Good Signs…

New Year, New Deck

I love the green! So fresh

Last year I used the Witches Tarot by Ellen Dugan – and loved them! The art was amazing for intuitive reading which is my main style of reading.

But I felt a pull towards this deck so I’m moving into for 2022.  I have several other decks by Colette Baron-Reid and loved them. One of the big ‘draws’ I think is the fact that this deck is all about goodness (AND who could use some goodness after the last couple of years???) and self awareness/compassion.  Here is the Amazon link The Good Tarot if you are interested – I don’t have a shop so I don’t receive anything if you click from here 🙂

The Suits

The four suits are earth, fire, air, and water. Earth is the traditional suit of Pentacles – and represents Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo. 

Fire is the traditional suit of Wands, and represents Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Air is the traditional suit of Swords and represents Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Water is the traditional suit of cups and represents Pieces, Cancer, and Scorpio. 

Let’s see what my year will bring…

The tower is January moving around the circle and ending with the World for December

I started out with my year guide pull.  I place the fool in the center and drawing 12 cards and placing them in a circle, touching one another. I use this card as an influence card for my weekly pulls. *Note: I use oracle cards for my moon readings.

The card for January is the tower. Look how peaceful the art on this card is versus the chaos feeling of many other decks. Colette Baron Reid has this card meaning a time of change, shift but not in the disaster manner that many decks have. What an ideal card for the beginning of the year? A time when the focus is on change and the day before the new moon. 

I decided to do my spirit animal annual draw tomorrow as part of my new moon activities. Have you downloaded your journal? I think it’s an awesome sign that the new moon is only two days from the beginning of the year. I’m so excited to set my intentions!

New Year, Not new story

I had planned on having The Key finished but hey life. And because life doesn’t show any signs of leveling out, I’m holding off on setting up a writing projects que for 2022. I have a writing que that I usually pull projects from and put them on a Google sheet with a start date. I do hope to have The Keymaker done by Mid-February.

Here’s a little teaser…

Emma stopped. She had heard something. No she’d felt something. Slowly, she turned but saw nothing lurking in the dark woods. To her left was a giant spider web but lacked the shiny luster of one unkempt. She shuddered to think what had happened to the spider.  She took another step and realized the path was becoming more narrow. 

Were the trees closing in? She took a deep breath to calm herself and instantly regretted it. A foul odor filled her lungs causing her to gag. She placed both of her hands on her knees coughing. She needed to find the cottage and get out of these woods.  Without warning, black snakes erupted from the leaves. Their jaws open wide as fork tongues lashed out at her.

Scrambling backward, she drew her magic. 

Hunger. So hunger. Bring me the witch.

Unleashing her magic, she aimed for the largest snake head hoping it was the one in control. Her magic bounced off leaving the beast untouched.

It’s a Capricorn thing…

Where December 24th started the first sign of the Celtic zodiac (The Birch and The Stag).

On December 22, started the last earth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn, which is represented by the sea-goat, a mythological creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish. 

While the birch and Capricorns have some similar traits, they do differ.

Capricorns tend to be – Ambitious – driven to do their utmost best, Capricorns never let themselves off the hook. …
Persistent …
Realistic …
Sensitive …
Practical …
Disciplined

While the birch tends to be time of renewal/rebirth (loves to reinvent themselves)…
Risk takers…
High achievers…
Movers and shakers…
Inventors

A goat with a fish tail

A goat with the tail of a fish is created to face fear and create panic. It is the sign of decisions made to be protected from monsters in our minds, lives, and immediate physical surroundings. Always ready to transform into something that scares those scary things off, Capricorn speaks of each natural chain reaction of fear, where one scary thing leads to many others, rising up as defensive mechanisms that only make things worse. Immersed in their secrecy, they face the world just as they are – brave enough to never run away, but constantly afraid of their inner monsters.

Tarot and Capricorn

Capricorn’s cycle of never ending work and its need to succeed is represented in its Tarot card, The Devil. This Tarot card often pictures Pan, the half-man/half-goat nature god, reigning over a dark and fiery hell. Capricorn’s constant need to get to the top — no matter what — can often make this sign feel like a victim of circumstances. Much like the Mountain Goat’s tireless and eternal work ethic, The Devil is about feeling trapped or stuck and creating our own personal hell.

Herbs bring all the comfort

What herbs should be a part of a Capricorn’s diet??? There are five main ones are –

• Rosemary
• Tarragon
• Caraway
• Marjoram
• Thyme

I make flavored butter as a gifts for my Capricorn friends as well as different scrubs for self-care. For some other ideas check out – Herb Time

Capricorn and the New Moon

The first new moon of the new year takes place in earth sign Capricorn territory, which brings out the hardworking and disciplined edge in all of us. I’ll have more on this with prompts and a free download journal on Thursday so make sure you check back.

