens. Now it is time to get back on track. Self flagellation will only exacerbate the problem.

Air – Knight of Wands – A breath of revitalizing fresh air is needed.  Take some time before you leap forward into the fray, to ascertain what you want out of the next few months.  Sit with it and work it out in your head before charge into action. Things pan out better when there’s strategy involved.

Water – King of Cups atop Seven of Pentacles – Seek out help from Gideon to help you better deal with slow growth as you move forward. Your patience sucks, but with his encouragement, you are better able to weather the “long game” a great deal better than you do on your own.  Whether it’s his encouragement, or his providing you with a bit of distraction, in either both cases, it makes the slower growth of… well damned near all of your goals and desires… far more tolerable.

Fire – Seven of Wands – Once you’ve taken the time to figure out where you want to go and how you’re going to get there, stand strong on those goals. It’s hard to not get distracted, especially when there’s mental health issues involved like what you’ve been dealing with recently.  Push back against obstacles instead of letting them trip you up.

Waning – Familiar – Stop ignoring the advice coming your way from your loved ones and spirit guides.

Waxing – Rest – You are going to have to take some time to get some true rest. Not the restless rest that you’ve been getting, but actual guiltless rest that will help recharge and recover before the holiday rush really swings into gear.

Take Away – It’s time to let go of self abuse and self sabotage.  It’s time to allow yourself true rest, as well as the recuperation  you need.  Stewing and spinning  your wheels is getting you nowhere and will tank everything you have been working for and want to happen. Use the tools and help that you have at your disposal to get you back on track.

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

Full Moon in Aries – October 2021

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Today is the full moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is about rocking your authenticity, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Da Brigh's Dark Tarot - Full Moon in Aries

1. What half truths about myself do I need to acknowledge and release in order to rock my authenticity?

The Hierophant atop Six of Swords – Sometimes you feel the urge to run away rather than deal with things in an adult manner. This is actually natural for everyone, and not something that you need to be ashamed of or beat yourself up about.

2. How can I tap into my true potential to accomplish my core desires?

Queen of Wands – Give yourself the praise and encouragement that you crave, so that you are not looking for it elsewhere.

3. In what aspect of my life do I need to step up to the plate as a leader?

Seven of Wands – You aren’t giving enough praise to those around you. By providing them with praise you are encouraging them, telling them that are appreciated, letting them know that what they contribute is appreciated, as well as putting it out there that they are doing well. This then encourages them to take pride in themselves and their work.

4. When would I benefit from taking risks and being impulsive?

The Tower – When the time to tear things down and rebuild has arrived, impulsivity and risk taking is okay.  It can even be beneficial in these times, to be impulsive instead of strategizing out every single minute detail.

5. Message from the Ancestors.

Five of Swords – Focus on getting ready, for the battle is almost upon you. (aka. the holiday rush)

DECK USED: DA BRIGH’S BLACK TAROT

New Moon in Libra- October 2021

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The day after 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  unraveling balance, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

New Moon in Libra Tarot Reading - Ariadne's Thread Tarot

1. What aspect of my life is tipping the scales out of balance?

Eight of Wands – Impatience. Your desire for immediate gratification. This is something that we are all guilty of in one way or another, and you are no exception. These cards indicate that when you lean into your impatience, that in turn upsets the scales of balance in your life. 

2. How can I correct that imbalance?

Four of Pentacles – Work on being happier with what you already have. Sink into the present and be mindful of where you are instead of allowing yourself to constantly push forward or seek more.

3a. What unhealthy habits do I need to liberate myself from in order to find my equilibrium?

Temperance – Less impatience, more moderation. Focus on the spiritual connection you have with the earth and the world around you instead of allowing yourself to be distracted by a myriad of curiosities and interests.

3b. What unhealthy relationships do I need t liberate myself from in order to find my equilibrium?

Ten of Cups – You need to reevaluate your relationship with pleasure and what makes you feel complete. What are you searching for that you’re self-medicating to ignore or to only “sorta satisfy”, in the same way that a couple might have a baby in order to try and “fix” their relationship?

4. How can I create space for harmony to thrive and flourish in my mind?

Six of Swords – Start making healthy changes. Although baby steps definitely count, sometimes more than baby steps are needed.

5. Message from the Ancestors.

Knight of Pentacles – It’s okay to take things slow, as long as you keep moving.

DECK USED: ARIADNE’S THREAD TAROT

Second Harvest 2021 – 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 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.

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 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.

Autumn Equinox Tarot Reading for Mabon - Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Mabon, Full Moon, Sweet Violet (Viola Odorata) – As explained above, Mabon is a harvest holiday, and the energy at this time of year is one of transition from growing and abundance, to the bounty of harvesting what has been sown. Now is the time to look at all that we’ve accomplished this year, and examine the lessons we’ve learned.

The Full Moon is a time of peak energy, bright and vibrant as the moon is in the sky, so too does energy peak before waning.  With the harvest season upon us and the full moon having just passed, this is a time when we can use the extra energy and the tapering down of that energy as it wanes over the next couple of weeks to begin to reap our harvests.

Not all magic is flashy and big, and sometimes some of the sweetest and most subtle magic can be the most powerful of all.  This is where Sweet Violets (Viola Odorata) lie in the sphere of herbal magic, with their delicate presence and Fae-like energy, the Viola encourages compassion and care, dispelling disruption and fostering a calm and quiet atmosphere while fostering strength to persevere.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is to utilize the energy given through this season wisely.  Don’t waste it, but don’t take it for granted either. It’s important to use this energy to lean into the transitions going on at this time rather than resisting them.

Earth – Ace of Pentacles – You’ve done well at picking and choosing which new opportunities you’ve decided to pursue and foster into growth. Keeping things small is working for you, and will continue to work for you moving forward into this time of transition.

Air – The Magician atop King of Pentacles – You haven’t felt particularly grounded or in control lately, but just whose onus is that on when you have all the tools you need at your disposal? Step into your power, it is waiting.

Water – Five of Cups – You’ve been flirting with a bit of a pity party for yourself of late. It’s time to work on pulling yourself out of that mindset. It’s not helpful and will only get in your way moving forward.

Fire – The Lovers – Echoing back to the Earth position, you have been doing really well at making healthy choices for yourself and your business. Remember that you are going to have to classify certain things in your life as essential daily tasks instead of “when you feel like it” chores. It will help keep you motivated to make sure they happen and aren’t skipped over.

Waning – Memory – Last year around this time of year, you became bogged down with the past.  With your father’s ghost and the echoes of what had come before.  This year, make sure you don’t allow yourself to fall into the same trap as the veil between the spirit world and the physical one begins to thin.

Waxing – Seer – More time in nature is needed. More connection with liminal spaces. More attention paid to your intuition and your spirit guides.  Make sure that you are not allowing other things to get in the way.  You need that connection with the earth and the honed senses, enhanced awareness, and balance that it provides.

Take Away – Transitions and changes are in the air as the harvest season begins, but you still have some time to wallow in the pleasures of the season and the connection with nature and the Fae that this time of year offers you.  Don’t squander it.

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