News & The Kemmyrk Blog

Monday, September14, 2026
Waxing Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

We are almost halfway through September, and quickly approaching the Equinox, which is next week. Uranus turned retrograde last week, at the new moon. Uranus is the planet of individuality and unexpected changes that shake us. When it’s retrograde, it’s sometimes more difficult to stand up for ourselves rather than conform, and we often need to do the inner work on change before we take the physical steps.

Having this happen along with Neptune (the planet of dreams), Pluto (the planet of what’s hidden under the surface), Saturn (the taskmaster) and Chiron (the wounded healer) can feel heavy.

Making room for rest and inner work rather than overscheduling yourself right now will help. With the problems we’re facing right now in the world, it’s difficult not to overschedule – we’re trying to prepare, to survive, and all that. Do the best you can and try to work in rest and reflection time. 5 minutes every day on your way to or from work is better than nothing at any time. We need to help each other as much as we can while also taking care of ourselves. Those are not mutually exclusive, although we’ve been conditioned to believe it’s either/or.

The Pluto and Uranus Retrogrades allow us to shed that conditioning within ourselves before taking it out into the world when they go direct.

This month, we use the BONESTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT: THE REAWAKENING by Avalon Cameron with art by Ana Tourian. I received this deck in spring, and have worked with it almost every day since. It is a deck that I knew with which I would forge a deep connection from the moment I touched it, and that has only grown over the past months. The artwork is gorgeous and the interpretation guidance insightful. It also contains journal prompts for each card, inviting even deeper exploration. You can find out more about the creators by clicking on their names, and buy the deck here.

Thank you to Jamieson Wolf, who first introduced me to the deck.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

All readings are for entertainment purposes only, and do not constitute legal, medical, psychological, business, or financial advice. Choices and decisions made based on the tarot reading are your responsibility. The tarot reader is not liable for any actions or decisions you make as a result of the reading. That is true of this reading, and of past and future readings.

Center – Spirit/Self: Page of Wands
This card showed up in last week’s reading in the East. It has moved to the central driving force of the week. This week is about active curiosity and a bold heart. Self-knowledge paired with the openness to learn and to new experiences will be the key, along with self-aware ambition.

 

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: Seven of Wands
The 7 of Wands in this deck is the Blade Witch. Stand up for what you know is right and trust your instincts this week as you are out in the world. Take the action that is needed to win. Something this week will require a tangible battle.

 

 

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Seven of Cups
In this deck, the Seven of Cups is called “The Charlatan.” Is someone offering you something that seems to be a good choice, but it’s an illusion? Are their words (we are in the east, after all) weaving a false spell? Is this person trying to talk you out of what you instinctively know is right in your position as the Blade Witch in the previous position? Lean into the Page of Wands energy as well as the Blade Witch, so you can discern the truth, and the best option. You don’t need more; you need meaning. In readings for me, the 7 of Cups usually turns up to warn me to take my time making choices and to enjoy mentally daydreaming through possibilities and probabilities of each choice before making a decision. That makes sense, here in the position of thought. If someone tries to push you toward a choice, chances are it is for their own agenda, and not your best interest. Be careful.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Justice
Justice is in the position of identity this week, embodied by the Warrior and the Veiled One. This is a direct line through the Page of Wands to the Blade Witch, who is also a warrior. Fight for what you know is right this week. Do not stand down to keep the peace. But also approach the fight with a sense of fairness and a reasonable attitude. Do not be drawn in by the Charlatan, in the previous position. You have the choice to fight or to “embrace peace” as the guidebook suggests. The position and the line from this up to the Blade Witch suggest that the fight, in this particular instance, is the stronger choice.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Nine of Cups
The 9 of Cups/Peacock Queen is in her emotional home here in the west. Use your creativity in this week’s battles. By standing firm for your beliefs and performing random acts of kindness (thereby embodying both the Warrior and the Veiled One from the previous Justice card), you will find emotional fulfillment and joy. Let the generosity and emotional fulfillment flow in both directions, so it gains momentum and creates abundance.

This reading has one Major Arcana card, in the position of identity. The rest of the cards are cups and wands, tied to identity, passion, creativity, and emotion. It indicates a week for self-trust and generosity (both inner and outer). We don’t have any swords or pentacles (even though the 7 of Wands is named “The Blade Witch” and wields a sword).

Did anything resonate with you? Or do you have a different interpretation? I’m always glad to hear about it.

Monday, September 7, 2026
Waning Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron Retrograde

Welcome to a new week and a new month!

We are in September, a month of transition and practicality. This week, we are in a waning moon, with a new moon on the 10th. Uranus also goes retrograde on the 10th, until February 8, 2027. Uranus is the planet of sudden change, and what makes you uniquely you. It’s a time where it may seem like you are following the rules, when you are actually integrating the changes you need to break free once Uranus goes direct in February.

Today, in the US is Labor Day, where we celebrate those who keep things actually running, and give thanks the unions make sure we have weekends and holidays and get paid. We need to fight to keep this. Friday, the 11th, is the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which is always a big day in my personal calendar.

