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Friday, July 25, 2014
30 Questions About Me & Tarot
30 Questions About Me & Tarot
1. Who or What introduced you to Tarot?
I first became interested in Tarot at the age of 13 when I was gifted my first deck from a neighbor who read the cards herself. She was the first witch that I had ever meant before, and I thought she was courageous for admitting so openly.
2. What was your first deck?
My first deck was The Rider Waite deck by Arthur Edward Waite. Nothing fancy, but it was gifted to me and opened me up to a new world and offered less conformity than the "Christian" life that I was dabbling with.
3. What is your favorite deck & why?
I have several favorites, but my newest favorite is The Housewives Tarot. I love decks with collage in them and vintage images. This one is really awesome & I wouldn't be without it again. It is fun and very easy to read with. Most women can relate to the images and openly share a laugh or two talking about them.
4. How long have you been reading Tarot?
Since I was 13. :) I am now 36. I'm not going to do the math for you because it makes me feel old to say that number out loud!
5. When & where did you perform your first reading?
At my friends house. We were young, boy crazy - giggling teenagers. I was at her house for a sleep over and we did readings all night for one another. It was a lot of fun. Might I mention that we were both full of sugar and up way later than her mum wanted us to be!
6. What was the first spread you learned & do you still use it?
The Celtic Cross & No, not often. I don't have a specific reason. I just prefer not to.
7. What is your favorite card & why?
The sun. Looking at it always makes me feel warm & reminds me to find something to smile about.
8. Which card do you dread pulling & why?
3 of swords - because it hurts!
9. What card comes up for you most in personal readings? Why do you think this is so?
9 of swords. I am an insomniac. I stay up way later than I should, and I never stop thinking.
10. What card best represents your personality & why?
Justice - I am a Libra and I can see both sides to every story without judgment. I always do what I think is best for all sides. And The Hermit - because I spend a lot of time alone, in deep thought.
11. Which spread do you use most? Why?
7 day spread - as a weekly reading for myself. I journal about it.
12. Have you created your own spread before?
Not literally, but I have tweaked a few to suit my needs.
13. Is there a card that always stumps you when you draw it?
Yes - I admit, I am still hung up on court cards.
14. What is your most frequent purpose for using Tarot?
Daily or weekly readings.
15. Text meanings or intuition?
I use both. I learned the meanings from text books, but now I read them by what the pictures say to me. I only use the text meanings when the cards do not give me anything else to go on.
16. Do you ever just use the Majors?
Yes - There are a few different spreads that I only use the Majors with.
17. Do you do readings using reversals?
Yes - always.
18. Which deck do you feel most drawn to & why?
The Steampunk Tarot by curlycue design - the images are racy and pull me into a different world.
19. Do you feel that the cards have their own consciousness?
No, but I believe that they are in tune with my own energies & offer up cards that I need to see to provide accurate readings for myself and others. They are just tools to my own consciousness.
20. Do you read for others?
I do !!
21. How do you feel when you do readings?
I love doing readings, especially for others. It makes me feel like I am making a difference in someones life.
22. Do you charge money? Why or why not?
Yes - I believe that my time is worth money.
23. What question do you most ask the Tarot?
What do I need to know?
24. How accurate have your readings been?
My readings are very accurate when asked a question. General readings are irritating. I don't like it when asked to do them because I feel that the client is "testing me" instead of getting answers that they truly seek and want to know. I can't help you - if you can't help me!
25. What was the most dramatic reading you have ever done?
( We are now friends & I have permission to say minus a name ) I read for a lady who was in grief and wanted to know if she would soon find an end to it. When I pulled the cards, I realized straight away that her child had been taken from her and murdered. It was very difficult to say out loud what I was seeing - but I felt relief when she admitted that I was correct in my visions. It was an unfortunate thing for her, and it made both of us cry. But the reading helped her to see what she needed to do to move on and live her life instead of being caught up in her horror. I was able to validate her feelings for her and bring her comfort.
26. Have you ever done a reading that you regretted doing?
Yes. The cards told me that my boyfriend was being unfaithful to me. This caused me to investigate things and find out that they were accurate. The relationship ended. I only regretted it for a little while. Now I am glad that I got out of a toxic relationship like that one. If a man can't make me his only, then I don't want him!
