Blog Archives

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

1/31/2018

Queen of Swords - Secret Tarot

Sorrow Can Be Sticky

First, I want to say, I’m so excited. I finally got my full sized Secret Tarot deck and it is gorgeous! This is my first draw from it! Interesting thing to note is that this card from this same deck came up earlier this month on Thursday, January 11th.

What immediately strikes me today is how her shadow is almost part of her. Also, how the tip of her sword is pressed into the floor as she leans on it ever so slightly. She stands tall and yet relaxed. Her eyes closed as she refuses to be influenced by anything going on around her. This is a vote of confidence in your decision making. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted and clarity will come. Go with your gut. Be clear about communicating what you want.

And remember, with the light of clarity comes the depth of shadow also. The truth contains both dark and light.

One of the things I was happy about is with this deck, I was also able to get the booklet which comes with it. It is still spare as far as interpretations, but what is interesting is that Nizoli has basically told his own story with this deck. The swords suit represents the Kingdom of Sorrow so this card may also serve as a reminder that it is all too easy to become trapped in a state of sorrow and depression and a caution against forgetting that this is a temporary suspension and that one must find a way cut through it to resume life, find happiness and movement.

Tuesday, January 30th, 2018

1/30/2018

Tarot of Reincarnation - 9 of Spades Hoopoe

Sometimes the Best Offense
Is A Good Defensive Smell

This really is the darndest deck. The booklet that comes with these cards simply says, “Negative behavior caused in particular by the fear of failure, as well as obtaining what we wanted and the relative responsibilities. Confusion and sense of guilt.” This is really not particularly helpful. It doesn’t really relate to the typical 9 of swords meaning, nor does it match the typical interpretations of reading the 9 of spades from a regular playing card deck. In some of these cards, the chosen animal matches their prescribed definition very well, but most seem kind of arbitrary.

So, ya know what? I could memorize the meanings of these cards. I could refer to the booklet for every reading. Or, I could actually read what the Hoopoe tells me.

I highly recommend learning about the Hoopoe.

They are an interesting bird. They have a very striking crown, a crest of feathers that is pretty flashy and a long stabby beak. By stabby, I don’t just mean stabby looking, I mean these birds will actually stab their prey or their enemy with their face dagger! Even when they are just enjoying the sun Hoopoes excell at looking threatening. They make their tail parallel with the ground, extend their wings and point their bill up in the air. They will not only stab their dinner, they will pulverize it with a wing. Luckily for us, Hoopoes eat a lot of insects we find pesky so they are good to have around. The Hoopoe can be found in the lore and superstition of many cultures. It is often associated with death.

One of the most intriguing things about the Hoopoe is the way it will protect its home and family. The bird nests in small niches with narrow openings, usually in tree trunks or cliffs. The female emits a foul smelling secretion, like rotting meat that is not only offensive to would be prey but is antibacterial. She smears this in the nest and on the eggs so that even when she poops all over them her kids are safe. Hoopoe kids even know how to take care of themself a few days after they are born. They can send a stream of shit all over a would be predator, hiss like a nest of snakes, use their wing for a smackdown or use that face dagger.

So here is my thought for the day! If you know someone with these traits, always stay on their good side. Even on a good day they might take you out! And know that if they consider you family, they will be there for you in a fight and defend you vehemently. If you are a Hoopoe, your home is your fortress (you probably have your eye on a top of the line security system) and nobody better mess with your kids. You are fierce, formidable and helpful in many ways.

A caution though, when defensiveness is taken to the extreme it can become paranoia. Always being on the attack can drive people away and keep you from accomplishing your goals. As always, think about how you can find a balance. Empower your kids rather than falling into being an overprotective parent. Listen before you lash out. If you have a boss who is aggressive and antagonistic, try to make them feel less threatened. If you take out your own face dagger, someone is going to lose an eye!

Monday January 29th , 2018

1/29/2018

Universal Waite Tarot - Queen of Pentacles

"Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nurturing and enhancing." Tom Peters

It's really funny, Everytime I look at the Queen of Pentacles from this deck she has a different expression on her face. Sometimes she looks tired from doing all the things and taking care of all the people. Sometimes it feels like she is looking down at that big coin on her lap with loving compassion. Sometimes I think she's side-eyeing the bunny rabbit and thinking, “Oh no you don't! I have enough children.”
When you have a Queen of Pentacles person in your life you are indeed blessed. She makes everyone feel as if they have a mother they can go . She's a natural at nurture. She's also one of those down-to-earth practical people who knows how to stretch a dime and make the most of whatever she has. She knows how to make any place into a home. She's a good money manager even when she doesn't have a lot to work with. And the crazy thing is she seems to juggle work home and being amazing without breaking a sweat.

