divination

Last Harvest 2024 – Samhain

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Today is the third and Last Harvest of the 2024 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.

pumpkins

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. Like a number of times this year, I’ve chosen to deviate from my regular spread this Samhain, and am doing the Tarotholics’ Thinning Veil spread instead.

The Thinning Veil Oracle Reading with the Seasons of the Witch Samhain Oracle

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2024 Challenge Prompt
Prompt for October 30th : Do the Thinning Veil Spread

What Spirits have come to visit and walk with you while the veil is thin?

Coming of Winter – Remember that not everyone who comes to you when the veil is at its thinnest has your best interest at heart. This is the easiest time to break through, which means even those that are undeserving of your attention will try to do so.

How are these Spirits assisting in keeping you safe?

Spider – Although this is not their intention, those that are undeserving that come forth through the veil present you with an opportunity for growth by confronting your fears head on instead of trying to avoid them.

What should you offer to the spirits that are watching over you?

Wolf – Gather close and connect with those that you know can be trusted, and leave the others behind in your dust. If there are those that don’t deserve your attention?  Don’t give it to them.  Give it, instead, to those that do.

What cycle from the past do your Ancestors hope that you will break?

Bat – Trying to avoid change instead of embracing it holds absolutely no benefit for you, and is a habit that it’s time to put some energy and effort into discarding.

What do you know deep within your bones?

Healer – Deep in your bones, your calling is to help others through your own personal strengths and fostering empowerment. It may not always feel like you are providing any help to others, but these inclinations will rise again and again throughout your life during times when you have the energy to fulfill this calling.

What do the Spirits and Ancestors need for you to learn?

Broom – It is time to remember and relearn gift of cleansing that fresh air brings. You’ve done a lot of avoiding this year in concerns to getting outside among the trees, and need to reestablish with that connection.

A message for you from the Spirits and Ancestors.

The Underworld – Again, stop fighting change and surrender to it instead.

DECK USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH SAMHAIN ORACLE

🌕 Full Moon in Aries – October 2024

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Tomorrow morning 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 courtesy of @HermitsMirror.

Full Moon in Aries Oracle Reading with the Mausolea Oracle of Souls

Fuel: Where have I let my intuition gently guide me that my instincts wouldn’t go?

The Morrigan – How you judge others to be trustworthy has far more to do with your intuition than with instinct or logic. You are not good at reading “tells” and your brain tries too hard to be fair and kind, but your intuition steers accurately despite these obstacles.

Magical peak: How can I celebrate what I’ve completed to keep charging ahead?

Set – Allow yourself to be a bit self-centered now and then. It’s okay to have some pride in your accomplishments.  The boost of self-confidence that celebrating your accomplishments (even the small ones) generates for you will help in motivating you to keep moving forward.

Purging: What latest passion is just a flash in the pan?

Thanatos – Goals and end games come and go. Instead remember that it’s the journey that’s important. This card is a reminder that the future is not promised to us.  Only the present.  Thus, its important to make sure you don’t focus so hard on your goals that you lose sight of all that you can enjoy in this moment.

Clear mirror: How do I use bold action to avoid dealing with what I can’t face?

Arthur – You try too hard to lean into fairness when the world cannot always be fair. Nor is fairness and what’s right always equal. Remember that there will be times when you need to let go of that deeply ingrained urge to make everything fair and balanced, and lean into what’s right instead. This shift in motivation and focus can come off as a sudden divergence from your nature to others, and even to yourself at times.

Dancing luminaries: What does anger teach me about my capacity for love?

Abraham – There has to be balance for love to thrive. That means when anger gets the better of you, you have to apologize and atone.  It’s in your ability to sincerely apologize and atone that you truly display the depths of the love you feel for others.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Arawn – It is time to rally for your own “great hunt”. Don’t shy away from the challenge.  Even if the holiday rush is not as busy as it normally is, it will be busier than you’ve been in some time. Rise to the challenge and lead those helping you forward into the fray with confidence. In doing so, what you will gain will help even out your losses in the end.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Hoya Leaf for Inward Exploration
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Carnelian Agate for Warmth and Courage
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MAUSOLEA ORACLE OF SOULS

🌑 New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Libra – October 2024

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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 courtesy of @moonandcactus.