27. Do you have a special time or place where you use your Tarot?
Yes. In the morning, while sipping coffee at the table.
28. Does anyone you know not agree with you using Tarot?
Yes - my whole family. They are afraid of what they do not understand and they are not willing to open their minds to it. I just live my life my way, and they live theirs- their way.
29. Have you had a Tarot Mentor?
Yes. The girl who gave me the cards taught me a bit how to use them & provided me with material to help me on my journey with the cards. :)
30. Do you practice any other form of divination? What?
Sometimes I use oracle cards, but yes - I love reading lenormand cards. :) I also use a pendulum and astrodice.
Blessed Be.
1. Who or What introduced you to Tarot?
I first became interested in Tarot at the age of 13 when I was gifted my first deck from a neighbor who read the cards herself. She was the first witch that I had ever meant before, and I thought she was courageous for admitting so openly.
2. What was your first deck?
My first deck was The Rider Waite deck by Arthur Edward Waite. Nothing fancy, but it was gifted to me and opened me up to a new world and offered less conformity than the "Christian" life that I was dabbling with.
3. What is your favorite deck & why?
I have several favorites, but my newest favorite is The Housewives Tarot. I love decks with collage in them and vintage images. This one is really awesome & I wouldn't be without it again. It is fun and very easy to read with. Most women can relate to the images and openly share a laugh or two talking about them.
4. How long have you been reading Tarot?
Since I was 13. :) I am now 36. I'm not going to do the math for you because it makes me feel old to say that number out loud!
5. When & where did you perform your first reading?
At my friends house. We were young, boy crazy - giggling teenagers. I was at her house for a sleep over and we did readings all night for one another. It was a lot of fun. Might I mention that we were both full of sugar and up way later than her mum wanted us to be!
6. What was the first spread you learned & do you still use it?
The Celtic Cross & No, not often. I don't have a specific reason. I just prefer not to.
7. What is your favorite card & why?
The sun. Looking at it always makes me feel warm & reminds me to find something to smile about.
8. Which card do you dread pulling & why?
3 of swords - because it hurts!
9. What card comes up for you most in personal readings? Why do you think this is so?
9 of swords. I am an insomniac. I stay up way later than I should, and I never stop thinking.
10. What card best represents your personality & why?
Justice - I am a Libra and I can see both sides to every story without judgment. I always do what I think is best for all sides. And The Hermit - because I spend a lot of time alone, in deep thought.
11. Which spread do you use most? Why?
7 day spread - as a weekly reading for myself. I journal about it.
12. Have you created your own spread before?
Not literally, but I have tweaked a few to suit my needs.
13. Is there a card that always stumps you when you draw it?
Yes - I admit, I am still hung up on court cards.
14. What is your most frequent purpose for using Tarot?
Daily or weekly readings.
15. Text meanings or intuition?
I use both. I learned the meanings from text books, but now I read them by what the pictures say to me. I only use the text meanings when the cards do not give me anything else to go on.
16. Do you ever just use the Majors?
Yes - There are a few different spreads that I only use the Majors with.
17. Do you do readings using reversals?
Yes - always.
18. Which deck do you feel most drawn to & why?
The Steampunk Tarot by curlycue design - the images are racy and pull me into a different world.
19. Do you feel that the cards have their own consciousness?
No, but I believe that they are in tune with my own energies & offer up cards that I need to see to provide accurate readings for myself and others. They are just tools to my own consciousness.
20. Do you read for others?
I do !!
21. How do you feel when you do readings?
I love doing readings, especially for others. It makes me feel like I am making a difference in someones life.
22. Do you charge money? Why or why not?
Yes - I believe that my time is worth money.
23. What question do you most ask the Tarot?
What do I need to know?
24. How accurate have your readings been?
My readings are very accurate when asked a question. General readings are irritating. I don't like it when asked to do them because I feel that the client is "testing me" instead of getting answers that they truly seek and want to know. I can't help you - if you can't help me!
