tarot ritual

New Moon in Libra – October 2020

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New Moon in Libra Spread - Halloween Deck

1. What is being called into realignment in my relationship with myself?

Ten of Clubs  – I am in the process of learning a new way of balancing my work, self care, and life in order to ensure that I am not overwhelming myself and overburdening myself into a burnout.  With orders picking up and the holiday rush only a couple weeks off now, I’m being tempted again and again by the old habits I’ve discarded that will allow that overwhelm to take hold.  I need to make sure that I’m taking care to stay true to my new purpose and new methods, and not allowing myself to dive into those old habits that will only lead to yet another return to premature burnout.

2. What is being called into realignment in my relationships with others?

Six of Hearts – Harmony with loved ones.  This is about making sure that I’m asking for help and not carrying everything myself.  In order to create harmony between myself and my sister (and Z), there needs to be a more even share of the work distributed between us.

3. Where do I need to surrender to allowing more support from others?

Queen of Spades – My habit of taking on the lion’s share of work for myself is not going to help me at all right now.  Yes, I have the experience, and I have the ambition.  I know where I’m headed and how to get there.  But that doesn’t mean I have to shoulder all the work.  I need to steer my ship more from the helm, and not quite so much from the decks.  You can still mingle and “harmonize”, but don’t take every little task on yourself.

4. Where do I need to surrender to allow more support from Spirit?

Queen of Clubs – My passion for my work is important to me, but in order to foster that passion I need to allow myself to let others in. Not just others that live and work with me, but the energies and entities around me that want to help support me through my struggles.

5. A card to support me in returning to and living from my heart-centre.

Two of Hearts -A reminder that I’m not alone.  This entire reading is that reminder, and it is fitting that it would conclude with the Two of Hearts. This new moon is definitely about the pace picking up in my work and the preparation for the holiday rush…. but in that it’s reminding me that I need to share the work load instead of taking it upon myself.  I need to remember that if I want to succeed at this new path of growth and balance, I can’t do everything myself and need to allow others to step in and carry some of the responsibility.

DECK USED: SWABBED DECKS’ HALLOWEEN DECK PLAYING CARDS

Full Moon in Aries – October 2020

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

Full Moon in Aries Tarot Reading

1. Where do I need to relax?

Eight of Cups – This is about choice and about my worries about having to set aside my emotional development and progress in order to dive into the holiday rush.  Gideon and I have spoken about this at length, and I understand that I don’t have to abandon that progress.  Instead, I need to find a way to ground it so that I can carry it with me instead of closing it away.

2. Where should I focus my fiery energy?

Eight of Coins – Get to work!  I’m running out of time to get my holiday preparations done and I’ve really slacked off on it this fall more than I should have.  I need to focus my fiery creative streak into the task of getting my work done and building up what needs prepared to make the holiday rush run smoothly.

3. Where do I need to take immediate action?

Justice –  This hearkens back to the last question and has to do with cause and effect. This card stresses the urgency of righting this imbalance quickly before the pendulum swings back in my direction and I am unprepared for it.  Right now the scales are not balanced, and there will be consequences to not getting the preparations done that need done.  The longer I put it off, the more that imbalance will grow and the larger the consequences will be.

4. Where do I need to retreat?

Three of Swords – Stop worrying so much. Stop allowing your mind to influence and freak out your emotions. Take a step back and don’t allow yourself to be so reactionary to the inner dialogue going on.  You know that bastard in your head is a jerk, so just stop listening and move on.

5. Where do I need to charge ahead with?

The Magician – Again we are back to what needs to be done and doing it.  I have all the tools and skills at my disposal and am more than capable of doing what needs done.  Stop procrastinating and put those formidable skills and wealth of tools and knowledge to work.

DECK USED: MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

Second Harvest 2020 – Autumn Equinox

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Tomorrow 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 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.

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.

Autumn Equinox Tarot Reading - Mabon

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) in October.

Theme of the Season – Mabon, Harvest Moon, Wood Mouse, Pony – The second harvest of the year is a time of preparation for winter’s call. There is still much work to be done, but as cold weather creeps in, the last of the crops are now beginning to be gathered up for the year.  The theme of the imagery on the Mabon card is the Forest Lord, who stands for truth, integrity, compassion, and death.

The Harvest Moon is all about liminal spaces and one’s intuitive voice.  It speaks of the importance of paying attention to one’s perceptions and what our senses are whispering to us. With awareness, this moon welcomes an expanded view of not just the unknown that surrounds us and the bridges offered to us through liminal spaces, but also the world at large.