A new month means a new deck. This month, we use the BONESTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT: THE REAWAKENING by Avalon Cameron with art by Ana Tourian, published by Blue Angel Publishing. I received this deck in spring, and have worked with it almost every day since. It is a deck that I knew with which I would forge a deep connection from the moment I touched it, and that has only grown over the past months. The artwork is gorgeous and the interpretation guidance insightful. It also contains journal prompts for each card, inviting even deeper exploration. The deck and book use beautiful quality stock, and feel wonderful in one’s hands. You can find out more about the creators by clicking on their names, and buy the deck here.

Thank you to Jamieson Wolf, who first introduced me to the deck.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

All readings are for entertainment purposes only, and do not constitute legal, medical, psychological, business, or financial advice. Choices and decisions made based on the tarot reading are your responsibility. The tarot reader is not liable for any actions or decisions you make as a result of the reading. That is true of this reading, and of past and future readings.

Center – Spirit/Self: Ace of Pentacles
The Ace of Pentacles is the Mandrake Spirit and the Skull of the Old Ones. It is the central driving force of the week, and about connection to tangibles. The Ace of Pentacles is about a new path in the tangible. You have to actually take the first steps, not just hesitate at the beginning of it. Take an action this week toward the material reality you choose. Trust your ancestors to guide you, and lean into the spirit of the mandrake plant to follow your true path. Mandrake is a deeply honored plant, with reams of legends around it.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Five of Wands
In many decks, the 5 of Wands is about creative debate. In this card, it depicts the Redwood Challenge, where competitors are standing side by side in a friendly competition, rather than five figures holding each other off with their sticks. There will be some competition this week in a tangible area of your life, maybe in the arena of the new path suggested by the previous card.

 

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Page of Wands
The Page of Wands is about creative fire. In the position of the East, it’s about taking the steps for a creative project and making it real through your belief in the project and in yourself. It’s closely tied to the Ace of Pentacles. Iansá is a figure known for her fierce independence and passion. Use that internal fire for your new idea.

 

 

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Nine of Pentacles
I love this card in any deck, and this one is no exception. The Lady of the Flowers dances abundance and sovereignty. The resources are there – apply them, use them, and they expand. This supports the new idea of the Ace and the Page, and assures us that the 5 is a positive competition card, rather than a negative argumentative card.

 

 

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Knight of Pentacles
The Knight of Pentacles gets things done a little more slowly than the other knights, but with a lasting thoroughness. There’s a steadiness to your creative energy this week that feeds the other cards. Lilith is depicted here, a woman who does not submit. She creates.

There are only Minor Arcana cards here, and only Pentacles and Wands. This is a week about creativity that’s built from the daily, tangible details. Be steady, take your time, take care of yourself, and tend your creative fires. They are taking you where you need to go.

Did anything resonate with you, or did you get something different? I’m always interested!

Monday, August 31, 2026
Waning Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron Retrograde

We are still in August, believe it or not, and September starts tomorrow. We survived the lunar eclipse last Friday – as a Pisces, it had quite an effect on me, and I am exhausted. I also was injured on Saturday, and I’m dealing with the aftereffects of that.

Tomorrow, September begins. We already have shorter days, and the nights are cooler than they were. Wednesday, Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins.

This is our last week with The Tarot of the Great Outdoors by JQ Gordon, with art by Sharisse Steber. It’s published by Skipstone Press. I won it in a contest through Mountaineers Books a few years back, and I really like it. The Major Arcana cards each depict a different National Park. The Minor Arcana cards depict relevant outdoor activities to each card. You can find out more about each artist or company by clicking their name. When Major Arcana cards come up in the spreads this month, I will also include links to that card’s National Park website.

The suits are designated as follows:
Sticks = Wands
Blades = Swords
Vessels = Cups
Stones = Pentacles

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Two of Vessels
The driving force of this week is partnership, equivalent to the 2 of Cups in other decks. Communicate clearly and work together. That will help everything else that’s going on. It can be a romantic, creative, or community partnership. But working with someone instead of against them is the key to the week.

 

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: 7 of Blades
This is the 7 of Swords in other decks. In most decks, this is a card of warning. When I see it, I ask myself, “who is lying to me?” Or, I need to ask, “from whom do I have to keep a distance this week, because they do not have my best interests at heart?” In this deck, the meaning is a little different, although it leans more to the latter question than the former. It’s about paying attention to each small step along the way, and trusting that it will work out, even if you don’t yet know all the details. This has to do with something very tangible this week. I would still suggest playing cards close to the vest, even while doing so. And I would temper what I say and do in the partnership of the previous card. Be honest, but only reveal what needs to be known for the next step.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Page of Stones
This is equivalent to the Page of Pentacles in other decks. Someone nearby has the information you need for your next steps. The Page has a lot of skills and information, is always expanding them, and loves to share. Don’t be afraid to ask questions this week. The card is in the position of intellect, so it’s more about information this week. It ties into the 2 of Cups. You might have to do some research/ask some questions outside the partnership and bring it back in to take the next steps.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Ace of Vessels
Equivalent to the Ace of Cups in other decks, this encourages a new opportunity in the creative or emotional realm that ties in with your sense of identity (since it is in the position of identity. This is in a straight line with the partnership card, and the 7 of Blades. Be open to new opportunities that are a little out of your comfort box, but resonate.

