The Wheel Of The Year Reading

The Veil is thinning -
The invisible curtains are being drawn aside.
Whispers filter through.
Voices of those long passed, are carried on the wind;
Caught in the tumbling leaves.
Ghostly presence occupies space,
The Spirits walk among us.
Now is the time for divination,
The hours to ask for guidance.
When the moon is high in the night sky,
Raw energy can be harnessed.
Loved ones beam at you unseen from the curtains shadow,
Opaque and shimmering.
Answer the voices,
Hone in your power,
This shared energy...
The bewitching hour.
Feel them
See them
Use them.
Be grateful and reward them.
Pull your cards knowing that today they have decades, centuries, of magic and energy penetrating them from the Otherside.
Turn your runes with assertion.
Sip your tea, and gaze at the stories the leaves have to tell.
Open your mind,
But...
More importantly,
Open your heart.
They're waiting...

                                                      ---------------------------------

Hello my loves.
Happy Samhain.
This is going to be one super long reading/blog post to trudge through!

Here today, the first day of the pagan year - I bring you a 12 card reading. Each card represents a month in the year to come. And as I pulled them, I thought of wheels and turning, calenders and dates...all whilst whispering into the darkness;
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

The table on which I did this reading is magic in itself. Passed on to me from my white witch, great auntie...I can only imagine the things it has witnessed. A round table, just like Arthurs.
In the short year it has been with me, it has been used for many...many midnight tarot sessions. Many early morning tea readings. It's helped me to aid those who've needed my guidance the most in their hours of need.


So - Here is your completed spread.

The first month to start with is of course - October.
And as this month is now at an end, I tend to find that this card will often reflect, your current state. So if you like, this card represents you in the present.

I pulled; EIGHT OF WANDS

This card shows freedom, space to move and breathe. It is often associated with travel. More-so it represents movement and action taking place. Progress has been made. There is an element of home and togetherness to this card.

November
THE WHEEL 

This card represents a turning point in your life. The wheel is ever spinning, cycles are in motion. Things come and go - and the wheel suggest luck and karma are on your side this month.

December
KNIGHT OF WANDS

The knight implies you need to follow an idea. Take action! He has commitment and energy - along with a desire for passion and adventure. You may need to be a little impulsive this December...But make sure that whatever you do, you give it your all.

January
FIVE OF CUPS

Traditionally this card is a card of loss, bereavement and regret. However it is also asking you 'Is your cup half empty? Or half full?' Sometimes we can get so lost in our grief and disappointment, that we miss positive aspects to situations, or other positives happening in the world around us.
You may have these feelings in the month of January, but remember to look at all sides of the coin.

February
KING OF SWORDS

This King is all about clear and intellectual thinking. Decisions may need to be made this month. The King reminds us that a good leader must remain detached and objective. You need to take on the role of an authority figure, and take charge of the truth.

March
TEMPERANCE

This is the card of balance. It reminds us to best take all things in moderation. You need to be able to take the middle road, and avoid extremes. Stay true to your purpose, and remember patience is a virtue.

April
SIX OF PENTACLES

Now is a time to share wealth and prosperity. This card tells you to be charitable to those in need. Your generosity is crucial this month.  This card reminds you to be grateful for what you have, and thankful when your money income and outgoings are in balance.

May
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

Sticking with money for the month of May. This knight shows you, you need to be efficient and methodical to achieve your goals. And whilst your current goals may not be big and wordly, with focus and patience, everything you set out to achieve will be met with success.

June
EIGHT OF SWORDS

Uh-oh! You're doing it again. Being your own worst enemy? Stop that!
This card suggests an imprisonment and confinement, that resides firmly in your mind. Break free of these bonds, and take off your blindfold. Follow the path you wish to take, and ignore those niggling bad thoughts that restrict your dreams.

July
NINE OF PENTACLES

All that money work you did these prior months are paying off. This card suggests luxury coming your way. You feel that you have reached a point in your life where you are self-confident and self-sufficient. With some self-discipline you can succeed!

