Tonight's card is Rebirth XX. In traditional tarot it is the Judgement card, which does carry a Christian undertone that wouldn't fit with Druid/Wiccan spiritualities. The card shows a young child, nude, walking out of a temple. A man stands to his left sounding a trumpet. As in announcing the child's arrival, completion of a ritual, a new beginning to greet/witness.
This card is about heeding the call for change/renewal. The changes may already have begun, leaving you with the decision to make the most of it, using your resources creatively, or passively letting life take you in whatever direction it will.
This is where I find myself. Standing on the brink of change/renewal, knowing that the key lies in the decisions I make. There is alot to overcome, as in bad/lazy habits. You get comfortable doing things a certain way, don't want change to rock the boat and show you that your way isn't working out so well. Knowing that you have to leave some of these comforts behind, that they don't serve your wellbeing. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure holding you back, hesitating on that first and even second step. The question that can be even more frightening is...what happens if I don't take this first and second step? Then where will I be?
The reverse meaning states just exactly what I've just expressed. I don't think I've ever read that passage before. Food for much thought...
~Blue~
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Coincidence?
After my daily draw and post yesterday, I've been thinking about simplicity more and more. It's causing me to look at my possessions with a new eye. I am a packrat and do have too many things-some(okay maybe alot) of them can be disposed of, donated, sold, etc., without undue stress on my part.
My card today seemed quite appropriate. The 4 of Pentacles! Yep, here's a guy kneeling in front of a chest, a bag of treasures/coins/goodies by his side. He's got the key in the lock and is about to open the chest and store his bag of goodies inside.
This can be looked at in many different ways. Is he saving for his future? Storing keepsakes for future generations? Or is he adding to his already bulging collection of what I fondly refer to as "stuff"? There was a movie with Steve Martin in it, the name escapes me right now, but one of his lines is that everyone has to have their 'stuff'(or something to that effect).
The book refers to pentacles and fours both being associated with Earth, matter, material possessions.
All these connections in just 3 days..... I wonder what I'll draw for my daily card tomorrow?
~Blue~
My card today seemed quite appropriate. The 4 of Pentacles! Yep, here's a guy kneeling in front of a chest, a bag of treasures/coins/goodies by his side. He's got the key in the lock and is about to open the chest and store his bag of goodies inside.
This can be looked at in many different ways. Is he saving for his future? Storing keepsakes for future generations? Or is he adding to his already bulging collection of what I fondly refer to as "stuff"? There was a movie with Steve Martin in it, the name escapes me right now, but one of his lines is that everyone has to have their 'stuff'(or something to that effect).
The book refers to pentacles and fours both being associated with Earth, matter, material possessions.
All these connections in just 3 days..... I wonder what I'll draw for my daily card tomorrow?
~Blue~
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Something To Think About...
My daily draw for today was the Ten of Pentacles. Hmm....10's two days in a row....is it possibly an indication of changes to come? The ending of one cycle and the start of something new to take me in a different direction? Time will tell.
This card depicts 3 generations of a family, pet included, in a home setting. An elderly gentleman surrounded by wife, granddaughter, with daughter in the background. It is a reminder to never forget the blessings you have, the abundance of the life that surrounds you. Even during times of struggle, there is much to be grateful for and to acknowledge.
The funny thing is that I just finished reading an article on simple living. A woman and her husband had taken on a challenge and pared down their belongings to just 100 things(she didn't say whether they still adhere to that limit). She spoke of getting rid of their 2 vehicles, their TV, and many of their possessions. Biking and walking everywhere in their daily lives, moving to a smaller dwelling, reducing her work hours and income, working from home, having more time to enjoy their life, and being happier. She said it was a gradual process of a couple years.
It was a good example in today's world of that 10 of Pentacles. It's got me thinking along the lines of just exactly how much of my "stuff" is unnecesssary clutter. Tarot decks, books and accessories excluded(of course)! While some things, like giving up my car, would be impractical(not biking 15 miles to work on a Michigan winter day), It's a very appealing thought.
