A Reading with Nature's Wisdom Oracle

Nature’s Wisdom Oracle
by Mindy Lighthipe
(Schiffer)

(1) Message from the Universe: DAFFODIL (Sincerity)

My message from the Universe comes from the Daffodil, a lovely yellow flower that heralds the beginning of Spring where I live. Among other fascinating facts provided by the guidebook that comes with Nature’s Wisdom Oracle, we learn that “The name daffodil is derived from the Dutch word affodyle and means ‘that which cometh early.’ By sending the Daffodil, the Universe is reminding me to be sincere, truthful, and honest in all that I do. I get a sense also that I have an opportunity to start a new "season" in my life, a fresh approach to some area (although the literal season coming up is autumn).

(2) What I need to release: HUMMINGBIRD (Energy)

It’s easy to see why Mindy Lighthope chose “energy” as the keyword for the Hummingbird. They are amazing to watch as they fly forward, backward, up, down, and sideways, and hover in midair. Bursts of energy are useful, but in this reading, the Hummingbird is telling me “What I need to release.” Perhaps this is a message to let go of or release any tendency I have to move too fast or to use all my energy at once, which can lead to burnout.

(3) What I need to focus on: PRAYING MANTIS (Danger)

Meanwhile, the Praying Mantis is advising me to focus on “Danger.” Something I’m doing or the direction I’m heading in could very well take me into a difficult, hazardous situation. Lighthope tells us that the word “mantis” means “prophet.” This creature is known for ambushing its prey and devouring it alive – I would be wise to be careful and cautious to avoid becoming a victim.

Message from the Dragon Oracle Cards

Today I'm doing a 3-card reading using the Dragon Oracle Cards by Diana Cooper, with art by Carla Lee Morrow (Hay House UK).

The positional definitions I'm using are: (1) Today's message, (2) Remember this, and (3) Let this go.

(1) Today's message: ORANGE DRAGON

A member of the Fifth-dimensional dragon group in this deck, Orange Dragon reminds me to look for the divine light in everyone. By letting the light of this orange dragon shine through me, I can feel a sense of belonging as I spread that light to all peoples, races, and cultures. The message is to hold to the Highest Vision as I seek higher peace.

(2) Remember this: ALPHA DRAGON

The Alpha Dragon is one of the Ninth-dimensional dragons, a group of enormous and powerful dragons that only work for the highest good. Alpha Dragon reminds me to remember my creative force and how to use it, to tap into masculine energy for empowerment and strength as I visualize what I want to build.

(3) Let this go: EARTH AND WATER DRAGON

As a member of the Fourth-dimensional dragons, the Earth and Water Dragon is often about starting a new phase or accepting a new opportunity. The positional definition for this reading is "Let this go" which suggests to me that perhaps this is NOT the best time to start something new. At the same time, however, I can still lay a strong foundation and generate conditions that will help me succeed. I can put in the necessary work and when the time is right, I will be ready.

Listen to the Animals: CROW

For this Tarot Notes feature, I pull one card from an animal-themed deck to represent an important message from that animal.

If you are interested in finding out who your own Animal Guides are, you can get an Animal Guides Reading through my _Etsy shop_ or my _Web Site_.

It’s been a long time since I did a “Listen to the Animals” post! As it happens, I have a new animal-themed deck in the house: Animal Kin Oracle by Sarah Wilder (Hay House).

From the guidebook: “Sarah combines her love of nature and design to intuitively create symbolic talismans, tools and teachings for self-reconnection which help focus the mind and reconnect people to their true nature; incorporating symbolism, animals and plants in everything she does.” You can learn more about Sarah HERE. https://sarahwilder.co/

This “Listen to the Animals” entry features the CROW. The keyword provided by Wilder is “magick.” She writes that the “Kin Essence” is “Divine messages are gifts for your future self.”

Animal Kin Oracle / Sarah Wilder

Most of us know that crows are considered to be very intelligent creatures. They have been known to use tools, solve complex problems, and count. Their color – black – commonly symbolizes power, mystery, and (sometimes) death. Wilder assigns all of her animals to an element – Fire, Water, Earth, Air, or Spirit. The Crow’s element is Spirit. All the creatures of Spirit advise us to do more of what makes us happy, listen to our intuition, and get more sleep.

Wilder tells us that the Crow shows us “to look deeper into our own reality to find hidden messages, keys, and signs in order to move beyond what we feel to be a comfortable and safe place to dwell, and to look deeper into the things we don’t see (but trust are there).”