 

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: The Tower
This is the card I dread most in the deck. It usually comes up when I’ve been procrastinating, but I’ve been staying on top of things. It’s in the position of emotion and creativity – last Saturday felt like a Tower day, around my injury. I’m not sure I’m up to any more of that energy. It ties into the 2 of Vessels, and need for partnership this week, going all the way through to the Page of Stones. Your instincts may be telling you to withdraw this week, but the spread overall says you can only get through it with help. The card depicts Castleton Tower near Moab, Utah. You can learn more about it here.

This may be a tougher week to navigate emotionally than some of the others, part of the post-eclipse period. Be cautious what information you share and with whom, but don’t withdraw completely. With the lack of sticks/wands in the spread, it indicates a need to keep one’s ego in check.

Did anything resonate with you, or did you get something different? I’m always happy to hear from you.

I hope you enjoyed this deck this month. With our National Parks under severe threat, please be in touch with your elected officials and do what you can to support/protect the parks.

Next week, we dive into a new deck for September, a deck I’m looking forward to sharing with you.

Have a great week!

Monday, August 24, 2026
Waxing Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron Retrograde

Hopefully, this post shows up on time. I’m having internet issues on my end.

We are coming up on the full moon/lunar eclipse in Pisces on August 28th, so we’ve been in between spaces and realities for nearly two weeks. Even if we try to flow with it, it can take a toll. Be extra nice to yourself this week. Because I am a Pisces, this eclipse is smacking me around a bit.

Because Monday is the 31st of August, we will have one more week with this deck.

This week’s reading is interesting, because almost all the cards in the reading have come up in prior readings this month. That makes sense, with the reading being between eclipse energies. And yes, I shuffled the deck A LOT before I drew the cards! 😉

This month, we are using The Tarot of the Great Outdoors by JQ Gordon, with art by Sharisse Steber. It’s published by Skipstone Press. I won it in a contest through Mountaineers Books a few years back, and I really like it. The Major Arcana cards each depict a different National Park. The Minor Arcana cards depict relevant outdoor activities to each card. You can find out more about each artist or company by clicking their name. When Major Arcana cards come up in the spreads this month, I will also include links to that card’s National Park website.

The suits are designated as follows:
Sticks = Wands
Blades = Swords
Vessels = Cups
Stones = Pentacles

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Four of Vessels
This is the equivalent of the 4 of Cups in other decks, which is often interpreted as boredom or restlessness. But in this deck, it’s closer to the way the 4 of Swords is usually interpreted – the need for rest and respite. The figure in this card is sitting peacefully in their tent in the woods. It’s a positive, calm setting, suggesting going inward for regeneration while being out in nature. The driving energy this week is the need for quiet and contemplation. Don’t let anyone rush you into decisions. Wait until after the eclipse. Take stock of things, and figure out what you need to make an informed decision (or several) next week.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Nine of Vessels
This equivalent to the 9 of Cups came up last week in the East. Last week was for dreaming; this week is for doing. Take pleasure in daily activity, and start the steps that make what you dreamed about in relation to this card last week a tangible reality this week. It doesn’t have to be complete. Just take the first step, and take pleasure in it.

 

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Five of Blades
This card came up as the driving central energy last week, and has shifted into the position of thought and intellect this week. There is the potential for arguments. Instead of arguing, how about tweaking the discussions to be something positive where you all work toward the collective good? These figures are working together. They might have different ideas about how to get it done, but if everyone listens and gives and takes, the result will be positive.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: The Sun
The Sun was in the West last week, with emotions and creativity, and has moved into the South this week – identity. This is a week to be confident in yourself and shine. Let yourself receive praise for the work you do, for your ideas, for the way you show up in community. This is a time to truly be yourself, and enjoy it. The energy line goes directly up through the 4 of Vessels, where you gather the energy to shine, and up to the 9 of Vessels, where you make your dreams tangible. You do so this week by being unapologetically yourself.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Queen of Vessels She’s back! This Queen showed up in the Aug. 3 reading in the South, the position of identity. This week, she is in the West, the position of creativity and emotion, teaching us how to navigate choppy waters with confidence. Again, the energy line moves through the 4 of Vessels (another vessel) to the 5 of Blades, the potential for argument. Stay grounded and you can navigate arguments, turning them into positive movement.

This reading has a single Major Arcana card, three Vessel cards (including a court card) and one Blade. Emotion and intellect take the stage this week, which makes sense moving toward the lunar eclipse. It also ties up what we’ve been working through all month, with previous cards showing up again in new positions. There are no stones/pentacles or sticks/wands in this week’s reading. It’s about our minds and hearts.

Did anything resonate for you in this reading, or do you have a different interpretation? I’m always happy to hear about it.

Monday, August 17, 2026
Waxing Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron Retrograde

We are already in the middle of August! Can you believe it? Time flies. Even though we are in between eclipses, and it can sometimes feel like we’re in suspended animation.

We had a solar eclipse last week and have a lunar eclipse next week, so this week is a good time to get some rest, tend to one’s home and one’s self, and not push. Do what needs to be done, but give yourself plenty of physical and emotional space.

