Category: Tarot

Imbolc Reading — Bridget’s Cauldron Spread

Happy Imbolc in the Northern Hemisphere, and Lammas in the Southern!

Since I am in the Northern Hemisphere, I am using a spread to guide me in navigating the period from Imbolc to the Spring Equinox.

This is one of my spreads, that I call Brigid’s Cauldron. The bottom 3 cards represent the cauldron and the top 4 the energetic advice. For this reading, I used The Robin Wood Tarot, one of my favorite decks. You can learn more about it and buy it here.

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 energy 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.

Meanings of the positions:
1 – the Foundation
2 & 3 – Surrounding Energy
4 – Physical action
5 – Intellectual action
6 – Identity action
7 – Creative action

Let’s dig in, shall we? Remember, this is a reading rooted in Imbolc, the stirrings of new beginnings, and connected to Brigid, who is a goddess of healing, poetry, and the alchemical force of fire to create positive change.

1. The Foundation – The Sun
In spite of all the chaos in the world around us, by connecting to our deep foundational energy, we have the capacity for success, joy, and freedom. There are factions trying to pull us away and make us forget who we are and why we are here, but we are stronger.

 

 

2 & 3. Surrounding Energy – The 6 of Swords and the 5 of Swords
This very much ties into the energy of the world around us, as mentioned above. The 6 represents a journey over water. That can be mental or physical. It often means escape from a nasty situation. Many of us are in a nasty situation right now, and we need to navigate our way through it and out of it to a safe refuge. Even though it’s a card from the sword suit, meaning intellect, there’s water, to it’s connected to emotions, dreams, and creative action through creative thinking. The 5 of Swords is about conflict. There’s conflict all around us. There are arguments (swords, again). Look at the figure in the foreground. This figure is victorious, and taunting the other figures, farther back in the card. Are we the figure in the foreground? If we are, and we win these conflicts, perhaps we shouldn’t be smug and cruel in those victories.

4. Physical Action – King of Swords
We have a card of intellect in the position of action. He’s standing there, with his body and sword in a defensive position. There are crows in the background, indicating magical knowledge. He’s wearing a battle helmet. This King has drawn a boundary, using his intellect, and will hold it, through force of will. In the next six weeks, we have to draw boundaries and hold them. Tying into both the warrior and poetic energies of Brigid, choose your words wisely and stand by them.

5. Intellectual Action – The World
While the world is, overall, a positive card, it’s also about the ending of a cycle. We had the World come up frequently as Pluto moved into Aquarius late last year, and also again in mid-January, as things got increasingly chaotic. There’s promise and hope for a better future, but only if we take definitive action, and make a solid plan. It’s a reminder that no one is coming to save us, and the world is what we make it.

 

6. Identity Action – The Empress
What does “identity action” mean? To me, it means walking my talk. I bring who I am out into the world without apology. My skin color allows me greater freedom to do so than many, and I need to use it to protect and create positive change. Being a woman means I’m back to fighting the battles we thought we’d won in the 1970’s. Connecting to the Empress energy allows me to walk my talk in ways that are strong without being cruel, that create safety for my family (both blood family and found family). I need to both trust my instincts and nurture those around me. It’s being a different type of warrior than, say, a knight card would indicate.

7. Creative Action – King of Cups
This card in this position makes a lot of sense, as cups are associated with emotion, dreams, and creativity. This king is quiet, in control of his emotions, knows how to use creativity to win over those around him, and knows how to be quiet and controlled in his use of power. He’s not pulled into the emotional chaos created by others.

 

This reading contains three Major Arcana cards (Sun, World, Empress) suggesting large energies. It has two kings, about controlled energy. And it has 2 Minor Arcana cards as the energy surrounding us that can be managed, controlled, and navigated through the 4 positions of actions that connect back to the Sun energy as the foundation. It offers a rational map of opportunity for the next six weeks, will likely contain a good deal of chaos.

What did you get from the reading? Is your intuition telling you something else? All experiences are valid and matter. I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

January 27, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, January 27, 2025
Day Before Dark Moon
Uranus, Jupiter, Mars Retrograde

Hello! There’s lots going on, energetically this week into next week. Today is the day before the dark moon, with the dark moon tomorrow, and a new moon/Chinese Lunar New Year on Wednesday.

For me, the day before the dark moon is the lowest energy day for the month, and then I get re-energized for the dark moon to do a final push of what needs purging for the month.

This new moon also begins the Year of the Wood Snake in Chinese astrology. I’m a Water Tiger, so that presents some challenges.

On the 30th, Uranus finally goes direct. Our unique energy will start shining again, and we can make decisions in ways that suit us as individuals. We’re also preparing for Jupiter to go direct next week, on February 4th. I’ll talk about that in next week’s post.