How you feel about crows (and ravens) might depend on where you were raised or where you live. In Europe and India, this species is often a negative omen, representing war, death, solitude, evil, and bad luck (Quoth the raven: “Nevermore!”) In contrast, American crows are often presented as positive, even heroic, in native mythology. Crows are viewed as guides or prophets in Greek and Roman lore.

New Year's Resolutions with the Oracle of Visions

For this spread, I am using the Oracle of Visions by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) Click HERE to visit Ciro's web site.

Do this more: Goals, Dedication, Process (card 8)

On this card we have a very serious looking alchemist, an appropriate symbol of someone who is “striving to achieve an end goal through study, experimentation, dedication and perseverance.” (Marchetti) I need to be even more dedicated than I already am to the things I want to accomplish, my passions, and my goals.

Do this less: Obsession, Delusion, Self-Interest (card 43)

That makes sense. I wouldn’t say I am really “obsessed” with anything, but I do tend to have a more narrow view than I could, thereby “deluding” myself about some things. When you think about it, being over “self-conscious” is very closely related to being “self-interested.”

Give this freely: Assistance, Help, Support (card 49)

I really love Marchetti’s final comment on this card: “The challenge now is to achieve a balance, to offer help but not reliance.” In other words, figure out ways to support and help someone without causing them to rely on me for “everything.” Perhaps some people thrive on feeling that they are indispensable to someone else, but that’s not for me!

Receive this gladly: Healing, Caring, Friendships (card 47)

On the surface, it seems unlikely that anyone would NOT gladly receive “healing, caring, friendships.” Yet we (or at least I) do resist receiving those gifts at times, either because we want to feel independent and self-sufficient, or we don’t feel we deserve those things, or whatever. Sometimes we need to make a conscious effort to notice and accept what is being offered.

Defend this: Flights of Fancy, Leap of Faith, Taking a Next Step (card 5)

Yes, I will defend attempts I make to step outside the box or take a next step that may seem risky or out of the ordinary. As the guidebook for this deck suggests, however, I can first assess the scenario, the dangers, and prepare. I don’t have to be foolish or careless.

Banish this: Letting Go, Offering a Way Out (card 24)

This is a difficult card to interpret in the position “Banish this.” Is it possible that I need to NOT let something go or NOT offer a way out? I will have to give this some thought.

Be this: Wonder of Creation, Protection, Destiny (card 12)

This card shows a guardian angel witnessing the birth of “the one whose life he will oversee.” Am I to be a guardian angel? Or am I to be the one whose life the guardian angel oversees? Once again, Marchetti’s comment at the end of this card’s description resonates with me: “A grand part of how this life will be lived, and what it will achieve will not be pre-determined by fate alone, but by free will and choice.” Perhaps I need to BE someone who understands and acknowledges the roles played by fate, destiny, AND free will/choice.

Mystical Wisdom Oracle Card Reading - December 2018

My Mystical Wisdom oracle deck (written by Gaye Guthrie, with art by Josephine Wall, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) called out to me today, so I decided to consult it concerning matters in my personal life. Without going into details, I am providing the positional definitions and interpreting the cards drawn into those positions.

(1) something I know: INTUITION
Message: “Trust your intuition.”

Yes, I do know that I can trust my intuition if I “listen” carefully enough to sense what it is telling me. Too often, my fears are louder and more compelling, causing me to react based on those fears, when my intuition has a more complete picture of what needs to be done.

(2) something I may have forgotten: CHOICES
Message: “Make the best choices.”

I do sometimes forget that I do have choices at almost every step of almost every situation. I can choose not to panic. I can choose not to leap to a “fight or flight” level. I can trust myself to make good choices.

(3) something I need to learn: DRAGONFLY
Message: “Live life to the fullest.”

An interesting message! What does it mean to “live life to the fullest.” I do not think it necessarily means that we all need to take up hang gliding or parasailing or parachute jumping. I think living life to the fullest can be simply opening ourselves to all of the possibilities and opportunities life (or the Universe) offers us. Making the most of things the way they are, but also looking beyond that to what could be.

New Moon Reading with The Spirit Animal Oracle

I received my copy of Colette Baron Reid’s The Spirit Animal Oracle today. Published by Hay House and illustrated by Jena DellaGrottaglia, this gorgeous deck jumped right out at me from the Hay House web site, and before I knew it, I had bought it, and it was one its way to my eager self.

