My Stuff Mondays and Tarot Wednesdays: catch-up

So opening weekend of the Maryland Renaissance Festival went well, if wet.  But playing catchup from the weekend has lead to me needing to catchup on this weeks posts.

My Stuff Mondays: As I'm sure everyone has heard by now, tomorrow is the second Full Moon in August, making it a Blue Harvest Moon.  Personally I feel like having an extra harvest moon is great because the strength will help to power through the harvest season reaping as much as possible.

I like to keep most of my everyday magic simple and sweet so I will share with you the following spell/blessing that can be used tomorrow night:

Hold a candle between the palms of your hands and direct all of your energy into the candle.  As you light your candle, concentrate on your desired outcome and say (either aloud, or to yourself):

                Lady of the Moon, I ask that you grant me your blessing.

                In the fullness of your light let my intention become reality.

You can find the entire spell and a New Moon Cleansing spell in my etsy shop.  Use the coupon code KAT10 for 10% off anything, just for being an awesome person.

Full Moon Blessing and New Moon Cleansing Spell Kit

Tarot Wednesdays: I feel like if I were to pull some cards for some of the regional pagan community I would be pulling the Moon and it would read as "you're too emotionally invested to see the problem clearly, consider taking a step back... way back".  The situation is beyond frustrating and I hope that the coming season of darkness will allow everyone involved the time for reflection and re-birth.  But right now, it's The Moon: There are mysteries here that have not been explored and if one can be open to hearing them, they will be rewarded.  However, if one can't step back then they will be fighting the tides and what could be inspiration will instead be madness.  Like the waning and waxing, the moon is a two edged card.

"The Moon" from The Stolen Child Tarot, a Major Arcana Deck by Monica Knighton

Tarot Wednesday: 11 - Justice

Justice Tarot Card by EmbroideryEverywhere

(See, I am attempting to get back on schedule!)

As we work our way backwards through the Major Arcana we have come to 11 - Justice.  Wikipedia gives some frequent keywords:

• Impartiality ----- Distance ----- Coldness ----- Justice

• Objective mind----- Criticism ----- Being clever ----- Insensitivity

• Decision ----- Intellect ----- Analysis ----- Realism ----- Severity

• Responsibility ----- Rationality ----- Clear vision ----- Logic and reason  

When I look at this card I see blind rule by the sword and the scales.  It reminds me that what feels right is not always just.  The rule of law needs to be separate from compassion and emotions that connect us as beings.  Justice is so much bigger than individuals and needs to be able to embrace the cold impartiality of objectivity in order to serve.

The Dragon Tarot

This is not a nice card and it's not always fair.  When I pull this card for a client I remind them that life is not always fair and they need to consider taking that impartial step back to look at the situation with more objective eyes.  When a client is facing a hard decision, this card reminds them to make it with their head, not their heart; not an easy task.

How do you feel about the sword and scales?

Tarot Wednesday: The Tarot House Deck

As I continue indulging my tarot card habit collecting beautiful and meaningful decks, I find more and more I am fascinated and drawn to decks released by independent publishers. There's just something extra special about buying a deck from the creator and it feels like 'back in the day' when almost everyone had their own hand-made version of a deck of cards, due to lack of a printing press. I recently ran into a new deck that I just had to feature here, The Tarot House, which is a collaboration between a mother and daughter and employs a combination of Reiki and Tarot.

The Tarot House by Tricia and Jenny House

The passion to create this unique blend of Reiki and Tarot began with the younger member of the team, Jenny, who wanted to bring the intuition and guidance of the Tarot into her Reiki healing sessions to help expand the experience for the people she was helping. Once this decision was made she searched for a deck that fit her needs; something beautiful, positive and created with love and came to the conclusion that the artwork of her mother, Tricia, would make the best possible deck.

Each card has been induvidually painted by Tricia, the meanings described in detail by Jenny and, after four years of work, the finished deck is a beautiful tool.

You can find images and meanings of the Major Arcana, Swords, Wands, Cups and Pentacles on their website, The Tarot House. The deck can be purchased on etsy as well as through their website directly and has recently been reduced to a (more than fair) price of $24.99 (£14.99) that includes a lovely brocade bag (choose from six wonderful colours), a spread card with layouts of Celtic Cross, Past Present and Future and Chakra spreads, a leaflet with short divinitary meanings, and Reiki healing for harmony.

The beautiful artwork is also available as greeting cards from Etsy and ArtistPublishers.

I love a couple of things about this deck.  The images themselves feel so real, I think because they are not digital creations but instead digitized versions of paint and love on a canvas.  I love that the color pallet is bold but not distractingly so.  The texture and details in each of the pictures just add more possibility for a nuanced reading, and I am very jealous of the creative talent required to paint 78 individual images.

Tarot House Spread

In wandering about their website I also came across a spread that I may have to start using as it just looks like an interesting way to have the cards relate to each other, and after all... isn't that what reading cards is all about?

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PS: All these images are used with permission from the artist.  Please take a moment to click through and check out her other wares.

PPS: Enter to win a full set of printable BOS pages from a pagan-run small business here.  

