Samhain Spirits Spread 2016

[Samhain is pronounced sah-win]

I really enjoyed doing this spread last year at this time, so I’m giving it another go. To set the stage, I am quoting from The New Encyclopedia of the Occult by John Michael Greer (Llewellyn Worldwide):

“Samhain. The beginning and end of the year in the old Celtic calendar, falling around the beginning of November in modern terms. Samhain is the oldest documented festival of Celtic Paganism. . . Samhain was traditionally associated with the spirits of the dead, who were believed to walk the world at that time. After the arrival of Christianity, the feast of Samhain became All Hallow’s Day. The evening before it, the modern Halloween, retained much of the same symbolism.”

The positional definitions for this spread are inspired by the hauntingly beautiful song “All Soul’s Night” with words and music by Loreena McKennitt. You can listen to the song HERE.  You can read the lyrics of the song at this link.

This year, I am using the Ghost Tarot by Davide Corsi (Lo Scarabeo). The layout is in the shape of a pentacle.

I stand in darkness at the entrance to the graveyard on All Hallow’s Eve, on Samhain, when spirits walk the world…

(1) This Spirit dances around and around

KING OF PENTACLES

Well, I have to say if I were going to list possible cards that might “dance around and around,” the King of Pentacles would probably not be one of them! He strikes me as stable, steady, and secure. I think of the planet Saturn when I see this card, a “father” symbol with an energy similar to this King. However, perhaps at Samhain this Spirit of the Father – provider and caretaker – lets loose and kicks up his heels for a change. Good for him!

(2) This Spirit brings a hidden memory

TWO OF SWORDS

This hidden memory seems to involve conflict but also negotiation and taking different viewpoints into consideration. The spirit on this card seems to stand on her toes atop a body of water, splashing the water but not sinking into it. This hidden memory involves a time of reliance on intellect or rationality, of touching the surface of deeper emotions but not surrendering to them.

(3) This Spirit carries a light in the distance

JUDGMENT

With Judgment representing “In the End, the Beginning” the light this spirit carries could be seen as “the light at the end of the tunnel.” Although something is ending, something else is being born as I move toward the light.

(4) This Spirit waits for me on the bridge

EIGHT OF SWORDS

For this card, the booklet for this deck says: “Freedom is born from within.” The spirit is blindfolded and her hands are bound, but the wings on her shoulders tell us that once she removes the restrictions and hindrances that constrain her, there is no limit to the places she can go or the things she can experience. She waits for me to cast off whatever I have allowed to blind or bind me and take flight with her.

(5) This Spirit passes by the bridge and me

FIVE OF CUPS

The spirit on this card raises his hand in farewell as he passes by the bridge and me. He represents emotions that need to be released, set free, or abandoned if I am to experience the freedom of flying with the angel from the Eight of Swords. Three cups lie on the ground, empty, but two remain upright. These I will carry forward on my journey.

Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain to all!

Oracle Card: Oracle of Visions

It has just come to my attention that I have not done a write-up on a single oracle card (with the exception of the “Listen to the Animals” series) since 2010.

Better late than never! My oracle message today comes from the Oracle of Visions by Ciro Marchetti  (US Games). To read my review of this deck, click HERE.

Today’s message is delivered by Card 36: Entrapment, Limitations, Restrictions, Complications. 

(Interesting side note: After shuffling the cards, while cutting them to select a card, I was staring at the cover of the guidebook that comes with this deck. I drew my card, which turned out to be the one on the cover!)

Ciro Marchetti provides the following quotation for this card: “We have more ability than willpower, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.” – François de la Rochefoucauld

The angel on this card cannot fly because her wings are entangled by red ribbons symbolizing troubles, obstacles, and fear. Overwhelmed by her feelings of entrapment, she does not notice the nearby sword that could be used to cut her ties and set her free.

In my birth chart, the planet Saturn (planet of lessons and limitations) is in my First House, the house of the Self. People with this placement of Saturn tend to be serious, shy, and cautious, with a strong desire for stability, predictability, and structure. We are seen to be limited, not willing or able to express ourselves openly. Our self-confidence tends to be low.