~Blue~
This card depicts 3 generations of a family, pet included, in a home setting. An elderly gentleman surrounded by wife, granddaughter, with daughter in the background. It is a reminder to never forget the blessings you have, the abundance of the life that surrounds you. Even during times of struggle, there is much to be grateful for and to acknowledge.
The funny thing is that I just finished reading an article on simple living. A woman and her husband had taken on a challenge and pared down their belongings to just 100 things(she didn't say whether they still adhere to that limit). She spoke of getting rid of their 2 vehicles, their TV, and many of their possessions. Biking and walking everywhere in their daily lives, moving to a smaller dwelling, reducing her work hours and income, working from home, having more time to enjoy their life, and being happier. She said it was a gradual process of a couple years.
It was a good example in today's world of that 10 of Pentacles. It's got me thinking along the lines of just exactly how much of my "stuff" is unnecesssary clutter. Tarot decks, books and accessories excluded(of course)! While some things, like giving up my car, would be impractical(not biking 15 miles to work on a Michigan winter day), It's a very appealing thought.
~Blue~
Monday, August 9, 2010
It has certainly been a long time since I've posted and nearly as long since I've worked very much with my tarot decks. There have been a few sporadic readings, but that's it. It's time to change that, so I've started posting in the DruidCraft Daily Draws thread. Just one card on most days, to nudge myself back into the habit of handling my deck and refocusing on things I've let drift in the pursuit of other 'entertainments'.
Today I drew the 10 of Swords. What an appropriate card to start out with. The tens are an indication of endings/closure and in the Druid/Wiccan traditions of the cycle/circle of life, there then follow beginnings.
I feel like this poor guy with all the swords sticking out of his back as he lays(or lies?) facedown on the ground. Things for me are at an extremely low point, so....the only way to go from here is up(I hope). One of my first thoughts when I saw the card, though, was that I've got to work on narrowing down the projects/books/interests that I've been trying to take on. So many things, so little time, and so of course, nothing is being accomplished. Then I feel bad, ready to give up, but I just can't do that. The thought of giving up on my projects, studies, and crafts frightens me. What would be left?
I did a reading last week with a spread that I kind of threw together when I was at the lake, when I've refined it a bit, I'll share it-the spread. Anyway, The basic theme of the reading/interpretation was that this is a time of suspension, a time of rest to gather my wits and make a plan to refocus and move forward. This is what I need to be doing right now.
As the summer days grow shorter and we head into fall, it's the perfect time to work my way back into study. Like the kids who are counting the days with excitement/trepidation/dread, waiting for the first day of school, I anticipate renewing my own studies, without the dread....just the excitement and trepidation.
~Blue~
Today I drew the 10 of Swords. What an appropriate card to start out with. The tens are an indication of endings/closure and in the Druid/Wiccan traditions of the cycle/circle of life, there then follow beginnings.
I feel like this poor guy with all the swords sticking out of his back as he lays(or lies?) facedown on the ground. Things for me are at an extremely low point, so....the only way to go from here is up(I hope). One of my first thoughts when I saw the card, though, was that I've got to work on narrowing down the projects/books/interests that I've been trying to take on. So many things, so little time, and so of course, nothing is being accomplished. Then I feel bad, ready to give up, but I just can't do that. The thought of giving up on my projects, studies, and crafts frightens me. What would be left?
I did a reading last week with a spread that I kind of threw together when I was at the lake, when I've refined it a bit, I'll share it-the spread. Anyway, The basic theme of the reading/interpretation was that this is a time of suspension, a time of rest to gather my wits and make a plan to refocus and move forward. This is what I need to be doing right now.
As the summer days grow shorter and we head into fall, it's the perfect time to work my way back into study. Like the kids who are counting the days with excitement/trepidation/dread, waiting for the first day of school, I anticipate renewing my own studies, without the dread....just the excitement and trepidation.
~Blue~
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Summer Solstice Reading #2.
The perfect way to for me spend part of the day on the Solstice was to go out to the lake. I packed up a sandwich, my swimsuit and towel, snacks, the DruidCraft, book and my journal and headed to the State Park. At 8:30 am, I was the only person at the beach. Aside from the workers cleaning the restrooms and changing trash bags, my only companions were a mama duck and her 10 ducklings.
