#review how to read pentacles card earth element in the tarot deck

[zurgles]

(continuing from replies)

Ok so there’s 78 cards in a full set. There are 22 major arcana cards which are the big theme cards (like “Justice” and “Strength”) and 56 minor arcana cards which are more mundane.

In the minor arcana 16 of the 56 cards are court cards which are “people” cards. And another 4 of them are Aces which can symbolize divine opportunities (or the root of their elemental suit). The minor arcana is divided into four elemental suits, usually called something like Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles and usually correspond to Fire, Water, Air, and Earth respectively.

There’s also three popular systems. There’s some other more esoteric ones like Etteilla but that’s likely not what your customer wants.

The most popular system is the Rider-Waite-Smith system. The minor arcana are scenic which makes it easier for most people to read and work with. Most decks you see on the market are based off the RWS. It looks like this:

Another system is the Thoth deck. The minors are illustrated but they’re more symbolic, and they have keywords. It’s more explicit in it’s occult origins and using it usually requires studying some western qabalah, basic astrology, and the creator Crowley’s writings, and maybe some familiarity with the golden dawn (an occult order). (There’s some astrology in the RWS too but it’s not always a one-to-one, and you don’t need it to learn the card meanings.) The last two cards in the picture are minor cards.

The last popular system is Marseilles. I’m not as familiar with it, but it seems the most subject to variety in reading and studying style among readers. Some study european art history, some the history of cartomancy, numerology, some have different elemental associations that make sense for them. The numbered minor arcana are not scenic, and decks styled after the Marseilles are called “pip decks” because the numbered minors are generally just literally like ten swords for the ten of swords, five cups for the five of cups.

I’m guessing your customer wants a RWS based deck.

Here are two websites that tell you the meaning of every RWS card in two different styles.

For the second link, click “cards” in the sidebar menu to be brought to the individual card meanings.

If you’re more a fan of video content youtube has a lot of resources for tarot. Kelly Ann-Maddox has a ten part crash course in tarot meanings you can skip around through.

Some other tarot youtubers that go in depth are Tom Benjamin, Katey Flowers, and The Truth in Story has a nice “misc tarot” playlist.

Another thing you can do is look at deck reviews and tarot deck collections to see what people like in their decks. Like keywords, reversible backs, card stock, gilded edges, etc.

There are a couple videos and articles you can search like “how I designed my first tarot deck” or things I wish I knew etc.

I printed a deck using makeplayingcards.com and had good results. I’d recommend checking out the printer your customer wants to use because they have templates and size guides and box designs and stuff.

Hope that wasn’t too overwhelming! If you have any questions feel free to ask.

um... has someone any clue about Tarot cards? Got a customer who wants a full set.

Yet I am completely clueless what I need to be aware of.

[mysticpoonam]

How To Read Pentacles Card I Earth Element In The Tarot Deck I How To Read Tarot I Top Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNc-P0oqHpo

[maiz-of-light]

All in the Cards: A Brief Introduction to the Tarot

Good evening, loves!

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post on paganism, and with Beltane fast-approaching and my spiritual senses heightened, I would like to break that hiatus. I’ve already written briefly about setting up an altar space and using crystals for everyday purposes; now, I’d like to address the spirits’ most effective method of communication with humanity: the Tarot.

I started using Tarot cards about a year ago, when my finances and living situation finally allowed me to create a safe space for readings. Ever since, I have learned much about myself, my environment, and my own unique spiritual journey. The first thing I recall from beginning the process was quite the opposite of what I’ve since achieved: utter confusion. I had no clue where or how to start!

The start of my path was rocky, and although I eventually pulled through, I wish I would have had some sort of beginner’s guide to show me what to expect before beginning my journey. This post is dedicated to anyone who may now be in that same boat.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Please note that this is only an introduction; your journey is your own, and as such, the energy you transfer into your own deck will bear unique results and interpretations. This guide, I hope, will simply give you an idea of what to expect during your first few months as a reader.

Now, without further adieu...

The Minor Arcana

Tarot decks are not your everyday playing cards, but there are similarities. Because they are already commonly known, these are a good place to begin your study of the deck. 

Every Tarot deck comprises 78 cards: the traditional 52 cards (also known as the Minor Arcana), ace through ten, Knight or Jack, Queen, and King; their Pages; and the 22 of the Major Arcana. We’ll begin by reviewing the traditional(ish) four sets of 13 and their Pages.

Wands

The Wands family, or the Deck of Wands, is represented by the element of air. As such, these cards tend to be indicative of figures and events that may require additional energy, creativity, or entrepreneurial effort. Wands cards present the most lighthearted of omens.

Astrology: Planets to consider: Uranus, Mercury, Venus; Constellations to consider: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra.

Cups

The Cups family is represented by the element of water, and deals with deep emotions and emotional connections. A reading from the Deck of Cups may symbolize a new relationship or friendship, a deepened connection, or, on the less appealing side, heartbreak or loss. 

Astrology: Planets to consider: the Moon, Pluto, Neptune; Constellations to consider: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

Pentacles

The Pentacles Family is represented by the element of earth, and deals with material gains and carnal affairs. A card of Pentacles might advise you to pick up a new craft, or prepare for an increase of wealth, or foreshadow grave carnal worries.

Astrology: Planets to consider: Saturn, Venus, Mercury; Constellations to consider: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Swords

Represented by the element of fire, the Deck of Swords is perhaps the most intense family of the Tarot. Readings may range anywhere from symbolizing or foreshadowing a sudden epiphany, to a stalemate, to a betrayal, and so on.

Astrology: Planets to consider: Mars, the Sun, Jupiter; Constellations to consider: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana is interesting in that it originated as its own set of playing cards. Also known as the “trumps,” this deck is represented by the fifth element, most commonly referred to as Spirit. Each of the 22 cards symbolizes a figure or event with heavy spiritual significance. This deck is composed of:

the Fool

the Magician

the High Priestess

the Empress

the Emperor

the Hierophant

the Lovers

the Chariot

Strength

the Hermit

Wheel of Fortune

Justice

the Hanged Man

Death

Temperance

the Devil

the Tower

the Star

the Moon

the Sun

Judgement

the World

Types of Readings

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the cards, you can better begin to consider the different ways to read them.

A Card a Day

Drawing one card every day is comparable to reading a horoscope, but more personal to the reader because of the direct touch. This reading is ideal for giving you a quick glance at what may be in store for you today. Try to draw your card before leaving your house for the day, if applicable.

Past, Present, Future

Three-card readings are one of the most common. The first card you draw symbolizes an element of your past, the second represents a significant element of your present as effected by the first, and the third shows you where you are headed.

A Year in Review

Twelve-card readings are a lot of fun for New Years, birthdays, or any other major holiday or annual date of significance. Begin by drawing for the current month, then move from right to left, top to bottom for the following months, until you’ve drawn one card for each month of the year.

Tips for Shuffling

The first step of any reading is, of course, properly shuffling the deck. 

Begin by spreading the cards out before you, then gather them back together however they choose to fall.

Cut the deck three ways. If you’re drawing for yourself, you cut. If you’re reading for someone else, you shuffle, but have them cut. Then, you draw.

