tarot ritual

Beltane 2021

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Tomorrow is Beltane, which is also my sister and I’s birthday. Like Halloween is a time when the veil between the land of the living and the realm of the dead is thin, this holiday is the time when the veil between our world and that of the Fae is at is thinnest.  I personally often find myself amped up with extra energy around this time of year, which I most often use to spend more time playing in that thinning veil as much as possible.

Faylander Art Card, Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, Healing Herbal Cards Vol. 1 & 2

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 Litha in June.

Theme of the Season – Beltane, Waning Gibbous Moon, Chrysanthemum parthenium (Ornamental Feverfew) – The energies of Beltane are those of celebration and anticipation, fertility and abundance.  This holiday is about the plentiful and fruitful peak of the spring season.   As “April showers bring May flowers” here we now celebrate the arrival of may and the wealth that the rainy season and warming weather have prepared to bestow upon us all.

The Waning Gibbous Moon is the first slow decent from the Full Moon’s burst of power. In that decreasing power, we pause now to take a moment to reflect and focus on gratitude.  Introspection is an important part of growth, and to do this it’s important to take time now to look at the goals that were set when the moon was new and that you have worked toward with the rising energy of the moon towards full.

Chrysanthemum parthenium (Ornamental Feverfew) is a fever reducer and anti-inflammatory that is used to treat fevers, migraines, arthritis, tummy troubles and even bug bites. It’s a common herb used for a wide variety of inflammatory responses in the body, and metaphysically it is commonly used in the prevention of accidents of all kinds as well as drawing pain from the body.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is about pausing to enjoy.   Enjoy the spring and be grateful.  Enjoy the abundance… and be grateful.  Allow things to calm within yourself and within your life, and give yourself time to enjoy and relax.  Things will take care of themselves while you give yourself a bit of extra time to just savor and smell the roses. Don’t push so hard right now.

Earth – Ten of Pentacles –  You may be feeling a little tight in the wallet the past week or so, but you’re doing just fine.  All your bills and expenses are covered and you have the money you need for the security and stability you are constantly craving.  So take a breath and enjoy.  Yes, some weeks are tighter than others, but for the time being you are beyond worrying about where your next meal or bill payment is going to come from. You’ve worked hard to get to this point. Enjoy it.

Air – Six of Wands – Keep in mind that it’s okay to enjoy the approval and appreciation of others.  Yes, it’s important to take pride in yourself and not base your self-worth on other’s perceptions of you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy when people praise or admire you. Due to the upbringing you went through this can sometimes be hard to accept, but it really is okay to get that “warm fuzzy” feeling when someone gives you a compliment.

Water – The Devil – The imagery in this card brings to mind the Sidhe King Dagda in Peadar O’Guilin‘s books The Call and The Invasion. Sometimes are hearts desires call to us even beyond the reality of the realm we live in.  There is a longing for more and more, no matter how good the current moment might be.  Don’t get so caught up in that pursuit of more that you lose sight of the present and all the good that’s there to be enjoyed.

Fire – Ten of Cups – You’ve become sinking back into the pleasure of creating and enjoying it again, something that you haven’t had a lot of over the past year or so.  Having L and Z there to share the joy and enjoyment with is finally becoming something comfortable instead of something you struggle against.  Make sure you take time to truly appreciate what you all have together in your mutual endeavors.

Waning – Ruins atop Oath – Stop worrying so much about dropping the ball on your responsibilities and obligations.

Waxing – Bee atop Sprout –  Over the next few weeks, new ideas and endeavors are the flavor of the season. Put your effort and energy into giving these new sprouts what they need to flourish and grow strong.

Take Away – Lots of advice about gratitude, and lots of reminders about savoring what you have in the present.  Although this is a time of reflection and healing, it also is providing the opportunity to explore new things and get new ideas off the ground and running.  Just make sure that you choose wisely what you want to put that energy into and don’t overwhelm yourself in the process.

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

Full Moon in Scorpio – April 2021

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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 delving into shadow alchemy, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Seasons of the Arcana Tarot

1. Scorpio is extremely intense, emotional, and highly intuitive. As a water sign, what old wounds will be illuminated for cleansing and healing with this full moon?