Serendipitously, Colette includes a 7-card New Moon Reading that can be done with this deck at the beginning of each New Moon. That’s today! The purpose of the reading is to see which animal spirit has chosen to help me this coming month in seven specific areas of life.

1: survival, money, tangible assets, work

CHAMELEON SPIRIT: Act as if. 

Conditions are changing, and I need to adapt, while still maintaining an inner equilibrium. There may be a need for me to resist any urge to rescue someone by trying to manage it all, or to withdraw from challenging emotions. The key is to maintain healthy boundaries and to take a break or “timeout” from someone else’s problems.

2: intimate relationships, family dynamics, friendships, and your tribe

COYOTE SPIRIT: Trust in divine detours.

There is a sense that I may be on some sort of detour in this area of life, having difficulty choosing the best path. Coyote energy is trickster energy, which may be disconcerting but always provides a lesson that needs to be learned. When I get off track, I need to try not to take the world too seriously. The right path may not be obvious or straight, but in spite of detours, I will reach my destination.

3: your personal power, self-worth, and how you show up in the world

DOLPHIN SPIRIT: This and that are true.

The dolphin is both mammal and sea creature, both “this” and “that,” which reminds me that nothing is “all good” or “all bad.” Duality is a fact of life, and sometimes we are “between time” rather than 100% on one side or another.  It may not be helpful to view things as “right” and “wrong” right now. Somethings that seems wrong could end up being right for me.

4: deeper connections to life, healing past patterns, and support for overall well-being and happiness

ELECTRIC EEL SPIRIT: Bring your ideas to life.

A big awakening is in store in this area, something that will awaken me to a big idea or new path. I have an opportunity for profound transformation. I need to be careful not to dismiss an epiphany simply because I can’t see where it might be leading me at this moment.

5: communication, being heard, owning your voice, and how you say who you are to others

GIRAFFE SPIRIT: See the big picture.

I am being encouraged to see things from a higher view, a broader perspective that allows me to look beyond the obvious. I will not benefit from focusing too closely or from being too far “up in the clouds.” Somewhere in the middle should be helpful.

6: imagination, vision, and creativity

HUMMINGBIRD SPIRIT: Be here now!

If I am wondering where and when I can express my imagination, vision, and creativity, the answer is “here” and “now.” There is no need to look far afield or to focus on grass that may or may not be greener than what I am standing on. Here, in the timeless present, I will become the person I wish to be, and to have the experiences I wish to have.

7: intuition, spirituality, and your relationship to a Higher Power

LIZARD SPIRIT: Dream the world into being.

I can get in touch with my intuition, spirituality and relationship to a Higher Power by letting my imagination flow and open myself to the inspiration that is available. I can consciously dream a dream in which I have what I desire and in which I am who I wish to be. I need to trust my ability to create my own dream.

Sacred World Oracle Reading #3

Today I felt led to do a reading with the Sacred World Oracle by Kris Waldherr, and was reminded that I did a reading with this deck a year ago, on Kris Waldherr’s birthday (May 17). So I’m a bit late, but wishing Kris a happy belated birthday with another “Black Swan, White Swan” reading from the Sacred World Oracle guidebook.

Click here to see the reading I did in May 2017: Sacred World Oracle Reading #2.

I also did this reading in 2014, as shown at this link: A Reading with The Sacred World Oracle. 

Step One -- Lay out four cards to represent:
(1) The Black Swan (what you need to see that can get in your way)
(2) The Magic Feather (what to do about it)
(3) The White Swan (what you need to see that can help you)
(4) The Magic Feather (how to use the solution presented in the second card)

Step Two – Lay a fifth card across the top of the previous cards to symbolize the Swan in Flight. This offers an overview of the situation for additional perspective.

And now for my reading. (The keywords following the name of each card are provided by the author in the guidebook.)

(1) The Black Swan (what you need to see that can get in your way):
DOVE / XXVI – Peace and serenity. Higher wisdom. Love.

Something I am not seeing is the option I have to be peaceful and serene in this situation, to act with and from Love at all times. My knee-jerk reactions may be hard to fight, but fight I must. Perhaps I can come up with a mantra of sorts to cut my knee-jerk reactions off “at the knee” (hahaha, that’s pretty good).

(2) The Magic Feather (what to do about it)
FIREBIRD / XXXV – Hope and magic. Brilliance. Divine protection.