25. What was the most dramatic reading you have ever done?
( We are now friends & I have permission to say minus a name ) I read for a lady who was in grief and wanted to know if she would soon find an end to it. When I pulled the cards, I realized straight away that her child had been taken from her and murdered. It was very difficult to say out loud what I was seeing - but I felt relief when she admitted that I was correct in my visions. It was an unfortunate thing for her, and it made both of us cry. But the reading helped her to see what she needed to do to move on and live her life instead of being caught up in her horror. I was able to validate her feelings for her and bring her comfort.
26. Have you ever done a reading that you regretted doing?
Yes. The cards told me that my boyfriend was being unfaithful to me. This caused me to investigate things and find out that they were accurate. The relationship ended. I only regretted it for a little while. Now I am glad that I got out of a toxic relationship like that one. If a man can't make me his only, then I don't want him!
27. Do you have a special time or place where you use your Tarot?
Yes. In the morning, while sipping coffee at the table.
28. Does anyone you know not agree with you using Tarot?
Yes - my whole family. They are afraid of what they do not understand and they are not willing to open their minds to it. I just live my life my way, and they live theirs- their way.
29. Have you had a Tarot Mentor?
Yes. The girl who gave me the cards taught me a bit how to use them & provided me with material to help me on my journey with the cards. :)
30. Do you practice any other form of divination? What?
Sometimes I use oracle cards, but yes - I love reading lenormand cards. :) I also use a pendulum and astrodice.
Blessed Be.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Summer Solstice 2014 - Joy with Tater Salad
Summer Solstice 2014 BlogHop
For this blog hop, the theme is: joy. What are you joyful about? What brings light to your heart? How do you spread joy to others?
While trying to come up with something that brings me joy, it was very difficult to pick just one!!
Instead of stating the obvious - my children, my friends, and the warmth of the sun - being that I live in the tippy top of NY and winter lasts about nine months out of the year here; I have found the one thing that is inside of me that no one has ever been able to take away.
See, my kids go to their father's every other weekend, some of my friends come and go, and the sun doesn't always bring me warmth!
But deep down inside of me is this precious gift that belongs to me and is part of me. It shows its self to me no matter where I am and it enhances every aspect of my life in some way. This gift I speak of is in all of us, but more prominent in some than others. So what is it? It is IMAGINATION, and there is no end to its generosity in my existence.
Whether it be putting pencil to paper and crafting an artistic drawing, or filling up pages with as many words that I can type in thirty minutes, it brings me joy. From the moment I open my eyes in the morning til I close them at night, my gift of imagination fills my life with color and beauty. My conversations with people are enhanced with humor and wit. My ability to close my eyes and meditate brings peace to an otherwise stressful environment. My fabricated, written stories not only bring happiness into my own life, but also touch the lives of those who read them. My imagination encourages me to step outside of the box and create wonderful works of art that I share with people all over the world in one form or another. These works of art even offer me a supplemental income that helps me keep a roof over my head when times are tough.
I have been reading cards since the age of 13 and now at age 36, I have finally let myself express this love by creating inspirational decks for others to use in their practice. When I sit down to create them my entire body experiences a meditative, relaxed state and my heart is filled with so much joy that I am bursting at the seems with imagination. If you would like to see my creations, you may do so HERE.
On those days when my heart feels heavy, and I can't stand one more second of it, I take out my set of paints and add some imagination with them. At the end of an hour, I am redeemed and whole again! Imagination helps me enjoy all the other joys in my life - ten fold. :)
If anyone wants to get in touch with their creative spirit & imagination, I found this great Summer Solstice Craft idea HERE.
Now for a quick Summer Solstice Tarot Spread...
1. What do I need to Harvest? (Justice) -
I need to learn how to be fair to myself & to stop judging myself so harshly. I am my own worse critic. I also need to learn to manage my time more wisely. Some of my projects need my attention, but I do not give them the proper amount of time because I procrastinate! ha.
2&3. What tools do I need to use? (Hanged Man) -
Apparently a good set of scissors! LOL This will enable me to cut myself down and stop hanging around in areas that absorb my energy & time. I need to let go of things that are not important, and pay more attention to the things that are. Being in limbo is not doing me justice. ;)
Perhaps it might even be wise for me to stop involving myself in too many projects at once. Learn how to delegate some tasks to others.