August
DEATH

Endings and beginnings. As we near the end of The Wheel of the Year, change descends upon you. A journey is about to be undertaken, as the wheel moves you to another position. The end is near for a major aspect of your life - but remember all endings are a beginning, and this one looks to be fruitful and trans-formative.

September
THE MAGICIAN

You have every thing you need before you.
You are the magic...
Always remember that!
                                                             ----------------------------------

Have a glorious All Hallows Eve!

Let me know in the comments what you are doing to celebrate this major holiday!

Enjoy it.

Jade
xoxo

My apologies....

Hello my dears.
I have abandoned you.
I am deeply sorry...but I'm also not.

Having a vast amount of time off from work, I have unintentionally taken a break from my blogging routine.
I still love you all - but in this time, I am learning to love myself again.
My life is far too full of amazing distractions right now to be sat in front of the computer screen for too long!

I've bought more presents for myself than ever before in my life.
I'm experimenting with new food, and branching out into the world of health shops.
I'm getting through my 'to read' list.
I'm building the bonds with my kitty, even more so than before.
Matt and I are busy off adventuring.
I've ventured out into the night life around me.
And I'm actually managing alone time in the forest, to meditate and just be.

So I hope you can all forgive me.
Life got busy in a good way,
And I don't need the internet and blogging to distract me from the mundane-ness of life.

I will still bring to you as promised, your Samhain tarot reading with a 12 card spread!
I will update you from my adventures in good old Scotland.
And I may post other things...
I may post tomorrow...
If I feel like it.
But I am not making and promises for timelines or specific blogs whilst I am enjoying this splendid break and peace.

Life is what you make it.
So make it worthwhile.

Love and Light,
Jade 
xoxo

Boux Avenue

Sometimes it's nice to feel spoiled.

This morning I woke up to find the curtains drawn, sun streaming onto the bed; a cup of earl grey accompanying a delectable plate of vegan pain au chocolat, and my book ready beside me.
How else would you want to wake up on a Sunday afternoon.

Something else that should make all women feel spoiled is their lingerie. The famous quote by Greta Garbo, springs instantly to mind at the thought of lace underthings.

“My lingerie? No one will ever see it; it’s terribly expensive and nobody will ever know it’s silk. I know it, and knowing it, I’ll walk differently.”

Now I haven't delved into the world of expensive, luxurious undies in years, but thanks to a friend I had a wonderful trip that rekindled my passion.

I've recently made purchases from the wonderful 'BOUX AVENUE'.

http://www.bouxavenue.com/

Oh my. I won't even get you started on their changing rooms - It was like stepping into a french boutique. Each room was given a suite name, had a connoisseur button, and even came fitted with changeable mood lighting.
 Whilst you can buy online, I would at least first, find the store closest to you and go for a free fitting.
Us girls know the horror of changing bra sizes!
So get it checked, and I promise it will be worth it.

This bra and pant set had me instantly giddy.
The 'Tori Lace' set, colour grey mix.
Plunge Bra priced at £25
Matching Briefs at £12

How pretty is that?

I'm saving it for all of my upcoming birthday meals this week.

~ All the Boux Avenue lingerie comes with this little metal plate sewn on.

Personally I think it just adds a touch of elegance to the piece, it's not distracting or uncomfortable, but implies that you're buying from a proud company.
It still has tags inside also, but if you're brave enough take the advice of one, Dita Von Teese, and cut them out! Nobody wants to be prodded by labels, or wants a ghastly size and wash guide poking out of their bra.

This next set, is perfect to be worn everyday.
Simple black and white - classic
The 'Georgia Spot Mesh' set.
Balconette bra priced at £26
Matching thong at £12

This bra is so comfortable! Perfect fit and shaping so there is no chafing anywhere.
And also the thong, is not super skinny, so none of that uber-uncomfortableness!

The fabric and lace work is very intricate and beautiful. Alot of attention to detail has gone into the designing of these pieces. They feel sturdy, and good quality.
Of-course with undies this nice, you really only want to be hand washing these garments. I won't even put them on a delicate cycle in the machine.
For me it's in the sink, 'Lush Cosmetics' Willow Soap, and a few drops of essential oils in boiling water.