When the Queen of Pentacles has gone awry she is completely out of balance. She doesn’t nurture so much as she smothers. She focuses on her work so much that she neglects her family. Her priorities get completely out of whack and she will find herself sitting in the dark because she bought a pair of shoes on impulse instead of paying the utility bill.

Which Queen do you embody? Do you have a person like this in your life that you can rely on? If so, you would do well to make them an ally and let them know how grateful you are! The Queen of Pentacles can also be a reminder that miraculous multitasking can be accomplished, but only if you have the right balance in your life. She invites you to stop a moment, sitting on your own throne to enjoy the beauty around you and the fruits of your labor. Find your equilibrium. You’ve got this!

Sunday, January 28th, 2018

1/28/2018

Ansata Tarot - Strength

Don't Give Up! Find A Middle Way!

The Ansata Tarot is an unusual deck in some respects. It has only Major Arcana and the cards were created by artist, Paul Struck as a companion to a book by B.A. Mertz called, Astrologie and Tarot, which is long out of print. All of the cards correspond heavily to astrology and the readings in the booklet are are basically designed to cast a horoscope. The images in this deck are intriguing and haunting. They certainly have a surrealist style and some of them are quite detailed. The death card is stunning, but that’s not what I drew today.

In this deck Strength is number 11. She represents the astrological sign of Leo. The strength card is one I have long related to and this Strength is both unsettling and gorgeous. I have a hard time with figuring out who Struck was trying to represent. Durga, makes the most sense but the symbolism seems a little off. Perhaps she is an amalgamation of goddesses or just of Durga and Kali, who are really just different aspects of the same goddess after all. The booklet does not get into analyzing the art portion which is really strange considering all the symbolism he put into the deck.

Regardless, this Strength card is rather fierce and violent and yet at the same time peaceful. But that is what true strength is all about isn’t it, the perfect balance of brute force and calm confident control. The woman is naked so she is vulnerable,barely holding the lion’s mane yet she has tamed the Beast. He has no more fight of his own, and yet together they are a force to be reckoned with. The heads around the lion’s neck would seem to attest to that. This symbolism, cutting off the heads is a message that one needs to cut the ego, to tame it. The lion, still snarling, looks like he has been through hell. He's scared, bloodied and emaciated. The Sun is is so close it has set the lion's mane on fire. This is really powerful imagery. What draws you in? What repulses you? Do you feel sorry for the lion? Do you identify with the woman? Does the sun feel powerful and exciting or do you fear getting burned?

One of the things that the strength card tells us is how important it is to strike a balance between the frenzied wild beast and serene energy. Wild power is obvious, but often quiet power is more commanding. It's a contrast. Finding a balance in all things is key. Finding joy in pleasure and raw sensuality while understanding the time and place to be perfectly civilized is a key lesson that many do not learn. Too passive and nothing is achieved, too angry and everyone retreats. Strength is not always about pushing through. Sometimes it's about knowing when to let go and be a little more zen about it. Sometimes being strong means shouting and fury and muscle, but much of the time true strength is shown with a gentle touch and a soft voice.

You may find yourself in a situation where you are sorely tested by loved ones or in the workplace. Before you lose your temper, take a step back. Would a cooler head be able to deal with the situation better? If you are feeling intimidated, do a check in. Do you need to let the lion out a little? Act or react, your choice. And even if things are really trying and it seems hopeless, remember, you a survivor and will always find a way to get through adversity.

Saturday, January 27th 2018

1/27/2018

The Baseball Tarot - MVP of Bats: Accomplishments of Action

Congratulations! You did it!

The Baseball Tarot, another out-of-print tarot deck; I have a lot of them, is really quite marvelous. In this case, the MVP takes the place of the king court card. It's interesting to note that this deck has a mix of age, gender, experience and ethnicity among the cards. So the MVP can be anyone. In this case the MVP is portrayed as a young girl.

She is happy and confident as she holds her trophy in the shape of a bat up, presumably for the cameras. She has been recognized for her accomplishments and skill by her peers. Bats in this case represent the same things that wands do in other decks, fiery action and energy.

To reach the MVP status one has learned to harness this energy and use it effectively! They are an inspirational leader AND an excellent team player. The MVP knows that true success is the result of teamwork. They know that even when they shine it doesn't happen without the contribution of others.

Who inspires you? Do you inspire others to be their best selves? Are you using all your skills? Perhaps it's time to give yourself credit for what you bring to the situation. Now is the time to relish in your accomplishments and also to express gratitude for those who helped you get there. It may be that you are about to receive an award or accolade for work well done. Perhaps you are about to graduate with a degree or be certified in a program that you have worked hard to master.

