Reverse Tarot Challenge

I cannot tell you how excited I am for this challenge!   I think it is a brilliant and imaginative way to think about the cards.  My goal during the month of May is to post a card from 1-3 decks each day to my IG.  What will happen here is more in-depth reasoning as to why I picked the cards.  I have decided that I will do weekly round-up of my favorite cards of the week.  (I am really bad with daily blogs)

 

The PLAN:

Each Day on IG I will post a card from my everyday deck, Legends of King Arthur.  I will also try to pick a card from one or two of my other decks ie Shadowscape (this may be a good way to start learning this), Celtic Dragon, Runic, and the Rider-Waite.  I would like to point out that I read more intuitively so the "standard meaning" of the card may not match the theme of the day but I will try to make sure those cards are explained in the weekly blog.


Day 1 Looking Beyond the Obvious

As soon as I saw this prompt I knew exactly what card I wanted to use from the Arthurian Deck.  No doubt for me it is the Nine of Shields Ragnell.

As Gawain gazed into the fire, the Loathly Lady shed her skin and emerged as the comely Ragnell. (from the booklet)

I love this card's story.  It is all about looking beyond, being kind, and not judging.  This is also about making sacrifices for the greater good.  Depending on the surrounding cards I will read it either as look at your negative thing in a new light or "suck it up buttercup" and you will be rewarded.


I decided to go through the Shadowscape deck looking for a card that embodied the teme.  As I said I am starting to read more intuitively so I am looking a the booklet at all for this deck yet.  The 7 of cups just seemed to fit the bill.  I am loving the muse pointing out what is beyond, showing the man what can be,

Ostara reading

Well, I said I would do one and I did.  But it confuses me and it bothers me.  I have been debating on actually talking about it.  I guess getting it out and maybe will help clear up my confusion.

Since I am confused about the reading I will not be doing an interpretation segment.  This will just be the spread and from the book meanings.

1. Seed - What to plant - The Lovers

Interpretation: Love, harmony, and comfort. The blossoming of a relationship. Trust and honor. Deep emotions. Infatuation, strong desires. Interaction with others. May indicate the beginning of a romance, or the need to make an important decision.

2. Stem - Where to look for support - Temperance (R)

An unpredictable life of extremes. Inability to connect and hear the inner voice. Lack of imagination. Boredom.

3. Prune - What to release - Two of Spears (R)

Dread of future challenges. Pessimism. Heavy burdens.

4. Water - What to nourish - Knight of Shields (R)

One who oppresses the ideas and dreams of others. A stick in the mud. Stagnation and complacency.

5. Bud - What to expect - Two of Swords

Misrepresentation. Vulnerability. Dishonor.

Long time no see!

I don't think I have built up any form of a following on here.  Which is a shame?  I should try harder.  I have a horrible habit of walking away from projects if I get a little lost.  Today I have roamed back to my blog.  I am updating some of the info on me and general housekeeping here.  Digital spring cleaning I think.  Nothing I am changing will be too glaring, just little things in my profile and what not.

Sun and Energy time

This past weekend was my first Ostara celebration and it has inspired my return.  I have been a solitary practitioner in my Wiccan/Magic practice but this was my first group event.   It was interesting being out of the "broom" closet with friends and in a safe space.  I was even allowed to layout my tarot deck on the altar to soak up the sun and the energy of the ritual.  I was also asked/volunteered to call a quarter.  That was a push for me because I am so nervous around so many new people.  It ended up being lovely and I look forward to the next event.

Enjoying the sun!

I have not actually done my Ostara spread yet.  I thought about doing one at the brunch but I did not want to be the only one to have their cards out and reading.  I have found that if I am the only one reading then everyone will ask for reading and I was just too drained by the weekend to do that.  So I will be doing that later in the week and posting a picture on IG.  I have not decided on the spread yet.  I have seen Biddy Tarot has one out but I think I may poke about today and chose the one.