Helpful Hints for Beginners

Now that you’ve covered the bases, here are a few things I’ve picked up over the course of my journey.

Cleansing your deck

It’s always a good idea to cleanse your deck every so often to rid it of foreign energy: before the first time you use it, after doing a reading for another person, after the deck has been handled by someone else (or stepped on by a cat, as happens to me quite often), or just whenever you feel the time is right. Sage smoke is the most commonly used for cleansing, but there are many other alternatives as well.

Reading reversals

Because of their vague nature, reversals are often considered an unnecessary option, sometimes even feared as all-negative omens. That’s not the case. A reversal simply means the opposite of a card’s typical reading. For example, if you were to draw the four of Pentacles in reverse, it could mean you need to prepare for upcoming financial hardships.

Don’t become a self-fulfilling prophecy

This is a difficult thing to do sometimes, especially with the more intense card readings. Should you find yourself caught in a bad omen, it’s best not to try to avoid it. Instead, do what you can to prepare yourself emotionally, financially, or otherwise.

Note astrological / celestial figures

Tarot cards are a form of communication between us and the spirits of the earth, but that doesn’t mean the celestial influences don’t combine their energy with the cards as well. Pay attention what planetary bodies are in what signs. If you’re not in a good place to read the stars, download an app that tracks them instead. I use Time Passages.

Keep a journal

You may find your experiences more beneficial if you track each reading. Be sure to number your entries, and to include the date, time, and number of cards drawn. Begin by jotting down your initial thoughts. You may want to go back later the same day and add any other comments on your reading and how it may have translated into the day’s events.

Tarot cards in rituals

Personally, I don’t use Tarot cards in many spells, but I do occasionally use them to enhance crystal magic. For performing such rituals, your altar should include some sort of cloth or talisman; it could be a pentacle, or some other symbol. Place your Tarot card on one of the five points or sections of the talisman: North if it’s a Pentacle, South if it’s a Sword, West if it’s a Cup, East if it’s a Wand. If you draw one of the trumps, place it in the center of the talisman. Set your crystal(s) nearby and light a candle so that it shines on both the crystal(s) and the card, then speak your blessing or intention over the flame.

Myths about purchasing your first Tarot deck

There’s an old legend that warns of bad luck clinging to the deck purchased by a first-time reader, and that all first-decks ought to then be either gifted or stolen. This legend is only a myth passed down by ancient Gypsy tribes who were thought to be smuggling with money gained by dishonest means. So long as you cleanse your deck immediately after purchasing it and keep the cards stored somewhere safe, no misfortune will follow you.

~ And we conclude! ~

We’ll wrap up with a reminder that this is only a beginner’s guide! And speaking of guides, I’m sure you’ve noticed that I didn’t include the translations of each individual card. Simply put, that would take way too long. There are guidebooks available for cheap that provide good summaries of what each card could mean; or, tarot.com is a free website also providing short descriptions of each card.

I hope you found this guide helpful, loves. And if you’re having difficulty acquiring a Tarot deck of your own, don’t be afraid to look online! There are tons of unique, beautifully-illustrated card decks equipped to boost your spiritual journey.

As always, stay safe and take care,

~ Gail

[tarotmum13]

Tarot Lessons for Beginners - Part 1

A special Welcome to those lovely souls who are just getting their feet wet in the big, sometimes intimidating, ocean of Tarot!

So you want to start reading the cards? Good for you!!! You will find yourself embarking on the most amazing journey of your life – I promise you, you will NOT regret it!

“I know too much about Tarot”, said no-one, ever! – Tarot is so versatile, you will want to learn more all the time, but where to start?

First of all: NO!!! You most definitely do NOT have to wait for some kind soul out there to gift you your first Tarot deck!!!

If that was the case I would be waiting still and the past 2 decades of my life would have been much blander for it.

This myth comes from back when the aspiring tarot reader was apprenticed to a master and received their very own deck from their teacher after being deemed sufficiently educated in the craft – it no longer applies in this day and age, where cards are readily available and self-study is the norm.

Even so, if someone wants to buy you a deck then give them a big hug and say thank you, like your mother told you to 😀

The important thing is to find a deck that you LIKE – if you cringe at the artwork you are never going to connect with your deck. Find a deck that is a joy to look at, full of amazing detail to discover, and you are halfway there, because you are going to WANT to spend time with it, study it, get to know all the cards and find out what they mean.

But which deck would be a good choice for a beginner?

I do suggest you start your journey by looking at a Rider-Waite style deck and here’s why:

The Rider-Waite deck, with images drawn by Pamela Coleman-Smith, is one of the most recognisable, iconic sets of Tarot cards in the world. It has been tried and tested by millions of Readers accross the globe and it has stood the test of time.

If you learn to work with this deck it will be very easy to move on to using other decks, because you will understand the structure of Tarot and you can build on that solid foundation.

You will also find plenty of guidebooks out there that will support your learning and you will easily relate your cards to the images in those books or in online tutorials.

If you start with a deck full of quirks and changes it will be more difficult – if everyone is talking about The Hermit, but in your deck she is named The Turtle, you might struggle to catch on…

Does this mean you have to buy an actual Rider-Waite deck? No! A lot of people will find the artwork on this deck too old-fashioned, bland, or otherwise unappealing (no offense to those of you who love this deck!!! I have a soft spot for it too).

If you DO decide to go with RW, maybe try the Radiant Rider-Waite as the updated colours and cleaner lines are so much more vibrant and will make it a good, classic choice. I love my Tarot-in-a-Tin version and it often travels with me 😎 Here are some decks you could consider:

Note: The Tarot made Easy boxset contains the Llewellyn’s Classic Tarot deck, the Beginner’s guide to Tarot has the Sharman-Casselli deck (if you want to look up the images or buy your deck separate) – underneath those you see images of Dame Darcy’s Mermaid deck, if you like mermaids, ocean-themes or tattoo-style images, or if you just fancy an Indie deck 😉 All these decks are readily available in shops and online today!

I think that the Everyday Witch in particular would be a good choice (check out my review on this blog if you want to know more!), along with the Radiant Rider-Waite (as mentioned earlier) and Ciro Marchetti’s Gilded Tarot. That’s 3 distinctive styles for you to choose from right there! But hey, please follow your gut!

If you have any questions regarding a deck you like the look of, and wether or not this would be suitable as a learner’s deck, just ask and I will advise you as best I can!

Buying a deck is so much easier these days, you can browse the internet and look at which images you find attractive – when I started out on my path I just had to pick a deck in a bookshop, wrapped in cellophane, so you had to go by the box and the content could be disappointing!

So please people: do your research! You do not want to spend your hard-earned cash on a deck you will never use.

Note: REHOME your unwanted decks! Not being loved makes them sad… REMEMBER: Decks are people too!

Now you have your deck, you have looked at all the cards and maybe formed some ideas as to what they might be all about – from all the talk about Intuïtive Reading going around, you might feel like you should be able to just go ahead and start reading, right? WRONG!!!

Tarot requires some study, people! You will need to put in some time and effort but you will be rewarded beyond expectation.

