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

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

Tarot Thursday

Sorry for my radio silence - work has been really hectic. But I'm here as always for tarot thursday. To share some wisdom from the other side with you.

Today, I did a variation of your typical three card spread.

The card in the middle is the first card you lay down, card number one. In this spread it asks the question; Who Am I?
Who are you?
It represents your current state, or maybe a core foundation to your life.

Card 2 which is the card laid to the left asks, Where do I come from? 
A bit more than just asking about the past, here you are asking for a specific factor of your past, that is going to affect the you now, and the you of the future.

The final card asks, Where Am I Heading?
What does the future hold?

For your first card I pulled; The Eight of Swords

You feel trapped. But you are trapped in your own imagination, by your own perceptions and thoughts. Remember your mind is your own worst enemy. Now is not the time to make decisions, your views are compromised. You need to take off that blindfold, and see things differently. Clear your mind, and focus on what is truth, and what is important. There is a clear path before you, if only you look to see it.

The second card, which is where you have come from, was; The Ace Of Swords

Aces symbolise new beginnings, fresh starts. You have a strong heart, and have had to make hard choices. You've found the strength to use your potential. You've had a significant 'aha' moment of clarity and breakthrough, that has helped shape your future.

And lastly, but by no means least - the future spot.
Where are you heading?
I was scared to pull this, in case I got a really negative, shadow card for you all. But I shouldn't have worried.
You all have wonderful things in front of you...all of you.

The Empress

Pure and wild creativity will run in your soul. You will be unlimited in creative potential! There is an element of nurture and motherly care, coming from you. Taking charge, being compassionate, and passionate.

I adore this card, and am lucky enough to pull it often for myself.

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

This weekend I WILL have up my blog on how to pull your cards for a reading. It's all typed up, I just need to take the adjoining photos, to make it easier to explain.

Hope you've all had a wonderful week.

Jade
xoxo

Tarot Thursday

This weeks Tarot Thursday is bought to you courtesy of Brian Frouds Faerie Oracle...

And my cat.

She is my familiar after all, and full of her own type of magic, so I trusted her to do this for you lovely lot.

When I turned the card over, I couldn't help but smile.
Maybe Socks did a reading for herself, more than you guys!
But it's a good message that we all need to hear sometimes.

So, whilst I sat by with a cup of tea, measuring whisker to candle flames in my mind, Socks pulled;

O! That Gnome

A trickster - creative chaos - wild gifts.
Sometimes we need to break habits and patterns, reasonable risks will be rewarded in the near future...maybe even unreasonable ones. Look for the unexpected, and BE the unexpected.

Jade
xoxoxo

Tarot Thursday

Hello, my darlings.
Welcome to another Tarot Thursday.

Yesterday, around dusk, I headed through the woods, to a place that holds many memories for me. A spot on the riverbank, that has played witness to so many moments of my teenage years.

Love, sex, friendships, alcohol experimentation, photoshoots, escape, band get-together, crazy nature parties, and quite a bit of heart break. 

I didn't really head there on purpose, I just let me feet go where they felt they needed to, and I ended up in this beautiful spot. Memories flooded over me.
The wind was strong on the waters edge.
Herons and gulls stood in the clay-like mud, fishing just beneath me.
Soft bird lullabies mingled with the sound of the rushing River Severn.
And, it smelt like the sea.
That salt up your nostrils, fishy, wonderful scent of the sea.

Beautiful, lazy dragon-flies were my guide through the forest. As I stopped to take some photos of them, A few of them fluttered up into my hair, perching like delicate ornaments on my head.
Nature was definitely on my side today.

The woodland was ripe with wild blackberries...the temptation of which, I could not resist!
And with dyed fingers, and the sweet nectar of the berries still on my tongue, I asked what guidance I could pass on to you all.

Seven of Swords

This is the second time I've pulled this card for you lovely lot.

 ( Tarot Thursday 28.08.14)

I'm hugging you all right now. Times are getting complicated and challenging. 

Traditionally the seven of swords holds meanings of deception and betrayal. Now is a time to watch your back.
Also there is the possibility of ungrounded fears and confusion leading you to insecurities. Guilt or delusions might be causing you to judge yourself to harshly.
So watch your back, but also have your back. Take responsibility but don't torture yourself over silly fears and imaginary guilt.

It's strange pulling a shadow card, when you are in such a space of content peace. But the joy I felt in the woods, and at my faithful riverbank, were only temporary. Time's of reprieve are important, but they cannot shield us from the reality of human life.

Stay strong.
We are all in this together.

Jade
xoxoxo

The Life Spiral

Hi loves.

Sorry, there's a lot of tarot going on here on the blog at the moment.

But I just took another huge step in the eyes of tarot.

I made my own tarot spread!!

I'm sure there is something similar around, but I genuinely sat down and this came to me organically.

I've called it;

The Life Spiral Spread

I loved the idea of including spirals, the idea of this journey. 

I've always loved Fibonaccis number, and the idea of perfect facial features being based on it's Golden Spiral.

So, this felt very natural.

(You start at the central point, and follow around to the left, then up, and then simply spiral.)

Card One - Represents you.

Card Two - Shows obstacles in your path.

Card Three - What the past has taught you.

Card Four - Where do you want to go/ see yourself heading?

Card Five - Present Situation.

Card Six - Hopes or Fears.

Card Seven - The Future.

Card Eight - Overall outcome.

Here's a reading I did with this spanking new spread.

