Full Moon in Capricorn – July 2020

The full moon is a time of release and letting go, and this is doubly true during this month’s full moon in Capricorn. The influence of Capricorn on this month’s full moon is one of transition and a reminder of patience.   This is a theme that has been very prominent in  my personal readings of late, and is echoed in the energy that surrounds this full moon.

As we honor the completion of this moon’s cycle over the next couple of weeks, it’s time to reflect upon our growth and how far we have come… and remember that the way forward is not a race toward a destination, but a journey along which we must be conscious and aware, and savoring each step along the way.

Full Moon in Capricorn - Psychopomp Tarot

Yesterday was 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.

1. What long term plans are calling me?

The High Priestess – This is a reminder that the development I am going through is mostly  unseen by others.   It is an internal growth, and although I openly share that growth and struggle through my readings and this blog, the truth is that it is about changing things on the inside more than the changing of habits on the outside.  Only by changing how I see things, feel about things, and my internal perspectives will I be able to change my actions and methods.  The High Priestess says…. focus inward for outward results.

2. What foundations do I need to lay to succeed?

The Chariot – Control.  In this case (and as indicated by the position and angle of the tip of the spear towards the warrior’s Achilles tendon) the control has to do with getting control over my own bad habits and hidden weaknesses.

3. Where do I need to apply patience?

Eight of Wands – Don’t give up on this journey that you are on, and remember that these types of transitions take time.  You are too impatient with yourself.  Ease up and let things move at their own pace.

4. Where do I need to think BIGGER?

Queen of Pentacles – Look for ways in which you can foster stable and responsible growth in the area of your home and finances.  This isn’t a time for big growth spurts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some small progress that keeps things stable and on track.  Nurture these areas of your life without training your entire focus upon them.  They only need a little encouragement to do better and not become stagnant while you focus on other things.

5. Where do I need support?

The Empress – Hey Gideon… do you remember a few months ago when you asked the cards what I needed from you and you drew the Empress?  *Points to the Empress*   You’re up.  (I’m teasing… but not entirely joking here.)

The Empress indicates that the areas where I am in need of some support are in those more caring and nurturing areas that I’m not all that good at providing for myself.

DECK USED:  PSYCHOPOMP TAROT

Most Used Crystals and Stones

Today’s prompt is brought to you by one of the Discord servers that I am a member of.  Just as a side note that I usually include with these discord questions… The reason I do not link these Discord servers is because each server has their own rules about if you’re allowed to share them publicly and how, and it’s a pain in the ass to look it up for each one so I just don’t share them.

On to the question… “What are your favorite crystals for your different practices/uses?

IMG_5079-2

So first, I need to explain about crystals and stones, I think. This is a very bare-bones and layman’s explanation, but essentially, crystals hold vibrations, which is a scientific fact.  Different crystals vibrate at different frequencies. These frequencies are then used in different ways to act upon energy.

Some of the ways these vibrational frequencies are used includes healing both one’s energy and/or body, enhancing your own personal vibrational frequencies that exist in our cellular make up as well as on the metaphysical plane, using these frequencies in spellcraft and ritual to enhance the energies created or stirred up in these activities, or reinforce the intentions brought forth in those practices, etc.

When working with crystals, many find they are more sensitive to the energy / vibrations / frequency of some crystals over others.  For example, I find Labrodorite extremely pleasant and soothing… some people don’t.  This means that the frequencies that labradorite emits are frequencies that mesh well with my personal energy.

So, the question here is essentially asking, what stones are you drawn to use most often in your different practices.  In reply I’ve made a short list… in alphabetical order. I was actually surprised that the short list is so long. Although, I guess that I shouldn’t be since I incorporate stones into not just my meditation and jewelry designs, but also in spellwork, ritual, tarot readings for my clients, as well as everyday purposes.

Amazonite – courage, self-awareness, integrity and truth
Black Tourmaline – protection
Blue Lace Agate – emotional truths
Calcedony – encouraging kindness and generosity
Carnelian – fostering pragmatism
Citrine – lift (sort of lightening the “weight” of other energies)
Clear Quartz – all types of general energy boosting
Amethyst – used much the same as clear quartz, but on a specifically spiritual level
Desert Rose – emotional clarity
Fresh Water Pearls – clearing the path to wisdom and enhancing integrity
Garnet – Ancestral connections and enhancing feelings of devotion
Green Calcite – encouraging compassion
Honey Calcite – optimism and a motivational boost
Labradorite – meditation (solar plexus) for calming
Larvikite – cleanse and balance the aura, and healing energy leaks
Mangano Calcite – fostering peace and a sense of well-being
Moonstone – emotional stability
Moss Agate – grounding and clarity
Opal – self expression and fostering creativity
Rose Quartz – warmth towards self and others and the softening of jagged energies
Selenite – energy purification and cleansing
Smokey Quartz – meditation (forehead) for crisp thought
Snowflake Obsidian – fosters surrender to meditative states and appreciation of beauty

These are, of course, not all of the uses for each of the crystals and stones mentioned above, but they are what I personally use them for most often. They are also not the only crystals and stones I use in my practice (whether that be my spiritual, magical, or tarot practice).  It’s simply a “short” list of the ones that I use most often.