I am sharing all of this because, to me, Card 36 of this oracle seems to be calling my attention to a part of my basic nature that could affect what I do with the troubles, obstacles, and fears I face. The key is for me to acknowledge the Saturn-First House connection, but not to blame it or allow it to control me or blind me. Anxiety comes naturally to people with Saturn in the First House, but that doesn’t alter the fact that we have ways and means to liberate ourselves from a negative or self-limiting mind set.

Past Life Relationship Reading: Dreaming Way Tarot

Back in August I did a Past Life Relationship Reading for a friend (click HERE to see this reading).

Today I am doing the same reading for myself and my husband (in honor of our 16th anniversary). The layout is from Sasha Graham’s 365 Tarot Spreads (Llewellyn). I am using the Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi, illustrated by Kwon Shina (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

One difference between this reading and tha last one I did: I am pulling a card from The Phoenix Cards by Susan Sheppard, illustrated by Toni Taylor (Destiny Books) to get some insight into the place and/or time where this past-life relationship might have existed.

From The Phoenix Cards: 

EGYPTIAN BUTO GODDESS, Card 5

Place: Ancient Egypt

Time: This Buto design dates from around 1567-1085 B.C. 

* * * * *

If you would like me to do this reading about you and your partner,

just purchase a 7-9 card reading using the drop down menu 

in the top of the left column of this blog. 

Specify in a message that you want the Past Life Relationship Reading.

* * * * *

Layout:

1……………………..2
…………..3………….
4…………5…………6
7…………8…………9

Positions:
(1) Who was I in a past life?
(2) Who was he in a past life?
(3) What was our relationship?
(4) Was it a stable relationship?
(5) Did we have children?
(6) Were we together a long time?
(7) What lesson did we learn together in our past life?
(8) What lesson are we learning in this life?
(9) Are we evolving and moving forward?

The reading:

(1) Who was I in a past life?

STRENGTH (Trump 8)

I was a person with an inner core of strength and power, able to exercise that strength and power gently and compassionately, with restraint, rather than forcefully. I may have had a special rapport with animals, or may simply have had a mutually respectful, beneficial relationship with my own inner “beast.”

(2) Who was he in a past life?

FOUR OF CUPS

He was someone who was perhaps so focused on his own emotional disappointments or misfortunes that he was unaware of other people or had trouble engaging with them. It was difficult for him to share with others, to listen to their advice, or to become involved with them. The number Four suggests stability and/or conservatism, possibly stagnation.

(3) What was our relationship?

KING OF CUPS

The suit of Cups (emotions) suggests a close emotional connection, and the King typically represents authority, power, or control. I would describe the relationship as strong and loving.

(4) Was it a stable relationship?

THE WORLD (Trump 21)

Typically, I see a Major Arcana card as a “Yes” answer to a “yes-or-no” question like this. The World card also suggests accomplishment, completion, and fulfillment at a high level. I think stability would very likely be an aspect of that.

(5) Did we have children?

THREE OF WANDS

The suit of Wands is the suit of creativity and as a “masculine” or active suit, I see it as offering a “Yes” answer to a yes-or-no question like this. Both of those factors suggest that we did have children, perhaps three of them, or perhaps one, making us a family of three.

(6) Were we together a long time?

THREE OF PENTACLES

The passive/feminine suit of Pentacles (Earth) sometimes represents a “No” answer. This card can suggest insubstantial or temporary benefits. Perhaps we were together for three years?












(7) What lesson did we learn together in our past life?

THE MAGICIAN (Trump 1)

We learned how to use all the tools at our disposal to achieve what we wanted to achieve, perhaps at a very high level. As partners we learned to be confident and efficient, to achieve our ambitions with skill and talent.














(8) What lesson are we learning in this life?

THE TOWER (Trump 16)

We are learning that abrupt change will not destroy us, even if we didn’t see it coming, because fundamentally we brought that change about through our own actions and decisions. What might appear to be disastrous to others can be handled and worst-case scenarios can be avoided.

(9) Are we evolving and moving forward?

THE EMPEROR (Trump 4)

The answer here seems to be “Yes,” not only because this is a Major Arcana card but because The Emperor is typically about being mature, responsible, and capable. He protects and values what he has, takes charge, and is confident of his own authority. Now, this could suggest a tendency to become “stuck” in one place (number 4), preferring the security of the status quo to changes that come with moving forward. However, I also think of the astrological association of The Emperor with the sign Aries, first sign of the zodiac, an active, motivated Fire sign.


