Deck Snobbery

Readers have their tastes. I really like the Deviant Moon tarot, (and it is a popular deck) but I know others who do not like it all. Doreen Virtue's Angel tarot is another deck I like, even though I have some minor issues with it. Others I know find the deck too sweet. And that's fine, of course. There are thousands of tarot and oracle decks out there, to fit all kinds of tastes and philosophies.

But then there are "tarot snobs" and I admit, I was guilty of such snobbery myself. Someone very close to me, who's also been reading cards for a good forty years and more, hates, and I mean detests, the Rider Waite Smith tarot. He's gone so far as to say he wouldn't respect any reader who uses that deck. I used to think that as well, to a point.  But funny thing about opinions; often we have them and aren't sure why, and often, they change.

I've had a mini Rider deck for years. Almost have given it away at times, but couldn't bring myself to do that. Lately I've been reading with the deck, and I had to wonder why I had negative opinions about the deck. As with many of us, when I first began to explore the tarot, the Rider deck was the one I used. It was the first tarot deck I was introduced to -- my mother had the same deck. Reading with the deck lately I had not only good readings, but good energy around using the deck, and those readings.

So I've been looking for a deck similar to the RWS deck. I wanted something very close to the "original" but, slightly different. I finally found it! The Diamond tarot. Unfortunately, it appears hard to find, and is very expensive. Amazon has the decks ranging from about $70.00 to over a $1,000.00! Good time to practice my manifesting mojo and see what comes.

The cards are very much the traditional RWS cards, but the borders add a psychedelic energy to the cards that I like. The wide and colorful borders frames the images in a new way. One of the criticisms about RWS from my friend is that the images are too "obvious" and put assumptions into the client's head. (Hmm. That happens anyway, doesn't it, and the role of the reader is to facilitate the interaction between both…) At the same time, the borders and coloring do add something fresh to the tradition, and I like the interplay between the new and classic.

Insight Into an Ugly Situation

I created this little three card layout that offers insight into an ugly situation. Why is this person behaving this way towards others in the context of this situation? Lies, secrecy, irresponsibility and more.

I tried using the Angel Tarot for this reading, but it was not happening. I knew it wouldn't -- funny how that works! Using the pendulum, the message was clear: Deviant Moon for this reading!

1st card: Middle position
What is the person afraid of?

2nd card: Left
What the person wants

3rd card: Right
Where the person is at right now.


In the 1st position -- fear -- is the 9 of Wands. 
This person does not want to be lost, nor perceived as being lost. Alone, sadness, fear, boredom, a sense of being stuck, apathy. Just not having what it takes to get out of the situation. It's a self made situation; all one has to do is get up and go. There is light, there is passage, there is help. But this fear is keeping the person stuck.

2nd position: Wheel of Fortune. Karma, fate, what comes around and all that. If you simply sit back -- like this person is doing with the 9 of Wands -- and let Fate have all the power, then there is no onus to be responsible. "It's out of my hands," is what the individual is telling themselves.

On a higher level, events do happen in their own time and way.  The changes that are inevitable are being confused with refusing to take responsibility.

3rd position: The Hermit. In context of this reading, this person is hiding. Not solitary or away for healing productive self-reflection, but escape. Secrets. Hiding away from others. Cannot move (9 of Wands) cannot take responsibility, cannot seek guidance from self.

But maybe there is hope. Alone with the self, this person has to either confront within and learn, or, continue to hide and deny.

Summary:
A dark reading. I did this not for a client, but for some insight into someone I know and a situation very close to us.

Day Three: Tarot Card Essence

More Synchronicity

I mentioned in previous posts I’ve been experiencing a lot of synchronicities lately, and they’re continuing. I’ve been thinking very strongly of Emma Woods the past couple of days and intending to email her. Today I find that she had sent me two emails. (If you’re unfamiliar with Emma Woods, she was a client of Dr. David Jacobs, a UFO researcher who uses hypnosis to regress UFO witnesses and abductees. He has written several books on UFOs; specifically, alien abudctions.  Unfortunately, his tactics concerning Ms. Woods were reprehensible. Fortunately, her response to the unethical and surreal treatment has been stellar and brave.)

The Essence

Last night I decided to choose a glass to use just for this purpose. I got a pretty vintage cocktail glass that I had stored in my cupboard down from the top shelf, washed and cleansed it, and that is what I used last night. I also used the violet cloth I use for spreads with the Angel Tarot deck. I’ve been doing this little ritual close to bedtime, using filtered water and letting the glass sit for at least fifteen minutes -- last night it was about forty five minutes. 

