The Quest

Three Card Reading

2011-10-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Queen of the Night presents herself and reminds us that things are not always what they seem. Perhaps what we have our heart set on will end up being something other than what we desire. Or perhaps in this case someone is struggling with temptations and not seeing clearly.

The Juggler is watching to make sure you are following along...are you there? Do you "get it"? Slow down and take a look at where you are going!!

The Gift is a true gift from the fae...wisdom... but perhaps in this reading it is referring to the wisdom of age...we often try to share the wisdom we have gained from the experiences of life...but it is up to the other to either accept or ignore the gift we offer.

Overall: Things are not exactly as they seem, there is some darkness here that is overshadowing everything. Slow down and take a careful look at where you are going or the approach you are taking. There is wisdom being offered but will it be accepted? That is yet to be seen.

Faery Card Draw: The Returning

2011-10-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Oh how I have missed the faeries!

So I did a longer drawing last night and typed it up for a friend...I want to post it here eventually but I have missed the faeries.... A BUNCH. I've been so busy with life that I haven't done any readings in quite sometime and only after picking up the deck and chatting with the fae...did I realize how much I missed them and their quirky insights into life...

My card for the day is "The Returning". To me this is always a bittersweet card...neither a good or bad fae...(as if there is such) but simply bittersweet. The Returning tells us that nothing stays the same and no matter how hard we try to return...it is never quite the same...sometimes that is not a bad thing at all...at other times there is a longing for a lost friend, a lost time, or a different part of life. The Returning says....no matter if we return to the exact same spot...it will have changed...our lives, our ways of looking at it, or attitude, our knowledge base...all of it is so fluid...and time doesn't stop.

Odd Reading with Magic Manga

2011-05-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

My daughter picked this deck up in New Orleans for me. It's a Victorian (sort of) styled deck based on the manga art style. Some cards are a bit anima-ish but all in all it has a certain lure to it...

So on with the reading (using Majors only)

The Devil: some trouble, someone wishes you ill will or is going to make problems
The Empress: there will be some difficulty ot doubt, or some action needed
The Sun: things will turn out positive in the end

So we did another reading for my daughter, she shuffled the cards and I dealt them out....same three cards reversed. I read this as whatever the issue is from the first reading, it is minor, not a major life altering event/issue. I find it odd that the exact three came up and she did shuffle. In fact she said afterwards that she started to do one more shuffle but then in her mind it was like "no that doesn't feel right."

The reading was about a short trip today. And this morning here's what happened so far. A person that was suppose to go with the two of us cancelled.

Based on that ...the reading....Some action (the Empress) is going to be a bit of a problem but in the end things will be fine and end positively!

Three Card Major Arcana

2011-05-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to do a quick three card reading using the Radiant Rider Waite only the Major Arcana cards. It's about a specific direction I am planning to head with a situation and I asked for insight or guidance. Here's what I got:

VIII Strength Here the lady and the lion, the lion perhaps perceived as the more powerful of the two but wait, see how she pets his head and he licks her hand. So the card says to me, power is not all it seems, even the mighty can be tamed. Strength will see you through, it can be quiet stength...you do not need the roar of a lion to be strong. There are many ways to do so.

VI The Lovers Blessed by the guardian angel above the lovers stand naked before the world, unashamed. There is love and beauty but both still have their feet planted here on earth, and see the snake waiting. So the card says to me, there is a beauty here, something to be cherished but it does not come without temptations.

XIV Temperance The angel fills the cup, pouring water from one to another, there is an abundance here, the river flows beneath and it does not run dry. But abundance also means one needs to be cautious of moderation. Too much of a good thing is not good at all.

Combined: This situation may call for strength but it is a calm strength not a roaring fight that is needed. You can overcome any obstacle with quiet strength. The lovers suggest the need to recognize the human aspect of this situation, things are positive and in harmony but as with all things human there will be doubts and temptations. The third card suggests all things in moderation, there will be time to accomplish what the situation calls for but it should be done slowly and in small steps.

Loteria Draw about Ghost Hunt

2011-05-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

(See previous post for explanation)

So for this one I was shuffling the cards and suddenly I thought "I'll draw five, one for each of the ghost hunt people and how they might feel about the hunt....minus my daughters and self." Now I have no idea which card represents which person but I'll take some guesses.

La Luna: When I turned this over I immediately thought this represents Lynn. No real reason for this except she is a bit mystical and moonlight in quality. So for her the hunt was ok because she likes the idea of searching for things that are unexplained.

La Pera: Again when I looked at this I though immediately of Mr. B. Not sure why at all. He who waits despairs....this riddle is just a play on words...pear...despairs....so I think it is saying that he knows the ghost hunt is just a lark and there is no way to conquer up spriits by snapping ones fingers...it is what it is,

La Bota: One boot is the same as the other....Missy...because she is very much a nonbliever and probably wouldn't see a ghost if it was right in front of her...lol. So to her it was just a drive around!

La Escalera: Climb me step by step...don't hop up. To me: Debbie...as she was the driver and taking care but also because I think she is undecided about some things and that is making her somewhat cautious in the group.

El Sol: The roof of the poor...that leaves T. I think of this as a make do.....practical card...things are what they are....and you need to make the best of them. I think it might fit his attitude about the evening.

Hmmm...not sure the reading gives me much peace of mind....but interesting none the less.

Alice Trio about Ghost Hunt

2011-05-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

I decided to do a little three card draw about last night's ghost hunt. It was Friday the 13th and more than one thing went wrong. I really was wondering about if everyone was ok with the hunt because it wasn't quite as exciting as other ones have been.

A of Spades....a Bad beginning to plans/work. "Who Am I? I will remember if I can!"

This does fit since it started out by raining and things were a bit iffy. I alos think the quotation refers to the fact that the group maybe felt a little unsure of themselves in this "social setting" Conversation seemed lagging and people's energy just seemed a bit off.

Jack of Clubs: A message related to work plans. "Their heads are gone, if it please your majesty."

Again plans were up in the air for awhile and everyone felt a it uncertain. Perhaps the quotation is referring to trying to find something to please everyone.

Nine of hearts: Wish fulfilled. Changes for the better. "What a fight we might have for the crown now!"

Yes in the end the rain stayed away long enough for us to do the ghost hunt. So in that regard the wish was fulfilled however I was a bit dissatified with the hunt because the energy level was so low. I'm not sure we had as much fun as expected. I think that might be why the quotation is such...some conflicted feelings.

The reading is accurate but I really wanted to know if the hunt was "ok" with the people that went. Is the feeling of let down simply mine and for those who have note experienced more exciting hunt it was still ok? I think I'll use the Loteria cards and ask again.

Loteria Trio

2011-05-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

#8 La Botella: There is an obsession here. (there are several to choose from but this one seemed right)

#33 La Arana: This person/situation calls for swift decisive action.

#13 El Gorrito: Someone needs protected or shielded in this situation.

Together: There is someone that is obessed or caught up in this situation. Harm will come without swift decisive action.

Exploring Cartomancy

2011-05-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

The reading of playing cards is perhaps one of the earliest forms of card reading. In exploring this practice I discovered many thoughts, ideas, methods and approaches. In fact so many that really deciding on which to use has been a long complicated journey. As usual my approach is a combination of several methods.

First I started examining the Hedgewytch method. This is a three fold method that looks at the colors of the cards, the numbers and the suits. At times I find it interesting and at other times confusing. Red is good, black is bad. Each number represents something: exchanges, paths, beginnings, etc. And each suit represents an area of life. Given these multiple levels there are different ways to read any spread you deal. This can provide an indepth reading if you really sense the one to go with. You can read about this method HERE.

Then I discovered a listing of some traditional meanings for the cards. I cannot remember the source or I would give you a link to it. But in this method there are some cards with traditional meanings like: The nine of spades is Wish Denied and the nine of hearts is Wish Fulfilled. This method also assigns attributes to the face cards...such as a fair haired lady etc. While I like some of the more traditional meanings again I feel like sometimes there are certain cards that don't seem to "fit" the reading.

There are numerous other methods. Another method people are talking about is Regina Russels Cartomancy method. It's not one I'm familar with but I will be checking into it. My mother used to read with playing cards and used a method encorporating tarot meanings, traditonal meanings and her own developed meanings. A combination method is what I have discovered works best for me but I do not usually use tarot meanings. I use a combination of the Hedgewytch method, traditional meanings, and my own meanings developed over time.

So let's take a look at the reading pictured above. This is a beginner deck that I created, using regular cards and a black sharpie. I wrote cues on the cards as far as meanings but I am no where limited by what is written on them. It just serves to jumpstart the process. In readings for others I find that using plain cards without the cues works best otherwise they become focused on what is written and it can inhibit the intuitive nature of the reading.

Lets read by color: RED- RED- BLACK: There is a postive exchange that creates a positive gain BUT the opportunity is lost at the very beginning of the situation.

Lets read by number: 2, 6, A There is a path that the person is on involving an exchange that is just beginning.

Lets read by suit: Hearts, diamonds, clubs: Love and friendship, something valued is beginning.

As you can see it is often necessary to combine all three to get an indepth reading BUT in combining them it can also get confusing. So beware.

If I was going to read this one I'd say:

There is an exchange between friends that results in a small financial gain however the opportunity is shortlived.

Welcome to the world of cartomancy. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the cards shown above

Guide of Swords

2011-05-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

I decided it was time to start exploring some of my favorite decks again. The Inner Child Tarot cards are actually the first tarot deck I owned. I am the type of person that is more comfortable with oracles than tarot. I'm not sure why. I own several tarot decks and have worked on learning traditional meanings but the appeal of the Inner Child cards is multi-dimensional.

First I enjoy the fairy tale characters and meanings associated with this deck. The richness of fairy tales is what lured me to buy Lisa Hunts Fairy Tale deck which I love also. That deck is explored on my blog Enchanted Fairy Tales. There are so many lessons to be learned from fairy tales and they are deep and varied.

Second I like the colorful and fun nature of the cards. They are not dark and dreary but are colorful and full of meaning. Colors often subconsciously tap into the inner intuition and as such these cards give me an immedaite sense of meaning without an indepth memorization of tarot meanings.

Third, I like the fact that the deck can be read as an oracle without focusing on tarot meanings. I am not sure if this was the intent of the author but it works well for me. So readings can use the taort meanings, meanings from fairy tales and colors, or can be read intutitively based on the readers feelings about the images and what message they are conveying. It is interesting that often these three are similar.

Today I drew a card to get started with the deck again and I drew: Guide of Swords. In this deck this card is the Queen of Swords but is called guide instead. Goals and abition tempered and aligned with the heart. The queen symbolizes compassion and truth.

