reading tarot

Last Harvest 2025 – Samhain

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Today is the third and Last Harvest of the 2025 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. 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 Jahreskreis Orakel Der Keltischen Feste, Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, Healing Herbal Cards

Theme of the Season – Anderswelt (Otherworld), Waxing Gibbous Moon, Evening Primrose (Oenethera biennis)

Anderswelt (Otherworld) is a reference to the thinning of the veil during this time of year.  It is during Samhain when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, and many of the traditions and activities practiced during this time are based in either protecting us from the negative spirits that might come through, or welcoming in those of our loved ones that come to visit.

This Samhain, we are on the cusp of the Waxing Gibbous Moon. Metaphysically speaking, 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?

Evening primrose is a symbol of rebirth, helping us to release old wounds and other emotions that weigh heavily on the heart that have been carried with us from childhood.  This release opens us up to allow for a rebirth of joy and enjoyment.  Medicinally, this plant’s essential oil is used to also release us from pain and discomfort to make room for healing, as it is used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, menstrual cramps, and labor pains.

When looking at these three cards together, what I see here is a reminder that when we allow ourselves to explore our past, it provides us with the healing needed to become stronger and better moving forward. This healing releases us from the weight and pain we carry in old scars and long-standing wounds, giving us a new lease on life. In the same way, working with one’s ancestors and loved ones that come to visit during this time can heal generational trauma as well, if we’re open to the experience of working with them in this way.

Earth – Eight of Wands Rx – Slow your roll. Taking things easy right now is the best course of action for you. There is too much activity going on with the veil being thin, and you don’t want to get so caught up in the whirlwind that you lose your footing.

Air – The Tower Rx – There is currently a lull in the chaos. It’s temporary, but it’s giving you the opportunity to rise a bit before the next plummet begins. Use this time to bolster your inner dialogue and get your head on straight… or a straight as you can get it.

Water – Five of Swords Rx – Again, we see a message encouraging slowing down and holding back. Now it’s not the time to leap forward into battle. You’re not emotionally ready for it right now.

Fire – Knight of Swords – Focus your energy in the past, and seeking restoration through healing past wounds. Now is the time to deal with these issues; while the veil is thin, and those from your past are here and present to assist you.

Waning – The Memory and Briar – There’s smooth sailing when it comes to dealing with your past at this time. You won’t end up tangled up in the ways that you normally would be, because during this time you have the assistance needed to make changes and heal.

Waxing – The Oracle and Ruins – Lean into your ancestor work and mediumship abilities right now, and do a bit extra to honor the past and those who are long-standing at your side.

Take Away – There is a lot of advice here on slowing down in forward growth, your future goals, and aspirations. Instead of growth and the future, during this last harvest while the veil is thin, you are encouraged to dip into the past and work with your ancestors and guides. Be open to their guidance and focus in this direction rather than on advancement..

DECKS USED: JAHRESKREIS ORAKEL DER KELTISCHEN FESTE, PAGAN OTHERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 – 3

🌑 New Moon in Libra – October 2025

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Tonight 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 @lightningwildflower

New Moon in Libra Cartomancy Reading with the Giallo Playing Cards

What imbalances in my life need my attention?

Jack of Skulls under Jack of Knives – You’re working on a new balance in your life right now, and you need to make sure that you are not leaning too far into too much work, or too far into too much planning and strategy. It’s in finding a balance between them that you’ll find success.

How can I better respond to things that are unfair or unjust?

Five of Knives under Five of Candles – Don’t count your chickens until they’re hatched. When things feel unfair or unjust, you can learn a lot by holding back to observe back instead of engaging.

How can I bring more harmony into my relationships?

Five of Eyeballs – If you want to bring more harmony to your relationships, it’s time to address your scarcity issues and the shadows that drive them.

What can I do to manifest positive change?

King of Candles atop Seven of Skulls – Practice patience. The things you really want are going to take a lot of time, and you need to stay focused on your goal and what you’re working toward as you wait.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Nine of Eyeballs – During this new moon cycle, make sure that you are practicing gratitude and looking for opportunities to indulge in moments of enjoyment wherever you can.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Red Oak Leaf for Fostering Unconditional Love
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Ammonite for a Sense of Stability During Times of Change
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GIALLO PLAYING CARDS

🌕 Full Moon in Aries – October 2025

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Tonight 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 @ashandrosee

Full Moon in Aries Tarot Reading with the Gold Moon Tarot

Where in my life am I being called to take bold action?