I suggest you get a notebook (as pretty or as simple as you like) or, even better, a ringbinder and noteblock (so you won’t run out of space, can add sheets when needed and throw stuff out if you feel you messed up). Let’s start with the basics:

A Tarot deck has 2 distinct parts;

1) The Major Arcana:

Arcana means Secret and the first 22 cards in the deck make up the Major Arcana – those archetypical events in life that we all are subject to at one time or another. These are cards dealing with outside influences, opportunities, dilemma’s and Fate. Generally, things that happen to us that we have limited control over other than how we choose to deal with them. The Fool is numbered “0”, he will be going on the journey of his life, encountering all the different situations depicted in the rest of the cards!

2) The Minor Arcana:

These cards depict our day-to-day experiences, troubles and triumphs.

The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana are divided in 4 suits, generally these are:

Cups (or cauldrons, vessels,…) – Wands (staves, sticks,…) – Swords (arrows, daggers,…) and Pentacles (coins, stones,…).

Each suit represents one of the Elements: Cups are Water (dealing primarily with emotions and relationships); Wands are Fire (action, ideas, creativity); Swords are Air (thoughts, the Mind, decisions) and Pentacles are Earth (dealing with the material world, possessions, carreer).

The suits are numbered 1 (Aces) to 10 and then have 4 Court cards each – generally Page, Knight, King and Queen (or Queen, then King, but I tend to turn these around – girlpower!).

See? Now you have a basic understanding of the structure of Tarot!

You will expand your knowledge as you progress in your studies.

Now – take your notebook and pen and write the name and number of each card on a separate sheet, starting with number zero, The Fool.

Look at the first card and write down what you see. Now write what you think this card represents. Then look in your guidebook, or online and write down some key-words or phrases that will make you remember the meaning of this card. Do they match up with your own thoughts and ideas? Great! If they don’t, do NOT throw out your notes as you may find later on that the card can have additional, layered or personal interpretations too.

Congratulations! You have just started your very own Tarot Journal!!

Now, repeat this for every card in the deck. I TOLD you you would have to work for it!!!

You do not have to journal about each card in the order they are numbered. That is why it is a good idea to write each of the names on a page first, so you can move back and forth through your journal with ease and work on whichever card you feel like! Also, this is an ongoing process, so please, continue with your lessons, you do not have to wait until this project is completed!

Once you have a basic understanding of the cards, THEN you can start relying on your Intuition and start reading them using your gut feeling. I am NOT suggesting you need to learn long lists of meanings and interpretations, it’s okay if there are some cards you are not sure of, but please my lovely students, if you do not lay any foundations you will struggle later on…

Whilst you are learning, please have FUN with your cards – ask questions and pull cards, look up the meaning and be amazed at your own accuracy! Pull a card every evening and see if you can relate it to the events of the day. All these exercises will help you become more familiar with your deck and that can only be a good thing – aww, you guys are BONDING, how lovely!

Remember: there is NOTHING wrong with looking at your guidebook, that’s what it is for! Someone went to great lengths to write it for you, so USE IT!!!

In later parts I will cover some good books to support your tarot quest, as there are myriads out there and not all deliver what they promise…

All this will keep you busy for a while – so I will leave you to it for now.

Look out for Part 2, where we will continue your education and tackle some myths relating to bonding with your deck, who can touch your cards, and much more!!!

Thank you for your attention, class dismissed!☺️

Love you all!!! Xxx

PS: please feel free to ask questions, I shall do my best to answer them!

[tipsycad147]

I try and be honest about my mistakes as a tarot reader (and as an herbalist for that matter) but here’s a tip from the successful endeavours archives - I think every tarot reader, especially when starting out, should commit to learning one type of spread really well.

Using one type of spread consistently over an extended period of time (a year and a day is a or thirteen cycles of the moon are both magickal time frames). This doesn’t mean you don’t use other types of spreads, but that you use on spread predominantly.

Learn how to use one spread for a variety of questions. I know some card slingers create new spreads for each new question that comes their way or has different types of spreads for different themes (such as a spread for romantic inquiries versus one for career questions). There is definite merits to both of these styles. But when learning tarot or re-connecting with your practice, I encourage you to choose one spread for almost all if not all of your questions.

By using one spread you are creating a magickal map that is just familiar enough to help you navigate the unfamiliar (i.e. the answer to your questions).

Being familiar enough with a spread that you don’t have to reference a guide book to cast it. With this skill you’ll be able to improvise around the depth of each position. So, for example, one card in your spread of choice might represent “the past” and over time with different inquiries the past may represent everything from actual events that have happened previously to how a problem may have appeared to you previously or past mindsets.

The spread I started learning with was the Celtic Cross Spread which is a tarot spread from the western esoteric tradition developed thought to be developed by Florence Farr a magician, feminist, and seer of the Order of the Golden Dawn. It’s a tricky spread, not only because there are many different versions and suggested ways of interpreting the card positions, but also because there are quite a few cards being read at once. Yet, it remains one of my favourite spreads to read with because it feels so familiar. A common mistake some tarot readers make is using too many spreads that they are unfamiliar with. What ends up happening is that you are not only reading the cards but learning the dynamics of a spread all at once. And that’s a lot for anyone to contemplate at once.

The other spread that I use a lot is the pentagram spread which has a card for each of the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. From this spread, I’ve developed all sorts of variations over the years, including the spread that follows. What I hope to illustrate with The Elemental Guardian Spread is how one spread can be read many ways starting with the simple and queerly-forward to the more complex.

While this spread can be used with any deck, I was inspired to create it after getting to play with The Herbcrafter’s Tarot co-created by herbalist and bruja Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert (of Gaian Tarot fame). Being not very up on following all the up and coming decks as I’ve been spending less time on the internets (sharing lots about that in Magick Mail), I saw this deck and purchased it on a whim just before it was released because I saw a card that featured dyeing with plants and I’m just that easy to please some days… The way that the deck is set-up (there are no humxn figures shown, only arms and hands of diverse shades, ages, and sizes doing herbcrafty things in the court cards) inspired this spread. If you want a full review of the deck check out Benebell Wen’s enthusiastic endorsement of what is fast becoming one of my favourite decks, too.

The spread consists of five foundation cards - four Elemental Guardians and a central card that is the Heart of the Matter. For the first two ways of casting the spread, the variation lies in how you choose the cards. The final way placing the cards incorporates four additional cards to the mix, building on the original spread foundation. And if all this talk of elements and tarot and herbalism has got you excited join me in The Tarot Apothecary.

The Elemental Guardians Spread

I’ve listed my tradition’s interpretation of the elements, but feel free to apply your own elemental interpretations.

Card 1. The Guardian of Air speaks to and represents the realm of East, communication, ideas, inspiration, the impact of new technologies and social media in our lives, our mental health, our studies, and the ways that we perceive and comprehend our experiences.

Card 2. The Guardian of Water speaks to and represents the realm of the West, dreams, visions, our lineage both behind us (ancestors) and before us (descendants), and the ways we feel and empathise with our experiences.

Card 3. The Guardian of Fire speaks to and represents the realm of the South (northern hemisphere) or North (southern hemisphere), passions and desires, ecstasy, our creative health, and the ways we transform and express our experiences.