In this deck the character is actually male but has the qualities associated with the Queen of Swords. Robin Hood guided by his heart but also with great strength and intelligence. In the Inner Child Cards Workbook. these are questions to ask yourself when you draw this card:

How can I remain more true to myself through my actions and communication?
I have a great ability to understand the needs of others and to communicate well. How can I best use this gift?
Do I help others with my gift of insight?

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into the Inner Child deck. I'll be working more with the cards in the coming months, I really do appreciate comments, questions, and feedback so please feel free to do so. It helps me focus my writing and to discover what others are interested in reading about. Thanks for stopping by the Quest.

Daily Pair: Loteria

2011-05-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

#37 El Mundo and #46 El Sol

#37 The world is a sphere and we the foundation

Everything in the world/situation is inter-related. Be strong like a foundation. Or look at the foundation of this situation

#46 The roof of the poor.

No matter how bad the situation is there is shelter for you OR Look on the bright side of things.

Without going into a lot of detail. For today's reading I feel as if the cards are saying: "It's life, the ways of the world just happen, be strong and look at the bright side of things. This situation does not affect the basic foundation.

Mexican Loteria Pairs

2011-05-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Harp # 53 Plus Pitcher #44

Harp: My mother in laws old harp is no longer of use to play

Pitcher: The Pitcher goes often to the water.

The Pair:

No matter how often you try to fix this situation it is still not going to work out.
Your pattern of handling this is getting old....try something new.
Someone wants something you are not able to give them.

I'm sure you can think of other possible paired meanings. The most important thing is to start with some meanings and work with them. As you do so you will see other connections and possibilities. This will make your readings richer and more meaningful.

Next Project: Alice in Wonderland

2011-04-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

My next project is to finish the Alice in Wonderland interpretations. I have a start on the Alice page with Aces, twos, and threes. I started this a couple years ago and got busy with other projects so it got put to the side. :) I know many of the ones I use when reading with the cards but just need to type them up.

These cards are regular playing cards with Alice quotations so I use them for readings using a combination of the pictures, the quotations and the playing card meanings.

My Weekend Reading

2011-04-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, in a couple hours I'm headed off for a girls weekend to a casino/hotel. I thought it might be fun to pull some loteria cards to see get some information about the weekend. I can't believe the three I pulled, they are so fitting. LOL

#44 El Cantarito: The pticher goes often to the water. ( now forgetting about any interpetations I've developed for this card...think about the riddle itself..in relation to gambling). It's so true....people go back and back, always expecting to win big!

# 25 El Borracho: The Drunk I cannot put up with the foolish drunk.(Be careful of overindulgence or referring to addictions) Again very fitting. People become addicted to gambling much in the same way they become addicted to alcohol. Perhaps this card is reminding me not to over indulge.

#6 La Sirena: Don't get dizzy with the songs of the mermaid...Again keep a clear head, don't be taken in and lured by all the dazzling lights, ringing bells and whistles that can be part of a casino and designed to lure people to gamble more!

I promise you that these are the three cards I drew randomly BUT...if I had looked through the deck and tried to pick three cards that fit the event/casino better, I don't know what they might have been. For these three are a perfect fit and their messages are well worth remembering! That's why even though this is a "non oracle deck" (one not made specifically as an oracle) I LOVE it.... :)

Loteria: Relationship Reading

2011-04-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

In the relationship reading, the first card represents one of the people in the relationship. As I shuffle I think of that person and draw the card, placing it face down. The second card is the second person. The third card can either be advice or outcome. I also fix which it will be in my mind while drawing the third card. I then turn all three over.

So in the spread above, Card one represents the girl in the relationship.

El Camaron: The shrimp that sleeps is carried by the current.
Something about this relationship is compeling. She is being "swept away" by it. She also believes that immediate action is all that can save her.

La Estrella: The Sailors guide
This person is lost in the relationship and is not sure what direction to go.

La Palma: Keeper of the palm, climb the tree and bring me down a magnificent coconut.
In this reading I asked for an outcome...this one is someone will get what they desire OR someone is working hard to please someone...

If you take the three cards together perhaps you get a clearer picture. The girl is feeling swept away and wants to take action, the guy is disengaged and unsure of what he really wants...the outcome is that someone is working hard to please.....my feeling is that it is the girl...working hard to maintain the relationship.

.

Beware Your Friends....

2011-04-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

El Arbol: He who seeks the shelter of a good tree, good shade covers him.

El Corazon: Don't miss me heart because I will return in a truck.

La Arana: Stun it with blows, just don't let her get me.

Together in the reading:

Proceed with caution, someone who you think is a good friend and will always be there for you is going to let you down or perhaps even create problems for you.

As always interpretations are a matter of what you "feel", your intution about the cards as they are before you. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about the reading. What are your interpretations?

The Loteria Cards

2011-04-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this post isn't about the cards, exactly! I have been looking for loteria inspired jewelry for quite some time. Honestly there haven't been many pieces that really catch my eye. Until these charm bracelets. The one above is from Etsy, except that it was listed long ago and sold. :(

So after seeing the one on Etsy, I started searching and found this one on a site that sells many Mexican items. However this one, the loteria one was just a photo at the top of the page. When I checked out their inventory they had a few similar ones but nothing using the loteria cards and none quite as neat as this one. I've sent an email to see if they have any or could craft another one, since many of them are hand made one of a kind items.

If in the meantime if any of you happen upon a Mexican Loteria inspired charm bracelet please send me the link!

Alice in Wonderland Cards

2011-04-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have a set of Alice in Wonderland playing cards that I picked up a couple years back and I love to use them for readings. They are a deck of regular playing cards plus they have quotations from Alice on them. By using a combination of card/suit meanings and interpretations of what the quotations might be telling us, I have found them to be quite thought provoking and on target more than not.

Do I believe every deck has the potential to be an oracle? Hmmm.....probably not...but certain decks like the Mexican Loteria cards (with their riddles and deep rich history) and the Alice cards where one can combine cartomancy meanings along with the quotations offer a rich source for tapping one's intuition. I maintain that most of the power of a reading is in the reader's intuition and not the cards themselves so if you find a deck that you connect deeply with and that speaks to you then it can be powerful in your hands!

PS: If you are interested in card meanings for this deck, click on the Alice link at the top of the page and it will take you to my own personal interpretations for the deck. I currently have up the Aces, 2s and 3s.

Faery Thoughts

2011-04-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

A daily draw using Froud's original faery deck....

#18 The Lady of The Harvest...Surrounded by faeries and other small creatures the Lady of The Harvest reminds us that as with everything there is a time of completion....a time when we reap the rewards of our efforts and when things come full cycle...closure and completion are part of every phase and cyce in life....

The feelings we have toward the harvest are influenced by many things....there can be great joy or some feelings of disappointment and sadness. Remember that with every cycle of completion there is a new beginning. Sometimes it helps to rememebr that the harvest allows for new growth, for changes in the things we plant, and an opportunity to cultivate something new in our lives.

Reading with the Mexican Loteria Cards

2011-04-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

I originally became interested in the Mexican Loteria cards for a couple of reasons. One is that people online mentioned whether they may have originally been an oracle type game. Second I love the ideas the images and riddles evoke. And last of all, I have several Mexican friends and I love the simple wisdom the cards convey. In learning more about the cards, I discovered the rich history they have in Mexico and I also found out that there are different riddles based on the region of Mexico the game is played in. I find them to give accurate and thought provoking readings.

Tonight I decided to give them a whirl and see what they might tell me regarding my life currently. I'm going to use a spread called the Four Corners (since loteria is very much like bingo). Each corner represents an area of life. Top left is self with the top right being family. Bottom left is relationships while the bottom right is advice.

Self: El Pajaro "You've got me jumping around like a little bird." Someone or something is making me nervous. This time of year things are generally hecxtic and overall recently I have felt unsettled.

Family: La Chalupa "Paddle and paddle goes Lupita, seated in her little boat." Small steps move you forward. Again so true of my family situation. Making little changes and patiently waiting for change. :)

Relationships: El Negrito "He who ate the sugar." Someone is experiencing difficulty but is still seeing the sweetness of life OR We do what we need to do to get through life. I believe this is referring to a specific relationship and it is so accurate that again I am amazed at the cards. They seem to cover just about every aspect of life....and in rather unexpected ways.

Advice: El Pescado "He who dies by the mouth." It is better to keep your mouth shut or speaking out may cause trouble. With the mood and aura surrounding me, I think this is good advice. Keeping my thoughts to myself at the present time is the best option, it is also something I tend to have trouble with...so I think the cards are reminding me. (lol)

One thing about the Mexican Loteria Cards or oracle cards in general is that one must use the meanings as a spring board for other possible interpretations. As always the knowledge is not specifically in the cards but rather in the intuition of the reader.

Searching for Meaning

2011-04-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the blogging loop/mood for a while. I love to blog but sometimes a break is what it takes to move forward in our thoughts or growth. At times the jumble of ideas and reflections are like a tornado swirling inside of me and to shutter myself from the rampage is necessary.

I am contantly searching for meaning...and constantly finding it. Whether it is "in the cards." or in the conversations that engage me...meaning exist. The world is one of order even when the threatening events seem to indicate otherwise. Day passes and night follows, as surely as the seasons fade. Order does not mean predetermined nor does it mean boring or predictable. Order simply means...things are as they should be.

Mexican Loteria Cards Update

2011-02-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

I love these graphic historical cards and the riddles that go with them!

For those of you interested. I have posted up through card 40 on the Mexican page...just click the box above and it will take you to the correct page....

A Drawing for Understanding & Guidance

2010-11-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I'm stressed I shuffle the cards and see what insights they may give me. I have a particular bond with the faeries but I also like the Mexican Loteria...so for tonight I'm doing drawing with each:

Mexican Loteria:

Person's frame of mind: 22 La Bota: One boot is the same as the other. (Everyone is the same, nothing is going to change)

Feelings toward situation: La Botella: The tool of the drunk. The person just wants to forget, drown his sorrow, not face feelings.

Advice: El Bandolon: The mariachi Simon is playing his big mandolin. Just keep doing what you are doing. Keep playing. talking doing whatever...same as always.

(I feel like this reading is saying the person is stuck...same old thinking, perhaps a bit down because everything is the same...one boot or one relationship is just like the other...nothing changes. He is like the drunk trying to hide from his problems, stuck in ignoring rather than facing things. But that I am to just keep on doing what I am doing....don't try to offer advice but rather just keep playing (being a friend).

Hmmm....interesting....Now let's see what the faieries have to say...