Have a great day!

Entering the Time of the Birch and Stag

Today starts the Celtic zodiac sign of the Birch (December 24 – January 20). If this is your Celtic tree, you likely are an achiever that delights in motivating others. You aren’t easily thrown off your game and once you dig in your heels, you are there to stay 🙂

The birch signifies new beginnings, something you delight in. You often leap at the chance to start something new.  Like the birch shedding its bark, you have no problem letting the old go to make room for the new.

Birch – The Achiever

December 24 – January 20

Witchy Uses 

Ways to use birch to bring clarity, chase away stagnant energy, and shadows include making a ‘witches’ broom or a wreath out of birch twigs. 

Or if you are feeling a ‘little’ down (this is NOT a replacement for medication or other means of dealing with depression) brew yourself a mug of birch tea. Cut about a quart of twigs into one-inch pieces. Place in a suitable pan and pour hot (but not boiling) water over them. Let the mixture steep until it’s cool and strain the twigs and impurities from the water with a tea strainer. Heat again and serve warm with milk and a dash of honey. 

When using birch (in any form) make sure your focus is on pushing the negative way and inviting the light in. 

Birch can also be used in romance/love spells. Hangin a branch above your bed is an invitation for romance or love, it can be used to rekindle a relationship that has lost some of its spark. It also opens the door for love in more than a sexual manner. Remember to remain open to all healthy forms of love. 

This is also the time of the stag. 

Mythological stories of the Stag tell us that his is a mystical Spirit Animal who moves between the worlds and can transform into the likeness of a human. So shape-shifting is not outside the Stag person’s grasp. In nature Stag sheds its antlers then re-grows them. This represents rejuvenation and renewal. Wherever Stag goes he brings fresh energy, health and hope.

The female Stag (Hind) embodies the Goddess and the Sacred feminine. She is grace, beauty and a link to the fairy realms. Females born under the sign of the Stag often gravitate toward magic, and specifically nature magic quite naturally. The intention of the Hind is always positive and filled with love. Be aware, however. The Hind can see right through falsehoods and illusion. She can also sense trouble a mile away. Do not try to fool this lady!

The Celts saw Stag as a Forest King who protects his land. This is a sacred task and one that many Stag people find themselves doing, even unwittingly. They are the proverbial “tree huggers” who see taking care of the earth as a spiritual duty. They approach such endeavors with balance, an awareness of legalities, and a strong drive for justice.

As a Stag, your dreams and ideals are always in the forefront. You are patient to a fault and have no issue persistently tackling any boundaries that come your way. Throughout this you never lose your cool. Your integrity and calm demeanor define every word and deed.

The Stag’s solar connection speaks of life-giving light. The greatest warriors of Celtic Tradition were ruled by the sun. Stories also infer that the Sun has divine connections and the ability to use mortals as a conduit of light. This gives Stag a protective element, a fiery heart of passion, a keen ear for Divine messages and a bit of romance to round things out.

“Beneath you birch with silver bark

And boughs so pendulous and fair,

The brook falls scattered down the rock:

and all is mossy there.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The day of the horse

Today is National day of the horse. The horse is often associated with freedom. Often when we hear horse, we think of one running through the field in wild abandonment. 

The Horse Spirit Animal

As a spirit guide or totem animal, the horse does represent Freedom. As the card from Colette Baron-Reid’s Spirit Animal Oracle deck says – Freedom is your.

This a beautiful deck! And one of my most used –Amazon Link

If you set intentions at the new moon (or close to it), then you should be moving towards them. If not, the horse could be telling you that you need to make some changes and you have the freedom to do it.

 When the horse comes to visit, it doesn’t mean that you need to pack everything up and move – it could but the horse also comes to remind us that we have the freedom of choice. If you set intentions at the new moon (or close to it), then you should be moving towards them. If not, the horse could be telling you that you need to make some changes and you have the freedom to do it. 

To find where we truly belong – one must adventure into the unknown

Are you at a place where you need to take a leap of faith? The horse may appear as a symbol of strength that will carry you to bigger and better things. They will give you the energy and courage to move forward toward your goals.

If the horse is one of your totem animals, you may be prone to take risks, enjoying the rush of the unknown. You are most likely daring and bold filled with passion. 

What if you dream of a horse?

When a horse appears in your dreams, they carry an important message that may differ from that of a spirit guide or totem. 