The abundance of Major Arcana cards (5 out of 9) gives me a sense of a strong past-life and/or soulmate connection. The past life relationship seen in these cards may not have lasted a long time by some standards, but it does seem to have been productive.

Emotional Agility Reading: Oracle of Visions

I recently found out about a book titled Emotional Agility by Susan David (Avery / Penguin Group). The book describes an approach to working constructively with emotions and thoughts.

The ideas I read about intrigued me, so I took an online “test” to see how this approach might work for me. As part of the test, I was asked to choose my Top 3 from a long list of qualities or characteristics that I value most.

My choices were: Autonomy, Belonging, Sensitivity

My goal is to bring these values in a real way to my daily life. In the free report I requested about my test results, some initial suggestions were provided to help me meet that goal. Naturally, I saw a way to use an Oracle or Tarot deck with this approach!

First of all, the report stated that my answers to the questions indicate that:

• I often get hooked or stuck in my emotions, thoughts, and experiences – both by bottling them and pushing them aside, brooding on them and over-analyzing them, or by holding on to self-stories in ways that might not serve me.
• I have fairly low levels of self-compassion.

Guilty as charged.

The idea is that I can make changes to my habits and situation so that I see greater levels of growth and development in connection with those key values of Autonomy, Belonging, and Sensitivity. In turn, this leads to greater levels of thriving and overall life success.

The Oracle of Visions by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) seemed eager to assist me in this endeavor. To read my review of this amazing deck, click HERE.

So – let’s see what insight I can get into how I can do a better job of bringing those three key values in a real way to my daily life.

I do feel the need to provide my definition of the terms I am using:
Autonomy: independence from the will of others; independence in one's thoughts or actions
Belonging: acceptance as a natural member or part, as in “a sense of belonging”; feeling connected to others at a deep level
Sensitivity: an awareness and understanding of the feelings of other people

(In writing out these definitions, I had to laugh. The first one seems almost the antithesis of the other two, begging the question: Can you be autonomous while also belonging and feeling/expressing sensitivity toward others? Offhand, it sounds like it could be challenging…)

Here is the spread I designed:

1……..2…….3

…..4…….5…..

..……..6………

(1) How can I do a better job of bringing Autonomy in a real way to my daily life?
(2) How can I do a better job of bringing Belonging in a real way to my daily life?
(3) How can I do a better job of bringing Sensitivity in a real way to my daily life?
(4) How can I raise my levels of self-compassion?
(5) How can I do a better job of dealing with my emotions, thoughts, and experiences?
(6) Overall message or advice – something I need to keep in mind.

And here is the reading:

(1) How can I do a better job of bringing Autonomy in a real way to my daily life?

CARD 11 / Harmony, Balance, Being in Tune with Others

“You don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note.” – Doug Floyd

This is a fascinating card here. The definition of autonomy I am using is “independence from the will of others” and the quote linked with Card 11 is about “being in tune with others” yet not being “the same as” or being “dependent on” others. This card suggests to me that being autonomous doesn’t necessarily mean going against or “fighting” others. I can refuse to bow to the influence of others while still harmonizing with them, achieving a balance. Harmonizing does not require me to be dependent.

(2) How can I do a better job of bringing Belonging in a real way to my daily life?

CARD 25 / Misleading Illusion, Confusion

“Do not be misled by what you see around you, or be influenced by what you see. You live in a world which is a playground of illusion, full of false paths, false values and false ideals. But you are not part of that world.” – Sai Baba

My reaction to this card is that it indicates my feelings of belonging or not belonging may be an illusion or that perhaps I need to be aware that perceptions can be false. It is easy to be misled. Perhaps I need to do a better job of evaluating how or where I do belong or do not belong. I know that I made mistakes in the past in this area, seeking to feel a sense of belonging in a setting that simply didn’t make sense based on who I really am. I wonder if this card is advising me to avoid doing that again, to question whether I really want to “belong” somewhere in the first place instead of fretting over feelings of not belonging.

(3) How can I do a better job of bringing Sensitivity in a real way to my daily life?