Heart of Faeries Oracle:

Person's Frame of Mind: The Lady of Sorrows Old hurts and sorrows being held onto

Feelings toward situation: The Messenger...confusion and miscommunication...beware, sort things out.

Advice: The Temptation: Wise choices...beware of what is tempting...

This card indicates the need to draw another to see what the temptation relates to...although I already have a clue. I am tempted to lead something in a direction that I would like but is not necessarily the one others involved want....

Card: The Heartless Love: Love can be a dangerous thing...know what you want and do not harbor false expectations...WOW....

(I feel like the faeries are saying that there are old hurts and sorrows (true) and that the messenger....perhaps me is adding to the confusion and that I should not be tempted to meddle or get involved....that this may create fasle expectations....)

Well as you can see....both readings are fairly similar....and yes my interpretations may be molded but not the cards themselves....those are the cards that came up and they make sense! Wow.

Daily Draw

2010-06-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

As you may notice I am a big fan of Froud's Faeries. Both the original deck: The Faeries Oracle and the new deck The Heart of Faery. Many of my daily draws are from these decks. I also LOVE the Mexican Loteria cards so I need to pull them off the shelf and start working with them again also. But today's draw is from the original Froud deck:

Card: #33 Faeries of the Future: Love this as my draw for today. I was just blogging on another blog about how I love summer and that how this summer in particular offers a lot of adventure, fun and just good positive things. I think the Faeries of the Future are confirming this.

The Faeries of the Future are saying....look it is open before you...go forth and seek that which brings you happiness. Never despair...for the future is a bright promise that unfolds as it is intended. You will move forward in confidence and that which you seek shall be found.

Everytime I work with the faeries I get new and deeper meanings. They are a very rich group of faeries indeed. Not rich as in money but wisdom, insight, and new ways of thinking.

P.S. I have started working on the Mexican Loteria page .....adding the cards, riddles, and my interpretations of them. I believe I am through card 30.

Daily Faery Draw

2010-06-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Today I laugh as I draw my fae.....it is "In Two Minds" and that is exactly how I feel this morning. There is plenty of work to be done but I am sitting around updating blogs and playing with the cards.

In Two Minds, reminds us that there is plenty of indecision in life. What to dos and Where to gos. I also think he is telling me that there is good in bad and bad in good. That not much in life is ever clearly one way or the other. When we make decisions, we are always giving up some other opportunity.

So if today I play, the house doesn't get cleaned but the reverse side of that is that if I clean house, I miss the opportunity to learn something from the cards, or to get my blogs looking great or any other number of things.

The trouble with In Two Minds, is he doesn't really help me make any decision.....he just points out that there is some conflict, some decision to be made and it is up to me to weigh things carefully.

Interview with a Faery Card

2010-03-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get a new blog post up and I thought...hey...I'll just draw a faery card and do a quick interview...Of course nothing is as easy as it seems....I am using Heart of Faery Oracle and I drew one of the no name...no info....cards...lol. It is the one that has lots and lots of fae that have sort of mushroom shaped heads...a few others thrown in too ....all in a jumble on the card...

1. What do you present to me today?

They present to you the reminder that chaos is created and as such can be un-created...order can follow chaos as surely as day follows night.

2. What is your greatest strength?

The fae on this card say their greatest strength is being able to see thru chaos and disorder into the real heart of the matter. They can strip away all the other "stuff" and see the true nature of the situation.

3. What is your weakness?

They say their greatest weakness is the amount of chaos and disorder they have to deal with. Sometimes they get overwhelmed or tired and then they just sit among all the mess ...waiting....but usually they gain energy again and whip things into shape.

4. How can I "live" you message?

You can live the message by looking for order every where you go...even when things seem in total disarray...there are patterns and little steps that can be taken to right things...Seek order and by that they mean the NATURAL order in life...and you will live the message and pass it on to others through your actions...

This Week's Focus: Card Interview

2010-01-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

With my oracles this week I will be conducting some Card Interviews. I'm not sure how many or which decks I will be using...

Draw a card and place it in front of you.

Ask the following questions:

1. What do you present to me today?

2. What is your greatest strength?

3. What is your weakness?

4. How can I "live" your message?

After each question pause and look at the card, take time to breath deeply and reflect on the card. Let the question become centered in your mind and heart. "Listen" to what the card has to say.

The Singers

2010-01-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

As part of my January deck study I'm taking a closer look at the Singers...in the Faerie's Oracle. The Singers are Cards 1-13 Starting with Unity and ending with Solus. To me these are the most difficult of Froud's Faeries....while I do understand most of the concepts inherent in the Singers...I still find them very difficult to integrate into a reading. When they show up...I'm at a loss for words or find it hard to give any depth to their role in the reading.

The Singers are "other worldly"....and I laugh because of course all faeries are other worldly but the Singers even more so. The other faeries all seem to have personalities or a connection to human kind...something that is easy to relate to...put a face to...they "speak" to me even when I am confused by what they are saying.....none the less we can connect.

The Singers are more pure energy rather than personality...to me they are pieces of a puzzle....one that in my humaness is hard to put together...I am never sure if they are pointing the way or simply offering support. I am always befuddled by their presence in a reading...I am going to look a bit closer at each of the Singers during the rest of January and see if I can get a bit of a deeper understanding of them...

January Decks

2010-01-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my previous post I was taking a little vacation and re-evaluating my "quest" and studies. I have decided to limit myself to two decks per month....one a tarot deck (although I'm really an oracle girl) and one oracle deck. I am going with the idea that adding some depth to decks is more important to me than "knowing" lots of decks.

I am starting my year with my new (to me) Radiant Rider Waite (which I plan to keep as my taort deck for three months at least) and my beloved Froud's Faeries. I am ready for a deeper exploration with the faeries and they never cease to amaze me.

The holidays and some family obligations have thrown me off track in a lot of areas of life so I am taking things slow for right now in an attempt to get back into the swing of things...I just laugh that its because I have sooooo many interests I can't keep up with them all....Life is good and life is full of delightful experiences....I just have to slow down a bit!!!

Tarot Vacation

2009-11-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed...I haven't been posting much of late...call it tarot burnout....I'm calling it a tarot vacation. Everything seems overwhelming this time of year and even thinking about reading has been a bit of a stress. PLUS, I decided to look seriously at my approach to tarot and oracle cards.

First....just how many decks can one own....hmmm....I'm sure many have asked themselves that question. I have several decks that are just lingering in a drawer...I need to seriously consider giving them away or selling them. Bought on a whim or with passing interest...they just aren't my cup of tea. But that will have to wait until after the New Year...no time to deal with that now...

Second, some of the stress or tarot vacation has been brought on by pressing myself to learn, study, consume everything I can find on tarot and oracles. Too much!!! When it starts to feel stressful rather than fun...then it's just too much. Time to slow down and regroup. I wrote a while back about loving oracles and perhaps preferring them to tarot cards...I want to revise that to say...there are SOME oracles I love and prefer to tarot cards....Froud's Faeries for sure and actually the Mexican Loteria cards are awesome!!! ...BUT the problem with oracle decks is the constant need to "learn" new decks....new cards. A plus of tarot is the pretty clearly defined meanings of cards regardless of the deck...oh sure there are some variations but basically...once learned...they are easily transferred from deck to deck...if one insists on collecting MORE decks....lol.

Third: My deck studies have been pretty intense....four a month.....too much I say...No more...I say....Each month I will use one tarot deck and one oracle deck....oh thats not to say I won't play with a few others but the main focus will be the two monthly decks. Some decks will carry over for several months....like my new Radiant Rider Waite (my version of traditional tarot) I plan on using it as my main tarot deck for 3-6 months....really getting to know it and the card meanings...I have a pretty good handle on the Majors....but the Minors.....oh dear me.

This idea of collecting new decks constantly is just a feeding frenzy....a deeper connection and understanding of decks becomes clear over time....through use and love and common experiences....so my deck buying is pretty near a stand still.....and thats okay...Although the new Froud deck is already preordered....soooo....

Hanging with the Hermit

2009-11-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

The Hermit will be my card for the month for reflection and meditation. It's not one of my faves...in fact I find him a bit freaky....but someone suggested him...so I thought...okay. I'll give it a try. I am sleeping with The Hermit under my pillow, focusing on him during my yoga meditations and looking for him in daily life experiences. Honestly even before the suggestion, I had been longing for some solitude in my life...just some nice peace and quiet alone time.

The Hermit in the Radiant Rider Waite deck carries a lantern and a staff. His lantern shines as he wanders the barren landscape. He is perhaps hiding from the world, reading, thinking, resting, studying, and reflecting. It is time to discover and realize things about himself that he has missed in the busyness of the world. It is perhaps time to recognize the spiritual essence of who he is.

It's Wild Card Wednesday

2009-11-04T04:13:00.000-08:00

The Gypsy Witch cards are very much like the Lenormand cards with a few different images. In addition this deck has the meanings printed on the cards. Sometimes the readings seem to flow well and at other times the proposed meanings simply do not make sense to me in that particualr reading.

Gypsy Witch Card: Nine of Hearts....the ship is the symbol of riches and when near indicates wealth and inheritance....it also foretells a voyage. Nine of hearts in traditional terms means "wish fulfilled" so at time i would use that meaning rather than the meaning of the ship.
I bought this deck used off ebay for just a couple dollars but all in all if you have the Lenormand or the Sibilla cards this is a deck you can skip. Very similar. Unless of course you like the meanings printed on each card....

The Full Moon

2009-11-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

The full moon is lovely tonight and I stood for a bit in the yard gazing up into the dark sky and pondering the beauty of the universe. The clouds drifted back and forth across the moon like cottony wisps dressing the moon in their beauty.

I did a couple readings tonight and I find the energy of this moon different than the October Full Moon. Perhaps it is only in my head or perhaps it is because I do not feel well but none the less I told you that the Moon and Me posts were going to be about my personal experiences...so here goes....

The October Full Moon was vibrant, energizing and like a celebration. The bounty of the earth open for all to partake. Speaking of times of plenty and happiness and positive growth. The energy seem there in the air before me. It was as if ALL things were possible. There was a certain clarity and focus.

The November Full Moon is beautiful and mysterious, hiding its secrets behind the wispy cloak of clouds. But is not just the visual elements that come into play. There is energy there, no denying it. Yet the energy is of a different nature, less accessable. It is as if the November Full Moon is offering me a puzzle to solve...it is challenging me to "find the answers". Perhaps it is the essence of the full moon for this month. I read it is about releasing things...perhaps I am resisting...or perhaps to force a "release" the moon has to take a "tough love" approach. But regardless, there appears to be a difference.

I think I will continue to describe and note my thoughts and feelings each month and see how the full moon seems to change each month...perhaps it is only I that change each month BUT still the reflections may be useful.