Card 4. The Guardian of Earth speaks to and represents the realm of the North (northern hemisphere) or South (southern hemisphere), prosperity and success, our personal legacy, inheritances including cultural traditions and epigenetics, our physical health, and the ways we physically process and energetically digest our experiences.

Card 5. The Heart of the Matter summarises the energy of the spread and helps you to find the language to understand what is happening to you and what you might carry forward with all that you have learned. Sometimes it can be a holy reminder of something you have forgotten or need to pay more attention to. Other times it is a love letter. Often it’s a mix of everything I’ve just described.

First Variation - Choosing Your Heart

Set up your deck by finding all of the Court Cards and sorting them by suit (i.e. place the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of Wands in one pile and the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of Cups in another pile and so on). The first cards you will cast are the positions of the Elemental Guardians and you’ll be pulling these from their corresponding Court Card piles. For example, pull the first card for The Guardian of Air from one of the four Sword Court Cards. Proceed in the same manner for the following three Elemental Guardian cards.

The fifth and final card is pulled one of three ways. You can either pull it from the rest of the deck sans the Court Cards, just the rest of the Minor Arcana or just the Major Arcana. If you’re working on a big life issue, I suggest pulling from the Major Arcana. Or not. Follow your intuition when making your choices.

The Second Variation - Elemental Balance

The second variation for this spread changes the way that the Elemental Guardian cards are chosen. Instead of choosing an Elemental Guardian card only from its corresponding elemental Court Cards (i.e. choosing the Air Elemental Guardian card only from the Suit of Swords), you’ll choose each Elemental Guardian card from all sixteen Court Cards.

This variation means that you can find conversations happening between the elements. Let’s say that you pull a Page of Cups as your Fire Elemental Guardian - this could indicate that the fiery parts of your life need to be tempered by water. The Page of Cups suggests approaching your emotions with a student’s state of mind and to get curious about what you’re feeling - something which can be difficult when we’re feeling fired up or hot-headed.

What I like about the second variation is that it reflects the reality that there is no strict division between elemental energies in our life but instead all of the elements flow and dance and crash together. If you are someone who incorporates elemental balance into your magickal and/or spiritual practice, this is a fun variation to try.

Third Variation - Drawing In Shadows

The third variation adds four extra Shadow cards to the mix. Proceed with casting the spread using any of the variations as described, but beside each of the Elemental Guardians, cast a Shadow card from the rest of the deck. While the Guardian cards describe your gifts and strengths, your shadow card for each element highlights a challenging aspect of that elemental area of your life.

Let’s say that you pull the Seven of Pentacles as your Shadow card for Earth. As a Shadow card, the Seven of Pentacles can show indecision about what do to with your hard won harvest and difficulty coming up with a long-term vision for what you’re trying to accomplish. Sometimes the Seven of Pentacles shows up as a card warning that you’re falling into the trap of imposter syndrome - especially when it is inverted. If you pulled the Knight of Pentacles as your Guardian of Earth the cards could be suggesting that you need to take time to connect with a truer version of who you are and what you’re capable of.

“Through the wisdom of {the Elemental Guardian message} I understand/acknowledge/release/embrace {shadow card lesson}.”

Taking our previous example you might construct the following interpretive sentence:

Through the wisdom of seeking a true vision of myself I release the belief that I am somehow not enough.

Part of the power of shadow work is learning how to name and speak aloud those names of the hidden parts of yourself. This is one of the reasons why tarot, with its centuries of meaning, graphic illuminations of mystery, and seventy-eight mirrors of sub/consciousness, is such a great tool for shadow work - it helps us to name the unnamable.

Go out and name your unnamable, witchfolk and plant hearts. Cast your cards a thousands time and wear a pattern into the altar of your heart. Know your shadows and speak your stories.  

http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog

[twosidestarot]

Making Friends with the Light Grey Cosmos Tarot

A new deck in town is always an exciting thing, and maybe I’m crazy, but the Light Grey Cosmos Tarot & Oracle Deck had me extra excited. If you’ve had a glimpse of this deck online, you’ll know that the production is lux and the art show-stopping. Not only that, but in addition to the standard 78-card tarot deck, it also includes a bonus 22-card oracle deck. Effectively, it’s two decks in one. A hard proposition to resist for those of us who like our cards a little… extra!

Shop the Light Grey Cosmos Tarot & Oracle Deck here!

 Cosmos is the second collaborative tarot project from the masterminds at Light Grey Art Lab (you can find the first Light Grey Tarot here). Like the first deck, each card in Cosmos is the work of a different artist, bringing together 100 artists from around the world to riff on tarot and astrology in this unique and beautiful deck.

I don’t know how they managed it, but like the original Light Grey Tarot, Cosmos is simultaneously diverse and cohesive, aesthetically speaking. It’s an amazing feat of fortune and coordination to have one hundred artists – not necessarily versed in tarot – create one hundred individual artworks that come together to make a singular working deck. Honestly, it’s kind of remarkable!

Oracle Cards from the Light Grey Cosmos Tarot & Oracle

The other feat of unification that the Light Grey Cosmos deck achieves is its parallel exploration of tarot, mythology and astrology. Each card has a celestial attribution, bringing together traditional tarot meanings and the symbolic and mythological significance of constellations, planets, and other astral phenomena. Although, to say the tarot associations are traditional is not strictly correct; some of the cards read like their Rider Waite Smith equivalents, but many have been taken in unique directions. Cosmos is definitely kind of deck that rewards study, so get those tarot journals out!

When I look at a new deck, I like to check out how it deals with sexuality and gender, usually by looking at the Ten of Cups, the Two of Cups, and the Ten of Pentacles, and The Lovers. Interestingly, each of these cards depicts a woman either alone or with an animal (The Lovers, which is associated in this deck with the sign of Cancer, shows a woman with an abstract, crab-like creature).

When it comes to racial diversity, there are cards that depict people of colour (to name a few, The Sun, The Star, and the Five of Earth). The art definitely errs on the side of fantastical, so there are also a lot of magical blue people, for example. Cosmos’ depiction of people of colour is not overly realistic, but then, there isn’t much realism at all in this strange, celestial deck.

Interestingly, a goodly proportion of the cards depict non-human figures, landscapes, or symbolic objects. For that reason, Cosmos will definitely appeal to readers who prefer their decks to place less emphasis on mundane human images, or who like their art well steeped in fantasy.

Since this deck very much marches to the beat of its own drum, it’s fortunate that it comes with a pretty detailed book. There are also keywords printed on each card, along with the card name and associated constellation, which you can utilize or ignore at will.

So, I’ve been taking my time getting to know this deck (a lot of which has been spent just oohing and ahhing over the lush gold foiled edges and the gorgeous imagery). After a while, though, it’s time to stop looking and start reading! For the purposes of this deck interview, I’ve excluded the oracle cards. I’ll give them their own review and interview at a later date.

1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTIC? Queen of Fire (Cassiopeia)

Keywords: Consequences of Arrogance. Vanity and Pride.

