tarot ritual

Full Moon in Aquarius – August 2020

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The Hilda Tarot - Full Moon In Aquarius 2020

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

1. What possibilities are being offered to me right now?

Death Rx – A time of peace is being offered to me.  Change is so often a constant in life, and organic change is a theme that runs throughout a life like the circulation system of a body.  But there are moments of pause… of peace.  Of quiet.  These moments are not stagnancy, they are an opportunity to take a deep breath and rest before life moves on into the next change.

2. What area of my life is craving freedom and experimentation? (check
the suit for big clues)

Page of Pentacles – Get your ass outside and have more fun with it.  Yes, hiking in the woods is peaceful and amazing, but allow it to do more than just be refreshing.  Allow these experiences to brighten your day and lighten your heart. Find your excitement, and stoke that fire again so that your enthusiasm spills over into a joyous sense of discovery.

3. Where can I be more open minded?

The Fool – Being jaded is boring.  Don’t allow yourself to become boring.

4. What old habits/beliefs need to be released under this Full Moon?

Strength – Heroism is not always a sign of strength.  Sometimes? It’s a sign of weakness and stupidity. Don’t mistake risk-taking behavior for strength… strength comes from within in relation to doing what needs done and how you grow from those experiences. It has nothing to do with putting yourself in unnecessary danger.

5. Where do I need to go with the flow?

Four of Wands – Let your freak flag fly.  It’s okay to be silly now and then.  The entire theme of this reading (with the exception of the allowance of rest) supports this need to let down your hair, kick off your shoes, and just let yourself have a little more fun with life.   It’s okay.  The world isn’t going to fall apart if you have a little fun and smile freely a bit more often.

DECK USED: THE HILDA TAROT

First Harvest 2020 – Lammas

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August 1st was Lammas, which is known as the First Harvest of the year. This day marks the transition into the harvest season of August, September, and October (of which there is a Second Harvest and Last Harvest that correspond to these months).

This holiday is often called Lammas, Lughnasadh, or Lugh, although I usually just refer to it as the First Harvest. On my path, it celebrates the beginning of Summer’s decline and ramping up of the busy season where we begin to reap in the abundance that the bounty of summer’s energies has encouraged to grow and flourish.

First Harvest 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 Second Harvest (aka. Mabon, Autumnal Equinox) in September.

Theme of the Season – Lammas, Weaver Moon, Wood Mouse – The first harvest of the year is a time of evaluation.  It’s a time when you want to ascertain what you want to accomplish before winter has arrived, and make sure that all those things you’ve done so far this year to get you there are still on track in the correct direction.

The Weaver’s Moon is about the many hats we wear in life, and how those hats don’t change the true person that we are underneath it all.  When we put on these hats, we see the world through different perspectives and interact with it in those perspectives as well.  This teaches  us many things, but it doesn’t change us into what we present. It is about open to the many perspectives and experiences that build our lives.

The story of the wood mouse card is one of thankless work 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, this would refer to those small ripples of happiness and positivity that I create with each piece of jewelry I make for others.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is one about making sure I am staying open and receptive even as I do these little things that ripple outward from me to others and from others to still more.  I wear many hats in my efforts to further my business’ growth, and yet, what is the purpose behind these things?  I am not spearheading some great purpose or showy result.  My purpose is quiet and subtle but pervasive. Concentrate on the hats I need to wear to do what needs done and wear them as needed to do the job… but don’t allow them become me (or me to become them) along the way.

Earth – Three of Swords – You may start feeling some repercussions from the irresponsible spending that you did over the spring and early summer.  Don’t allow it to screw up your head or send you into a downward spiral though.  Even if something happens that causes a gushing wound pouring blood money from its heart… just scream out your frustrations and keep going. A wounded heart can heal, and even a scarred heart still beats.

Air – Four of Cups – Stop looking the gift horse in the mouth. You’ve noticed that additional pessimism that’s been swimming up from the depths lately.  Pay attention to it.  Do not allow yourself to push it away and treat it as inconsequential.  If you don’t give it the attention it needs, it will grow and you’ll find yourself not just feeling a bit pessimistic and bored but falling off into something far uglier and harder to recover from.

