Speaking of Witch
  • Home
  • Blogs
    • Speaking of Witch Blog
    • (Almost) Daily Divine
    • Thought Of The Deity
    • Subscribe
  • Tarot
    • Request A Reading
  • Contact Us
  • References
    • Books
  • Speaking of Witch - The Podcast
  • Links
    • Moon
  • The Witches
    • Crafty Witches
    • Divination & Healing
    • Witches Remembered

Friday, February 16, 2018

2/16/2018

1 Comment

 

The Alchemist - Incidental Tarot

The Scientific Method In Everyday Practice

Picture
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!

1 Comment

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

2/14/2018

0 Comments

 

The Lovers - Incidental Tarot

Well, Hellooo there!

Picture
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.
0 Comments

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

2/13/2018

0 Comments

 

XIV Phoenix - Incidental Tarot

A Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On!

Picture

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!

0 Comments

Monday, February 12, 2018

2/12/2018

0 Comments

 

Introducing: The Incidental Tarot

Picture
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

Picture
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.
0 Comments

Thursday, January 18, 2018

1/18/2018

0 Comments

 

Chimera - Incidental Tarot

Picture
In the Incidental tarot the Chimera takes the place of the Devil card. She's beautiful and dangerous and seductive. In a word: TEMPTATION! 

This is a perfect foil for yesterday's owl medicine card. While owl teaches you to be perceptive and cut through the night with the laser vision of truth, Chimera tempts you to allow yourself to be deceived, to enjoy the temporary pleasures of addiction, obsession and compulsion which will ultimately destroy you. 

The chimera is a beautiful women, a fairy with butterfly wings, but she also has destructive talons and can destroy everything with her fire breathing tail. When you see the chimera for all she really is, you would be wise to pull back, even if it hurts, from whatever she represents that you are having a devil of a time letting go of: bad relationship (romantic, business, family, frenemy), destructive behavior, bad decisions, etc.

Need a boost to get the chimera off your back?

Try Smoky Quartz for grounding, balance, detoxifying
and assistance sending those negative thoughts packing!
Picture
Amethyst to boost the positive and blast the negative!
Picture
Red Jasper for Courage and willpower
Picture
Chrysocolla assists in times of transition
Picture
Malachite helps you heal and transform
Picture
Rhodochrosite gives you courage to deal with the truth
Picture
0 Comments

Saturday January 6th, 2017

1/6/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

Five of Pentacles -
The New Palladini Tarot

This card often looks so bleak. however it is really a card of hope, when you know where to look for it or are willing to ask for it. 

Here we have two elderly, weary Travelers bent over from age shivering in the cold. They are looking down at the ground so they can't see that right next to them is the warm light of a church window it's windows decorated with beautiful stars / coins. If they would just look up they would see sanctuary, shelter, and assistance right beside them. The building is physical comfort and the church offers spiritual comfort. All they have to do is go inside.

The traditional meanings for this card are: "isolation, insecurity, worry, financial loss, poverty"

reversed: "recovery from financial loss, spiritual poverty"

The Five of Pentacles is a reminder that resources are always available. You just have to be open and watchful for an unexpected opportunity. You may be going through a period where all you feel is poverty and lack, loneliness, no spiritual connection, job instability, broke, illness, etc. Often these problems are caused by your unwillingness to reach out, your pride, stubborness or your fear. However, recovery is possible, and you will not have to get out of this situation all by yourself. In fact, trying to do everything by yourself or your way may be one of the things that got you into trouble. 

It's a good time to stop and look both without and perhaps within ( to listen for spiritual guidance) for answers and assistance. Ask yourself. What am I afraid of? What am I uncomfortable with that is holding me back? What is my relationship with money, success, accepting help? Is it unhealthy? 

Five of Pentacles - Comparative Tarot

Picture
Comparative tarot is really fascinating to me. It really helps you understand tree cards. It's one of the things that I love about having so many different decks. I thought I would show you the Five of Pentacles in five of the decks I have on hand.

Starting at top left, left to right:

1. New Palladini card I just drew. 
2. The Buckland Romani Tarot has a bit of an interesting twist because the Romani are beggars in front of the church, but they may be merely pretending to gain sympathy and make money. So it kind of takes some of the issues of this card relating to the state of poverty and fears, relationship with money, etc to another level. 

Both of these cards are very much influenced by the traditional Rider Waite imagery. Some of these other decks change things up a little more. 

3. Animals Divine Tarot. It's odd to see the red fox in winter. Being a trickster he also adds a little bit of that element of poverty or your ideas about being a sham. Normally a fox can be pretty much invisible in any landscape but this guy is completely exposed and his red coat is highly visible against the winter storm. 

4. The five of Oaks from the Incidental Tarot. You notice the broken branch is the focal point here. There's a feeling of disconnect. 