In relation to last week’s reading, I definitely had new inspirations on several fronts (Ace of Wands). I actively took steps on the plan for a few of them (3 Wands), and am also making decisions on some that may not be in alignment with what I want and need. I trusted my intuition, put in the work, and a couple of things I put into motion in previous weeks paid off, while others did not (The Moon, 8 Pentacles, and 3 of Wands again). I was not always successful in stepping back from the chaotic emotions of which we are in the midst, but I started working on some personal guardrails (King of Cups). I hope to build on last week’s work with this week’s information.

This month, we are using the Rackham Tarot, with art by the illustrator Arthur Rackham, and text by Lunea Weatherstone. The deck is available from Lo Scarabeo. If you would like to learn more about Arthur Rackham’s life and work, you can do so here.

This deck was a gift from a friend a little over a year ago. I use it primarily for dreamwork, so it will be interesting to see how it works in community readings for the month. The suit in this deck is marked with a symbol in the center bottom, and the number on top. The Major Arcana cards have their number on the top and the bottom. It can take a bit of concentration to get used to it.

If you’re new to the weekly readings, this is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

The Collective Energy of the Week – The World
Completion of a cycle. A fresh start. For me, the World card also often means “anything is possible if you take action.” The figure rises out of the earth and the trees. It is an adult figure, not a childlike one, indicating how the end of a cycle opens the way for something new. So let’s create something new and wonderful, shall we? Uranus moving direct helps.

 

The Week’s Challenge – The Lovers
In many decks, this card often holds a third figure, creating conflict and the need to make a decision. This card does not have that third figure (unless you count the tree). These two figures are completely caught up in each other. How could such love be a challenge? When you’re so caught up in it that you ignore the rest of the world. With all the exterior chaos and cruelty happening, it’s instinctive to put on blinders and only focus on what we love. The challenge is to remember that in order to keep what we love, we must be ready to defend it (think about the energy of the 7 of Wands and the 9 of Wands). Taking restorative breaks is vital, some stepping forward as others step back to rest is vital, but there are times when we all have to show up and do the work in community so that we have a community.

The Week’s Opportunity – Knight of Cups
Knights are about taking the energy of the suit out into the world. The Knight of Cups is about taking loving and creative energy out into the world, be it in real life or through social media (social media is vital to those who can’t go out physically into the world for whatever reason). Share the love you feel in the previous card and use it to build the positive new cycle offered by the World card.

 

The Week’s Stretch – The Tower
The Tower is my “oh, fuck” card in the deck. When the Tower comes up in a personal reading, it means I’ve procrastinated on something until it’s been taken out of my control. Because I did not act on it in time, action is being taken out of my hands, and I have to live with the consequences. Many people find that freeing; I do not. In many decks, it shows a structure being destroyed (by lightning, fire, etc.), with figures falling out of the structure. This card uses a different illustration, and since we are using this deck this month, we look at what’s going on in the art to discover the meaning at this particular moment, so we can make informed decisions. In this illustration, the man is teased by fairies. The fae can be mischievous and they can be vicious. They can also be playful. By the look on the man’s face, he’s not sure how to interpret their antics. Or are they pricking his conscience? This card is in the “stretch” position in the reading, which means it’s warning you to take action on something you’ve been putting off, and reminding you to act in ways that keep your conscience clear. With everything going on, each of us will be challenged more violently daily as to where we “go along to get along” for the moment (which will have consequences down the line) and where we hold boundaries.

The Week’s Comfort – The High Priestess
What’s behind the veil? Is the woman in the illustration the one hiding, or is she about to discover/reveal something? The High Priestess card is about balanced intuition. In many decks, the figure is between two pillars. This card does not have that However, look at the floor in the illustration. She stands on a wooden floor. There is some sort of runner under the curtain, then more floor. There’s a separation, and we have to decide if we’re ready and able to handle whatever might be behind the curtain. Since the card is in the “comfort” position of the reading, it indicates it is in our best interest to take the risk (again, tying back to The World card).

What resonates in this week’s reading with you? Do you get something completely different from the cards? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

When we reconvene next week, we will be in a waxing moon, have begun living in the Year of the Wood Snake, have celebrated Imbolc, and be in February. Whew!

December 9, 2024: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, December 9, 2024
Waxing Moon
Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars Retrograde
Neptune Direct as of December 7

How did last week work out for you? Were you able to balance excitement at new opportunities with keeping on top of the details? Sometimes it was a challenge for me, but I tried. I kept my focus on the Ace of Good Cheer – which turns up again this week.

We are still in Mercury Retrograde. This concerned me, because I had to sign a contract last week, instead of waiting until it turns direct, and this is not a good time to sign contracts (or buy electronics or travel or buy a house). We have one more week of this retrograde to navigate – it turns direct on the 15th.

When someone talks about the “shadow” of Mercury retrograde, I put my hands over my ears and sing, “La, la, la” because if I had to worry about the shadow, it would six months of every year derailed, and who has time for that? When it bites me in the butt, I deal. But I can’t put off things for the shadow period.

