#Adinkra cards

[kelleah-meah]

My 2023 New Year's Tarot Reading

As expected, I did a tarot reading to help me focus a bit on what I can expect in 2023. Now, I do a Witch's New Year tarot reading for Samhain, which I feel is a bit more detailed and insightful than the calendar new year's spreads. But my intuition won't let me pass by any type of new year without dedicating a tarot reading. (I'll do another one for the Lunar New Year too.)

Anyway, I did find this one to be fairly insightful too, and thought I'd share it here.

This is the spread I used (found here):

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I have been sick for the past several weeks, so I've taking things fairly slowly compared to my usual routine. That kindness is not only for my health, but also for common sense. Until I can get a handle on my situation (it involves high blood pressure), I'm viewing this illness as a sign that I really need to pause, take stock and slow down ... not just at this time, but perhaps for all of 2023.

But onto the reading ...

You can tell I thought this reading was extra special because I did it on the floor, instead of on my bed.

The other deck you see there on the right are my Adinkra oracle cards. In addition to the tarot spread, I decided to pull an oracle to represent what my ancestors want me to remember, learn and keep in mind throughout 2023. More on that at the end.

Here is what the New Year tarot spread told me:

Theme of the New Year

2 of Wands

Interpretation: A new world is calling your name and you are confidently stepping forward, ready to see what's next. Remember, not all those who wander are lost.

What I need to let go from last year

The Hanged Woman

Interpretation: Stop sacrificing your time and values to please other people. Putting a lot of effort and energy into a situation is wearing you down. There are other options, and they will reveal themselves to you as you keep going toward your path.

What I should bring with me from last year

9 of Wands

Interpretation: Throughout this journey, you have accumulated experience and gained enough wisdom to handle anything that is thrown your way. Trust in your strength and power to make it to the end.

Obstacles or challenges I may face in the new year

8 of Swords

Interpretation: All the things that may keep you up at night will be your biggest challenge until you take back what is yours. Work your way out of emotional lethargy. That is the first step in meeting any challenge you face.

How to overcome these obstacles

8 of Wands

Interpretation: Progress is a process. Harness every window of opportunity with swift and focused movement. Fueled by your passion, you will pick up inspiration along the way. Within structure, there is freedom and room for self-expression and creativity.

What is my goal for the new year

8 of Pentacles

Interpretation: Hustle, grit and craftsmanship will lead you to your goal of turning your passion into artistry. The culmination of all your experience, education and insight form a painter's palette to designing the life of your dreams. You're up to the challenge, just take your time and know the picture will come together day by day.

How to achieve this goal

King of Wands

Interpretation: With finesse and intention, you will light a fire to your ideas and vision. Create goals for yourself with clarity and imagination, and don't stop until you get where you want to go. Unleash the offbeat weirdo that you've got inside, and be absolutely unapologetic in your pursuit of the stellar.

External influences affecting me this year

7 of Swords

Interpretation: This is a time to be discreet and protect yourself, as confiding in others can bring more harm than good. Work smarter, not harder, and be strategic in your course of action. Be grateful and resourceful, and take only what you need.

My mantra for the year

Queen of Cups

Interpretation: Set empathetic boundaries and your artistic efforts will flow with ease. Healing past wounds with kindness and self-expression will be your gift.

Overall, I really like this reading. I especially took note of the three 8s that appeared as well. I pulled an 8 of Swords, 8 of Wands and an 8 of Pentacles. And if you're inclined to pay attention to Angel Numbers (I'm not sure if I do, but I'm trying to stay open-minded.), the 888 implies -- "Something very good is coming your way. Good news, good times, good relationships, good health, and many blessings" *and* "Everything is falling into place. just the way it's meant to be. Financial abundance is on its way to you. The universe is letting you know you're successful."

As for my Adinkra oracle card message, I pulled this:

The "Mpatapo" adinkra symbol is the guiding message I'm meant to follow throughout the upcoming year. I interpret this to mean that I need to continue to work on my journey involving shadow work and healing through forgiveness and reconciliation. More importantly, that forgiveness should be focused on myself just as much as it could of others.