Water – Knight of Cups –  You’ve been doing really good with sticking to your guns where your emotional growth is concerned.  Make sure you continue to put  your conscious attention on keeping on this path and nurturing it to flourish.  The soil is rich and you’ve planted the seeds of your emotional growth.  Results have grown from those seeds, but they continue to need TLC to make sure that they survive and thrive.

Fire – King of Cups – Added time with Gideon over the past few weeks has helped create a sense of comfortable emotional support and strength within your creative writing.  This can easily be spilled over into other areas of creative expression, if you are willing to tap into it and allow it to spread outward like a singing bowl’s sound reverberates through both air and matter alike.

Waning – Wolf Spirit – You are on the cusp of misalignment and need to take care do what you can to soften the effects of this.  Note the negative aspects that have been flitting around the edges and try not to allow them to pull you too far off course.  You can turn this around, but you might go through a period of confusion and disorientation before you find your balance again.

Waxing – Parrot Spirit – During this time of misalignment, make sure you are watching what you are saying not just to others, but to yourself as well.  Sometimes when feeling out of sorts and disoriented, you can come off sharp or condescending to others, as well as downright vicious to yourself concerning your weaknesses and performance expectations.  These are not going to help you and are unhealthy… if you want to make it through this time of misalignment smoothly and quickly, stay mindful of your words.

Take Away – You are on track with your emotional growth, but maybe not so much when it comes to your finances and portfolio.  Don’t let that get you down too much, and don’t panic if a sudden expenditure comes up to expose to you just how “oh shit” that deficit might actually be.

Depression is creeping at the edges of the shadows, staying back but toying with those small frays at the edges of the fabric of your well-being.  You’ve seen small signs of this and need to make sure you’re not ignoring them. Be genuine and be yourself, but make sure you are consciously choosing to treat yourself and others kindly, and turn your focus on finding ways to spread the pleasure and security you feel in your creativity with Gideon into other aspects of your creativity elsewhere.

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

New Moon in Cancer – July 2020

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New Moon in Cancer Tarot Reading July 2020

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. How can I bring more balance to my home?

Queen of Pentacles – Be a more approachable “authority figure” in my home.  Authority figure isn’t really the right term, but I’m also not really a fan of the term “provider”.  But what it comes down to is being more approachable.  Less stiff and stringent. You can hold things together and keep things on track without holding yourself apart.

2. What old family beliefs need to be healed?

Queen of Wands – You have to be “on” all the time.  Always moving forward, always heading towards goals that are set and just beyond your reach like a carrot that dangles before the jackass.  These goals are passions, but they are always unobtainable other than through hard work and staying on task.  Like a queen on a throne you strive to please but will never truly touch.

3. What old family patterns need examining?

Ten of Swords and Five of Cups – Neglect breeding a feeling of defeat. It’s time to consider you just are not going to get the nurturing you need from those you would expect to get it from.  It’s okay to outsource that nurturing and guidance into other areas of your life and other trusted resources… you do not have to be bereft.

4. How can I be a more impactful community member?

The Hierophant – You’re on that track.  Just keep doing what you love concerning the communities you choose to be a part of.  Guide others to finding the path that is right for them, and learn from them in turn on ways to improve yourself.  You can’t teach without learning along the way, and in this small way you send ripples out into the world that helps make your community and the world a better place… just one tiny bit at a time.

DECK USED:  THE ANIMISM TAROT

Full Moon in Capricorn – July 2020

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The full moon is a time of release and letting go, and this is doubly true during this month’s full moon in Capricorn. The influence of Capricorn on this month’s full moon is one of transition and a reminder of patience.   This is a theme that has been very prominent in  my personal readings of late, and is echoed in the energy that surrounds this full moon.

As we honor the completion of this moon’s cycle over the next couple of weeks, it’s time to reflect upon our growth and how far we have come… and remember that the way forward is not a race toward a destination, but a journey along which we must be conscious and aware, and savoring each step along the way.