I hope you had a lovely solar eclipse. Last week was busy, but with lots of lovely moments, and I was grateful for every one of them. I even got to watch a Morris Dance Troupe performance! It made me feel even more connected to the season.

This month, we are using by JQ Gordon, with art by Sharisse Steber. It’s published by Skipstone Press. I won it in a contest through Mountaineers Books a few years back, and I really like it. The Major Arcana cards each depict a different National Park. The Minor Arcana cards depict relevant outdoor activities to each card. You can find out more about each artist or company by clicking their name. When Major Arcana cards come up in the spreads this month, I will also include links to that card’s National Park website.

The suits are designated as follows:
Sticks = Wands
Blades = Swords
Vessels = Cups
Stones = Pentacles

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Five of Blades
This is the equivalent to the 5 of Swords in other decks. The 5 of Swords often indicates arguments. Sometimes those are detrimental, other times they are necessary debates to move the group project forward. In the art of this card, people are working together to clean up litter, and the goat is working on invasives, while the sheep crop grass. The different living beings are working together to clean up the space. That is the central energy for the week – work together to make something better. In these difficult times, it’s necessary. If you are in voting season, please make sure to vote. That is one way to combine with others for better results. I just voted in my state’s primary, supporting the candidates I believe will both represent me, and do the best for my community.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Temperance
Temperance is about balance, flow, and steady progress. In this position, in relation to this week’s reading, it encourages us to pay attention to the daily details that move us forward – dishes, laundry, keeping things clean, taking one small step each day in the direction we wish to travel. Those small steps aren’t ideas anymore, they are tangible steps necessary to move forward. The daily work will keep the mind and body sharp as you move forward, as the careful steps the figure in the card depicts. Tied with the previous card’s energy, some of it may be done in the company of others, be it at home or out in the world. The park depicted in this card is Zion National Park in Utah, and you can learn more about it here.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Nine of Vessels
The 9 of Vessels (cups) is sometimes known as “the wish card” in the case of wishes coming true. The figures on this card are having a good time paddling in the river. They are going with the flow, as geese fly above them. The card sits in the position of thought, so this is a good week to plan creative projects. If you could work on any kind of project you wished, what would it be? Take some time this week to daydream, and go with that creative flow. This week, enjoy your creative flow. Let that creative pleasure feed the necessary steps and work toward something better. Dream your way to your perfect life, while taking the steps suggested in the previous card to bring it into reality.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: The Fool
This week, take a leap of faith! The Fool, in the position of identity, encourages trying something new. Tied to the previous cards, especially the 9 of Vessels, it suggests taking a leap of faith in your dreams. It’s time for a fresh start, and everything is possible! Following the advice in the 5 of Blades, Temperance, and the 9 of Vessels, you are ready! The park in this card is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. You can learn more about the park here.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: The Sun
What a wonderful card to come up in the position of creativity and emotion, making a straight line through the 5 of Blades (working together for something better) to the 9 of Vessels (the wish card). The Sun is about all good things, improvements in life, success, and joy. Spread creative joy this week, wherever and whenever you can. The park in this card is Acadia National Park in Maine, and one of my all-time favorite national parks. I’ve watched both sunrises and sunsets there, and savored every moment. You can learn more about the park here.

We have three Major Arcana cards, which mean big energy. They are cards of encouragement – Temperance, the Fool, the Sun. We have one blade/sword card as the central driving energy, encouraging cooperation rather than argument. And one vessel/cup card encourages wishes and joy. There are no court cards in this week’s reading.

This is a week to focus on the good in your life, the joys, and take small steps each day to make it even better for you and for others.

Did anything resonate in the reading, or do you have a different interpretation? I’m always happy to hear about it!

Monday, August 10, 2026
Day Before Dark Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron Retrograde

Here we are, trundling through August.

Today is the day before the dark moon. I always find it my lowest energy day of the month, and then energy surges back for the dark moon itself. That’s helpful, when there’s banishing work to be done.

We had the lovely 8/8 Lion’s Gate Portal energy last Saturday, and we have a solar eclipse on Wednesday, along with the new moon.

Don’t let anyone try to intimidate you into panic (and panic buying “their” methods) with all these transits and portals and eclipses. Choose your focus and what you want to explore. Next cycle, you can build on it and/or focus on something else. Enjoy it, rather than letting it frighten you. If someone reaches out to you on social media claiming to be me and wanting money from you — it’s not. Paid sessions are not part of my practice right now. If that changes, I will not DM someone on social media trolling for clients. It will be set up in a proper booking system on this website ethically and in a way to protect everyone.

This month, we are using The Tarot of the Great Outdoors by JQ Gordon, with art by Sharisse Steber. It’s published by Skipstone Press. I won it in a contest through Mountaineers Books a few years back, and I really like it. The Major Arcana cards each depict a different National Park. The Minor Arcana cards depict relevant outdoor activities to each card. You can find out more about each artist or company by clicking their name. When Major Arcana cards come up in the spreads this month, I will also include links to that card’s National Park website.