Page of Swords – You are currently in a pattern of learning as you educate yourself on how to do new things and handle new situations in your business. Don’t be shy about reaching out for help in understanding something and applying it to your business and ambitions. Let yourself be educated by others who know more than you do.

How can I shut out any noise or overwhelm without isolating myself?

The Devil Rx – Shun those things that would make you feel ashamed if others knew about them. You have a lot of addictive tendencies, and habits that are formed through them. If you wouldn’t do it while others are watching, you shouldn’t be doing it at all right now.

What would I like to change for myself in 2026?

Queen of Wands Rx – You would like to find a greater balance between enjoyment and your ambitions. What so often happens is that you start doing things you enjoy as a form of income, and suddenly you don’t enjoy them as much anymore. You seek to discover that enjoyment again.

Where have I been hesitating that now needs decisive movement?

Eight of Wands Rx – When you refuse to deal with the past (wands and the eagle are flying in the direction of the past), the past has a tendency to linger on and slow you down. It’s time to make peace with the past so that you can move forward with more alacrity.

How can I channel Aries’ fiery energy into something creative or healing?

Queen of Cups Rx – In relation to the previous question, don’t make it emotional. She will try to do so, but you need to keep things on solid and steady ground, and for you that means not letting your emotions be manipulated or become trip wires.

What boundaries do I need to set to protect my passion and energy?

Three of Wands Rx – Don’t push for more when your plate is already full. It’s important to acknowledge when you’ve reached your limit on how much you are able to put on that plate of projects and responsibilities. Yes, there’s other things that might be intriguing and spark your interest, but it’s okay to put those on the back burner while you deal with the ones that you already have in motion.

Where am I being asked to step into authority?

Nine of Wands Rx – You aren’t. You already have more than enough on your shoulders and often take responsibility for protecting those that don’t even need your protection. There are a number of places in your life for you to lead, and more isn’t needed. Instead, you need to worry about stepping back instead of stepping forward in this area.

How do I balance courage with patience in my current journey?

Eight of Swords (Yes, this deck is fully randomized with upright and reverse cards. For some reason, it apparently just wants to speak in reversals.) – You have a tendency to ignore those things that are bothering you, and this works well for you most of the time. As a result, those things then pass on by without you needing to do anything at all.

You can use this habit to your advantage when balancing courage and patience, as when you decide to just move ahead and “refuse to look”, it can often be just what’s needed to let problems and other scary things in the background work themselves out on their own.

What new beginning am I ready to ignite under this Full Moon?

Knight of Cups – Examine closely those things that have the potential to actually provide you with happiness, and make sure that you’re focusing on going after those things rather than what you “should do” or “have to do”.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Ace of Cups – Remember that it’s okay to feel things, pet. You are not an empty vessel.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Aventurine Goddess for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GOLD MOON TAROT

Second Harvest 2025 – 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 thus 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.

Mabon Tarot Reading with the Jahreskreis Orakel Der Keltischen Feste, Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 - 3

Theme of the Season – Mabon/Abundance, New Moon, Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Mabon is a holiday filled with abundance. As the Second Harvest begins, we reap the rewards of all our hard work, stockpiling a cushion of abundance for the months ahead when scarcity will have the opportunity to step in and influence our lives. Remember that celebrating your hard work is important. The work done during this season builds up for us the strength needed to get through the sparse cold of the winter to come.

The New Moon is a time of beginnings, when we take the ideas we have been fostering in the back of our mind and bring them forward to prioritize and begin to encourage to grow.  Planning is the first step to acting on one’s dreams, and the new moon encourages us to plot and plan to our heart’s content concerning those things most important to us, and that we want to accomplish or achieve.

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is truly a jack-of-all trades kind of herb. Oh, did I say herb? Are you aware it’s actually considered a weed? Regardless, it’s not just delicious, but also possesses a swath of medical benefits and magical uses.