This set I picked up in the sale.
'Diva Stripe'
Plunge Bra reduced to £10
And the matching thong a ridiculous £4

This set makes me feel like I need to buy a pinstripe pencil skirt, and the stipes make me walk with a bit of swagger. Adorn a pair of heels, and have a good prance around in this!
                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I also managed to get some beautiful nightwear.
'Nightwear' mostly being code for 'sexy time' ;)

The first being this beautiful deep purple chemise and robe set.
'Cheryl Satin'
God it's divine on the skin!
Truly luxurious...

The robe is excellent to slip on after a shower or bath, or whilst donning your make-up.

(Concentration face)

The set will set you back £48, but after milling around the house in it, I'd say its worth it.

 ~ And lastly,
I'll show you sneak peaks of this one, but some things should be kept for just you and your lover.

For those of you interested this is the 'Melanie Satin and Lace Chemise' and costs £35
Want to feel sexy?
Pick up one of these babies.
Even if it's just for yourself...you deserve to feel sexy.

Love,
Jade
xoxoxo

Tarot Thursday

I'm sat here in my snuggly dressing gown with a mug of Chai - feeling awful!
Not the sick kind-of awful (I haven't suffered an illness since turning vegan ten months ago!)
But I feel so bad for neglecting you lovely lot last week.

I missed Tarot Thursday, so this week, I'm here to give you a full Compass Spread Reading.

I drew these cards out in my sun room, with rain pouring all around, banging on the see-through roof. Dripping down the window panes, a solitary candle on the windowsill....

Card 1 - The card in the center, represents you.

Here I pulled;

The King Of Cups.

This card says that your current state is emotional and creative. The King of cups is restrained and controlled in his emotions. You are in perfect balance with intellect and emotion. This card represents strong bonds and relationships based on understanding. This card tells you, you are in control! It suggests you remain compassionate and aid in counselling others.

Card 2 - Is the card to the right, the East, which represents New Beginnings.

Seven Of Pentacles

It is a time of healing, spiritually but also financially. Material wealth and mental reward are heading your way. Past investments are about to pay off for you. Profit will come from your vision, and the effort you've put in.

Card 3 - The bottom card, is the South - This shows the source of your passion.

The Knight Of Cups

Court cards often represent people coming into your life. This card is often known as The Knight in Shining armour. It is a card of romance, and charm. The Knight of Cups is a more feminine knight, being more intune with his emotions, and trusting his intuitions. Someone or something is going to emotionally benefit your life. This knight is attractive to everyone, he is in love with love itself.

Card 4 - The West, represents your dreams, and unconcious mystery.

The Heirophant

This card suggests you wish to follow tradition, to be taught the old ways. In his basic form the Heirophant is a teacher, a guide...he is your mentor. Someone who can help you realise your dreams. In my deck, The WildWood Tarot, this card is titled 'The Ancestor', and I think this is very fitting. The Rider Waite tarot shows more of a leading religious figure for orthodox practice. However if you think about how much we have to learn from those who came before us, even from those within our family tree...there is a vast amount of knowledge to learn.

Card 5 - The card on top, The Norths, shows where your wisdom comes from.

Eight Of Swords

Generally this card is more of a negative shadow card. But in this spot in the Compass Spread, we are more than likely talking about past events. So no need to fret.
This card says that you have learnt from your struggles. You have broken down the wall of your own mind, and become stronger from it. You have endured at your own hands....never do it again.

-------------------------------

My vegan kind box arrived this week, so a review of that will be up soon.
Aswell as an account of the lingere I've bought from 'Boux Avenue' this month. My first visit to the store went exceedingly well, and it has rekindled my love with sexy lingere.

Keep your eyes open for these, and maybe a special recipe will be shared aswell.

Enjoy your week my loves.

Jade
xoxox

Snippets of home

How to start a reading...

