Tarot Extravaganza

I received 3 tarot decks over the last couple of days.  I am so excited. 

I have already used my new Paulina tarot and I must say I love them.  The images are beautiful and the cards contain a detailed explanation of all content within that particular image.

I also received the fairy tarot and sun & moon tarot.  Each deck has its own personality from whimsical to just pure fun.

Now that I have 5 decks, I can choose the deck that fits my mood or intentions.  My hope is that I can decide on one of the decks to use for daily guidance.  Most likely my Celtic message deck would work best for this purpose.

Next, on my to-do list is to create a cloth I can use to layout my cards when doing a reading.  Something to keep me a bit organized in the process as I get more comfortable with each deck.

What witchy wishes came true for you over the holidays?

Any new items you would like to share about?

It's All in the Cards

I have been having some mixed feelings at work.  I am a kindergarten teacher and have required planning meetings once a week.  My team is wonderful.  But... I always feel so overwhelmed by the slow pace of our meetings and the lack of ideas I receive in return for the hard work and research that goes into my planning.

Many on the team want to pay me back in some way for sharing my actual plans and all the extra ideas I have.  In reality, I just want to feel like everyone else is putting in the same effort and research I am.  Well, I would like to come away with a couple ideas that are not my own or variations of my own too.

Since this feeling is not going away and only intensifying I decided I needed some guidance.  I went to my trusted and favored Celtic Messages deck and pondered the situation.  I did not ask any questions or verbalize any ideas.  I simply thought about what makes me feel like so much of my time is wasted and why I can't just let this go. 

The same feelings arise at almost every school I have worked at.  I know that no one is trying to take advantage of me.  Everyone is doing exactly what is required.  I just have to go the extra mile and it is my choice.

Anyways, the cards have done it again.  I tend to like to pull one card over doing a detailed reading unless the situation has been evolving over a long period of time.  When I went to pull the top card off the deck, I realized I had taken  two cards instead.  At first, I was going to place the second one back in the deck but decided against it.  For some reason, fate knew card number two would hold the key to some answers.

Card number two was The Moon.  The Moon focuses on your emotional life.  You are to look at the phase of the current moon for guidance.  Since the moon is a crescent at the moment I am at my most vulnerable state.  Upon Tuesday's new moon I should continue to shield my true emotions and try to use my power of persuasion to get my point across.

After looking at the second card, I wanted to know how different the reading would have been if I had looked at the top card.  The my surprise the top card was The Springs.  The similarity in the two cards was uncanny.

The Springs suggest that the answers to my problem will be solved through my subconscious.  I should write my thoughts and feelings down to analyze and put to good use.

As always, I have received some much needed guidance and think I have a path to try.   Hopefully, it will help to ease my stress.  Only time will tell.

The Worry Stone

I am searching for the perfect Worry Stone for T Man.  He is going into 3rd grade at summer's end and I desperately want it to be a great year for him.

Every year thus far as begun the same... office referrals, visits to the behavioral interventionists, etc.  This goes on in vengeance for about 3 months.  He then gets in a routine and must check in between 3-6 times a day with the behaviorist to keep him on the right track.

Not sure what his issues are with school, but I would really like next year to be different.

That being said, I have found something that helps to curb outburst at home... A Worry Jar. 

I simple took a glass jar with lid out of the recyclables and tied a piece of raffia around the neck of the jar.  The jar is on a shelf near our craft area.  Whenever someone is stressed, worried, etc, they pick a marker that fits the emotion they are feeling and write down their thoughts on a strip of paper.  The paper is folded and placed in the Worry Jar and left to deal with later.  So far later has never come, but peace has often won out.

Little ones like JJ are able to select a marker and scribble the entire strip of paper in any way he/she likes.  Works pretty much the same.

I can of course make a Worry Jar for school, but I think a stone would be much easier for during the school day.

I am trying to find the perfect stone for the job and that is no small order.  Peaceful Mind is a site that sells tons of crystals and stones.  The plus to this site is the detailed descriptions of the various uses and properties of each stone/crystal.

flicker creative commons

I found several stones that would work perfectly for T Man.  I even found a few that would work well for myself and my husband. 