As a medicinal herb, dill is a spectacular choice for treatment of a variety of stomach ailments, bad breath, gas, and even hemorrhoids. It is also been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, is full of antioxidants, and high in flavonoids which are known to help in protecting the heart due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help lower cholesterol. It’s essential oil is also antibacterial.

Metaphysically speaking, dill is an herb with many various uses from love and abundance to luck, protection, fostering adaptability, attracting money, and even hex removal and binding magic. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, for you can find a myriad of spells for all sorts of purposes that use dill as an essential ingredient.

When looking at these three cards together, what I see here is an encouragement to focus on the things that you -can- do and be grateful for all you’ve accomplished.  Even if in life you are struggling right now, work on staying calm and use this time to appreciate all that you have instead of focusing on what you don’t have or can’t do.  Calm and ground yourself as best you can, and focus on taking care of yourself and your health right now.

Earth – Page of Pentacles – Be open to learning new things, but at a slow pace. Don’t push, but instead contemplate and savor. Roll new methods and skills needed around in your head and practice at them. You’re gonna feel like a novice for a good while longer, so be sure to use your spiritual practice to help bolster your confidence and foster patience as you move forward.

Air – Ace of Swords – Communication is key right now, as is information gathering. New ideas are coming, and you’re not going to want to just listen to them, but share them with others as well. This open communication will encourage new ideas and creative thinking.

Water – Eight of Swords Rx – It’s really difficult right now for you not to bury your head in the sand and hide, but a part of the communication mentioned above is also about listening. Make sure that you are keeping your eyes, ears, and mind open. What you glean from doing so will help remove barriers that are currently in your way.

Fire – Five of Swords – The mentality of defeat is just that… a mentality. A choice. You can stand strong to weather the storm and come out on top, or you can lay things down and walk away defeated with your tail tucked between your legs. Choose to fight, and you choose to win.

Waning – The Healer and Sickle – You cannot heal or adequately attend to others when you yourself are unwell. Step back from investing so much of yourself in others well-being on your path and practice right now. You need to be focusing this energy on yourself instead, at least for the time being.

Waxing – The Unbound and Roots – Reconnect with your roots by getting out in nature and doing those things that help you to feel that you are thriving. Connect with the wild, and let it lift you up into a better and healthier mindset as it fosters within you the grounding that you need right now.

Take Away – This season is all about taking care of yourself and your own needs. Make sure that you are getting the outside time that you’re craving. Even if it feels inconvenient; you still need it.

Don’t allow yourself to fall into the pit of despair, or hold yourself apart and hide away. You need to be open and aware and thinking clearly, so that when opportunity to begin learning anew arises, you’re able to step in and start right away. The learning curve on what’s coming is going to be a steep one, and you need to be ready to start as soon as possible, communicate openly with others as you go, and listen with an open mind to their feedback and ideas.

DECKS USED: JAHRESKREIS ORAKEL DER KELTISCHEN FESTE, PAGAN OTHERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 – 3

🌑 New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Virgo – September 2025

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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 courtesy of @moonlightandmindfulness.

Virgo New Moon Oracle Reading with the Healing Heart Oracle and Ancestral Healing Oracle

This New Moon and Solar Eclipse duo brings with it themes of health, well being, and day-to-day routines.

Where am I being pulled to create stability, structure, and balance at this time?

Reconnect With Your Divine Masculine – This time to look at what “emperor” energy you’ve been carrying with you that needs to be let go. That energy can push too hard sometimes, especially when you need a break. This can cause instability as you feel guilty and shamed into “doing the hard work” when what you really need is to relax and rest.

Where am I being guided to clear clutter and refine my routines?

Longing Heart – It can be hard sometimes to check in with reality, when what you really want is to look back on what used to be and try to resurrect it. It’s time to clear out the past and how things used to be, along with your longing thoughts concerning these things. You need to look forward to what’s coming instead.

In what area am I being encouraged to do a reset on my self-care?

Claim Your Kingdom – Stop looking to others and their opinions concerning what you’re doing and what you need. It’s none of their business, and if they don’t like it, that’s just too bad. Do your thing without worrying so much about the judgments of others.

Virgo is a problem solver and purifier.