I need to let go of the blame I place on myself for not being what I dreamed of so I can step into the reality of who I truly am. I deserve compassion for myself as much as anyone else deserves it from me.

[ghosting-medium]

・❥・ West ˗ˏˋ꒰ ✨ ꒱

Moodboard & Information credit: Kalmi

Looks Like:

Credit: AngeoArt on Deviant

West is gracious and regal but never harsh or untimely. She appreciates decent formality. Her eyes and hair are bejeweled with stars. There is no true “color” to her iris but I’d describe it as a black-ish purple. Her hair is long but is obviously coiled with very defined curls which are very soft. Her skin is highly pigmented to a near jet black and amongst this I can see glimpses of shimmers and glittery constellations on her body. She wears a type of tiara on her head that has 3 small silver star symbols on it. Her body moves likes water, there is no “structure” to her shape; she is extremely flowy.

She feels like a “zing!” when she touches you. Suddenly, I am highly aware of the part of my arm that I requested she touch and I seem to have stronger clairvoyance after the touch. This is just the effects it had on me, of course. What’s interesting is that she is gentle with her words, her movements, everything but the effect it has on me, personally, is still strong and powerful.

West is gender-fluid but seems to lean towards she/they pronouns and to me she presents in a feminine manner. If that is different to you then absolutely embrace it!

The 3 Stars

On her crown/tiara we see two stars on the outside which are similar to Nsoroma (Child of God within Adinkra symbols). This symbol represents the divinity of humans and faith but also represents getting through hardship and still remaining “holy”. Usually referring to having faith for the Supreme Being, The One, The Creator, The Universe (however you choose to label it).

The star in the middle is similar to the Star within Vodou Vévé that represents Ife, also known and documented as the Star of Life (seen with a snake and rod aka the Rod of Asclepius). This symbol is used within medicinal spaces! It, generally speaking, represents healing, rejuvenation, and recuperation.

To West, upon asking what the meaning meant to her, she explains that the stars are her connection to humanity as well as the divine. She elaborates that the stars are to guide herself to others who require assistance and wish to become in tune with their intuition and spiritual-selves. She usually handles very “dark” situations where a flashlight shouldn’t be given, as it is too obvious and may alert the attacker. So, stars are her choice of weapon.

Palace, Residence:

The energy of their Palace is that it's time and galactic based and inspired from, it's elegant and beautiful. Respecting her wishes I will not be detailing visuals, and symbolism. I do ask that if you want to visit, to properly and respectfully reach out, and wait West's response.

Ruling, Domain:

Correspondences:

Days of the Week:

Wednesday - The hump day. It’s the middle of the week where we are usually the most exhausted and simply want the week to be over… but it is also the day of Mercury. West can assist practitioners with communication and the idea of letting go / moving on. She is the epitome of Mercury; intellect, travel, networking, perceiving… clairvoyance. She will help you gently confront people and situations that you, perhaps, have been avoiding. The best day to devote to her is Wednesday.

Special Days:

September 13th holds a lot of significance to West. The Tower and The Death card are the best representations of this day. A day for renewal and honesty. Pure honesty. Extreme tragedies, fights, and emotions are celebrated an remembered on this day (a time where communication didn’t go so well). Historically, natural disasters, deaths and chaotic events have happened on this day (wildfires, floods, eathquakes, celebrity deaths, etc). On this day, remember and refresh.

Any day that Mercury rules!

Elements:

Air, “Darkness”

Numbers:

6, 10, 9

6 - Traditionally a solar number and is also connected to harmony, peace, truth and balance. I, personally see this number as how I see Oya (Orisha); an everchanging power that is able to be gentle (like soft rain) and fierce (like a storm).

10 - Completion! Ending a chapter but opening a new one, the transition between stages. I see this energy aligning with giving and receiving love and overall celebration.

9 - Satisfaction, the journey before completion, being almost satisfied and continuing to manifest with hope. Intellectual power can also associated with the number 9. 9, within Chinese culture, is associated with wisdom and magic since it is the same word for “long-lasting” — I personally also associate 9 with the story and woman Modjadji, the Rain Queen.