Below I will give the name of each of the stones and a brief description paraphrased from Peaceful Mind.  Remember that each stone has a much more detailed description on the linked site.  I am simply listing and pondering the part that applies to our personal needs.

*Be sure to check out how to cleanse each stone at Peaceful Mind.*

agate (black banded): calm, peace

agate (fire): relaxation... meditation... takes the edge off difficult experiences

amethysts: contentment... meditation... quiets the mind... stress relief... lessens anger, fear and anxiety

aquamarine: reduce stress

celestite: reduces stress... quiets nerves... relieves anxiety

kyanite: quickly creates tranquility

moonstone: relieve emotional stress & anxiety... keeps emotions under control... helps a woman or man get in touch with their softer feminine side...

mother of pearl: peaceful energy... soothes emotions & stress

onyx: reduces sex drive... flattens emotional intensity... encourages happiness

prehnite: calmness and balance... perfect for mediation & divination... often used for calming and centering those with hyperactivity

rose quartz: peace, self love, emotional balance

sulphur: energizing... helps give energy to even the tiredest of souls... especially those that are mentally drained and in need of physical activity

sunstone: energises, lifts the spirits, good luck... helps with "energy vampires"... those that use up your personal energy without giving any back (We call this an energy drain... from Teaching with Love and Logic.  If someone drains your energy, they must somehow repay you for the energy lost.)

tanzanite: relieves depression... dispels negativity

tourmaline (black): repeals negative energy... great to carry when under extreme stress

variscite: calms even the most busy minds... aids in reduction of fear, anxiety, stress... perfect for meditation

worry stone: any stone that is thin and has a groove for the thumb... rub the stone when stressed or worried... It is said that the stone takes your worries in and leaves you with calm.

worry stone necklaces ($3) made of polymer clay

worry stones

A Reading of the Cards

So, I have been playing around with my new Celtic Message Cards.  I absolutely adore the round shape.  the cards feel just lovely in your hand.  This far I have only been pulling one card in reference to a question or concern. 

I was amazed at the results.

My first inquiry was simply...

In which direction should I head?

Here is the card I pulled and the meaning I derived from the card.

The Mistletoe card is all about health and healing.  I found this to be so appropriate at this point in my life.  I need to lose about 50 pounds, lower my blood pressure, and start exercising and much more.  My husband and I have been talking about what options I have.  Seeing this card let me know that is time for a change and that I need to take action now and not later.

There was no question asked for the following card.  I simple drew a card to see where it would take me.

The APPLE TREE card is all about using your strong physical and metal health to help others.  T Man really wants next year to be the best school year yet.  I need to be healthy in all ways to help him achieve this goal.  Seems to play right along with the previous card I think.

This card also lends itself to magic and spiritualism.  I think it is time to come up with a spiritual plan for my family as they are beginning to take on the beliefs of others.  I feel like they can handle learning bits and pieces from me at this time as well.

The question asked for this card was for T Man.

What is in store my eldest son?

The SERPENT represents change.  It shows major changes in the life of my soon to be 3rd grade.  I have noticed this already.  His maturity and desires have kicked in.  He is more physically confident.  Academically he is beginning to succeed.

I hope that this leads him the direction of drive and determination.  T is so free spirited which I love, but he needs something to love and cherish... a sport, hobby, study, etc.  As he is getting older, I hope this means he will begin to see the importance of trying our best in all endeavors.

This card was perfect for him.

The next question was for JJ.

What should we do when people stare or comment when out in public? 

What should our reaction be? 

Thought I should preface with an experience we just had at the grocery store.  This was a comment I left on FB to explain when someone asked about what had happened.

We turn onto an aisle and a man with his infant looks at me and says (as if J isn't even there),

"Man you sure let him get burnt didn't you?"

I couldn't help myself.  I tried but I just couldn't.

I asked if he was really stupid enough to think I allowed my son to get so burnt that he looked the way he does. I informed him that if a child got so burnt as to look like JJ that parent would deserve to go to jail.

His wife laughed.

I couldn't believe it. I asked her if she truly thought someone going to jail for child endangerment was something to laugh at. no response....