Tarotholics June 21st Challenge Spread

Fanuna's Tarot

So!  I kinda sort a did the wrong Taraholics Challenge spread yesterday.   I thought I’d rectify that by doing it separately today.  This is Spread #3 of the #TarotholicsDiscordJun2020 Challenge.

1. What in my past is it time to let go of this summer?

Six of Pentacles – One of the biggest reasons that I struggle with asking others for help is because I was taught that such help is considered charity and you become indebted to the one that is providing help. The Six of Pentacles in this position is telling me that that is not how it works, even if it feels like it should.  This belief is ingrained not through reason or observation, but was taught to me at a young age and has stuck with me all this time.  Perhaps it is time to start seeking a different perspective in this matter.

2. What have I carried over from winter I need to weed out?

Three of Cups Rx – Now that you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy some alone time, it’s time to do it.  You need that time for your self care and to help you in feeling balanced and grounded.  Restrictions have lifted enough to allow that to happen and the girls are safe being left home alone while you go off and have a bit of time on your own.

3. Where do I need to focus my energy thru the summer months?

Page of Swords – Finding a different way to communicate with yourself.  Preparation for when you need to charge ahead into your responsibilities is fine, but take your time at it and give yourself time to learn and grow.

4. What opportunity will arise to fill the space I’ve weeded?

Seven of Pentacles – Some of the readings lately have spoke about the patience needed to follow the path of my emotional growth, and the changing of habits and methods being a long term effort and not a quick change.  This card reinforces that sentiment, speaking of long term growth that, over time if I stick with my plans, will bleed over into growth in areas I usually am so very, very focused on such as that stability and security I crave.   In other words, following through with plans to make room on my plate to breath combined with getting the alone time I need to feel balanced and centered will, in turn, end up providing long term growth of not just these areas, but beyond that limited scope as well.

4. How can I help this new opportunity to flourish?

The Empress – This new opportunity is about growth, and how that growth, even as slow moving as it is (or perhaps because of how slow moving it is) has the ability to spread into all aspects of one’s life, influencing them all in positive ways.   The Empress indicates that to encourage this opportunity to flourish, I need to allow my more nurturing energies and connection with the earth to rise to the surface.  She also reminds me that these qualities are not weaknesses.

DECK USED:  FANUNA’S TAROT

Summer Solstice 2020 – Midsummer

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.

Summer Solstice Tarot Spread

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.

Theme of the SeasonMidsummer, Spiral Moon, Owl – Midsummer offers the opportunity to alter one’s course, tipping one’s balance in order to alter reality to deepen one’s connection with their chosen path.

Honeysuckle resides on the center card and speaks of love, while the Spiral Moon reminds us that this is a time of deepening connection to the self.  A connection that is found through peeling back one’s inner layers to reveal the softer bits within.   Through that process, you reveal vulnerable bits.

The presence of the Owl reminds us to be certain to stay on course and focused on what you want. It can be easy to get lost in the weeds of uncertainty and old habits, especially when feeling vulnerable.  Don’t allow distractions to hinder your path or turn you away from where you want to go.

The combination of these three center cards speak of a time of growth and deepening connection with the self.  There will be vulnerability and it may be hard to stay on task with the changes you want to manifest through the season, but stay on task with your self care and your desire to deepen that connection, and you will travel through this time of growth and adjustment with grace.

EarthTen of Cups – Even though the upcoming weeks are a slow time for the business, this time will also allow you a sense of emotional fulfillment concerning where you are and how things are going.  Enjoy this time, and take time to appreciate the sense of ease you feel concerning your work and home life.  It won’t last forever and should be cherished.

AirAce of Cups and Six of Cups – There’s always a bit of messiness involved when you mix emotions with intellect.  With all these new feelings and emotional growth going on, make sure that you’re not smothering the carefully unfurling lotus within you.  Hold the flowering growth with care and foster it’s development rather than allowing your logical mind and inner critic to have free reign.  In other words?  Give yourself the room you need to grow emotionally by shutting up negative thoughts and recriminations.

WaterQueen of Wands – Be open to the joy that comes from those things that inspire you. Making space doesn’t mean you have to be bored or sedate, it means that you allow pleasure and the spark of fun into those places that are usually dry and feeling a bit boring.  By allowing this spark to flourish and joy to bloom, your growth will continue and not be half so stressful as your intellect keeps trying to make.

FirePage of Swords and King of Swords – Strategizing is the name of the game for the next few months.  This is not surprising, as this is usually what happens during this time of year.  The summer is often a time of preparation for the busy season to come late in the fall.  Start now and take your time.  If you start early then there’s no need to rush, and you can feel more stable over all in as you work towards being in a place of preparation for the future.

WaningPanther Spirit – Set your relentless aggression aside. Now is not the time to push and shove towards some illusive promise of perfection. Let go of the need to prod yourself constantly forward.