Last Night’s Card: Queen of Water

From fire (previous two cards were (9 of Fire and 8 of Fire) to water. I am a Pisces with Cancer moon and Cancer/Leo rising. Still using Doreen Virtue’s Angel Tarot deck; when my whim shifts I’ll use another deck but for now, the Angel Tarot feels fine.

Water corresponds to CUPS: emotions, creativity, nurturing, relationships, intuition...

“Relationships develop to a new level. Trust your intuition. Care for yourself and others.”

Mom on a Motorcycle

I don't’ remember much about the dream last night, but the dream has a definite Water/Cups/Mother/Creative energy. I see connections between the dream elements and the card.

I’m in an airy kind of garage type place, with my husband. I think a few others are around. My husband and I are both artists in waking life. In the dream, we’re painting. I have a few large cans of paint set on the floor. I really like this paint. It’s a new kind, and very easy and smooth, very pleasant. it’s soothing.  Something about the texture -- so nice to stir with large wood paint sticks. But when I go to paint -- and I’m painting directly onto the ground, the asphalt -- I’m a little disappointed. The paint, when applied, doesn’t live up to expectations. When it was in the can, it was so nice. But I find I have to apply a few coats to get it to stick and cover properly. And the color is a bit washed out. So, I’m a bit bummed but not terribly so. I’m still enjoying being peaceful, painting.

Visitors, acrylic on masonite, Regan Lee

To my surprise, my brother drives up on a motorcycle, with our mother on the back! In waking live, the brother and I are estranged, and my mother, who is in her mid-eighties, is not doing at all well health wise. Her health is very poor. In the dream she’s using a walker, and yet, she is happily riding on the motorcycle! She is youthful and healthy and enjoying herself. My brother is also “better” --- very open and genuine.  No games, no lies, no disconnect. Such a weird funny surprise! My brother pulls into the garage on the motorcycle, mom hops off and immediately uses her walker. They both seem happy.

Relationships

Since Water (Cups) corresponds to relationships, and considering the state of the relationships in this context, it seems this card is an encouraging message of hope, and, possibly, release.  The Queen, a court card, can be seen as both a part of myself, as well as my mother. 

A lot to digest here, and much more concerning these relationships than I choose to share. However, I felt a distinct pull and connection between the Queen of Water and last night’s dream. I haven’t worked through it all yet; much to think upon!

Hematite and Fire

Tarot Card Experiment: Essence

I’ve been experimenting with a tip I found on Lisa Frideborg’s Tarotize  as one way to get in touch with the cards.

This process involves choosing a card from your deck, and placing a glass of water on top of the card. The glass must sit on top of the card for at least fifteen minutes, longer is preferable. Drink the water, mediate on the card. 

Lisa Frideborg advises creating these essences following the lunar cycle and gives other specific pointers. However, I was curious to see what would happen without delving into things on a deeper level for now, but it is important to know what energies you are working with and how they will affect your intent. For now, I didn’t have any more of a specific intent other than to see I liked this process.  

Fire and Water  -- and Synchronicity

I used my Doreen Virtue Angel Tarot deck for this. The first evening I pulled 9 of Fire. I used filtered water -- very important -- and drank that, meditated on the card, and went to sleep. I had an interesting dream that concerned accepting changes and unexpected events. For example, I went to my car, but it was parked on the other side of our neighbor’s house. Unusual in reality, but not in the dream. But when I got to the car, it was submerged in water. I could see the car and briefly thought about reaching into the water but then thought better of it. I didn’t want to get wet or slimy. So I walked on, but I had a sense of acceptance and wasn’t upset in the least.  

9 of Fire: "Don't give up. Protect that which you've created. Have courage, and believe in yourself."

(I’ve also been experiencing a rash of little synchronicites the past couple of weeks. Two examples out of many: Out of the blue a co-worker, now retired, just popped into my head. I wondered where she was, how she was doing. Next day, she shows up to visit. After the water dream, our other car wouldn’t start and we had to call AAA. )

More Fire, and Hematite

Last night was my second night doing this experiment. Once again I pulled from the Angel Tarot, and once again, I pulled a Fire card! This time it was 8 of Fire. Believe me, those cards were shuffled well! Obviously there is a message there. Drank the water and meditated on the card before sleep.

8 of Fire: "Events moving at a fast pace. Delays are over. Many things happening at once."