Waldherr describes this card as a promise of “unexpected help just when you need it most.” What I need to do about gaining peace and serenity is to open the channels for that unexpected help to come through from Spirit. I don’t have to try to “force myself” to be peaceful or serene. The potential is there if I invite and welcome it.

(3) The White Swan (what you need to see that can help you)
AIR / XXIII – Ideas. Communications. Making connections. Perspective.

There is no question that ideas and communication, making connections, and developing a healthy perspective will all help me in this situation. I need to see that, believe that, and open my mind to being successful in all of those things.

(4) The Magic Feather (how to use the solution presented in the second card)
EARTH / I – Feeling grounded. Appreciating the good things in life. Manifestation.

The perfect card to see here, as the solution (in the form of ideas) becomes concrete reality. Improved communication and connections can manifest in the physical world as well. When Air and Earth work together, many great things are possible.

(5) Swan in Flight (an overview for additional perspective)
CHIMERA / XXXVIII – Compromise between opposites. Balance. Finding a way to bring it all together. Creativity.

Again, there is no question that finding union between seemingly disharmonious elements in life can have a huge effect on a situation or problem. A creative solution is required and can be found using the fiery energy of this card. In mythology, the chimera was comprised of different animals, and allowing myself to see something from different perspectives will be very useful.

Lunar Nomad Oracle Interview

Interview with The Lunar Nomad Oracle by Shaheen Miro (Weiser Books).

(To read my review of this deck, click HERE.) 

Here are the questions I asked this oracle deck and the answers she provided.

(1) What would you like me to understand about you?

PATHWAYS – Card 22

Understand that I am here to show you options and opportunities, to help you make decisions about which direction to take when you are at a crossroads, and to tell you when it is time to let something go and move forward on your path.

(2) What would you like me to understand about myself?

FOX – Card 14

I would like you to understand that you have within yourself the qualities of a trickster – sometimes not in a good way. Yet, these qualities can be harnessed and directed to your benefit, giving you power in competition (The Fox is the patron of entrepreneurs and creators). The part of you that aligns with The Fox knows that opportunities must be taken while the iron is hot. Timing is everything. Uncertainty can be lethal.

(3) What strengths and/or weaknesses do we have as a team?

COFFIN – Card 8

Together we approach the stages of life as endings and beginnings, loss and gain. We learn and teach the art of letting go and surrendering to the natural cycles of change. The ability and willingness to do this is a strength, but there may be times when even together, we are not able to embrace the message that time is passing or running out. We may see only troubled times until and unless we are able to flip our perspective and experience a new way of being.

This is good information and food for thought as I begin to do readings with these cards!

REVIEW: The Lunar Nomad Oracle

R E V I E W

The Lunar Nomad Oracle: 

43 Cards to Unlock Your Creativity and Awaken Your Intuition 

by Shaheen Miro

Book: 160 pages

Cards: 43; 4-1/4 x 6 inches

Publisher: _Weiser Books_

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1578636310

ISBN-13: 978-1578636310

_About My Reviews_

Having fallen in love long ago (2013) with Shaheen’s Tattered Nomad Oracle (see my review of that deck HERE), I couldn’t wait to get his Lunar Nomad Oracle deck and book in my hands.

EDITED TO ADD: The Lunar Nomad Oracle and Tattered Nomad decks are not identical. Some have been reworked for the Lunar Nomad deck. (zs 3 Apr 2018)

My copy of the Tattered Nomad deck is “poker size,” meaning fairly small cards (3-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches). The Lunar Nomad deck cards are larger (6 x 4-1/4 inches), so I can appreciate the art even more.

With the Tattered Nomad deck, I received an 8 by 10-3/4 inch paper insert giving keywords for each card and a diagram of how to lay out the cards for a reading. The Lunar Nomad Oracle comes with a 143-page guide filled with so much more than keywords.

I love this new “incarnation” of the Tattered Nomad Oracle as the Lunar Nomad Oracle! The cards are packaged in a lightweight cardboard box, which is then placed into a sturdier box made with one side open. The guidebook slips neatly into that heavier box alongside the box of cards. Kudos to Weiser Books for this attractive and practical presentation!

I read the guidebook cover to cover, while looking at each card as I read Shaheen’s descriptions, insights, and commentary. The care, attention, and writing style all combine to create an enjoyable, informative experience.