Colors:

Purple, black, deeper and darker shades, whimsical colors

Planet:

Mercury, Jupiter

Zodiac Signs:

Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn

Animals:

Otters

Whales

Bats

Crocodiles

Turtle

Grey Heron

Eagle

Vulture

Plants, Fruits, Flora:

Black mustard seed

Lemongrass

Hibiscus

Papaya

Citron

Lavender

Willow

African violet

Fern

Essential oils/incense:

Sleepy Scents

Cedar Wood

Lavender

Patchouli

Scents known to help physic abilities + clairs

Jasmine

Crystals:

Citrine

Agates

Aventurine

Mica

Pumice

Quicksilver

Zinc

Lapis Lazuli

Creedite

Sugilite

Divination associations:

Tarot:

The Tower

The Moon

The High Priestess

The Lovers

4 of Cups

Family:

History, Mythology:

She wishes any history of her known to be kept private currently

Epithets:

Wise West (epithet focuses on her wisdom and overal knowledge)

Lady Galaxias (epithet focuses on her connection to the stars and galaxy)

Miss Mutatis Mutandis / Miss Mut’Mut (epithet focuses on change, literally means “With things changed that should be changed” or “With the necessary changes having been made”)

Lady Sermitas / Sermo Veritas (epithet focuses on her connections to truth and communication)

Offering & Devotional Acts:

Studying astronomy and astrology

Meditating

Aiming to improve your clairsenses

Learning about the astral

Astral projecting

Connecting to her animals + herbs

Making sleeping remedies

Enhancing psychic ability spells

Understanding the stars/your zodiac

Meditation with West

Set boundaries for yourself

Seek out and attempt communication

Enjoy herbal teas

Silver jewelry

Coins + charms

Listening to music

Listening to the kpop band, Dreamcatcher

Looking into tragedies and extreme changes

Embracing change

Self-care

Banishing rituals

Banishing workings

Psychic workings

Healing workings

Dream work

Crossroads

Celestial water

Rain water

Smoke (incense)

Finding your family

Finding your community and true self

Spend time with your true family + friends

Attempting to leave toxic relationships

Attempting to leave toxic family

Dark feathers

Shark egg sacks

Starry/celestial images

Dark chocolate

Night-blooming flowers

Keep a dream journal

Keep an astral journal

Connect with your ancestors

Take a nighttime walk (safely)

Create art and paintings for West

Face west when doing rituals/spells/prayer to her

Explore your solo, personal, sensuality

Altar Suggestions:

Any imagery associated with her correspondences

Research devoted to West

Cloth in their associated colors I would include silver, and gray to that as well.

Have the altar facing, and pointed West

Candles in her colors, and with herbs in their correspondences list

That is all the documented information that we have on West

Signing off, Ghost ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

[stygiantarot]

Black Artist Spotlight - Adinkra Ancestral Guidance cards

We move away now from the literal personified style decks and go into the symbol based with Simone Bresi-Ando’s deck. It is a minimalist style deck of symbols with explanations based in the Adinkra language- linked with the Akan people of Ghana and the Gyaman people of Ivory Coast. Simone showcases the deck best herself in this video; showing how each card is designed to help with the interpretation. Though the deck does not cover the entire symbolic Adinkra language (there are over 400!), the 44 symbols carefully selected by Simone Bresi-Ando to focus on are meant to open the door to further insights and messages. This interview gives insight into what the Adrinkra cards and Simone are all about.

[afrocentric-divination]

How is it to read with the Adinkra oracle? And could you also review the amethyst Oracle ? Thank you

So this is what both of them look like

When it comes to Adinkra it’s very much like it’s name. Very good for everyday guidance or a pick me up. Does have a nice “ancient” feel to it with the symbols. Feels like you are talking to your ancesors, guides, or at least someone who has deep knowledge of the world. Each card is a symbol and each symbol has its own meaning. There is a guidebook to go along, of course. The box, book, and cards are all well made. The card stock has that traditional gloss on it, is flexible, and there is gold on the edges which is a nice touch. This deck is still in stock.

