writing exercise with the tarot

Weekly Creativity Prompt – King of Pentacles

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Prompt: “Pull the King of Pentacles card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

King of Pentacles - Tarot of the Hidden RealmTarot of the Hidden Realm – The man in this card reminds me of Santa, which isn’t really at all out of character for the King of Pentacles. The imagery says to me that it’s okay to take comfort in those that make you feel safe and stable. Security is important, and spending time with those that help you in feeling secure is a valuable thing. It’s something to savor and cherish and enjoy while you can.

King of Pentacles in the Storybook Christmas Tarot, Christmas Cheer Tarot, and Xmas Elf Tarot

Storybook Christmas Tarot – You know that saying “Come to the Dark Side, we have Cookies”?  That’s where this card takes me, although it isn’t so much the “dark side” as it is a recommendation to follow in the footsteps of those that have shown they have the skill and acumen to build a stable foundation and surround themselves in wealth.

Christmas Cheer Tarot – You know what is of value, how to obtain it and how to enjoy it. You know it’s worth, and will neither squander it, nor hoard it to yourself. Instead, share it with others, allow them to see the fruits of your labors, and use this to inspire them to follow your lead.

Xmas Elf Tarot – This elf seems just a bit cranky with his tight fist grip and upturned nose. The card appears to me to be a reminder that there’s a difference between stability and hoarding, and that can sometimes be a very fine line.  This card reminds us to turn over a new leaf in how we see wealth (the snow drops in the foreground), and asks us to examine more closely what we perceive as stability and security.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS TAROT, CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT, XMAS ELF TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Moon

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Prompt: “Pull the Moon card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

The Moon in the Modern Love TarotModern Love Tarot – Eyes closed and hands over heart, the figure in this card is focused on within as the moon shines bright and the wolf howls. In nature, hearing the sound of a wolf’s how can cause fissures of fear and anxiety… or in some it creates a stirring of the wild energy within. There is no such thing as adventure without the niggling of fear to make things exciting. Where are you playing things too safe?  Where can you step outside your comfort zone?

The Moon Card in the Tarot of the Spirit, Silver Acorn Tarot, and Umbral Embers Tarot

Tarot of the Spirit – The man in the moon listens with eyes closed as wolves serenade the night.  There’s no domesticity in this card and no contrast for the wild hunt depicted here.  What fears are you letting run rampant in your life right now?  Where are they calling all the shots?

Silver Acorn Tarot – The Owl and the Hare are having a grand party by moonlight while the tortoise looks on from the water. Like the traditional Moon card, this card depicts two halves of a coin.  The wild side that dances in the moonlight and the staid and domesticated side that watches on from a place of stability.  This card encourages us to look at which direction we are more likely to lean and examine why that is.

Umbral Embers Tarot – Right, so… I have trypophobia, which means that tie imagery in this particular card causes me a bit of discomfort. It’s right there on the cusp of being shudder-worthy for me, but not yet there. My reaction and discomfort fit the Moon card, and bring to the forefront that aspect of the card’s meaning.   Drawing out the trepidation and sense of unknown that can cause us to feel uncertain and fearful.

DECK USED: MODERN LOVE TAROT, TAROT OF THE SPIRIT, SILVER ACORN TAROT, UMBRAL EMBERS TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Different Scenarios

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Prompt “The purpose of this activity is to practice interpreting small spreads by combining card meanings, symbols and intuition. We will all interpret the same cards based on a few different (imaginary) situations. A 3 card spread will be posted together with 2 more specific scenarios. It’s your choice which scenario you’d prefer to use, or if you’d rather do a general reading of these cards as for an imaginary querent.”

Ink Witch Tarot

Scenario 1 – James is wondering how to improve himself after realizing he dates people who fall under the archetype of being narcissistic.

Work on how you view yourself by taking time to better examine and appreciate all you have accomplished and all that you have to be grateful for.  Only when you are willing to change how you see yourself and your place in the world will you then be able to break the cycle of picking those too self centered to be committed to you and your needs.

Scenario 2 – There’s a job fair coming up, and Daniel has no idea what to do. He is torn between wanting to go for his dreams and needing to pay the bills.

A change from what you’ve been doing so far in life is needed.  Seek the path that will give you a sense of accomplishment and sate you emotionally.  You can over time find greater success and sense of accomplishment through changing your path, rather than staying on the one you’re currently on.

Scenario 3 – A general reading (feel free to add your own flair or a backstory).

Only through changing and growing away from what has already been done can you find a path to feeling accomplished and emotionally sated moving forward.