Mars has gone retrograde, so forward momentum slows down even more. Irritability and argumentative aspects get higher. Paired with the miscommunication energy of Mercury retrograde, that can make things difficult. So take a few breaths, and quiet those reactive impulses.

Mars will be retrograde until late February, but once Mercury goes direct, that argumentative pressure and miscommunication somewhat ease up.

Okay, forward!

This month, we are using the Yuletide Tarot, from Kristoffer Hughes with art by Erin O’Leary Brown. You can get it from Llewellyn Worldwide here. (Note: even though I’ve written for Llewellyn almanacs for decades, I do not get free decks from them, nor do I get a cut of anything you buy using this link. I bought the deck myself). This is the first year I’m using this deck. It was recommended to me by my friend, tarot reader and author Jamieson Wolf. I spent the last month getting to know the deck, in preparation for this month’s work with it.

In this deck:
Canes = Swords
Candles = Wands
Good Cheer = Cups
Gifts = Pentacles

If you’re new to the weekly readings, this is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

The Collective Energy of the Week – King of Candles
This is the King of Wands in other decks. This is a forceful, creative, passionate energy. It’s very much a “get out of my way” energy. There’s an element of charm involved, but the King will roll right over top of any obstacles. Think about what you want this week. All these retrogrades will slow you down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set your sights and start implementing a long-term plan. Since it is in the collective energy of the week, also give those around you room for their passions; don’t try to dominate those around you, or let them dominate you.

The Week’s Challenge – Ace of Good Cheer
This would be the Ace of Cups in other decks, and was our comfort last week. Last week’s comfort becomes this week’s challenge. How can that be? With the Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter retrogrades thwarting us, the Uranus retrograde making it harder to be our unique selves, and the Chiron retrograde reminding us to work on wounds and healing, it might be difficult to remain in a good mood this week, or have patience. Remember, everyone is extra stressed around the holiday season, and many people struggle for a vast variety of reasons. Even when challenged to be kind and in a good mood, when you are out and about, at least make the effort. Don’t be a jerk – even on days when it’s hard.

The Week’s Opportunity – Ace of Candles
This is the Ace of Wands in other decks. The Ace of Candles ignites new opportunities that are tied to passion, identity and sense of self. A new possibility ignites. However, if you wait until you “have time” to deal with it, it will pass you by. If this is something you want, MAKE the time to put in the work.
(Note: last week, in an in-person group situation, we explored the Ace of Wands, and my companion was the Ace of Cups. It’s interesting that they are coming up here in this reading, in a slightly different configuration, as though to remind me what we discussed last week, and remind me to follow through).

The Week’s Stretch – 8 of Good Cheer
This is the 8 of Cups in other decks. At first, this card puzzled me – in many decks, it shows a figure walking away. Here’s a guy with so many drink options in front of him! Is he going to sample each? The first impression was more of a 7 than an 8. But then I really started looking at the card. He’s zipping up his jacket, in preparation to leave. The way the fabric is detailed in the art make it more likely he’s zipping it up to leave than zipping it down to stay and enjoy. He’s had enough and knows it’s time to go. This week, even when it’s a challenge, know when it’s time to go. Maybe it’s that work event to which you “had” to show up. Hey, you put in an appearance; now go do something YOU want to do. Maybe it’s a job that’s no longer fulfilling, and it’s time to replace it with something better. Maybe it’s a creative project that you’ve tried to make work, and it just isn’t. If so, give it a temporary ending so it’s not draining your creative energy by simply being unfinished, and let both of you rest. There’s a lot coming at us this week; we have to know where to put our energy, and where to pull back. And when to walk away and rest.

The Week’s Comfort – 2 of Candles
This is the 2 of Wands in other decks. This is about making a plan to bring the Ace (which came up earlier in this very reading, as an opportunity) into reality though vision. It’s time to make a plan. The King of Candles, at the very top of the reading, indicates that you can see this to completion, but work with the retrograde energy to put in each step. Don’t try to skip over anything along the way. Seeing this card, of a woman writing her cards, makes me laugh. My overseas cards are out, but this week, I have to sit down and write the domestic ones!

Take a look at the overall spread. No major arcana cards this week. It’s all about the minor arcana, which, to me, are the daily details about getting things done. There are 3 Candles/Wands in the spread, so it’s about passion, creativity, identity, purpose, and how to get things down. The week’s challenge and stretch are both Good Cheer/Cups, which are about emotions, creativity, and dreams.

So this week is about paying attention to the details, planning, and being careful. It’s about working with the retrograde energies of taking a breath and paying attention. It’s about not letting the more combative energies derail you. Keep a sense of humor, try to stay grounded, don’t be a jerk, make a plan and start those first steps to see it through. You can face it all with the quiet determination of the King of Candles, and not let anyone derail you, but you can also use charm instead of aggression.