The suits are designated as follows:
Sticks = Wands
Blades = Swords
Vessels = Cups
Stones = Pentacles

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Two of Sticks
The central driving energy of our spirit this week (2 sticks/wands) is the need to map a plan. That fits in with the solar eclipse on the 12th and then the lunar eclipse on the 28th. The artwork shows a map, a compass, path options into the wilderness, leading toward the sun. We have some good options in the coming cycle. Take the map, make a plan, and then start moving forward. Remember that a map is a tool, and you get to change direction if you find out the path you are on does not suit your needs.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Devil
The Devil has so many interpretations. It can mean feeling trapped. It can mean trapping yourself in day-to-day tangible concerns and temptations. It can mean the need to pay attention to what’s going on around you to find a way out. Figures in this card are often depicted as chained. However, these two figures are freestanding within the cave, and have headlamps that illuminate this massive stone figure. They can appreciate it and honor it. They might be tempted to climb it or hack off a piece to take with them, but that interaction would cause harm. Can they think beyond themselves enough to enjoy without causing harm? Considering what our National Parks are facing right now, this is relevant on personal and societal levels. This is in the position of tangibles this week, so your practical worries/concerns/fears will need to play into your plan (2 Sticks). Consider ways to handle all those elements without causing harm. Remember the phrase about being in nature, “leave it better than you found it” and embody that principle this week.
The park depicted in this card in this deck is Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. If you’re interested in learning more about, you can do so here.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Eight of Sticks
The 8 of Sticks is the 8 of Wands in other decks, and often shows 8 wands in motion. This deck interprets the card a little differently. It shows a beaver working on a dam, being creative and diligent, which is often associated with 8 of Pentacles instead. However, there is fast motion in this card, which is the river. The beaver is building something that slows down the river and creates something positive in the environment. Instead of rushing through your thoughts this week, stay creative and diligent. Finish what you start, and let yourself fully experience the intellectual aspects of your work all the way through, instead of giving it minimum attention. The beaver encourages maximum attention.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Eight of Stones
This card is the equivalent to 8 Pentacles in other decks. The figures in this card enjoy the fruits of their labor, which is ongoing. There are plants nearing maturity. There are other plants that still needs to be nurtured. Diligence, patience, skill, and showing up to do the work steadily all factor in. Since this is in the position of identity this week, how are you working on yourself? What do you pay attention to within your identity, and what needs nurturing? Using the beaver’s energy in the previous card, the “leave things better” energy of the Devil, and the “make a plan” of the two, it encourages self-nurture in balance with the impact you make on the world. The line from the 8 of Stones through the 2 to the Devil has a lot of energy to it. The stability of the 8 helps you make the plan and explore the tangibles.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Nine of Blades
The 9 of Blades is the equivalent to the 9 of Swords. In most decks, it shows a lone figure feeling anxious. In this deck, the interpretation is very different. The figures are pulling a heavy load, and have almost reached a cottage where someone welcomes them. They’ve had a trudge through winter, and are about to find comfort. They are probably tired, and may have worried they’d never get there, but now, they only have a few more steps. We may feel tired and overwhelmed this week. Just hold the energy of the eights and keep showing up. Don’t despair, you are almost home.

We have one Major Arcana card in this spread, two eights, and a nine. Two sticks, a stone, and a blade. No vessels. Last week, we had no sticks. This week, we have two. It makes sense with what’s happening astrologically. Keep trudging along, keep adjusting your plan as you need to, and leave everything along the way better than you found it. You can do it. We can do it. This week is more about practicalities, and less about emotion.

Did anything resonate, or did you get something different? I always love to hear about it!

Monday, August 3, 2026
Waning Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron Retrograde

Welcome to a new month! I hope you had a good holiday (Lammas/Lughnasa in the Northern Hemisphere, Imbolc in the Southern Hemisphere). Saturn turned retrograde on July 26, and will be retrograde until December 10. Chiron goes retrograde today until January 6, 2027. Chiron is the Wounded Healer, relevant to the astrological activity going on around the shifting nodes and all the squares. We are also in the Lion’s Gate Portal, which is a good time to wrap up the old things, or cut ties, so that you can walk through the portal unheeded. Because of all the retrogrades, things might be slower than we’d like, but it’s more about putting in the work than seeing results right now. If you’re doing interior work or spellwork with the cards outside of regular readings, it’s a good time to work with pentacles for solid foundations and steady movement and cups to wash away the detritus.

I used four out of the five ingredients in last week’s reading with the Magic Pantry Tarot by Cedar McCloud. The only ingredient I did not use last week was oats. But I used nuts, cake, rosemary, and corn in various recipes all week, especially when I made cornbread on the 1st for Lammas. I enjoyed working with the deck in the past month, and using the ingredients that came up. I will go back to this deck especially when I feel the need to nurture myself and others through cooking and food. You can get more information on all of McCloud’s work on the website here.

On a life level, last week was an interesting week of tried patience and frustrations in certain areas of my life, and beauty, creativity, and community in other areas.

Now, it’s a new month and therefore, a new deck. This month, we are using by JQ Gordon, with art by Sharisse Steber. It’s published by Skipstone Books. I won it in a contest through Mountaineers Books a few years back, and I really like it. The Major Arcana cards each depict a different National Park. The Minor Arcana cards depict relevant outdoor activities to each card. You can find out more about each artist or company by clicking their name. When Major Arcana cards come up in the spreads this month, I will also include links to that card’s National Park website. I’ve also found this deck works very well in ancestral work that’s tied to place, and in doing work with genius Loci (spirit of place).