The idea of my Lunar Self appearing in “sudden sparks of inspiration, the stirring of dramatic gut feelings, in vivid dreams” resonates strongly with me. I would like to think that I am not burying my Lunar Self these days or allowing my Solar Self to take over. However, at one time in my life, I am certain that I did do that. I agree with Shaheen when he writes, “It is important to understand that the Solar and Lunar Self are not in opposition with each other when they are fully venerated. The Solar Self supports the Lunar Self. . . The Solar Self takes the abstract impressions of the Lunar Self and finds a way to utilize the information in a logical sequence.”

Let’s visit some of my favorite cards…

MOON (32)

Keywords: “emotion, feeling, intuition, lunar cycle, art, hidden talents, imagination, winter”

Favorite Quotes:

“The Moon offers a passage into your unconscious mind where your wisdom, potential, and power really reside.”

“Something deep within you is awakening. Make space for that beautiful moonbeam to glow and gain light.”

Mushrooms are plentiful on this card. As a symbol, mushrooms can represent longevity, an image of primeval Heaven, the souls of the dead or reborn, or life regenerated (life from death). Supernatural associations with mushrooms are also common.

TOWER (19)

Keywords: “authority, large business, buildings, places of power, school, church, enterprise, condescendence”

Favorite Quotes:

“Historically the Tower was built as a defensive structure. . . Whoever watches from the Tower is alerted to your presence before your arrival.”

“The Tower can become a shadow or a torch. What are you locking away from the world? What feelings are you trying to swallow?”

Unlike traditional Tower card in the Tarot, there is no lightening or fire hitting the central structure, nor are the people falling from the windows or parapets. Huge wings seem to me to suggest the possible beneficial nature of place of power, depending on what you are looking for or rebelling against.

STARS (16)

Keywords: “wishes, hopes, possibilities, guidance, independence, dreams, expansion, fame”

Favorite Quotes:

“In the vast expanses of the sky, an octopus floats tranquilly in the embrace of infinity. He is an emblem of mystery and intelligence. The enigmatic quality of the octopus mirrors the mystery within each of us.”

“Consider looking at your natal chart to gain more insight on the energies that are working in your life. Moving with the cosmic flow allows you to create more fluidity.”

I just love the design and coloring of this card, especially the octopus as he shoots through the sky as if sky and ocean were one and the same.

CLOUDS (6)

Keywords: “confusion, conflict, lack of focus, obstacles, worries, depression”

Favorite Quotes:

“Confusion can blow in like a deadly storm or slip silently through the cracks like an insidious smoke.”

“The Clouds may seem ominous, but avoid holding them in contempt. They are teachers of tough love. Usually they show us where we are working too hard and pushing against our own wisdom.”

I love that this illustration shows a perfume atomizer and clouds of fragrance, capable of confusing not only the eye but the sense of smell and taste. Clouds up in the sky seem far away, but clouds of smoke or perfume swirling around your head add a dimension to the card that I find enriching and enlightening.

PUBLISHER’S PRODUCT SUMMARY

The Lunar Nomad Oracle is a set of keys for unlocking and understanding your intuitive side, your "lunar self." As a nomad on the path of the lunar self, you will awaken your sense of wonder and discover your creative desires to facilitate introspection, awareness, and lasting change.

The Lunar Nomad Oracle is inspired by the traditional Lenormand system, but unlike the Lenormand, this deck comprises 43 cards and additional significator cards that are multiracial and multiethnic. The Lunar Nomad Oracle cards are rich with layers, colors, and imagery, all designed to speak to the intuitive self. The book and deck allow users to explore their inner depths, looking for clues and prompts to activate their lunar side--their creativity, intuition, and inner wisdom. The symbolism of the cards helps the user formulate a story or reading. The process will be familiar to followers of tarot, but because The Lunar Nomad Oracle does not have suits or a linear structure, readers have the freedom and fluidity to really explore the deck and add their own insights and interpretations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shaheen Miro is a spiritual nomad working with people all over the world to help them reclaim their power through intuitive guidance, energy work, and spiritual cleansing. As a tarot and tea leaf reader, he conducts workshops and presentations nationally. Visit him at www.shaheenmiroinsights.com.

Stay tuned for a deck interview!

Elemental 4-card Reading with Dragon Oracle Cards

The newest member of my oracle deck collection is a lively deck called Dragon Oracle Cards by Diana Cooper (Hay House). Each card represents a particular dragon and the guidance and support it offers. I am using this deck for a simple 4-card reading to discover which of the dragons in this deck can be most helpful to me right now in four key areas of life: Air (thought/communication), Earth (health, wealth), Water (intuition, emotion), and Fire (passion, creativity, career).

