Reading with the Dream Fairies

The beautiful ladies of the Dream Fairies deck (Bianca Luna, Julia Jeffrey / Lo Scarabeo) called to me this morning, inviting me to create a spread that combines the two spreads included in the guidebook that accompanies this lovely deck. (To read my review of the Dream Fairies oracle, click HERE.

One spread from the book uses two cards with the positions representing the positive side of a situation and the dark side of the same situation. The other spread uses five cards to represent us and our dreams, how we can make them come true, obstacles to be overcome, the advice of the Fairies, and the direction our dreams will take.

My combo-spread uses five cards:

…………..3…………..

1…………5………….2

…………..4……………

(1) positive side of a situation (seen clearly, strong points to be developed)
(2) dark side of a situation (cannot or will not be seen, deceptions we may fall for)
(3) how to make the most of the positive side
(4) how to overcome the dark side
(5) the most likely direction the situation will take

And the Fairies say. . .

(1) positive side of a situation (seen clearly, strong points to be developed)

ASTRID, The Fairy of Taurus

Here we have the fairy connected to my Moon sign, Taurus. Key qualities of this fairy and this sign include patience, stubbornness, and determination. Ruled by the planet Venus, Taurus also has a keen appreciation for beauty and pleasure in life. So, these characteristics are seen clearly in the positive side of the situation and/or represent strong points to be developed. I get the sense that, on a positive note, patience and determination can win the day. Notice that Astrid is accompanied, appropriately, by a dog, known for loyalty and steadfast dependability.

(2) dark side of a situation (cannot or will not be seen, deceptions we may fall for)

ALMA, The Fairy of Virgo

I love that this fairy is connected to my Rising sign, Virgo. (This is turning out to be a very personal reading from these fairies!) Although Taurus and Virgo are both Earth signs, they are also quite different from each other. Virgo prides itself on organization, order, perfection, and a focus on health. So apparently something in that mix is contributing to “the dark side” of the situation. I think perhaps the message is that even though I may think organization, attention to detail, and a perfectionistic attitude are useful or necessary, those things may actually create problems and obstacles. Alma-Virgo also focuses on daily life and the routines of life, and perhaps focusing too narrowly on those things is a problem.

(3) how to make the most of the positive side

Tami, The Fairy of Scorpio

This “lady” is not  a key part of my birth chart, so it’s interesting to see her in this position. She is apparently able to make the most of the benefits provided by Astrid (Taurus). That makes sense from an astrological perspective, as Earth (Taurus) and Water (Scorpio) are highly compatible elements. However, as you can probably see from Julia Jeffrey’s gorgeous illustration, Tami is a creature of the night. She looks deeply and feels strongly. Her gifts of introspection, daring, and a craving for risk can offset the steady-as-you-go nature of Astrid/Taurus so that things don’t grind to a halt. And Tami prompts the Seeker to explore the Self and the Soul to understand the truest and deepest meaning of life. Like Astrid, Tami is accompanied by a dog, but hers doesn’t convey the same steady temperament I see in Astrid’s companion. Tami’s dog looks as if he might bound away in pursuit of prey or a playmate at any minute.

(4) how to overcome the dark side

Ariel, The Fairy of Aquarius

Now we can see how an Air sign/fairy (Ariel – Aquarius) might overcome the obstacles presented by an Earth sign/fairy (Alma – Virgo). When I look at these two cards side by side, the fairies face each other, and it is clear to see that Alma-Virgo is serious and careful, where Ariel-Aquarius is adventurous and open to all possibilities. I can almost imagine Virgo’s look of anxiety upon hearing of the escapades Ariel-Aquarius is considering. So the way to overcome a tendency toward obsession over details, safety, security, and daily routine is to welcome the spirit of non-conformism and encourage objectivity and openness to new ideas. Virgo tends to be a solitary soul (the Tarot card associated with this sign is The Hermit), and Aquarius is the sign of friends and groups and sociability. Relax! Explore! Interact!

(5) the most likely direction the situation will take

Lilium, The Fairy of Sagittarius

My Sun sign, Sagittarius (a Fire sign), finally makes an appearance in this reading in the form of freedom-loving, confident, optimistic Lilium. Flexible, dynamic, and willing to change, Lilium tends to be quite jovial and is always ready for travel and adventure. If I can use the energies expressed in the other cards in this reading, I increase my chances of experiencing freedom physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. For Lilium, stagnation is not an option.  

I love this group of fairies with their zodiac signs that seem to match the prominent signs of my birth chart. I like that all of the elements are represented in this reading. The coloring of all but one of the cards is green, yellow, and taupe or tan. Tami/Scorpio stands out in her violet and black hues, drawing my attention for a purpose, perhaps. 

Medicine Wheel Reading with Power Animal Oracle

Today I am using a spread I found at e-tarocchi.com called the Medicine Wheel Reading. As stated on the website: “This reading explores the energies present in your life in each area of the Medicine Wheel. Choose this spread when you need a greater understanding of the inner forces at work in your life today.”

I am using the Power Animal Oracle Cards by Steven D. Farmer, Ph.D. (Hay House).