The man at this point said that he was not trying to be ugly to which I replied something along the lines of... so you think it is okay to talk about my son as if he isn't here, accuse me of allowing him to get burnt enough that he would need medical care, and for your wife to think endangering a child is something to laugh at is okay. Again no response.

At that point, I had to let him know a bit of truth... i explained ichthyosis to which his wife ignored. I also made the suggestion that before he comments on other people and or their children he should think about what is being said.

JJ heard me and said that he didn't like that man because he made an ugly face at him when he walked by. The man heard him and was speechless.

I let him know it would be less of an issue if he was the only one who is rude and hurtful to my son in the store, but that since it would happen between 3-10 times during one shopping visit my son just doesn't deserve to deal with his ignorance and inhuman behavior.

At this point, I walked off.

The man never went down anymore isles during his shopping adventure. He had his wife do it.

I felt bad once I got home, but in the heat of the moment I couldn't control it.

JJ cries at least once during outings lately and it is heart wrenching. Adults need to go to sensitivity training.

With this being said...

The STAG lets you know that "now is not the time to stand up and fight.  Recommends flight, prompt action, and escape from the situation."

This was segment taken directly from the explanation page that comes with my deck.

It was so straight forward an obvious.

Now, that I know what I am suppose to do I think I will meditate on exactly how to achieve it.

When it comes to your children, it is sooooo hard to just let them continue to get hurt and stepped on by others... especially when it is beyond their control.

After only a few readings with this deck, I definitely have to say it is my favorite from the two I have.  The other deck is called Tarot of the Magical Forest.  The pictures are beautiful, but it just doesn't feel the same.

Tarot Decks... Just Caught My Eye

While looking through hundreds of decks yesterday, I of course found a few I just loved.  Being a bit unorganized as of late, I am going to list them with links here.  This will make sure I can find the list next time I am in the mood for a new deck.

Nature Speaks

Tarot of the Trees

The Halloween Tarot

Waking the Wild Spirit

Paulina Tarot

New World Tarot

All Hallows Deck

Girlfriend Tarot

Vision Quest Tarot

Lunatic Tarot

Mystic Faeries

Lars Holmsen

Vanessa Tarot

Tarot and Your Little Ones

Mrs. B. has been in search of kid friendly Tarot Decks for her graduating 5th grader.  She has come across some fabulous decks, wonderful sites, and all around great information on the subject.

After looking through some of the resources she linked, here are some of the things I found.

The youngest tarot enthusiast will enjoy playing games with you.  Beginning around age four and through about 2nd grade, it is wonderful to just experience the cards.  Getting familiar with the pictures and what they mean to your little one and you personally.  The following is a game to help you get started.

Fairy Message

"You and your child mix the cards, face-down, on the floor in a big, messy pile. Explain that the two of you are going to make fairies together out of the cards, and that the fairies will bring special picture-messages for you.

When you’re ready, each of you chooses a card at random to be the fairy. Then, pick two more cards at random to be the fairy’s “wings”.

Turn the cards right-side-up and look carefully at the pictures together.

Ask your child what they think the fairy wants to tell them. What do you “get” from the cards? Notice the suits: did you get Fire, Earth, Water, or Air fairies? Encourage your child to make up a story about their fairy.

**Older children may choose four “wing” cards.**

~Cait Johnson"


Once children hit about 3rd grade they tend to be ready to consult the tarot for more personal matters. Consider purchasing your child his/her own deck as a gift.  Peruse sites and find one that fits your child's personality and interest.
 
A great place to start looking is Aeclectic Tarot.
 
School Age Children and Tarot
 
"You can teach the most effective way to ask the cards for information and explain that the pictures will help your child to understand things better. Encourage your child to take time with the cards regularly, simply looking at them and telling you what they see. One or three card spreads are probably best for the youngest ones in this group.
 
Or you could institute a Tarot Time — at the end of the weekend, for instance — to pull a few cards for guidance in the coming week. Make it special.  Light a candle, burn your child’s favorite incense — this often becomes the very best kind of quality time!"


Ms. B's Suggested Decks

Tarot of the Gnomes
This deck was just so darn cute.  I might need it for myself.