(Chariot) -
I need to assert myself a little more in appropriate areas of my life and to learn to hone in on the things that will be most beneficial to me. Up until now, my life has had very little direction. This reading is telling me that I need to pick a direction and go with it instead of trying to go both at once!
4. What will this harvest bring into my life? (Death) -
Major transformations! I can put an end to my struggles and find new hope for me and my children, living a purpose filled life. :)
Summer Solstice Correspondences:
Keywords: Power, leadership, authority
Element: Fire
Direction: South
Cycle of the Wheel The Goddess gives birth to the Dark Twin and so becomes the Mother Goddess. In turn the God is now the God King and they enter into a formal sacred marriage in which he promises to lay down his life for the Goddess, the land and her people. The God reaches his height of power and God and Goddess are equal at their coronation.
But by the end of the day the God knows that henceforward he will grow weaker.
Energies: The high turning point as full power begins to wane from this day
Symbols: Brightly-coloured flowers, oak boughs or tall broad indigenous trees, golden fern pollen that is said to reveal buried treasure wherever it falls, scarlet, orange and yellow ribbons, gold coloured coins and any gold jewellery that can be empowered at the festival, any golden fruit or vegetables.
Animal: Bear
Tree: Oak
Incenses, flower and herbs: Chamomile, dill, elder, fennel, lavender, frankincense, orange, marigolds, rosemary, sage and sagebrush, St. John’s Wort, lemon verbena and vervain, any golden, red or orange flowers
Candle colours: Red, orange, gold
Crystals: Amber, carnelian or red jasper, sun stone; also sparkling crystal quartz spheres
Thanks for visiting my blog! May you and your imagination bring you joy this season.
Blessed Be
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Tater Salad Oracle Set - NEW!!
2 decks in 1 - great deal!
I have put together a really neat little package. If you are a card reader, you will appreciate the effort that has been put into this set of oracle cards.
It includes 22 Major Arcana Tarot Cards that I have named "Tater Salad Tarot."
also ...
It includes 36 Unique Lenormand Cards plus a yes/no card for extras. This is named "Tater Salad Lenormand."
So what's with the name?
The Lenormand cards have a silver color background that will not distract you if you are reading a GT. The images are minimal and left that way on purpose. These will make a great addition to any collection.
As for the Major Arcana cards, those have a rusted, vintage feel to them. The images are very powerful and are easy to relate to a normal Tarot deck. The only image that I have changed the name of is the"Hierophant." Instead, this card is named the "Shaman" in this deck.
Although there are two different decks here in this set, each card ties together nicely as they have the same backing to them. It is of a pinup girl and her picnic basket.
If you have never just used the Major Arcana for readings, have no worry because I will be sending you a link to a downloadable pdf file with a few spreads that only use these cards.
The cards themselves are poker size, and smooth to shuffle. They do not come with a box though - so you will want to find a bag to hold them in. They are shrink wrapped and sent directly from the printers. They are also very sturdy.
I hope you enjoy this "mod podge" of eclectic images. The size & the fact that they come in a set make it very convenient to take along with you in your pocket or purse! Two decks for the price of one!!
If you want to purchase this set you can do so by clicking <HERE>
Blessed Be
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Interview With the Chrysalis Tarot - Chrysalis Tarot Day 4
On my spare time, I love going to other blogs and reading about other people's take on Tarot. A couple of days ago I stumbled upon one of the neatest ways that I have seen yet in regards to getting to know any new decks that you may have accumulated and not used yet.
Samhain Moon interviews her decks and lets the deck tell us about its self! How cool is that? Since my Chrysalis Tarot is new, and I am using it this week, I thought it would be perfect as my first interviewed deck. I'm like a little kid in a candy store again, squealing in delight - so fun. I can't wait to see what the cards reveal to me.
What is your most important characteristic?
7 of mirrors. (7 of cups) - I am a spiritual counselor, and I can help others to see what they themselves are unable to see. I remind people that it is okay to be a dreamer, but keeping a firm grasp on reality is very important when making life altering decisions. I stand firm and I am a friend who will not lie to you or send you down a path in which you do not belong.