Seven of Swords – Feelings of betrayal that have been buried and left to fester beneath the surface will be given the opportunity to rise to the surface and be dealt with. There have been a number of these instances in your life, and although you cannot heal them all at once, remember to take the opportunity when it is offered instead of shirking away from the old pain that might still be lingering there.

2. What aspect of my life is undergoing a potent transformation?

King of Swords – How you view your business and deal with the constant drive to demand more from yourself. In order to bring about new transformations, the old must be shed and allowed to fall away. Remember not to try to hold onto both.  You can only have one, and will have to choose between the “feathers” you are shedding or the progress towards something better.

3. How can I magnify my sense of pleasure?

Nine of Cups – Saturate yourself in it when it happens.  Allow yourself to sink in and wallow in your pleasure rather than giving in to the need to stay “composed” and aloof.  It’s okay to let yourself go and really embrace and enjoy the things that bring you pleasure without inhibition.

Seasons of the Arcana Tarot4. What illusions do I need to break through?

Knight of Cups (combined with the adoring gaze from the card to the right) – Not every “Knight of Cups” is a user that’s completely out for themselves. That outreached hand isn’t always going to bite you if you reach for it.  It’s okay to reach for the things you want, and offering to help others can be rewarding in and of itself.

5. What suppressed feelings will surface to provide insight this full moon?

Page of Pentacles – You long to be more like the Knight of Cups.  Withdrawn and watching from afar, you see others seeking their joys and enjoyment with abandon, freely going after their hearts desires, while you sit back and hesitate, seeking instead to take your time learning and taking things slow.  You long for the freedom from these restraints and to be able to just go with the flow of your curiosity without restraint.

6. Message from the Ancestors and Guides.

The World – Life is about balance between gentleness and ferocity, between dominance and submission, between responsibility and unrestrained freedom. If you lean too far one way or the other, everything tips off kilter and things start to fall apart.  You are learning how to open up to the softer side, the more impulsive side, the more hedonistic side.  This takes time, but you are making progress.

DECK USED: SEASONS OF THE ARCANA TAROT

New Moon in Aries – April 2021

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Queer Witch Tarot - Aries New Moon

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 about  medicine of the cosmic wheel, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

1. Aries signals the start of the cosmic wheel in astrology. What medicine is the wheel birthing for the next 12 months?

Ten of Pentacles – All the seeds you’ve taken time to plant will grow and flourish with attention and care.  Pay attention to what you are putting your energy into, where you place your focus, and what you prioritize.  Only those things you are willing to put care into will grow.  The medicine birthed over the next twelve months is in the awareness of your actions, and in making sure you are directing them to what you want to grow instead of in more unhealthy and destructive directions.

2. As spring returns, what dormant energy is awakening within me?

King of Swords – Dominance.  Strategy.  Having the ability to put mind above matter to accomplish what is needed or wanted done.  This is not so much about taking charge, but about putting yourself first and feeling empowered to reach for accomplishment rather than stagnancy.  This accomplishment can be in anything deemed of value, as long as it involves putting yourself first in the process.

3. As a fire sign, how is Aries kindling my inner spark?

The Hierophant – There is a great deal of joy in helping others find their way.  You have a lot of knowledge to share and the combined energies of Aries’ fire and the spark of spring are stirring up those interests and a longing to return to helping others again.  Keep in mind the King of Swords above, and make sure you are not self-sacrificing in the process.

4. How can I break through fears that have held me back?

Four of Wands – Lean into your support system and those that you’ve chosen to surround yourself in.  Your security and stability is threaded through with the presence of these people in your life. Allow them to help you in feeling safe when things feel out of balance.

5. What seedlings of inspiration will the New Moon bless and germinate?

Page of Cups – Creativity and curiosity abounds with this new moon. So too does your intuition. Over the next couple of weeks, make sure that you are tapping into these qualities. They thrive in the fresh and clean energy that the new moon fosters, and now is the time to explore.

6. Message from the Ancestors and Guides.

The Magician – You’ve got this.  You have what you need to embrace the energy this new moon holds.  You have what is needed to move forward into the future and turn it into what you want it to be rather than following old patterns and methods.  The Magician card comes up a lot in the “messages from ancestors and guides” readings.  They are your cheerleaders, and they’re here to cheer you on as long as you’re willing to do the work.