When you see a horse in your dreams make sure to take note of things like color, how they act, what they’re doing, and what you’re doing while you’re around them. The way they appear in your dreams may have special meaning too.

White horse spirit symbolize purity and freedom, with the wisdom to make good choices. If your spirit animal is a white horse it means they can be trusted to carry you through life with dignity and grace.

Whether your white horse is tame or wild, they are there to help you express the pure intentions of your soul. If you come to a crossroads and you don’t know which decision is best, your white horse can be trusted to help you find the wisest path.

~ A black horse ~

 Do you know the expression that someone is a “dark horse”? A black horse as a spirit animal symbolizes strength and passion that will carry you through the most difficult of times.

If your horse spirit animal is black, you can count on them to be there when you need them the most. Black horses may tend to be wilder than most. And they never lose that wild streak. But that’s what makes them an invaluable asset.

They don’t back down from a challenge. In fact, you can trust in their passion and power to carry you to victory in any battle. So while they may be aloof when things are going well, their strong nature will be right there to lean on when you’re fighting through a tough situation.

Brown horses symbolize energy and control. Of all the colors, this horse will be the one that consistently carries you through.

Whether you’re struggling to muster up the courage to start something new or you just need that extra push over the finish-line, your brown horse will give you the determination and energy you need to see things through.

Brown horses are passionate and determined. Sometimes to the point of stubbornness. But this is exactly the energy you need from your spirit animal to give you that extra push to reach your dreams.

~ Combination of Colors ~

 If your horse spirit animal is a combination of colors don’t freak out. Finding their meaning is quite simple. Just combine the meanings of the colors above.

So for example a Piebald or Gray would be a combination of the meanings for black and white horses. They will be both pure and wise, and carry you through tough situations.

If your horse has more of a certain color, that color’s characteristics will be dominant. So if you have a Skewbald or Appaloosa, which is mostly brown, you can expect them to give you more determination than anything. But they will also help you make wise decisions when you reach a crossroads.

It’s also important to note that chestnuts tend to be fierier than your standard brown horse. They can ignite a fiercer passion inside you and give you more energy than a brown horse would, but they are also more difficult to tame, so watch out.

Regardless if the horse appears as a spirit guide, or in a dream, or is one of your totem animals, it wants to remind you…

Instead of trying to make your life perfect, give yourself the freedom to make it an adventure

Drew Harston

Walking a Fine Line – Suit of Swords

Welcome to Tarot Tuesday!

The moon is going to finish it’s waxing crescent cycle in Aquarius – an air sign which is often represented by the suit of Swords in tarot.

It Could Be This…. Or That

Swords are often double edged and the same is true with the tarot cards. One side is intelligent, thoughtful, rational, logical and excellent communicators. A sign of action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, and courage. While the other other side can be ruthless, domineering, confrontational, and rigid. And it can also represent someone (or ourselves) who lacks compassion, maybe verbal or mental abusive or being abusive. It could be a sign we are being harshly judged or are harshly judging someone. It could be a sign of anger or guilt.

A Message in The Cards…

If you have a drawing that is mostly swords, some of the underlying messages could be, you are seeking solutions to what are primarily mental struggles, conflict and arguments, and decisions that must be made. Also, there could be many arguments or even violence at present. It could be a warning to be more cautious.

Pisces Full Moon

Welcome! Are you ready for the full moon and autumn equinox?

The colorful leaves are warning of the dark months to come…

Pisces is the last zodiac sign, so this is an excellent time to look at things you may need to end. And with the autumn equinox only two days it encourages us to look for balance.  Pisces’ tarot card is the moon –

She has beautiful images on her Pinterest board – https://www.pinterest.com/ChhaviTarot/

This is a time to think about what things are you clinging to hoping that it will bring a different outcome than what has been proven? Pisces brings with it emotional energy, use that to examine your feelings about a situation or person – WARNING – don’t get caught up in the moment and let those emotions carry you away. You will need to set boundaries. 

Pisces also brings with it a healing energy. Is there a situation or a person that you need to remove yourself from? If so, this Pisces full moon may prove the time to do it. Use it’s healing to help you move on. 

And don’t forget this full moon is known as the harvest moon so take some time to list the things in your life that are bringing you harvest (both emotional and financial – joy is as important as having enough money to pay for doughnuts!). It is also a time to look to the next month, do you need to tend something so you can harvest from that for the long dark months ahead?

For more journal prompts, four cards for intuitive readings, and ritual ideas, download my free journal. (I’ll post the link to the autumn equinox one tomorrow, I need to fine tune a couple of things). 

If you are feeling led, select a card from the three below. Make sure you take a moment to think about the card’s meaning and journal on it (there is a place in the full moon journal). 