CARD 8 / Goals, Dedication, Process

“When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life.” – Greg Anderson

The person on this card is an alchemist, striving to “achieve an end goal through study, experimentation, dedication and perseverance.” That is an interesting approach to the issue of bringing Sensitivity to my daily life. It suggests that doing so needs to be a conscious goal that I work toward and focus on. It is perhaps not something that “comes naturally” to me for whatever reason.

(4) How can I raise my levels of self-compassion?

CARD 46 / Connections, Putting the Pieces Together, Coming to Conclusions

“To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution.” – Joe Cordare

Raising my levels of self-compassion may be like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, finding connections and relationships as I discover more about myself. I confess that in my mind “self-compassion” sounds like feeling sorry for oneself, making excuses for oneself, or avoiding responsibility for less-than-desirable behavior and actions. In other words, I resist doing that, and as a result, have a really hard time being compassionate toward myself. Only I can solve this dilemma.

(5) How can I do a better job of dealing with my emotions, thoughts, and experiences?

CARD 30 / Danger, Fear

“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.” – Helen Keller

A very powerful message here. The questions to ask when dealing with my emotions, thoughts, and experiences are:

• What do those emotions, thoughts, and experiences really mean? 
• Are those emotions, thoughts, and experiences reliable or do I need to question them?
• Do I need to revise my responses to those emotions, thoughts, and experiences?

(6) Overall message or advice – something I need to keep in mind.

CARD 36 / Entrapment, Limitations, Restrictions, Complications

“We have more ability than willpower, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.” – François de La Rochefoucauld

The angel shown on this card cannot fly. Her wings are entangled by “troubles, obstacles and fear.” She is blinded by anxiety and fails to see that she could cut her ties using the nearby sword and set herself free. In my birth chart, the planet Saturn (lessons, limitations) is in my First House (House of Self), which I think has something to do with my tendency to entangle myself in troubles, obstacles, and fear. I am not “blaming” my chart, simply observing that this placement of Saturn is in keeping with the general idea of placing restrictions or limits on oneself. At times the obstacles I perceive are real, but often they are imagined. Either way, it is possible to face and overcome those obstacles.


I am honestly seriously impressed with the cards that came forward in this reading and the performance of this deck in general. I will be consulting it again!

To learn more about the book Emotional Agility, click HERE. To take the test, click HERE.

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_.

Today I am consulting the Wolf Song Cards by Jeanette Spencer and Lew Hartman (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

Our animal for today is the CROW.

Information, Communication

I like crows (maybe because I’m not a farmer with a corn field!) I love their personalities and vocalizations. I understand they are quite smart as well. You may be interested to know the differences between crows and ravens. These web sites offers a few insights, with photos:
* How to Tell a Raven From a Crow
* Ravens and Crows - Who Is Who
* Similar Species: Crows and Ravens

In the Wolf Song Cards deck, the Crow represents a provider of information and communication. To summarize, the impressions we are likely to receive from the Crow include:
* the perfect blend of social grace and bravado
* the reputation of taking what belongs to others
* sometimes careless about others’ feelings

Advice from Crow might include:
* gather information to yourself
* communicate with others and draw on their information
* make no decision based on anything that is not fact
* guard your information; share it, but carefully
* listen without comment unless you have real information to contribute
* learn to hear what is being said beneath the words
* ask yourself, “Am I sharing knowledge or gossiping?”
* learn to communicate, not just talk

Fairy Tale Reading: Tarot and Lenormand

In my _review_ of the lovely and talented Fairy Tale Lenormand (artwork by Lisa Hunt, written by Arwen Lynch, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.), I mentioned the possibility of doing a reading that combines this Lenormand deck with one or more of my Fairy Tale tarot decks.

This 3-card reading has the positions:

(1) yesterday............(2) today.............(3) tomorrow 

My cards:

The decks I am using are:

(1) yesterday: The Fairytale Tarot designed by Karen Mahony, illustrated by Alex Ukolov, with artwork by Irena Triskova (Magic Realist Press)

THREE OF WANDS – _The First Voyage of Sinbad the Seaman_

The card representing my “yesterday” is about making plans, exploring, dreaming of new horizons. As a young man, Sinbad is careless, squandering the wealth he inherited from his parents. I can see how, in some ways, I squandered the many gifts of many different kinds that I was given. The Three of Wands, however, does not represent regrets or unhappy outcomes. It represents a spirit of adventure, a desire and a willingness to search and explore and expand. This, too, applies to my “yesterday.”