What are your strengths as a Tarot deck?
6 of spirals. (6 of wands) - I exuberant self confidence, and have the ability to help others to succeed. I am also not bragging, but I am very beautiful and will be recognized by many. :)
What are your limits?
Herne the Hunter. (The Chariot) - I can only point you in the right direction, but I can not force you to go that way. You yourself are in control of your own destiny. I am a tool.
What are you here to teach me?
Storyteller. (The Hermit) - I am here to show you how to listen to your inner guide, and trust in it. We do our best learning when we are alone with ourselves.
How can I best learn how to collaborate with you?
8 of stones. (8 of pentacles) - Become my apprentice and engage with me on a daily basis. Do not expect to receive perfect readings all the time. There is much to be learned.
What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
Green Man. (The Emperor) - You will become the author of your own story, and your life will remain on stable ground. Your confidence will go up.
Which card do you want to show off?
Sun. - Can you see the warmth in this card? My passion? Vitality? I want to help you see the beauty in life, and all the wonders of the environment around you!
How do you see me?
Elpi. (The Star) - I see you as a dreamer. Someone who is spiritual and full of hope. Your inspiration inspires others!
How do you see yourself?
Ariadne. (Death) - I am your tour guide. I will help you explore other dimensions. I will bring you to them. Bring you through them, and bring you back out of them. I am your light.
I have included lots of card images for you to see why this deck is a favorite of mine. It is pure delight to read with. I think it's the first deck I have really bonded with in such a short time. If anyone has any decks that they would like me to review for them, I would be glad to. Just email me HERE.
Blessed Be
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Chrysalis Tarot - Day 3
The spread comes from Biddy Tarot.
It is a three card spread answering the following information:
Current Situation / Obstacle / Advice.
My sitter's question today is :
"Can you give me an overview of my love life?"
It seems that the querent has been trying out on-line dating and looking for a partner who actually doesn't lie, and matches well with her. Each date she goes on ends up worse than the one before, and it's taking its toll on her.
Her Current Situation - 7 of mirrors - This card is equivalent to the 7 of cups in a traditional Tarot deck. The 7 of cups is about fantasy, illusion, wishful thinking, choices and imagination. In the Chrysalis Tarot LWB, it says that a beautiful lady spends day in and day out in isolation in her tower chamber. For her, the reality of the outside world is trapped in seven mirrors. This leaves her confused and unsatisfied. The 7 of mirrors is about discernment, false reality and free will. This card reminds you to keep a firm grip on what is real. Now in relation to my querent, it appears that in her current situation she may be fantasizing about the "perfect" man, but maybe her standards are a little too high. It can also be that she is trying to hard to find a relationship, when she should concentrate a bit more on just being happy with herself and loving who she is. Being a single, independent woman is a good thing. If you can't be happy on your own, then being with someone else will not make you happy either.
Obstacle - Ariadne - This card is equivalent to the Death card in a traditional Tarot deck. The Death card is about ending something so that one can begin something else. It is about changes, transitions and transformation. In the Chrysalis Tarot, we have an image of the Celtic Goddess Ariadne, who guards the gates of time. In her hand is a ball of yarn that she provides to all those who pass her. It is to be used to unwind on your way into the other dimension, or what some call the "afterlife." If you need to return to your former world, you will be able to retrace your steps and find your way back, safely. In relation to the querent, it appears that the obstacle that keeps her from finding true love is either her inability to trust herself and others, or that she tends to have what I like to call "tunnel vision" when she does involve herself with a man. Once in the relationship, all else becomes blurry and her focus is entirely on him and the relationship, forgetting who SHE IS along the way. A relationship is about "two" people, and it is important to remember this. Don't be that "disappearing woman." Stay true to yourself. Don't be so willing to give up everything just to be loved by someone else. - This may be easy for the querent to remember right now because she is currently single, once she is in a relationship - she forgets these things all too easily. I believe that the Universe or God if you will, is urging her to learn this lesson before getting involved again. You wouldn't go bungee jumping without knowing the string wasn't going to break would you?