I found Bodhran's Summer Solstice Spread in the spreads forum on AT(linked at the top right of my blog). It looked like the perfect spread for this occasion.
Placing The Sun in the center of the spread(who had already visited me this morning), I drew the cards.
1. During the Summer Solstice, more light is available to us. What in my life has been in shadow, that I need to shine a bright light on so I can see it clearly for what it is.
Seven of Pentacles-Another repeater from my Sunrise Fire reading this morning, in the mind position. For it to show up here is an indication to me to pay close attention to it. Here, obviously, the keywords in general apply: Magic, Spirituality, Research. These have lain neglected for too long.
2. The word Solstice comes for the latin "sol"(meaning sun) and "sistere"(meaning to cause to stand still). What in my life am I trying to force into happening when instead I need to be still and patient?
The Prince of Wands- He and his horse are charging ahead, in full gear, off to face his challenges. Yet his eyes are closed....(the court cards are a weak point for me, so this all comes from the book). The Prince of Wands is full of enthusiasm and energy. He loves to initiate projects and to have ideas, but he has truoble completing them - his eagerness is greater than his commitmenmt to seeing things through. For your personal development, it would be wise to work on cultivating reliability, attention to detail, commitment, and the ability to deliver on your promises-to yourself and to others."
~I need to stop planning "projects" and concentrate on fulfilling my promises(already made) to my "self". ~
*Added during my edits-however, considering the rest of my reading there is one project that needs starting and completing as it will be an integral part of my life.
3. The Solstice is often called the midsummer because it is roughly in the middle of the growing season. What in my life is fertile and productive now? What are my opportunities for growth?
Seven of Cups - A youth is gazing into a pool that reflects 6 cups, nothing more than visions. One full cup is by his side. This card talks about "dreams, ideas, visions we can conjur up within our soul. It is vital that we appreciate the difference between the world of imagination and the physical world."
In this position it's saying that I need to be careful to strike the delicate balance between my dreams and visions of what I want my life to become, and the practicality of achieving these goals in reality.
4. After Summer Solstice, the days gradually become shorter,and the Sun's strenth wanes as winter approaches. What is waning in my life? What do I need to release?
The Lady(Empress). Seeing this shocked me. I was baffled. What could possibly be good about allowing the Lady's energies wane? Reading the book description didn't help. As I sat and stared at the card, nothing came to me. Giving up, I went for a swim, and while I was floating around, the picture in my mind, I noticed the abundance again, so many things in her arms. An aspect I hadn't thought of-at least not in terms of something that needs releasing.
I've spent quite a bit over the last couple months on tarot decks, books, and craft supplies. Now a reduced schedule and car problems have left me very short on cash. My spending is done for awhile. This led me down a whole train of thought about the 'things' in my life that I've accumulated that have 'a' value, but not 'true' value on a higher level for me. A desire for developing a simpler lifestyle with less 'stuff' has haunted the back of my mind lately. Paring down some of the excess is the new project I mentioned, finding ways to live a simpler life.
The Solstice was a life-changing day for me. Spending time with the messages from these readings has been eye opening.
~Thanks For Stopping By~
I found Bodhran's Summer Solstice Spread in the spreads forum on AT(linked at the top right of my blog). It looked like the perfect spread for this occasion.
Placing The Sun in the center of the spread(who had already visited me this morning), I drew the cards.
1. During the Summer Solstice, more light is available to us. What in my life has been in shadow, that I need to shine a bright light on so I can see it clearly for what it is.
Seven of Pentacles-Another repeater from my Sunrise Fire reading this morning, in the mind position. For it to show up here is an indication to me to pay close attention to it. Here, obviously, the keywords in general apply: Magic, Spirituality, Research. These have lain neglected for too long.
2. The word Solstice comes for the latin "sol"(meaning sun) and "sistere"(meaning to cause to stand still). What in my life am I trying to force into happening when instead I need to be still and patient?