5. The Secret Tarot. This is probably the weirdest five of Pentacles I have. It has completely divorced itself from any connection to the Rider Waite. I still have not a hundred percent figured this one out and it makes me so sad that there is no book accompanying this tarot because I'm dying to know what the artist intended. What I usually read this as, and honestly I kind of get a different thing from every single person who draws it, but it feels a lot like it's about vanity and the trappings of success. There are so many interesting little things in this card. I often ask people whether they are more drawn to the woman or if they feel like the photographer in this image. Here you have this extremely glamorous women posing opposite this obese photographer, who actually looks like he might be Jewish. There's a feeling of aloofness on her part and voyeurism on his. This card just fascinates the heck out of me.
0 Comments

    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



    RSS Feed


    Archives

    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018


    Categories

    All
    2018
    2019
    3 Of Pentacles
    78 Nautical Tarot
    9 Of Spades
    9 Of Wands
    About The Almost Daily Divine
    Abundance
    Abuse Of Power
    Accomplishment
    Aces
    Action
    Addiction
    Aeclectic Tarot
    Air
    Albert Einstein
    Albrecht Durer Tarot
    Alchemical Tarot
    Alchemist
    Aleister Crowley
    Amit Ray
    Amy Martin
    Amy Poehler
    Animal Lords Tarot
    Animals Divine
    Animal Theme
    Animal Themed Decks
    Animal Totem
    Anna Franklin
    Ansata Tarot
    Arcane Bullshit
    Art
    Art Deck
    Asian
    Asian American Mental Health Tarot
    Athena
    Ba;ance
    Bad Witch
    Balance
    Baseball Tarot
    Be Candid
    Beginnings
    Biddy Tarot
    Black Rose Witchcraft
    Blodeuwedd
    Blue Apatite
    Bolers
    Bonus
    Brandon Sanderson
    Buckland Romani Tarot
    Byzantine Tarot
    Cailleach
    Captain Merphlepoof
    Carl Sagan
    Cartomancy
    Catrin Welz-Stein
    Cats
    CAYA Coven
    Celebrate
    Celebration
    Celtic
    Chakras
    Challenge
    Challenges
    Challenges. True Grit
    Cherry Jones
    Chimera
    Chrysalis Tarot
    Cindy De Andrade Avelino
    Clarity
    Clubs
    Coins
    Collaboration
    Comes In Threes
    Communication
    Comparative Tarot
    Compassion
    Conflict
    Connection
    Control
    Coru Cathubodua Priesthood
    Cosmic Tarot
    Court Cards
    Creating Your Own Tarot Spreads
    Creativity
    Crisis
    Crystals
    Cults
    Cultural Theme. Major Arcana
    Cups
    Cynthia Sheppard
    Daggers
    Dame’s Fortune’s Wheel Tarot
    Daughters Of The Moon
    David Carson
    Decisive
    Defense
    Deities
    Desire
    Destructive
    Devil
    Devin Hunter
    Discs
    Disks
    Divination
    Djamila Knopf
    Dogma
    Double Egg Yolks
    Doug Larson
    Dream Inspirational
    Dreamwalker Tarot
    Earth
    Egrov Tarot
    Eight Of Swords
    Emotion
    End Of Struggle
    Energy
    Evan Doherty
    Everyday Witch Tarot
    Evvie Marin
    Family
    Fantastical Menagerie Tarot
    Fantastical Tarot
    Favorite Decks
    Feathers
    Fertility
    Fierce
    Fire
    Five Of Bolers (Wheels)
    Five Of Pentacles
    Fives: For Fighting
    Flower Agate
    Flower Faeries Tarot
    Folklore
    Follow Your Heart
    Four
    Four Of Wands
    Fradella Adventure Tarot
    Frustration
    Full Moon
    George Carlin
    Gillian Kemp
    Goals
    Goddess
    Goddesses Knowledge Cards
    Golden Tarot
    Golden Tarot Of Klimt
    Good Witch Bad Witch
    Go With The Flow
    Go With Your Gut
    Green Witch Tarot
    Growth
    Halloween Tarot
    Hanging On
    Harriet Braike
    Having It All
    Heartache
    Henry David Thoreau
    Hezicos Tarot
    Hierophant
    Holly DeFount
    Hollywood
    Home
    Hoopoe
    Hope
    Housewives Tarot
    I Just Can't Even
    Illusion
    Imagery
    Incidental Tarot
    Influence
    Inheritance
    Inner Child Tarot
    Institutions
    Intellect
    Interpretation
    Interrobang Tarot
    Introduction
    Investment
    Isha Lerner
    Isolation
    Jamie Sams