(2) today: Fairy Tale Lenormand

SUN (Ace of Diamonds / 31) – _Little Daylight_

My “today” is represented by a very positive Lenormand card, the Sun, with the keywords “opportunities, success, vitality.” This deck associates the Sun card with the tale “Little Daylight,” one of those “female saved by the kiss of a male” stories that I lost my fondness for after reading The Cinderella Complex: Women's Hidden Fear of Independence Paperback by Colette Dowling in 1982. Nevertheless, my “today” is indeed based on a “rescue” of sorts that is not all that far removed from this type of story. Unlike the story, in my case, I did not lie sleeping, awaiting that magical kiss. My own decisions, choices, and actions contributed to the outcome and my present circumstances.

(3) tomorrow: The Fairy Tale Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Publications)

NINE OF CUPS – _The Mermaid and the Boy_

The story of The Mermaid and the Boy comes from Lapland, and it comes complete with the promise of a first-born child in exchange for being saved from death, an attempt to hide the child to avoid making good on the promise, and the child growing up and going out into the world. Out in that world, the boy helps various beasts, gaining the ability to turn into those beasts as needed, and this allows him to escape the mermaid who snatches him from the shore in fulfillment of that long-ago promise. The boy marries a princess and all is well in the end.

So, in terms of my “tomorrow,” I can look at this story not only on the surface but a bit more deeply, with the help of Lisa Hunt’s commentary: “We have shed the last vestiges of emotional turmoil and are now on the path toward reaching our objectives. We enjoy the ride as we feel the exhilaration of our goals being fed into our emotional well-being. We feel a keen sense of personal accomplishment and bask in the multitudinous blessings that are finally making themselves visible.”

I can certainly live with that!

Sherlock Holmes Card of the Day: The Final Problem (Trump 20)

The Sherlock Holmes Card of the Day is:

Trump 20 / THE FINAL PROBLEM

(The Last Judgement)

"The Adventure of the Final Problem" is the last of the short stories of Sherlock Holmes from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The story ends with the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes on May 4, 1891, during a fight with his arch-nemesis Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. The card depicts a bereft Dr. Watson standing by his friend’s gravestone.

The Holmesian Wisdom for this card is a quote from “The Second Stain”: “Come, friend Watson, the curtain rings up for the last act.”

The association of this event with Judgement (Trump 20 in the Tarot) makes sense when we consider the traditional interpretations of this card, including “renewal, resurrection, ending or beginning” – for, as Holmes readers know, Sherlock is not killed at Reichenbach Falls.

Conan Doyle may have wanted to stop writing about the detective, but his fans expressed such grief, anger, and dismay that the author brought Holmes back to life. The creators of this deck write: “The rapturous reaction experienced by Watson and Mrs. Hudson at the restoration of the great detective perfectly mirrors the sense of renewal at the heart of the Last Judgement card in classic tarot symbolism.”

The guidebook for this deck lists additional Keys for this card, upright: “recapitulation of events or ideas, prophetic vision, forgiveness, adjustment, recovery of that which has been lost sight of, impulse to change your life.” Keys for the reversed card are “simplicity, weakness, stagnation, delay.”

The book that accompanies this deck also provides interpretations for each card under the headings “The Game” and “The Fog.” The former elaborates on the upright keys, while the latter expands on reversed meanings.

Examples from “The Game” for The Final Problem: “changes of direction impinge from all sides. . . New discoveries bring renewal and transformation to your theories. . . The impulse to change or reform your life gets nearer.”

Examples from “The Fog”: “ Forgiveness or adjustments are difficult when you are grudging with your response. . . You reap what you sow. . . Accept what needs to be laid down and make your way without it.”

Review: Fairy Tale Lenormand

Fairy Tale Lenormand 

by _Arwen Lynch_  (Author)

_Lisa Hunt_  (Author, Illustrator)

_U.S. Games Systems Inc._

38 cards / 2.8 x 1.2 x 4.1 inches

120 page guidebook

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

Fairy Tales + Lisa Hunt + Arwen Lynch . . . I’m already reaching for this deck. . . And then U.S. Games puts it in a wonderful little metal tin box. I’m almost speechless, but not quite. Let me continue.