PPPS: Enter to win a Tarot Tips Sheet just for spreading the word about a Pagan Publisher here. 

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Tarot Wednesday: Self Published Decks

When I look through my plethora of Tarot and Oracle (and other) decks, I am fascinated by how differently each idea comes across in the art works.  In the age of internet publishing it's easier to find variations from a variety of talented artists, some of which I am happy to share with you today.

The BlueDogRose Tarot by Nakisha is full of beautiful domestic animal images created in ink and watercolor and professionally printed on playing-card stock.  This 2011 deck  is a full 78 cards made up of 22 major and 56 minor arcana.  Swords are represented by Cats, Cups are Birds, Pentacles are Rodents and Clubs are Dogs while the Major Arcana also have goldfish, guinea pigs and rabbits.  I love the vibrancy and personality of this deck!  Check out some of Nakisha's other decks, such as the TaRat, for beautiful are with some standard Tarot imagery.  She can also be found at her blog and facebook page.

The Steampunk Tarot purports to "builds a rusty metal bridge to the edge of your subconscious" and looking at the listing I believe the artist, Charissa Drengsen of curly-cue design, has achieved this.  This digital collage tarot deck is a full 78 cards that blends "post-modern and tribal, ancient and contemporary, traditional and subcultural" images and themes.  The deck is available in multiple sizes and has a large or pocket sized companion book.  I have a soft spot in my hear for steampunk and it looks like this deck does a marvelous job of cohesive digital collage and filling the cards with meaning.  Swing over to the shop and check out some of Charissa's other work as well, such as paper dolls and steampunk patches.  She can alse be found here.

This Oracle Tarot Deck by Lisa Chow is stunning in it's intricate simplicity.  I love the stark contrast of the pen against the paper and I appreciate that she pulls in just a touch of color when it counts.  The artist was drawn in by the classical and intricate art work of the tarot and rose to the challenge of imparting her own spin on the standard imagery and this full 78 card deck is the result.  The prints that color the rest of her shop attest to her artistic eye for color, line and space.  More about Lisa can also be found here.






Thanks so much and please don't forget to enter my current giveaways here and here!

-Kat

Tarot Wednesday - The Hanged Man (12)

The tarot books typically describe this card as one of surrender and inner meditation; that liminal space between searching and finding.  This archetype is useful for meditation and pushing yourself to break habits and patterns of behavior.  As if the querent was in spiritual quicksand, stop struggling and start thinking of how to move forward; one should consider being willing to give up something immediate for a future goal.

When I pull this card for a client using the Celtic Dragon Deck I typically interpret it as movement forward being stalled, but all they need to do is look around and decide which option is worthwhile; using the imagery of the card, which dragon is less likely to bite them. 






I really think that's the key to understanding the deeper message of this card; that you may be swinging upside down, disoriented and urgent to get on with it, but swinging free leaves you an unparalleled opportunity to change one's perspective of the situation.  This second card (deck unknown) really embodies that feeling of allowing a shift in perspective.  Perhaps we all need to hang for a bit, supported by the above instead of the below.

Tarot Wednesday - Death (13)

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So now we've worked out way back to one of the most intimidating cards in the deck, Death.

Rider Waite Tarot

The thirteenth card of the Major Arcana is an interesting place on the journey of the Fool, the point of no return.  To me this card signifies great and sudden change and a transition of some sort into a new phase of life.  For the most part variations of this card picture a skeleton wielding a scythe with the subtext being “he’s coming to get you”.  Personally the skeleton symbolizes seeing down to the bare bones of a situation, stripped of all other options and the scythe is a forced separation from one’s previous status.  In the Rider-Waite symbolism death is riding a pale horse (whom we shall call Mortis) and his conveyance and the look on the bishops face leads one to feel that this change, transition, separation is inescapable. 

Shadowscapes Tarot

I very much agree with this as, in order to move forward, change MUST happen.  I’m reminded of something a Muslim scholar once told me, “Death is very important to the concept of eternal life.”  I think the Phoenix really represents this well as death and decay are necessary to new growth. 

I’m not afraid of Death showing up in my readings, I’m just concerned that I’m never ready for the bone deep change he represents.

How do you see Death?

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?

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.

Tarot Wednesday (Two for One): The Moon (18) and The Star (17)

So as I said before, I owe you a post so here's a celestial double dose.

Revelations Tarot

I do so love the Revelations Tarot from Zach Wong; the reversals are fantastic art that fully embody the reversed meanings.  What I find the most interesting about The Moon is that the reverse meaning is so similar to the upright.  The Queren'ts life is just a bit crazy either way, the difference being in if they are rolling with the tides or getting bashed against the shore.

I typically also read this card as "you're too emotionally invested to see the problem clearly, consider taking a step back... way back".  There are mysteries here that you've not explored and if allow yourself to be open to hearing them, you will be rewarded.  However, if one can't step back then you will be fighting the tides and what could be inspiration will instead be madness.  Like the waning and waxing, the moon is a two edged card.