I think it's also important to look at the confident girl on this card as a reminder that even with obstacles, no one else can really stop you from being your best self and no one else gets to assess your value. People may try to hold you back with their doubts or even with ageist, sexist, racist, ableist or other bigoted comments, but don't listen. You know the strengths, experience, perspectives, enthusiasm and unique talents you possess that ultimately, will make you an MVP in life.

Friday, January 26, 2018

1/26/2018

Three of Fire
Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot

It's Not Rude To Point If You're Pointing The,Way!

I love how this little fellow is evocative of the hermit as he sits up on top of his toad-STOOL *chuckle* holding up his lantern. Unlike the hermit however, he is not seeking the truth, he already has it. His light shines large and luminous. Not only does he know the truth, he points the way for others like a living signpost. A month may be drawn to the flame, but the imp points firmly in the opposite direction: The Moon is that way! This light is not for you!

Like so many of my books, the book that accompanies Waking the Wild Spirit is in storage so I can’t reference it. This is a wonderful, unusual, out of print deck. Although artist Poppy Palin may still have some available. It's been ages since I've had the book out so I can't recall if she goes into her symbolism with depth, but I'm sure her choices are no accident.

Even though this sprite is naked and vulnerable, he sits atop a death cap toadstool. Not only are these fungi extremely toxic, a tea can be made from small amounts (NOPE) that can cause hallucinogenic dreams and visions. Hedgehogs, like the one pictured below the toadstool are symbolic of dreams and clairvoyance. Hedgehogs are also immune to snake venom. Are you seeing a pattern here? The moth, while not painted in detail is likely, a death's-head moth which is not poisonous at all. They're actually lovely sweet creatures unless you happened to be a bee. Then, they will go into your hive and try to eat all your honey. The Death's-Head Moth is not immune to bee venom, but it uses a series of clever tricks (sound, odor, it's “face mask”) so the bees don't see it as a threat or realize what it is up to.

I think given our times this card not only reminds us to speak the truth, but also to help other is fine the path is well. In a world that is full of toxic chaos how do we keep our light shining and remain unscathed by the poison? How will you keep the venom of negative people, narcissists and manipulators from sinking into your skin? Will you deflect their machinations, use a little trickery? Will you develop a thick skinned, prickly immunity? Or will you expose them for what they are? Will you choose to be a light in the darkness? Will you do your best to steer those who might be fooled away before they get hurt? Be confident in knowing you can not only protect yourself, but you can make a difference!

Thursday January 25th, 2018

1/25/2018

A Whole Buncha Cards
What Am I Even Doing Today?

I thought I would do something really different today. It's been a strange day so far. There are technical difficulties all over the place. Evidently, Facebook has been down for a lot of us as well as some of the other Tech and social media sites. (It’s the end of the world!) I wasn't able to post yesterday's card draw until today, because my home internet was down. We share our internet with a neighbor and she doesn't charge us anything, so we can't exactly complain if there's a problem. We just roll with it.

After posting yesterday's card this morning, I considered skipping a draw entirely today. When Facebook, which is where I usually link my posts crashed, I got sidetracked by a bunch of tarot related research. Then I started dipping into a box of decks that I haven't looked at in a while and decided I would pull three decks at random and subsequently, three cards.

What's really interesting is that to the best of my knowledge, all three decks that I pulled were published around the same time, mid-2000s and I think that all of them are out of print. Buckle up because I thought this was going to be simple and fun but it really threw me down a rabbit hole. This is going to get a little convoluted. Bear with me; all I've had to eat today is an energy bar with two cups of coffee. I've been listening to meditation music, the rain and the occasional needy cat aria. It took me a while to write this as I chased down links and wrestled with Google's insistence that I meant to type Rhianna instead of Rhiannon and its voice to text capitalizing random words.

The first (center card) is not a tarot deck and not quite an oracle deck, but the imagery is powerful all the same. The deck is called, Goddesses Knowledge Cards. The goddesses are painted by the amazing fantasy artist, Susan Seddon Boulet and the text is by Michael Babcock. I have used these cards many times for spells, meditation and for readings they have often graced my alters. There is an accompanying art book called, The Goddess Paintings.

The second deck (card on the left) is called, Wiccan Cards: The Dance of Life.

I no longer have the instruction booklet for this deck, but as I recall it was pretty sparse anyway. There are 33 cards that are supposed to help baby wiccans with learning the traditions and they can also be used for spells and divination as well.