Card #1

Card #2

Card #3

Aquarius Full Moon

Aquarius Full Moon – take 2 (the 1st one was in July). This month’s full moon is on the 22nd. Twenty-two is a master number of when the loftiest dreams (remember setting those BIG intentions during the Lion Gate portal???) become realities.  This energy will add a boost to the surge of creative energy of this full moon.

Blast of creative energy

Hopefully, you set big intentions on the new moon using the extra energy of the Lion’s Gate portal. And you should be seeing some seeds of those intentions growing. If not, don’t give up! With the Sun also wrapping up its journey in the sign of Leo at the time of this Full Moon, there is an added boost of creative and courageous energy to help you make those intentions grow and bloom.

The last half of this lunar cycle will be all about taking the guesswork out of what needs to happen. Take some comfort in knowing that if you do need to make a decision, there is energy on your side that brings clarity, allowing you to make a clear-cut decision.

While the creative energy of Aquarius will have us wanting to do all the things, stop before jumping in. Remember this is also a time of release. Are you clinging to ways of thinking or ideals set for you by someone else? This is a time to develop new habits, ones that celebrate you. 

The Magic of Crystals

Searching for a couple of crystals to charge during the full moon? Peridot and amethyst would make good choices. Both can be submerged for the night of the full moon.  

Peridot

Peridot is a crystal with healing and abundance energies. It can aid in the release of the unwanted emotional baggage (remember the 2nd half of the lunar cycle is all about release).  When feeling emotional drained from releasing beliefs, people, or ways of doing things, splash some of the moon water you charged with peridot on your face and wrist.

1007083876

Amethyst is another great crystal for this full moon. Besides the fact it’s the Aquarius crystal, it has energy for calmness which we all may find ourselves in need of. With so much powerful energy being released this month, you may find yourself exhausted. Place an amethyst under your pillow for a peaceful nights sleep. This is also a time we may find ourselves questioning what needs to be release and what needs to be cultivated. Amethyst also brings wisdom and courage to those holding/wearing it. When faced with tough decisions of what to release, try meditating while resting a moon charged amethyst on your forehead (if laying down) or on your wrist.

This month’s full moon journal includes prompts on numerology, an oracle card spread for intuitive reading, sunflower magic, reflections on intentions set during the last new moon/the lion gate portal, and a place to list what you should be releasing  during this waning cycle. It’s a free download – Here

Meteor Shower Witchy Stuff

Happy Perseids meteor showers.

It’s predicted this will be the best meteor shower in 20 years! 

A meteor show is the universe supplying us with endless wishes

They will grace our sky between August 12th and 13th. Peaking on the night of August 13th, the Perseids are expected to light up the sky with over 120 multicolored meteors visible for an hour making it an ideal night work some meteor magic. 

Since we are just finishing up a new moon in Leo, the Lion’s Gate Portal, and several combinations of numerology this is a pretty powerful time. Where the things of last week can feel like overwhelming emotional tides, meteor showers are more like bright little bursts of inspiration. 

When I watch shooting stars streak across the sky during a meteor shower, I feel awe and like I’m sharing something ancient and monumental with the person next to me.

So bundle up tonight and sit out under the stars; we’re in for a special treat.

Things to take…

Folding chairs or blanket to sit on

Warm beverages

Blankets to keep warm

Set up your viewing space with the chairs and blankets and get comfy.

As you look up and watch the shooting stars…

• What in your life needs a spark of inspiration or a boost of energy. Are you working on a new project or starting a new relationship? 
• Is there something in your life that needs a fresh outlook (the glitter of a falling star)? 
• As a star crosses the sky, imagine a potential path you could take. It doesn’t always have to be a ‘serious’ path, let your creativity run wild. Where would it take you?  

Leave the journal at home but make sure you take a few moments to journal about your experience when you come in. 

Tonight, my wish is…

Ritual time

If you are feeling pulled to a ritual, here are some suggestions:

 A hour to hour and a half –

Choose a crystal or pull a tarot card to guide your thoughts.

Find a comfortable place to practice introspection of the event.

After a few deep calming breaths while holding your crystal let your eyes close.

Imagine catching a falling star. What is it revealing to you about you? What part of your life is it showing you?

Allow your intuition to rise inside you and trust what you sense is the answer(s).

When you are ready allow your eyes to open and take a few deep cleansing breaths. Look back and enjoy the show. Let the stars finish speaking to you.

The most important thing – ENJOY it!!!!

Leo New Moon Energy

There is so much energy swirling around this new moon, the air actually seems to be vibrating with it. I talked about the numerology side of the energy yesterday (there is a select your guiding power of 3 card as well as a part of yesterday’s blog – scroll down if you are interested).