The suits are designated as follows:
Sticks = Wands
Blades = Swords
Vessels = Cups
Stones = Pentacles

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Ace of Blades
The central driving force this week is new ideas and fresh approaches to things that haven’t been working. The art in this card is a multi-tool, which encourages using the right tool for the job, rather than being stuck in “the way it’s always been done.” Listen carefully this week, and be alert to new opportunities.

 

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: Two of Blades
In other decks, the two of blades (swords) often shows someone blindfolded holding a pair of swords, or two people involved in a stalemate (often with swords). In this card, our two figures are on ice skates (blades, I love this symbolism). They are carving figures in the ice. The older figure steadies the younger figure. He teaches her how to use mind and body together, to work with the ice, instead of against it. This harkens back to the previous card: this week is for listening and learning about the new idea/opportunity, and finding holistic ways to move forward, instead of just diving in.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Seven of Stones
This is the equivalent to the 7 of Pentacles, that was the central driving force in last week’s reading. It’s moved to the realm of intellect this week. Keep climbing, like the figure in the card. Know that the one who is your anchor (the figure in yellow at the bottom of the wall/top of the card) is holding steady. You can do this, don’t give up, it’s taking longer and needs more strength. Just keep dealing with what’s directly in front of you until you reach the top.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Queen of Vessels
This is the equivalent of the Queen of Cups. The windsurfer navigates rough waters with skill and expertise. Use that this week, if someone or something tries to disrupt your sense of personal identity, or underestimate you. You’ve earned your place where you are. Don’t let someone else’s pettiness knock you off your board.

 

 

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Ace of Stones
The equivalent of the Ace of Pentacles in other decks, this suggests a fresh, tangible start in your emotional or creative realm. It ties in closely to the Ace of Blades and the Two of Blades, as far as listening, learning, and being aware of new opportunities. It ties into the 7 of Stones through the Ace of Blades in the line of the spread, to keep going. The Queen of Vessels is relevant here, warning you not to let anyone knock you off your game. There will be someone this week whose words/advice/pettiness needs to be ignored.

We don’t have any Major Arcana cards this week, nor do we have any Sticks/Wands. This week is about the daily details of getting things done. There are two Aces here, which offer fresh opportunities if we remain alert and don’t let anyone talk us out of them.

Did anything in this reading resonate with you? Or did you get something different? I’m always happy to hear about your experience.

Monday, July 27, 2026
Waxing Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn Retrograde

Welcome to the last week of July! We start a new month this coming Saturday, and we’ll have a new deck for August.

Mercury went direct last Thursday, thank goodness. But Saturn turned retrograde on Sunday, and will be retrograde until December 10. Saturn is about structure and systems, and, most importantly, life lessons. Again, there’s an attempt in the influencer realm to rehabilitate the Saturn retrograde reputation with, “it’s not there to punish you.” In my experience, sometimes it is, when you’ve ignored the life lessons from the last retrograde instead of integrating them and moving forward. Sometimes, things are hard. Sometimes, we don’t get it all figured out in the first go-round, and we have to go through the hard stuff again. We are all desperate for ease right now, with the dumpster fire the world has turned into, but sometimes we just have to deal with what’s in front of us, even when it’s not fun. Last week, I talked about working with Saturn instead of against it during trines and squares (whether retrograde or not), and you can refer back to that.

We have a full moon on the 29th, which should bring things to a head, and then we can decide what to sweep out in the coming waning moon cycle.

We have Lammas on Aug. 1, which is a big day in my personal calendar (this year marks the 32nd anniversary of my initiation), and the first harvest. I spend as much time as possible on Aug. 1 in gratitude, even when things are rough. The harvest and the anniversary mean I have a lot for which to be grateful, while acknowledging I still have a lot of work ahead of me.