The Prince of Wands- He and his horse are charging ahead, in full gear, off to face his challenges. Yet his eyes are closed....(the court cards are a weak point for me, so this all comes from the book). The Prince of Wands is full of enthusiasm and energy. He loves to initiate projects and to have ideas, but he has truoble completing them - his eagerness is greater than his commitmenmt to seeing things through. For your personal development, it would be wise to work on cultivating reliability, attention to detail, commitment, and the ability to deliver on your promises-to yourself and to others."
~I need to stop planning "projects" and concentrate on fulfilling my promises(already made) to my "self". ~
*Added during my edits-however, considering the rest of my reading there is one project that needs starting and completing as it will be an integral part of my life.
3. The Solstice is often called the midsummer because it is roughly in the middle of the growing season. What in my life is fertile and productive now? What are my opportunities for growth?
Seven of Cups - A youth is gazing into a pool that reflects 6 cups, nothing more than visions. One full cup is by his side. This card talks about "dreams, ideas, visions we can conjur up within our soul. It is vital that we appreciate the difference between the world of imagination and the physical world."
In this position it's saying that I need to be careful to strike the delicate balance between my dreams and visions of what I want my life to become, and the practicality of achieving these goals in reality.
4. After Summer Solstice, the days gradually become shorter,and the Sun's strenth wanes as winter approaches. What is waning in my life? What do I need to release?
The Lady(Empress). Seeing this shocked me. I was baffled. What could possibly be good about allowing the Lady's energies wane? Reading the book description didn't help. As I sat and stared at the card, nothing came to me. Giving up, I went for a swim, and while I was floating around, the picture in my mind, I noticed the abundance again, so many things in her arms. An aspect I hadn't thought of-at least not in terms of something that needs releasing.
I've spent quite a bit over the last couple months on tarot decks, books, and craft supplies. Now a reduced schedule and car problems have left me very short on cash. My spending is done for awhile. This led me down a whole train of thought about the 'things' in my life that I've accumulated that have 'a' value, but not 'true' value on a higher level for me. A desire for developing a simpler lifestyle with less 'stuff' has haunted the back of my mind lately. Paring down some of the excess is the new project I mentioned, finding ways to live a simpler life.
The Solstice was a life-changing day for me. Spending time with the messages from these readings has been eye opening.
~Thanks For Stopping By~
My Solstice Readings, finally
It all started in the pre-dawn hours Monday morning. I'm an early bird anyway, and it being the longest day of the year, I decided to build a campfire and wait for the first signs of light. Kind of my own little fire festival to welcome Summer.
I brought out my DruidCraft and the lovely pouch that Mi-Shell designed for it and smudged them in my Solstice fire's smoke. Then sat down to do a simple Mind, Body, Spirit reading. It follows:
Mind-7 of Pentacles, shows a robed figure harvesting mistletoe with a curved sickle knife(a boline?). This card, for me, is an example of performing the sacred, the essential. Harvesting. And in the context of the mind-study, learning, a period of spiritual study.
Body-Queen of Pentacles, a queen with a very earthy essense, she's comfortable in who she is, expresses herself creatively(here, she's drumming). I get a sense of "pleasure in the simple" from her. *Acceptance of my physical self, yet a willingness to work to make healthy changes* While this isn't particularly demonstrated in the card, I feel that if we sat down to talk, that would be her advice to me.
Spirit- The Sun. Possibilities, potential, a sense of optimism(and the perfect card for a Solstice reading). A young child on horseback, he glows with this. In the position of Spirit, it indicates a period of connection to divinity, of growth. And at this time, for me, guidance on the direction of my spiritual path. A time for study and exploration to help define what my personal spirituality is evolving into.
While normally a 3 card draw, this reading became 4. As I moved the deck aside, the bottom card dropped and flipped face up, so, of course it-the 5 of Cups- was added, becoming the Self/shadow card. This card shows a lone robed figure facing the water, watching a fish jump(salmon), being chased by an otter(I know this because of the book). Behind him/her 2 full cups sit on a flat rock, 3 are spilled on the ground. For me, the cups on the ground are actions past, the 2 full cups possibilities yet to come. I see the figure in the card as myself, on a quest that can only be journeyed alone.
This reading blew me away, discussing study, experience, potential, acceptance of self. All things I've felt quite adrift in lately.
