Tarot Wednesdays: 14 - Temperance

So.... this card is actually one of my favorites as I try to bring temperance into my life at all times.  Unfortunately, I don't really jive well with the 'typical' representation on the card.

Rider Tarot

Who the heck is this angel and why do we care anyway?  If you look deeper into the story of the cards some will tell you that lots of symbols in this card are about balancing between two worlds.  The angel on hearth, one foot in the water one in land, pouring between the two cups.  I get all that but it doesn't really resonate with me. 

Celtic Dragon Deck

Mt favorite Temperance is by far the Celtic Dragon Deck by DJ Conway and Lisa Hunt.  In this card I can see mind body and spirit working in tandem to strengthen the whole.  Focused intention on creating balance is what this card means to me, and I love it.

I personally strive to bring the energy of this card into my life everyday.  I truly believe that balance and moderation in all things, even moderation, is a key to having a successful and satisfying life.  I may not achieve balance in all the aspects of my life (as a mother, friend, employee, community organizer, reader, witch, human) but I always try.

Where do you find Temperance?

Love of the Goddess: Giveaway from The Whimsical Pixie!

Not that I want any of you to win (cause then how could I?!) but check out this great blog and FANTASTIC giveaway!

Love of the Goddess: Giveaway from The Whimsical Pixie!: This month's giveaway comes to us from The Whimsical Pixie . The owner Paula, has donated a gorgeous Pagan ornament for your Yule/Christmas...

Triple Moon Goddess and Pentacle Millefiori Ornament

Featured Favorites Friday: So many pretties!

How can one woman make so many PRETTIES!!!!!

Wire Wrapped Carnelian Pendant

 I have never been so sad about being allergic to copper in my life!  I love this piece, there's something so witchy about it to me.  Kellyann Garcia from MoonKnight Jewels is a vivacious craft-mistress with a sense of humor and style. I had the pleasure of asking a few questions and would love to share the answers with you:

Me: Is there a special place your creative inspiration comes from?

Kellyann: I find inspiration in my everyday life. I might turn my breakfast into and earring inspiration. I also get inspired by the parts I have to work with. I loved to pull all my parts out and look at their different colors and textures. Then I start pairing them up and out will come a pendent or pair of earrings.

My beading table looks out one of my front windows. Sometimes when I get stuck I like to just stair out the window and clear my mind.

Me: Do any of your pieces have stories associated with them?

Wire Wrapped Ring

Kellyann: I love this ring and was really happy with how it came out. I started making it with out a plan and having know idea how it would look. I just kept adding stuff until I was happy with how it looked.

Ramen Noodles Necklaces

I lived on Ramen for years!

 

Me: What's your favorite part of the etsy selling experience?

Kellyann: I love that esty brings my crafts to a larger population. I sell my stuff in a few stores, but esty allows people from all over the world to view my shop.

I love the free spirited nature of this shop and it's mistress!

Turquoise and Amethyst Wire Wrapped Necklace

4 Fun Bug soaps

Steampunk Wire Wrapped Cuff Bracelet

Please check out Kellyann Garcia from MoonKnight Jewels at the links below:
     Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonknightjewels
     Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Moonknight-Jewels/162596300446150
     Ttwitter: twitter.com/#!/moonknightjewel

Taort Wednesday: The Tower (16) and The Devil (15)

Well that's a heck of a title!  Anyone besides me a little anxious about this?  Then again transformation is messy.

The Rider Tarot Deck

When searching through the images for The Tower I'm struck by how dramatic they can be.  And the more I look at them the more I see smoke billowing from broken sides of iconic glass and metal.  To me the tower is that split second when one can clearly see the world splintering and falling apart.  The Tower is an experience that will shake you down to your very foundations and penetrates your core.  The world is not exactly as you've seen it so be prepared to be challenged and changed.

The Dragon Tarot

In looking into The Devil, there are also so many provocative images that I almost find it detracts from my ability to see deeper meanings.   When browsing through one of the constant symbols is that of the chains; those ties that bind you to the weights holding you down.  In some ways the devil can be seen as temptation that leads to less enlightened habits, but he can also be as the scapegoat that humanity blames so many downfalls on.  Perhaps the key to working through this card is moving from being leashed by the chain to the one who is holding it.

Sunday Intentional: Making the Traditionalists Scoff

I'm a solitary eclectic, that much bemoaned classification that makes practitioners of 'traditional witch craft' scoff and/or roll their eyes.  I do not affiliate with any specific tradition or coven, I tend to practice on my own, celebrating the seasons and lunar phases with spells and rituals based on my learning and experience but infused with deeply personal meanings.  I speak words from my own heart and invite the divine in ways unique to me.  May times I sit down to spell work with only a vague idea of how I will be accomplishing my goals; I just let the magick of intuition guide the magick of my intent.

Not being a 'traditional witch' I can only assume the reason for the typical dismissive reactions is that one could use the term 'solitary eclectic' to mean simply 'I do what I feel is right' and I have even shared this frustration when speaking to some people that self identify as I do... because to just 'do what feels right' takes away from the depth of my personal faith and personal praxis.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82323286

I take my faith very seriously and have studied it for over ten years now.  I have read multiple books about various types of nature based religions.  I have attended conferences and workshops presented by a multitude of traditions/faiths/paths.  I have participated and/or observed rituals and services of multiple faiths.  I engage people in conversation about their personal faith on a regular basis.  I have taken structured classes and less than structured classes but more than all of that I follow my Goddess and try to live as She bids me.  It's really all any of us can do.