Thoth

Learning the Thoth deck has been, and continues to be, a real challenge for me.  This, the latest deck in my collection, is one of the most difficult decks I've ever worked with.  Admittedly, I am an experiential learner.  I have to do it to know it.  I also rely heavily on visual cues and so I tend to lean toward decks that are rich in symbolism that is woven into actual scenes.

The Thoth deck was designed by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris with the intention of updating and "correcting" the classic Tarot as well as making it more esoteric.  If I had to describe the deck as a whole, it would be to say that it is a cross between the Steampunk genre and psychedelic imagery.  They nailed the esoteric piece!

The major arcana and the court cards are the easiest for me to understand and work with.  They are "scenes" of a sort and contain symbols that can be related to with with relative ease.  The pip cards, however, are merely depictions of the suit symbols (Wands, Discs, Swords & Cups).  Single-word annotations at the bottom of the cards point the Reader to the underlying meanings for each one, which is helpful.  One of the most interesting aspects of the Thoth is that there are no Kings or Pages.  The court cards are Princess,  Prince, Queen and Knight.

Thoth 3 of Discs
There is no obvious visual meaning
the symbolism is highly esoteric. 

Witches Tarot 3 of Pentacles
The scene reveals the meaning;

  

Green Witch Tarot 3 of Pentacles
Again we see a scene that tells a clear story.

The images, nevertheless, are powerful and invoke strong emotional reactions.  There is an obvious masculine energy in the images and in the deck itself.  The intuitive revelations are blunt, forthright and uncompromising.  Whether the messages are positive or negative, they are delivered without apology; we are distinctly made accountable for ourselves.

The Thoth deck has been on my wish list for some time.  I have heard so many good things about it over the years, but did not purchase the deck until now because... Well, I don't know why exactly.  Recently I had a reading done for me by a wonderful new friend who uses the Thoth deck regularly.   It was the best, most insightful and accurate reading I have ever had.  And I've had quite a few!  Using the Thoth, my friend honed in on the energies surrounding my query like an arrow truly aimed hits a bulls eye.  It was incredible!  I was so impressed that the deck was promptly re-positioned to the top of my list.  I had to find out more about it.

Which brings me back to the beginning of this post...

I am an experiential and visual learner.  Experience is paying off, albeit slowly.  The visual aspect is giving me a bit of grief.  But every day I feel a deeper connection to this deck.  I think that, in time, I will even be able to pick it up with confidence and use it to do good readings for others.  For now, though, the learning process is pacing itself with methodical deliberation.

I am pleased to have the Thoth deck in my collection.  It represents an intriguing chapter in divinatory history; one that I am not overly familiar with.  Yet!  It's also something I can now share with a friend.

Steampunk Tarot

This month the Steampunk Tarot by Barbara Moore has rolled into my growing collection of Tarot decks.  If you are unfamiliar with Steampunk, think Wild, Wild West starring Will Smith.  Here the Victorian era combines with the future with a distinctly Victorian perspective.  Goth discovers brown.  Still confused?  Google it.  Steampunk is a highly visual genre.  

There is a military energy in many of
the cards, but the deck still manages
to retain an air of romance.

The Steampunk Tarot is brilliantly illustrated by Aly Fell.  The images are charming and compelling, remaining both true to the genre & to traditional Tarot symbolism.  The Pages and Knights are female in all of the suits, except for the Knight of Pentacles, who cuts a dashing figure as a mature soldier.  Very few animals appear in the deck.  Of all the court cards, only the Queen of Wands is mounted.  The Chariot is pulled by mechanical beasts that have no equine resemblance whatsoever.  Here and there a hawk, a dog or a horse can be seen, but other than these there is little relating to Nature to be found. 

The images range from whimsical to powerful.  This is a deck that illicits deep feelings and stirs the emotions.   It would take some practice for me to be able to read well with it, but I think that it has a great deal of potential to be an amazing divinitory tool for many readers.  This deck would appeal to younger clients more so than older people who may not be familiar with the genre.   Pairing the deck to the client is an essential consideration for readers and Steampunk's wilder, more rebellious nature would strengthen the connection with youth well.  

The World and The Hermit
Powerful images that invoke strong feelings make this deck interesting.

There is a somewhat military flavour to some of the cards.  At times a war-like energy tends to seep through, but it somehow manages to retain a romantic and soft side in spite of the gleaming metal and roaring engines.  

The companion book is nicely illuminated with decorative corners on each page.  There is a brief explanation of Steampunk, an introduction to Tarot basics, a comprehensive section with the meaning for each card and the obligatory section with options for spreads that can be used in readings.  What is different about this book is that pip cards for each suit are presented numerically, but there is a separate section just for the court cards.  Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings are defined first as a position in the hierarchy and then individually.  I love that!   

The High Priestess is a whimsical image.
She dares you to take a chance!

Altogether a pleasing deck.  I'm very happy to have added it to my collection.  I doubt that I will use it much for readings, but I will certainly enjoy looking at the gorgeous artwork and reading the author's interpretations.  

Imbolc

That's a funny word!  What does it mean?