African Tarot

Whimsical Tarot

Barbie Tarot
I never played with Barbies as a child, but found this deck to be beautiful for what it is... photos of various barbies representing the tarot.  I never realized how many different Barbies have been made over the years.

Additional Decks to Consider

**Please note that I did not see all of the cards in each deck.  I am unsure of the nudity or the sexual nature of any of the following decks.** 

I was drawn to the decks by there color, simplicity, theme, or images.  I felt that these decks could possibly be a good place to start on the hunt for a deck appropriate for children.  I did think that some of the decks below would be best for a tween or teen, but I will leave that up to you.

Disney Afternoon

Baseball

Fairy Tale
Probably better for a bit older child.

Crazy Little Cows
You will smile when you look at these silly cards.

Tarot for Cats
Beautiful illustrations of our feline friends.

Children Tarot

Wise Gal

Ursidae Tarot
teddy bears on every card

Mystic Faerie

Creature Teacher
Beautiful illustrations of a variety of animals.  Made with children in mind.

Hezicos Tarot
brightly colored, with a whimsical quality

Ator
straight forward, yet lacking the fear factor of some decks

Tell Me Tarot
Perfect for a child that is able to read.  The meanings are written on the face of the card.

International Icon
Brightly colored; free of sexual or occult images.  based on the Rider-Waite images.

Lars-Kristian Holmsen
dark purple background, simple bright image

Fairytale
Most beautiful fairytale deck I have seen thus far.

Goblin

Animal Wise

Pet Owner
more of an oracle deck than tarot

Rabbit Tarot
Fun use of rabbits in the place of humans.  Traditional tarot symbolism is depicted.

Nature Speaks
A non traditional deck with simple painting aand a one word meaning on each card.

Vanessa Tarot
definitely for teen girl

Celtic Messages Cards

It has been a very busy time this last month.  (Read more.)  But... yesterday I made time to go to the book store with Little Jae.  While there, I came across a set of cards I fell in love with... Celtic Messages.

I think a reviewer on the Barnes and Nobel site described the set beautifully...

"I LOVED all of the Celtic information that came with the deck. The cards will not only teach you about Celtic lore and traditions, but about their belief system and how they balanced their life with the changing seasons and the signs attached to each. This deck will teach you about moon phases, celebrations and the dates attached to each, what the Celts believed in, and how they ran their daily living. The cards are lovely, with wonderful art and colors. The cards are round, so even touching them feels good. I am very impressed. Powerful symbols and a bit complex, so the newbie might feel confused, but sitting down to study everything, and taking your time to understand and apply the knowledge, will make the new person feel better. A deck to take time with and to savor. All in all, a really lovely deck to own, and beautiful Celtic culture to enjoy."

Personally, the art and the attachment to nature was the draw for me.  The roundness of the cards was perfect as it can symbolize the turn of the wheel.  There are several different layouts presented in the small bound booklet that accompanies the cards.  I particularly liked that you can pull one card as a focus for meditation or for a guide for the day to come.

I am new to reading cards, but have gotten a bit better with practice.  I think this deck and I will become lifelong friends.  The draw I had towards these cards was amazing.  I just felt it was something I needed to purchase which is rare for me.  I guess I will see where the cards lead me. 

Oracle VS Tarot

I was reading someones blog today and the author uses oracle cards.  I was wondering if anyone knew the difference in oracle cards and tarot.  What is the science behind the oracle? The purpose of its use?

I did a web search, but everything I found was too detailed and boring to read.  I need the nitty-gritty basics.

I did, however, run across this set of oracle cards that should be beautiful if they live up to the whimsy on the box below.

image from amazon.com

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

How does Your Pendulum Swing?

I have been home the last couple of days with Little J and he has been enjoying playing with my pendulum immensely.

I made this snazzy pendulum and I must admit I am very proud of the way it turned out.  I hold it by the small end and let the large teal shell bead act as the swinging pendulum.  It feels more comfortable in your hand this way.

When JJ noticed the pendulum and asked me what it was for, here was my explanation:

A pendulum is used to help guide you and answer questions you have.  For example, if you want to know if you are going to have a good day and the pendulum answers "no", you can change some of your choices throughout the day to ensure that you do indeed have a good day.

A pendulum does not tell the future.  It helps you makes decisions in life.