This is our last week with the Magic Pantry Tarot by Cedar McCloud. I’ve enjoyed working with the deck all month, and integrating ingredients that come up in the reading into my week’s meals. Cedar McCloud has several books and decks out, and you can learn more about them and buy this deck on Cedar’s website, Numinous Spirit Press.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Seven of Pentacles
The 7 of Pentacles is about patience, and allowing things to take their own time. In this era of hustle, that’s often difficult. It’s difficult in the era of bill paying, where the bills are due when they are due, but those paying us for our work after tap dance as much as they can to delay such payments. Oats sustain and soothe. This week, whether you prepare a bowl of oatmeal or eat an oatmeal cookie, do so mindfully and use it as a break from routine. You’ve put in the work. Many decks show someone leaning on a hoe or a rake, looking at what’s growing. Take a look at what’s growing around you. Know that what you’ve planted over the past months is growing, even if it’s not as fast as you’d like.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Strength
The Strength card is in the North this week, advising you will need to dig deep into your own reserves of strength in very tangible ways this week to push through. Nuts are closely tied to the earth, coming from trees or bushes. In the companion book to this deck, McCloud suggests envisioning your fear as a walnut, then cracking it with a nutcracker. Face your fears this week. Protect yourself without isolating yourself. See what’s causing unnecessary pain and toss it out, like you would with stale nuts.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: King of Pentacles
This King, with its ingredient of cake, was in the north last week. I admit, I did not eat as much cake as I hoped. So shall I dream of cake or bake one this week? We will see! Last week it was about acquiring and providing. In its position this week, it’s about thinking about what makes you feel physically/financially secure, and how to get there. Don’t make moves out of panic. Be realistic about your situation and make considered decisions instead.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Nine of Wands
Rosemary, the herb in this card, is my go-to herb. It brightens my mood, I use it for prosperity, protection, and health. I keep a bunch of rosemary at the front door and the back window. Rosemary is connected to remembrance, and how we store and honor our memories. In many decks, this card depicts someone shortly after a battle/ready for more. This card shows a bunch of rosemary near a photo of, perhaps, a loved one. On this particular context, consider how your memories are tools to support you or weapons that can cause harm. Make careful choices this week, based on how you want to be in the world. When you feel you’re faltering, gather a bunch of rosemary, and use it to stabilize and calm yourself.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Eight of Pentacles
The 8 of Pentacles is about showing up and doing the work, being the craftsman. In this position of creativity and emotion, it encourages you keep going, even if you feel conflict. This card in this position speaks to me this week, tied with the other cards (especially Strength), because I have to navigate several unpleasant conflicts this week that are also tied to my sense of self, at least one which is creative. So this card encourages me to keep showing up and doing the work as I also use my strength and memory/past experience to resolve things with grace (cake), rather than petulance or simply walking away. It takes skill and dedication to successfully grow corn and to then transform it into its many uses. Lammas hits near the end of the week, and that is a day on which I traditionally make cornbread first thing in the morning.

This week’s reading has three Pentacles, including a Court card; one Wand, in its home of identity; and one Major Arcana in the position of tangibles. This week is about navigating the day-to-day details you need to make it through and build for the future. It suggests using a solid, stable approach, rather than making snap decisions out of either fiery anger or watery emotion. Slow, steady, and calm will serve us better this week.

Did anything resonate with you, or did you get something different? I’m always interested to hear about it.

Monday, July 20, 2026
Waxing Moon
Pluto, Mercury, Neptune Retrograde

Here we are, at a new week! I hope last week’s advice of “keep your mouth shut and hydrate” worked for you. It did for me, although there were times I had to shut my mouth pretty quickly, before I said something I would regret.

I drank water, used tomatoes in my meals, and this week, we’re getting two kinds of tomatoes in our CSA box, so I’m excited by that, while also remembering to still be careful with my words. Mercury is still retrograde, until Thursday, so communication can be difficult.

Mercury goes direct on Thursday, and we’ll probably need Friday and the weekend to recover. Next Sunday, the 26th, Saturn goes retrograde, and will remain so until December 10th. Saturn is life lessons. What have you learned since last year’s Saturn retrograde, and how have you implemented it? If you’ve dragged your feet or ignored those lessons, they will come up again.

With all the trines and squares in the various houses and retrogrades, I find this formula helpful in Saturn retrograde. Whether it’s a retrograde or not, when something trines Saturn, Saturn supports the work done with that planet/in that house. When it squares, it means take a deeper look, because something was missed and needs to be acknowledged and then acted on before things can lighten up again.

This month, we use The Magic Pantry Tarot by Cedar McCloud. The deck is based around food and cooking. Since we are in peak CSA season, I thought it would be a good choice for July. I plan to use some of the ingredients in the week’s reading over the course of the month, and see how those ingredients affect the decisions made from the time of the reading. Cedar McCloud has several books and decks out, and you can learn more about them and buy this deck on Cedar’s website, Numinous Spirit Press.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Page of Swords
The Pages of Swords, with the ingredient of Cucumber, is the driving force of the week. I had cucumbers on my list of ingredients anyway this week. It’s one of my favorites, and, in this deck is about refreshing change sometimes being crunchy, as McCloud puts it in the companion book (p. 105-106), an interpretation that resonates! Page of Swords also has a lot to do with curiosity and learning new things. Be open to new ways of thinking and knowledge this week. The caution I often find true in this card is to beware gossip. Be careful how to talk about others, and be aware if someone is talking about you. Stand in your own integrity, and don’t simply be reactive. Stay calm and “cool as a cucumber” to deal with any negative talk.

North – Earth/Tangibles: King of Pentacles
The ingredient for the King of Pentacles in this deck is cake, and I am so going with that this week! This is in the position of tangibles, so if it’s cool enough, I’ll bake a cake; otherwise, I’ll support a local bakery and buy one! I’ll also share it, because part of the King of P energy is sharing the wealth and providing for others. It’s not about spending a lot; it’s about doing something that makes others feel safe and cared-for. Look for ways you can embody the King of Pentacles energy with others, and share your cake!