What do you get from this spread? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

November 11, 2024: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, November 11, 2024
Waxing Moon
Saturn, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde

Before we get into today’s reading for the week, let’s talk about last week’s reading. As I mentioned last week, there was intense energy going on, and the two major arcana cards, The Lovers and the Moon gave us some warning. Our hopes were dashed, our fears realized. Choices were made (the Lovers) that shattered our illusions (The Moon). Imagine if the results had fallen the other way, and those choices had fulfilled our dreams! Responding to triggers was a challenge (King of Cups) and we plodded through (Knight of Pentacles). How could the 10 of Pentacles be our comfort? How could the ending of this cycle of abundance not trigger huge fears and anxieties, especially when we have a good idea of how our safety nets will be shredded in the coming months?

I found comfort in the community I’ve worked to build since I moved here three years ago. We planned together, we cried together, we talked about how to share resources and create a sustainable plan moving forward. The moon shined a light on our illusions, and they are shattered. We know what we are facing, and who we can no longer trust. But we have a firm foundation under our feet to start this new cycle.

This week’s reading gives us an idea of some of the challenges, but we have a firm foundation from which to start, and while we will be threatened and challenged, at least we are starting at the 10 and not the 5. This cycle is over (especially as Pluto moves into Aquarius). Saturn, the planet of life lessons, goes direct at the end of the 15th. We’ve definitely been slapped with a life lesson. We have to use this lesson as a tool to move forward, not allow it to destroy us. We will feel despair and anger and betrayal for a long time to come. But we have our feet on the ground, and those rose-colored glasses we wore? Ground into dust.

But the particles will still be beautiful in the sunlight, and we can work to plant something new and strong in this earth under our feet. It will not be easy. There will be a lot of pain and damage and death. But the Moon showed us our illusionary belief in the goodness of the general population was misplaced, and we work from there with that knowledge and reality.

Looking at the astrological transits for 2025, it seems we will be in retrogrades almost all year. In 2024, we had the first few months retrograde-free. If I’m reading the chart correctly, next year we will only have a few weeks in mid-April to early May without retrogrades. Anyone reading this who specializes in astrology, please feel free to chime in down in the comments.

Some of the most difficult retrogrades are coming in the next few months. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, is retrograde until early February (though good for planning a sustainable future during this time). Mercury goes retrograde Thanksgiving week until mid-December, which is not a good time for this, between travel plans and the need to communicate with family. Mars, the war god planet, goes retrograde in December (overlapping Mercury for about a week, which is not fun) until late February. Be as quiet and careful with your words and energy as possible. Let the screamers scream and take a step back. Stand for your integrity, especially in one-on-one situations, but let the loudest performers scream themselves hoarse on the broader stage.

Let’s take a look at this week.

November’s deck is the Crow Tarot, created by MJ Cullinane. You can get it from US Games Systems here. I’m lucky enough to have a murder of crows hanging out near my home, and interacting with them regularly. This deck is always terrific to work with.

This is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over the past few months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

This week’s cards:

The Collective Energy for the Week – 3 of Pentacles
Teamwork. We feel disheartened, but we know that by working together, we have a chance.

 

 

 

 

The Week’s Challenge – 3 of Swords
Despair, betrayal, separation, sadness. We feel all that, and denying those feelings will only cause more pain. We are separated from many we thought we can trust. Only by integrating that life lesson (Saturn retrograde, turning direct this week) can we heal and continue.

 

 

The Week’s Opportunity – Page of Swords
This is a really interesting card to have in this position. In other decks, the page can be a warning about gossip and false information. In this particular deck, it is about strength in a storm, energy, communication, and determination. The crow carries the sword (ideas) through the storm. Pages are impulsive, so while action is important, temper it with the intellect of the suit of swords. I find the image on this card hopeful.

The Week’s Stretch – 9 of Swords
For me, this card turns up as a card of self-imposed anxiety. In the context of the week, this is true. I am terrified at the horrors of this administrative future. At the same time, if the adage “thoughts are things” is true – we do not want our anxieties to manifest. We want to recognize them so that we can come up with a plan to deal with them and manifest something better. This week, it will definitely be a stretch. It will be difficult not to remain mired in the anxiety and terror. It’s difficult not to feel as trapped as the crow in the image.So let’s stretch and remind ourselves of the future we WANT to build. The future we COULD have built, had things shaken out the other way, is gone. We have to look at the realities, acknowledge our real and valid fears, and find a way to bend them into something better. Which is exhausting, and there will be days and hours when it’s too much. But let’s stretch and try.

The Week’s Comfort – 10 of Swords
Again, a very odd card to come up as a “comfort.” We have been stabbed in the back multiple times. It hurts. For me, the 10 of Swords is often about other people dumping their anxieties on me, and there’s definitely that happening this week, along with the whole intentional cruelty bit.  I don’t mean that I feel dumped on by those who are anxious and fearful from the way the election fell; we are sharing our grief and fear. I mean we were stabbed in the back by those who voted for cruelty instead of community. It is also a 10, which is the end of a cycle. That doesn’t mean there will suddenly be a mass enlightenment, and things will be lovely again. But it gives us hope that our relationship to this suffering and betrayal will soon change, and a new cycle of thought and action will begin. It doesn’t mean giving in; it does mean letting go of what could have been, had things shaken out differently.