Last night’s dream: I don’t remember much, except for a huge hematite crystal formation, so heavy and strong in my hand! I remember barely able to hold the stone, and feeling awed by the weight, the coldness -- which wasn’t unpleasant at all, in fact very soothing -- and the strength of the hematite. I remember holding the stone up to objects to see how they would react, and finding the magnetic pull delightful. 

Hematite is used for many purposes. It helps with the blood, wounds, -- which is interesting since I just had a procedure -- having to do with my "lady parts" --  done that involved those things. Hematite is used to dispel negativity, as well as opening the psychic abilities within us. It is grounding and balancing. Healing Crystals for You says: “They have a highly protective energy and are good to help women who lack courage.” I don’t lack courage, but... well, I guess I do, in some areas. Procrastination and other issues are a form of self-sabotage.  Remember 9 of Fire: "… have courage, protect yourself." Things are opening, changing, (Fire) and some grounding is needed (hematite) during this adventure.

Tarot or Oracle Deck?

Or, both?

Why choose -- it's not a contest.

Tarot card: Major Arcana, The Empress, RWS deck

Both are wonderful tools to use. Both are oracles, really. The tarot are cards, and of themselves, an oracle. Oracle cards are not always tarot cards, and don't follow any rules or form that the tarot does. But both are card decks, and both are used for similar purposes.

Tarot cards, while differing in style, artwork, and theme, follow specific rules. A tarot deck contains 78 cards. 22 of those cards are the Major Arcana cards, and the rest are the Minor Arcana cards of four suites. (56 cards.)

Tarot card, Major Arcana: The High Priestess, Doreen Virtue Angel Tarot

Within this classic structure there are differences on occasion, depending on the deck creator's inspiration. Wands may be called batons, or fire, or staffs. Coins may be called discs or pentacles or earth, spirals, etc. … sometimes the names of the Major Arcana might be changed. Doreen Virtue's Angel Tarot renamed the Death card "Rebirth." There are hundreds and hundreds of tarot decks out there, many with some changes but overall, there is a standard as to number of cards, the way they are arranged (Minor and Major Arcana, etc.) and meanings assigned.

Oracle deck: Magical Mermaids and Dolphins, Doreen Virtue

Oracle decks do not follow any traditional rules as to number of cards -- in fact, often oracle decks have fewer cards than a tarot deck. There are also hundreds of themes; angels, fairies, animals, flowers, chakras, dreams . . . 

If you're new to tarot and feel a bit intimidated or overwhelmed, try using an oracle deck. Reading with an oracle deck will help you with your confidence. Using an oracle deck will open up your perception and your intuition, allowing these to come through easily, and you'll soon find yourself feeling very comfortable doing readings. 

Oracle card: Lynx, Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams 

Find an oracle deck that you like, that speaks to you. There so many themes out there you're sure to find one that fits your personality. 

Whether using tarot or oracle cards, relax and have fun and always follow your own sense of where the reading is going. 

Unveiling the Hidden Psychic Messages in Your Tarot Readings with Sherry (Part 1) | Biddy Tarot Blog

I like this three part article from Biddy Tarot, on accessing the psychic side of self and tarot. Sometimes we ignore little nudges and signs as being irrelevant. Doreen Virtue says just say "Bleh!" meaning, whatever comes to you, no matter how much you're second guessing yourself or how "silly" it may seem, use it! Of course this applies to oracle (non-tarot) decks as well.

Unveiling the Hidden Psychic Messages in Your Tarot Readings with Sherry (Part 1) | Biddy Tarot Blog: A common misperception about psychic phenomena is that it’s really obvious – just like in the movies. However, did you know that psychic phenomenon is incredibly subtle on most occasions? In fact most people, when confronted with psychic occurrences, dismiss it as ‘oh it must have been my imagination’ or overlook it completely simply because they didn’t know what they were looking for. In this three-part blog, I’m going to show you how to know when you have psychic elements occurring in the tarot reading you are doing for yourself or someone else. (Biddy Tarot)

Unicorn Synchronicity and Exercise

I started a new kind of journal a few days ago. I'm not sure how I came to the idea; it was sudden inspiration. I have no doubt the angels helped with this one. But a simple daily list, which is an idea I abhor, seemed the thing to do. If I want to accomplish things, maybe this will help, was my thinking.

I decided to include whatever came to mind, no matter how silly, small, seemingly trivial -- or, huge and crazy and impractical. Just jot it down for the day. Try to keep it at ten items. At the end of the day, cross out what I had done, and begin anew the next day. The list changes; some things remain, while other items might go away for that day.