Link below to download the journal

The August 8 Leo new moon brings sudden, unexpected change, impulsiveness, instability, chaos, and rebellion. But also the courage to face the sudden change in circumstances. This unsettling enegry can be exciting but it also make you restless and impulsive. Avoid rapid changes in area. Take a moment and breath then move forward.

Leo enegry may have you feeling the strong urge to express yourself without restrictions. Leo energy is a major ego boost – and that’s not always bad! It will give you the confidence needed to set the big intentions for this powerful new moon. While many equate ego with a negative trait that isn’t always true. You could have an under fed ego – this lunar cycle is time to feed it – all the doughnuts it wants!

Why are big intentions needed?

This new moon is also the Lion’s gate portal. What can be expected during the Lion’s Gate Portal? You can expect a supercharge of creativity and passion! Let’s use that to finish this year off in a whirl wind of manifestations! While Leo is a sign of fire – remember from fire comes rebirth!

From the ashes build your beauty!

(The Lion’s Gate Portal is formed when the sun is in Leo and the star Sirius rises, and it peaks on 8/8, or the eighth day of the eighth month, August. All this celestial energy combines to form a “portal” in which high vibrational energy can flow through the physical and spiritual realms. In the wake of this strong, potent spiritual and celestial energy, you can do some serious energy and manifestation work! )

This enegry will bring open-mindedness and the ego to lead you down a brave new path filled with exciting opportunities.

New Moon Journal Prompts

Things to think about when setting your big intentions!

(These are also in the free new moon journal)

1. Where is my ego underfed?
2. What can I do to feed my ego?
3. Is there an area in my life that my ego is overfed leading to close mindness?
4. What possible changes are needed? How can I find the courage to make them?

I’ll post a card reading answering these questions for myself as well as one for the general masses.

Happy intention setting!!!!

Leo New Moon

There are soooo many things happening during this new moon…

– It’s on August 8th – the luckiest day of the year

– It’s the Loin’s Gate Portal

– The power of 3 is also present

Wow!

So where do we start in looking at making the most of this?

Let’s look at the the numerology of this new moon.

The Luckiest Day of the Year

People who have power and excessive wealth often have the number 8 in the thier birth charts. But for those of us that don’t (mine is a 7 ~the seeker – I’m starting a series on Monday August 9th on numerlogy so if this is something that interest you make sure to drop by) we can still benefit from the luckiest day of the year.

Eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in numerology. Visually, an “8” is also literally an infinity symbol turned upright, which represents its unlimited potential. This make August 8 (8/8) even more significant as it charges this date with the energy of success and abundance (on top of it being a new moon).

The 8/8 engery added to the new moon engery added to the raging fire sign – Leo’s engery and you have a lunar cycle begininning on the lion’s gate portal. All of this will make a powerful period for putting your intentions out inot the universe.

The Strength card from the Witches Tarot deck is a great illustration of all the stuff coming up…

We have the lion (the card is aligned with Leo), the infinity sign, and rubies/roses (signs of power/abundance). The card reminds us that we have an abundance personal power to accomplish anything you put your mind to.

The Power of Three

How does the number three come into play? This is of course as with must things in the world of magic a personal way of looking at it.

August is the 8th month, the date is the 8th, and the year is 2021. So 8+8+2+0+2+1= 21 then 2+1= 3

Three is a magical number. In religions all over the world, there is significance in the number three. Three different aspects of the same deity will make the whole, commonly called a trinity. There is Past, Future, and Present. The Triple Goddess — maiden, mother, and crone. According to many beliefs, the world is divided into three — heaven, earth and hell. In storytelling (and our lives), there is a beginning, middle, and end. Genies and leprechauns offer three wishes. We hear no evil, speak no evil, and see no evil. It takes three points to form the first geometric shape: A triangle, giving three another magical connection. Spells are often recited three times. There are only three primary colors, from which all other colors are created… You get the idea.

To use the power of three with this new moon and the loin gate portal. Break your intention down into three stages. Work backwards from the end to figure out how to get through the middle and then to the beginning. Imagine this goal as a story. Set up each part of this process in a spell and work your way through it, just as you’ll have to do in reality. Find spots that may give you trouble and break it into three again. You’ll find both magic and life problems are much easier to understand when you divide them into three manageable parts

The three’s in tarot are powerful cards… What is your guiding three for this journey? Select a link and it will take you to the card.

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Card 4

See you tomorrow as we talkl about the Lion’s Gate Portal. Don’t forget to download this month’s New Moon Journal. I have also include an intutive reading/prompt.