The Dragon Tarot

The Dragon Tarot by Terry Donaldson was one of my first decks and one I have given away more than once.  As you can see The Star in this deck is a watery card full of shadows and the water of life. She is all about balance and hope and seeking pleasure and balance.  A very feminine card reminding the querent to look up.


Alternatively, reversed this card indicates a lack of balance and a  track to disappointment.  The querent should be cautious, look out as dreams are crushed, and seek to correct their imbalance.

Tarot Wednesday - The Sun (19)

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Our next stop as we wander backwards through the Major Arcana is #19, The Sun.  Ridiculously appropriate timing as, here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are in the season of the Summer Solstice.  It's the Sun's day!

In my most used deck (Celtic Dragon Deck by DJ Conway and Lisa Hunt) the Sun is all about power. I would post it here to show you, but blogger is being silly.  It's a fiery card with three fire dragons on the wing, creating a sun with their flame.  To me this is the card of "I have the power to complete my journey".  The light is also bringing illumination to all the dark places and unconcious thoughts that may hamper one through the journey of the Major Arcana.

In the Rider-Waite deck the Sun has a baby carrying a victory banner under the summer sky.  Unlike my issues with Judgment in this deck, this card really translates well for me.  Enlightened innocence crying victory over unseen forces.  It's also about power, success but also hope.  My favorite version of this 'traditional' card is pictured here from the Romani Tarot by Buckland.  I love the colors and the PURE JOY on the child's face.

When I pull this card for a client in the upright position I like being able to tell them that they have the resources to power through to success.  When reversed, it's less fun to tell them that something is taking their personal power away, and they are probably helping their opposition.

Tarot Wednesday - Judgment (20)

Moving forward (well... backwards) through the Major arcana one comes to Judgment.  Just the name of this card sounds foreboding, but perhaps that is because each of us is concerned that we could never pass true un-biased judgment of our actions and motives.

Rider-Waite Tarot

Now, I must be 100% honest with you; I can't read the Rider-Waite deck... like at all. So, the imagery for this card is difficult for me to explore.  This feels like the 'Final Judgment Day' when the angel is calling the true believers up to heaven.  I look at the people standing in coffins reaching up to their creator, and I wonder how many will actually find true paradise.

I know that the more typical meaning of this card (in this deck) is the awakening, the step as one is finishing the journey of the major arcana.  This is the card that comes right before you see where your cycle fits within the larger cycles around you.  Interestingly it can symbolize a beginning just as much as an end.

Were I reading this card, depending on the situation, I may ask the querent to consider if they are using judgment, following the judgment of others or  being judgmental.  I would perhaps caution them to be prepared for some type of legal action or judgment from others; consider preparing and gathering information that may help lay out their side of the story.

Celtic Dragon Tarot

As previously established, my preferred deck for client readings is the Celtic Dragon Tarot by DJ Conway and Lisa Hunt.  The colors as well as the expressions on the faces, both human and dragon, just speak volumes to the intuitive part of me.

This dragon is either an agent of healing or an agent of mercy; either way the persons current cycle is at completion and they will be moving on.  He makes me feel at peace with whatever must come to pass as I believe this agent will make a fair decision and act accordingly.

I tend to get this card when the querent is looking at a situation where they are about to be judged on their action and I caution them to take protective action if they can.  It also tends to come up for long-term or difficult illnesses are involved in the situation.  While not my favorite card, I do respect the potential of #20 - Judgment.

Tarot Wednesday: 21 - The World

Let's go backwards through the Major Arcana and start with #21 - The World

Wikipedia says "The World represents an ending to a cycle of life, a pause in life before the next big cycle beginning with the fool." and while that's an accurate description, I feel there is much more to the card than just the demarcation of the end of a cycle.

The deck I typically use is The Celtic Dragon Tarot by DJ Conway and Lisa Hunt.  In the card you can see the connected-ness of all things; the cycle of life from dragonett to powerful dragon to wise drake.  I also appreciate that both male and female are represented.  For me this card signifies that the current journey has been completed, but given the interconnectedness of all lives and paths of choice, the journey is never truly ended.  However, the card in this deck seems very kind, almost bright and shiny, certainly optimistic.  Were this card to come up in a reading I would most likely read it as a positive end to a chapter or situation in the person's life.  I would suggest they take some moments to sit back from their emotions and look at the whole situation with the intention of acceptance.

 

 My other oldest and most worn deck is the Crow's Magic Tarot by Londa Marks.  I love this deck because it's mean, direct and to the point.  I typically don't bring it out for clients unless they've walked in with attitude.  This card can almost make you dizzy.  You're looking down on the world a midst the timeless symbols of cycle.  It makes one realize that the whole is so much bigger than a person can truly understand and it encompasses the beginning and the end of time as well as everything in between.  Were this card to come up in a reading I would caution the querent to step back and look at the WHOLE picture, because their perspective may be skewed.

To be truthful, I don't believe I have had this card come up in a client's reading very often at all.  I think this is because when people are requesting a reading they are typically in the middle of a situation, not at the end of the journey.  More often this card comes up when I'm using the cards as a research tool for myself.  I would be interested to know what other reader's experience with The World has been.