The layout looks like this:

(1) Air [thought/communications]: 

AIR AND WATER DRAGON – Helps you to connect to higher frequencies.

Assisting me with the area of thought and communication is a fourth-dimensional blue and green air and water dragon. Fourth-dimensional dragons in this deck are said to “love humans and nature and help every aspect of the natural world.” They offer us assistance in moving between the dimensions, preparing us energetically for the higher frequency energies to come.

The Air and Water dragon is able to help me use my intuition as well as my spiritual knowledge and wisdom to see everything “from an illumined perspective.” Concerning communication, these dragons are said to attune me so that my voice expresses the true notes of my soul.

(2) Earth [health & wealth]:

GREEN DRAGON – Helps you tune in to the secrets of nature.

With the Green Dragon I move up into the fifth dimension. These dragons “touch our psychic centres and help us to tune in to the sacred geometry in the trunks of trees, the petals of flowers, the shells of snails and everywhere in Master Pan’s kingdom.” The Green Dragon is the perfect creature to support me in the area of health and wealth, emphasizing the importance of spending time in the “green world.”

(3) Water [intuition & emotion]:

BLUE DRAGON FROM THE PLEIADES – Prepares you to accept Source healing.

The Blue Dragon from the Pleiades is a seventh-dimensional dragon, one that works with the “luminous devas, the angelic beings who work with the blueprint of creation.” The Blue Dragon helps me “accept a heart activation,” which is a lovely thing to have in the area of intuition and emotion (Water). Heart healing is the gift this dragon brings to me. It can also assist me in directing Source healing to a person or situation.

(4) Fire [passion/creativity/career]:

SOURCE DRAGON – Attunes you to the Infinite.

The Source Dragon is one of just four ninth-dimensional dragons. These dragons work with ninth-dimensional devas, “the visionaries who manage the cosmos and ensure everything works together in harmony.” The Source Dragon helps me experience a period of “stillness with awareness.” If I can be digilent, calm, and focused in the area of passion, creativity, and career, I have an opportunity to welcome something very sacred into my life.

The concepts underlying the meaning of the Dragon Oracle Cards are fascinating and not entirely familiar to me. I am going to enjoy working more with this deck.

Week Ahead Reading with Mystical Wisdom

This 3-card spread looks at the week ahead, with one card pulled for each of these positions: (1) beginning of the week, (2) middle of the week, and (3) end of the week. The purpose is to reveal “what will present itself for the coming week or what issues you need to focus on.”

I found the spread in the guidebook for the Mystical Wisdom card deck by Gaye Guthrie, with art by Josephine Wall (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) I am using that deck for this reading. To read my review of this deck, click _HERE_. 

(1) beginning of the week

UNICORN - Invite Serendipity

We start the week with a Unicorn – always a nice beginning! In the Mystical Wisdom deck, this card advises us to “invite serendipity,” with serendipity being defined as “the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” I will do my best to invite serendipity early this week, with the goal of having good luck in making “unexpected and favorable discoveries.” I expect magic to happen!

(2) middle of the week

LETTING GO – Learn to Let Go

In this deck, “letting go” is about freeing myself from “situations that no longer serve me.” This is a good thing to do from time to time all through one’s life, I think, and perhaps there is something specific I need to let go of around the middle of this week. Is there an unhealthy attachment or bond that no longer serves me in a positive way? I need to find the courage to acknowledge the situation and welcome change.

(3) end of the week

FRIENDSHIP – Nurture Your Relationships

A lovely card that actually appeared the last time I did this spread with this deck. Clearly an ongoing theme for me. I have an opportunity to focus on how to be a good friend, how to enhance existing relationships and/or develop new ones. There may be an opportunity to offer understanding, compassion, or comfort to someone, or to show someone that they can trust me to be there for them.

Situation and Advice Spread with The Playing Card Oracles

I was in the mood to do a reading with two decks – not two different decks, but two copies of the same deck. One reason I like to do this occasionally is that the same card can show up more than once, which can give an interesting slant to the reading.

For this reading I am using the Playing Card Oracles Divination Deck by Ana Cortez and C.J. Freeman (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) To see my review of this fascinating deck, click HERE.