    Jane Park
    Japan
    Jessica Matthews
    Jessi Huntenburg
    Joie De Vivres
    Journey Ahead
    Judgement
    Kickstarter
    King
    King Of Cups
    Kings
    Knight Of Swords
    Knight Of Wands
    Knights
    Knives
    Knowledge
    Lawrence Teng
    Leadership
    Learning
    Lenormand
    Leo
    Lessons For Children
    Letting Go
    Lily Tomlin
    Little Charles
    Long Term Plans
    Looking Forward
    Loss
    Love
    Lovers
    Major Arcana
    Manifestation
    Marco Nizzoli
    Margaret Atwood
    Marriage Card
    Mary Greer
    Mastery
    Maya Rudolph
    Medicine Cards
    Medieval Cat Tarot
    Meditation
    Mercury Retrograde
    Messenger
    Messengers
    Michelle Tea
    Midnight Scario
    Minor Arcana
    Missing The Forest
    Modern Spellcaster’s Tarot
    Modern Tarot
    Moonology
    Morgan Greer Tarot
    Mrs. Anna Laetitia Barbauld
    Mt Miyagi
    Multi-tasking
    MVP Of Bats
    Mythology
    Narcissist
    Native American
    Nature
    Navigators Of The Mystic Sea Tarot
    New Moon
    New Palladini Tarot
    New Year
    Nicoletta Ciccoli Tarot
    Nope
    No Tarot Day
    Nurture
    Nyx Rowan
    Oaks
    Observation
    Obssesion
    Obstacles
    Obstacles. Adversity
    Omens
    Opportunity
    Oracle
    Oracle Decks
    Ostara
    Ostara Tarot
    Out Of Print
    Out-of-print
    Ovomancy
    Owl
    Owls
    Own Worst Enemy
    Pagan Otherworlds Tarot
    Page
    Page Of Swords
    Pain
    Pamela Colman Smith
    PantheaCon
    Passion
    Paul Struck
    Pentacles
    Phoenix
    Pisces
    Podcast Recommendations
    Poppy Palin
    Poseidon
    Poverty
    Preparedness
    Prison Of Mind
    Protection
    Queen Of Cups
    Queen Of Pentacles
    Queen Of Swords
    Queens
    Quills
    Quotes
    Rainer Maria Rilke
    Raven Grimassi
    Raymond Buckland
    Reading Elements
    Rebirth
    Reckoning
    Recognition
    Resolution
    Revelation
    Reversals
    Rhiannon
    Rider Waite Smith
    Rider-Waite Tarot
    Rods
    Round Decks
    Ruth Bader Ginsburg
    Secret Tarot
    Self Care
    Seven Of Wands
    Shadowscapes Tarot
    Shadow Work
    Shake-up
    Sharp Cookie
    Shit Sandwich
    Sigmond Freud
    Signs
    Sitting Bull
    Skills
    Sloth
    Smith Waite Centennial Tarot
    Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot
    Socialize
    Solar Cross Temple
    Sorrow
    Spirituality
    Spring
    Stability
    Stand Your Ground
    Star Tarot
    Staves
    Stephanie Pui-Mun Law
    Stephanie Taylor-Grimassi
    Strength
    Stress
    Strife
    Strong Foundation
    Strong Roots And Wide Branches
    Struggle
    Stuck
    Study
    Success
    Suffering
    Surreal
    Surrender
    Susan Seddon Boulet
    Swords
    Sylvia Ritter
    Take A Moment
    Tarot Cards
    Tarot De Saint Croix
    Tarot Of Cats
    Tarot Of Metamorphosis
    Tarot Of The Cat People
    Tarot Of The Mystic Spiral
    Tarot Of The New Vision
    Tarot Of The Secret Forest
    Tarot Of The Zirkus Magi
    Tarot Reveries
    Tarot Spreads
    Temper Temper
    Ten Of Swords
    Tens In The Tarot
    TERF
    The Animals Divine
    The Fool
    The Magician
    The Oracle Of Mystical Moments
    The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot
    The Star
    The Tower
    The Triple Goddess Tarot
    The Wild Unknown
    Things Are Not Always What They Seem
    Thoth
    Three Card Spreads
    Three Of Cups
    Three Of Fire
    Three Of Swords
    Three Of Wands
    Threes: Come Together
    Timing
    Tina Fey
    Tools
    Tower
    Transition
    Transphobic
    Travel
    Truth
    Tsuyoshi Nagano
    Turmoil
    Ukiyoe Tarot
    Universal Waite
    Unusual Decks
    Use Your Words
    Vintage Wisdom Oracle
    Vision
    Vitality
    Wands
    Warning
    Water
    Well Worn Path
    Wheels
    Whips
    Whispers Of Ganesha Oracle
    Whispers Of Lord Ganesha Oracle
    Wicca
    Wicca Cards
    Wild Unknown
    Wildwood Tarot
    Wine Country
    Wisdom
    Witches Tarot
    Work
    Working With Novelty Decks
    Worry
    WTF?
    Yasmin Boland
    Yeshe Rabbit Matthews
    Zigeuner Tarot

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.