Along with all the astrological challenges this week, there are indications for a rough road. The best we can do is rest, try not to overthink, find ways to be with and/or work with the people who’ve shown we can trust them, and start turning the anxieties and the valid knowledge of coming struggles into something stronger and better. Start thinking about your boundaries, where and with whom you need to set new ones. Be aware of the rising dangers around us, but also build yourself little forts of beauty, hope, and joy. Open those forts to those you can trust, and build stronger communities, both online and in person.

Look at the reading as a whole: the collective energy is a card of community and tangible things, while the rest of the cards are about thinking, especially overthinking, anxiety, and betrayal. Temper all these difficult sword cards with the 3 of Pentacles and community. That can be difficult if you feel isolated and don’t have community physically around you; that’s where online community can be helpful and supportive. If I was in my previous location, I would be stuck in the 3, 9, and 10 of swords for the foreseeable future. I am deeply grateful to be where I am now. As frightened and exhausted as you are now, there are others who share your feelings, and we can comfort each other.

I wish last week had a different outcome, and that this week was full of the Sun and the Star and the Ace of Pentacles. Sadly, we were handed the 3 and 9 and 10 of Swords instead.

This is a good opportunity to read Theresa Reed’s wonderful book THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT. You can read about it on her website here. She is also known at “The Tarot Lady” and has wonderful books, podcasts, and videos about tarot.

Please note that I do not get any financial rewards or free copies of things by posting creator links. I do this so you can find and enjoy materials I’ve found helpful.

What do you feel about the context of last week’s and this week’s reading? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

November 4, 2024: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, November 4, 2024
Waxing Moon
Saturn, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde

We are in November! Second to last month of the calendar year, first month of the New Year if you look at Samhain as the turning point.

November’s deck is the Crow Tarot, created by MJ Cullinane. You can get it from US Games Systems here. I’m lucky enough to have a murder of crows hanging out near my home, and interacting with them regularly. This deck is always terrific to work with.

This is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over the past few months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

This week’s cards:

The Collective Energy of the Week – The Lovers
This is a card about choices and relationships. Are those crows preening the heart or are they eating it? The artist interprets it as “drinking from the same heart” which has layers of meanings. There’s also a snake in the picture, indicating transformation. With the 5th being election day in the US, it makes a lot of sense. Are we going to make the best choice for us? Or will the collective make the choice that harms us, and then we, as individuals, have to make decisions and form smaller collectives in order to survive? The two trees offer a hope of stability and balance, and the sun offers hope, balanced by the moon in the other corner, which offers intuition and, hopefully, illumination rather than illusion.

The Week’s Challenge – King of Cups
This crow’s got his throne and his crown, an oasis in a stormy sea. The King reminds us to learn what our emotional triggers are, and to create healthier responses to them. There’s also a crescent moon in above him, indicating the need to listen to intuition. Again, that’s relevant to the election. There will be many triggers, no matter which way the result falls, and we will have to choose how to best respond in a way that is both true to ourselves and does not cause harm.

The Week’s Opportunity – The Knight of Pentacles
Knights take action. Pentacles indicate the action is on the material plane, and that it is slower than in some other cases (which sometimes feels plodding when in reality it is conscientious). Hard work, a methodical approach, and keeping one’s word are all a part of this. There’s an opportunity to make progress on something important this week, using all of these qualities. Pay attention and be ready to step up when it presents itself.

 

The Week’s Stretch—The Moon
The Moon offers opportunities through illumination by trusting one’s intuition, or illusion through not seeing clearly enough and not digging deeply enough (or trusting that intuition). It’s also a card of concealment. Is someone hiding something from you, or are you hiding a part of yourself? Is it necessary? Is it a safety mechanism or fear of shame or ridicule? The stretch this week will be to parse out what’s real and what is not (again, looking at the election, there’s bound to be all kinds of misinformation flying around). Dig beneath the surface. Don’t take anything at face value. Listen to both your dreams and nightmares. Your nightmares could contain important information.

The Week’s Comfort—10 Pentacles
The comfort of the week is that we will have just that –physical comforts. This week, our material needs will be met. It indicates there’s also a foundation on which to build a stronger and more sustainable future – provided we avoid the deception from the Moon. Seeing that card in the final spot of the week, considering what’s at stake this week, is somewhat comforting (living up to the spot’s name). No matter what happens politically this week, we will have a lot of work ahead of us, but we have a strong foundation in material terms. It’s a card of hard work paying off. Even though it’s a ten, ending the cycle, it’s also setting a solid foundation for the next Ace that is soon to come up.