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra Oracle Reading with The Haunted Manor Oracle

How can I surrender to what comes and let go of resistance to change, trusting the process?

Lineage – Acknowledge and then release your unreasonable self-imposed expectations, as well as the assumption of others expectations. Don’t allow them to hold so much sway over your actions and thoughts on what you “should” be doing with your time and energy. You need to accept that these expectations are an illusion created by your past and not reality.

How can I learn to make peace with those around me?

Winter – Stillness is an important part of growth as well as healthy communication with others. When you pause, not only do you give yourself a bit of a rest, but you  give yourself a moment of thought and reflection. People that want you to react in their favor may not like that moment in the cold outside of your attention as you look within, but that makes it that much more important that you do it.

How can I establish a sense of order and create harmony in my environment?

Hide and Seek – Stop ignoring your needs and hiding from the activities that will help fulfill them. This is especially important in keeping your home organized. Either get the housekeeper in more often or start doing more of the work yourself.

(Obviously, the housekeeper is the healthier answer here, as so many of my personal readings are reminders to involve others in getting things done instead of taking it all on my own shoulders.)

If possible, how can I avoid making major decisions until the energy stabilizes, and instead focus on planning and reflecting?

Graveyard – Don’t fret so much about the inconsequential things that aren’t being done. Work instead on the long standing unpleasant ones that need doing whether you like them or not. (Taxes… hello.)

The eclipse will tip the scales toward our relationships. Encouraging us to reassess our interactions with others. How can I trust that whatever surfaces is helping to restore balance?

Black Mirror – You have a habit of ignoring what is unpleasant or gives rise to your feelings of vulnerability, which only gives these things more power over you. Face them instead and their power will lessen, their contributions to your life shining through instead.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Sword – Stay alert and on the look out for those that are trying to manipulate you into going against your good sense, intuition, or inner compass.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosehips for Releasing Stress and Negativity
Foraged Red Alder Cones for Support in One’s Endeavors
Red Jasper for Awakening and Motivation toward Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE HAUNTED MANOR ORACLE

Prioritize Joy

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Luis Royo's The Labyrinth Tarot and Halloween Affirmation Cards@GlitterbyInk #OctoberCauldron24 Prompt
Cauldron of Warming Prompt for October 1st : Prioritize

Today’s draw is the Nine of Cups combined with the affirmation “Like a ghost, I transcend limitations.”

The cards in today’s reading are a reminder that while you are working to prioritize the things that you enjoy and that make you feel sated and happy, make sure you are not letting inconsequential shit get in your way.

I say “while” because this is something you need to make sure that you are prioritizing instead of procrastinating on. A part of self-care is in fulfilling one’s needs, including your needs for pleasure and enjoyment.

DECKS USED:  LUIS ROYO’S THE LABYRINTH TAROT AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION CARDS

@Lionharts #TheOctoberTarot Season of the Witch Prompt
Question for October 1st : The witch’s season calls my name, what sparks ignite my sacred flame?

The Arcanaless II - The Black Hole, Heresiarch, The ChururgeonThe Black Hole – Curiosity. That sacred spark within you is often about creativity, and that begins with an innately curious mind. When your curiosity is drawn to the surface, that spark of creativity soon follows, rather it’s in wanting to try your hand in something new or wandering off mentally into a thought exercise or rabbit hole of research.

The Chirurgeon – Intelligence and Skill. Often, when that spark of curiosity is drawn to the surface, it’s because your interested and your mind says “I can do that”. This is how you discover new skills and abilities, and how you develop new hobbies and techniques.  Whether the thought is “I can do that” or “there has to be a better way”, your curiosity and intelligence engage and skill development becomes a part of the process.

Heresiarch – Personalized Spirituality. Here, too, creativity plays a role. You have been on your Pagan path a long time, and you have been customizing and tailoring that path to what you feel is right and what you believe with each step along the way.  In your gut, you know when something is right for you and fits, and when you see a new idea or concept you’re interested in, you’re not shy about researching it to see if it’s for you.

