Harvest Tarot Reading

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

Second Harvest 2024 – 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.

rosehips

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.

Autumn Equinox Tarot Reading with the Orenda TarotAmber – Where do I need to work on my emotions to create more balance in my life?

The Empress – Being nurturing takes kindness. You’ve got the disciplinarian side of things down pat, but your skills at nurturing kindness is in need of some work… especially when directed at yourself.

Cedar – How can I use my present day fortitude to strengthen my future protection?

Six of Cups– Retain what you learn today to help you in picking and choosing your battles down the road. Not everything needs or deserves your attention, and the information on discerning which things do and which don’t need that attention and energy lie in what’s happening in the present. Pay attention.  Gather information for later.

Marigold – Where should I focus on my health in order to develop a happier outlook?

Nine of Pentacles – Instead of focusing on what hasn’t gone your way, focus on what has. Where do your successes lie concerning your physical health? Take time to appreciate these things instead of discounting them as inconsequential. Give yourself some credit.

Walnut – How can I be more discerning in picking positive friendships?

Ace of Wands – Watch your enthusiasm and make sure it isn’t getting out of control. When things feel new, there’s a lot of “extra” emotion and excitement involved, this is true whether it’s friendships or anything else that’s new in your life.  Just make sure you’re not so enthusiastic that it’s blinding you to new people’s faults and flaws.

Sapphire – How can I discern between logical thought and true wisdom?

Seven of Swords atop Six of Swords – Logical thought has no direction but is about gathering knowledge and using it. True wisdom, on the other hand, encourages forward movement toward something better. (Ie: A better you, something better for you/ somewhere better than where you are, etc.)

Yarrow – How can I move from a place of trauma into a place of healing?

King of Pentacles – Focus on how your stability supports both yourself and others. Your past trauma is all about instability.  Instead of constantly striving for more and more of what you already have, take time to really look at that stable foundation that you’ve already built.  There are places where you can improve upon what you already have without gathering more and more in the process.

DECK USED: ORENDA TAROT

First Harvest 2024 – Lammas/Lugh

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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).

Tarotholics Harvest Challenge Spreads

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 am combining the harvest spreads from this month’s Discord Tarot Challenge instead.

First Harvest Oracle Reading with the Seasons of the Witch Lammas Oracle

Seeds Sown – What seeds for my physical health & growth planted in the Spring have flourished and grown strong?

Welcoming the Harvest – You have gotten back on track with your eating schedule, ensuring no hypoglycemic episodes and helping in staying off the irrational scarcity feelings that start to crop up in all areas of life when you start trying to cut back on food intake.

The Chaff – What seeds for my physical health & growth have not flourished and need to be let go to encourage healthy growth in other areas?

Harvest Basket – You are still struggling to carry too much on your shoulders. In order to continue with healthy physical progress in areas where you are thriving, you need to work on letting go of taking on too much on your own.

The Harvest – How can I best prepare now to reap the benefits of a positive healthy harvest for my physical health & growth in the Fall?

Craftsmanship – Work on honing your craft and toughening up your hands and forearms for the overwork that will come as the holiday season comes into focus. Build up that strength and endurance now so you won’t be injured later.

Seeds Sown – What seeds for my mental health & growth planted in the Spring have flourished and grown strong?

Fennel – You have been working on fretting less and trusting that you will get through obstacles instead of decimated by them. With your emotions in play (as you try not to bury them and ignore them), it’s difficult to not be affected more intensely by setbacks and hurdles. You are doing well at learning how to not let your anxiety spiral in these instances, and instead focusing on solution based thoughts and plans.

The Chaff – What seeds for my mental health & growth  have not flourished and need to be let go to encourage healthy growth in other areas?

Coneflower – You don’t need any more independence than you already have. Quit trying to scrape up more. You need to instead focus on allowing others in and asking for help, even in times when you feel you don’t need to.

The Harvest – How can I best prepare now to reap the benefits of a positive healthy harvest for my mental health & growth in the Fall?

Rooster and Hens – Get out in nature and enjoy time outside among the trees, exploring new trails and old alike. Revisit the joy that noticing natures little changes from one day to the next gives you. These excursions help create clarity of mind, and revitalize you both in mind and body.

Seeds Sown – What seeds for my emotional health & growth planted in the Spring have flourished and grown strong?

Citrine – The confidence you have gained over the past few months is of the gentle and uplifting sort. You are discovering that confidence in others and your connection to them is just as important as independence and having confidence in yourself.

The Chaff – What seeds for my emotional health & growth  have not flourished and need to be let go to encourage healthy growth in other areas?

Garden Tools – You are not on your own and (yet again in this reading) you are being reminded that independence doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off from others. That right there is the line where independence becomes unhealthy.

The Harvest – How can I best prepare now to reap the benefits of a positive healthy harvest for my emotional health & growth in the Fall?

Vegetable Garden – Touch base with yourself and your progress. Make sure that those seeds that need to flourish are doing so and thriving, and that the weeds of unhealthy thoughts and old habits that could choke them out are being pulled and discarded.

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH LAMMAS ORACLE

Last Harvest 2023 – Samhain

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Tomorrow is the third and Last Harvest of the 2023 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.

Samhain

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.

Samhain Ritual Oracle Reading with the Seasons of the Witch Samhain Oracle

Card to describe the upcoming darker half of my year.

Banshee – You are going to have to stay on top of self destructive tendencies over the next few months. They are due to rise up and become a problem.

What do my ancestors want me to know.

Silence – Keep up on your meditation. It can help in combating those self destructive tendencies as well as keep your connection to your ancestors and guides stronger over the dark months ahead.

Why this message is important for me to know.

Divination – You get more out of yourself (and out of your ancestors and guides as well) when you keep up on your meditation. It is easy to lose yourself in the rush, but healthier not to.

How can I protect myself from negative energy.

Owl – Don’t ignore the encroaching darkness within you when it comes. Use your tools to confront it and bear it back instead.

A shadow aspect of myself that’s calling me to explore.

Dark Moon – Some of the triggers of your depression live in the past. It isn’t all chemical.

Guidance from my ancestors.

Ancestors atop Transformation – Make sure when you petition your ancestors for guidance that the one’s speaking to you have your best interests and well-being at heart.

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH SAMHAIN 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