DECK USED: INK WITCH TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Sweet Perspectives

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Prompt: “Draw (up to) five random cards from your deck, and decide what candy (different for each card) that you think fits each of the cards you pulled.”

Cute and Creepy TarotThe Devil – Big Hunk – So very good and hard to resist, but it’s sticky enough it can pull out your fillings if you’re not careful!

Knight of Pentacles – Tootsie Pops – You’ve got to be patient to get down to the good stuff. That owl in the commercial that asks how many licks to get to the center?  There’s a reason his patience ran out.

Eight of Swords – Good and Plenty – They might look like yummy candies, but if you’ve never had one before?  Make sure you -ask- what they taste like before you bite into one!  If you don’t like black licorice, you’re in for a nasty surprise if you don’t investigate first.

Temperance – Butterfinger – So good, but also so very rich.  So good, in fact, that it’s very easy to eat too many and end up with a sour stomach.

Seven of Cups – M&Ms – I like to eat my M&Ms by color!  That means I eat all of one color in the package, then choose the next color to eat, and then the next color to eat after that.  It doesn’t matter that they all taste the same… it feels right to eat them one color at a time.

DECK USED: CUTE AND CREEPY TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Chariot

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Prompt: “Pull the Death card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

Modern Love Tarot - The ChariotModern Love Tarot – Relaxed and confident, the figure walks down the street with her two pups, and makes it clear that no matter the hurdles she will find a way to make things work for her so she can do what she wants (after all, just look at that rig the little chihuahua is set up with).  This card is the epitome of “where there’s a will, there’s a way” mentality, and encourages us to think outside the box in order to adapt life to our needs rather than always adapting ourselves to the world around us.

The Chariot Card - Magic Planet Tarot, Mushroom Hunter's Tarot, Lonely Dreamer Tarot

Magic Planet Tarot – Look at the tip of the chin in the figure on this card.  There’s stubbornness there, and a hint of arrogance.  He knows where he’s going and exactly how he’s going to get there. Sometimes? Arrogance and stubbornness is what is needed to get you where you want to go. Be sure to apply as needed when reaching towards your goals.

Mushroom Hunter’s Tarot – The shaggy mane mushroom is a hardy one, able to push through even the hardest of barriers to find its way to freedom, including concrete.  This card and the mushroom chosen to be depicted upon it are a reminder that you have the willpower and determination to plow through the obstacles that try to get in your way.  You’re stronger than you think you are.

Lonely Dreamer Tarot – Those are some big ass horses, and a very small man in comparison, and yet the figure pulls the horses back from the ledge.  Autonomy is an important factor in this card.  No matter how strong the current that pulls you forward in life, if you’re not going in the direction you want to go, you need to remember that it is in your power to turn… pivot… and redirect yourself in another direction.  Don’t allow yourself to just go along for the ride.  Speak up.  Seize the reigns.  Take control and steer yourself away from that cliff’s edge you’re being pulled towards.

DECK USED: MODERN LOVE TAROT, MAGIC PLANET TAROT, MUSHROOM HUNTER’S TAROT, LONELY DREAMER TAROT

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Different Scenarios

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Prompt: “The purpose of this activity is to practice interpreting small spreads by combining card meanings, symbols and intuition. We will all interpret the same cards based on a few different (imaginary) situations. A 3 card spread will be posted together with 2 more specific scenarios. It’s your choice which scenario you’d prefer to use, or if you’d rather do a general reading of these cards as for an imaginary querent.”

Dark Mansion Tarot - Page of Swords, The Moon, Seven of Cups

Scenario 1 – It’s the new moon, and Raniah wants to figure out what to let go. She’s been going through a breakup and just got her first car.

The Moon in the center position indicates your feelings of uncertainty in this moment.  Leave behind your desire to learn and grow with this person you’ve been in a relationship with (Page of Swords). Instead, as you head into the future, focus your attention on making good choices moving forward.

Scenario 2 – Mary-Ann doesn’t know how to feel about their new step-dad. They want to know how to get to know him better.

You’re going to have to step up and take an active role in learning about your new step-dad.  Ask questions and engage him in conversation so that you can work past your uncertainty and fear concerning this new person and new situation in your life, and begin to explore the different facets of who the man is.

Scenario 3 – A general reading (feel free to add your own flair or a backstory).

Quit worrying so much (The Moon) about which direction to go in (Seven of Cups)… and just start already (Page of Swords).  Too much stewing is often caused by the emotions getting tangled up in your decision making process… instead, do the practical thing and just pick one small thing to do, then another. You will pick up momentum once you get the ball rolling.

DECK USED: THE DARK MANSION TAROT