witch society

#NoDisclaimersTarot Non-VR to Katey Flowers

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So recently (as in sometime in the past few months?) Katey Flowers on YouTube did a hashtag challenge and I really enjoyed it. I haven’t done one of these “non-VRs” in a while and I thought this would be a fun one to jump in on.

What trends/tropes in tarot annoy you the most?

Modern Witch Tarot

Lack of diversity while being marketed as diverse. (Hello, Modern Witch Tarot which was initially marketed as “diverse” and yet is women only; and the Lady Tarot Cards which says they are “for LGBT women and nonbinary people” and “absolutely trans inclusive”, and yet again, only depicts women. Keep in mind here, I’m not against all-women decks. What I’m against is the false advertising/marketing bullshit of saying something that they aren’t in order to drive up the hype.

Labeling decks “tarot” when they are not a tarot deck. I wrote an entire post about this.

BIG f’ing deck boxes. W.T.F. They’re inconvenient, unwieldy, and take up WAY too much space. I don’t understand why, instead of making the box fit the book, they can’t make the book fit the box by making it smaller in surface area and thicker.

Which deck do you feel is overrated?

Wild Unknown Tarot

The Wild Unknown. It’s not so much that the artwork isn’t great and the deck isn’t amazing. The artwork is great and the deck is amazing, and for its time when it came out? It was groundbreaking. The thing is? It’s constantly mentioned as a “beginner deck” which it absolutely is not.

Can you learn with it? Yes. But there’s a vast array of truly beginner tarot decks out there that will make that learning process far smoother, quicker, and easier.

What are your least favourite decks you’ve seen since joining TarotTube?

Mystic Mondays Tarot

I don’t broadcast on YouTube, but I have been watching it for a few years. So least favorite?

Hmmm, Mystic Mondays Tarot. I hate to say it, but the creator pretty much turned me off to this deck. It came out first through Kickstarter and there was a whole kerfuffle about it ending up releasing mass market prior to people getting their KS copies. The creator did not handle the kerfuffle well and was extremely rude (bordering on abusive) in her responses. It just completely turned me off a deck I wasn’t really all that interested in in the first place.

Tabula Mundi. This might be because I struggle with the artwork in the original Thoth deck? The Tabula Mundi feels like very similar artwork/energy… just modern and edgier.

The last isn’t really a specific deck, but a style. That gold on black design that’s become really popular the last few years.

The Marigold Tarot was somewhere at the beginning and is absolutely beautiful, but there’s so many of them out there now, and honestly? They all look the same to me because it’s just gold on black over and over again. I own a few, but I find that I rarely reach for them because it just feels so very over-done now.

What is one card that has ruined a deck for you?

Light Seer's Tarot

The afterbirth/urination card (Magician / Sorceress) in the Tarot Restless. (ew!)

The dog shit card (Five of Pentacles) in the Mystic Garbage Tarot. (again… ew!)

The revised Ten of Swords in the Light Seers Tarot. The original artwork is something I connected to very deeply, and the new version that Chris Anne replaced it with when people went into an uproar just doesn’t… connect the same for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a beautiful and expressive deck, but the deck just doesn’t connect the same for me personally with the replacement card.

Which out of print deck do you wish was still in print?

Slow Holler Tarot

The Slow Holler tarot. So beautiful. So brilliant. I feel it should be more circulated than it is, and needs a lot more love instead of “holy too-expesive-to-buy-now reverence”.

It should be loved for its theme, it’s artwork, and what lies behind its creation… not just known notoriously as the deck out of everyone’s reach because getting one’s hands on a copy is so expensive.

What are some of your tarot and TarotTube pet peeves?

I think my biggest is the same as Katy Flowers’ in this case. It’s the “should” and “have to” that run the course of actually being exclusionary to people that say… read with reversals or don’t. Do mediumship, or don’t. Do predictive readings, or don’t. Tarot practice is not a cookie cutter practice so it bothers me when I see people looking down on others for this or that as if it’s “distasteful” or wrong, when instead it’s just simply another way of doing things.

At the same time? Tarot is a system. It has a specific structure. It bugs the hell out of me when people just make up their own meanings for the cards that have absolutely nothing to do with the tarot meanings at all. Why not go with oracle or image-only cards if you’re going to do this? Why instead corrupt an established system?

What are some decks that you feel should have more recognition?

Ink Witch Tarot

The Stolen Child Tarot – The artwork in this deck is absolutely breathtaking and it’s a take on the cards that I have not seen done before… and is done well.

The Ink Witch Tarot – Absolutely brilliant modern representations in the tarot in an art style that is both beautiful and soothing to the senses.

Journey of the Bearded Tarot – I love the illustrations in this deck, and I can’t believe I’d never heard of this deck before when I stumbled across it on Etsy.

Wonderland Tarot in a Tin

Wonderland Tarot in a Tin – This deck is has the sharpest tone when it answers questions out of any deck I have ever used. It isn’t mean, but it is bare-bones honestly blunt and sharp, and takes no prisoners.

Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards – If you suffer from depression? You may benefit from this deck. I know that I certainly have. Whenever an MDE comes on, I pull out this deck to help in the journey through the depression and subsequent climb back out of the pit.

What are your thoughts on negative reviews (on decks)?

I think that addressing both the negative and positive qualities of a deck are both important. People read/watch reviews in order to know if the deck is something they’ll want to purchase, and as such it’s important to cover both the good and bad elements of a deck when doing a review. I don’t particularly like reviews that are only good or only bad as they just seem biased and that I’m missing the full picture. I want to hear both.

🌕 Full Moon in Virgo – March 2022

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Tonight 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 the medicine within, and brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot by the Moon series.

Full Moon in Virgo Tarot Reading with the Moonchild Tarot

How can I more deeply embrace my sensual side?

Eight of Cups – Why are you wasting your time on what brings you no pleasure? Let go of what isn’t working for you. Turn down the noise, turn off the machines, step out into the fresh air and silence of the forest more often.  Allow yourself to savor and even wallow in those things you enjoy, and reject those things that stand in your way of that enjoyment.

How can I be less critical this full moon?

Two of Swords – Open your eyes and make an effort to truly see why you’re being a dick to yourself in the first place. You will then be able to make the hard choices needed to set that behavior behind you.

What health and wellness areas need attention?

King of Wands atop Seven of Wands Rx – Be steadfast in your passions, but not aggressively so. It’s going to take a bit of time to get back up to full steam where your motivation is concerned, and that’s okay. Don’t push, just give yourself the support you need to let things grow at their own pace.

What area of my life needs reorganizing?

Page of Swords – How you talk to yourself. You need to seek out and adopt a better way. You have fallen back on old habits that involve a cruel inner narrative geared to tear you down. You are still learning how to turn this around, but you’ll need to seek out a new (and more hopeful) way of doing things.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Page of Wands – Remember that life is a learning process and an adventure. Work on looking forward with eager anticipation.

DECK USED: MOONCHILD TAROT

🌑 New Moon in Pisces – March 2022

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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 the medicine within, and brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot by the Moon series.

New Moon in Pisces Reading with the Sufi Wisdom Oracle

How can I experiment with my creativity?

Union of Love – Involve others and enjoy working with them instead of by yourself. This is true of your interactive storytelling with Gideon, but just as true in you creative business and other hobbies. Nor is it about only connecting with the living, as there are spirits and guides that are also eager to step in and lend a hand.

What creative project is ready for my attention?

Trust Your Gut Feeling – Combined with the card above, we see an encouragement to spend some time exploring mediumship and experimenting with different techniques and methods to find what feels right for you personally.

What is the next step I need to take?

Open Mind – Don’t discount anything out of hand. Stay open to the process of experimentation over snap judgements. Remember that it’s not about what is right for others or works for them, instead you need to take what they have to offer and adapt it to what feels best for you.

How can I embrace my inner “Stevie Nicks”?

Free Will – Open yourself up to new experiences.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Imagination – Don’t discount the value of imagination. Sometimes it feeds your creativity. Don’t use it as a scapegoat to discount unusual experiences.

DECK USED: SUFI WISDOM ORACLE

🌕 Full Moon in Leo – February 2022

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Tomorrow is the full “Snow” 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 Ethony‘s Tarot by the Moon series.

L'Oracle de L'Amore

Where is my power during this full moon?

L’Amour en Destinée – Place your trust and confidence in the cycles of life and your belief in the universe to provide you with opportunities to thrive. Shit happens, it’s a part of life. Remember that you are a survivor and will ride the upswing with a strong grip. You will not drown, for there is still too much yet to be had.

What belief, relationship, or habit no longer serves me?

Le Souffle de L’Amour – What is no longer serving you, at least at this time, is belief and habit that drive you to fight even when you are powerless. Try using these moments of powerlessness to rest instead, and to prepare for opportunity to show its face.

What area of life could benefit from me taking a risk?

Les Trois Temples – Here we see an encouragement to let ourselves delve into the passion and connection that sex provides.  There is more to sex than physical unity, and this card is an encouragement to connect more deeply, without fear, and allow that connection to flourish through the three centers of the body, the heart, and the mind.

Where am I being called to be creative and think outside the box?

Les Voiles de L’Amour – Instead of focusing on what’s not going right, focus on what is.  You’ve just experienced a huge upset with a great deal of anxiety.  The thing is?  Instead of waiting for the next shoe to drop, you should be enjoying this time, breathing in and letting the calm wash over you as you take pleasure in the moment. The future will take care of itself, don’t let your worries block your view of what you have to cherish and enjoy in the present.

Where am I seeking validation in my life?

