tarot ritual

Winter Solstice 2020 – Yule

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The Winter Solstice is today! This holiday is (in essence) the Pagan equivalent to Christmas. Fun fact… when Christmas was placed on December 25th, the church chose that day to coincide with the pagan holiday of Yule (because as most know, Christ was actually born in the spring, not in December).

Although many of us have been feeling like we’ve been in it for months, the Winter Solstice is the “official” first day of winter, and marks  its spot on the calendar not by its date, but by being one of only two days each year where the daylight and darkness are equal.  In my path, this holiday marks a day of hope for the future, and candles are lit to celebrate the return of the sun as it begins to now become more and more prominent with each day that passes and every day becomes longer as the nights decrease.

Winter Solstice Tarot Reading - Light Seer's Tarot, The Green Wheel Oracle, The Spirit Animal Oracle

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 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 upcoming Imbolc at the beginning of February.

Theme of the Season – Midwinter, Cold Moon, Owl – The Midwinter card in this deck is also titled as “The Hunter” and it speaks of the hunter bringing anarchy and chaos that is then followed by a time of restoration and regeneration. It is impossible not to note that this is the same pattern that you go through in the six weeks leading up to the Winter Solstice, as the chaos of the holiday rush abuses the body and mind and brings you to the point of needing to then rest, restore, and recuperate.

The Cold Moon encourages generosity and the connection and reaching out to others. It is a time when families gather and huddle together, communities support each other, and the cold winter months are survived through interconnection and the uplifting strength in numbers.  In order to stay connected with nature, people bring nature indoors during this time of the year when the elements do not allow as much time among the outdoors in order to decorate our homes with the beauty of nature even in the darkest of seasons.

The Owl in this deck is also known as an “Arrow in the Darkness” and references the owl’s keen senses and focus while hunting even in the darkest of nights.  The Owl is a reminder to stay focused on your goals and not allow yourself to become distracted by the darkness, doubts, or turbulence.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is a reminder that it is time to set the chaos behind me and stay focused forward into the goals for healing and self care that I’ve set forth, and connecting with those that hold importance in my heart and my life. Now is a time to reconnect with my feelings, including the compassion I feel for others, and allow it to guide me out of the dark and into the light.

Earth – Six of Swords – The spoils of war lie at your feet and now is a time to take stock of what you’ve won with your hard work, dedication, and ambition. As things slow down, take what you’ve won and move forward into a new and better place.  Don’t run away, but make wise decisions that will continue to move you in the right direction.  Don’t look back and rehash what is done and over, look forward.

Air – The World – You have the opportunity to do things differently this time around. Every year you fall into a horrible funk in the handful of weeks that follow the holiday rush.  This is a time when you cycle back to start again and try again to find a better way forward.  Focus on the light and not the darkness. Keep your head up and your eyes forward.

Water – Eight of Pentacles – As you move into this new cycle, remember all that you have learned before and carry that knowledge forward with you.  Returning to a healthier way of doing things and an exploration mindset toward your emotional growth will go much more smoothly if you tap into the knowledge, techniques and abilities you have already gained over the past year.  You are not starting from scratch.

Fire – Knight of Cups – Apologize and be kind to yourself.  The abuse upon yourself this last few weeks has been pretty extensive, and over the handful of weeks ahead you need to turn towards making that up to yourself and being kind.  There’s no harshness needed.  Make helping yourself and loving yourself a priority for a bit.

Waning – Panther Spirit – It’s time to let go.  You’ve mustered every shred of power and strength you have to make it through the last five or six weeks.  Now it’s time to ease that grip and let that go.  You do not need to continue holding on so tightly.

Waxing – Groundhog Spirit –  An echo of the waning Panther Spirit, the Groundhog Spirit also encourages letting go. All that tension and all those unhealthy tendencies allowed to go on during the rush are now no longer serving you and it’s time to let them all go and return to something healthier and that will serve you much better for the weeks (and months) ahead.