From “_The Enchanted Horse_”  to “_East o’ the Sun, West o’ the Moon_”  to “_Rose Red and Snow White_”  to “_The Red Shoes_,” the Fairy Tale Lenormand carries us through many cultures, countries, and concepts, while connecting us neatly to the thirty-six cards of the Lenormand oracle.

Even if you completely ignore the Little White Book (LWB) and the fairy tale descriptions, you can still use this as a Lenormand deck, thanks to Lisa Hunt’s highly successful effort to modify her approach to the art. Her signature love of detail is still evident but has been geared toward simplicity and ease of access, in keeping with the Lenormand’s purpose.

Familiarity with the tales (as told by Arwen Lynch) simply serves to enrich and enhance the reader’s experience with these cards. For example, when I see the Garden card from the Fairy Tale Lenormand, I not only pick up the traditional meaning of “friends, festivities, acquaintances, gatherings,” I remember Oscar Wilde’s story of “_The Selfish Giant_,” whose garden remained in a wintry state until one brave child dared to enter, causing everything in the garden to bloom. The Snake warns of “cheating, betrayal, manipulation.” The image on the card reminds me of how Rudyard Kipling’s mongoose, _Rikki Tikki Tavi_, deals with evil cobras, protecting his humans from the threat.

I love the spreads in the LWB, especially the Tower Spread (based on Rapunzel) and Happily Ever Afters, a 12-card spread laid out in three fans of four cards each.

I am looking forward to using this deck alone and perhaps in combination with one of my Fairy Tale Tarot decks.

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

"Fairy Tales have been teaching us timeless life lessons for centuries. Lisa Hunt’s enchanting artwork draws us into the magical world of peasants and princesses, dragons and daring deeds. By weaving imaginative myths into the Lenormand structure, Fairy Tale Lenormand helps readers connect with the cards in meaningful and memorable ways. The 38-card multicultural deck, presented in a treasure chest tin, includes extra Gentleman and Lady cards for personalized readings.

Arwen Lynch’s delightful 120-page booklet, with foreword by Lenormand expert Donnaleigh de LaRose, cleverly relates familiar fairy tales to the Lenormand meanings. Booklet includes illustrated instructions for reading with Crossroads Spreads, Tower Spreads, and Happily Ever Afters."

BASIC INFORMATION

The Fairy Tale Lenormand is based on the Lenormand system but includes 38 cards instead of 36. This is because the Fairy Tale deck contains two “Gentleman” cards and two “Lady” cards. In each case, there is a “peasant” version and a “prince” or “princess” version. Many fairy tales have a peasant becoming a prince (or vice versa), and female characters are often either a peasant or princess.

The deck of 38 cards and accompanying 120-page guidebook are packaged inside a metal tin. The guidebook contains a Foreword by Donnaleigh de LaRose and an Introduction by Arwen Lynch, who also provides the commentary for each card.

A section at the end of the booklet contains information on Fan Spreads (spreads that use the shape of a fan), a Crossroads Spread, a Tower Spread, and a spread called Happily Ever Afters consisting of three fans with four cards each.

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The art from one of the cards (#30 – Lilies) is on the front of the tin and the guidebook. The tin measures about 4 by 2-3/4 inches. The booklet is 2-1/4 inches wide by 3-1/2 inches tall and 1/4 inch thick. The card measure 2-1/4 by 3-1/2 inches.

The fronts of the cards have tan borders surrounding a full color image. Card numbers are in the upper left corner. Card titles are centered below the image, along with the name of the playing card that corresponds to that Lenormand card. Reversible card backs feature a tan background with an intricate design, a border of vines, leaves, and flowers in green and brown. An intricate green and brown design featuring mirror-image old-fashioned keyholes is centered on the card backs.

The glossy guidebook cover is made of sturdy stock. The inside is printed black on white with a couple of black and white illustrations and spread layouts (individual cards are not illustrated ion the booklet). Card descriptions include the number and name of the card, the playing card association, keywords for that card, and two pages describing the fairy tale association and how it relates to the traditional meaning of the Lenormand card.