The Queen of Fire tells the story of Cassiopeia, and her daughter, Andromeda, women punished for their pride by the sea god, Poseidon. While the story of Cassiopeia warns of the potential pitfalls of pride (or perhaps of cranky gods who’d rather keep women in their places), the accompanying booklet says that really, this card is about Andromeda rising above her trials and breaking free.

Freedom is something the Light Grey Cosmos Tarot has in spades! Traditional tarot structures and elemental associations are all up for grabs here, and this deck makes no apologies for it. This deck captures all that dark stuff – pride, revenge, subjugation – but also brings a liberated spirit to the reading table.

2. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AS A DECK? XVIII The Moon (Pisces)

Keywords: Subconscious. Indecision. Critique. Sensitivity.

I’m not surprised to see The Moon come up, because this deck can be pretty weird! From the imagery to the keywords to the astral phenomena, Cosmos follows its own lead and resists any assumptions you might want to impose upon it (there’s that free thinking again!). Obviously, this uniqueness and weirdness is a great strength!

When it comes to working with The Moon, we know the best tools we have are intuition and creativity. It’s fair to assume that Cosmos is in its element when the reader approaches with these tools in hand.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR LIMITS AS A DECK? 10 of Water (Corona Borealis)

Keywords: Triumph After Sacrifice. New Beginnings.

Cosmos associates the Ten of Water with the story of Ariadne, who, after being abandoned by her lover, Theseus, finds redemption and a new beginning when she is wooed by Dionysus (it’s worth noting that while the artwork on this card depicts a woman with two leopard-like cats so is not overly heteronormative, the myth that the card is associated with obviously is, so your mileage in that regard may vary!).

So, what do we make of this as a limitation? It would seem Cosmos is not overly concerned with tidy endings, or clean-cut tales of redemption. Don’t expect any coddling here! This deck is complex, and maybe even a little cool, so until you’ve learned to speak its language, reading with it is not going to be a soothing experience. Who doesn’t love a challenge, though?

4. WHAT ARE YOU HERE TO TEACH ME? Three of Air (Hercules)

Keywords: Great Effort. Trial.

Personally, I love this take on the Three of Air. Unlike the traditional meaning of this card (pain, heartbreak), Cosmos makes the Three of Air about proving yourself through strength and endurance. The scene on the card depicts Hercules’ eleventh labour, and demonstrates that we often have to weather many storms in order to get to where we want to go.

Cosmos is obviously here to toughen us up! Or to remind us of how resilient we actually are. I’m already finding that the mixture of tarot, astrology, and mythology in this deck is forcing me to flex my reading muscles, and that’s evidently part of Cosmos’ design. This deck is here to push us as readers, which can only be a good thing!

5. HOW CAN I BEST LEARN FROM AND COLLABORATE WITH YOU? King of Water (Camelopardalis)

Keywords: Seeing the Big Picture. Gaining Perspective.

The King of Water is associated with Camelopardalis, the giraffe constellation, and is associated with the Qilin, giraffe-like creatures from Chinese mythology. This King is all about taking an aerial view of things, stepping back and seeing the big picture.

That definitely feels like a good strategy for reading with a deck that’s so ambitious in scope! The best way to work with Cosmos is to step away from narrow assumptions about traditional card meanings, and instead to allow elemental, mythological, and astrological associations to coalesce into something bigger and more complex.

6. WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL OUTCOME OF OUR WORKING RELATIONSHIP? Two of Fire (Fornax)

Keywords: Incubation. Pregnancy.

The Two of Fire tells the story of the Roman goddess of the hearth, Fornax, who was honoured with the festival of Fornicalia to ensure that the year’s grain would be properly baked. Buns in the oven, anyone? I hope we’re all using birth control!

It seems Cosmos is so slick it might even get you laid, but it’s probably more likely that working with this deck will lead to some cool creative breakthroughs. There’s so much richness to delve into here that fruitful inspirations are bound to bloom. Personally, I’m excited to delve into this deck’s depths and get those fiery, creative ideas incubating!

*

Phew! It's been a long one today, but there's just so much in this rich and beautiful deck. Cosmos is definitely a deck that rewards close study, so I'm looking forward to spending more time with it and discovering all of its quirks and secrets!

The Light Grey Cosmos Tarot & Oracle deck is, of course, in the shop now and ready to ship! You can pick up your own copy right here.

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[mysteriouskod]

Hi, may I have a reading please? I’m M (gemini) and I need some advice on my relationship with T (aries). Thank u 🖤

Hi honey!!

Sorry about the wait 😓

For you I pulled: Page of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles from my tarot deck, and Earth Elemental from my Conscious Spirit Oracle.

The main theme I'm getting here is appreciation.

One of the easiest ways to ruin a relationship, is to only focus on the bad. Take the time to look at the relationship with a neutral eye, and find the good and bad. Love and appreciate what is good, as long as it outweighs what is bad.

I get a very logical feel out of these cards, and my own intuition, so if I'm not on base with what the cards typically mean that's why.

If the relationship is in good standing, appreciate all the little moments and not just the big ones. Let them know they are cared for and that you notice the little things they do.

Furthermore, calling to the Page of Pentacles, find a love for being spontaneous. Your Aries partner will appreciate it, at least from my (very limited) understanding of their sign. No matter how small, find ways to keep things "alive". If they've been talking about trying a new thing, and that thing is something you are feasibly able to do for them, do it! It doesnt have to be as big as buying them a new car, but sometimes buying them that new ice cream they've been dying to try is just enough to show them you care.

On the reverse, I want to remind you that you must not be the only one doing things like this. It is very easy to get burned out when these things are not being returned to you. Remember that appreciation is a wonderful thing, but it is still okay to set your own boundaries and ask for them to give back in return.

Relationships of any kind are about the give and take. Do not give less than you take, and make sure that they give just as much as you do. Do not let yourself be taken advantage of.

I hope this reading helps you. I genuinely apologize for the wait. I hope that the wait does not deter you from coming to me for readings in the future, but wholeheartedly understand if it does.

If you liked this reading, please consider leaving a review via the ask box, submission, or my private messages(and let me know whether you would like to remain anonymous if you choose the other options.) If you feel like donating, here is the link (paypal.me/cosmickinsey the email is tarotbykinsey@outlook.com if the links do not work) If you wish to support me in other ways, the above mentioned review helps, or reblogging my tarot shop is a great help as well.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to either message me via the ask box or through private messaging.