November Full Moon

2009-11-01T07:02:00.001-08:00

The November Full Moon is upon us...November 2nd...yes I am sure there is an exact time....to the minute but I'm not worrying about being that percise here! So going along with my moon lore and such I decided to explore a bit more.

Full moons in general: There's a lot of lore out there about full moons, their names, the energy they project, the insight they provide us, and how we might use them as a tool to self discovery and growth. One interesting tidbit is the "power" or influence of the full moon. The energy of the full moon can be felt, three days prior, the day of and then three days after....so a full week of influence. Hmmm...that's somethingI've "felt" before in my observations but only recently read...I need to examine this idea more.

I became interested in full moons when I happened upon the Native American names for them. Or I should say an example of Native American Names for them because, of course, not all tribes called them by the exact same name. Here's a list and short explanation for some of the names for the NOVEMBER FULL MOON.

1. Beaver Moon: Time to trap beavers before the ground freezes or time to get ready for winter like the beavers are. There is some inconsistency in beliefs about the "reason" for the name.

2. Frost Moon: Pretty self explanatory...the weather is growing colder and frost is here!

3. Sassafrass Moon: Couldn't find a history on this one but I am guessing...time to dig up the final sassafras roots and store them for winter.

4. Trading Moon: Again no references but it would make sense that perhaps the terading season is ending and it is time to make some final trades and obtain what you need for the long months ahead.

5. Moon when Horns are Broken Off: Reference to deers and shedding antlers, I assume.

6. Dark Moon: Celtic traditon

7. Snow Moon: English Medieval tradition

8. White Moon: This name comes from the Chinese and I have yet to search out and discover any story related to it.

Some suggest that the energy of the November Full Moon is the perfect time for pleasure and enjoying the things available to one here on earth. It is a time to consider letting go of those things that are holding us back and keeping only those that are important to us. It is a time for the possibility of emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and financial growth. It is a time for creating the base of where we want to be in the future.

When I think of it all together ....it makes sense giving life here on earth...and everything...ALL of the Native American Names have to do with remembering to prepare for the winter (the future). I'm not sure about the Celtic, Medieval, or Chinese but they may possibly be the same (but remembering that weather etc would be different in other parts of the world...so I don't really know). So the energy part and the names sort of link to each other...CELEBRATE the HARVEST (enjoy what's available) BUT prepare for the long cold months ahead also (the base of what we want/need in the future.)

I'll be doing some full moon readings with these factors in mind this month....I hope to pop back in and have some personal observations to share...!!

The Moon and Me

2009-11-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

About six months ago I started feeling drawn to read about the moon, to somehow use it as a way to broaden my perspective and self knowledge. Not in a magical pagen spells manner, although I know others do believe that. That is not me but something about the moon is calling to me. So I did a quick search and some reading at that point but then put it aside....until the Harvest Moon in October resparked my interest.

The wonderful energy of the readings I did during the Harvest Full Moon in October, started me thinking a lot about the moon again. I've always been drawn to the night and the moon and its beauty. So I decided to indulge myself a bit and learn a bit more about the moon. Not in the deep scholarly manner of those with a deep interest in astrology do...I get lost in all of that! But in a simple the moon and me...sense. Reading some about the moon, names for the moon and lore about the moon. So today's post will begin my saga of sharing some of my discoveries with you. Please keep in mind that they are personal observations, thoughts, and experiences, not scholarly fact.

Seeking the Answers, Finding the Questions

2009-10-18T17:57:00.001-07:00

Part of the journey through life is seeking answers. From the moment of birth the newborn is seeking. How to get fed. Who to turn to when upset. The names of all the strange things in the house. And so on. Then later in life there are other answers to be sought. Who to trust, who to date, who to marry. How to drive a car, what kind of career to have, and how to survive college. The list is endless.

Eventually one starts to seek answers to bigger, more complex, and less concrete things. Why do bad things happen to good people? What is the purpose of life? Does evil exist? How can one be the person they are meant to be? What is happiness? How do all the pieces of existence fit together? The answers are sought in many ways, through reading, conversations, prayers, religion, groups, journals, therapy, travels, meditation, and then sometimes as this blog suggests through the cards.

I have always considered the cards a mere vehicle to understanding. They are not the answers themselves but a way in which the human mind or I consider it more the human soul or spirit can tap into a vast array of wisdom that already exists in perhaps another world or dimension or history. Things that are already known, just outside the realm of consciousness. The cards simply supply a means of accessing this knowledge base.

What I find as I journey along this route is that there are many vehicles, some perhaps better than others, but at the same time different means and methods of accomplishing this very important quest of the spirit. At the same time it comes to me, that while I am seeking answers, I am finding questions. It seems a paradox, does it not? That while seeking answers one simply uncovers more questions.

But I think of each question, as a star in the vast darkness of the night sky. Twinkling there in the distance, beckoning me to wonder, to ponder, to ask. And sometimes, it is in the asking of a question that the answer is revealed or perhaps more accurately alluded to. For the things we seek, have no hard and fast answers, not here, not in this lifetime. But the pleasure and the conquest is in the seeking. That is enough to move the spirit.

Deck to Review: Alice

2009-10-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd try a Deck Interview with Alice since I've never done that with this deck.

1. What is your most important characteristic?

Two of Hearts: "Oh I beg your pardon!" Exchanges and getting to the HEART of the matter is this decks most important characteristic. It may even be necessary to apologize for it being so blunt!

2. What are your strengths as a deck?

Two of Clubs: "The race is over! But who has won?" Exchanges about plans and clarifying when things are a bit undecided. This decks strength is in seeing the outcome or at least being able to hint at it.

3. What are your limits as a deck?

Four of Clubs: "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" No changes ....or no clear cut answers. The limit of the deck is that it may speak in riddles and it is up to you to decipher them and glean what you can from what is presented.

4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?

Queen of Hearts: "Off with their heads." Fair haired wise and generous lady. It is here to teach me that sometimes it is necessary to make tough decisions. Hearts speak of love, family and friends and yet those closest to us evoke the most passionate responses.

5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?

Ace of Clubs: "I think I could if I only knew how to begin." Ace=beginnings. Clubs: work, callings, plans. I can best learn if I remember my calling and if I set aside doubts and not worry about knowing "how"....rather just BEGIN....set aside self doubt and enter into the process.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?

Six of Clubs: "We can talk when there's anybody worth talking to." Six is a path! Clubs: work, calling , plans. The potential outcome=When there's something worth revealing then the cards will say it. Also I think it is speaking of developing a relationship and connect so I am someone "worth" talking to.

Illumination Spread Reading

2009-10-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today I finally found a minute to try out this really neat spread that I found over at Tarot Elements. It's called the Illumination spread and it offers advise and guidance for the comoing week....well...it's Wednesday...so I am going to say my week runs from Wed -Wed for the sake of trying this out!!

Card One: This is what I need to be aware of in preparation for the coming week.

It is the Six of Pentacles...hmmm...there will be the sharing of prosperity or something which is rightfully mine...hmm...or gifts....Well....it is my birthday tomorrow so maybe it is referring to that...but hmmm.

Card Two: This is what my emotions tell me.

V The Hierophant: Conforming to social norms, kindness, forgiveness...my emotions are saying social norms are present but perhaps to be forgiving of those that blunder with them? IDK

Card Three: This is what my thoughts tell me.

Queen of Wands: A woman, someone who is well liked or honorable. I think that I am well liked...???

Card Four: This is how I combine my emotions and thoughts to assist me through the week.

Eight of Wands: A goal is approaching, new ideas or a journey

Well...I must say this is a lot tougher than I thought it would be....let me try another spin on it...

"Sharing of myself (whether $ prosperity or otherwise) will occur (might come from me not others) may be the nature of the week...to give. Well because SELF is rightfully mine. My emotions say that giving of self and not being self centered is more in line with social norms and I think it makes me honorable or well liked but maybe I need to go in a different direction (a journey of new ideas)."

Well, I don't know everything seems muddled at the moment....not illuminated.!!!

Wild Card Wednesday

2009-10-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's time for the Wild Card Wednesday Draw!!!

Deck: Tarot of Sexual Magic

Card: King of Swords:

Picture Description: A lovely undressed lady kneels before the King, while another woman who I believe is the Queen looks in through the window. She is holding a wilted black orchid. The kneeling lady has her hand on the King's knee and his hand covers hers. His robe is partially open. (well it is the Tarot of Sexual Magic)

Card Meaning: Fondling (The Magic of the Black Orchid)...Love is made of strength. True love is capable of going beyond strength. There are different kinds of strength.

NOTE: I HATE the LWB....I don't feel like the meaning always fits and they are not well rounded but seem sort of one sided. This one I suppose you could say the strength is in the Queen observing the Kings antics and staying strong...but that just doesn't seem very well rounded to me. It's vague. This deck I will be using the key words, reading the LWB meanings and then just going with my own.

My Meaning: There is a choice to be made, between observing and remaining silent and speaking up. Either one has both positives and negatives. Both are choices that require strength.

Musings: If I go with the idea of strength....confronting something takes strength as does ignoring or tolerating something. What the seeker does would depend upon their own belief system. True love is capable of a lot of things. In my own personal belief system though it would be important for one to love SELF with as much strength as you love someone else....so again the choice would depend on aligning love of self and love of another in such a way that one does not lose self in the process.

Loteria Card Meanings

2009-10-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

I read online about using the Mexican Loteria cards for readings and so I have been working with them like that for about a year. I've started making a list of my own card "meanings" based on the picture on the card and the riddle that I am aware of that goes with it. Here is a listing of my work so far...

1. El Gallo: El que le canto a San Pdero no le volvera a cantar: The Rooster: He that sang for St. Peter will not return to sing again. Interpretations: Beware of betrayal OR Someone who has betrayed you will not do it again OR The person who is trying to warn/advise you is going to give up.

2. El Diablito: Portate bien cuatito si note lleva el coloradito: The Little Devil: Behave yourself so that the little red one doesn't carry you off. Interpretations: Make sure you are behaving yourself OR A little mischief is in the making OR someone is causing a bit of trouble in this situation.

3. La Dama: La dama puliendo el paso, por todo la calle real: The Lady: The lady taking an elegant walk along main street. Interpretations: Handle this issue with grace and elegance OR Keep your manners about you OR This is all for show. Someone is showing off or pretending.

4. El Catrin: Don ferruco en las almeda su baston queria tirar: The Dandy: Don Ferruco in the Alamda, he wanted to toss away his cane and polish his steps. Interpretations: Let go of what you are holding onto and reach a new level OR Always strive for self improvement OR When something isn't working, try a new approach OR Be carefree, trust your instincts.