Imbolc is the third Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year, falling roughly in the middle between Yule (Winter Solstice) and Ostara (Spring Equinox).  Also known as Candlemas or Brigit's Day, Imbolc is a reminder that the Dark Season of Winter is beginning to give way to Spring.  The Goddess, Brigit presides over this day.  She is a Goddess of fertility as well as healing, poetry and smithcraft.  Through her, we are blessed with the promise of renewed life as the sun grows stronger and the cold recedes.

In the Tarot, Brigit's qualities can be found throughout both the major and minor arcana.  Perhaps she is best represented by The Empress, in whom we see so many symbols of creativity, fertility and the power of nature.  The Empress is proudly feminine, embracing all aspects of womanhood without shame or fear.  She accepts her personal power and uses it to nurture and protect.

Today, we are invited to work joyously with the power of Nature to bring forth new ideas. Plant the seeds of future prosperity.  Whether that is starting a new project or planning and preparing your garden for the coming growing season, look at this time as the beginning of a new cycle.

Imbolc is also a time to let go.  Cleaning out the old and making room for the new is featured today.  What no longer serves you?  Get rid of it!  Be it old grudges or clothes that no longer fit, it's time to empty the closets.

A great way to celebrate Imbolc is to divest yourself of something that is cluttering your life - spiritually, emotionally, mentally or physically.  Do it ritually!  Do it with purpose!  Find one thing - just one! - today that you can let go of.  If it can be recycled or re-purposed, of course, recycle or re-purpose it.  If it's something intangible, like a regret, a grudge or guilt, find a way to let it go.  A simple ritual is to write it down on a piece of paper and then burn the paper.  While it's burning, ask Spirit to transmute the negative energy into something more positive.  Then bury the ashes or scatter them to the wind.  It needn't be elaborate.

Smudging yourself and your home is another way that you can celebrate Imbolc.  Or get out your broom or besom and sweep away negativity.  If it's not too cold outside, open windows and let some fresh air in.

If your thoughts are turning to Spring Cleaning, then let them turn fully!   Lighten and brighten your life any way you can today.

Blessed be!

Ps  If you are wondering how to pronounce Imbolc, there are several variations, none of which I have ever been able to clarify definitively.  I pronounce it: EE-mulk.    I have also heard it pronounced Im-bolg, IM-bullug or IM-bulk - both with a EE sound or a short i as in interesting.  It might be easier to just call it Brigit's Day!

Green Witch Tarot

Each month I purchase a new Tarot deck to add to my collection.  I have a wish list a mile long, but I am limiting myself to one new deck per month so that I don't have to re-mortgage the house or sell of my first-born.  (Just kidding!)  The real reason is so that I have time to familiarize myself with the deck, concentrating on one new deck at a time.  Trust me, it's not easy to refrain from buying all the decks on my list all at once.

This month The Green Witch Tarot by Ann Moura is the new addition to my growing assemblage of divinatory decks.  What an absolute delight this deck is, too.

Much of the Christian symbolism that can be found in traditional decks has been replaced with clearly Pagan imagery.  The illustrations are reminiscent of fairy tale picture books that inspire the imagination and awaken a childlike wonder.  They are truly magical!

The Major Arcana is slightly different from traditional decks as well.  The Greenman replaces the Fool and the Witch replaces the Magician.  There is a distinct feminine feel to the deck; the Goddess is noticeably present in the energy this deck exudes.  Plants and animals add deeper meaning to each card.

There is some variation in the suits as well.  Chalices instead of Cups and Athames instead of Swords.  But these minor changes only enhance the deck.  Without even looking at the accompanying book, readings come naturally.

But that is not what this deck will be used for.  The Green Witch Tarot is to become my ritual deck.  It will be reserved for Sabbats and Moons and other magical pursuits.

The companion book is as delightful as the deck.  240 pages of well-organized information about the deck just begs to be studied.  There are pages for notes and example spreads.  While there are no overviews of the major or minor arcana, or the suits at the beginning of those sections, there is a concise introduction that includes a bit of Tarot history, the meaning of the suits, some numerological information to enhance readings and an explanation of green witchcraft as it is used in the deck.

Even the back of the cards is charming.  A wreath of red roses encircles a spruce-bough pentacle and hangs on a rustic wooden wall that is stained green.  I think of Yule when I look at the image.  Perhaps it is the colours.  But more than that, the symbolism in this single, simple image is as rich as it is throughout the deck.

I'm so excited about this acquisition and so pleased with this lovely deck.  With its uplifting images and messages, I can't wait for the full moon so I can cleanse it and start using it.

Blessed be!

Tweeting and Blogging and Social Media-ing... Oh, my!

Coming out - so to speak - as a Tarot Card Reader wasn't easy.  The work involved in launching my Tarot business is... Well, let's just say I'm winging it!

Yemalla's Moon has a Faceboook page, a Twitter account, this blog - obviously - and now it has a YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUjio2JaXWE

Wow!  A YouTube channel.

There you will be able to listen to a weekly (hopefully) Tarot energies forecast, podcasts and more (hopefully again).

I'm a total newbie to this YouTube stuff, so bear with me.  As I think about all the work involved in promoting Yemalla's Moon through these on-line mediums, I wonder if I'll have time to actually do any readings!