[liberalcom-blog]

Wicca Oracle (Lo Scarabeo Oracles)

https://liber-al.com/?p=43101&wpwautoposter=1563045766 Divine your way to self-knowledge and awareness. Built upon the core beliefs and traditions of Wicca, this vividly illustrated oracle can put you in touch with the sacred gods and goddesses. Whether you’re seeking spiritual wisdom or answers to everyday questions, the Wicca Oracle offers inspiration and an illuminating perspective. The companion booklets for most Lo Scarabeo decks are in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Editorial Reviews Summary: The Wicca Oracle Cards invite the user’s intuition and imagination into each quiet image. Each card is a doorway leading to worlds waiting to be explored. By going through these charming and deceptively simple portals, seekers can find answers and guidance. Full Review: This kit is a repackaging of an older kit called Wiccan Cards . The new version has several improvements. It uses the same card images but the cards are larger, with lovely decorative purple borders and the addition of textured silver foil that is used in the borders and is incorporated into the images themselves, giving them more interest and life. Perhaps even more important is the longer booklet, written by Lunaea Weatherstone, an accomplished writer and High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Silver Branch. This new booklet fills in many of the gaps left by the old one and makes the oracle more useful to beginners. Oracle decks can be great additions to one’s divinatory tool box. However, all oracle decks are not created equally. Because they do not have a built in structure, such as tarot decks do, they run the risk of being a random and arbitrary collection of lovely pictures. Although, even this is even too harsh a criticism, for anyone can, if they set their mind to it, find an omen or message in anything. This lack of definition makes reviewing an oracle deck all the more difficult. For what does one base one’s critique on? There is no required structure; there are no clear expectations. The question often becomes: does it perform as an oracle? A good question perhaps, but then so much depends on the skill of the reader, doesn’t it? Some readers can read the steam off your coffee while others may be, shall we say, less proficient. In addition, oracle decks require that you get to know them, to understand how they work, and to allow them to play with your intuitive and psychic methods. It is a relationship that must be built between the user and the cards-and it can take time. In reviewing the Wicca Oracle , we’ll consider a few specific aspects: theme and structure, imagery, instructions/interpretations provided, and how to best work with them. The theme of the Wicca Oracle is clear: Wicca, primarily Celtic. The theme shapes the structure as well as the symbols and messages. The thirty-three cards are divided into five groups. There are four element cards represented not by element but by the Wiccan tool associated with the element. The Athame for air, the Pentacle for earth, the Cup for water, and the Wand for fire. In the booklet, it is noted they relate to the directions as well: east, north, west, and south respectively. Jumping ahead to discuss imagery, there is little on the cards to indicate the elements. The Wand and The Cup show fire and water, while the Sword and the Pentacle do not show air or earth. Also, none have any indication that I can see of the direction it represents. The positive side of this lack of directional representation is that some practitioners assign different directions to the elements. However, it is a weakness in a deck that claims it can be a first introduction to the Wiccan Way of Life. An introductory deck should include visual cues to help the beginner learn. Luckily, this deck now includes a longer booklet with more details and instructions, making this well suited to beginners as well as much seasoned practitioners. There are two deity cards, one to represent the Goddess and one for the God-Aradia and Cerunnos, respectively. Eight cards represent each of the Sabbats-Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, Samhain, and Yule. Three cards are called Master cards and represent the Otherworld, the Three Wise Ones, and the Oak Tree. The last sixteen cards are symbol cards and include: spiral, cat, ring, mask, kettle, raven, butterfly, book of shadows, mandrake, fox, tree of life, broom, pond, chariot, mare, and Celtic harp. The imagery is charming but lacks immediacy. Most of the cards nicely illustrate what they are supposed to. Imbolc shows a sheep and two lambs in the snow with a few early flowers blooming. It is pastoral and very sweet. It adequately illustrates how many people think of Imbolc. The kettle shows an iron kettle with a spout hanging from a chain. Liquid is inside and steam rising up. One must imagine a fire beneath it, as there isn’t one in the picture. The broom shows a picture of a broom leaning in a corner with a picture of a flowering tree on the wall behind it. They are all exactly what they say they are. But they are quiet. They are not cards that most people can pick up, shuffle, lay down and do a quick reading with. They are more of an invitation than a message. They are soft-spoken and to use them, you must approach them gently, with a calm and receptive spirit. The book includes instructions for using the cards for readings and for magical purposes. For each card, Lunaea provides background for the symbol, its upright and reversed meaning, keywords, an affirmation, and a challenge. This deck is most suited, I think, for Wiccan practitioners who want an oracle deck to act as a doorway for their own spirit and intuition. These simple cards invite meditation and reflection. To just look at, say, the broom card and expect an instant trigger or clear answer will be disappointing. However, to gaze at the broom and let your mind wander and imagine the picture coming to life (is the broom sweeping or flying out of the picture which has somehow become a window?) will yield much more satisfactory results. Deck Attributes Name of deck: Wicca Oracle Reviewer’s Byline: Barbara Moore Publisher: Lo Scarabeo ISBN: 9780738735467 Creator(s) name(s): Nada Mesar Brief biography of creator(s): Nada Mesar lives in Germany and works as a cartomancer and scryer. She is a Celtic Wicca Elder. In addition to writing the script for the Wiccan Cards (now known as the Wicca Oracle ), she also wrote the direction for The Sensual Wicca Tarot . Artist(s) name(s): Chatriya Hemharnvibul Brief biography of artist(s): Chatriya Hemharnvibul was born in Bangkok, Thailand, where she works as an artist. She has been influenced by her love for ancient and exotic cultures, fairy tales, and manga. In addition to illustrating the Wiccan Cards , she also painted the art for the Fenestra Tarot . Name of accompanying book/booklet: Wicca Oracle Cards Number of pages of book/booklet: 159 (48 are in English) Author(s) of book/booklet: Lunaea Weatherstone Brief biography of author(s): Lunaea is a talented tarot reader and High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Silver Branch. Available in a boxed kit?: yes If yes, are there extras in the kit? No Magical Uses: spell work and meditation Reading Uses: All Ethnic Focus: Celtic folk magic Artistic Style: painterly with subtle art nouveau influences Theme: Celtic/European Wicca Tarot, Divination Deck, or Other: Oracle deck Why was deck created?: As an oracle system for Wiccans and as a short introduction to Wicca for beginners. Book suggestions for experienced Tarot users and this deck: Wicca for Beginners , The Inner Temple of Witchcraft . Alternative decks you might like: The Well-Worn Path and The Hidden Path , The Tarot for Hip Witches Kit , The Pagan Tarot . – From the Publisher

[piratejeni]

How to Choose your First Tarot Deck

Choosing your first tarot deck can be a daunting task.  There are SO MANY out there and it seems like every day, someone is making a new one.   When I got my first deck, it was 1987-ish and the internet wasn’t born yet.  I lived in a rural area and my access to anything other than Waldenbooks was very limited.  Now, anyone can easily design a deck, have it printed, and market it.  AMAZING.

I didn’t even choose my first deck.  It was a Christmas gift when I was a teenager and I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t remember if it came from my mom or my grandmother.  One of the two, anyway.

My first deck was the Mythic Tarot which is loosely based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck (RWS).  The Mythic Tarot takes it’s inspiration from Mythology which is pretty cool, but also very specific to those stories.  Many of the cards are similar in imagery to the RWS, but not in meaning.   The book was very detailed into things like “this bird symbolizes Zeus… and this Devil is actually Pan… oh and this lady here?  this is Persephone.”  Cool, but difficult to read if you try to shoehorn the images and symbolism into modern day life. It can be done, for sure, but it requires a LOT of memorization.

The Mythic Tarot: the Devil, The Heirophant and the Chariot.