I have found a new tarot podcast that sounds really nice.  Wildy Tarot on Stitcher is great.  I am listening to their "A Good Place to Start" episode and it is like sitting at a table listening to them talk, laugh, and enjoy tarot.

Decemember 2 Reading

Layout: Elements of Life 

Deck: Arthurian Legend

SPIRIT: Representing your core self, truth, beliefs, or messages from the universe

Page of Swords - Insight. Receiving firsthand knowledge of a consequential matter.

AIR: Representing mindset, thought patterns, clarity on what you most need to know right now

Tower - Traumatic change. The destruction of a way of life. Revolution. Loss of stability within a relationship. Financial losses. Revelation. Destruction of the old paves way for the new.

EARTH: Representing finances, abundance, work, and home, and external influences

Two of Shields (R) - Lack of attention to details. Disharmony. Inability to adapt.

WATER: Representing relationships, emotional state, communication, lunar influence

Page of Cups - An imaginative, reflective person. A comforting, inspiring friend who is generous with his or her ideas. Heartwarming news.

FIRE: Representing passion, physical movement, and actions, outcomes, manifestations

Ten of Shields - Enjoying wealth and prosperity. Home and family. The rewards of completing a mission. Maintaining a family tradition. Sharing one's good fortune. Clan gatherings. Possible inheritance.

READING:

Well with the good comes the bad.  I am listening to the universe but it is not going to stop my meltdown (Air & Earth).  But I have a strong friends and my wonderful husband to help me even back out (Water & Fire).  May be the Fire card is showing me what to do to stay even.

I did have a mini meltdown since this reading and I now see it was warning me over the past 2 readings but it could not be derailed.  

November 25 Reading

I promise I am not abandoning my blog.  I just get distracted in the Fall.

That being said, if you follow my Instagram you will have seen my weekly readings.  I do not usually explain the reading on IG.  I am planning on doing that here.

Elements of Life Spread from the Biddy Tarot Website.  I am really liking this spread because it is not so question-based.  It is nice to have a spread that just points you in a direction to assist you.  I have not used this spread in a "client" reading yet.  I have been mixing the layout with another Elements spread.  So my layout is a bit different.  I had tried to layout per the watchtower layout but it seems my dyslexia has thwarted that as well.  But my cards know my intent so I will update my spread to the proper alignment starting this weekend.

I do use the elemental descriptions from the Biddy Tarot spread.

SPIRIT: Representing your core self, truth, beliefs, or messages from the universe

AIR: Representing mindset, thought patterns, clarity on what you most need to know right now

EARTH: Representing finances, abundance, work, and home, and external influences

WATER: Representing relationships, emotional state, communication, lunar influence

FIRE: Representing passion, physical movement, and actions, outcomes, manifestations

Reading:

Spirit: Knight of Spears-Bedivere - travel, a change of residence, or risking unconventional ideas.

Air: The Tower (R) -Vortigern's Fortress - A stale and oppressive lifestyle. Mounting pressure. Feat of the unknown hinders beneficial change.

Earth: Page of Swords (R) - The Adder - An elusive opponent. A stealthy troublemaker. A turncoat.

Water: 3 of Swords - Palomides - Distress. Grieving. Separation. Being haunted by the pain of the past. A difficult period of readjustment. Hurtful remarks of others.

Fire: 2 of Shields - Castle Pendragon - Encountering difficulties that press for a re-evaluation of plans. Contending with fluctuating fortune. Retaining a sense of humor when faced with mishaps. Employing creative maneuvers to avoid troubled waters.

It is true that my life has been shifting all over the place recently.  I am in a constant state of flux.  According to the cards that state is starting to wear me down.  I see that the most in the Tower card in my mindset (Air), in having to constantly readjust my expectations over and over.  The 3 of Swords in my emotional state (Water) seems a bit harsh to me but yes this time of yearly oddly for me is very depressing.  I am not even going to elaborate on the damn Adder (Earth) but yes.  I love the 2 of Shields, it is like a silver lining to all this (Fire).  This is the card of flexibility, going with the flow and smiling all the way. I may be having a rough time with so much right now but I am thinking outside of the box to keep it from dragging me down too far.