AUTHOR

As stated on her _web site_,  Arwen Lynch “began reading the Tarot in 1980 when a friend handed her the Thoth deck. She didn’t really like the Thoth deck then (her opinion has changed since) so moved on to the Herbal Tarot which she still has in her collection of over 150 Tarot and Oracle decks.” A past president of the American Tarot Association, Lynch is also the author of several books under the pen name Marilu Mann.

ART

Lisa Hunt’s art is well known in the cartomancy community thanks to her work on beautiful tarot and oracle decks such as the Animals Divine Tarot (Llewellyn Publications), The Winged Enchantment Oracle by Lesley Morrison (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.), Ghosts and Spirits Tarot (U.S. Games), Fantastical Creatures Tarot by D.J. Conway (U.S. Games), Shapeshifter Tarot by D.J. Conway and Sirona Knight (Llewellyn Publications), The Fairy Tale Tarot (Llewellyn Publications), and The Celtic Dragon Tarot by D.J. Conway (Llewellyn Publications).

Lisa writes: “My artwork is about letting go and allowing a confluence of emotion to help paint the picture.” She is inspired by “almost anything: nature, reading (especially mythology and folklore), traveling and visiting parks and zoos, etc.”

You can read about Lisa’s technique and creative process HERE.

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

Tarot and Oracle Combination Reading

For this 3-card reading, I am placing a Tarot card in the center with one Oracle cards on either side. I forget where I read about this idea. Probably a lot of people have done it, but here we go.

I decided the “Tarot card in the center” will represent “An issue I need to address.” The two oracle cards will represent what might help me and what might hinder me.

Let’s do a “Totally Ciro Marchetti Reading.” The decks I am using  -- all with art by Ciro Marchetti -- are:

• Issue: The Gilded Tarot (Llewellyn Publications)
• What might help me: Fin de Siècle Kipper (U.S. Games Systems)
• What might hinder me: Gilded Reverie Lenormand (U.S. Games Systems)

And here are the cards I pulled from each deck:

Issue I need to address: THE MAGICIAN
In general, The Magician typically refers to the male principal – the active, outgoing energy we channel into the outer world, the tools (skills, knowledge) we use and how we use those tools. The message I always see in this card is one of empowerment, an assurance that I already have the power to accomplish what I desire. I need to recognize and utilize those tools – whether they are Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles, or a combination of all four!

What might help me: OCCUPATION (34)
Hmmm… fascinating, really. The booklet that comes with the Fin de Siècle Kipper tells us that this card typically represents self-employment, handcrafting, freelancing, doing work you enjoy … all of which have occupied most of my time for almost 20 years now. It is these pursuits, apparently, that might help me develop and expand the full use of all the tools at my disposal.

What might hinder me: MOON (32)
The booklet that comes with the Gilded Reverie Lenormand states that the Moon “does not quite live up to the brilliance of the Sun, she is more watery in nature and she really wants to be a ‘Star’ – to have recognition.” Is a desire for recognition or “fame” something that might hinder me or prevent me from making the best use of all of the tools available to me? Is this a case where my imagination is a liability – because I “imagine” receiving a level of recognition and acknowledgment that I simply am not going to receive? And then, when I notice this lack of recognition, I become discouraged, which can lead to being less creative and less energetic. The Moon is also about cycles. Perhaps my energy and confidence waxes and wanes like the Moon from month to month.

Very interesting! And lots to keep in mind.

Oracle Horoscopes for October

This month’s Oracle Horoscopes are brought to you by the Fin de Siècle Kipper by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) To read my review of this deck, click HERE.  I derived the significant number by reducing the number on each card to a single digit.