It is now the moment of the Solstice(7:28 am) and time to give thanks and spread out the ashes of my fire. For less than a heartbeat, time stands still, all sound ceases....it is now Summer.....
~Thanks For Stopping By~
I brought out my DruidCraft and the lovely pouch that Mi-Shell designed for it and smudged them in my Solstice fire's smoke. Then sat down to do a simple Mind, Body, Spirit reading. It follows:
Mind-7 of Pentacles, shows a robed figure harvesting mistletoe with a curved sickle knife(a boline?). This card, for me, is an example of performing the sacred, the essential. Harvesting. And in the context of the mind-study, learning, a period of spiritual study.
Body-Queen of Pentacles, a queen with a very earthy essense, she's comfortable in who she is, expresses herself creatively(here, she's drumming). I get a sense of "pleasure in the simple" from her. *Acceptance of my physical self, yet a willingness to work to make healthy changes* While this isn't particularly demonstrated in the card, I feel that if we sat down to talk, that would be her advice to me.
Spirit- The Sun. Possibilities, potential, a sense of optimism(and the perfect card for a Solstice reading). A young child on horseback, he glows with this. In the position of Spirit, it indicates a period of connection to divinity, of growth. And at this time, for me, guidance on the direction of my spiritual path. A time for study and exploration to help define what my personal spirituality is evolving into.
While normally a 3 card draw, this reading became 4. As I moved the deck aside, the bottom card dropped and flipped face up, so, of course it-the 5 of Cups- was added, becoming the Self/shadow card. This card shows a lone robed figure facing the water, watching a fish jump(salmon), being chased by an otter(I know this because of the book). Behind him/her 2 full cups sit on a flat rock, 3 are spilled on the ground. For me, the cups on the ground are actions past, the 2 full cups possibilities yet to come. I see the figure in the card as myself, on a quest that can only be journeyed alone.
This reading blew me away, discussing study, experience, potential, acceptance of self. All things I've felt quite adrift in lately.
It is now the moment of the Solstice(7:28 am) and time to give thanks and spread out the ashes of my fire. For less than a heartbeat, time stands still, all sound ceases....it is now Summer.....
~Thanks For Stopping By~
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Poker anyone?
I haven't been here in a month. That seems to be a bad habit of mine. One that's been added to the "To Do" list, well breaking it...anyways...
June 12th, New Moon, time for a look at where I am and what the coming month holds for me.
Eowyn's New Moon Spread
..3..
..2..
..1..
..0..
1. What lays on your dark depths. What is unseen. What we stumble against in the dark nights. 8 of Cups. A mermaid swimming toward the depths, holding one cup while 7 others float in a swirl around her. This "is" what I stumble against in the dark. Going to those depths. Out of fear, lack of concentration, distractions, whatever you want to call it, I never manage to get to those depths where I'll find wholeness, answers. It seems to be a month that will have me looking deeper-Im sure it's past time for me to be doing this kind of personal work.
2. What will begin to show, to arise. 8 of Swords. With the shadows(skulls) of others underfoot, the swan entrapped inside the circle of swords is frustrated, using energy better spent in finding solutions(which that cute little hummingbird has, by the way). I have found myself beating my wings in useless wastes of energies of late, while ignoring/avoiding my solutions.
3. What will illuminate the dark path. The key in the night. 8 of Pentacles. Whoa, THREE 8's, hence the title. I see a spider's web with 8 bright orbs caught in the webbing. The spider sits in the center. She's got what she needs to survive/ feed. So do I. Spiders represent knowledge, and I believe her message to me is to use the resources I have, to be prepared to do the work that is required. Her web is large and intricate, that took some diligent work to create. Strand by strand, that's how to go about things.
0. Yourself. The shadow card from the base of the deck. The Hermit. Why am I not surprised to see this card here? I am the Hermit, alone on the mountaintop. However the scene is well lit, the moon shines behind me and my lantern glows brightly. Perhaps the Hermit's accumulated wisdom will be a guiding force in my life at this time. As she's gazing to the left(associated with the past), I think that I may find some of my answers by solving/healing things from the past. (Well, duh)
Some thoughts on putting this all together.
Cups = emotional issues.