The Wander returns

I am so horrible attending to my blog.  I just roam away to look at shiny objects.  I really do feel horrid being away so long.

I have been active on Instagram with my tarot.  I have also started with my weekly reading.  Every other week I even read in PUBLIC!  No, I am not taking clients, I just actually read my cards in a local tea shop. This is a huge step for me since there is a huge stigma with tarot and fortune telling in my area.  It is actually forbidden to read for money in the city limits.  I am always careful because some people will call the police and I would get a ticket.  But if I read for myself or my friends I am fine.  As long as no money is involved I can read in public locations.

Currently, my goal is to broaden my spreads.  Every few weeks I will try a new spread either from one of my books or from Instagram.   For the next few weeks, I will be learning the Horoscope Spread.  I have seen this spread in my books for ages but was always wary to try.  The weekend reading was all too confusing.  Just everything a jumble.  I will be trying again after researching the layout a bit more.

Horoscope spread with the Shadowscape Tarot

NEW Deck Time

Yesterday I bit the bullet and ordered my first new deck in ages.  I use to love collecting decks but just stopped for some reason.  But I think I will restart collecting with getting a deck a year or so.

So yesterday (with my bonus) I ordered the Shadowscape deck.  You have seen it shown in many of my card posts cause I am love with the artwork. I just had to have it.  It should be in tomorrow.

This brings up a good question.  Do people read multiple decks?  I do not mean at once but have multiple decks to chose for readings.  I imagine it would be quite nice to set out like three decks in front of your client and ask which deck calls/appeals to them.  I wonder if it would make for a more connected reading.

Moon Cycle Spread

I am following more and more tarot people on Instagram.  Ethony caught my eye with her moon in Scorpio spread.  I will be honest I rarely pay attention to the moon in what house.  This will be push for my boundaries.

The spread is a simple 5 card layout.

1. What needs transforming at this time? (gain additional insight from the suit of the Tarot card)
2. What do I need to let go of?
3. How can I best cultivate inner peace?
4. How can I best heal old pain?
5. What do my guides want to tell me going into this moon cycle?

To my knowledge the new moon in Scorpio is a time for evaluation and cleaning your ambition list.  Taking a good look at your present state and letting go (no singing...well ok sing away) of outdated mental baggage.

I have posted my spread on my Instagram but without any explanation to the cards.  (Italic cards are reversed)

1. Five of Cups - 
2. Seven Of Shields -  
3. Five of Swords - 
4. Eight of Swords - 
5. King of Swords -

After doing the reading intuitively, I decided not to post the meanings.  Sorry it ended up being far more personal than I wanted to post.

Best made plans and all that

Well I had planned to write this up yesterday and upload but I was struck down with a migraine.  So I will be almost a full day off my planned schedule.  Well lets go on with it.

Weekly Spread:

Card 1:  The Empress (R)

Guenevere: Insecurity, may be trying to hard.  Being too rigid.

Card 2: Ace of Spears

The Grail Lance:  The aces are to me harder cards.  There is just so little for my brain to lock onto.  To me I see this as looking for new directions, thinking outside the box for solutions.

Card 3: Four of Shields

The Homespun Tunic:  I love this card just because I love sewing and crafting items.  So I always this as rewarding creative and hard work.  Taking ones time to do something correctly.

My take away is that what is happening is not working.  Stop look again and find a better more stable way to do things.  Be more willing to look at the situation from all angles.

Moved again

We are becoming professional rolling stones.  This makes the third time this year we have moved!  I have been on a self imposed hiatus while my life has been shifting.   We are still setting up our new home but we should be here for a while I hope.