Le Mystère Amoureux – Self care is not something that you can be given by others, it’s something you have to do for yourself.  Validation won’t come from others, no matter how much you want it to.  It is within that you need to find what you seek, and that includes the motivation to actually do the things that tend to your well being rather than allowing distractions to pull you from the love you need to receive… from yourself.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

L’Amour Cosmique -Step away from mental rigidity and allow fluidity, curiosity, and adaptation to take the wheel. Struggles and turbulence are an opportunity to show how well you can bounce back from a stumble.  Don’t allow these distractions to pull you off course of your chosen path towards the person you want to become and where you want to go in your life.

DECK USED: L’ORACLE DE L’AMOUR

Imbolc 2022

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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 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

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.

Sabbat Themed Art Card, Pagan Underworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, Healing Herbal Cards Vol 1 & 2

Theme of the Season – Imbolc, New Moon, Echinacea pallida

Imbolc – Beneath ice and snow, the earth stirs. The sun’s rays spend more time kissing her skin, and she warms deep within.  Seeds, once frozen solid and dormant in the cold, begin to awaken within the depths of the soil.  We cannot yet see what grows as seeds and roots begin to awaken from their sleep, but soon these stirrings will break free from the surface to share their renewal with us all.

New Moon – In the ebb and flow of the moon’s cycle, the New Moon is a time of rest. This lowest point in the moon’s energy and influence gives us a moment to pause.  To breathe.  To reflect upon the now, and on what is to come.

Echinacea pallida – In spellwork (at least in my path), Echinacea flowers are most commonly used as both an energy and intention amplifier, as well as sometimes as a blood substitute. It can also be used to bolster stamina, and increase one’s protections and/or prosperty.

When looking at these three cards together, the theme that I see here is that now is a time to gather strenght.  Instead of expending it at every turn, let it spool in and grow.  Give yourself time to shore up your reserves and build upon your energy base.  Just as the roots begin to feel the warmth of the sun, absorb it in and begin to gather energies needed to burst forth with new life in the spring… so too do you need to do the same.

Earth – Two of Pentacles Rx – You can do better to get a balance in your life in the areas of your self-care and your stability endeavors (finances, responsibilities, etc). The feeling of imbalance in your life right now is about the fact that you are not focusing enough on making sure you’re keeping things distributed in a healthy manner.

Air – Two of Wands Rx – Don’t stall out. There has been a good deal of advice from the cards lately on how to keep from feeling as if you’re falling into a mire of stagnacy.  Make sure you are taking small steps forward instead of induging in inactivity and resistance.

Water – Page of Wands – Stay motivated to explore your emotions, and invested in learning new ways to manage your emotional health and well-being.  You need to stay on top of this and aware of what’s going on with these elementsof your life instead of discounting them and ignoring them.

Fire – Five of Cups – Everything echoes back to your emotional well-being and stability right now. Make sure you are focusing on optimism and not allowing yourself to sink or stall out. Doing so will set you back everywhere.

Waning – Weaver atop Veil Walker – You have spent too much time focusing on the practical and need to turn instead to something more frivolous.  Life doesn’t always need to be about survival and what you need. Lighter times and having a bit of fun are just as important.

Waxing – Comforter atop Distaff – Set down your authority and responsibility long enough to truly enjoy and savor the little things and small comforts.  Sometimes if you spend too much time tending the soil, you end up missing the blooms.

Take Away – This entire reading is a warning on an incoming depression and encouragement on how to mitigate its effects. Although this reading is usually about my spiritual journey, what we see here is that something else (the depression) is going to overtake that journey if I don’t find a way to keep it in hand.

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

🌑 New Moon in Aquarius – January 2022

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On Monday 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 Ethony‘s Tarot by the Moon series.

New Moon in Aquarius Reading - The Citadel Deck

How can I detach from any lingering issues or energies from the past?

The Hunter – Remember that what is going to work for others is not necessarily going to work for you, and that’s okay.  You are unique, and that’s okay.  Give yourself permission to be different and don’t worry all that much (or at all) about the judgements of others, either from your past or in your present.

How can I be more of a spiritual rebel?

The Sailor – Make sure as you shift perspective you are seeking healthy choices moving forward. You seek ways to connect with Amalthea. Look for options that both satiate and inspire. Allow yourself to explore options and find what fits and feels right.

How can I be more impactful with my vision?

The Walker and The Champion – The project you are working on in your home is heavy with change.  Look forward and let your enthusiasm shine for the transition to come.  Make sure that you finish the job, though.  Don’t pause half way through and end up distracted, or it will all fall apart like a house of cards.

Where in my life can I have more fun?

The Poet and The Forgotten – Be yourself.  This is an odd response, as you are so very often yourself on so many levels, and yet these cards resoundingly speak of being yourself.  Set aside masks and fear of rejection or being hurt, and be yourself.  Those that are worth keeping in your social circle crave the true you and will not reject you for loosening up and letting your inner self free.

What can I do to support my visions and goals?

The Summoner – Own your mistakes and learn from them. Connect with others to garner their help, but remember that in doing so you also need to learn to better communicate and associate with them.  They aren’t tools, they’re people.  Treat them as such.  (Bake a raspberry cake for the neighbor to say thank you.)

DECK USED: THE CITADEL DECK