Swords = inspiration, seeking knowledge.
Pentacles = manifestation, actions, physical world.
And then there's all those 8's.
8 = strength. This indicates that I'll need my strengths in place. Things aren't going to come all that easy, but in order to move forward, "must" be dealt with, methodically and thoroughly.
The Hermit = Well, who else can carry out all this work? It is a very solitary pursuit.
I've just kind of let things slide, lately. Felt adrift, no focus. I can procrastinate and dream with the best of them. I'm usually energized and inspired at this time of year, "usually", but not so this year. This reading is a wake-up call that the slacking is over that it's time for some serious work to begin, get myself re-organized, take care of the small details that I've let go. The clutter(details) has built up around me and now must be cleared in order to focus on my personal work ahead.
When I began working with the DruidCraft for my PDR, I got some very seriously personal readings and wasn't inclined to share them here, so I switched decks intending to do some more general readings. The Shadowscapes has proved to be the same way. So, I'm not going to fight it, I'm going to start sharing more of the readings, and insights here.
*and yes, I did notice that the 8 of Swords was in the last reading that I recorded here*
~Thanks For Stopping By~
Leigh
June 12th, New Moon, time for a look at where I am and what the coming month holds for me.
Eowyn's New Moon Spread
..3..
..2..
..1..
..0..
1. What lays on your dark depths. What is unseen. What we stumble against in the dark nights. 8 of Cups. A mermaid swimming toward the depths, holding one cup while 7 others float in a swirl around her. This "is" what I stumble against in the dark. Going to those depths. Out of fear, lack of concentration, distractions, whatever you want to call it, I never manage to get to those depths where I'll find wholeness, answers. It seems to be a month that will have me looking deeper-Im sure it's past time for me to be doing this kind of personal work.
2. What will begin to show, to arise. 8 of Swords. With the shadows(skulls) of others underfoot, the swan entrapped inside the circle of swords is frustrated, using energy better spent in finding solutions(which that cute little hummingbird has, by the way). I have found myself beating my wings in useless wastes of energies of late, while ignoring/avoiding my solutions.
3. What will illuminate the dark path. The key in the night. 8 of Pentacles. Whoa, THREE 8's, hence the title. I see a spider's web with 8 bright orbs caught in the webbing. The spider sits in the center. She's got what she needs to survive/ feed. So do I. Spiders represent knowledge, and I believe her message to me is to use the resources I have, to be prepared to do the work that is required. Her web is large and intricate, that took some diligent work to create. Strand by strand, that's how to go about things.
0. Yourself. The shadow card from the base of the deck. The Hermit. Why am I not surprised to see this card here? I am the Hermit, alone on the mountaintop. However the scene is well lit, the moon shines behind me and my lantern glows brightly. Perhaps the Hermit's accumulated wisdom will be a guiding force in my life at this time. As she's gazing to the left(associated with the past), I think that I may find some of my answers by solving/healing things from the past. (Well, duh)
Some thoughts on putting this all together.
Cups = emotional issues.
Swords = inspiration, seeking knowledge.
Pentacles = manifestation, actions, physical world.
And then there's all those 8's.
8 = strength. This indicates that I'll need my strengths in place. Things aren't going to come all that easy, but in order to move forward, "must" be dealt with, methodically and thoroughly.
The Hermit = Well, who else can carry out all this work? It is a very solitary pursuit.
I've just kind of let things slide, lately. Felt adrift, no focus. I can procrastinate and dream with the best of them. I'm usually energized and inspired at this time of year, "usually", but not so this year. This reading is a wake-up call that the slacking is over that it's time for some serious work to begin, get myself re-organized, take care of the small details that I've let go. The clutter(details) has built up around me and now must be cleared in order to focus on my personal work ahead.
When I began working with the DruidCraft for my PDR, I got some very seriously personal readings and wasn't inclined to share them here, so I switched decks intending to do some more general readings. The Shadowscapes has proved to be the same way. So, I'm not going to fight it, I'm going to start sharing more of the readings, and insights here.
*and yes, I did notice that the 8 of Swords was in the last reading that I recorded here*
~Thanks For Stopping By~
Leigh
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