I am going to shift from a daily tarot card to a weekly 3 card reading.  I will try to do my reading on Sunday but post it and the reflection later in the week.  This should be a more manageable goal for me to accomplish. 

Weekly Spread

3 Cards

Mind/Body/Spirit

Since today is Labor day and I am off work I have done a simple 3 card spread to start off the week.  Friday I did a large spiritual based based reading for my birthday.  Today I will continue that string with a Mind/Body/Spirit spread.  Again I will not be delving into a solution as I am not really asking a question but just looking into myself for guidance.

Mind  - 9 of Shields ⤓ -Ragnell - looking too much at myself and centering my views as such

Body - 8 of Spears - The White Stag - youth, adventure

Spirit - 14 Temperance - The Cauldron of Annwn - Peace, renewal and balance.

Birthday Spread

Tree of Life 

It is my BIRTHDAY! To start my day and my year off right I am doing a larger spread. I have done a 10 card Tree of Life spread.

The spread is laid out from right to left starting at the top.

1. Highest Ideal -

La Cote Male Tale & Maledisant - The court celebrates the marriage of the valiant La Cote Male Tail and the damsel Maledisant.

2. Creative power-

Camelot - With the arrival of winter, halls fill and hearts lift.

3. Wisdom -

Bors - Cousin of Lancelot, Bars was one of three to achieve the Holy Grail, after which he was dubbed 'The Messenger' and entrusted to carry the news of the completed Quest t to the world.

4. Virtues -

Igraine- Mother of Arthur, Igraine became the much-loved queen of Uther Pendragon, with whom she ruled the Kingdom as an equal partner.

5. Discipline -

The Salmon - Having eaten the Nuts of Knowledge, the salmon was thought to be the wisest of living things, and it represents the high mystic knowledge appreciated by the intuitive, emotional self.

6. Health -

Wind Harps of War - Giant wind harps are erected upon the cliffs, where their fearful drone will greet the enemy.

7. Love -

The Cauldron of Annwn - The Cauldron of Annwn: Nine priestesses attend the Cauldron of Annwn, source of inspiration and mantic talent. Many peoples have attributed the powers of prophecy, inspiration, and art to the three motifs depicted in the painting-the omnipotent spring, the cauldron, and the head. The bards of Arthur's time believed the Cauldron of Annwn was the source of their inspiration and unearthly talents. The early Welsh poem The Spoils of Annwfn tells of Arthur's daring raid on the Other world in search of its cauldron. Three ships ventured to the Twilight Land, passing many uncharted isles where the Forever Young mixed their sparkling wines. On reaching the cauldron, the raiders found the forces of the fay awaiting them. A battle more dreadful than words ensued. Though Arthur succeeded in stealing the Cauldron, the terror and tragedy of the venture led the King to forbid the seven soul survivors to speak of it again.

8. Creation -

In Ector's Keeping - Under the fosterage of Sir Ector, a young, unknown Arthur enjoyed days of play.

9. Imagination -

The Firedrake- The Firedrake: The dragon of comets heralds the new era. Having returned to Britain, Aurelius Ambrosius dealt with the usurper Vortigern and took his rightful place as High King. Together with his younger brother Uther, Ambrosius rallied the Britons in an effort to reclaim the lands Vortigern had lost to the Saxons and curtail the terror they unleashed upon the people. For the most part, the Britons were successful, but still the struggle continued. On the death of Ambrosius, the traumatized people of Britain braced themselves, fearing a return to dark days. At this precarious time a beautiful dragon shaped comet traced the skies, which Merlin claimed portended the coming reign of Uther and the glory of his yet unborn son. The people took heart at the beautiful sight and turned to their courageous new King. Thereafter, Uther was known as the Pendragon ("Head Dragon"), a title he later passed on to his son.