With the Amethyst Oracle, Jessica Bott (@thecrackedamethyst) isn’t making any more of this deck. But I think it’s a very cute deck. It’s a nice companion deck with her other decks or any other deck, but there isn’t anything wrong with reading it by itself. I love the art work on it, but I love most of her artwork anyway. The card stock is thin, but that is just for this deck (her Bottanical deck’s card stock is a little thicker) and even though the box is cute, in the future I’m going have to get (or make) a bag for the deck as it is just regular cardboard. There is also no book with this deck and it is up to the reader to make an interpretation.

[obeah-baby]

I posted 66 times in 2021

7 posts created (11%)

59 posts reblogged (89%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 8.4 posts.

I added 34 tags in 2021

#obeah-baby - 7 posts

#imbolc - 4 posts

#hoodoo - 4 posts

#rootwork - 4 posts

#oracle deck - 3 posts

#oracle reading - 3 posts

#practice oracle reading - 3 posts

#conjure - 3 posts

#adinkra ancestral oracle deck - 2 posts

#spirits - 1 posts

Longest Tag: 29 characters

#adinkra ancestral oracle deck

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

PRACTICE READING

Soul Family & Okuafo Pa

Soul Family says it’s time to stop doing things on your own. Call on that person whether it’s a friend, therapist, or mentor. They want to help aids are looking for you. For those who don’t have a soul family, this is your sign they aren’t far. Yet they won’t show up unless you realise your worth.

Okuafo Pa says goals can’t come to fruition if they don’t have your complete focus and dedications. Like farmers, they put their all in their projects to see them grow. What would happen if you nurtured your dreams the way you feed your fears? Continue on the path of growth and hard work, and watch all your dreams come true.

💫 I used the Adinkra Ancestral Guidance Cards and Work Your Light Oracle decks

4 notes • Posted 2021-03-07 00:10:27 GMT

#4

i believe a few months ago i mentioned seeing shadows of cat at university. well i’ve been home since december and i haven’t seen it. i went back there a few days ago to grab the rest of my things cause i decided to move out. (there’s no point in being there when all of my classes are online.) anyways when i came home, later that evening i saw the cat again. i’m convinced that it followed me home.

i’m gonna believe that it’s a spirit or something and has no maliciousness or bad energy (for now). i’m also gonna take it as a sign to get a cat, but i’ll do that when i move out and get my own place.

4 notes • Posted 2021-01-13 23:40:04 GMT

#3

new content

hey everyone,

i know i haven’t been as active on this blog as i should be. i’m in university and taking five courses. plus, i have extra curricular activities later in the day, so i don’t have a lot of time on my hands.

recently i bought some new oracle decks and i wanna practice interpreting them. no this does not mean i’ll be doing oracle readings. this simply means every so often, i’ll pull a card or two and post them what i believe spirit is telling me. you can join in too if you wanna practice reading oracle cards as well! 

i’ll also be inputting what it says from the guidebook - it’ll probably be a small snippet and not the whole page. and i’ll also be plugging where i got the oracle decks from/what brand it is in case yall wanna buy them.

stay blessed 🖤

10 notes • Posted 2021-03-04 21:22:00 GMT

#2

finally getting around to interviewing my decks. this is the second one i’ve done today.

💫 Threads of Fate oracle deck - Rose Edition

11 notes • Posted 2021-03-14 21:26:44 GMT

#1

PRACTICE READING

(apologies in advance for latinizing this language)

Odo Nyera Fie Kwan & Nature

Odo Nyera Fie Kwan says what is meant for you (rewards, various opportunities, new relationships, etc.), will not pass by you. Let go of any anxiety, expectations and vision you have for love. Those things don’t matter because you are the full embodiment of love. Accept it. You are deserving of joy and it will find you - be ready for it.

Nature has a great effect on our well-being. It can relieve anxiety, doubt, improve memory and creativity, and lessen stress. Find ways to connect to nature and ask questions. Nature will provide an answer on your curiosity on the mysterious that in held within nature. But don’t treat nature as a monolith as it is more than that.If you don’t have one another, develop a relationship with nature and all its aspects. Nature calls on us to protect it in whatever way you can. Not only is nature important for you, but nature needs us as well. We are connected in more ways than one. So find joy in the natural world, but don’t forget to protect it when you can.