The third deck (right hand card) that I pulled was from, Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor’s, Well Worn Path deck which is also based on Wicca and Celtic traditions. So it is a “learning about the craft” oriented deck as well. Again, it works for spellwork and divination. Somewhere deep in my storage unit is the accompanying book which I believe is called, A Traveler's Guide to the Well Worn Path.

The first card is, Rhiannon, the Welsh goddess of Celtic lore, made famous by Stevie Nicks who didn't have a clue about the goddess, but made the name famous by writing a song about a “Welsh Witch.” Try to say that fast three times!

Rhiannon is a moon goddess. She is also a goddess of birth, death and regeneration. Rhiannon represents many things: the power of hope and will, fertility, love, beauty, forgiveness and feminine power. She is also a goddess of birds and horses. She often appears as a white mare. I am not sure why she is represented her specifically with a stag on this card. It’s important to note that these images were chosen after Boulet’s death and the names may not match her original subject matter.

I know a bit about the legend of Rhiannon, but I am not an expert on Welsh mythology and have not actually read the entire, Mabinogion. Babcock's text speaks about Rhiannon being the “source of the king's power “and that a candidate for kinghood would meet Rhiannon “dressed as a stag, a regal figure symbolic of rejuvenation, beauty, strength, and instinctually masculine energy.” I am not sure why a goddess who is usually represented by a horse or a bird is depicted by a male symbol. I can't find anything outside of quotes of this text or other fantasy related fiction that talks about this. Going by Babcock’s description one would think the takeaway, is behind every great man is a great woman. *sigh*
On the other hand, I am willing to give Babcock some latitude here as he was very close with Boulet and is the definitive source of information on her works.

The second card from the Wicca deck is simply, Mare, which depicts a mother horse and her foal nursing. It represents joy and a new beginning. So, here we have another card related to the cycle of life.

The third card, from the well Worn Path Tarot is simply, The Book of Shadows. The Book of Shadows represents your history, the knowledge that you have saved and the knowledge and experience that you have yet to write.

Putting it all together

So if I relate these cards together, I find it interesting that we have a card that is supposed to symbolize Rhiannon, but instead has a male fertility symbol on it, and next to it a card depicting a mother horse and her foal. The horse is a symbol of both Rhiannon and the goddess Epona. Side by side the stag, horse and foal could be symbolic of the story of Rhiannon (if you think of the Stag as Pwyll.) And you take that further by looking at the Book of Shadows as symbolic of the historic texts of their love story.

Speaking of WITCH, another way you could relate these cards, is simply to remind yourself of the importance to keep a deep connection to nature that resides within yourself. Even though the horses are domesticated they still hold the wildness represented in the stag, within. This reading could be telling you to get in touch with nature and write about it or to do more nature based magic or perhaps you are feeling a renewed interest in getting out into nature.

There are so many ways in which to apply these images to life. Depending on who you were reading for, or the question, this could relate to a family unit: father, mother and child. You could look at the contrast between the mystery of the moonlit forest and the sunny meadow where everything is in plain sight. You could even read directionally, noting that the stag is looking longingly toward the mare and foal and yet she is turned away from him or that they are both turned away from The Book of Shadows. There are so many ways to read groupings of cards even if they are not from the same deck.

And that is the wonderful thing about divination; there are so many different ways to analyze and interpret the images, then apply them to your situation, your creative ideas or study in general.

Illustration from, The Mabinogion by renowned artist Alan Lee (noted for his work on Lord of the Rings)

I can't help but think of Rhiannon's magical ability to appear to be riding her horse very slowly, and yet no one was ever able to catch up with her unless she wanted them to. I think of her story and how she was constantly maligned, suspected, and punished for arbitrary reasons; not getting pregnant soon enough, being blamed for someone else's mistake, being different. Despite this she handled everything that was dished out to her with grace and forgiveness. After much hardship she always prevailed in the end.

Today, I choose to take all of this into consideration when looking at these cards. They ask, what is your great story? What makes you resilient and hopeful in the face of adversity? What choices will you make for happiness, love, and family? What history and experience will go into your book of shadows?

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

1/24/2018

Rebirth - The Sacred Circle Tarot

It's A BRAND NEW DAY!

The Sacred Circle Tarot is a Celtic theme deck by pagan writer illustrator, Anna Franklin. Rebirth, takes the place of the traditional judgement card. The card shows a beautiful sunrise streaming through the silhouettes of barren trees. The card evokes the continuing cycle of life after death, renewal, then life once more. With the eternal spirit there is no true end

In contrast to the baron trees, at the top and bottom corners of the card holly is growing. holly, of course is an evergreen plant. (interesting fact: holly contains, theobromine, which is the chemical in chocolate that is toxic to cats and dogs.)