What is it that needs to be let go of as it is no longer serving me? 

Go Beyond Survival Mode – Part of the reason you feel like you’re not getting the rest of that you need right now is because you are in “survival mode”, and thus you are not able to fully relax or enjoy this time when the pressure is (involuntarily) off.  This is because survival mode creates more pressure, not less. Look at ways to ease this reaction so that you can let it go and move forward.

What obstacles can this Virgo New Moon help remove from my path?

Open Your Heart To Sacred Love – Because you are feeling vulnerable, you have been closing yourself off and retreating inward. This is shutting other people out is not allowing you to receive the love and support that they are trying to give you. This Virgo New Moon encourages you to take time to work on releasing that defense mechanism that is closing you off from the world and others.

The Virgo Solar Eclipse may encourage you to have difficult conversations, release relationships or jobs that no longer support you, etc. 

What deepest truth within the chaos can this eclipse help me to see more clearly?

Strengthen Your Weakened Masculine – Despite how you were raised to believe that men should be tough, strong, and emotionless, there is a part of you that is a much gentler and kinder sort of man. Look at your defense mechanisms and the teachings from your past for the answers to why you are feeling wounded right now, and seek ways to bolster yourself when in the grip of these feelings.

With power split between the new moon and solar eclipse, now is a time to take a mindful moment, even amidst busyness – take a breath, reflect on what makes you feel whole, and imagine releasing all that no longer serves you.

When the clarity of mindful moments is consulted, what is it time to release in order to make room for something new?

Tune Into Your Feminine Lineage – Why are you still so angry at your mother? Don’t you think it’s about time to look into this, go a little deeper, and start to seek out a path that will allow you to let it go?

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Own Your Sexuality – Go with what feels right, and he will follow. It doesn’t matter if it’s steady time in one space or another, or if you fluctuate back-and-forth. Remember that he is there for the ride, and eager to be involved in whatever it is you need.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Lavender Bundle for Calming and Comfort
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Onyx Stone Fox for Identifying and Connecting to Truth
Selenite Moon Phase Bar for Cleansing and Clarifying Cycles

DECKS USED: ANCESTRAL HEALING ORACLE AND HEALING HEART ORACLE

🌕 Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse in Pisces – September 2025

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Tomorrow 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 @katie_belleame

Full Moon Tarot Reading with the Love and Lust Tarot and Close to Home Cards

Aquamarine – What in life helps to soothe my emotional overwhelm, encouraging calm and clarity?

Seven of Swords and Beauty – Hold up and take a moment to appreciate fleeting moments of beauty. Just because you can’t capture them all on film doesn’t mean they don’t live in your heart and heal you from the inside. These moments create positive feedback that helps to lift you up and combat your pessimism, just like seeking out positivity and optimism.

Amethyst – How can I deepen my intuition, supporting mindfulness and strengthening my spiritual connections?

Nine of Swords and Time – Don’t worry so much about what’s coming. Instead, focus on mindfulness and living in the moment for the time being. There’s too much uncertainty ahead, and the what-if thinking going on in your head is getting in the way of everything else.

Rose Quartz – What can I do during this full moon cycle to soften my heart and encourage more compassion, forgiveness, and self-love?

The World and Compassion – Remember that getting to the end of a journey is never perfect. It’s messy and there’s lots of mistakes and lessons along the way. When you get to the end and look back, it’s important to remember that the journey was never meant to be perfect in the first place.

Labradorite – What protections are needed at this time to protect myself and my dreams?

Six of Pentacles and A Retreat – Work on seeing this forced time off as a vacation, instead of treating it as a punishment. Give yourself permission to enjoy it.

Lepidolite – How can I ease my anxiety and support myself in letting go during times of transition?

Three of Swords Rx and A Locked Portal – Work on remembering that you aren’t in this alone. You might hold the reins, but you have others there to support you and advise you in these times of transition… if you’re willing to listen.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

The Chariot and A Beautiful Key – Don’t despair. Everything is going to work out. You may not be able to see it at the moment, as the path forward is currently blocked… but you have everything you’ll need to get going when the time is right.

DECK USED: LOVE AND LUST TAROT AND CLOSE TO HOME CARDS