💫 I used the Adinkra Ancestral Guidance Cards and Threads of Fate Oracle decks

12 notes • Posted 2021-03-14 21:56:32 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[mikahli]

Got my first oracle cards and I'm in love. Wanted to get into reading for my own spiritual practice.

These are the Adinkra Ancestral Cards by Bresi Ando. I got these because it's connected to the Akan people. My roots and ancestors (Jamaican Maroon), are connected to the Akan people of Ghana. (Shout out to Queen Nanny).

I'm always about my ancestors and connecting with them more. So I bought this to deepen my practice. Also, I've been dream interpreting and receiving messages out on random. I want to strengthen my intuition and try something new.

I also got candles from them. Been doing candle magic for years. And I like having them on my altar. I connected with the meaning of each candles. Kojo Baiden is the main one I light when diving into daily meditation, prayer and kiki with the ancestors lol. And the others I use when I'm working on something specific.

Check out Bresi Ando here. It's a Black Woman Owned Business. https://adinkraliving.com/

[se-anubis]

It's a long story

So I do this thing where I communicate with ancestors, gods, the universe, etc. I took some cards, drew adinkra symbols on them in a manner similar to but not a 1:1 comparisom to a divination deck. It just makes it easy to get advice from them since the symbols have such a varied meaning (and it helps me memorize them all).

So I havent done it in a while and I want to make sure the tool is still "active" incase I need it. I didnt have a real question to ask so I was just shuffling it and thought "idk, ancestors if you want me to just know something just because then i guess you can send a sign but Im not really looking for one."

So two cards "jump" out at me during the shuffling. Theyre stuck together and one of them is face up. It basically meant ideal. So Im like "cool, be the best I can be today. Just general good advice."

Then one of my imaginary friends was all "dont you think you should check the card that its stuck to as well? It might be part of it."

So I do and its Osram Ne Nsromma. The sun and moon. Its about the union of two qualities but more specifically about marriage. Since I am single and have ZERO people looking at me, I decided there had to be a more metaphorical meaning.

"So be the ideal form of yourself by being all of yourself. Cool."

"Or, or, or, or," my imaginary friend goes, "its actually them saying that you're about to get married. Maybe you're going to meet the love of your life. Again."

"Nah, its metaphorical. We dont even like anyone rn, remember?"

"What about-"

"Not an option. And we've made peace with that." I say. And that's the end of that.

So then I go back to absentmindedly shuffling. I pull a card. Not because Im looking for a sign, but because Im trying to quiz myself on the meanings. And it turns out I pulled two cards. Two cards that I already know the meaning of.

And Ik what you're thinking, it wasnt the same two. Only one of them was the same.

It was the sun and moon again, and Kete Pa. The marital bed.

My imaginary friend gave me a stupid look. So I go "Im going to pull another card to prove that this is just a coincidence. Watch it be Sankofa or something."

I pull a card and its pempamsie. Preparedness.

"PREPARE FOR MARRIAGE BOOOOIIIII!!!!!"

"I am NOT getting married! Its a coincidence," I say.

"Okay," my friend continues, "then what does it actually mean? Considering that They would have heard us arguing that it wasnt marriage before the sent us the fucking MARITAL BED symbol."

And....I cant think of one.

Fuck.

[suzannebcu]

My Project

I will be researching artists such as Marlene Smith that are trying to keep black culture relevant and important in art spaces and look at gaps that are missing and ways in which the inclusion of black people can improve. I will also research artists, for example, Demitrios Kargotis that use materials from his workplace surroundings to produce something valuable and educational that interests and engages different young ethnicities.

My project focuses on black culture. I will be educating young audiences on the positive history of black cultures through art. I want to find ways to overcome the absence of black culture in UK education. Art schools are predominantly full of white people and I want to find ways of changing that perception and allowing black students to feel accepted.

I am going to produce a workshop which will go alongside 15 illustrated cards that have definitions and symbols for pupils to memorize; along with 15 illustrations that tell a narrative of the Adinkra symbols that the pupils will identify and get inspiration when designing their own symbol. This will be presented as an archive box with all the materials so it can be taken to school and youth center communities to work with.  I will add additional resources such as stickers and postcards for children to take home.