Take Away –  Like the theme of Yule itself, this reading is about seeking the light and moving forward into it.  It’s about new beginnings and finding hope while making healthy choices and connecting with loved ones.

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

Full Moon in Gemini – November 2020

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Edmund Dulac Tarot - Full Moon in Gemini Tarot Reading

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 brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot By the Moon series.

1. Where am I deluding myself?

Happily ever after doesn’t just magically appear no matter how much you want it to.  Cinderella may have had a fairy godmother, but you on the other hand have to steer your own chariot.  Although the summer was very relaxing and the fall was filled with procrastination and lack of direction, you’re no longer in either of those seasons any longer.  No time to dawdle anymore.

2. What am I missing?

The wind blows at your back and the water laps at your feet.  They usher you forward and all you need to do is ride the energy they provide. You may have to do for yourself, but the chaos will make its own energy for you to ride if you open yourself up to it and let it sweep you away.

3. What perceptions need to be shifted?

What others see and think doesn’t matter. Don’t use your perception of their judgements as an excuse to swirl darkness into your life.  Be kind to yourself instead and allow light to shine through the darkness that would otherwise be allowed to spread through your insides.

4. What requires further investigation?

Open your eyes and look around.  A threat comes from the east and it needs your attention.  You have the capability of deflecting the worst of it from landing and wreaking havoc, but only if you keep your eyes open for the attacking harpy that’s coming your way.

5. What possibilities are ready to show themselves?

This holiday rush is providing me the opportunity to see just how much illumination and light that a bit of extra optimism can bring into my life. The little seed of light that was available to me and fostered by me in the summer months is now ready to glow brightly, but will only be as bright as the energy that I feed into.  Don’t forget to feed that light even when things are at their busiest and most chaotic.

DECK USED: EDMUND DULAC TAROT (TRIMMED NAKED)

New Moon in Scorpio – November 2020

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New Moon In Scorpio Tarot Reading - Oak Ash & Thorn Tarot

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. What do you need to face that you’ve been avoiding?

The Fool atop Knight of Cups – That moody bullshit you’ve been feeling that’s making you drag your feet needs to stop.  It’s time to step forward into the spirit of the fool and embrace a sense of optimism and enthusiasm that will allow you to bound forward with alacrity rather than slog onward with a feeling of reluctance.

2. What secrets need to come into the light?

Five of Swords – You’re far more ruthless than you allow others to see. Your moral compass helps to keep this in check, but the temptation to do what needs done no matter the cost in order to win does rear its ugly head from time to time and with your emotions all stirred up?  It shows up more often than you’d like.

3. What conversation needs to be had?

Five of Wands – The hard ones.  The difficult ones.  The ones that turn into clashes because of how strongly you feel about it.  You work so hard to avoid confrontation that sometimes you forsake these topics of conversation when you should really speak out and allow your feelings and opinions to be expressed clearly.

4. What do I need to forgive in myself?

Knight of Wands – There have been a number of times in your life where you have acted impulsively and felt the sting of repercussions as a result. Stop beating yourself up over these things and using them to keep yourself “in line”.  Enthusiasm is allowed and so is the occasional impulsivity.  It’s a part of the learning process.

5. What shadow aspect requires integration?

Ten of Pentacles atop Two of Swords – You need to remember that a lot of your need and drive towards stability and security comes from the past and the injuries that you suffered there.  They influences the decisions that you make and the desire for that stability you crave.  This isn’t a bad thing, but needs acknowledgement in order to find balance.

DECK USED: OAK ASH & THORN TAROT

Blue Moon in Taurus – October 2020

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Full Moon in Taurus - Hephoe Tapo

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 brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot By the Moon series.

1. What does my body require right now?

Knight of Swords atop Ace of Swords – Slow down and think things through. I need to make better choices concerning my body and what it needs.  That includes getting more time outside in the woods, but also making sure I’m eating better.  Less junk and more healthy goodness, instead of reaching for whatever is in reach and easy.

2a. Where in my life do I need to be gentler?