5. El Paraguas: Para el sol y para el agua: The Umbrella: For the sun and the rain. Interpretations: Someone or something is protecting you in good or bad times OR Be prepared for the good and the bad in any situation OR Always look at both sides of the situation (at least you have an umbrella)

6. La Sirena: Con los cantos de sirena no te vayas marear: The Mermaid: Don't get dizzy with the songs of the mernmaid. Interpretations: Don't get carried away with emotion. OR Keep a clear head OR Look at the factors that are influencing you closely.

7. La Escalera: Subeme paso apasito. Ho quieras pegar brinquitos: The Ladder Climb me step by step. You don't want to hop up. Interpretations: Take it slow and steady, don't go to fast OR You are moving forward in the issue, keep going.

8. La Bottella: La hermienta del borracho. The Bottle: The tool of the drunk. Interpretations: Caution, there is an obsession or addiction here OR drinking is involved in this issue OR Someone is trying to forget their sorrow.

9. El Barril: Tanto bebio el albanil que quedo commo barril. The Barrel: The bricklayer drank so much that he ended up like a barrel. Interpretations: Beware of alcohol involved in this situation OR Do not over indulge in anything. OR There are always consequences for our actions. Examine what they might be. OR Too much of anything is not a good thing.

10. El Arbol: El que a buen arbol se arrima buena sombra le cobija: The Tree: He that seeks the shelter of a good tree, good shade covers him. Interpretations: Good friends are like a good tree, they offer you shade OR Make good choices and you will be fine OR See the good in life and you will always be ok OR Make sure you are a person of character and you will be protected OR If you ask for help from a good person, you shall receive it.

11. El Melon: : Me lo das me lo quitas: The Melon: I can take it or leave it. Interpretations: Simply take it or leave it, you decide OR It is time to make a decision OR Which ever choice you make won't have a big impact.

12. El Valiente: Por que le corres cobarde trayendo tan buen punal....The Hero: Why are you running like a coward when you are carrying such a good dagger? Interpretations: Do not be afraid, you have what you need to be successful. OR Don't let fear rule this situation.

13. El Gorrito: Ponle su gorrito al nene no se nos vaya a resfriar: The Little Bonnet: Put the baby's little cap on, let's don't cause him to catch cold. Interpretations: Someone needs protected or shielded in this issue OR Take care of those you care about

14. La Muerte: La muerte sirqui siaca. Death: Skinny death. Interpretations: Denying self something, Dissatisfaction with body/self, Lovesick or missing someone, An ending.

15. La Pera: El que espera desespera. The Pear: He who waits despairs. Interpretations: Do not wait too long or you will despair OR someone is giving up in this situation OR waiting is not the best choice here...take action.

16. La Bandera: Verde blanco y colorado, ta badnera del soldado: The Flag: Green, white, and red, the flag of the soldier. Interpretations: Stand behind what you believe in OR There are strong beliefs in this situation and people will defend their position.

17. El Bandolon: Tocando su bandolon esta el mariachi Simon. The Mandolin The mariachi Simon is playing his big mandolin. Interpretations: Someone is playing music in this situation (making others dance). OR Keep cheerful, follow the beat.

18. El Violoncello: Creciendo se fue hasta el Cielo y como no fue violon.Tuvo que ser violocello: The Cello: Growing he went up to heaven and because he wasn't a violin, he had to be a cello. Interpretations: Grow up and recognize the harsh realities of life OR When something blocks your way, go another direction OR Even if you can't have what you want, you can enjoy what you have.

19. La Garza: Al otro lado del rio, tengo me banco de arena, donde se sienta me chata pico de garza moreno. The Heron: On the other side of the river is the sandbar where sits my honey with a beak like a brown heron. Interpretations: True love is there but you might have a ways to go to find it. OR Look and you will find what you are seeking, maybe in an unlikely place. OR What you want is in sight but still just a little out of reach.

20. El Pajaro: Tu me traces a puros brincos como pajaro en la rama: The Bird: You've got me jumping to it like a bird on a branch. Interpretations: Someone/something is pulling your chain or making you jumpy. OR Don't just pretend to take action and flutter around...actually DO something about this issue. OR a certain level of nervousness is present.

21. La Mano: La nam de un criminal: The Hand: The hand of a criminal. Interpretations: Someone in the issue is being dishonest OR People do not change their true nature. OR Be careful of the choices you make.

22. La Bota: Una bota es igual Porte: The Boot: One boot is the same as the other. Interpretations: Of two choices, one is as good as the other OR Nothing has changed OR You might "see" things differently but you are more alike than you think.

23. La Luna: El farol de enamorados: The Moon: The lantern of lovers. Interpretations: Love or romance is present OR Be careful that strong emotion is not influencing the situation OR Put a brighter light on the situation, something is clouding your vision.

24. El Cotorro: Cotora, daca la pata y empiezame. The Parrot: Parrot, land here and chat with me. Interpretations: Somone needs to talk to you or you need to talk to someone. OR Don't get so busy that you do not listen to others.

25. El Borracho: A ue borracho tan necio ya no lo puedo aguantar. The Drunk: I cannot put up with the foolish drunk. Interpretations: Someone is being foolish in their ways or drinking too much. OR Be cautious about overindulgence of any kind. OR Remember what your actions look like to others.

26. El Negrito: El que se comio el azucar: The Negro: He who ate the sugar. Interpretations: Someone is experiencing difficulty but is still seeing the sweetness of life OR We do what we need to do to get through life.

27. El Corazon: No me extranes corazon que regresso en el camion: The Heart: Don't miss me, heart, because I will retun in a truck. Interpretations: Don't give up OR This love is true OR A longing for someone or something.

28. La Sandia: La barriga que Juan tenia ere empacho de sandia. The Watermelon: John's belly was stuffed full of watermelon. Interpretations: Things are going well. OR Indulge in the pleasures of life OR There is enough here, do not worry.

29. El Tambor: No te arrugues cuero viejo que te quiero pa'tambor. The Drum: Don't wrinkle old leather, because I want you for my drum. Interpretations: Careful, someone wants you. OR There is value here. OR Things may not be as they appear.

30. El Camaron: Camaron que se duerme se lo lleva al corriente. The Shrimp: The shrimp that sleeps is carried by the current. Interpretations: He who hesitates is lost. OR Take some action or you will be pulled about by others. OR Take control of the situation. OR Being passive is not the best choice here.

****I have developed meanings for the others also...I just don't have them typed up yet.

Monday Musings

2009-10-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

A three card draw with the Mexican Loteria Cards:

La Calavera + La Garza + El Pajaro

La Calavera: The Skull: "When passing a graveyard I found a skull"...something not totally unexpected but a surprise still.

La Garza: The Heron: "On the other side of the river is the sandbar where sits my honey with beak like a brown heron." (something I want or desire is in sight but still a little out of reach)

El Pajaro: The Bird: "You've got me jumping to it like a bird on a branch." (fluttering in excitement or anxiety)

"Unexpectedly I will find something I desire is in sight but I will be like a bird jumping about trying to get it."

I love these cards!!!

Deck To Review: Alice Playing Cards

2009-10-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

These Alice cards are really a deck of regular playing cards that includes quotations from Alice in Wonderland. They are actually a pretty delightful deck to read with and I have found them quite accurate most of the time.

So for my Alice fun.....

Which Card represents my current state of mind?

2 of Hearts: (hearts...love, family & friends, things we value) (2 are exchanges) My current state of mind is on love and/or relationships and some exchanges are or will occur centered around this topic. The quotation is "Oh, I beg your pardon!" What I pick up from that is...be careful not to overstep boundaries during discussions or exchanges.

Which Card can advise me about how to proceed?

Ace of Hearts: (again..hearts...hmmmm love, family & friends, things valued) (Aces are Beginnings) How to proceed...remember that this is simply a beginning...and it involves love and/or friendship...beginnings mean taking your time...do not rush forth...wait & see. The quotation is "Oh, I've had such a curious dream" Again beginnings involve uncertainty..what is real...what is a dream...and what does it all mean?

I certainly enjoy this deck and perhaps..."true tarot and oracle people" might scoff at the idea that one can glean wisdom from this deck or any deck that is not highly researched etc. BUT it is my belief that wisdom and guidance are presented to us in whatever manner we are open to and what ever for we best connect with. The Universe conspires to make sure we have available to us the "message" we need whether it's in the form of tarot, oracles, playing cards, conversations, poetry, fairy tales, etc.

October Deck To Explore

2009-10-08T04:20:00.001-07:00

Faery Lovers is actually one of the more interesting cards in Wild Wisdom of the Faery Oracle. While the artwork of this deck is really beautiful it is sort of stereotypical. Most of the faeries have lovely long flowing hair in a varierty of colors but basically the same. In addition, they are beautiful and slender. Not much "wild" about them. Don't get me wrong I like the images, I just find them a bit limiting. Where is the fat faery with the wild unkept hair? Or the old wise faery with wrinkled face and bright twinkling eyes. Where is the angry faery who has been insulted? Some of the cards actually look like the same faery...just in a different setting. So in this deck it's hard to tell one faery from the other without the help of the setting of the card. That's a shame because the concepts for the cards...A Story Teller, Once was Innocent, etc are super meaningful to me.

While I really connect with the concepts, I can't say as much about the actual meanings that are written for the cards. I like the concept and I even like the introductory part for each faery....but the meanings (to me) seem a bit random and a little overkill. In a paragraph there may be 15-20 possible meanings. Some are tied to the card concept and some just feel like they are way off base. I realize that there needs to be a variety of meanings but these do not always even flow together with a common human experience or emotion.

So what shall I do with this deck? Like I said I am still drawn to it...even with its limitations. I like the artwork, even with its limitations. I mean faeries do like to present themselves as little humans with wings...so as not to scare the weak hearted among us. So perhaps this deck is a bit of their faery magic. The concepts are most cool...and the introductions are nice (the ones I've read...still working on it). The meaning...sort of well put me off....So I will read the intros and look at the key concepts and I will simply "listen to faery" and develop my own meanings for this deck. Quite honestly that is the only way I really see myself using it much...

Wild Card Wednesday

2009-10-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's Wild Card Wednesday!

Deck: Halloween Tarot (wooden)

Card: Strength

Traditional Meaning: Strength, courage, energy, determination, action

Halloween: None provided.

The figure of the little girl on the card carrying both a cat and a pumpkin reminds us that any action requires a certain level of action and determination. The amount of strength required is also directly related to the size or ability of the individual...or even the level of inner resolve and energy. So even though a cat and pumpkin are not huge...for one of small size they are quite a load.