For about an hour after that, he asked question after question.  He wanted to know if Brodie was his favorite dog?  If T Man was having fun at school?  ETC.  If the pendulum gave him an answer he didn't like, we would talk about how we could change things for the better.  We also talked about nothing really being able to be right 100% of the time so it is okay if the pendulum is wrong sometimes... Brodie is definitely his favorite dog.  He was not happy that every single time he asked the question the answer was always NO. 

Directions For a Small Child...

1. Ask a yes or no question... example- Will I have a good day at school?

2. Hold the pendulum in your dominate hand and begin to swing the pendulum in a clockwise circle.

*Hold very still until the pendulum swings back/forth or left/right.

3.  If the pendulum swings back/forth the answer is yes.  If it swings left/right, the answer is no.

I would have never thought to show the pendulum to my children, but the novelty of it (and the shear coolness, of course) has really struck a cord with my little one.  I think my next trip out might be to get some special beads to make him his very own pendulum.

Any thoughts?  Other information I should share with a little one?

Believe It or Not

Divination...

1 : the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2 : unusual insight : intuitive perception.
 

_________________________________________________________

 
I have been thinking about divination alot lately.  I have been trying to decide if this is something I believe to be truthful or not. 
 
I have a few questions in which to ponder...
 
1.  If you practice divination, is it the divination that is working to help foretell the future or guide you OR is it your wishes that help to guide your interpretation of the divination "tools' (tarot, pendulum, etc.)?
 
2.  If your wishes are guiding your reading, does that really matter?  You are still thinking through a solution or situation in a more direct and analytical way than you would have without the use of divination.
 
3.  What is the real purpose of divination?  Is it to tell the future of something asked?  Help to guided your decisions in life?  Help you sort through something that you need assistance with?
 
If the last is true, then I think divination could be a powerful tool to use while thoughtfully contemplating what life has thrown your way.  If nothing else, trying out divination is definitely fun.  BUT is divination truly spiritual?
 
If you have an opinion, please share.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

My First Time

I bought the beautifully illustrated Tarot of the Magical Forest set and did my first reading. 

I asked a question... What should I do to calm my family stress? 

I laid out the cards in the five card pattern following the directions and referred to the book as needed to locate the meanings of the cards that were drawn.  I sat down in a quiet place and thought about the situation at hand and what the cards mean in accordance.  I thought about the placement of each card and how that card represents the past, present, & future outcomes.

I think my reading has really helped to move this situation in a positive direction. 

Regardless, the outcome is more favorable than of the past few days. I am calling that a success my friends. I think the power of the mind plays a huge part into what life has in store for us. I am hoping that by using more tarot readings to guide my choices in life I can make more conscience decisions that are reflective and honest to myself.

I am now able to download photos again... yay!!!  I will take a picture of the layout and tell you my thoughts soon.  I just want others' opinions on if I am interpreting the cards correctly.

Tarot Cards: What Do I Need to Know?

I have decided that I would really like to look into buying a deck of tarot cards.  I had a deck in high school, but never really did much with them.  They called to me though at the time I did not understand why.

I found a site called Aeclectic Tarot.  It is a wonderful resource if you are looking for tarot information, want to browse through 1000s of different tarot decks or just want to get a free reading. 

After looking through many decks, here are my favorites:

• witchy tarot:  long legged stereotypical witches adorn each beautiful illustration
• tarot of the magical forest: whimsical animals with large heads and big eyes grace the images on each of these cards
• tarot of trees: the most awe inspiring images of trees I have yet to find... bright, colorful, and full of fun... these cards would actually make wonderful paintings for a meditation area in your home
• Halloween tarot: the traditional tarot images and cards have been modified to focus around Halloween... the cards are bright, cheery images that just make the Halloween enthusiast smile.

Of all of my favorites, I think the tarot of the trees may be the deck I choose.  Is there something more than feeling the need to place the cards in your hand and look at the images over and over again that should be considered when selecting a good deck of cards?

If you are in need of learning the meanings of each card, check out Thirteen's Tarot Card Meanings.

If you have any advice on how to get started with reading tarot cards, please leave a comment.  I am always in need of a good teacher.