WaxingLion Spirit – Take pride in your abilities and foster your own self-confidence over the next few weeks.  You are worth far more than the business you run and the money you make.  What you offer to the world reaches beyond these trivial things. You shine as an inspiration to others… allow yourself to acknowledge and be grateful for those qualities you like in yourself as well as the opportunities you are given to help others using your unique gifts.

Take Away – The next handful of weeks need to be a time of rest and recovery.  Stop pushing and prodding at yourself.  Stop the recriminations.  Instead, it’s time to focus on fostering your inner spark and spirit, and giving yourself room to grow within your current emotional journey.  Although there’s some prep you can do for the business during this time, there is no need to rush. Instead, a better use of your time during this time is to focus upon those things that kindle that spark of curiosity and creativity within you and allow that spark to manifest some guilt-free pleasure and joy.

DECKS USED:  LIGHT SEER’S TAROT, THE GREEN WHEEL ORACLE, THE SPIRIT ANIMAL ORACLE

New Moon in Cancer – June 2020

New Moon in Cancer 2020 Tarot Spread

Yesterday was 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.

1. How can I feed my soul during this moon cycle?

Knight of Pentacles – Keep in mind that the things worth having take time.  Foster patience in your expectations and in your actions as well.  It’s okay to take your time and take things at a slower pace right now.

2. What have I been hiding that needs to come forward?

Ten of Swords – I’m hurting myself with the expectations that I put upon myself.  My inner critic is far more vicious that I’ve been willing to admit to, and it’s becoming a detriment to my well-being. The blood drawn creates a perpetual cycle of exhaustion.

3. What needs to be tackled head-on?

Hierophant – Instead of focusing on the nebulous voice in my head that I can’t pin down, focus on what you can control and what you can do for yourself and others.  Don’t forget that the teacher is also a student.

The shield on the bird’s breast looks too big and too heavy.  It might be a good idea to take a look at all that you’ve taken on and do a little pruning, or take a break so that shield doesn’t feel quite so unwieldy.

4. How can I improve my relationships at this time?

Ace of Swords  – Share my thoughts and ideas instead of keeping them to myself.  Communicate what’s going on with me.  It’s okay to open up with those that you love and trust.

DECK USED:  DREAM RAVEN TAROT

Systems of Correspondences

Today’s prompt is brought to you by one of the Discord servers that I am a member of.  Just as a side note… the reason I do not link these Discord servers is because each server has their own rules about if you’re allowed to share them publicly and how, and it’s a pain in the ass to look it up for each one so I just don’t share them.

On to the question… “What systems of correspondences do you tend to work with most? How do they play a part in your practice? (Ie: the cardinal directions, elements, magickal herbs, etc)

correspondances

The Elements – These are essentially the touchstones of my craft.  I do not have five points when I create a circle.  I have four.  This is because the representative for “spirit” resides inside the circle, not at one of the outer edges.  I (not surprisingly) connect most strongly to the element earth, with water following close behind.  Then air… and lastly fire, which is an element I’ve never had a very close affinity with.   The elements in spellcraft and my path align up with the same correspondences that you see for the elements in the tarot.  That is to say….

Fire (Wands) represents the inner spark of passion, willpower, and drive.
Water (Cups) represents the emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.
Air (Swords) represents the mind, intellect, and communication
Earth (Pentacles) represents the physical realm including health, resources, finances, etc.

Spirit/Divinity – As previously mentioned, for me spirit/divinity is not a point upon the circle’s perimeter (not that I cast circles all that often), but resides at the center of that circle. Spirit/Divinity (in my practice), is defined as the energies of creation, evolution, and balance.  Because of its distinction as being separate from “The Elements”, I gave it its own section in these correspondences.

Plants of All Kinds – I’ve always been very connected with plants and rich, moist soil. I have two green thumbs and eight green fingers, and I love plants of all kinds so much so that my university education was focused in the areas of botany and horticulture.  It is no surprise, then, that plants and soil would be something that I incorporate strongly into my spellcraft and practice both through their spiritual symbology, practical uses, medicinal uses, and otherwise.

Lunar Cycles – I depend on the cycles of the moon to lend energy to both my spellcraft and my gardening.  You can learn more about that latter part here:  Farmer’s Almanac – Why Garden By The Moon

Seasonal Cycles – My wheel of the year is built around seasonal cycles (as opposed to the god/goddess journey or whatnot).  My celebrations align with the solstices, equinoxes, and cross quarter points lined out by seasonal changes. Which, I suppose, means it could also be said that I work with weather cycles as well.

Stones and Minerals (esp. semiprecious stones and precious stones) – I’m a jeweler.  I make amulets and pendulums and other magically enhanced items.  It would be weird to me to do this without using the appropriate stones in the process.

Colors – This one is more rare, but there are magical correspondences that have to do with colors, especially when using candle magic, thread and knotting magic, etc.  I do occasionally incorporate this into my spellcraft, but not all that often.

I’m sure there are plenty more that I’ve not included, but this is a list of some of those I use most often.