Halloween Tarot (wooden)

2009-10-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Tarot (wooden)

2009-10-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

I have a wooden Halloween Tarot deck that I simply love....the images are reproductions of old Halloween post cards and as such offer delightful fun. The deck does not come with a book so I need to use traditional card meanings but try and put a bit of a Halloween twist on them when readings. Because the deck is so bulky....it is easiest to do Majors only readings...

I will try to snap a picture of a spread using the Halloween Tarot and post it a little later this week...you will see it is a visual feast for the eyes and with its playful spirit produces some cool readings.

Thoughts about Oracles

2009-10-05T04:18:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering oracles a bit lately. I know there are people that SWEAR only by the tarot and it's predefined structure. They scoff at anything oracle in nature. Yet the history of reading cards, in fact reading anything, predates the "invention" so to speak of tarot.

In my mind I see tarot, in general and the Lenormand cards, specifically as someone's "method" of reading. While it's true the tarot has withstood the test of times and has become highly popular...it is still a method or framework for reading. A very good one, don't get me wrong, I am not downplaying the significance of tarot. The good thing about tarot is it outlines the journey through life and encompasses the aspects of the human experience. It also provides a common language for people to discuss, study, and develop concepts more fully.

It comes to mind though that perhaps originally tarot was "invented" to help lesser readers or beginners. I imagine that there are those with well developed fine tuned skills that can read anything from leaves, to bones cast to changes in the weather. They just have a "gift" for seeing things in unique and helpful ways. Ways that explain, explore, define, clarify, etc the human experience. Then there are others that "aspire" to be readers, teachers, philosophers etc. And so it goes something like this....

Newbie: "Can you teach me to read?"

Sage: "Read what?"

Newbie: "Anything...I just can't "see" what you do. How do you do it?"

Sage: "Hmm, lets start with this deck of cards. Easier than leaves. What do you see here in this Ace of Spades?"

Newbie: "HMMM...I see some spades, an A, ....hmmmm I don't know...what am I suppose to see?"

Sage: "No no...don't look at details like that...an ace means beginnings and for me spades mean trouble...so we have the beginnings of trouble."

Newbie: "Oh wow....very helpful....can you just tell me what each card means and I'll memorize it so I won't really have to come up with my own meanings?"

Sage: "Oh all right but you really need to make time to connect with them on your own level, listen, develop your own talent."

Newbie: "Well not all of us have the awesome talent you do and I'd still like to read...so help me out will you?"

Sage: "Fine...lets get started.."

Then of course years later someone does the same thing with tarot cards, and Lenormand cards and etc etc.

Oh sorry, I'm rambling...back to oracles...To me in some ways oracles "force" me to listen to my intuition...to discover new connections, to delve into my inner self, seeking unique ways to describe life and the human experience. Oh, some oracles lack depth, and those decks are hard to work with. There's just not enough "meat" there to make a meal with, no matter how much intuition you have, They are still just a deck of random artwork that may whisper but never shouts. Then there are other decks that are "alive" with the energy it takes to ignite intuition and to discover new truths.

So I love oracles. They allow me to be more creative. They encourage me to break the bonds of the "traditional" and move into a new realm. They nudge me and intrigue me into looking at things closely and they tell me to trust myself. They do not tie me down but rather give me a freedom that is necessary if one is to "listen".

Full Moon Hello October Readings

2009-10-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

As I wrote about over at Once Upon a Time...this is the area where I will be doing the Full Moon Hello October Readings. This example shows the layout with the Froud's Faeries cards. Right now the sunlight is streaming in but this evening it will be moonlight and if the weather permits I will open the window to the night air.

The Harvest Moon most often appears in September but this year it is in October.!! The Harvest Moon should be visible all week. The Harvest Moon because of its path hangs near the horizon all night which puts it in the spotlight! The Harvest Moon is sometimes mistaken for the Hunters Moon. The Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon are special, because around the time of these full moons, the time difference between moonrise on successive evenings is shorter than usual.

It is said that all full moons have their own unique characteristics based on the whereabouts of the ecliptic in the sky at the time of year the moons are visible. Traditionally the Harvest Moon was named such because it allowed longer hours of light for farmers to get their crops in from the fields.

Here at The Quest I will be doing a write up on one of the readings I do with the Froud's Faeries cards. Over at Once Upon a Time, you will be able to read another write up of the readings using the Fairy Tale Tarot cards.

Trick or Treat Give Away

2009-10-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's October.....it's the Harvest Full Moon.......it's autumn........it's my birthday month.....and it's Halloween....so let's have some Trick or Treat Fun...

It's a give away....nothing BIG....actually something little....a tiny deck of Mexican Loteria Cards....

I ended up buying several loteria sets and then I cut some of the bingo like sheets up to do art work with and make tiny decks with.....so I have some tiny decks that I don't really NEED...

I will give away a tiny deck...in a drawing November 1st....your name will be entered in the drawing every time you post a comment between now and October 31st (midnight)....it's just a chance to have a "tiny" bit of fun here at the Quest...

If you like Give Aways.....I'm having one over at Once Upon a Time too....fairy tale related...details will be posted there a bit later...

Thursday's Deck to Explore

2009-10-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

The deck to explore for this wonderful month of October is The Wild Wisdom of the Faery Oracle. I touched on it a bit yesterday with Wild Card Wednesday. Here's my approach to this deck...I'm going to be spending A LOT more time with the cards and getting my vibes and thoughts about them together before delving too far into the book. As I stated yesterday my vibes about the card went quite well with "the story" of the card but not with the meaning listed....so I want to get my own thoughts down before I jump in.

I wonder since the artwork is by Selina Fenech and the book by Lucy Cavendish if that has created this divide as I see it...and then again...maybe it is just one card...time will tell. But what if the "story" is Selina's ideas or motivation behind the art and the meaning is Lucy's interpretation? That would make sense. But as I said ...need more time and exploration!!!

Each card has a lovely picture of a faery...all in humanish form...and then a title and a few words of meaning...For example...# 12 Glossamer Princess...Communication. Relationship work to be done. Sometimes I like the key words on a card and at other times I find them limiting...again more time will allow me to see how this unfolds.

I'll pop in next Thursday with more thoughts about this deck.

Wild Card Wednesday

2009-09-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Wild Card Wednesday. For today I will use my new Wild Wisdom of the Faeries Oracle. So bear with me....this is a VERY new deck...have barely looked at it yet!!

DECK: Wild Wisdom of the Faeries Oracle

CARD: # 7 Faery Wishing Well

ART: Quite a lovely young faery perched on the side of a fountain. Water is pouring forth fronm the mouth of the tree face. She is clutching a disk in her arms and there are several more stacked .She is looking down, contemplating the wish she might make with the coin. She looks solemn not just thoughtful. This wishing is serious business.

KEY WORDS: Manifestation, Expectations, Offerings

MY Interpretations: This card is saying there are many posssiblities. Your wishes will be manifested. Examine your expectations and make sure you are clear on exactly what you want for it is about to be brought into your life. Be thoughtful. Wishing is serious business and one must be VERY clear on what it is they wish for. Life brings surprises even when wishes come true.

BOOK Interpretations: We have mastered the making of money in some repects. Use prosperity wisely. What are you creating with it?

Hmmmm...it is interesting to note that the little write up about the fairy is pretty much in accord with what I used as my interpretation. Caution in using wishes wisely, thinking about exactly what you are wishing for...etc. Along with some good advice about making room in your life for the wish to come true and some nice faery lore.

The interpretation on the other hand feels out of place. It has nothing to do with wishes but money. And while many people wish for good fortune, it just doesn;t seem to fit. Two things....wishing wells aren't about money...they are about desires, hopes, dreams, and believing. Faeries aren't about money either which sort of throws me with this interpretation but if you broaden the term money to things valued...perhaps. I shall ponder this a bit more and reflect on it.

The Quest Monthly Deck Studies

2009-09-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Over at Once Upon a Time....I am posting Tarot Spread Tuesdays and Fairy Tale Fridays....it's a nice way to make sure and get up some new things each week by providing a framework. Honestly I'm not always that good with frameworks...I'm a dreamer...an idea person....my mind races 90 miles an hour and I hop from topic to topic like a ping pong ball....but still I do like to try to be organized...LOL...plus I need a bit of focus for my deck studies.....so here's what I thought of...

Each month I set up a "plan"...not that I always follow it totally...but it is a framework for study...so I can explore new decks, touch base with old favorites, and develop deeper bonds with some of the decks I really connect with. This monthly study framework will become my blogging framework here at The Quest...not that I will stick to it totally...sorry but if something catches my eye....or a new thought occurs....I blog it...it's just the way I am...!! I also know that I will not blog here daily...but I think the framework will help me.

Mondays...Open Topic...any whim I have to ramble on about....

Tuesdays...DECK I LOVE....one of my tried and true...strongly bonded decks (they may differ by month)

Wednesdays....DECK TO READ...this is the deck of the month....the one I am making a conscious effort to work with daily or at least five times during the week...!!

Thursdays...DECK TO EXPLORE.....a new deck or a fairly new deck...or one that I've never gotten to spend much time with.

Fridays or Saturdays or Sundays: DECK TO REVIEW...this is a chance to take a fresh look at a deck...or to refresh myself on card meanings etc...so easy to forget if not in the hand and on the mind!!!

OCTOBERS STUDIES

Deck I Love: Fairy Tale Tarot
Deck To Read: Halloween Tarot (wooden, use Majors only)
Deck to Explore: Wild Wisdom of the Faeries Oracle
Deck to Review: Alice in Wonderland Cards

Mexican Loteria

2009-09-24T04:27:00.000-07:00

For some reason I love, love, love using the Mexican Loteria cards as an oracle...the little riddles that go with each one are thought provoking and I have found them to read quite cleverly...someday I plan to purchase a baraha (sp?) deck...they are a well known deck used in Mexico for fortune telling and many Spanish speaking countries...

So today since I am short of time for writing...I will pull two Loteria Cards and see what they have to say about the day...

La Corona: The Crown "El sombrero de los reyes." The hat of kings.

La Mano: The Hand "La mano de un criminal" The hand of a criminal

"Beware of one who wears the hat of a king for he has the hand of a criminal."

Oh dear me....on a simpler level I think the cards are saying that some people get their "power" by ways that are not the most ethical. Or pehaps that those who wear the "crown" do not always have the best behavior.

Wild Card Wednesday

2009-09-23T04:08:00.001-07:00

Pick a Card...any Card and explore it in depth.....in old ways and new ways....

