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Friday, February 16, 2018

2/16/2018

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The Alchemist - Incidental Tarot

The Scientific Method In Everyday Practice

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The Alchemist from The Incidental Tarot would be comparable to The Knight of Swords in other tarot decks. I really love how thoughtful this Knight of Quills (Swords) is. While Pages are usually about the start and intention of ideas, Knights bring those ideas into action. This knight is a student but he or she also can be a teacher or a mentor. In some respects this card reminds me of the magician, but a magician who is still experimenting and honing skills. He or she has a great passion for learning and discovery which can be a bit magnetic. It’s evident as he holds up the flask, that he is examining it carefully and is meticulously recording his observations. The Knight of Swords is often a person who is wonderful at explaining things and will take up someone else's cause who is less articulate.

As Holly DeFount, the creator of the deck says:

“He has the sharp mind of a scientist, the psyche of a great philosopher and the passion of an adept of the magical arts. The Alchemist has the ability to co-create his reality with the elemental forces of the physical world and the ethereal forces of his own mind. His passion for understanding the universe in all its manifestations is captivating, and he often gathers quite a following of those who are enthralled with his work. With an analytical yet open mind, the Alchemist can make connections and discover answers that otherwise would remain untapped. They will have a great love for books, a passion for all kinds of learning and the power to shift the consciousness of those they whose lives they touch.”

Of course the downside is that the Alchemist can also be a tendency towards being an argumentative smarty-pants and a ‘splainer who knows everything and is always right, even to the point of being abusive. I would say, that The Alchemist Reversed would easily represent the leader of the bay area coven turned cult I left several years ago who is now being investigated for her actions, while the members and founders, at least in the beginning, carried the positive traits of the enthusiastic young Alchemist, seeking knowledge and magic and wanting to share it, make the world a better place.
​

It’s so important even in our excitement over knowledge and exploration that we not let it go to our heads. Instead, if we take our time, observe objectively, communicate clearly and listen closely to others we can have a positive impact on those around us. Though I made mistakes, that approach overall,  was what kept me from being sucked under the influence of Jessica “Rabbit” Mathews whose horse was so high that she felt entitled to crown herself “Yeshe” and “Reverend Mother.”  I’m on my way to PantheaCon, the Pagan convention in San Jose, California this weekend. There will be many Alchemists there displaying the higher and lower attributes of the card!

But that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? It’s a journey of discovery. Sometimes we muck it up. Sometimes we follow the junk science down a delusional rabbit hole and get stuck at the bottom thinking we’re on the top and sometimes we discover real answers and make genuine connections. There’s a lot to learn from this card!

Be the Alchemist you want to see in the world!

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Thursday, February 15, 2018

2/15/2018

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Three of Quills - Incidental Tarot

Getting To The Point!

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The Three of Swords from any traditional deck is not what you want to see the day after Valentine’s Day. For all the romance marketed at us, the pressure to conform to making acceptable overtures or simply to not be alone can certainly cause heartaches. For all the love that blooms, there are breakups, disappointments and struggles with deep depression around this holiday. The Three of Quills from Holly DeFount’s Incidental Tarot is not nearly as threatening as what we usually see. The three quills dipped in the inkwell of this beautiful heart are much less jarring and brutal than the usual heart stabbed with three blades! Thanks Holly!

The card is really beautiful. The quills are a crisp white. The heart does not appear damaged and beneath and above is a beautiful leafy vine. The Heart sits on it like a flower. The quills are each at a different angle though all pointing inward. What dynamics and influences are speaking to your heart or perhaps affecting an existing relationship right now? Are they at odds? Are they helpful and harmonious, working together? What motives are in play?

As DeFount puts it, “The Three of Quills indicates a rare and somewhat precarious dynamic; three separate but related intentions conjoined to a single purpose.”


Threes are about things coming together and growth. Quills or swords represent intellect. Here lies a challenge to the status quo, the way you think and look at things in family or important relationships. So yes, indeed this card can still represent heartache. You may find yourself questioning the commitment, loyalty or harmonious intent of a partner or even yourself. How the two (or more) of you choose to deal with this will result in a stronger connection or it could lead to irreconcilable differences.

Try to put your ego aside. Be clear and say what you mean. Listen and observe.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2018

2/14/2018

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The Lovers - Incidental Tarot

Well, Hellooo there!

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A friend of mine used to talk about the transition she made, every time a new Doctor would appear on Doctor Who. She would be devastated as The Doctor would be ready to regenerate. She would grieve for the loss of that love. Then the new actor would appear with a different look and different take on the character. At first it would be jarring and upsetting, "You’re not The Doctor I love. You aren’t right for this at all, I don’t think I am going to like you one bit!" She’d stick it out for a few episodes and then there would be a new moment of recognition, “Oh HELLO! I LIKE YOU!”

The lovers is all about that sudden intense recognition and passion. It doesn’t have to be about romantic love. It can be the passionate connection of a job that is the perfect fit, a friend who you can communicate with through a look, an exciting project. The lovers is about serendipity and perfect timing!

As Holly DeFount says, “The excitement and intensity of intertwining fates and passionate new relationships.



The Lovers in a word: PASSION.”