I realized something early this morning: that for every day, I have "exercise" on the list. And every day, exercise is something I did not do! Later this morning, my daily spirit card reading arrived in my email. The card was from Doreen Virtue's Unicorn oracle deck. Specifically, the exercise card!

Doreen Virtue Unicorn oracle deck

Later this morning, at work, I walk into the classroom to see, written on the board, a little story about unicorns the class had made up.

Heart's Desire: Surprise Card

I used Doreen Virtue's and Radleigh Valentine's Angel Tarot for the following:

I usually do a daily one card reading that's very general; just a card for the day, "What do I need to know for today?" type of reading.

Today the distinct question came to me as I picked up the deck: "What one thing do I need to do right now to get me closer to my heart's desire?" Where'd that come from, I wondered, but I know why that specific question came to me at that moment. I've been working on this very theme in my life for a few days. 

As I was shuffling the cards, one jumped out, landing on the chair in front of me. So while I intended to choose one card, I used the card that fell out in my reading.

The card that fell: Nine of Fire. “Don’t give up. Protect that which you’ve created. Have courage and believe in yourself.” (Angel Tarot)

This suite, Fire, akin to Wands, has to do with creativity and passion, our career path in the context of the arts, the self, ideas. It's a spiritual card having to do with healing work or, say, tarot readers! Time to get up off my butt and get to work!  Believe in yourself, this card says, and know how much power is within you.

The Emperor also showed up. Emperor says "Organization and logic. Structure and discipline. Leadership."  (Angel Tarot)

What came to me was: Practical, realistic. Meditate. Use the power and discipline of Emperor to stop procrastinating and feel low self worth, and move towards revelation. 

Remember, this little reading was for myself, and the interpretations presented for what I need to know at this moment. What I take away from this is the powerful and wonderful reminder how the tarot shows us what we need at the time in  very specific ways. This message for me today was exactly what I needed to know. It's inspired me to not merely to go for it, but to do the work needed in order to get there. You can dream about your heart's desire all you want but the emotional intent needs to be there as you do the work! in order for that heart's desire to manifest.

Follow-up: Three card reading by Kate

Image: Public Domain

The other day I posted a link to a YouTube video by Kate, a tarot reader I follow, and her style of a three card reading.  She places the cards face down, begins with the center card (the present) but then turns over the "future" card next.

Usually, tradition tells us to start with the past, move on in a linear fashion, present next, the future.

Kate suggests, as you'll see in the video, that you follow your instinct, but she does it as described, so I thought I'd try it.

I don't read with cards face down; I've tried in the past and didn't like that process. But I tried it again using Kate's method. I also read the present card first, then the future or energy the client is moving into, then, lastly, turn over the past. I've done several readings using this method and love it!

For a larger reading, like a ten card spread, I do not place the cards face down. But with this three card reading, it seems to work very well. Reading the flow of energy is easy and smooth and makes sense, and when I read the "past" card it represents both a past state of energy but also, strengths or support once experienced that can be called upon now, and in the future.

I've also found that this works very very well with Doreen Virtue's Angel Tarot, and it's fine for the Deviant Moon tarot, but I like it better with the Angel tarot. I haven't yet tried it with other oracle decks, such as the Angel Dreams deck.

Synchronicity, Cat Killer, and Archangel Raphael: Be Willing To Forgive

Archangel Raphael: Be Willing To Forgive | Archangel Oracle ~ Divine Guidance: Archangel Raphael: Be Willing To Forgive: “Ask the angels to clear your mind and body of past pain in exchange for peacefulness.” ~ Doreen Virtue, Angel Therapy Oracle cards

This card is from Doreen Virtue's Angel Therapy Oracle card deck. It's not one I have; I do have her Angel Tarot and Healing with the Angels. (Also Magical Mermaids and Dolphins, Angel Dreams, and Mary, Queen of Angels.)

Just yesterday I was reading about how synchronicity occurs once you start working with oracles. And just a few minutes ago, I got into an altercation with a woman who lives down the block. Absolutely not a proud moment for me, but I am still hanging onto my anger and  deep sadness over the loss of my cat -- the cat that was killed in front of me by her two dogs last spring. Two dogs she consistently allowed to run loose in the neighborhood. Aside from the depression I am still feeling over my beloved cat's death, I am angry at this person's complete lack of compassion or responsibility.

Upset at myself for behaving so immaturely and lashing out, upset with her for being a scary, threatening and irresponsible person, upset at the death of my cat, I stormed into the house. Opened my email to find this post from the Divine Guidance blog: Forgiveness.