Full Moon in Capricorn - Psychopomp Tarot

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

1. What long term plans are calling me?

The High Priestess – This is a reminder that the development I am going through is mostly  unseen by others.   It is an internal growth, and although I openly share that growth and struggle through my readings and this blog, the truth is that it is about changing things on the inside more than the changing of habits on the outside.  Only by changing how I see things, feel about things, and my internal perspectives will I be able to change my actions and methods.  The High Priestess says…. focus inward for outward results.

2. What foundations do I need to lay to succeed?

The Chariot – Control.  In this case (and as indicated by the position and angle of the tip of the spear towards the warrior’s Achilles tendon) the control has to do with getting control over my own bad habits and hidden weaknesses.

3. Where do I need to apply patience?

Eight of Wands – Don’t give up on this journey that you are on, and remember that these types of transitions take time.  You are too impatient with yourself.  Ease up and let things move at their own pace.

4. Where do I need to think BIGGER?

Queen of Pentacles – Look for ways in which you can foster stable and responsible growth in the area of your home and finances.  This isn’t a time for big growth spurts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some small progress that keeps things stable and on track.  Nurture these areas of your life without training your entire focus upon them.  They only need a little encouragement to do better and not become stagnant while you focus on other things.

5. Where do I need support?

The Empress – Hey Gideon… do you remember a few months ago when you asked the cards what I needed from you and you drew the Empress?  *Points to the Empress*   You’re up.  (I’m teasing… but not entirely joking here.)

The Empress indicates that the areas where I am in need of some support are in those more caring and nurturing areas that I’m not all that good at providing for myself.

DECK USED:  PSYCHOPOMP TAROT

Tarotholics June 21st Challenge Spread

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Fanuna's Tarot

So!  I kinda sort a did the wrong Taraholics Challenge spread yesterday.   I thought I’d rectify that by doing it separately today.  This is Spread #3 of the #TarotholicsDiscordJun2020 Challenge.

1. What in my past is it time to let go of this summer?

Six of Pentacles – One of the biggest reasons that I struggle with asking others for help is because I was taught that such help is considered charity and you become indebted to the one that is providing help. The Six of Pentacles in this position is telling me that that is not how it works, even if it feels like it should.  This belief is ingrained not through reason or observation, but was taught to me at a young age and has stuck with me all this time.  Perhaps it is time to start seeking a different perspective in this matter.

2. What have I carried over from winter I need to weed out?

Three of Cups Rx – Now that you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy some alone time, it’s time to do it.  You need that time for your self care and to help you in feeling balanced and grounded.  Restrictions have lifted enough to allow that to happen and the girls are safe being left home alone while you go off and have a bit of time on your own.

3. Where do I need to focus my energy thru the summer months?

Page of Swords – Finding a different way to communicate with yourself.  Preparation for when you need to charge ahead into your responsibilities is fine, but take your time at it and give yourself time to learn and grow.

4. What opportunity will arise to fill the space I’ve weeded?

Seven of Pentacles – Some of the readings lately have spoke about the patience needed to follow the path of my emotional growth, and the changing of habits and methods being a long term effort and not a quick change.  This card reinforces that sentiment, speaking of long term growth that, over time if I stick with my plans, will bleed over into growth in areas I usually am so very, very focused on such as that stability and security I crave.   In other words, following through with plans to make room on my plate to breath combined with getting the alone time I need to feel balanced and centered will, in turn, end up providing long term growth of not just these areas, but beyond that limited scope as well.

4. How can I help this new opportunity to flourish?

The Empress – This new opportunity is about growth, and how that growth, even as slow moving as it is (or perhaps because of how slow moving it is) has the ability to spread into all aspects of one’s life, influencing them all in positive ways.   The Empress indicates that to encourage this opportunity to flourish, I need to allow my more nurturing energies and connection with the earth to rise to the surface.  She also reminds me that these qualities are not weaknesses.