There are two major arcana cards in the spread, two court cards, and a minor arcana card. The energies are going to be intense, especially with the retrogrades we have going on, and Pluto getting ready to leave Capricorn and move into Aquarius. There will be a lot of information, disinformation, rumor, and emotion flying around this week. It’s imperative to take things one step at a time, and be able to separate the deception from the reality.

How did you interpret this spread? Are you getting different information? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

October 21, 2024: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, October 21, 2024
Waning Moon
Saturn, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde
Mild during the day; cold at night

Here we are, halfway through October already!

Once again, we’re using the Halloween Tarot, created by Karin Lee, with art by Kipling West. You can get the deck from U.S. Games Systems here.

In this deck:
Pumpkins = Pentacles
Ghosts = Cups
Bats = Swords
Imps = Wands

This is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over the past few months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

This week’s cards:

The Collective Energy of the Week – 7 of Pumpkins
This is 7 of Pentacles in other decks. The energy of the week is the satisfaction of knowing you’ve put in the work, and watching your garden grow! It may not be happening as quickly as you would like, but it’s steady, tangible growth. Take a breath and enjoy. Soon it will be time to get back to work.

 

The Week’s Challenge — 2 of Bats
This is the equivalent of the Two of Swords. The blindfolded angel is in a similar position to the figure in many Rider-Waite-Smith decks, seated with arms crossed. Instead of a sword in each hand, there’s a bat at each shoulder. There’s a duality here, an indecision, a tension or a stalemate. It would be easy to escalate this into conflict; instead, look for ways to compromise in a way that serves both of you. If it’s an indecision within yourself, use your intellect (swords/bats) to figure it out. See the black cat in the bottom corner, rolling the tiny pumpkin? Don’t forget to be playful. Looking at it with the joy of a child may lead you to the best solution.

The Week’s Opportunity – The Fool
If you take a breath from all the work you’ve put in, and look for a joyful, playful way to resolve conflict, you will have the opportunity to jump into a new adventure. You get to take a chance and trust that the Universe has your back! Even the moon is smiling down on you.

 

 

The Week’s Stretch – The Wheel of Fortune
I generally don’t read cards as reversed – except for this one, because it indicates in which direction the wheel is turning. And it always keeps turning; everything is cyclical. Neither the bad nor the good lasts forever, even though it may sometimes seem that way. This card appeared upright for us this week, so that means the wheel is turning toward better times at the moment (depending on the choices we make over the course of the week). In spite of the challenge of the 2 of Bats, or maybe because that challenge is asking us to make choices in our own best interest, better days are on the way. Savor the journey, then savor those good moments.

The Week’s Comfort – The Magician
This card was in the same spot last week. It’s a reminder that everything you need to get through the day, and use that day to build a better life, is within you. You can access all of the elements and transmute them into your intentions. You don’t need to wait around for someone else to make your dreams become reality – YOU have the ability to manifest. With this reminder being in the same slot two weeks in a row, the universe wants you to listen!

Do you find this interpretation helpful, or are the cards telling you something different? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

October 7, 2024: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, October 7, 2024
Waning Moon
Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

We are in a new month! October, one of my favorites.

In honor of the new month, we’re using the Halloween Tarot, created by Karin Lee, with art by Kipling West. You can get the deck from U.S. Games Systems here.

In this deck:
Pumpkins = Pentacles
Ghosts = Cups
Bats = Swords
Imps = Wands

This is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over the past few months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

This week’s cards:

The Collective Energy of the Week: Queen of Pumpkins
The energy this week is about generosity. We can give and receive, knowing there is plenty for all. It’s about putting our creative talents to good use. She’s petting a black cat, and there’s a white rabbit nearby. White is often a color of purity, and witches are often thought to shapeshift into the form of a hare. The moon is smiling down on all of this.

 

The Week’s Challenge: The Hierophant
This is a card of order and tradition. This week, we might need to conform to something we’d rather not, to keep the peace. The mummy stands there, wrapped up, with only the eyes showing. But the body position is somewhat casual. There’s a black cat on the shoulder, and one of the two green cats looks like it’s pulling on the wrapping and might unwrap the mummy. So while you might feel restricted, in some respects, there’s also room to keep some things secret, wrapped up and inside, so to speak, until the right time.

The Week’s Opportunity: 5 of Pumpkins
This is an unusual card to have in the “opportunity” slot, as it often means a dearth of material goods or finances. So how could it be an opportunity? Tying back into the first two cards of creativity and structure, you may need to find creative, thrifty ways to get things done. There may be disappointments and loss; you may not be able to indulge as fully as you want as the Queen of Pumpkins, because the Hierophant restricts you.  The little one spilled the bag of candy, but eating it all at once might have made them sick. Keep going, though; you’ll learn something from these new ways of doing things that will serve you going forward. Sometimes being frugal opens new types of creativity, rather than restricting it.