10. Earthly home -

Camlann - The dark day cometh when brother turns against brother upon the battlefield of Camlann.As you may have noticed I have dome something different this time. Instead of the meanings of the cards I have given you their stories. These are the stories that are given with each card per the booklet that came with the deck. Quite often I draw my meanings from the stories than from the suit, number, or traditional meaning.

As you can see I have done something a little different.  I have not given you the card meanings.  I have decided instead to show you the stories.  That is in fact why I love this deck so much.  Each card is linked to aspect of a story.  I will often pull the meanings from the stories more than from the suit, the number or whatever else.

DTC: King of Cups

King of Cups
The Fisher King

This card is so serene.  The Fisher King is fishing peacefully in a river.  You can see a small waterfall in the background just adding to tranquility of the card.  One thing i notice every time is that he is not looking at the reader and he is unarmed as if he is unconcerned for us and his enemies (if he has any).  He simply is passing time fishing at the river.

There are many legends surrounding the Fisher King.  For the Arthur legends, he is the guardian of the grail.  He is also wounded in the leg and waits to be healed.  My inference is the knight who can heal him is the one deserving to find the grail.  

Knowing the legend (a small fraction) and the imagery in the card, I feel this is a card of patience and reflection.  You know what you need but you have to wait before it comes to you.

Weekend Spread

I have been kinda bleak of late.  It makes pulling a daily tarot card a bit hard.  So this weekend I set down and did a simple 3 card spread.  I have decided to share that with you today to make up for missing the daily tarot today.

I did a relationship spread.  Layout is simple You, Them, and together.

Queen of Spears (Dindrane)→ Justice (Lady of the Lake) → King Of Swords (Mordred)⤓


Queen of Spears -  Strong woman seeking knowledge to help others.

Justice - GUT - being judged - determining worth

King of Swords ⤓ -  Being used, unfavorable outcomes.


-Reading-
I see the person is searching, possibly lost on their path, may be unsure of their place.  Justice as a person or group of people is read as judgmental or over-evaluating.  The King of Swords reverse states the out come of this current relationship is not a pleasant one.  People are going to feel cheated and manipulated.

Please feel free to let me know how you would see this reading and outcome.

DTC: Page of Swords

Page of Swords ⤓
The Adder

The court cards are always difficult for me the read.  The Pages and Aces are the hardest.  I think today I got the easiest of the lot.

The Adder is simply that an Adder.  The card is a wonderfully painted serpent.  So after the feeling creeped out by the fact I am looking at a snake.  The Adder (snake/serpent) plays a number of roles in folklore and mythology.  To me the first thing I remember is the snake is wise.  But this creature has a duality, it seen as both good and evil.

Today the Adder is reversed.  I see this as being his "evil" side coming out.  It may be bad news, or misunderstanding that causes harsh consequences.

DTC: Seven of Spears

Daily Tarot Card:

Seven of Spears

Arch of the Twelve Kings

This is a lovely card for today.  

I find this card to be very soothing.  It depicts 2 soldiers/Knights resting under an arch.  This arch is well light with statues of Kings set in the walls.  Each king is softly glowing with the color of candle light.  The top of the arch is decorated with a floral garland.  The arch feels like it is place of worship or reflection.  It would be someplace to go when you need guidance.

Usually I read this card as taking time to reflect and gather your bearings.  A quite moment of Zen before moving on with your plans.  Which is very different from the imagery in other decks.

DTC: The Fool

Daily Tarot Card

The Fool

Major Arcana 0

Percival

Ok I take back my statement earlier this week.  I seem to not have block on the Major Arcana.  I seem to be getting them just fine right now.

Ah, The Fool.  Isn't he just lovely and whimsical.  This card is all sorts of bright and cheerful right down to the double rainbow over Camelot.  Percival has finally reached Camelot, where he intends to fulfill his quest to become a knight of the round table.  He is young and with an energetic pup looks out over his future as bright and hopeful.

That is how I interpret this card.  Looking brightly into the future with hope and optimism.  It can almost seem to be you are ignore all negatives and just seeing that which you want.  