I have this deck in two different sizes, so I am using the larger size for the odd-numbered card positions in the spread below, and the smaller deck for the even-numbered positions. (Keep reading. I promise it will all make sense.) 😊

I am using a spread created by “Lunakasha” and posted on _Aeclectic Tarot. _

Layout:

**********9*10*********
***********************
****3*4***1*2***7*8****
***********************
**********5*6**********

Positional definitions:
1. Current situation……… 2. Advice
3. Internal Obstacles/Fears……. 4. Advice
5. Subconscious Desires/Hopes……. 6. Advice
7. External Obstacles/Challenges……. 8. Advice
9. Outcome……. 10. Advice

I am using my larger deck for the odd-numbered card positions (1,3,5,7,9), representing the current issue for that position. The smaller deck is used for the even-numbered card positions (2,4,6,8,10), representing advice on how to deal with that particular issue.

1. Current situation……… 2. Advice

GAWAIN (9 of Diamonds) …….. LIVIA (Queen of Diamonds / 12)

My first reaction when I saw these two cards was that they could be mother and son. Gawain (9 of Diamonds) typically symbolizes a “changing dynamic” or “energy that is here and then gone.” He rides into a situation, fixes things to his satisfaction, then rides off again. Here he represents the “Current situation,” which suggests to me a situation that is in flux, that changes often with ups and downs, with wrongs that are made right and errors that are corrected. But things are not settled, by any means. In the role of “Advice,” Livia (Queen of Diamonds) is known as one who is “hospitable and kind” as well as honest and trustworthy. She seems like a very steady influence, someone who doesn’t get all bent out of shape or out of sorts, and that is the energy that will be useful in dealing with a fluctuating situation.

3. Internal Obstacles/Fears……. 4. Advice

MARDOC THE HEARTLESS (King of Spades / 13) …….. EAST WIND (4 of Clubs)

Internal Obstacles and Fears are represented by Mardoc (King of Spades), known for being stubborn, skeptical, cold, and unforgiving. These traits can act as obstacles in any situation, especially if they are rooted deep within us. If this is the case, the East Wind advises us to think carefully, be patient, and take slow, deliberate action.

5. Subconscious Desires/Hopes……. 6. Advice

LEAH (Queen of Clubs / 12) …….. ETHRA (Ace of Clubs)

Leah (Queen of Clubs) is a very appropriate card to represent “Subconscious Desires/Hopes”, as she is known to be an intuitive, imaginative dreamer and visionary. She is certainly in tune with her deepest desires and the thoughts of her unconscious mind, but if she dwells too long in those realms, she can become delusional. During the fluctuating situation represented by Gawain (9 of Diamonds), it might be all too easy for Leah to lose touch with what is realistic or practical. Ethra (Ace of Clubs) also represents a connection to another, invisible world, where dreams, ideas, and creative impulses exist. Ethra is a moth, a creature who “lives between imagination and reality,” and we might deduce that Ethra’s advice here would be to explore and understand our subconscious desires and hopes, while at the same time making sure we take care of what is needed or desired in the physical, material world.

7. External Obstacles/Challenges……. 8. Advice

FORTUNA (10 of Clubs) …….. SOUTH WIND (4 of Diamonds)

As an External Obstacle/Challenge, Fortuna (10 of Clubs) is described as “here and gone” (very much like Gawain, the 9 of Diamonds)! Amusing and light-hearted, Fortuna is also known to be fickle and flighty. It appears that the fluctuating nature of our original Current Situation is only made more changeable by external influences. What advice, then, will the South Wind (4 of Diamonds) impart? Good question! The South Wind is viewed as the source of mischief and mayhem, unplanned circumstances, confusion, and misunderstanding. Perhaps the advice is to expect those things, and try to “roll with the punches” and maintain a sense of humor.

9. Outcome……. 10. Advice

SWORDS OF ENCHANTMENT (7 of Clubs) ……..THE BRIDGE (6 OF Clubs)

The Outcome seems rather glorious as we behold the Swords of Enchantment (7 of Clubs) whose motto is “Believe in me.” Another motto assigned to this card is “Positive thoughts attract positive circumstance at the moment we need it most.” Having faith in a shining, magical outcome will go a long way in making that outcome a reality. The Advice here seems appropriate, as the Bridge (6 of Clubs) refers to “safe crossing over troubled waters” as well as “newfound perspectives and newfound hopes.” The card points to surmounting and overcoming obstacles and finding peace of mind.

