Pagan Underworlds Tarot

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

Ostara 2023 – Spring Equinox

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Today 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.

SpringEquinox

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.

Spring Equinox Tarot Reading with the Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, and Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Spring Equinox, New Moon, Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The Spring Equinox is a time of renewal. Buds are showing on the trees, early crocus and snowdrops are breaking free of the soil, farmers fields once dry and brown are beginning to green once more.  The energy is fresh and new, bright and ready to break free of winter’s hibernation, even if it has to do it in fits and starts in the beginning, it will continue onward as the daylight hours become longer and the earth is warmed by the sun’s return.

Like the Spring Equinox, the New Moon is also a time of great potential and the stirring of new energies.  As the earth plans its way forward towards spring, so too with this new moon is the energy ripe to plan our way forward and utilize the growing energy between now and the full moon to its fullest.

Dandelions are an antioxidant and are excellent for stimulating digestion. It’s often used in cleansing the liver and kidneys.  It is cleansing properties fall over into the metaphysical as well, as it can be used to disperse negative energies, and is associated with abundance, wishes, hope, and luck.

When looking at these three cards together, I am reminded about what the energies at this time of year are all about and the renewal that can happen when you set aside the negative aspects of your past to focus on the positive.  I was never really much of a believer in the “power of positive thought”.  In fact, it was one of those things that could be guaranteed to create an eye roll in me for much of my life.  And yet?  After finally giving in and giving it a try?  I can’t deny the benefits it creates.  No, it doesn’t erase the bad, nor should it be used to ignore the bad… but it definitely makes the bad far more tolerable to work through.

Earth – Strength – Your connection with others is strong right now, as your influence. More so than usual, considering how much you like to avoid social obligations. Use this time to help steer things in the direction you want them to go.

Air – Knight of Wands Rx – You’re not feeling particularly inspired or impulsive right now when it comes to your spiritual path. Remember that it’s okay to have some downtime now and then, and it can keep you from acting (or reacting) rashly.

Water – Three of Swords – As indicated in the air position of this reading, you are currently in the space of a “down time”. Stop beating yourself up about it and referring to yourself as a disappointment. It’s okay to drop the ball sometimes… in fact it’s needed, and isn’t something that you need to be punishing yourself for.

Fire – Five of Coins – As already noted in this reading. your energy is scarce at the moment and you are in a time of hibernation. Don’t worry, the thaw will come eventually, and you will come out of this hibernation refreshed.

Waning – The Shapeshifter and Light – You spend a great deal of time trying to grasp other’s viewpoints and empathize with their situations, illuminating their experiences so that you can not just find common ground but understand their way of doing and seeing things.  Right now, though?  It would be better to step back from this on your spiritual path and focus more on your own practice and path instead for a time.

Waxing – The Stargazer and Storm – Tests and trials are coming.  Ground and root yourself into your own practices for a time, and you will eventually be ready to open up and be receptive once more. For now, it’s time to focus closer to home on those things that are unique to your own path.

Take Away – You are in a period of rest right now. Sometimes breaks are necessary, and often they are when you experience the most growth, just like a child experiences the greatest growth spurt while they are asleep in their beds. Don’t get down on yourself about taking this time. It’s all a part of the process.

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

Imbolc 2023

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The time between February 1st and 2nd is Imbolc (also known as Candlemas, Imbolg, and Brigid’s Day), which marks the half way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and signifies the transition from winter into the first stirrings of spring. This holiday is about life renewing, but in the hidden darkness of cold months and dark earth. Deep in the darkness seeds stir and roots begin to feel the warming of the earth as the days grow longer and nights shorter. Life awakens, invisible in its infancy.

Imbolc

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 Spring Equinox at the end of March.

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

Theme of the Season – Imbolc, Waxing Gibbous, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

In order to begin, we must prepare, and Imbolc is all about that time of preparation. Rebirth is coming soon with spring on the horizon, and this time of year is all about preparation for what is to come. Whether this is prepping the land with the first plow, cleaning the home, or allowing yourself a little extra care and cleansing… now’s the time to begin preparing, setting intentions, and getting all your ducks in a row.

Like the theme of Imbolc itself, the Waxing Gibbous moon is a time of preparation for rebirth.  Soon, the full moon will be upon us, and its power at its peak.  During this time, power is building and condensing, and we must be active in planning what we are going to do with that power when it reaches its peak in another few days. Do we want to siphon off of that growing power a little at a time? Or do we want to let it build into something bigger and greater that we can utilize all at once?

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a common herb that is often used in cooking. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties, and has long been used to help in healing minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes. It also has been shown in studies to increase blood flow, and reduce blood sugar and blood pressure. In metaphysical circles, it is often used in spellwork that has to do with courage, building up one’s strength, and happiness, as well as healthy sleep and preventing nightmares.

When looking at these three cards together, the message I see here is a reminder that preparations made are not meant to control outcomes, but to pave the way towards what we seek to succeed at. Yes, being prepared can influence outcomes, but so can so many other things in life. Instead, they are meant to make things easier for you moving forward, often by clearing away obstacles that might otherwise end up in your path down the road.

Earth – Three of Pentacles – Collaboration with others is something that it took you a long time to get a handle on and learn to accept. You have done really good with it through the past few months, and need to make sure that you continue on with that theme going forward. The busy season is not the only time when you need a helping hand. Let others around you carry a bit more of the load.

Air – Judgement – Working on keeping negative self talk in check is extremely important. All that negativity has a tendency to pull you off track and keep you off center.  Don’t allow yourself to get to the end of your life and look back and think “Damn, I wasted so much time and energy on being a dick to myself that I missed out on all I could have become.”

Water – Page of Cups Rx atop Six of Cups – Experiences from your past are weighing heavily on you right now. Stop trying to push these feelings away or they will impact your creativity. Deal with them instead.

Fire – Eight of Wands Rx – You may be moving slowly at the moment, but still moving forward. Take things one step at a time so that you don’t allow slow movement to turn into stillness and stagnancy.

Waning – The Soothsayer and Standing Stone – Step aside for a bit concerning your explorations in mediumship. Just as you can’t be “on” all the time with your work and responsibilities, neither can you allow yourself to be “on” all the time in this journey. Down time is needed so that you can stay strong..

Waxing – The Dusk Child and Moon – Help yourself to better navigate the encroaching darkness instead of ignoring its approach.

Take Away – There is an impressive amount of prominently phallic symbols in this reading, speaking of your renewed vigor and encouraging you to enjoy it to its fullest.

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

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

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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.

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