I want my target audience to be flexible and adaptable to all ages -especially This will be used in fun activities especially history and religious education lessons for young people to identify which images best describes the contemporary symbols. This will build imaginative thinking and bring symbols to a new generation.

[soulsuccessunleashed]

Get The Best Out of Your Tarot Practice Using Oracle Cards

You may have seen an oracle card or two if you've ever had a tarot reading, maybe when scrolling down on social media or in a Youtube video ad.

The younger, more laid-back cousin of tarot cards is the oracle deck. They can display any type of image, giving the individual interacting with them more freedom to determine what it means.

Oracle Cards: What Are They?

They are a tool that can be utilized for divination or introspection, depending on your method.

Oracle decks, however, can have any number of cards, unlike conventional tarot decks, which come in packs of 78 cards. Furthermore, oracle decks don't follow the format of tarot cards, which have a Major Arcana and a Minor Arcana separated into suits. There are no restrictions, and the options are limitless.

Differences Between Tarot and Oracle Cards

Any tarot deck you pick up will have the Major Arcana covering what it is called "The Fool's Journey," or major archetypes or lessons we encounter in life, and the Minor Arcana, which covers the more widely known experiences, even though there are various schools of tarot and variations from deck to deck.

Oracle decks don't usually stick to that setup, though. You might come upon a deck of around 30 or 80 cards. One oracle deck may somewhat resemble the tarot while another may have nothing at all to do with it. However, the number of cards and how they are distributed between majors and minors make the biggest differences overall.

Two of the oracle decks that experts suggest show the variety. A 44-card deck called the Adinkra Ancestral Guidance Cards contains Adinkra symbols and concepts (used by the Ashantis in West Africa). On the other hand, the OKANA oracle deck has 25 cards, with five of each element (Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Spirit). Proverbs from the Diloggun Divination method are also included.

How To Use Oracle Cards

Follow your instincts. Each time you obtain a new oracle deck, it's like learning a new language. So spend some time just watching and becoming familiar with the deck.

An excellent method to get to know your deck while also refining your intuition and divination skills" is to perform a one-card pull each day. Oracle cards can be used with conventional tarot spreads, such as a three-card draw. To set an intention or to confirm the interpretation after reading, you can also pull an oracle card.

Let Spirit speak to you as you examine the cards in whichever methods you require at the time keep a journal, whether it be on paper or digitally, and compare it to the deck's instruction manual. Oracle cards can occasionally be a more appealing choice for newbies because of how unstructured they are. But skilled tarot readers also frequently include them in spreads.

Sometimes a person desires to go beyond the "boundaries of the tarot" (or at least how they perceive them to be). Additionally, some people consider oracle cards to be less threatening than tarot, while others view oracle as a starting point for card divination. To offer more context to their readings, many people blend tarot and oracle. The options are limitless, particularly if you try to become mathematical and consider permutations and combinations.

[kelleah-meah]

Beautiful, Yet Ominous - Total Solar Eclipse watching

Remember when I said that the total solar eclipse was a bit of a big deal for me? Well, it didn't go exactly how I planned, but I think I honored the event pretty well considering that eclipse season overall is doing a number on me.

Anyway, let's dive in!

I started the day with my usual meditation session, except this time I allowed myself time to meditate twice as long. Plus, I used the sound therapy tone associated with the Solar Plexus as a wink-and-nod to the solar eclipse. (Yes, my spiritual practice is that basic and cheesy.)

Then, I read from the Tao Te Ching, focusing on the part of the Taoist Florilegium in the back of John Minford's 2018 edition. After that, I did my Solar Eclipse tarot reading (pinched from Pinterest via Emerald Lotus Divination's blog).

Here's what it showed me:

And here is what it told me:

What will end in my life with this eclipse?

King of Wands

What will begin in my life with this eclipse?

King of Swords

How can I connect with the best version of myself?

8 of Pentacles

How can I manifest a dream of mine to reality?

Knight of Pentacles

What can I anticipate over the next 6 months?

7 of Pentacles

How can I deepen my connection to Source/Spirit/The Way?

The Empress

And the card I pulled to represent the energy I'm in at the moment? Yep. The Death card. Aka the card that marks a significant change (often outside of your control) is taking place.