It was full of wonderful pulls - For example in the spot of card three, what has the past taught you - I actually pulled The Hierophant! The cards literally talking about a mentor, who has aided my life.

And yet again, in my future spot I pulled - The Magician - which keeps appearing here :)

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

I would love it if you'd give my little spread a try!
Let me know what you think, how it feels to you.
And I encourage you when you are ready to try creating your own spread...start thinking simply.

Reinvent a classic perhaps?

Sketch out a symbol you feel drawn to and make a spread in that shape?

I'm looking at the rune symbol Ehwar presently, and inventing a spread for travel.
Hopefully it'll be ready before my Scotland trip.

-------------------------
Up and coming on my blog, I have a few recipes to share, a vlog on autumnal/Halloween books, more tarot love, and I'm working on a video companion to my tea-leaf divination blog.

Love and Light to you all
xoxox

Tarot Thursday

Welcome back to Tarot Thursday my lovely followers.

This weeks one card pull comes to you from the patio in my back garden.

It's a good thing I'm OK being known as the weird witchy woman by all the neighbours.

Today I pulled for you;

The Queen of Swords

This was the first card I ever pulled for myself with this deck. And now I pull it for you.
And again we see the trend of Swords for all my followers.
Queens are caretakers, they nourish your dreams and life. The Queen of Swords seeks knowledge, she represents the all seeing, someone who tells it how it is.
This card says it is time for seperation. It maybe painful but it is time to break old bonds, and find new rivers to swim in. There will be joy passed the darkness and loss. The queen will take care of you. The truth must be spoken.

For me when I pulled this card, I know it was about certain friends in my life. Maybe it's the same for you, friendships, but it could be partners, it could even be family. It might be the change away from a job you love.
But whatever it is, this card promises you will get through the pain, you need to cut out those things that are not working for you to allow better things into your life.

Tarot Thursday.

Todays Tarot Thursday comes to you from a rainy hill top, known as Gray Hill.
I roped in a friend for a trek to the top, hoping to re-find the sacred stone circle at its point.
However despite reaching the top, due to the heavens opening down upon us, visibility got difficult, and things got very wet.

So we gave up the search for today, to be resumed in better weather.

I did make time to stop and do a quick reading for you in this magical place.
I'll not lie to you it was very rushed, with rain droplets falling onto my cards, I was very worried about water damage.

For you lovely lot, I pulled

 

 

Seven of Swords

I feel like we've been getting a lot of swords lately. Times of struggle, and challenges are upon us.
Traditionally the seven of swords holds meanings of deception and betrayal. Now is a time to watch your back.
Also there is the possibility of ungrounded fears and confusion leading you to insecurities. Guilt or delusions might be causing you to judge yourself to harshly.
So watch your back, but also have your back. Take responsibility but don't torture yourself over silly fears and imaginary guilt.

When the weather improves, well...if the weather improves, I will go and do a reading for you inside the stone circle. A reading that will be filled with ancient wisdom and magic.

I've also been naughty and ordered 'Brian Frouds' Faerie Oracle Deck - so maybe next Thursday you will have a reading using that instead, for a bit of change.

Tarot Thursday

Welcome back.
Today is Tarot Thursday!
As you'll have seen yesterday, todays reading was brought to you from the middle of the woods. Nature fuelled this pull, and mother earth was the resting place for my deck.

So, drum roll please....



Knight of Pentacles

 



Court cards often represent people coming into your life, but the attributes I'm about to mention could refer to a new person around the corner, or it could be simply yourself.
Knights are about moving and action. Pentacles are about money, and material worth.
 This card says that you are growing a dream. The card breathes an air of success, specifically financially. As a person, this card is someone loyal and committed.
 It's telling you to take that next step, take action towards your dream...everything will work out fine.

The WildWood Is Alive And Thriving

Hello my loves.

As I write this to you, I have moss clinging to my hair, tree bark between my toes, and my heart full of wilderness.
I went into the woods today,
Far from the beaten track.

I climbed  and danced my way along fallen trees,
Soaking in the feeling of the wind on my skin.

I went to the woods to perform a bit of magic that the wonderful Veronica Varlow taught me, magic to get my foot in the door!

I took my deck with me.
Seriously fellow tarot readers! If you have not yet gone adventuring with your deck into the wild, DO IT!
Do it now!
Find a spot,
Get comfortable.
Take in the sound of the birds, the small wildlife rustling nearby in the undergrowth. Watch the sunlight filtering through the leaves, as it creates gently swaying shadows down around you.

Feel the solid earth beneath your bare feet.
Get connected.
Feel the power of nature around you, and use it.
Push all of this raw energy into doing a fantastic reading.

I did a reading for myself, using the Compass Spread.

Now, this reading was super positive. The universe is practically screaming at me, that all the steps I've taken recently will pay off, and the future is bright.

 

Card 1 - Ten Of Cups
Card 2 - The Sun
Card 3 - Page Of Cups
Card 4 - Ace Of Wands
Card 5 - The World

 



Any reading that features 'The World' gives me butterflies.

It is the last card in the major arcana, number 21. It is all about being in the here and now. Success, euphoria and completion! Being alive in the moment - And an end to a challenge, and now a new beginning!

Don't worry witch babies, I did a reading out in the WildWood for you aswell.
But you'll have to wait till Tarot Thursday, tomorrow for yours.

Check back then.
I'll see you here tomorrow.
xoxox