DECK USED:  QUEER WITCH TAROT

Full Moon in Libra – March 2021

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Gummy Bear Tarot In a Tin

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 about tipping the scales, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

1. What imbalances is the Full Libra Moon magnifying?

Eight of Swords – My fears are being amplified. I need to expect a bit more anxiety surrounding the next few days and remember that anxiety is not premonition… it’s simply anxiety.  Don’t allow it to compound upon itself by thinking it means anything.  Your intuition does not speak to you through anxiety and it’s not going to start doing so any time soon.

2. How can the scales be brought back to balance?

The World atop King of Swords – Ground yourself with a foundation of logic and knowledge. A lot of things are being done differently these days and it’s okay to feel anxious as long as you recognize it’s an irrational response and keep your eyes on making sure you stay up to date with the changes and transitions taking place.

3. What truths is the Libra Full Moon revealing that I need to acknowledge?

The Fool – Lighten up.  Make sure you’re making time for fun and play.  Not everything can be serious all the time and it’s important to allow yourself some carefree time where you release the weight of responsibilities and just allow the world around you to enthrall and delight you.  It doesn’t have to be long or intense, but this is something you need to make sure you’re including in your life in order to find a better life balance.

4. How can I create sacred space for harmony to thrive and flourish?

King of Cups – Allow yourself to be emotionally supported by others.  Allow an emotional connection within your spirituality to flourish.  Just because you don’t always know the names of the emotions you feel or how exactly to express them doesn’t mean they’re any less valid than if you did.  If you need help expressing these emotions, you know you can find it in Gideon, who is always there to help you sort it out.

5. Message from the Ancestors and Guides.

The Emperor atop Eight of Cups – Step up and claim a healthier path. You’re going to end up frustrated and stuck in another unhealthy pattern if you don’t seize control and direct things to go the way you want them to. Now is the time to seize that control and make sure things go in the direction you want them to rather than in the same old frustrating direction that they have always gone in in the past when at this point in your recovery from an MDE.

DECK USED: GUMMY BEAR TAROT IN A TIN

Ostara 2021 – Spring Equinox

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Tomorrow 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.

Spring Equinox 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 Beltane at the beginning of May.

Theme of the Season – Spring Equinox, First Quarter Moon, Equisetum Arvense –

Spring Equinox is a time of growth and the thriving energy of a rebirth that began with the passing of Imbolc at the beginning of February. Where during that time seeds began to awaken in the earth as the soil begins to thaw and the sun’s rays begin to warm away the bite of winter, with Ostara we now find ourselves seeing outward signs of spring’s arrival with the appearance of small buds forming on trees and the first flowers of spring sprouting from the earth.  Nourishment from the sun and the rains will further encourage this growth, creating a thriving reawakening as spring moves forward into full swing.

The First Quarter Moon is a time of building energy and action.  If you haven’t already begun, now is the time to begin taking action on the intentions and goals that were planted in the fertile soil of the new moon’s energy. This is true in the metaphysical realm just as it is true in the physical, and farmers often find the time between the new moon and first quarter to be both fertile and wet, making it ideal for planting above ground crops, transplanting, and doing grafts. With the season being what it is, now is the first of two spring half moons where this energy is not just available but abundant this spring.

Equisetum arvense (Common Horsetail) is an herb that is well known for its antioxidant qualities, as well as for renewal and restoration of bones, fingernails, and hair, as it contains silica, which is a compound that helps the body absorb calcium.  It is often used magically in anti-aging spells, as well as reinforcing promises and strengthening boundaries.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is a reminder to stay true to the path that I want to continue upon.  This is a reminder that I’ve gotten from the cards a few times recently and in this spread it’s a reminder that in moving forward, I will continue to need to be cautious and conscious of where I direct my energy so that it is directed into the growth I want to happen and not falling back on old habits.

Earth – The Sun – Take care of yourself.  Make your body happy and everything else will fall into place. Nourish your body with good foods, give it the rest it needs, and visit those places you find enjoyable and recuperative often. These things encourage positivity and will help you in staying healthy and happy.  In turn, that energy will then spread outward from there into other parts of your life.