Deck: Froud's The Faeries' Oracle

Card: #46 The Friends

Intuitive One Word: Support

Book Key Words: Friendship, Support, Aid

Expanded Book Meaning: The give and take of friendship is importnat, be willing to receive as well as give. Ask friends for help or pay attention to the need for support from yourself.
REVERSED: Spats, disagreements, and misunderstandings

Personal Meaning: The importance of friendship exists throughout life....to give and receive. Be aware of the impact we have on others lives. It is not about what they need or I need but about what together WE can be.

Alice Speaks

2009-09-22T04:12:00.001-07:00

Today for a bit of fun....the Alice cards...regular playing cards with Alice in Wonderland Quotations....

Question: How will my day go?

Four of Diamonds: Fours do not change. The diamonds...money or things of value (maybe not material)...So in Regard to something I value. It does not change.

Quote: "O Oysters, come and walk with us! The Walrus did beseech!"
In regard to something I value that will not change...it will always still be there and on friendly terms.

Question: How will the problem that is on my mind turn out?

Two of Clubs: Twos show exchanges and with clubs...work, callings, plans. I will read it as plans...
So there will be some exchange related to plans.

Quote: "The race is over! But who has won?"
In regard to an exhange of thoughts about plans..it is over or has been completed but it yet remains to be seen who has won or what the final outcome will be.

Question: What advice can you give me about the problem?

Six of Diamonds: Six shows a path the seeker must tread. With diamonds...I would say a path of something of value..not money...friendship.

Quote: "The prettiest are always further!"
I will tread a path of value (friendship) and I need to remember that the prettiest (the best outcomes) are always further....or take work to reach.

Well this is pretty amazing...the cards are right on...and I decided to give a quick look at elements.

Two Diamonds & One Club
Two Earths & One Fire
Or a Fire in between Two Earths...

I'll write more about this later but my tarot draw focusing on elements was earth/fire....interesting!

My Faery Friends

2009-09-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

Moving away from the elements for this post...and talking to my faery friends about the week ahead.

Three Cards: The Master Maker + Singer of Transfiguration (R) + Ekstasis (R).

I'm going to read it as The transfomation that can bring joy is blocked and therefore what is hoped to be achieved, is not.

Now this draw is pretty fascinating because I just wrote about the elemental draw for today and as I was thinking about the meanings assigned to EARTH + FIRE....it struck me that another interpretation could be That change is tempered/slowed/blocked by the stable/status quo.

So yes...I could be interpreting this one in light of that draw BUT at the same time...these are the cards that came up...didn't intentionally pick them to coincide. Wel, well, well,....interesting. I just wanted to have a bit of fun playing with the faeries and once again they amazed me!!

I'll seriously have to watch the week and see if things unfold in accord with the cards.

A Six Card Two People Reading

2009-09-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm going to play some more with the cards tonight and use the elemental dignities focus a bit more. This layout represents two people...

******************1*************2*************************************************
******************3*************4*************************************************
******************5*************6*************************************************

First Pair: Jack of Diamonds + Four of Diamonds

Earth + Earth
Solid, stability, no movement
Meanings: The Jack can represents a younger inexpeienced person male or female while the four indicates things do not change.
Since I am reading this as two people, I would say that there is value here...diamonds mean money, wealth, ways and means or simply something of great value to the person. Both people value the relationship.The Jack is younger and thus may be a concern, lower maturity level or simply not much in terms of life experiences while the four is indicating thet the second person does not change. He stays the same in the things he values.

Second Pair: Ace of Diamonds + Queen of Diamonds

Earth + Earth...seriously...more stability!
The Ace brings beginnings....so the person represented by the Ace is starting to look at the relationship differently. The Queen of Diamonds...queens are the emblems of women and truth. This second person wants the truth from women, it is somthing he values.
But there is the earth element again so I think it is saying that currently the things will remain as they are.

Third Pair: Eight of Hearts + Four of Spades

Water + Air...hmmm...friendly but neutral one is passive...one is active
The eight says ideas and thoughts about love most likely since we have the hearts and the emotions (element water) Four says "does not change." and the spades are troubles that plague every man.
The person represented by the eight has lots of thoughts and ideas about love. The water element means that things for this person are at a stand still. The four brings troubles...so the other person is going to have trouble dealing with the emotions of the other...and that does not change.
The Water Air Combo indicates a talking about ones feelings. It can also indicate putting on a brave front.

Cartomancy: Suits: Elements

2009-09-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

I'm playing around with the Fairy Tale Tarot cards over at Once Upon a Time. Using the study suggestions from Tarot Elements and Tarot Eon to focus my study of the elements and tarot. I thought I'd explore this a bit more using regular playing cards. I have to admit that sometimes I prefer reading with regular cards over a tarot or oracle deck. I'm not sure why but they really just seem to click with me.

So then I started digging around to find the elements associated with each of the suits. Here is the elemental associations I found. Diamonds are earth, Hearts are water, Clubs are fire, and Spades are air.

So lets' try a few card combos for fun and practice.

Ten of Diamonds plus Ace of Diamonds which is Earth + Earth

Acccording to Tarot Eon and Tarol Elements....the most stable of the combinations, no movement period!, stablity.

The cards:

Ten of Diamonds= the end, completion of a cycle or period
Ace of Diamonds= brings beginnings
Note: Diamonds are money, wealth, ends and means, something of value does not have to be actual money

Hmmm interesting pairing, don't you think? Let's think about possibilities here:

After a period of hard work and achievement you have reached a stable secure point in life, while this will not change in actuality, in life it represents a beginning of a new period...one of stability and financial security.

Ten can also represent a journey...in this case...let's interprete it as a financial journey...it has come to an end....it is stable....the Ace represents entering a new phase of security and way of life. So even though the elements of earth represent "stable, no change" I am saying that is related to finance and that will remain stable...while the Ace represents the fact that this indicates a new phase of life...one with financial security.

Let's try one more pair.....

Nine of Clubs and 4 of Clubs....so....Fire + Fire.

According to Tarot Eon and Tarot Elements a pairing of immense energy (good or bad)rapidly moving forward, can be intense and ruthless. To me...a pairing of intense passion...very strong action but perhaps without considering feelings or thinking things through.

The cards:

Nine of Clubs: Heralds change
Four of Clubs: Does not change
Note: Clubs deal with work, callings, plans.

Talk about a contradiction!!! But I was immediately drawn to this quotation from Douglas:

"There’s also a possibility that this energy dies down as quickly as it started."

So to me this pairing with these two particular cards is saying that there is a great passionate burst of energy that heralds change but when it is all said and done...it doesn't change anything....it dies down quickly!!

Here are some possibilities:

There is some great desire or need for change perhaps related to work or plans and there is a burst of energy toward changing however it is short lived and dies out quickly.

OR

There is a period of rapidly moving forward with little regard for feelings, perhaps even ruthlessly pushing ahead but this approach does not really bring about any lasting or permanent change.

I'll be back later to continue looking at how the elemental dignities and the two card pairing fit into reading with playing cards.

The Green Woman

2009-08-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

This was originally posted at Ginger's Journey on March 10, 2009

I find it a bit interesting that yesterday's focus was the Dark Lady and today's is the Green Woman...perhaps the universe is trying to tell me to focus on the beauty and strength of being female...

Hmmm...not sure but The Green Woman is also an archetype....however finding her counterparts throughout the world is proving to be slightly more difficult than the Dark Lady. But today I will share with you what I am discovering.The words associated with the Green Woman are wildness, expectant gratitude, natural magic and untrammeled creativity. The Green Woman dances naked whereever she wants. She is unencumbered by what you think of her because she is confident in her worth because of her life and experiences. She shows us how to release the constraints of artificial rules and limitations. She reminds us of the power of growth and the importance of perserverance and patience. She symbolizes a time for developing talents and for self confidence. (The Faeries Oracle Text by Jessica Macbeth, copyright 2000) You can read more about the Faeries Oracle at World of Froud or Faery Wisdom.

As far as this particular archetype in other cultures...I am sure it exists...I will continue to look for this "woman" under different names but here are a few tidbits I have uncovered already.The Green Woman's image can be found in the stonework of ancient churches in England and France, and is viewed as the feminine face of nature. Also known as Sheela-Na-Gig she is often pictured entangled in vines and foliage. The Green Woman's "nature" encourages us to see ourselves despite self limiting perspectives we have taken on through the years.

To read more about this view point of the Green Woman please check out Becoming the Green Woman. Perhaps this blogger says it best with her words...."The Green Woman is at once both an ancient archetype and a primal life force that is constantly creating and recreating herself through the cycles of birth, bloom and fermentation."Some believe that The Green Woman is three in one. At the same time Mother, Maiden, and Crone.

And there are many references to The Green Woman is relation to herbal healing. In fact I even discovered online courses related to this ancient art. There are many references to The Green Man and the Green Woman...more information seems available on the masculine image than the feminine.

In fairy folklore there were tree fairies called Green Ladies, that lived in the trees and were often offended if the trees were not treated with respect. Old sayings have it that before cutting a branch it was best to ask the fairies for permission.So my focus today is to ponder the wild creative nature of growth...perhaps self growth. To recognize that I am what I am...and that is quite enough in and of itself. Seeking acceptance and positive regard is human nature.....but the Green Woman says to Dance and celebrate yourself for being who you are! ... Be self confident....experiences and life by the age of 51 must have taught me something of worth...just listen to it!

My Daily Draw

2009-08-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I'd go with regular old playing cards for my daily draw. And it's the five of diamonds.

Diamonds: Money, Wealth, Means & Ends (To me...anything valued by a person)

Five: Is the body, its health and its stead.

Sign: Earth or Air (hmmm)

Successful meetings, particularly in business, happy family.

Well I must say on this I am at a total loss...I paid bills this morning and am a bit stressed over budget concerns, but I can't think how the five of diamonds plays into that. Perhaps nothing at all to do with money...perhaps...value my health and start taking better care of myself...reduce stress.

The Dark Lady

2009-08-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

This originally was posted on Ginger's Journey on Monday March 9, 2009.

Today's focus is to ponder the meaning and message of The Dark Lady....hmmm...the most widely known reference to the Dark Lady is Shakespeare's Sonnets....and perhaps Cher's song of the same name. While these are common references they may or may not have anything to do with the true essence of The Dark Lady. How then did the archetype come into being and what is its "true" nature?Drawing from memory and inner thoughts without reading...I pulled forth what is perhaps typical of beliefs about the Dark Lady...a temptress, representing passion, desires, and impulsive behavior.....imagine my surprise then when I discovered that this "symbolic image" has only minimal connections to such things.

