tarot questions

New Moon in Aquarius – February 2021

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Today is the new moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is about the rising of altruism, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Aquarius New Moon - The Uncommon Tarot

1. What visions is my mind awakening to?

Ten of Swords – The pain of what I’m currently going through, the mental illness that I’m struggling with.  The beat down that it is giving me, and the potential to rise from it in the end.  There is a need to ride out the process in order to find that potential, though.  First you must hit the ground, bleed out upon the grass… only then can you then rise from the ashes and start over.

2. How can I be more open to ideas that are outside of the box?

Four of Swords – Ease up on yourself.  It’s okay to need rest and recovery is a part of the process. Do not shame yourself into trying to avoid or outright reject this process. Part of last year was about accepting this and making allowances for rest and recovery.  Don’t backslide into shunning the need for this rest and restoration.

3. What false perceptions do I need to release in order to create space for sacred truths to rise up?

Eight of Wands – Not everything has to be done right this moment. You always push for everything to be done right now. Right away.  You don’t expect this from others, and yet you demand it from yourself.  it’s time to release this expectation and allow yourself the room to breathe through the process of getting things done.

4. In what aspect of my life do I need to be innovative?

The Magician – Don’t allow yourself to sink into feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.  You are a skilled and strong individual, knowledgeable and capable. The depression can cause you to lose track of your awareness concerning these things, but in keeping them in mind you empower yourself to stay strong and keep going.

5. Who do I need to collaborate with in my kindred circle for my health and well-being?

The Empress atop The Hermit Rx – This is about Z and the kindness and nurturing she offers during times when you need her support. Whenever the Empress appears, it often reflects back to the same energy that Z carries upon her and within her, and she is the person that you need to collaborate with now in order to assure that you don’t use alone time activities to retreat into yourself.  By speaking with her about your concerns to do with alone time and not using your alone time in healthy ways, she can be there for you real-time and on-point to make sure that it doesn’t happen and you use that time in healthy ways.

6. Message from my Guides and Ancestors.

Four of Cups – Rest does not turn into stagnancy as long as you make the choice to stay engaged instead of turning away from your feelings and interests.  Rest is healthy, and can help foster your gradual improvement as you begin to find yourself on the road to recovery.  Stagnancy is unhealthy and will hold you back.  They are not the same thing, so make sure you are aware and paying attention to which “wolf you feed” in this matter.

DECK USED:  THE UNCOMMON TAROT

Imbolc 2021

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This evening through ’til tomorrow evening 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 it 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 2021 Tarot Reading

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.

Theme of the Season – Imbolc, Waning Gibbous Moon, Aesculus Hippocastanum 

Imbolc is a time of life reawakening and the sweet stirrings that are not yet seen but will soon come forth to greet the sun. It is a time of hope, rest, and awakening, and is considered the very first whisper of the spring to come. 

The Waning Gibbous Moon is a time of decline.  This is the time when one rides the peak of the full moon’s power into it’s decrease.  Spell craft done on the full moon will stretch forward into the energy of the gibbous moon, providing  it the power needed to begin influencing those things we set to change on that full moon night.  Now is a time to reflect on your achievements with gratitude for all that has been gained and accomplished.

The Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) are a magical representation of the fertility of the divine masculine, and are often used in spells that have to do with luck, especially of the monetary abundance sort.  It is an astringent, an anti-inflammatory, and contains saponins, which means that it can be used to make soap and other cleaning products.  It should not be ingested, though, as this nut is toxic to humans, causing stomach upset, kidney problems, muscle twitching, weakness, loss of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor when ingested. In other words… don’t eat the soap, dumbass.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here has to do with taking this time of rest and quiet to purge out the negative and that which is not serving you with practices of gratitude and self care. Acknowledge your accomplishments and allow a little bit of pride to flourish as you wash away the negativity with positive reinforcement and an attitude of gratitude and hope.

Earth – Nine of Swords – In the darkness of the depression you find yourself in, you twist and turn restlessly and seek release from the chains darkness has bound you in.  Remember that even the seed must spend time in the dark before it can emerge to greet the sun.  Don’t fuss so much.  Pause and allow yourself to take a breath. Adding extra worries and anxieties to the experience won’t make it any more pleasant, nor usher it to move on more quickly.

Air – Three of Swords – This darkness you find yourself in naturally drags forward feelings of disappointment and damning thoughts of degradation.  Look up and allow the rain to wash you clean.  You are going through a trial and you need to work at keeping the negative thoughts from taking over.

Water – Nine of Wands –  Don’t close up. Don’t close off.  These things will not serve you well and aren’t healthy.  The depression always makes it tempting to put up walls and go on the defensive but you’ve been doing well at keeping those unhealthy habits in check. Better to allow the air to flow in and your breath to flow out.  Your emotions need an outlet to help things stay on an even keel.