The appearance of the wood mouse in the cards drawn today is a carry over from the reading done during the previous Sabbat.  In my Lammas reading, the story of the wood mouse card was interpreted as a story about thankless work done behind the scenes and the unsung hero. This card is a representation of that energy and purpose that comes with doing the work that is mostly unseen so that the larger work that needs done can be done.

In relation to my life, during Lammas the Wood Mouse card was thought to be in reference to those small ripples of happiness and positivity that I create with each piece of jewelry I make for others.  At this time, however, I see this card as more of a representation of the preparation work that needs done prior to the onset of the holiday rush.

The Pony card emerged with the Wood Mouse card in this instance, and is about the wildness within us all.   It is an indication that I need to look more closely at these things that feel like restrictions in my life.  Combined with the Wood Mouse card, there is a suggestion that I need to take my work and make an effort to delve into it with an open heart and adventurous spirit.

When looking at these four cards together, the theme that stands out to me here is about finding pleasure in my work again and seeking it through the spark of adventure that I find in my creative process, which includes a good dose of intuition when I’m in “the zone” of bringing my creations from ideas into reality.   It’s about connecting to that inner self, that inner voice that whispers encouragement and exciting ideas, and following it’s lead into an enjoyment of the process.

Earth – Ten of Cups – Seek satisfaction.  My self care reading for this week was also about satisfaction, although ran more to the lines of feeling dissatisfied and the methods to help in finding that satisfaction that is lacking.  Here in the longer term reading of progress and my path, the encouragement is to make sure I keep my eye on the prize.  Namely the prize of finding satisfaction in my home life and resources.  There’s no reason for feelings of scarcity, so make sure you’re focusing on furthering those positive emotions and satisfaction over these things.

Air – The Devil – Temptation is in the air… literally. This is a carry over from the Earth position of this reading in that it indicates that there is an element of mental influences involved in my dissatisfaction.  These elements drive my addictions, which are used to self medicate the feelings of dissatisfaction and scarcity that whisper in my ear.  The Devil card in this position warns that this cycle is a hurdle that will need dealing with over the next handful of weeks.

Water – Ace of Wands – There is so much potential right now to allow your emotional growth to remain strong and steady.  Don’t allow all that’s going on swerve you from your dedication to this purpose.  Keep that spark of intention and inspiration bright and alive concerning keeping all that you’ve accomplished so far this year thriving and healthy.

Fire – The Fool – This card and it’s position relates back to the Pony card above and the theme of this Mabon reading as a whole. It is about finding that youthful enthusiasm for my work and through that process, sparking up your enthusiasm for your work to instill into your work, your business, and the preparations to come.

Waning – Turkey Spirit – Again we find that this reading echos the Self Care Saturday reading that was done a couple of days ago.  The Turkey Spirit card in the waning position indicates that now is a time to pull inward. Now is not the best time to let your generosity of spirit fly free.  If you want to get on track with your life and goals this season, it’s time to think of yourself for a while.

Waxing – Porcupine Spirit – Foster or playfulness and curiosity and allow them time to stretch and grow.  Dive in and have some fun with not just your work and business, but seek the spark of excitement in the “beginner’s mind” in all that you do and let it spread throughout your life in order to find joy and enjoyment in all the different elements of your life.

Take Away –  This Mabon reading is all about instilling joy and enthusiasm into the process of work and life.  It’s high time I begin looking at life and my work with fun loving pleasure rather than through the weight of responsibilities. Use this sense of enthusiasm to feelings of scarcity and discontent at bay, and instead focus upon what you have and where you want to go from here.

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

New Moon in Virgo – September 2020

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New Moon In Virgo Tarot Reading

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

1. Where to focus your energy this season?

Page of Pentacles – It’s preparation time.  The holiday season is coming, and now’s the time to work on preparing for what’s to come.  Soon enough it’ll be all fast paced crazy, and there won’t be any time for much of anything but work, including no time for sleep and food.  This season is the chance to get ahead on the things that you will need for the holiday rush that’s soon to come.

2. What needs reevaluating?

The Lovers atop Five of Swords – I’ve received this message a few times lately, but the advice here is about choosing your battles wisely.   I have not yet run into whatever it is that this advice keeps referring to, although I am consciously watching what impassioned disagreements I feel the urge to dive into lately and making sure to evaluate each before I decide whether or not to step forward and engage.

3. Where do I need to get more organized?

Nine of Cups – My deck collection needs some love.   The Nine of Cups here is a reflection of the very emotionally sated and gluttonous feelings I have towards my deck collection.  And it is absolutely very true… I need a better organizational system than what I currently have.  Unfortunately?  There’s only so much I can do without more space to spread out into.  Still, it’s possible I may re-evaluate my current system again and see if  I can come up with something better.