One interpretation of The Dark Lady is that she is the keeper of all thoughts and ideas and the guardian of the unborn. She holds the dreams and ideas that have not yet sprung forth in us. She is with us in the darkest of nights and guides us through passings whether they be death or simply an ending of a phase or thing in our lives. She is there at the end of our grief process and helps us to move forward to a new beginning. The words associated with her: unconscious power & wisdom, rituals, mysteries, secrets. (The Faeries Oracle, Text by: Jessica Macbeth Copyright 2000) You can read more about the Faeries Oracle at Faery Wisdom or World of Froud.

As I explore and strive to understand archetypes and how they have developed over time and virtually across every culture and society on earth...it brings me back to Christianity and my belief in God. How do I reconcil this interest with a strong belief in God and Jesus Christ? Is it dabbling in areas that are best left alone? In truth, while I do not know the answer to this....I believe that exploring these concepts enriches and reinforces my belief in a Higher Power. In my life that is God and Christ. I know for others that may not be the case and while I can argue with you that my beliefs are the REAL beliefs...in truth I have no way of proving that to you or anyone else.So I decided to read a bit more about the Dark Lady and was very interested in finding an article in the National Catholic Reporter called Art & Spirituality: Seeking the Dark Lady. Here I will try to paraphrase those ideas that resonated with me and caused a bit of pause. For further information plase check out the link. It is a short easy to read article.

Key Points from My Perspective:

1. Images of a black or dark skinned Madonna with dark hair are among the oldest Madonna images in the world. Hmmmm...it is believed that these are a result of symbolic meanings and representations of attributes of goddesses.

2. Black Madonna images, both sculptures and paintings, have been found around the world. This representation of the feminine divine has been noted by Jungians and mystics. This image in its blackness represents the mystery surrounding the divine...a light so bright as to be seen only as blackness.

3. Also know as the Queen of Nature, she represnts fertile transformation both in the common meaning of the word...through birth & nature but also internal birth and change.

4. Other names depicting the Dark Lady through out Mexico and other countries: Sorrowful Mother, Mater Dolorosa, The Madonna of Solitude and Sorrow.

5. There is also similarities between the Dark Lady and a Hopi spirit called Crow Mother. She is noted as the Keeper of Balance and is the mother who fertilizes life.

6. BUT perhaps the most interesting to me was the following quotation taken from the article by Rich Heffern but is in part contributed to Craighead. ...."With contemporary lore about black holes at the center of our galaxy and elementary particles burbling into existence out of nothing, Craighead said, “science now shows us pragmatically what people in both the Old World and the New have probably always known forever, with their deep hunches about our origins. Black is holy. It’s the mysteries of the night sky. We both come from and are contained somehow by this darkness.”National Catholic Reporter July 25, 2008

Those are my ramblings today about the Dark Lady...she is encouraging a connection to the earth which I find ironic in this age of "going green". So while the term dark might lead one to believe in evil...the Dark Lady represents nature, sorrow, new beginnings and the essence of transfomation. She is a strong feminine image that evokes strength and support.

Aladdin I Card

2009-08-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

The story of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp...wishes come true!

To me the genie represents that part of us that has the power to make our wishes come true...In traditonal tarot the Aladdin card is the Magician card.

The word genius...comes from Latin and means to be inhabited by a genie...according to the book that comes with the Inner Child cards.... as we all know sience says that humans only use a small percentage of their brain power...developing the unused portion might just bring enlightenment.

This card reminds us that we each create our own reality...that which we focus on, hold on to, and release are all within our own power. And as such the things we believe in etc...shape the reality we know. It suggests that we use imagination and creativity to shape a reality that is meaningful and delightful!!

Originally posted at : Just Ginger, June 11, 2009.

Little Red 0 Card

2009-08-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

Little Red is the 0 Card, traditionally The Fool card in tarot decks. This card is of course based on the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, also called Little Red Cap. On the card we see Little Red mesmorized by the butterfly that has alightened on her finger.This card is said to represent each of us as we travel through life. It is a card of adventure and exploration. To me...it also suggests being aware of the pitfalls along the path. For just as Little Red was tempted by the Big Bad Wolf...we too shall be tempted to stray from our life's course. Oh please do keep in mind that all detours and wanderings are not "bad" in nature. Some of them are even necessary for growth and progress. At times it is vitally important to walk the road into the unknown and to wander around for a bit to get our bearings.

It is of interest to me that Little Red is the 0 card also....because a zero is, of course, a circle and the circle can represent completion. So beginnings and endings merge and one leads to the other and so on and so on. The "circle of life" so to speak. In life we start out...as our soul....in part of the wonderful whole of heaven and God....and we travel through life on our quest to return to that which we have left....upon our death the circle is complete and we are returned (in soul form) to the greatness of God.Little Red can also represent "rebirth" because in many versions of the story...the woodcutter cuts open the wolf and Grandma and Little Red emerge...whole and alive...just as we often go through difficult times to emerge whole and alive....different perhaps...at another level perhaps but still "reborn".

Orginally Posted at: Just Ginger June 9, 2009

Studying the Inner Child Cards

2009-08-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

As part of a learning project I am going to be writing about some cards called Inner Child cards. They are based on the tarot system but do not need to be used in the same manner as tarot. They are all based on fairy tales and are rich in meaning. There are many connections between the fairy tales and archetypes which many may remember that I am particularly interested in.
The cards are delightful and colorful. Each one represents a fairy tale in a different manner and the book explains the history of the fairy tale as well as possible meanings for the card. I am learning that fairy tales go a lot deeper than I thought!
So I hope you will enjoy reading about the cards here at The Quest...and perhaps you'll learn a few new things too!!

Originally posted at Just Ginger June 8, 2009

Daily Draw: One Card

2009-08-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

So many decks to explore and only so many hours and days...lol. My card for today is #16 the Stars....a good one!! The stars guide people to their destinys and predict postitive outcomes....AWESOME...I need a little positive today!! I think stars encourage us to follow our dreams...!!

My Daily Draw x3

2009-07-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

For me a daily draw can be anywhere from 1-5 cards...so here's the daily draw for today. Monday July 6th. The first card: Heart (nice pleasant card..hmmm perhaps!) Denotes all things dealing with love, romantic, friendship, family etc. Let's look at the next card to get a sense of what the love might be referring to.

The Lily: Sexuality, harmony, the family. Is generally a positive card and look to the surrounding cards for detail. Heart + Lily (wow, I'm hoping that's a good sign for today) Like maybe there will be love and harmony in my life!!

Letter: Messages, letters, emails or telephone calls. So Heart + Lily + Letter. Today I will receive a message regarding harmony or family related to love.....OR....this is what I already think the reading is referring to....LOL

Today I am finalizing plans for a quick last minute trip to the ocean....a place I love....the ocean is so calming and relaxing to me and I really need a break right now....so I think it is referring to this...and my two daughters are going with me...so it involves family also. ...Well if the day changes and something else comes up that this could be refrring to....I'll update the post.

Reading 3 for Today

2009-07-06T05:59:00.001-07:00

So this is the third reading for yesterday...I just didn't get it written up. Again this includes the fox. I am VERY interested in this turning up again. The Fox again has to do with someone not being honest about something. There are other possible meanings also but I am pretty confident that this meaning fits here.

The Fox + Heart: Someone is telling lies regarding love or at least not being honest. Again this could be either person or both in this situation, however, a recent conversation has me pondering the actual slant on this. Is it referring to overall? This person is not being completely honest? Or is it referring to a specific conversation and that the person did not reveal their true feelings in that particular conversation. (Because the conversation was on the 4th and this reading was on the 5th). AND the actual truth of the situation would change based on whether it means (had been being untruthful) or (was untruthful during conversation.).

Heart + Birds...the birds have to do with communication and thoughts. There is an anxious quality to them from coping with life. One interpretation I read says: "Slow down! And don't believe everything you hear." When I was doing the reading that line really popped out at me...it was like EXACTLY....and it makes me believe that the above Fox + Heart...is referring to the specific conversation and not overall...but IDK. Although I think there were parts of the conversation that were very honest, I also wonder if the key element of the conversation was sort of skewed, like someone trying to convince themselves of something or at least "accpeting" something and acting like it is okay or fine.

Even time will not totally reveal the accuracy of the cards because there are so many factors that will never be known or truly understood...BUT AGAIN...I will note the fox in all three readings is VERY telling...what we have to remember about someone not being honest is there are mutiple facets of that also...we tend to jump to the conclusion that there are LIES...but honesty comes in all forms....From bald faced lies....to lieing to yourself.....to be confused about feelings....to "protecting" yourself by saying something doesn't matter...to not even realizing that it matters....AND in this case perhaps the fox is referring to different people in each of the readings because that explanation would also fit...WELL...more details later as they unfold.

Reading 2 For Today

2009-07-05T11:46:00.001-07:00

This three card reading represents the other person in the relationship. It starts with The Coffin(endings, grief, transformations, new beginnings)

The second card is The Clouds (troubles, ambiguity, trouble is near) Since the light clouds are on the side next to The Coffin, this would seem to indicate that the ending may clear up the trouble and ambiguity. And yet what ending? The relationship? The dishonesty about feelings?

The 3rd card in the series is the fox (again someone is not being completely honest about feelings etc in this situation or perhaps are down right telling lies) Since this is on the dark side of the clouds...this is where the confusion and trouble is coming from.

So this could be read as...There will be an ending that will occur and this will clear things up and perhaps create a new beginning. It is unclear as to exactly what the ending is but it involves being honest about feelings and the relationship.

I am totally fasinated by the fact that the fox showed up in all three readings, as all are involved in this in one manner or another. The situation is such that the not telling the truth could fall on either person or both. As well as the fact that which direction is the honesty directed...are the people denying feelings that are there or saying there are feelings when there are not....or perhaps even a little of both...I plan to try and keep a running journal about this particular reading and see as the future unfolds...all of this becomes a bit clearer.

Reading Number 3 will be posted a bit later.

Reading 1 For Today

2009-07-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

The first card in the three card layout of this person's daily reading is The Tower. The Tower can describe lonliness and separation or a break up. It can also signify a tall person. The person that is the focus of this reading is tall. The Tower + The Fox (Today will bring about challenges or lonliness, perhaps even a separation.) The Fox (as related to love) signifies that someone is being lied to or at the very least there is someone not being honest about feelings or the relationship. The Fox + The Mountain (Indicates that this less than honest love situation is going to create a lot of frustration and difficulty and it will take much work to sort it out.

This reading is part of three (3 card) readings for the three people that are all closely linked by life, situation, and concerns. The next 2 posts will detail the other readings. AND I will point out now that even though the deck was thoroughly shuffled each time and cards were drawn at random. The Fox was present in all three readings.

PLEASE NOTE: The readings were done Card One, Card Two, Card Three not vertically as the pictures are posted.