Air – Queen of Wands – Not everything is about progress.  Make sure you are paying attention to the little things and not discounting them as unimportant or irrelevant. They are the marrow of the bones of life, so make sure that you are not taking these things for granted. When you put yourself in a position of control over the choices you make and the things you pursue, you give yourself the ability to fit into your life those things that are truly important.  Make sure you fit in lots and lots of those “little things” that mean so much.

Water – Knight of Wands – Go forth in this direction, for this is the way forward. My emotional growth was a good deal of my focus through most of the year last year, and this year that focus needs to continue in that same direction. There is much more to learn and explore.  Don’t allow other passions and interests to pull you off your chosen course (indicated in the rearing up of the buck).

Fire – Four of Swords – The business, represented as the lions share of your Wands position in your life, is not going anywhere and it’ll thrive just fine in neutral.  Will it explode and expand?  No, but you’ve already grown to a point that is hard to manage without help.  Just how much bigger do you really want to get? Lay down your arms and don’t fucking push for now.  Allow yourself to rest (in this area of your life) while there’s the opportunity to do so.

Waning – Rest – While it may be time to set down your arms in the area of the business for the time being, don’t let this fool you into thinking there isn’t anything to do.  There’s plenty to do and plenty to explore, just not in that particular area of your life right now. Don’t be seduced into slacking off.  Your recovery from the MDE and your endeavors for growth and spirituality both require you to keep moving forward.

Waxing – The Priestess – “The betterment of ourselves lies in our actions, and in lessons drawn from our experiences” are words that resonated when I read the artist’s notes on this card. Here we see the culmination of what is coming and where focus needs to lie on the path forward. Pay attention to how things feel, both emotionally and through intuition.  Allow this side of you to stretch and flourish while the slave driver of practical matters takes a step back.

Take Away – This reading is about choices and trajectory, and making sure I make the choices that steer me in the direction I want to go, instead of just taking the easy way out, or falling back on bad habits or old ways of doing things. Right now, as I emerge from the last dregs of the MDE, I have the opportunity to course correct my path forward, adjust my trajectory, and direct my energy in directions far more attuned to what I want to do, where I want to go, and who I want to be… and become.

DECKS USED:  WENDY ANDREW ART CARD, PAGAN OTHERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 & 2

New Moon in Pisces – March 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 medicine within, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Pisces New Moon Tarot Reading - Star Tarot

1. What do I need to surrender to the ebb and flow of the waves?

Five of Cups atop Judgement – With my depression came a great deal of self loathing and hatred directed inward. This is not unusual, but it’s time to allow the energy shift of the new moon to fully release these thoughts and feelings and let them flow away.  Sometimes spilled cups are not something to cry over, but a blessing.  Let go of the sickness and look up.

2. In what aspect of my life can I be more fluid?

King of Cups – Gideon is the King of Cups in this reading, as he is from time to time indicated as such for me.  The answer here is that I can be more open with him, more “free flowing” with my feelings.   Sometimes this is easier for me than others, but… I’m trying.

3. How can I trust my intuitive inklings without doubting myself?

Ten of Swords – Don’t fight but allow these ‘inklings’ to wash over me and speak to me. My intuition speaks to me through my body.  Sometimes it is painful and uncomfortable, and it is in that discomfort when my intuition is speaking to me most strongly.  The imagery in this card tells me that I need to make sure I’m paying closer attention to those physical sensations and allowing them to “light a fire under my ass” instead of just acknowledging them.

4. As I drift into dream time, what messages are seeping through the veil from the other side?

Seven of Pentacles atop The Chariot – Slow down and smell the roses.  There’s no need to move fast, you can still control your direction and get where you’re going while moving at a slower and more manageable pace.

5. How can I hold space for my creativity to flourish and thrive?

Ace of Pentacles atop The High Priestess – Allow your intuition to play and have some fun with creation and manifestation. Your best ideas and creations come from this deep inner knowledge that bubbles up from within. Sometimes the brain gets in the way of that process.  Try shutting the brain off and connecting to your gut instead and see where it leads you.

6. Message from the Ancestors.

Nine of Wands Rx atop Nine of Cups – Keep your defenses low and foster feelings of gratitude and positivity.  Look at all you have with an appreciative eye without allowing the need to hoard or defend stir up within you and pollute the water with their poison and conflict.

DECK USED:  THE STAR TAROT