Aries (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19)

COMMUNITY (39) – It’s all about connections to other people this month, Aries. This means family, relatives, friends, and any like-minded folks. It could refer to organized groups or casual get-togethers. At work, the emphasis is on teamwork and creating a positive working atmosphere. Whether you’re being helpful or receiving help, hosting or being a guest, celebrate having good people around you and appreciate the qualities of loyalty and cooperation. Significant number: 3

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)

WEALTHY MAN (13) – Taurus, this month you are likely to experience your native “bullishness” in the form of money, possessions and/or career success. Perhaps you are in close contact with someone who exhibits these qualities (an employer, a company or business?) or maybe the card refers to you personally. Either way, be on the lookout for opportunities and chances. Significant number: 4

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

LOVERS (15) – I have to point out that The Lovers card in the Tarot is linked with the sign Gemini AND this card is #15, a number that reduces to 6 (1+5), which happens to be the number on The Lovers tarot card. Gemini, this could be about love or a romantic relationship between two people, or it might point to any type of loving relationship or friendship, even a chance to create harmony between your own heart and mind. Significant number: 6

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

IMPRISONMENT (29) – Not a pretty picture here, Cancer, but let’s look into it. You may experience a sense of being confined, isolated, or “stuck in one place” this month, either because of someone else’s actions or beliefs or your own. You may feel trapped in a relationship, job, or situation. So often, we are prisoners of our own thoughts, perceptions or feelings, and this month seems like a good time for you to consider what that might mean. Significant number: 2

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

FALSE PERSON (8) – For Leos, the month of October brings a warning to look out for a person or people who are being dishonest or deceptive. At the very least, a mistake or mistakes require correction. Be wary of trusting everybody or everything you see (or think you see). At the same time, you are encouraged to examine your own motivations and ask whether you are “being yourself” or wearing a disguise in a situation. Is it time to throw off your mask and be what you really are? Significant number: 8

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

CONCERN (33) – It’s not unusual for a Virgo to have “Concerns.” After all, Virgo is one of the most anxious, worrying signs out there. During this month you may experience or encounter a more deep-seated form of angst, inability to focus, even depression, especially if it is unclear what can or should be done in a particular situation. The elderly man on this card could be someone you know or might represent an inner quality of your own that wants to dominate and “catastrophize” things this month. Try to understand the root of the problem and how that might be overcome or offset. Significant number: 6

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

TOIL & LABOUR (38) – Your daily work – perhaps very hard work – takes center stage this month, Libra. This could refer to your job or your home life, perhaps a sense of being burdened, unappreciated, or put upon. Somehow this has become part of your daily routine as you go round and round as if on a hamster wheel. The monotony and lack of inspiration or challenge are taking their toll. Time to double-check the things you see as your “obligations.” How many of them actually are obligatory? What can you let go or reduce in order to gain some free time in which to enjoy yourself? Significant number: 2

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

HIGH HONOR (25) – Hold your head high, Scorpio. This month brings trophies, medals, honor, success, promotion or something equally edifying to your ego. You may not receive an actual 21-gun salute (as shown on the card), but your skills, knowledge, and achievements will be recognized. Interestingly, this card might even represent someone’s declaration of love for you, as well as the resolution of difficulties that have plagued you in the past. Significant number: 7

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

HOUSE (20) – As a Sagittarius, you may enjoy travel, but this month the focus is on house and home, family, your neighborhood – or possibly real estate in general. Like many cards, there could also be a very personal meaning such as a reference to a solid, strong, steady relationship. Pay attention to the people and places in your life that make you feel at home, with a sense of security, coziness, and safety. If you haven’t been home in a while, this is the month to go there. Significant number: 2

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

GREAT FORTUNE (26) – Well done, Capricorn! You’ve drawn the most enabling, powerful and positive card in the deck. This month may very well bring you outstanding good luck, triumph, wealth, happiness, fruitfulness – or a combination of those. A wish unexpectedly comes true. Opportunities abound. A winning streak – or at least an improvement in current conditions – is in the cards. This is also a great time to explore new perspectives and improvements in a relationship. Significant number: 8

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

MESSAGE (7) – Typically this card represents good news, Aquarius, but it certainly represents an important message of some kind. News may come to you in any form, including phone call, text message, email, letter, documents, notes, papers, etc. Important information may also appear in a newspaper or magazine, so be alert while paging through those publications. Significant number: 7

Pisces (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20)

MESSAGE OF CONCERN (14) – As you can tell from the body language of the woman on this card, you may receive disappointing and/or unpleasantly surprising news in October. This news could refer to any area of life, but it may help if you can view it as a “setback” rather than “the end.” A small quarrel or small crisis might appear overwhelming at first, especially to sensitive Pisces, but since you are being forewarned, perhaps you can avoid overreacting. Significant number: 5