Now this could be applied to the eclipse itself. But it could of course apply to any of the other elements in our lives that lies outside of our control. Either way, something is coming to an end so that something else can begin.

Which feels right in line with the the Adinkra symbol card I pulled for the week. I pull a card from this oracle deck in an effort to channel a message from my ancestors (many of whom where descendants of West Africans).

This week's message was the connected to the Mmere Dane symbol. Like the Death card in tarot, it signifies change and comes with the following message:

"No condition is permanent whether it be good or bad. So the fortunate should not boast, and the less fortunate should not give up."

No, that's a message that fittingly mirrors the solar eclipse itself as well. It's also a message I desperately need to be reminded of as I struggle to find steady work (but that's a different conversation).

After my meditation session, I got ready for my picnic in the local park in order to see the total solar eclipse. So as planned, I packed up some snacks, a book, blankets, and a few other things I don't need, then made my way over to the park.

It was actually a pretty spring day with a fair bit of wind to keep a mild chill in your bones. I checked my phone and it was about 65F (18C), but it should've felt like it was 74F (23C). So a comfortable, but brisk day.

I set up shop near a leafless tree because the areas further into the park were kind of soggy after the last few days of rain. It wasn't a big deal since the tree provided no shade, but the ground was harder and dryer than the more tree-less areas of the park.

Then, I laid out my spread and sat back to watch the eclipse. As you may have heard, if you're not much of a photographer and only had your smartphone, taking photos was hard with the special sunglasses. But I managed to capture the event 1 or 2 times (see above).

But some people came with real cameras with telephoto lenses.

But I think what I liked most was how people across multiple generations (and their pets) were littered throughout the park to take in this wonderful event.

Granted, they were a little loud and never seemed to stop talking, but they didn't ruin my fun. I think a good time was had by all.

This may be my best photo of the ones that I took. Again, not a professional camera, so it was never going to be a professional shot. But I'm glad I was able to capture something as proof that I wasn't dreaming.

Where I live (in North Jersey), we had 91% totality. Which to be honest was pretty good to me. I liked seeing the sun reduced to a sliver like the moon usually does.

At one point, it got so thin that it looked like a balsamic moon (aka waning crescent) hanging in the sky.

After the 91% totality was reached, I stayed to enjoy the dusky atmosphere for a little while longer. But I noted that the temperature had definitely gone down (not that it was that warm really), so I decided to pack it in and head home.

Technically, I could've stayed a little longer. I was wearing a sweater and I did bring my jacket and scarf. But I felt oddly sleepy too, so I decided it was better to go home and avoid falling asleep on the ground.

On my way back to my flat, I got a little camera happy with the sakura trees along my path. They bloom in large numbers here. And it was a lovely way to end my day out.

Once I was back in my apartment, I unpacked my picnic basket. I didn't eat any of my snacks, but I'm glad I brought some just in case.

Then, I took a quick nap before getting up and trying to do something productive with my day. I failed at that though. Which didn't bother me that much at all actually.

It was a strange day, and I am ok with allowing it to be an off day.

That last image above is a handy guide from the @leladymoon account on Instagram. I think it helped give me a clear idea of what rituals best served my practice for the day.

Out of all the rituals listed above, I can say that I participated in:

Connecting with my higher self

Self care (I took a nap. Not sure why I needed one when I came back home, but I did)

Charge crystals (only the few that I think were representative of the day)

Grounding and meditation

Cleanse (I chose jasmine incense this time prior to my meditation session)

Watch the eclipse!

Light an intention candle (well, I do this when I meditate all the time)

Tarot reading

Self reflection (I did this in the form of reading the last 3 entries before writing in my journal about this strange crossroads I find myself on)

And well, that's how my day went, folks.

Thanks for reading if you got this far. Happy to share, and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask.

[letsgetagift]

You've Got This Keepsake (Giftwrapped)

FREE POSTAGE ON THIS ITEM

  The 'You've Got This' Keepsake is inspired by the African Adinkra symbol for Strength and Confidence.  African symbols known as adinkra are ubiquitous in Ghana, a beautiful West African country on the Atlantic, situated between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo. On cloth and walls, in pottery and logos, these Asante tribe symbols can be found everywhere.