Two of Pentacles – I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself to juggle everything. I did such a good job through the spring and summer at balancing things better, but with the approach of the holiday rush and the stress that is slowly building up… I’ve sort of dropped the ball.

2b. Where in my life do I need to be more joyful?

Page of Pentacles – It’s okay to enjoy yourself and have some fun while you work at adapting to the upswing in sales and added responsibility.   Don’t get so focused on sales that you forget to have some fun with the creative side of things, or forget about how your creations are meant to bring joy to others.

3. Where do I need to take immediate action?

Ace of Pentacles – Get your shit together. Opportunities are on the rise and you need to make sure you’re ready to catch hold and run with it when they drop in your lap. You have a choice to make.  You can either grab hold of the ball and run with it, ensuring a good financial boon for the holiday season.  Or you can drop the ball and pay the consequences when the money doesn’t roll in as you are used to it doing during this time of year.

4. What is ripe for harvesting?

The Sun atop Knight of Pentacles Rx – Instill fun into your work now.  Right now. This isn’t something you have to take at a slow pace like so many other things along your path.  This is something you can do right this moment.  Added bonus? It’ll help in stirring up your motivation and enthusiasm.

5. What long term project to I need to start?

Ten of Pentacles atop Seven of Pentacles – All that wonderful security and stability that I crave so much takes time to accomplish.  The reinforcement of just how ‘long term’ this goal is has been reinforced by the Seven of Pentacles indicating that the end of the journey is not in the foreseeable future but something I will have to put years and years of time and effort into yet.   That doesn’t mean that you procrastinate and do it later, but rather that much like an hourglass, you have to do it one grain of sand at a time.

DECK USED: HEPHOE TAPO

Last Harvest 2020 – Samhain

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Coming up on October 31st is the third and Last Harvest of the 2020 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 not just as the day before the Day of the Dead when the veil is at its thinnest between our world and those that have passed.

In my path, the last harvest is not just a time to remember our loved ones that have passed on, and reach out to them more easily… it is also a day that marks the end of the harvest season as well as the year’s cycle as a whole. The earth has gifted us with her abundance throughout the spring, summer, and fall and now settles in to rest through the colder months ahead.

Samhain Tarot Reading - The Last Harvest

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.

Theme of the Season – Samhain, Owl, Singing Moon – Samhain is a time when the veil is at its thinnest. It is a time to reconnect with and honor the earth and her stories. As the land gives up the last of her bounty and prepares to rest in the cold months ahead, it is important to honor all that has been offered.

The Owl is a warning of struggles to come and a reminder to keep our eye on the prize.  It’s with the owl’s keen hunter’s instinct and sharp precision that the owl leads you forward through chaos, and is there to keep you on track along the way.

The Singing Moon is a reminder to examine your path and your goals, and evaluate if they are still what you want or if there is a better opportunity you’ve been neglecting for goals that no longer suit you. You can stay the path if that’s what works, but don’t be afraid to roll the dice if it isn’t.  Just keep in mind that small changes in the present can have far reaching repercussions.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that is seen here is one of chaos and focus on one’s values and goals.  Don’t allow the chaos to steer you off track, but at the same time, make sure that you are on the path that is right for you and not an empty echo of some past goal that no longer applies.

Earth – The Empress – You’ve done pretty well over the past few months at taking care of yourself, but in the months ahead you’re going to have to make a more focused effort at providing yourself with what you need.  That means making sure you’re getting out for walks in the woods and feeding yourself healthier food so that you can physically withstand what’s coming.

Air – Six of Pentacles – Share and share alike applies to more than just the spoils, but also the work load. Make sure you are mapping out and planning what needs done and who is going to do it so that you don’t end up shouldering too much on your own shoulders. Good planning will help you better distribute the weight of responsibility you feel.

Water – Knight of Cups atop High Priestess – You’ve done really well at going after what you want concerning the new emotional growth you’ve been fostering over the past few months.  To keep that alive on the path forward through the next couple of months, make sure that you are allowing you intuition to lead.  Don’t tuck it away and let it get rusty, but instead actively participate in keeping it in the loop, and your emotions as well.