The Week’s Stretch – 8 of Ghosts
This eight is about leaving something behind and walking away. It will be hard to leave this behind, but it’s necessary. This 8 is probably tied to the 5 in the previous card. You may not get something you really want, on a material level, and need to let go of it on an emotional level. Keep on climbing the path, though. Even though it’s difficult right now, something better waits for you over the mountain. If you held on to what you must leave behind this week, you wouldn’t be able to have/achieve/experience what’s next. And the Queen of Pumpkins promises it is something good.

The Week’s Comfort – 7 of Ghosts
The 7 of Cups is so often given a bad rap as self-deception and idle dreams, but my experience with the card is usually positive. This card shows seven ghosts doing a circle dance. There are all kinds of opportunities ahead, even with the disappointments of the week, and that is why it’s in the comfort position. The best news is you don’t have to make a decision yet! Take your time. Give yourself the room and time to daydream. 7 Cups often comes up for me when someone else is trying to pressure me into making a decision to serve THEIR agenda at the detriment to mine. It’s a reminder that daydreaming matters.

What do you get from this spread? Similar information, or does something different come up for you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

September 23, 2024: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, September 23, 2024
Waning Moon
Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde
One day past the Autumn Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere; the Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere
Partly Cloudy and cool

I hope you had a lovely Equinox!

The Eleusinian Mysteries are happening at this time, too. Over the years, I have created a series of simple honoring over these nine days.

But today, we’re here for tarot.

Once again, I’m using the GREEN WITCH TAROT again by Ann Moura, with artwork by Kiri Østergard Leonard, available from Llewellyn.

This is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over the past few months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

My black cat Tessa helped with this week’s reading (there’s a photo of her on IG). This week’s cards:

The Collective Energy of the Week – Ace of Chalices
What great energy to have for the week! This week is about fresh starts and opportunities for creativity, emotions, inspirations, abundance, and relationships. Someone is offering you something from the heart. Treat it with gratitude and gentleness.

 

 

The Week’s Challenge – The High Priest
This is an interesting twist. Last week, this card showed up as an opportunity to work the system. This week, the same card is in the challenge position. The system you need to work within may present an obstacle to the chalice offered. In addition to structure, it’s a card of scholarly pursuits. You may need to study and research something, rather taking the challenge as an attack, or behaving impulsively from excitement from the fresh inspiration.

The Week’s Opportunity – The Holly King
Some other decks call this “the Hermit” and this representation is one of my favorites. This is the Holly King’s time, from summer solstice to winter solstice (here in the Northern Hemisphere). It’s a time of introspection and forging new paths. The Holly King will help light the way, but you still have to walk the path. This ties in with both of the previous cards. The High Priest and the Holly King advise moving slowly in this new inspiration, rather than plunging in the way a knight card or the Fool card would do. Take time and savor what the ace of chalices offers, before acting on it.

The Week’s Stretch – The Standing Stones
This card is often called “Justice” in other decks. The art in this card has the stone within a stone circle and the daisies, representing truth and harmony. The carving on the stone depicts the scales and the words “Harm None” over a carving of a labyrinth. This is about balance, equilibrium, harmony, and natural law. Since it’s in the “stretch” position, it suggests that it may be difficult to balance the emotional energies of the ace of chalices with the more restrictive energy of the High Priest, and take the time the Holly King advises. But stretching yourself into equilibrium will allow you to enjoy the ace of chalices.

The Week’s Comfort – Four of Pentacles
The four of pentacles is often interpreted as a card of hoarding – either the need to hoard one’s resources, or a warning not to do so. But take a look at the art in this card. The figure hangs the four pentacles over the hearth – a symbol of comfort and home. There’s a face peering in at the door. Is this someone who needs something or who is there to offer something? While the card suggests reserve, it does not suggest cruelty. Four is a number of stability (and can sometimes suggest staleness). However, the artwork does not suggest anything stale. The greenery is lush. Take comfort in being careful, rather than extravagant. Also, since this card bookends the first card, it suggests that the person peering in is connected to the first card, the ace of chalices, and supports the three central cards in taking one’s time before acting.

Note that the two outmost cards are minor arcana, while the three central cards are major arcana, and those central cards all advise taking one’s time, being thoughtful, and maintaining equilibrium. Whatever is on offer needs a bit of investigation, so that it can be embraced and acted on out of informed decisions, rather than on impulse.

Is your interpretation different? Or does this resonate? I’d love to hear your responses in the comments!

September 17, 2024: Lunar Eclipse Tarot Reading

 

Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Full Moon in Pisces
Lunar Eclipse
Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

Good morning!

Today, we have a lunar eclipse in Pisces. Some people find lunar eclipses give them energy; others feel drained and exhausted. Whatever you’re feeling, acknowledge it. You are unique, and your mind, body, and spirit will respond differently than those around you.

Here is a collective reading to offer guidance for the eclipse. Remember, this is information for tendencies and opportunities. Anything you like, you can make happen through positive action. Anything you dislike, you can change through positive action. I base my interpretation on my experience, intuition, and response to the art of the card itself within the reading. Your experience might be different, and that is part of the joy of the cards.