Take Away: The answer to what (singular) spark ignites my sacred flame is creativity. It is the common denominator between all three of the cards pulled above and answers that they provided.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Hoya Leaf for Inward Exploration
Foraged Red Alder Catkins for Balancing Polar Energies
Carnelian Agate for Warmth and Courage
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE ARCANALESS II

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2024 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 1st : What do you need to focus on for self-care for this upcoming new moon?

Luis Royo's The Labyrinth Tarot - Three of Cups, Queen of Wands, Seven of SwordsReading Summary: Watch for a betrayal (Seven of Swords) of the encouragement and inspiration given to another (Queen of Wands) that will arrive within a moment of shared revelry (Three of Cups).

Take Away: There has been a great many warnings lately about staying vigilant concerning those who may betray your trust or try to manipulate you into acting outside your nature. Here again is the warning concerning betrayal by someone who has been inspired and encouraged by you.

The lure of togetherness and good times is a strong one. These cards indicate that it will also be the guise in which the betrayal will arrive, or possibly the bait used to lure you in.  Pay attention so that you don’t fall into the trap.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Bay Leaf for Protection From Negativity
Western Hemlock Cones for Balance During Disruptions
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: LUIS ROYO’S THE LABYRINTH TAROT

@HealingThruTarot’s #httOctoberTarotChallenge2024 Prompt
Prompt for October 1st : Abundance I’m reaping this harvest.

Ludy Luscot Tarot - Three of Pentacles, Wheel of Fortune, Six of PentaclesReading Summary: Lady Luck (Wheel of Fortune) is on your sideand being generous (Six of Pentacles) at the moment , so round up your worker bees and get some stuff done (Three of Pentacles) while the getting is good.

Take Away:  Your abundance comes not just in the favor of luck being on your side for the moment, but that you have a variety of helpers willing to work with you toward your goals.

This harvest, don’t forsake those helpers, but step into the embrace of the love they give you when they are offering to help you.  Accept their assistance and let them help carry you toward your goals.  As many of your readings lately have been reminding you… you don’t need to carry everything on your shoulders alone.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Leaf for Strength and Perseverance
Wooden Mandala for Understanding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: LUDY LESCOT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took an ibuprofen before I started working on putting up decorations at Ms B’s house today, and another once I finished.  It helped keeping pain to a minimum, and the back and joint spasms weren’t as bad as they could have been as a result.

Keep Fighting

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the Calm app.

Honestly? I can’t remember what the meditation was about.  I listened to the whole thing, followed the breathing exercises, et al. Unfortunately, whatever the message was behind today’s session… it didn’t stick, since I can’t remember a single bit of it.

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Hush Tarot's Five of Swords and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate AllanToday’s draw is the Five of Swords combined with the affirmation “No matter how awful today is, you get to curl into bed at the end of it.”

Some days are just fucked and there’s nothing you can do about it except keep fighting. Keep going. Thrash your way through the weeds and obstacles and do what you can to stay on your feet and come out the other side victorious.

The cards for today are a reminder that there’s an end to that fight.  It might not feel like it in the moment, but don’t give up.  Once you’re victorious, that rest that comes afterward will feel that much more sweet for having made it through.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2024 Challenge
Prompt for September 30th : Grab a spread of your choice that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!
Spread: So You’re Uncomfortable ~ A spread for sitting in discomfort rather than running from it

Okay, so the first time I did this spread today, I was just off from having been talking to a friend about the death of her father and… welp.  Lets just say that I’ve done this spread twice today, because the first time I did it was too close to the phone call and the reading accidentally ended up being about her and her situation.

Here is the second attempt, which is mine… and far lighter than the first time around.

So You're Uncomfortable Tarot Reading with the Hush Tarot - The Hermit, Six of Pentacles, Knight of Cups

A tension point.

Six of Pentacles – A lack of generosity towards yourself. You are unable to treat yourself as kindly and fairly as you treat others, and spend far too much time beating yourself up mentally and emotionally while pushing yourself to fulfill unreasonable expectations of excellence and perfection.

A truth about your discomfort.