Looking at all of this, I get a sense of a tumultuous, changing, fluctuating situation that is exacerbated by internal “bad attitudes” and a tendency to focus too much on fantasies. External influences aren’t much help, and it may seem to those involved that everything is going to crash and burn. However, if they can remain steady and hospitable (Leah), patient and thoughtful (East Wind), and if they can maintain a sense of humor as they roll with the punches (South Wind), a magnificent Outcome is a strong possibility.

Oracle Reading with Earth Magic

It’s been awhile since I consulted the Earth Magic Oracle Cards by Steven D. Farmer (Hay House). To read my review of this deck, click HERE.

Today I am doing the “Landscape” reading from the booklet that accompanies the deck. The layout is three cards in a row, numbered left to right (1, 2, 3). This reading is designed to offer a broad picture of the most critical factors involved in a question or concern.

TSUNAMI (Wake-Up Call)  ....... CAVE (Sanctuary)  .......  NEW MOON (Promise)

(c) Steven D. Farmer

Like The Tower in the Tarot, the TSUNAMI card is unsettling no matter how you interpret it. It represents something scary, destructive, or disturbing that we would rather not experience. The card points to a significant loss or dramatic event, typically unexpected. All we can do when this happens is trust our instincts and seek “higher ground.”

(c) Steven D. Farmer

It is reassuring to see the CAVE in this set of cards, reminding me that I have a sanctuary available to me, even if it is only a quiet, still place inside of me. There is a sense of safety and security here, protection from the turbulence and danger indicated by the Tsunami.

(c) Steven D. Farmer

Finally, the NEW MOON appears, a card of promise and the start of a new cycle following the full completion of the previous cycle. Whether this promise is one that I make – a commitment or guarantee to myself or someone else – or something promised to me, there is a sense of fulfillment and hope for the future.

This is really quite a lovely story being told by these three cards: from Wake-up Call to Sanctuary to Promise. Very reassuring and comforting in spite of the feelings of alarm initially delivered by the Tsunami.
 

Lenormand Relationship Reading

This reading is for a friend who is in a serious relationship with a woman and is wondering how things might evolve between them. One concern he shared with me is that she is quite a bit younger than he is (26 years). At their current ages – 65 and 39 – that isn’t a big problem, but my friend is thinking ahead to whether the age difference would be a major issue down the road.

I decided to see what the Dreaming Way Lenormand cards could tell us. I am aware that typically, Lenormand cards are read in lines or rows rather than drawn into individual positions. However, I am eager to see how the cards can adapt to this type of reading.

The positions for this reading are: (1) what is the guidance for this relationship from the universe? (2) what does he want or need from this relationship? (3) what does she want or need from this relationship? (4) what temptation do they need to resist? and (5) what can help them make this relationship last?

……………..1………………

2…………………………….3

4…………………………….5

What is the guidance for this relationship from the Universe?

WHIPS (11)

This card can be interpreted as indicating physical punishment or violence, but I think in this case it’s more about habits or reflex responses that have become ingrained and repeat themselves over and over again. The Whips card can refer to communication. Both of these people have been married before, and I think that the Universe is cautioning them to question and discontinue negative patterns of communication or behavior that they might have fallen into in past relationships. They need to break free and not “punish” each other by reenacting scenes or “playing old recordings” from the past.

What does he want or need from this relationship?

CLOUDS (6)

He wants or needs for the relationship to relieve confusion and uncertainty, troubling thoughts and challenges he faces.

What does she want or need from this relationship?

SUN (31)

She wants or needs for this relationship to give her a feeling of hope and optimism, to inspire confidence and enthusiasm that she may have lost due to a previous relationship or situation. As an extra note: Both of these people were born with the Sun in Leo, a sign ruled by the Sun. I get a sense that the woman wants to be with someone who is much like her, a "soulmate" if you will, born under the same sign with many of the same qualities.

What temptation do they need to resist?

SCYTHE (10)

They need to resist the temptation to abruptly end or cut away something or sever ties with someone without thinking the matter through and considering all of the angles. It could be that this something or someone really does need to go, but it can be done carefully rather than using a slash-and-burn approach.

What can help them make this relationship last?

RING (25)

As Beyoncé famously sang: "If you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it." Commitment and dedication can help them make this relationship last. The Ring could refer to the idea that marriage (as opposed to living together without being married) could be an important part of creating a lasting relationship. Some type of contract is desirable here. It’s possible that buying a house together (for example) might prove helpful, but I’m inclined to think the Ring should be taken literally in this case.