DECK USED:  FANUNA’S TAROT

Summer Solstice 2020 – Midsummer

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Yesterday was the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year and one of the eight holidays that I celebrate throughout the year. This day marks the ‘official’ transition into summer and a shift from days that become longer and longer through the spring into days from here on out will grow shorter and shorter for the next six months.

This holiday is often called Midsummer or Litha, although I usually just refer to it as the Summer Solstice. On my path, it celebrates the turning point of summer, where the build-up of creative energy from the spring crests into a time of abundance as we travel into the depths of summer in much the same way that the growing energies of the full moon crest before beginning to wane each month.

Summer Solstice Tarot Spread

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 on 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 First Harvest (aka, Lughnasadh, Lammas, Lughnasa, Lugh) on August 1st.

Theme of the Season – Midsummer, Spiral Moon, Owl – Midsummer offers the opportunity to alter one’s course, tipping one’s balance in order to alter reality to deepen one’s connection with their chosen path.

Honeysuckle resides on the center card and speaks of love, while the Spiral Moon reminds us that this is a time of deepening connection to the self.  A connection that is found through peeling back one’s inner layers to reveal the softer bits within.   Through that process, you reveal vulnerable bits.

The presence of the Owl reminds us to be certain to stay on course and focused on what you want. It can be easy to get lost in the weeds of uncertainty and old habits, especially when feeling vulnerable.  Don’t allow distractions to hinder your path or turn you away from where you want to go.

The combination of these three center cards speak of a time of growth and deepening connection with the self.  There will be vulnerability and it may be hard to stay on task with the changes you want to manifest through the season, but stay on task with your self care and your desire to deepen that connection, and you will travel through this time of growth and adjustment with grace.

Earth – Ten of Cups – Even though the upcoming weeks are a slow time for the business, this time will also allow you a sense of emotional fulfillment concerning where you are and how things are going.  Enjoy this time, and take time to appreciate the sense of ease you feel concerning your work and home life.  It won’t last forever and should be cherished.

Air – Ace of Cups and Six of Cups – There’s always a bit of messiness involved when you mix emotions with intellect.  With all these new feelings and emotional growth going on, make sure that you’re not smothering the carefully unfurling lotus within you.  Hold the flowering growth with care and foster it’s development rather than allowing your logical mind and inner critic to have free reign.  In other words?  Give yourself the room you need to grow emotionally by shutting up negative thoughts and recriminations.

Water – Queen of Wands – Be open to the joy that comes from those things that inspire you. Making space doesn’t mean you have to be bored or sedate, it means that you allow pleasure and the spark of fun into those places that are usually dry and feeling a bit boring.  By allowing this spark to flourish and joy to bloom, your growth will continue and not be half so stressful as your intellect keeps trying to make.

Fire – Page of Swords and King of Swords – Strategizing is the name of the game for the next few months.  This is not surprising, as this is usually what happens during this time of year.  The summer is often a time of preparation for the busy season to come late in the fall.  Start now and take your time.  If you start early then there’s no need to rush, and you can feel more stable over all in as you work towards being in a place of preparation for the future.

Waning – Panther Spirit – Set your relentless aggression aside. Now is not the time to push and shove towards some illusive promise of perfection. Let go of the need to prod yourself constantly forward.

Waxing – Lion Spirit – Take pride in your abilities and foster your own self-confidence over the next few weeks.  You are worth far more than the business you run and the money you make.  What you offer to the world reaches beyond these trivial things. You shine as an inspiration to others… allow yourself to acknowledge and be grateful for those qualities you like in yourself as well as the opportunities you are given to help others using your unique gifts.

Take Away – The next handful of weeks need to be a time of rest and recovery.  Stop pushing and prodding at yourself.  Stop the recriminations.  Instead, it’s time to focus on fostering your inner spark and spirit, and giving yourself room to grow within your current emotional journey.  Although there’s some prep you can do for the business during this time, there is no need to rush. Instead, a better use of your time during this time is to focus upon those things that kindle that spark of curiosity and creativity within you and allow that spark to manifest some guilt-free pleasure and joy.

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