Fire – Knight of Wands –  Following the theme of the other cards in this reading, this Knight has arrived to tell you what not to do. Do not charge forward.  Do not bear down in your focus and end up closing out the outside world and the influence of others as a result.  Do not allow yourself to find escape in work… for that escape is not going to foster you in any ways that matter in this moment when it is your mental health that needs your focus… not your work.

Waning – Light – You’re not going to be getting a lot of clarity this week, and hope might be a bit of a challenge. Feeling as if you are at a standstill is a natural part of what you’re going through right now, and that can create a sense of hopelessness. 

Waxing – The Stargazer – Patience is going to play an important role in moving forward over the next few weeks. Not everything can be taken on like a warrior charging into battle, sometimes it is about patiently working towards where you want to be one small step at a time.  The cake still gets eaten whether you nibble at it and savor each bite, or wolf it down on a gluttonous inhale.

Take Away –  Don’t worry. Don’t thrash.  Don’t fight too vigorously or try to charge through the abyss with force.  This moment in your journey is about patience and slow progress.  It’s about gratitude and doing what you can to foster hope within the darkness.   Have patience with yourself… you’ll get there in time.

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

Full Moon in Leo – January 2021

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Leo Full Moon Spread - Tarot Noir

Today 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 about moving beyond the shadows, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

1. What medicine does the Leo Full Moon offer?

Eight of Cups  – The Leo full moon offers you the strength and opportunity to leave behind you the things that are no longer working for you.  You’ve been drug down and disappointed, struggling with your emotions, but this full moon is offering you the energy needed to begin the climb back out of that dark place and towards the light.

2. How can I harness the potent medicine of Leo for activating what my heart is yearning to manifest?

Ten of Wands – Don’t overwhelm yourself.  It’s okay to take things a little at a time instead of trying to pile it all on and deal with it all at once.  Responsibilities can sometimes feel like they are just too much of a burden, but they can be manageable if broken down into smaller bite sized pieces.   Yes, this means it will take more time, but it will help keep you from feeling the overwhelm that can drag you down and hold you back from that climb into the light.

3. How can I embrace Leo’s shadow medicine?

Six of Wands – Listen to those that cheer you on.  It’s okay to accept praise.  It’s okay to feel good when people say that you’ve done well or say that they admire you.  It won’t make you a lesser person to allow these good feelings when you are given compliments or praise.

4. What shifts will emerge after the Full Moon?

Ten of Coins – A return to a sense of security and good fortune is on the horizon as the moon’s energy begins to wane.  The healthier you begin to feel, the more that sense of well-being in your situation will improve.  It is all about your perception… and your gratitude, which is much easier to get in touch with as you begin to feel better.

5. Message from the Ancestors.

Seven of Wands  – Stand up for what you believe in and follow that moral compass so intrinsically embedded in how you think and feel.  As the energy of the full moon peaks and its waning begins to lead the way out of the darkness you’ve slid into, make sure that you keep your focus centered on those things that are worth fighting for and what you need to do to protect them and allow them to flourish.

DECK USED: TAROT NOIR

Bugs and Symbolism in Spellcraft

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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 bug associations do you hold?”

caterpillar

Like the use of crystals, and the use of herbs and plants, there are often times when bugs are used in magic.  Not just in predictions and omens, but also occasionally in spellwork and the like. This is not something that I personally do all that often, as I feel much the same about using bugs in my spellcraft as I do about using animals.  That is to say… they cannot give their consent to be used in this manner, which means it’s unfair use and disrespectful of me to do so.  That said, I do have certain associations with different bugs.  I’ve listed those below…

Ants – hard work, strength, community
Aphids – sneaky, hidden, persistence
Bees – collaborative work, success, the sun
Butterflies – rebirth, hope, renewal
Caterpillars – growth, slow organic change (usually positive)
Cicadas – deeply personal transformation, vocalization, inner truth
Cockroach – sloth, resilience, hardiness
Cricket – good luck, happiness
Dragonflies – sudden or abrupt change (not always positive)
Firefly – inner light shining bright, authenticity
Flies – filth, decay, guilt
Gnats – hunger, annoyance, persistence
Ladybugs – wishes, good luck
Locust – deceit, greed, bad luck
Mosquito – blood, medical field, usury, vampirism (energy or otherwise)
Moth – addictions, temptations, the moon, the subconscious
Praying Mantis – independence, betrayal
Pill Bugs – passive defense, being guarded
Silverfish – greed, gluttony
Spiders (most) – meticulousness, organization
Termites – perniciousness
Ticks – tenaciousness, burrowing energy
Wasps – anger, backbiting, over the top protection, warning

Keep in mind that these are my personal associations with each of the bugs listed above.  I have no idea what the “official” metaphysical associations and symbolism is for each of them, although I would imagine that I’m on the right track with most.

With that said, obviously these are not all of the uses, associations, and symbolism that these bugs can possess.  I tried to wrack my brain for as many different types of bugs as I could think of without doing an internet search for bugs, which would be sure to set off my arachnophobia like nobody’s business.