  The Mythic Tarot: Ace of Pentacles, Six of Swords, Five of Wands and Eight of Cups

As you can see from these images, they are pretty specific to individual personas.  There is Persephone there in the Eight of Cups.  Yes, her leaving the physical word behind and moving into the darkness does sort of mirror the idea of the Eight of Cups so that’s good.   Poseidon is the Ace of Pentacles, which I personally find confusing because Pentacles is traditionally the Earth Element and Poseidon lives in the water.. but sure.. bursting forth with new energy.. ok.  The Six of Swords here is Orestes who I know nothing about.. and the Five of Wands is Jason’s battle with the Dragon over the Golden Fleece so, yeah, it’s a fight.

But, basically, there is too much here for a beginner, in my opinion.

Seriously Consider the Rider Waite Smith in the Yellow Box

The RWS (unless you read Thoth) is what a lot of decks are based off and the beauty of the RWS deck is that it lends itself to an intuitive interpretation.  The cards evoke an emotion and a feeling and provide a lot of detail to explore so you don’t have to learn something by rote.

Rider Waite Smith

Rider Waite Smith

See how the Five of Wands is evoking an emotion of conflict among people?  And the Six of Swords feels like a family leaving the choppy waters headed towards smoother sailing?  (Yes, the Ace is hard to get an emotion from.. I know.. but you have keywords to fall back on to kick your intuition into gear ~ it’s a good idea to know the “traditional meanings” but don’t be limited by them.  Think of it like the drugs that were prescribed for depression also work for smoking cessation.  They were intended for one thing but also work for another..  follow me?)

A word on intuition:  if you want to be a tarot reader  it really benefits you to work with your intuition. It gets your left brain out of the way and opens you up to the message from the Universe. The Tarot is a TOOL to facilitate your connection to the Information Highway. (and it’s not as old as people claim.. at least not as a divination tool)

The RWS is a great place to start.  The other thing is that a LOT of books, teachers and websites reference it.  If you will be looking for support from others, it’s good to have a working knowledge of this artwork. Also, I can’t help it.  The wands look like giant penises to me.  They just do.  Take a look at the Ace of Wands and then tell me I’m wrong.

Look at a lot of decks to find artwork that appeals to you

I don’t enjoy the RWS artwork and I really don’t like the overt Christian overtones.  I think it’s super important to find artwork that appeals to you.  It’s difficult to find the message in the card when you don’t like looking at it.  I actually got rid of my first RWS deck because I just couldn’t read with it.  (I have since purchased a new one to work with for study only.  But I have no intention on reading with it)

The deck I worked with for YEARS was the Morgan Greer.  It’s a close up image of the RWS artwork and it’s borderless, which I enjoy.

Morgan Greer

Morgan Greer

But still, lots of Christian overtones.  Since the explosion of Tarot interest, I’ve had some great opportunities to get decks that are still RWS based but with a twist.

Modern SpellCasters Tarot

Modern SpellCasters

Check out the Chariot!  Talk about moving forward without really knowing where you are going… but doing it anyway.  And there are more Alchemical symbols here and the deck has more of a magickal feel to it. Which is intentional since it’s meant to also work Magick.  And the Eight of Cups has a slightly different vibe to it. I also love this deck because many of the images show people of different colors, sizes, races and sexual identities.

Modern images for modern times can sometimes read easier.

This is my newest deck for my collection and it totally updates the images.  This is the Everyday Witch Tarot and I’m really digging how easy this is to read.   You may not feel that all of these images are modern (cloaks, cauldrons etc) but they are a lovely mix of Modern images and NeoPagan Traditions.  This deck just sings to me because of this mash up.  I suspect there is a modern deck out there for you that fits your path.  (Some of us do have actual magick brooms and wands and cauldrons in our homes.)

Everyday Witch Tarot

Everyday Witch Tarot

New Readers should probably avoid decks with pips

Tarot was a game, originally.  If you go back to before the RWS deck, you will find the Visconti Deck  named after the family that had the cards.  See, paper was expensive so only rich people had decks and only rich people had time for actual games.   I picked up this mini deck at the J.P. Morgan Library gift shop, where you can view three of the original Tarot cards from this deck.

I don’t read with it.

Visconti Deck

Pips Only.. you can’t even really tell the swords from the wands

These decks don’t give you anything to work with other than numbers.  That’s more than half your deck that you would need to memorize meanings for.  Not an easy task and not really an intuitive task either.

Probably steer away from Novelty Cards/Promotional Material for your first deck.

Have you seen Penny Dreadful? Vanessa has a beautiful deck that was made just for the show.

I own it.  I don’t read from it.

Penny Dreadful Tarot

Penny Dreadful Tarot

It’s amazing but limited in it’s ability to spark intuition. Also, all the minor cards 2-10 are pip cards. Nope. Just really neat to have it and look at it. (And I will admit that I’m currently waiting for my Twin Peaks Tarot deck to ship and I probably won’t read from that one either).

Which brings me to..

Probably best to avoid highly stylized/non-human decks to start.

There are some great non-human decks out that that probably read just fine.  But they can be hard to read for beginners and can feel a bit off putting to friends you may want to read for as practice.  Let’s face it. Some people still think the Tarot is Evil with the Capital E.  I adore my Deviant Moon deck but I’ve only used it once in a reading for a client because.. well… look at it.

Deviant Moon Tarot

Deviant Moon Tarot

The only time I used it for a client was when they made a point of telling me they identify as non-binary and most decks are well.. Binary.   And actually a lot of decks are very…. white.. and straight.  Many of the images in the Deviant Moon deck are not gender specific.  (I admit, I didn’t pick the best cards to demonstrate this but I was rolling with a theme)

Where do you go from here?

I think the best thing you can do is to get your eyes on some decks before you decide.  Some great places to look at decks before you buy are:

Your local metaphysical shop: Sometimes the owners will have decks open for you to look at. This is fantastic!  But buy your deck there, ok?  Don’t fondle the merch and then get a deal online.  Spend the extra bucks to support your local seller.

Aeclectic Tarot :  An astonishing number of decks with a good sampling of each card in each deck.  Plus reviews from actual readers.

YouTube:  A google search for YouTube Tarot Reviews will get you a ton of hits and a lot of folks will show you every single card.  You will also get a lot of info about things that might be important to you like, card stock or boxes or the book that comes with it.

Amazon reviews:  lots of readers will put pictures of the cards in their reviews and are not shy about sharing their thoughts. (which reminds me.. I have a few reviews to do)

Other readers:  Opinions are like assholes.  We all have one.  What I think about a particular deck may be very different than what your friend and favorite reader thinks. Ask us. We LOVE to talk about our decks.

It is impossible to buy the “wrong” deck.

Truly.  Every deck will tell you something about yourself.  It will help you find what you are comfortable with and what you aren’t comfortable with.  Discomfort is educating in and of itself.  If you outgrow your deck or decide you don’t want to read from the one you bought, there is a healthy market out there for second hand decks.   Many of us pooh pooh the idea that you shouldn’t read a used deck.  If you really want to unload a deck you don’t like, someone will buy it.

What it really comes down to is this…

Buy the deck that speaks to you .. and if it doesn’t speak to you in six months, that’s ok too..  See, people evolve.  What you like today, you may not like tomorrow.  And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Your time with the Tarot will change your perspective on things..  on people.. and on yourself.