This spread uses the Tarot of a Moon Garden Deck, with interpretations by Laura E. Clarson and paintings by Karen Marie Sweikhardt. It is available from U.S. Games System here. Mine is very old; I believe I bought it some time in the 1990’s. Since this is a lunar eclipse, I felt it was a good choice. I also find this deck works well in ancestor work.

The spread is a three-card spread, read left to right: how the eclipse affects the mind, the body, and the spirit.

The Mind – Page of Pentacles
This card is about receiving new information that’s relevant on the material plane. This is information the individual will study, that will then bring tangible results on the material plane. The card ties into yesterday’s reading for the week, where the Page of Pentacles turned up in the “stretch” position. Whatever information you receive this week, be it on the day of the lunar eclipse or the days around it, will make you stretch your perceptions and reality. You’ll need to study it to see how to apply it.

The Body – Queen of Cups
This is a card of care and nurture, as much of yourself as of those around you. This card denotes caring in a positive, supportive way that nurtures those around you without draining you. It is all the positives about care and support. It’s a reminder to take some time today to care for yourself as well as those around you. And enjoy that care!

 

The Spirit – Four of Cups
This is how your spirit responds to the eclipse. In many decks, this card slants toward a more negative connotation of dissatisfaction or even boredom. But when I look at the art in this card, I see positives. The figure in the card is meditating, with one large cup before her and three smaller cups behind her. She is mindful of one thing at a time. She’s aware of the presence of the other cups, but she focuses on one at a time, to give it her full attention. To me, this card is peaceful and focused.

What do these cards tell you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

September 2, 2024: Community Reading for the Week

Monday, September 2, 2024
New Moon in Virgo
Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

Hello! I thought I’d do Community Reading for the week.

I’m using the GREEN WITCH TAROT by Ann Moura, with artwork by Kiri Østergard Leonard, available from Llewellyn.

This is a spread of mine, that I’ve developed over the past few months. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

These interpretations are mine, based on my intuition, experience, 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.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

Okay, let’s break this down now.

Position 1: The Collective Energy of the Week: The Lady and the Lord
This card is often called “The Lovers” and is a little different, in both art and meaning from some other decks. It shows a couple holding hands in front of a tree, with their hunting weapons and their hunting dogs. They show a unified partnership. If the balance tips too far in one direction or another, then one side or the other may make decisions without enough input from both. Decisions need to be made this week, so make sure they are made after gathering all the necessary information and taking into account how the decisions will affect those involved. If these decisions need to be made as part of a partnership, clear communication is vital. If you are making decisions for yourself, make sure you have all the information.

Position 2: The Week’s Challenge: The Six of Wands
This is an odd card to have as a challenge. The six of wands is a positive card about victory, and receiving an earned reward. It could mean a raise, a bonus, praise for something well done. How could this be a challenge? Could it be a challenge because you don’t believe you’ve earned it? Are you suffering from imposter syndrome? Trust that you’ve earned this reward.

This is an opportunity to build out on the spread with an oracle deck. For this, I am using The Spirit Allies Oracle by Jill Pyle and Cidney Bachert, with art by Jay Kay. It’s available here.

The foundation of this challenge is Tiger’s Eye, which is about connecting with the root chakra, ancestral lineage, and nature. Did your family make you feel uncomfortable with praise, as though you didn’t deserve it, even when you worked hard and did well? Were they taught to be self-deprecatory and wave off praise? It’s time to heal that generational trauma and learn to accept praise.

The healing of this challenge is Sagittarius, an energy of curiosity and exploration. Step into the spotlight you’ve earned, and explore the new opportunities it opens up.

Position 3: The Week’s Opportunity: The Witch
In many decks, this is the Magician card. The witch works on her spell, using the elements to create her own reality. This ties in with the previous cards, of accepting an earned victory and building on it, and making decisions which support it. The Witch creates her own reality, and you will have that chance this week. Be on the lookout!

Position 4: The Week’s Stretch: The Greenman
Other decks often call this card The Fool, and it’s the starting point of the journey. The earned victory, which you’ve now accepted because you’ve healed the imposter system, leads you to create your own reality, which has opened a new path for you. The Sagittarius energy of the oracle support encourages you to take a chance.

Position 5: The Week’s Comfort: The Ace of Wands
Wands are often associated with fire, identity, and that fire in the belly that drives us. The ace suggests new opportunities and adventures, building on all the previous cards in the reading. This is an exciting week, full of opportunities, and you will need to make some decisions (The Lord & Lady) as to how to approach this dynamic and positive new adventure.

Sounds like a good way to start the month, doesn’t it?

Remember, we still have five retrogrades in play, so things may not move as fast as in the retrograde-free earlier part of the year. But they will still move, and when that exciting new opportunity comes, you are ready!

I’d love to hear about your response to these cards, and how they speak to you. Drop your reactions in the comments.