Everyone you speak to will have different methods for pulling cards, for shuffling a deck - they'll say there way is the right way.
And it is....
For them.
You need to find a way that works for you when it comes to doing a tarot reading. But sometime listening to other peoples traditions and ways, may spark something inside you.
When a girl who's in 'The Parlour' with me, said that she taps her deck three times after doing a reading, I thought 'Oh! That's a bit strange...I've never heard of that before.' Next time I did a reading, without me even consciously deciding it, my index finger moved on top of my deck, and before my eyes it tapped three times.
And now that has stuck.
I do it every time.
Obviously something triggered in me when it was mentioned, and my body and mind thought it was the right thing to do,


Let's start then, with setting up for a reading.

You need to prepare your reading space, but you also need to prepare yourself.
I start by putting on some music, and brewing myself some lovely, cleansing green tea. Wash out those toxins and bad energies.
Do a bit of a stretch and a wiggle, as you brush the days stress from your shoulders.
Clear your mind of everything except your deck.
Light your candles.
Get that incense going around you, long before you start reading.
Fill the air with your favorite scent.
Set the mood.

If I'm doing a particularly large or special reading, I like to physically cleanse my body also, with a long salt bath. Lots of healing essential oils rubbed into my skin.
I'll be doing this for the 12 card spread I have planned for Samhain.
One reading for me, one reading for you.

Sit comfortably before your reading space.
Even if your reading space is just the floor before you - lay out some crystals, a favourite ornament, an incense cone...make it magic.
It's no good to start a reading if you're all fidgety.
Let go.
Relax.
Breathe.

Feel yourself connecting to the earth.
Ground yourself.
Find your center, your magic core, and get ready to use it.

                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now there are two main ways to set up your cards.
I'll start with my main and, up until recently, only method for pulling cards.

 I will shuffle my cards first with a blank mind. Listen to that music you've put on, and sink into the cards, let your magic flow into the ink at your fingertips.
Remember that whilst they are an often beautiful and useful tool - YOU are the source of the reading.
The magic, the divination is coming from inside you.

Once I feel truly comfortable, I split my deck into three on my reading area. (3 is a magic number remember) And then letting my unconcious be my guide, I retrieve the cards into one solid pile, using my dominant hand.

 Now whilst shuffling again, I focus on my question or the reason behind the reading. Often silently thinking it in my head, but sometimes having to say it out loud.
In amongst all this shuffling, I take the deck and hold it to my heart with both hands. I clearly say the question once more in my head.
And then I simply shuffle until my heart tells me to stop.
I often feel a bit of a tug in my chest.
My hands falter in their rythmic pattern.
And I know that I am at the right space in the deck.

And finally I place my deck to the left of my space, and pull the cards one by one from the top of the deck. I leave them face down to start with. So the next card can be pulled while my mind is still peaceful - not reeling from what the previous card meant.
Here I use my left hand as it is the one closest to my heart.

                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The other way - which has never before worked for me with any deck, is arcing the cards.
But oddly enough, I knew this was the only way to use my Faerie Oracle deck. I don't know why. I could shuffle that deck for hours, and never experience that sensation to stop.
Now this kind-of set-up is most useful for one card pulls.
It would be possible to do a multiple card spread - but it almost makes you lack that gut instinct, and you end up just picking cards at random. You'd also require a HUGE reading space.

Arcing the cards can be tricky, and requires a bucketload of practice. But also the right surface.
Do not try and arc your deck on a shiny, slippery table. The results will be messy and unpleasant to look at.
Carpet is your friend here.
So taking your dominant hand, (after some mild shuffling) firmly grasp your deck.
Make sure you have plenty of room to your right to pull the cards.
Using the required pressure - which can be quite a bit - slowly drag your cards.

They should slip away from each other, falling into this wonderful arc like shape.

It does not have to be perfect, but if you are planning on using this technique for others, it is aesthetically pleasing and impressive to create a near perfect arc.

Next, you scan the cards with your eyes.
Take in anything that stands out to you.
Does a certain card draw your eye in? Is a certain side of the deck pulling your attention?
You can use your hand to hover just above the cards.
Do your fingers tingle over a certain card?
Is your hand drawn over a certain section?

Go with your gut. And pull your card.

And that's it.
My two methods for setting up a reading.
Feel free to share any special quirks you have in the comments?
I'd love to here how others practice the craft and their divination.

I've got loads more to share with you, so don't forget to keep checking back.

Jade
xoxox