How to Choose your First Tarot Deck was originally published on Jeni Reads Tarot

[liberalcom-blog]

Wicca Oracle (Lo Scarabeo Oracles)

https://liber-al.com/?p=43101&utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Tumblr Divine your way to self-knowledge and awareness. Built upon the core beliefs and traditions of Wicca, this vividly illustrated oracle can put you in touch with the sacred gods and goddesses. Whether you’re seeking spiritual wisdom or answers to everyday questions, the Wicca Oracle offers inspiration and an illuminating perspective. The companion booklets for most Lo Scarabeo decks are in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Editorial Reviews Summary: The Wicca Oracle Cards invite the user’s intuition and imagination into each quiet image. Each card is a doorway leading to worlds waiting to be explored. By going through these charming and deceptively simple portals, seekers can find answers and guidance. Full Review: This kit is a repackaging of an older kit called Wiccan Cards . The new version has several improvements. It uses the same card images but the cards are larger, with lovely decorative purple borders and the addition of textured silver foil that is used in the borders and is incorporated into the images themselves, giving them more interest and life. Perhaps even more important is the longer booklet, written by Lunaea Weatherstone, an accomplished writer and High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Silver Branch. This new booklet fills in many of the gaps left by the old one and makes the oracle more useful to beginners. Oracle decks can be great additions to one’s divinatory tool box. However, all oracle decks are not created equally. Because they do not have a built in structure, such as tarot decks do, they run the risk of being a random and arbitrary collection of lovely pictures. Although, even this is even too harsh a criticism, for anyone can, if they set their mind to it, find an omen or message in anything. This lack of definition makes reviewing an oracle deck all the more difficult. For what does one base one’s critique on? There is no required structure; there are no clear expectations. The question often becomes: does it perform as an oracle? A good question perhaps, but then so much depends on the skill of the reader, doesn’t it? Some readers can read the steam off your coffee while others may be, shall we say, less proficient. In addition, oracle decks require that you get to know them, to understand how they work, and to allow them to play with your intuitive and psychic methods. It is a relationship that must be built between the user and the cards-and it can take time. In reviewing the Wicca Oracle , we’ll consider a few specific aspects: theme and structure, imagery, instructions/interpretations provided, and how to best work with them. The theme of the Wicca Oracle is clear: Wicca, primarily Celtic. The theme shapes the structure as well as the symbols and messages. The thirty-three cards are divided into five groups. There are four element cards represented not by element but by the Wiccan tool associated with the element. The Athame for air, the Pentacle for earth, the Cup for water, and the Wand for fire. In the booklet, it is noted they relate to the directions as well: east, north, west, and south respectively. Jumping ahead to discuss imagery, there is little on the cards to indicate the elements. The Wand and The Cup show fire and water, while the Sword and the Pentacle do not show air or earth. Also, none have any indication that I can see of the direction it represents. The positive side of this lack of directional representation is that some practitioners assign different directions to the elements. However, it is a weakness in a deck that claims it can be a first introduction to the Wiccan Way of Life. An introductory deck should include visual cues to help the beginner learn. Luckily, this deck now includes a longer booklet with more details and instructions, making this well suited to beginners as well as much seasoned practitioners. There are two deity cards, one to represent the Goddess and one for the God-Aradia and Cerunnos, respectively. Eight cards represent each of the Sabbats-Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, Samhain, and Yule. Three cards are called Master cards and represent the Otherworld, the Three Wise Ones, and the Oak Tree. The last sixteen cards are symbol cards and include: spiral, cat, ring, mask, kettle, raven, butterfly, book of shadows, mandrake, fox, tree of life, broom, pond, chariot, mare, and Celtic harp. The imagery is charming but lacks immediacy. Most of the cards nicely illustrate what they are supposed to. Imbolc shows a sheep and two lambs in the snow with a few early flowers blooming. It is pastoral and very sweet. It adequately illustrates how many people think of Imbolc. The kettle shows an iron kettle with a spout hanging from a chain. Liquid is inside and steam rising up. One must imagine a fire beneath it, as there isn’t one in the picture. The broom shows a picture of a broom leaning in a corner with a picture of a flowering tree on the wall behind it. They are all exactly what they say they are. But they are quiet. They are not cards that most people can pick up, shuffle, lay down and do a quick reading with. They are more of an invitation than a message. They are soft-spoken and to use them, you must approach them gently, with a calm and receptive spirit. The book includes instructions for using the cards for readings and for magical purposes. For each card, Lunaea provides background for the symbol, its upright and reversed meaning, keywords, an affirmation, and a challenge. This deck is most suited, I think, for Wiccan practitioners who want an oracle deck to act as a doorway for their own spirit and intuition. These simple cards invite meditation and reflection. To just look at, say, the broom card and expect an instant trigger or clear answer will be disappointing. However, to gaze at the broom and let your mind wander and imagine the picture coming to life (is the broom sweeping or flying out of the picture which has somehow become a window?) will yield much more satisfactory results. Deck Attributes Name of deck: Wicca Oracle Reviewer’s Byline: Barbara Moore Publisher: Lo Scarabeo ISBN: 9780738735467 Creator(s) name(s): Nada Mesar Brief biography of creator(s): Nada Mesar lives in Germany and works as a cartomancer and scryer. She is a Celtic Wicca Elder. In addition to writing the script for the Wiccan Cards (now known as the Wicca Oracle ), she also wrote the direction for The Sensual Wicca Tarot . Artist(s) name(s): Chatriya Hemharnvibul Brief biography of artist(s): Chatriya Hemharnvibul was born in Bangkok, Thailand, where she works as an artist. She has been influenced by her love for ancient and exotic cultures, fairy tales, and manga. In addition to illustrating the Wiccan Cards , she also painted the art for the Fenestra Tarot . Name of accompanying book/booklet: Wicca Oracle Cards Number of pages of book/booklet: 159 (48 are in English) Author(s) of book/booklet: Lunaea Weatherstone Brief biography of author(s): Lunaea is a talented tarot reader and High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Silver Branch. Available in a boxed kit?: yes If yes, are there extras in the kit? No Magical Uses: spell work and meditation Reading Uses: All Ethnic Focus: Celtic folk magic Artistic Style: painterly with subtle art nouveau influences Theme: Celtic/European Wicca Tarot, Divination Deck, or Other: Oracle deck Why was deck created?: As an oracle system for Wiccans and as a short introduction to Wicca for beginners. Book suggestions for experienced Tarot users and this deck: Wicca for Beginners , The Inner Temple of Witchcraft . Alternative decks you might like: The Well-Worn Path and The Hidden Path , The Tarot for Hip Witches Kit , The Pagan Tarot . – From the Publisher Click Here: https://liber-al.com/?p=43101&utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Tumblr #Body,Mind&Spirit #ChatriyaHemharnivbul #Divination #General;Body,Mind&Spirit #General;Non-Classifiable #LlewellynPublications #LunaeaWeatherstone #NadaMesar #NewAge #Tarot&WisdomCards #Topical #Witchcraft