I realized that, yes, I am angry at this woman and her selfish idiocy, but I am also angry with myself. So not only do I have to forgive her, but I need to forgive myself. Forgive myself for indulging in holding onto anger towards her, forgive myself for making the decision to let my cat outside, forgive myself for behaving so reactively and immaturely.

(There is also the practical reason: the potential unstable nature of this person and possible escalation.)

Now that is a heavy lesson for the day!

But there it is. Forgiveness. Intellectually I understand the importance of forgiving, but as most of us have experienced, sometimes it is harder to understand this emotionally. So I welcome Archangel Raphael and ask for healing and the ability to forgive.

The Angel cards, whether by Doreen Virtue or other creators, sometimes have a "new age dippy" vibe. There are some things I don't like about them. Fluff bunny, I am not. On the other hand, I have had powerful readings with these decks, and continue to have powerful experiences concerning angels. In part I think those of us who all too easily see the "dippy" side of these things need to know there are moments when we need this comfort and healing. We don't have to be married to the whole show. Just accept what works for us and take it in in our own way. Interpret it in a way that fits. There may be sugary gooey parts but the message and the literal energy and actions from accessing what the Angels have to give us transcends any moments of self-consciousness.

Playfulness: Healing with the Angels oracle

Felt like choosing a card for the day, wasn't sure which deck to choose from. Slightly surprised, I found myself grabbing the Doreen Virtue Healing with the Angels deck. I say "slightly surprised" because I wasn't feeling that angel, mellow energy. Yet I found I wasn't going anywhere else either, like the Deviant Moon tarot deck, or the Druid Animal oracle. So there you go.

As I was pulling the cards, this is the one that jumped out. Okay, so we all know what that means when this happens! Use it. That's the card that wants to be heard!

"Fun and play is the Angels' way. They guide you to add fun to your life, and to know that fun is a necessity, not a luxury." ~ Doreen Virtue, Healing with the Angels p33

This card reminds us to have some fun; we can't succeed if we don't allow ourselves to relax, take time to just be and enjoy and play. I see this as the partner to the "take time out for yourself" reminder we so often get. Take time to reflect, be by yourself, meditate, soak in a tub... this card, Playfulness, is the other side of this. Take time out, but play! Dance or laugh or socialize, do something considered "just for kids" (popping bubbles on bubble wrap, fingerpainting...) just have some fun.

It may seem like an indulgence, or that you don't "get to" have fun. After all, we're adults, we need to take care of business. No time! No money! We have to be serious, or we won't succeed. Well, this card reminds us that we can have fun in hundreds of different ways and it doesn't have to cost a thing. When we take time out for play, which includes that sense of joy and wonder, even with the simplest and smallest of things, we actually add energy and success to our plans and our work.

Don't be afraid to have fun, to play. Taking time out to play only adds positive benefits to the rest of your efforts, in fact, charges them and amplifies them!

So go kick up those piles of leaves as you're raking them!

Angel Dreams Oracle: The High Council and Amethyst

This is the image I used recently to promote a free three card reading using Doreen and Melissa Virtue's Angel Dreams Interpretations oracle. (Melissa Virtue is Doreen's daughter-in-law.) Notice the High Council card on the far left. This is one of my favorite cards in the deck. The first reading I did, this card came up in the reading. I've had a lot of synchronicities using this deck; for example, Amethyst came up several days in a row, even leaping out from the deck. No matter how well I shuffled and pulled the cards, Amethyst always came up for me. Clearly telling me something!

The High Council represents higher beings, guides, on the astral plane. If this card shows up, you are being asked to "take on a task..." that, despite the size of the task, will contribute to your inner growth as well as help humanity in some way. It is a card that reminds you of your potential, in the present, and in the future. Time is not linear; you might be asked to act now, or find to your surprise, that you have always had what you needed to act in the future.

It is a card of shift; a "spiritual shift" and reminds you to take a look at your current spiritual stage. {Virtue:p63}

Amethyst is a stone I use a lot in meditations and crystal work. Beautiful color and of course, it is excellent for protection and opening your intuitive and psychic channels. It is the stone of the third eye and the crown chakra. If this card appears in a reading, Amethyst is reminding you to work on your psychic self!

It is also a stone of protection from excess, drug or alcohol abuses or other kinds of self-abuse. It is a healing stone; the book that comes with this deck suggests that: "There is an animal in need of healing, nurturing and protection."
{Virtue: p18}