Fire – Ace of Wands – Vroom Vroom baby. Pick up that torch and set fire to the world.  The girls need your inspiration and fiery spark to set their own enthusiasm ablaze.  Show them just how infectious your enthusiasm can be using creative ideas to get them involved more.

Waning – Nightingale Spirit atop Badger Spirit – Don’t be so damned pushy right now. It’s good to involve the girls and to find ways for them to take their share, but you need to do it from a place of love and light, not through stress and demands.  A little more honey, a lot less vinegar.

Waxing – Flamingo Spirit – Creativity is rising and opportunities are on the way.  The Flamingo is here to remind you to be fully in the present.  Learning from the past and planning for the future is all well and good, but it’s the present that needs your full attention right now. Trust that the future will be there for you to deal with later on. This includes needing to get your ass back into daily meditation, as that meditation helps you to more easily stay grounded in the present.

Take Away – There’s a hint of kudos in how I’ve done at accomplishing my newfound goals this year.  The key here is that chaos is coming and in order to move through it smoothly I’m going to need to make sure I keep my gaze unerringly on the prize.   Not by looking forward into the future, but by bearing down on the present and taking everything one day at a time, one hour at a time.  There is also a reminder that I’m the one in the lead between the three of us, and in order to make sure things go smoothly concerning distribution of the responsibilities, I need to make sure I lead with kindness and inspired enthusiasm.

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

New Moon in Libra – October 2020

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De Brigh Black Tarot - New Moon in Libra Tarot Reading

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. What is my sensual side craving?

Queen of Swords – Control without harshness.  Guidance without sharp edges.  Just pretty much exactly what I’m been getting from Gideon.  This is not surprising, because Gideon and I are often in sync as to the “flavor” of intimacy we’re delving into.

2. Where can I be more romantic?

Ten of Swords atop Eight of Cups –  Yield instead of running away.   Don’t avoid the submission you crave.  Enjoy it for as long as you can, because soon the holiday rush will not be allowing for any dropping at all… which means no drowning/subspace will be possible either.

3. What needs rekindling?

Ace of Swords – Our communication. Okay so this is just something I’ve noticed lately, but a big part (not in its entirety of course as there’s also a good deal of mental health stuff and teaching going on here, as well as the fact I’ve turned to using it as a digital tarot journal)…. right.  Digression.

Anyway, a big part of the reason for the existence of my blog is to allow Gideon to look into what’s going on with me.  What’s up with my thoughts and worries, my concerns and my feelings. To give him the ability to see what’s going on.    And the thing is, it does that.  But it feels like… I dunno.   I feel like there’s just a quick skim and then a quick “I love you” or other brief response to like one tiny thing that catches the eye.

So it kind of makes me wonder…. is he reading the whole thing?  Or is he just reading a bit of it?  Is he really reading?  I guess I kind of feel that way about the Gid’s Challenge posts sometimes too. They are just for him, but sometimes it feels like… there’s barely any response to them at all.

Maybe it’s not our communication that needs rethinking at all, but rather my clarity concerning why I’m writing in this blog in the first place and the expectations placed upon it and upon him.

4. How can I be more tender with myself?

Four of Swords atop Five of Wands – Meditation over conflict is the message in these cards. I need to start meditating more regularly again, as it will help me in taking control over my inner conflict and allow for a calmer and more centered energy in my day to day.  This calm and centered energy is going to be extremely important as the holiday rush takes hold and turns my world upside down.

5. Where can I best direct this new moon’s energy?

Seven of Swords atop Five of Cups Rx – Strategy is going to be important in order to avoid personal setbacks as I move into the end of the second half of this month.  Be sure that I have my strategies in place for how to deal with the things I need to get done, and don’t deviate from them.

This is an echo of a reading I did a week or so ago that stated “start as you wish to continue on”.  Now the cards speak of that “continuing on” by sticking to the plan.

DECK USED: DA BRIGH BLACK TAROT