New Moon in Capricorn – January 2021

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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 about drawing in stability, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Dark Days Tarot - Capricorn New Moon Tarot Reading

1. What medicine does the Capricorn New Moon offer?

The Hermit – The ability to look within and truly ascertain what’s working for you and what isn’t. Other readings I’ve done lately have been saying much the same thing.  It’s time to reevaluate methods and modalities, toss the ones that aren’t working and go with the ones that are going to further your goals not just in projects or material ways but also in your spiritual path and emotional growth.  In order to make that move, you have to take the first step and open your eyes.  Now is the time to start paying attention and really looking into these things and examining what’s working and what isn’t.

2. What aspect of my life do I need to restructure and shift?

Knight of Swords – Less impulsivity.  Slow down. Everything doesn’t need to be done right now and you need to stop barraging yourself with recriminations for not going at top speed all the time.  It is only your own expectation of speed that is causing that constant shove to go faster and do more.

3. How can I hold space to align with my TRUE purpose?

Page of Swords – Keep your mind open and don’t allow negative thinking to stab you in the back. You know it’s coming.  You know that those negative thoughts are sneaking up and trying to whisper in the background.  Be aware of this and do what you can to keep their volume as low as possible so that your mind is open and receptive to new methods and ideas.  After you have identified what isn’t working, after all, it will be time to discover what to try instead.

4. How can I create the security that I need in order to thrive?

Ace of Cups atop Judgement – Remember that you are just starting on this particular journey and stop judging yourself so harshly for the small mistakes that you make a long the way.  You’re learning and growing, mistakes will happen.  Backsliding will also happen.  That’s okay.

5. What resources am I overlooking that I need to bring into my awareness to help sow new seedlings for the Capricorn New Moon?

Knight of Cups – Instead of looking at what you should be doing, try looking through the lens of what you want to do and what will make you feel happy.  If there’s stuff that you want to happen or to change that will make you happy, you need to take these things into consideration rather than setting them aside as frivolous or immaterial.  Give them weight and allow them a seat at the table.

6. Message from the Ancestors and Guides.

The Magician – You can do it!  Your ultimate and eternal cheerleaders are on deck and rooting for you.

DECK USED:  DARK DAYS TAROT

Full Moon in Cancer – December 2020

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Tomorrow is the last full moon of the year, 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.

Full Moon in Cancer Tarot Reading - Naked Heart Tarot

1. What spiritual lesson was I learning this year?

Nine of Pentacles – How to be grateful for what I have instead of constantly striving for more.  This was actually a side product lesson that came from my efforts to allow my emotional growth room to do its thing throughout the majority of the first part of the year.  What I have come to realize is that it actually -is- possible for me to “wallow a bit” in my good fortune and the results of my hard work.  That it’s okay to enjoy the now instead of constantly pushing for what’s next.  It’s not always easy, but the more that I’ve been able to look at things from this angle, the more I realize that a good portion of that slave driver in my head has nothing to do with a desperate grasping need for security as it has to do with my father’s voice in my head drilling home that nothing will ever be “enough” and thus I must try harder.

2. How can I integrate it into 2021?

Nine of Swords Rx – By focusing on worrying less and stressing out less about the things that “need to be done”. The only deadlines in life are the ones that you are setting for yourself.  I used this same line a couple of days ago in a reading and it fits very well here as well.  No one else is setting deadlines on me, not for my goals or for the things I want to happen.  The only one setting deadlines and demands on myself… is me.  I need to take ownership of this and understand that I’m doing this to myself… and that I have all of the control needed to change things to be less stressful.

3. What do I need to let go of now?

Two of Wands Rx – Indirection. You don’t need to control every step, but you don’t need to feel like when you’re not controlling every step that things are going awry either. Last year after the holiday rush, I went through a few months of feeling completely rudderless and adrift.  Lost.  I need to let go of the idea that this is going to happen again, and instead make moves to make sure that it doesn’t.  This isn’t about filling my plate with things to do or about leaving room on my plate either, but rather it’s about dealing with the emotions and decompression that needs to be cared for instead of fighting against it.

4. What spiritual lesson will I be moving into in 2021?

Knight of Chalices – The spiritual lesson in the year ahead will involve learning how to better seek out those things that I really enjoy and make me happy instead of just focusing upon the things that I need to get done. This goes beyond making things more fun or my life happier, but rather by making things more fun and my life happier I will be able to elevate my energy and my spiritual self into a better place.

5. What can I do now to set myself up for success?

Six of Wands Rx – Look inward for encouragement and accolades instead of thinking about what others (namely those voices of your parents in your head) would think or feel. Again we are back at that inner narrative and the negativity of my parental influences on how I treat myself within that narrative.  This and other readings I’ve done over the past week or two are making it clear that finding a way to circumvent or “put in its place” that inner narrative is going to be a strong and prevailing theme throughout the next year, and that needs to start now.

DECK USED:  THE GREEN WITCH TAROT