4. What is just a distraction that I need to ignore?

King of Cups – I need to make sure that I’m not allowing my accomplishments this year concerning my emotional growth to get in my way or create the opportunity for a setback.  Although I’ve done very well with my journey, it is nowhere near complete.

5. What project would benefit from my full attention?

Ace of Cups – Again we are looking at that emotional growth I’ve been fostering over the past few months.   As I said in the previous question, the journey is nowhere near to over… in fact, I am still just in the budding beginnings of the process. With the holiday rush coming, I have to ease out of this growth process for a bit and slide it onto a back burner, but at the same time?  I need to make sure that I’m doing this in a way that allows that growth to continue to stay healthy during the wait to be brought forward again.   No backsliding allowed.

DECK USED:  20TH CENTURY TAROT

Full Moon in Pisces – September 2020

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Full Moon in Pisces Tarot Spread - The Botan Tarot

Tomorrow night will be the full moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I’ve done 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 message does my intuition want to deliver?

Justice – Awareness is really important right now. Don’t allow yourself to be baited into going against your moral compass due of someone’s hidden motivations. You need to be paying attention not just to what’s going on around you, but make sure that you are examining motivations.  Both your own, as well as the motivations of others.

2. How can I connect more with my intuitive side?

The Fool – Let some of the starch out of your britches and relax. Your intuition works best when allowed to flow free. As you already know, gripping too tight or trying to be too stringent with yourself will smother that intuitive voice.

3. What emotions need healing?

Five of Cups and The Devil – There’s a lot of depression and self destructive urges lurking under the surface and although I work to heal them a little at  a time, and I am progressing… I still have a long way to go. It’s a daily struggle to lean into optimism, and to police those self destructive urges. Some more easily sneak under the radar than others.  It’s not surprising that the depression and self destruction would come up here, as it’s a long term journey… not  a short sprint.

4. How can I let go?

The Star –  I mentioned this in the previous question.  It has to do with leaning into optimism, working towards positivity, and foster hope in your heart on a daily basis.  These things are not easy for me, just as they would not be easy for pessimist… but if I want to make true progress on my healing journey, they are a necessary part of the process.

5. What self care do I need to focus on?

The Magician and Temperance – It’s important at this time to foster a little faith that you can handle whatever comes. Don’t stress out over the future and what’s coming along down the road, instead take time to focus on the present and allow your knowledge and skill to speak for itself when the time comes.

Staying in the present instead of pushing toward the future is not an easy thing for me, but it’s a form of moderation I’ve been working at exercising all spring and summer and will continue to work at into the fall.

DECK USED: THE BOTAN TAROT

New Moon in Leo – August 2020

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New Moon in Leo Tarot Spread - Tarot of the Dream Enchantress

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 I need to purge in my life?

Queen of Cups – I can’t find the word for this at the moment.  I know it, but it won’t come.  What I see in this card is the “obsessive possession” of an object… in the case of this imagery it is the cup that the Queen holds.  It’s that “Mine Mine MINE!” mentality of the Gollum in the Lord of the Rings.  This is a blend of selfish, territorial, proprietary feelings that keep the hands holding tight upon what belongs to you beyond the point of reason.

2. What is draining my energy?

Emperor Rx – The feeling that I am not in control and thus trying to then overcompensate is causing a drain in my energy.  Instead of scrambling to tighten the reigns in panic at the feelings of lack of control, try taking a deep breath and letting go. The problem is that it feels like letting go and releasing control will cause everything to fall apart.  And so… I continue to tighten the reigns more and more, and this then takes up more and more of my energy in a vicious cycle.

3. Where do I need to spark play into my life?

Five of Pentacles – Find those things that are distracting to you… and let them carry you away a little bit when things feel dark.  Grow not through the negative connotations of what’s around you during troubled times, but by distracting yourself from those negative influences by finding the things that captivate you and will help you move forward, help you be more optimistic, and help you foster hope.

4. What relationships need examining?

Two of Pentacles – I continue to need to pay close attention to how I am filling my plate and juggling my responsibilities.  Don’t allow the upcoming holiday season and preparations toward that time to screw up the progress you’ve gained.   Take time for yourself, and make sure that you are not allowing overwhelm to grab hold and work its way back into the equation.  Juggling everything is not supposed be easy… and you don’t have to make it look easy when it’s not.

5. Where do I need to speak my truth?

The Hermit – To myself above all others.  Now is a good time to take a close look at your feet upon the path you’ve chosen and ensure that you are still heading in the direction you want to go in.  Be honest with yourself about what needs to be changed, and genuine with yourself concerning your motivations, aspirations, and priorities.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE DREAM ENCHANTRESS