What is your newly discovered or kindled passion?

The downside of passion is becoming so full of it that you neglect everything else and have no perspective. Those who are totally ruled by their passions miss out on substance and can create a lot of drama. If you feel a bit too giddy, make sure to stop, take a step back and ground yourself.


A note: Since it is Valentine’s Day or as I was informed this morning if you are in Mexico, Feliz Día de Amor y Amistad! (Happy Love and Friendship Day!) I like that much better, it’s totally inclusive. And that includes self love as well. Unless you are a narcissist, self love may be the one we most often forget! Self love should absolutely be passionate. One of my favorite women, Mae West, once said when asked if she liked herself, “I don't like myself, I'm crazy about myself.” That feeling is what I wish for all of us!

If you want to read more about Holly’s thinking behind her Lovers card, you can do so here on her blog.
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018

2/13/2018

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XIV Phoenix - Incidental Tarot

A Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On!

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The Phoenix in the Incidental Tarot takes the place of what is, The Tower in more traditional decks.

I’ll just give you Holly’s words about her card, because they fit perfectly!

“The Phoenix represents destruction and demise, the necessary upheaval of old and crumbling systems. A trial by fire brings the burning away of falsity and self-destructive ends. Phoenix dares you to unearth the lies, root out false foundations before the Universe does it for you. The Phoenix in a word: CRUCIBLE.”

You may have noticed my blog posts disappeared for close a couple of weeks with no explanation. I’m sorry for that. I actually wrote posts for most of these days and I will try to go back and fill them in. I’ve been dealing with quite the storm lately. It’s been hurling a variety of emotional thunderbolts and physical hailstones for me to dodge. I had to run for cover and deal with practical things. I’m still in the melee, but I’ve regained a bit of footing. I am going to try my best to keep this rolling as I need some consistency in my life.

I had an immediate financial crisis that is resolved for now, thanks to the generous donations of friends and a spate of orders for readings. Blessed Be! I’m going to have to consider some serious fundraising to get my feet on stable ground, but this really saved me! I have so much gratitude. In addition I have been struggling with serious health issues for the past six months. I have MS, neuropathy and some other chronic conditions. On top of this a recent blood test found that I had extremely low levels of vitamin D. I hate the sun. I cut down on dairy at the advice of a nutritionist. Supplements are expensive so I haven't bought any in a year. And voila; here I am taking 50,000 IU of Vitamin D every week on top of a daily supplement. I’ve had a couple of doses. I’m still in pain and have no energy, but I hear it takes a while.

However the biggest distraction was the news that a spiritual group I used to belong to had finally woken up and expelled the abusive person at its helm. (Actually, she ran away before they could confront her) I was with this group for more than four years and observed so much narcissism, manipulation and abuse. No one would listen and any perceived criticism was dealt with harshly. I was harassed, bullied and shunned. Still. Others had much more egregious harm. I’m now able to talk about it. I’m finding out that people I was afraid to talk to because I thought they were still associated with this person had left shortly after I did. It’s quite a mess. There is a lot of healing to be done and I do not know if the organization can survive this.

No doubt all these things will make blogging and doing anything else, challenging, but I am going to try.

The tower is a shake-up, but it doesn’t always have to be. You can rise up stronger, wiser and even energized just like the phoenix!

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Monday, February 12, 2018

2/12/2018

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Introducing: The Incidental Tarot

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I'm going to start something a little different this month. Instead of drawing from a different deck every day, I'm going to stick with one deck throughout the week or maybe a little longer. That way you can really get a feel for the art and the symbolism. This week I am drawing from a deck called the Incidental Tarot which was created by artist, Holly DeFount.

I first met Holly selling her art at a farmers market. under the name, Raven and Rose Arts. She made these amazing little paintings of ravens and she also did beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs. I started following her work. Her Etsy store is called, ForgeandFountain.

This first deck bloomed out of a project where she decided to start doing a painting every day and blogging about it. It is really one of the most beautiful decks I have seen. Since this week is Valentine's Day  I considered pulling from one of my erotic decks, but after consideration I decided something pretty but deep is perfect for a week which contains a day that people associate with romance.

Four of Oaks - Incidental Tarot

Lay a Strong Foundation
​Invest in the Future

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As you can see, these acorn laden branches overlap, making them stronger. Inside the diamond shaped corral is a protected seed. The four of Oaks is a sign that things are going well and it may be a good time to make an investment that will grow and provide future prosperity and stability. You’ve done the work, laid down a strong foundation and you have seen some growth. Make some wise decisions and put what you have done so far to good use. Today’s seed is tomorrow’s mighty oak.

The Oak Suit in the Incidental tarot is comparable to  the suit of Pentacles or Coins. It doesn’t always need to represent financial prosperity. It can represent good physical health, a state of being well balanced or security and comfort in family and home. In any of these areas with nurturing and protection any energy you put in will pay off.
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    The (Almost) Daily Divine

    An almost daily, hopefully helpful, exploration of the tarot

    Lorelei Moon

    Lorelei Moon has been reading tarot cards both professionally and for herself for nearly 40 years. She has an extensive collection, but the deck she uses most often is The Buckland Romani Tarot



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