The Hermit – You do this to yourself, and by closing yourself off to others, it only perpetuates the pattern.

Something you can do to stay present.

Knight of Cups – Acknowledge and stay in touch with your needs and wants. Go after them instead of setting them aside. They are just as important as your responsibilities and ambition. Perhaps you need to consider that they aren’t just as important… but more important and should be prioritized as such.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Western White Fir Tip for Staying True to Self
Foraged Red-Stemmed Feather Moss for Attentive Understanding
Carnelian Agate for Warmth and Courage
Cedar Smoke Cleansing Bundle for Protection
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HUSH TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I hopped back on the meditation train… two days in a row now!

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

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Today’s meditation was nine minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the Calm app.

The topic of today’s session was about plateauing in one’s practice. That is to say that just like when learning a skill, or losing/gaining weight, or any other experience where you are learning and changing over time, there is always going to be plateaus where you level out and feel like you aren’t making any more progress.

This guided meditation spoke about that experience, and encouraged the listener to consider plateaus as a time for your body and mind to process without conscious thought. This meditation session reminds us that just because you aren’t aware that you’re growing doesn’t mean that you’re not growing. The plateau is a time for the things that you have learned and growth you’ve made to cement themselves into place and become permanent.

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Bone Dead Tarot's Eight of Swords and Soul Creatures OracleToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords combined with the affirmation “I shape my own destiny with skill and precision.”

The Eight of Swords is about what you are not seeing, and perhaps even willfully being ignorant about.  The cards for today are a reminder that precision requires awareness. Not just self awareness, but also awareness of the world around you. That precision falls into the weeds and skill isn’t worth much if you aren’t paying attention.

Thus, if you want to shape your own destiny and meat your goals with precision and skill? You need to make sure that you are paying attention to what’s going on around you.  Don’t stick your head in the sand and expect everything will turn out okay.  That’s just setting yourself up as a buffet for the wolves.

DECK USED:  BONE DEAD TAROT AND SOUL CREATURES ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2024 Challenge
Prompt for September 28th : Ask a Stupid Question Day – Ask your cards a stupid question and see what they say.
Prompt for September 29th : Do Spread 2
Question : What would happen if I just skipped the holiday rush this year?

Halloween Postcard Oracle and Bone Dead Tarot - The Emperor, The Sun, The Beginning

Reading Summary:  You might feel empowered by skipping the holiday rush, but it would be the beginning of the end for your goals and dreams, even if you enjoyed taking it easy and basking in the glow of the holidays.

In the Emperor card, the surrounding gold glow reflects the border at the bottom of the anchor card. This indicates that the feeling of empowerment that you would feel by skipping the holiday rush is only a mask, as is indicated in the words “Halloween time” in the bottom border. In the moment, it might conflate your ego to do as you please and make you feel like you’re in charge, but that is an illusion.

The black miasma of the beginning card is reflected in the hissing black cat in the lower left-hand corner of the anchor card. You won’t like the result of your actions. It may be the beginning of something, but would be the beginning of the end of what’s important to you, and that fact would put you on the defensive in the long run.

The radiant sun in The Sun card reflects in the yellow of the broom… but only just. Combined with the carefree skeleton and his colors connecting to the moon in the background of the anchor card, what we see here is a moment of pleasure that will quickly be swept away. You may enjoy the warm glow of loved ones and the holiday season, but it won’t last and by closing your eyes to what is important, the feelings of success experienced in stepping away (as seen in the The Emperor’s horns also matching the skeleton in The Sun, and the moon in the background of the anchor card) will only be temporary (setting sun instead of high in the sky).

Take Away: Well, it’s a stupid question for a reason! It is obviously a bad idea, as you knew before you asked. That temporary sense of relief and control that comes with rejecting your responsibilities (and what is your greatest source of income over the next few months) may feel empowering in the moment, but will lead to destruction of all that you’ve worked for in the end. The pleasure and feelings of success for stepping away would be temporary, just as the sun sets instead of staying continuously in the sky.

DECK USED: BONE DEAD TAROT AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN POSTCARDS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself sleep in late because I struggled to fall asleep last night.