Advice - Three of mirrors - This card is equivalent to the 3 of cups in a traditional Tarot deck. The 3 of cups is about having a sense of community, friendships, celebration and creativity. In the Chrysalis Tarot, we see an image of a lamb and a lion resting together. What a HUGE statement to have a lion anywhere near a lamb without eating it. LOL. The lion and the lamb symbolize self acceptance. We must discover and nurture within our own hearts before we are capable of extending compassion and love to others. The mirrors behind the two animals is making sure that they get a good look at their-selves every time they turn around. The mirrors won't give them the chance to forget who they truly are. This fits perfectly with the other cards. So the advice of the Tarot is for the querent to concentrate on herself instead of others right now, and to get to know who she is and what she truly wants out of life. It is only then that she will be able to find her true match. If she jumps into another relationship without taking this advice, she is bound to end up in another unhappy relationship.
Together the cards add up to 28, which in turn is 2+8 = 10. The number 10 in Tarot is The Wheel. The Wheel in the traditional Tarot deck represents life cycles, destiny and turning points. In the Chrysalis Tarot, the LWB says this card is reminding you that life resembles a game of chance. The wheel urges you to recall times in your life that may have been insignificant, but in hindsight reveal a path that eventually led you to some greater purpose. Learn from this memory and use it as you proceed forward with your life. It is then that you will have reached your turning point, and the right relationship for you will make its self known.
Blessed Be
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Courage Through Pain
Today is a revisit with my yearly reading that I did for myself back in January. If you would like to see the original post, you may do so HERE.
For the month of May 2014, it read like this ...
May - I will be exposed to a truth, and this will allow me to accept things and move on. I am assuming that this has to do with the above person. We seem to have an on again, off again type relationship - so this will probably be more of the same. We do not live in the same state as each other, so I don't allow myself to get too close to him anyway. Contentment with career. Although there will be frustrations, I will remain optimistic. This months virtue is about fortitude (courage in pain and adversity).
Here is what actually happened...
The person whom I thought the reading would be about, it is not him. In fact, I thought the entire years worth of reading might be related to him in some way, but I am thankful that is not the case anymore. The relationship didn't end, but it is no longer an option either. We both left it at friendship, and I saw through the crap a couple of months ago.
The truths that were exposed to me in May were that of two things. The first one, I had missed a friend that I had pushed out of my life, and realized just how much I still wanted him a part of my future. I am very thankful that he has a forgiving heart and has welcomed me back into his life gladly. :)
The other truth was that I have to let go of my friend who died six years ago. His spirit used to visit me frequently, but now it is less and less. I miss him terribly, and my heart still feels gashed open. I never got to say goodbye, as it was a freak accident, and the "could have beens" trouble me. It dawned on me after a conversation with my friend that I needed to probably let him go now, and let my memories be enough. In fact, it may be his time to reincarnate, and I may be keeping him here longer. This thought has bothered me a great deal, and I have had a few nightmares about the letting go process. In my near future, I will be having my own little ceremony to let him go. I don't want to hold him up any longer. Not an easy thing for me to do.
If anything, in the month of May, I definitely learned to have courage through the pain, and over come adversities in my life.
So far this yearly reading has been a real eye opener, and very accurate. I will probably use it again next year.
The truths that were exposed to me in May were that of two things. The first one, I had missed a friend that I had pushed out of my life, and realized just how much I still wanted him a part of my future. I am very thankful that he has a forgiving heart and has welcomed me back into his life gladly. :)
The other truth was that I have to let go of my friend who died six years ago. His spirit used to visit me frequently, but now it is less and less. I miss him terribly, and my heart still feels gashed open. I never got to say goodbye, as it was a freak accident, and the "could have beens" trouble me. It dawned on me after a conversation with my friend that I needed to probably let him go now, and let my memories be enough. In fact, it may be his time to reincarnate, and I may be keeping him here longer. This thought has bothered me a great deal, and I have had a few nightmares about the letting go process. In my near future, I will be having my own little ceremony to let him go. I don't want to hold him up any longer. Not an easy thing for me to do.
So far this yearly reading has been a real eye opener, and very accurate. I will probably use it again next year.
Blessed Be
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