Perhaps it is time for a dramatic change in your thinking? Is it time to move on to a new phase in your life? Perhaps you've been stuck and are now feeling the energy to move forward with making decisions or bold changes. The things you have done in the past have brought you to the point of now. Things that may have not been clear now makes sense when you are able to look at the whole picture. You may have been through a rough journey but now you have come to a good place. Notice that the face of the sun is kind of a blank slate . The past is part of you, but now it's time for something new and fresh.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

1/23/2018

You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down....

Seven of Wands - Shadowscapes Tarot

Well now. I got very little sleep last night, about two hours. Had to wake early because I had to move my car to avoid the dreaded street sweeping ticket. The street sweeper usually doesn’t show up until 10:30 or 11 AM but Satan’s Minions show up promptly and give no quarter. I was also rushing off to a blood test that didn’t happen AGAIN! Third time I have been rescheduled. But, I am now happily ensconced at Rasa Cafe, enjoying a teeny stuffed croissant and a decadent rose latte and I am ready to lay it on ya! Happy Tuesday!

Today, I am shuffling the gorgeous Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law. I was first introduced to this deck by my former co conspirator, Molly, who read with this deck regularly. I cannot count the number of times this card would come up for me in readings she did for me. (When I read for her, the 7 of wheels in the Buckland Romani deck was the card that would consistently pop up and say, “MESSAGE!”) Maybe this card is just taunting me for old times sake, but I think we can all identify!

On the card, a mother fox is protecting her kits. They huddle behind her as she faces off against a badger that is twice her size. They are fenced in, like boxers in a ring by bamboo staves. The two creatures are positioned like Yin and Yang and a circle of energy emanates from the center. They circle each other but do not actually fight. She stands her ground! Pui-Mun Law, states that she chose bamboo for the wands because it is strong, but supple. It bends in the winds and does not break.

Are you drawn to the fox in this card? Do you feel you have a position to defend? This card may be telling you to stand your ground! Embrace the fierce protective instincts of motherhood. That badger in your life will respect you if you show your strength, bend but do not break. The badger is only dangerous if he sees that you are afraid. If you have a friend who is a mama fox will protect and defend you. You can count on her to intercede on your behalf!

If your eye goes straight to the badger, be wary of being too aggressive or domineering. Are you being a bully? Do you know a badger? Do you have a friend, boss or partner with a hair trigger? A scary poser who threatens but may not follow through, perhaps?

How can you find a balance with this yin yang counter so you don’t spend all day in an angry stalemate? Can you find flexibility and compromise for the greater good?

Monday, January 22nd, 2018

1/22/2018

The Tortured Witch (Bad Witch I)
Good Witch / Bad Witch Cards

GOOD WITCH? BAD WITCH?
DON'T TORTURE YOURSELF!

Let me introduce you today too, Gillian Kemp’s Good Witch, Bad Witch cards. This is a wonderful little deck, that for all of its cuteness is really insightful. There are 52 cards, one for each week of the year. Half of them are good witch cards and the other half are bad witch cards, representing two parts of our experience and nature. Each card has an accompanying spell. I have to say, what was initially a whimsical purchase has become one of my favorite decks in my collection. Never underestimate the power of something just because it is cute.
Today's card is the first card in the bad which section of the deck. It's called the tortured witch.

We've all felt like this before. Someone is breaking our heart. They may be a cheater. They may have a substance abuse problem. They made lie to us constantly. They may just simply, not love us anymore. Maybe they died. Because of our love for the other person, or perhaps our fear of being alone, or a myriad of other reasons that play on her emotions, we do not want to let go even when we know we should. We end up in a bargaining stage. If only I could get through to them, touch their heart, make them love me. If only I had done something different. If only I could change they might change. But it never gets us anywhere. We feel like we are going to die without the other person in our lives. The conflict between our Broken Heart and our pride are sorrow and our strength, resolve and devastation has us in turmoil.

Sometimes we are willing to suffer a situation even though we shouldn't because we think the pain of loss will be worse than the pain of enduring it. Sometimes a choice comes up and neither course of action feels good. Well it's true that the person who has harmed you may come to realize how important you are to them in time it may not be worth the wait. More likely, they will discover this after you have moved on

We can't go back. We can't take the stripes off the tiger. But what we can do is learn to accept things as they are. We can look for positive ways to comfort ourselves. We can know that things will get better, naturally on their own. If we decide to stick things out, at least we can be honest with ourselves about the realities of the situation.

*This particular card includes a simple spell to stop a Partners illicit affair. I won't include it here. I should definitely write a post on tarot spells one of these days.