Bullet Journal Ideas

So I have asked Jason for a notebook to use as a journal.  Last year I was introduced to the idea of bullet journaling.  It looks awesome and I use a very simple for of it at work to keep organised.  But I leave that journal at my desk at all times because it is for work info and tracking known issues.  Also I do not want my personal endeavors listed in a work Journal.

So I have been looking on line at different videos and ideas.  One Youtuber made a great point, list out what you want to track and what sections you want.  So I am going to make that list here.  Since one of my goals this year (my birthday is coming up and I want to start that weekend) is to be more active in my Tarot blog and in the craft, so they will be in my journal.

The List (subject to loads of changes)

• Mood
• Water
• DTC
• Monthly Layout
• Deck own & lust list
• Birthdays
• Books/Movies/TV to partake
• daily flash journaling
• Dance Days (need to move more)
• The Moons

Things need:

• notebook
• Bullet Ruler (silly but please)
• pens
• stickers (I cannot draw so pretties!)

UPDATE:
Jason "bought" me a new journal.  He helped me pick it out cause it has to me.

DTC: The Chariot

Daily Tarot Card

The Chariot
Major Arcana #7(r)

Battle of Mount Badon

Wow, 2 major arcana in one week.  my mind must be sifting through some heavy stuff right now.

Ok first off this card is based off an actual historic battle.  The story may be a legend now but it has a actual real start in history.  Historians still debate the actual location of this battle but all agree it did happen.

The imagery on this card is very masculine.  Front and center is King Arthur in his chariot, his sword drawn, and his army following behind him.  What my eye is drawn to is the sky.  This is a card of battle, death, mayhem, and a beautiful peaceful sky.  It just so odd to me, I would have thought a dark sky for such an event.  To me that signifies I am looking at the confident conquerors.

It is nor surprising that the typical meaning for this card is a good start or overcoming obstacles with ease.  But our card is reversed.   To me, the reverse means a lack of confidence in overcoming a challenge, may be being unsure of how to begin a project and anxiety.

Since I am late posting this, I added the Shaman-Caselli Tarot (far left) and the Aquarius Tarot (far right) in the pictures.

DTC: Seven of Swords

Daily Tarot Card

Seven Of Swords (r)

The Sword in the Stone

This is a repeat card.  So I will try to think of it in a different light.  Last time this card utterly confused me, and to be honest it still does.

I really love looking at this card.  To me this is where my fascination with King Arthur began and then spiraled out of control.  I am of course talking about the story of the Sword in the Stone.  Except there is twist in the card.  That is not Arthur pulling the sword but Galahad pulling Balin's sword.  I had to Google the Balin story to refresh.

In a nutshell a Lady of Avalon (not THE Lady) comes to Arthur's court shortly after Balin had been released from prison.  The Lady announced only the purest knight may unsheathe the sword.  Everyone tried, including King Arthur, but no one could pull the sword.  Balin asked to try and after some hesitation the Lady agreed.  Balin, who was imprisoned because he was wrongly accused of killing the King's cousin, pulled the sword and claimed it as his prize.  But the Lady warned that keeping the sword would prove his undoing.  Balin is eventually banished from Arthur's court and is set on a path of destruction. Nope, I am not going to tell you the whole sordid affair, you should go read it yourself.

In this card we see Galahad claiming this sword from the river with Arthur watching from the bank behind him.  This marks the beginning of Galahad's quest.  But I want to take not of the water, it is running water.  Running water in some stories is known to purify and remove curses.  So by placing the sword in the river, Merlin has removed the curse that Balin suffered.

Now rethinking the card I can now understand the divination/upright meaning for a new beginning.  For the reverse, Galahad pulls this sword on the advice of Arthur and Lancelot since reverse is perceived as negative versions it is starting badly or heading ill advice in the start.

Bonus image:

Tarot of the Magical Forest