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Page of Pentacles
The ingredient with the Page of Pentacles is bread. Bread is an important food, and making one’s own bread builds a sense of self-sufficiency. The Page of Pentacles likes to both learn and do. This ties into the Page of Swords energy in the central card. It’s in the east, the realm of thought, so take some time to consider what skills you want to add to your repertoire to feel more self-sufficient. Start the kneading process, so to speak, so that on the next new moon (Aug. 12), you can take action. For now, make plans.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Ten of Pentacles
The art on this card, with the ingredient of wheat, reminds me of harvest, and that Lammas is coming up in less than two weeks. The Ten of Pentacles is about stable abundance, and in the position of the south/identity, it assures you that who you are and your path of integrity will pay off in tangible terms. Be your best self and there will be an abundant harvest. It ties up through the line to the King of Pentacles at the top of the reading. Since it passes through the Page of Swords, it also cautions you not to discuss certain plans before they’ve come to fruition. Gossip and negative reactions can slow you down. Keep your own counsel until you’ve reached where you want to be.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Knight of Wands
We’ve got a spicy knight here, brandishing cayenne pepper! Create from your passion and your sense of integrity, and don’t worry if you’re a little spicy about it. You’ve got the 10 of Pentacles (in your house of passion) and the King of Cups (in the house of tangibles) supporting you as you build the skills in the Page of Pentacles, and keep your mouth shut until it’s time to talk. But once it’s time to say something, do it, with the confidence of your path and your passion. You don’t want to steamroll over someone else’s emotions and creativity, but you do want to stand your creative and emotional ground.

This reading is almost all Court Cards, with only one Minor Arcana. There are no Major Arcana cards this week, and no Cups. It’s a week of being and doing, knowing when to temper and when to share.

Did anything resonate with you, or did you get a different interpretation? I always love to hear about it.

Monday, July 13, 2026
Dark Moon
Pluto, Mercury, Neptune Retrograde

Welcome to a new week! I mentioned that I hope to use some ingredients from each week’s reading this month. Last week, I used a lot of garlic, and it definitely mitigated the heaviness of some of the days. I also used lemon water. I had hoped to drink some pomegranate juice, but didn’t. Does it count if the cherries I ate were in a cherry Danish?

Today is the dark moon, which means tomorrow is the new moon. Since it’s in a Mercury Retrograde, I will focus more on the planning/planting portion of new moon energy than launching myself out of the gate. If I try to start too hard during a Mercury Retrograde, I will trip over my own feet and go splat.

Counting today, we only have 11 more days in Mercury Retrograde. Hang in there.

This month, we use The Magic Pantry Tarot by Cedar McCloud. The deck is based around food and cooking. Since we are in peak CSA season, I thought it would be a good choice for July. I plan to use some of the ingredients in the week’s reading over the course of the month, and see how those ingredients affect the decisions made from the time of the reading. Cedar McCloud has several books and decks out, and you can learn more about them and buy this deck on Cedar’s website, Numinous Spirit Press.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Temperance
Temperance is a wonderful card to have as the central driving energy for the week. It’s about balance and flow, and the ingredient here is water. Where I live expects high temperatures and humidity this week, so I will use water to hydrate, keep cool, and stay in balance. I may try to spend some time up at the lake near my house this week, to enjoy some tranquility. There’s a lot of chaos in the world, so by maintaining our own tranquility, we can meet chaos with equanimity, rather than disassociation.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Five of Swords
The 5 of Swords often warns of argument, and it’s in the position of tangibles, so watch your words with others today, and let others’ sharp words roll off you. The ingredient is tomato, one of my favorites. I’m enjoying tomato-basil-mozzarella lunches in the hot weather, and I’ve been using tomatoes with pasta quite a bit. Remember that basil is an herb of harmony. If you’re arguing with someone this week, maybe prepare a pasta with tomato sauce, use a lot of basil, and talk it through without either of you getting hostile or defensive? Or agree to share a pleasant meal and have the discussion after Mercury turns direct.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: The Fool
The Magic Pantry deck has two Fool cards. One uses eggs as the ingredient, and the other tofu. I am not a fan of tofu, so I will not be using that ingredient this week! However, the Fool in the realm of thought suggests taking a chance on a new idea. Since this week has a new moon in it, I figure I’ll get an idea for a new piece and can start planning. I won’t take the steps yet, until Mercury goes direct, but I can use the playful aspect of the Fool to play with the idea.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Page of Cups
The Page of Cups is a card I often respond to as one of creative curiosity, and willing to learn new things in the realm of creativity. The apple is one of my favorite foods. It’s out of season right nowhere I live, but the art on the card of the apple and the books reminds me to keep learning and growing as part of who I am. Tied with the Fool, of new ideas, it suggests that I start playing with the new idea, but I probably won’t take much action on it until apples come back in season.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Two of Swords
Asparagus is another food of which I am not fond. Two of Swords is often a stalemate card, and, in this case likely ties into the 5 of Swords up in the position of tangibles. Since we’re in the midst of all these retrogrades, especially Mercury, don’t make any big decisions. It might be a case of misunderstanding and temporary stalemate (since it’s a two). If it was an eight, it’s more likely to suggest the end of a creative project or relationship, but this is a two. Tap into the Temperance energy of the week, so you don’t say something you will regret when Mercury goes direct. Think before you speak. Then pause, and think again.

We have two Major Arcana cards this week (big energy), and three Minor Arcana cards (the daily details), including one court card. There are only swords and cups this week, no wands or pentacles.

Keeping your mouth shut and staying hydrated looks like a good bet this week! Play with ideas, but don’t share them yet.

Did anything resonate with you, or did you get something different? I always love to hear about it.