The layout:

……………………NORTH………………………

……………………………………………………….

.....WEST..…………CENTER……….…....EAST.....

……………………………………………………….

…………………...SOUTH………………………

Core Medicine Wheel Influence

Center: The animal spirit that appears in the center of the Medicine Wheel

reflects who you are at this point in time.

DEER (Pathfinder) – At this point in time, I am in a position or have an opportunity to find the path I need to be on, the direction or way I need to go. The key is to use all my senses to gather information, then let my instinctual self absorb that awareness without analyzing, critiquing, or studying it. Over-thinking is my enemy in this situation. There is no need to “figure it out.” Instead, I need to let my senses transmit and receive that awareness at a “gut level.”

Northern Medicine Wheel Influence

North: The animal that appears in the North shows you how to walk your talk. 

Here lies your connection with your Higher Self.

PORCUPINE (Innocence) – It appears that my connection with my Higher Self is a prickly one. The barrier may be a tendency to harbor guilt, resentment, arrogance, or feelings of being victimized. Like the quills of a porcupine, these tendencies keep me separated from my Higher Self. The key is to “see the world through the eyes of a child,” trusting my “inner mother and father” to be there whenever I need them. My Higher Self is willing and able to protect and nourish me, but first I must grant myself permission to have that protection and nourishment, no matter what I may feel guilty or resentful about.

Western Medicine Wheel Influence

West: The animal that appears in the West holds the answer

to your present challenge.

BEAR (Boundaries) – I am not consciously aware of a “present challenge” in my life, at least not anything significant. We all have many challenges from day to day and week to week. To better understand what my present challenge is and to find an answer to that challenge, I need to look to the Bear, whose motto in this deck is “Stand your ground.” This card is about defining who I am and who I am not, and letting that determine whether my response will be “yes” or “no.” Establishing limits need not alienate other people. Knowing I can say “No” doesn’t mean I have to say “No.” But in any given situation, I need to return to that initial understanding of who I am and who I am not.

Eastern Medicine Wheel Influence

East: This animal reveals the direction you need to take 

in order to gain clarity about your present situation.

COYOTE (Wise Fool) – This card suggests that my own self-consciousness or overly serious view of myself could be interfering with my ability to gain clarity about my present situation. My tendency to attack or shame myself for foolish behavior gets in the way of discovering more important lessons and truths. Self-acceptance is not refusing to see our failings or faults; it is recognizing and acknowledging those failures and faults, and loving ourselves unconditionally. If I can allow myself to laugh at relatively minor follies, I am more likely to find the teaching in them.

Southern Medicine Wheel Influence

South: This animal explores issues dealing with your inner child, 

and shows the energy needed to trust your own process.

DRAGONFLY (Illusion) – My inner child knows who I really am and trusts my own process. When I am out of touch with that spirit, I may wear a mask or create an illusion about who I am, hoping that one of those personas will be more acceptable to others than my real self. The Dragonfly advises me that I need to reveal more of my true self, saving the masks or illusions for the rare occasion when they might be necessary for survival. Before I act or respond in a situation, it might benefit me to ask, “Is this who I really am?”

In summary, the messages from this group of animals are:

• Trust your instincts to guide you through this situation.
• Free yourself of guilt and shame.
• Stand your ground.
• Accept your follies and find the teaching in them.
• You know who you really are.

Great advice!

Day of the Druids - March 13, 2017

It has been a VERY long time since I did a “Day of the Druids” reading, which involves asking the DruidCraft Tarot and the Druid Animal Oracle what I need to be aware of today.

The positional definitions are:

(1) Not only...
(2) But also...

Not only… KING OF WANDS

I need to be aware of areas of my life where I demonstrate wisdom, maturity, authority, and social responsibility, focusing on my accomplishments and successes. While doing this, I need to be aware of my natural optimism and enthusiasm (Sagittarius Sun), along with the importance of expressing my ideas as I make important decisions or set goals.

But also … RAVEN

I also need to be aware that this is may be a time for initiation into the “mysteries” of something new and a death that gives way to a birth. There is an opportunity for healing and the resolution of conflicts, including some that may have long laid buried in my unconscious or my past. The Raven offers protective energy and the assurance of safety during the process of confronting that which is hidden, in other words, my “shadow side” or potentially destructive aspects of my psyche.

Sources:

The DruidCraft Tarot (deck and book set) by Philip and Stephanie Carr Gomm, with illustrations by Will Worthington (Eddison Sadd Editions)

The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm. Card Illustrations by Bill Worthington. Fireside: Simon & Schuster, Inc. 

Ten Card Spread with The Wonderland Tarot

Today I’m using my newly acquired Wonderland Tarot to do a 10-card spread for a friend. To read my review of this deck, click HERE.

The positional definitions provided in the guidebook that comes with The Wonderland Tarot are as follows:

(1) Present position
(2) Immediate influence
(3) Goal or destiny
(4) Distant past foundation
(5) Recent past events
(6) Future influence
(7) The questioner
(8) Environmental factors
(9) Inner emotions
(10) Final results

Are you ready? Let’s go “down the rabbit hole!”