We have designed this beautiful keepsake as a way of telling those that we love and care for that they can overcome anything that is thrown at them.

The Tabono Symbol teaches that the mind is attracted to strength and wisdom, that few things are impossible with persistence and skill and that without hard work, nothing prospers.

The inscription cards come in a variety of choices.

Included in the Keepsake pack:

1 x Stainless Steel Tabono 'You've Got This' coin 1 x Wooden inscription Card 1 x History of Tabono card 1 x Gift box 1 x Photo card (various sayings - random) 1 x personal, handwritten message (if requested)

Optional extras:

Personalised Inscription Card (£2.00 - extended dispatch time) 

 Exclusive to Let's Get a Gift

http://nemb.it/p/v90xE0sTb/tumblr

[stygiantarot]

Black Created Tarot Decks Masterpost

Dust II Onyx Tarot - Courtney Alexander

Afro Goddess Tarot & Oracle - Andrea Furtick

Afro Tarot & Oracle - Jessi Jumanji

Adinkra Ancestral Guidance cards - Simone Bresi-Ando

Akamara Tarot & Okana Oracle - Lolu

Melanade Stand Tarot - Fontaine Felisha Foxworth

The Black Gold Lenormand - Tea

Melanated Classic Tarot - Oubria Tronshaw & Julia Goolsby

If you know any deck that should be on this list, please let me know! I want to make sure that any black created decks are spotlighted!

[afrocentric-divination]

Hello! I hope this is a good place to ask- my partner is a baby/beginner afro witch, and while I have my own religion and don't take part in their practices, I want to support them as much as I can. For their birthday, I want to buy them a tarot card set, but I was hoping to find one by a Black creator. I don't understand what makes a "right" tarot set as compared to a "wrong" one so I'm hesitant to look myself, but if you had any store recommendations, I'd be indebted. Thank you for your time!

Thats so sweet of you!I know of 3 right off the bat, 2 that I own. If you want to see the cards for that one please PM me and I’ll send pictures~

Melanated Classic Tarot (own)

Adinkra Ancestral Guidance Cards (not tarot, but still nice) (own)

Dust II Onyx Tarot

also here is a small list of Creators of color who made decks and a list of decks with African American faces in them. 

[aflebijoux]

We are surrounded by Adinkra symbols, some symbols being more popular than others. On this card, which represents an Adinkra symbol, the author has indicated the meaning as « unknown ». This design is one of the representations of the Adinkra symbol Ani Bere A, Enso Gya - which represents self-discipline, patience, self-control. A beautiful and powerful symbol listed in our Adinkra Statement Rings collection - swap to shop our exquisite ring. To find out more about the Adinkra symbols, download our Application - Adinkra by Aflé Bijoux. Available on Google play and Apple store. Aflé Bijoux is about culture, learning, fashion, jewellery, art, empowerment inspired by Akan traditions of Ghana 🇬🇭 and Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 Follow us for more information about Akan culture. ✨ (hier: Deutschland / Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNItnnYLGOt/?igshid=dv8fbsogz53m

[obeah-baby]

PRACTICE READING

(apologies in advance for latinizing this language)

Odo Nyera Fie Kwan & Nature

Odo Nyera Fie Kwan says what is meant for you (rewards, various opportunities, new relationships, etc.), will not pass by you. Let go of any anxiety, expectations and vision you have for love. Those things don’t matter because you are the full embodiment of love. Accept it. You are deserving of joy and it will find you - be ready for it.

Nature has a great effect on our well-being. It can relieve anxiety, doubt, improve memory and creativity, and lessen stress. Find ways to connect to nature and ask questions. Nature will provide an answer on your curiosity on the mysterious that in held within nature. But don’t treat nature as a monolith as it is more than that.If you don’t have one another, develop a relationship with nature and all its aspects. Nature calls on us to protect it in whatever way you can. Not only is nature important for you, but nature needs us as well. We are connected in more ways than one. So find joy in the natural world, but don’t forget to protect it when you can.

💫 I used the Adinkra Ancestral Guidance Cards and Threads of Fate Oracle decks