(1) Present position: KING OF FLAMINGOS (Swords/Spades)

Interesting interpretation from the LWB: “The power of life and death. The king mitigates the excesses of the queen.” I can reveal to you that the friend I’m reading for is separated from his wife, whose excessive behavior has lead to her being arrested three times and jailed once. The suit of Swords often represents attitudes, perceptions, conflict, strife, and stress. We might even see this King as representing my friend but at the very least, it most certainly represents “the atmosphere in which the questioner is presently working and living.”

(2) Immediate influence: SIX OF FLAMINGOS

Here we are being shown “the nature of the influences or the obstacles that lie just ahead.” The Six of Flamingos typically indicates a journey – hopefully a pleasant one – but in this case, I think it’s going to be a mixed bag, with some unpleasantness involved. I think my friend is looking forward to the “end” of this particular journey.

(3) Goal or destiny: SIX OF OYSTERS (Coins, Pentacles, Diamonds)

My friend’s ultimate goal or “the best that can be accomplished” is represented here by the Six of Oysters, a card linked to the physical, material realm. This card often suggests generosity and kindness “to those less fortunate.” I feel the card points directly at my friend’s goal of not “losing his shirt” to his ex in a very real, material sense. From all appearances, she does not stand much of a chance of winning anything in court (my friend took out a restraining order on her after she hit him in the head with a frying pan, requiring him to get 7 stitches). However, immediately after the physical altercation that led to the breakup, she did remove furniture and other items from the house while my friend was out.

(4) Distant past foundation: THE STAR (Key 17)

Here we are supposedly looking at “broad and basic influences which existed in the past and upon which the present events are based.” I think this card is showing us my friend’s wishes and dreams that led to him marrying this woman in the first place and also have contributed to him staying with her in spite of her behavior, which included more than one instance of infidelity. My friend had hoped for a bright future together, fulfillment, satisfaction, and so forth. Instead, he finds himself “cutting off a bad relationship” (the reversed meaning for this card as provided in the LWB).

(5) Recent past events: TWO OF FLAMINGOS

As “the most recent sphere of influence or events that has passed or is just passing,” the Two of Flamingos points again to conflict and opposition as well as an attempt to secure a “truce.” The reversed meanings of duplicity, disloyalty, and treachery all seem to apply.

(6) Future influence: THE MOON (Key 18)

Here we expect to see “the sphere of influence that is coming into being in the near future.” As a Major Arcana card, The Moon probably represents a powerful “sphere of influence,” and it’s likely not to be an enjoyable one. At the very least, this card points to deception, trickery, deceit, false friends, and a trap. I can’t help thinking about my friend’s continued interaction with his ex-wife’s niece, who appears to sympathize with him and decry her aunt’s behavior. And yet. I feel the niece’s loyalty ultimately must lie with her aunt (family/blood), and I feel my friend might be wise to stop communicating with the niece. This could also refer to a mutual friend or friends who take sides against my friend while appearing to be on his side or at least neutral.

(7) The questioner: TEN OF FLAMINGOS

In his present position, my friend is represented by the Ten of Flamingos (Swords again – conflict, stress, strife). I often see the Ten of Swords as a sign of reaching the end of one’s wits or rope or whatever expression you care to use. Other keywords might include “a mental death, a pain that feels like a violent death, mental anguish, trouble and misfortune.” I think that applies quite well here.

(8) Environmental factors: SEVEN OF OYSTERS

In this position we are not looking at the “environment” in ecological terms but rather we are looking at “the questioner’s influence on other people and their influence on the questioner.” The Seven of Oysters (Coins, Pentacles) puts us back into the material, physical realm, where we see apparent progress toward wealth or personal gain, yet there is still anxiety or worry about possible loss. This situation most certainly does involve money and property/possessions, over which my friend and others have control or are attempting to control.

(9) Inner emotions: NINE OF OYSTERS

We remain in the physical, material realm to explore the questioner’s “inner hopes, emotions, desires and anxieties.” This card typically represents accomplishment and/or feelings of safety, which my friend obviously hopes to experience. Reversed, the card points to possible bad faith, villainy, danger to self or spirit… again, obviously fears my friend might harbor in this situation.

(10) Final results: TEMPERANCE (Key 14)

I confess, after all the Swords in this reading, I was relieved to see Temperance make an appearance to represent “the culmination and results of all the influences revealed by the other cards.” As this is a Major Arcana card, I think we are looking at a “grand finale” which implies compromise, balance, moderation, and tolerance. Unfortunately, because there is so much acrimony and conflict involved in this situation (reflected in the preceding cards), I can also see potential for a final result that includes discord, frustration, imbalance, and continued excessive behavior.

The major “players” in this reading are the suits of Flamingos (Swords) and Oysters (Coins, Pentacles) – difficulties and conflict, material and physical matters. Our triumvirate of Major Arcana cards presents a combination of hopes and dreams (The Star), deception and confusion (The Moon), and balance and moderation (Temperance). A mixed bag, to be sure, and not the easiest energy to navigate.