The Ace of Wands brings a transformative
new beginning to a fiery passion.  

What's next? I ask myself.  A newsletter?  Not going there just yet.

There is a website in the works.  I just have to get 'er done!  (Soon, folks!)

The other day I was asked why I do this.  The short answer is because I love it!  I love the Tarot.  I love technology.  And I love that my tarot business blends so well with technology.

So now I'm Tweeting and blogging and Facebooking and podcasting.  And I can't decide which is my favourite.  Which is yours?  Let me know in the comments.  I really want to know what people prefer.

Yemalla's Moon can be found at
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Yemallaa-Moon-Consulting-Tarot-Services-611254505638434/
Twitter:  Yemalla's Moon  @Yemalla_Arcanum
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUjio2JaXWE
And right here on Blogspot:  http://yemallaarcanum.blogspot.ca/

I can be reached via e-mail at yemallasmoontarot@gmail.com.  Order a reading!  (Yes, order)  Send your request and your question to me.  I will invoice you (Full tarot reading - $50.00; 5-card tarot reading - $30.00; 4-card oracle reading - $40.00) and once your payment is processed I will conduct your personal reading and send you the recording to listen to at your convenience.  What could be easier?  If it sounds complicated, it's actually a lot faster than making an appointment and having to take time out of your busy day to attend.  Though I'm happy to do readings in person as well.

Brightest Blessings!

2016 The Year in Numbers and Cards

Happy New Year!

Every year on New Year's Day, I like to do a quick numerological analysis of the year.  I'm not an expert, but I have dabbled for years in this fascinating system and this has become a bit of a tradition for me.  This year I am adding the Tarot Element to my report.  I hope you enjoy this expanded and deeper look into the coming months.

  2+0+1+6=9

Nine is the number of humanitarianism and altruism.  It's all about giving and forgiving.  2016 invites you to keep these qualities in the forefront always.  If you pay attention to nothing else, pay attention to how you treat others.  Remember:  What you give is what you get!  Let's all sow seeds of kindness and reap it in return.

In the tarot, the cards can be grouped into "constellations."  The constellations are representative of the numerologically associated energies.  The principles of nine are Introspection and Personal Integrity.  There are six cards in the ninth constellation:  The Hermit, the Moon and the nine of each suit.

The Hermit, like the Fool, stands on the edge of a precipice.  Unlike the Fool, he is holding a lantern to light his way.  He does not venture forth blindly or rely on faith alone to guide him.  He studies things carefully and thoughtfully.  He makes sure that what he chooses is based on fact rather than speculation.  He exercises discernment and puts his faith in reliable sources, including his own heart and mind.  His counterpart in the ninth constellation is the Moon.  Here a beautiful woman is accompanied by wolves.  Her way is lit by a torch and the light of a crescent moon.  She is the feminine compliment to the Hermit, representing intuitive wisdom.  Together, the Hermit and the Moon suggest that we need to balance heart and mind.  How does what we see and hear resonate with us?  Does it ring with truth or falsehood?  Does it serve the greater good?

The suit cards further the messages of the Hermit and the Moon.

Nine of Cups - is the hospitality card!  Are the doors to your home and office open?  Do you invite others into your life, or shut them out?  Are you willing to share what you have (food, shelter, knowledge, skills), or do you hoard them for yourself and for your own gain?

Nine of Swords - is the drama card!  Do you create unnecessary drama in your life?  Do you play the victim?  Do you allow yourself to get drawn into others' drama?

Nine of  Wands - is the conviction card!  Do you stand up for what you believe in?  Do you defend yourself and others honourably?  Do you practice integrity?

Nine of Pentacles - is the self-sufficiency card!  Do you value yourself, your skills, your experience?  Do you appreciate what you have accomplished in life?  How do you define success?  Are you willing to share your skills, your experience and the abundance you have created with others?

Two is the number of relationships and partnerships of all kinds.  The Second Constellation bears the principles of Balance and Judgement.  There are seven cards in the second constellation that invite us to examine our relationships, the boundaries we set with others and our conduct within our relationships.  The High Priestess and Justice are strong reminders to act justly and to keep things in balance.  Karma (or Judgement) reminds us that what we give is what we get.  Do you treat yourself and others fairly?  Are you able to see the other's perspective and give it proper consideration?

Two of Cups - the romance card!  Take sexual intimacy out of the equation and open your mind to the romance in all of your one-on-one relationships.  Do you have fun together?  Are you respectful of each other?  How deep is your bond - really?

Two of Swords - the disagreement card!  Arguments and differences of opinion are bound to surface from time to time.  How to you handle it?  Do you refuse to see the other's perspective?  Are you blind to any options?

Two of Wands - the expectation card!  Do you expect too much?  Do you expect too little?  Have you perhaps reached a goal and now feel unsatisfied with the result?

Two of Pentacles - the multi-tasking card!  Can you balance all your obligations without dropping any balls?  Do you take on too much?  Can you say no and mean it?  Can you say yes and mean it?  (Oh, and balance your cheque book!)

The Fool, which also fits into the fourth constellation, stands alone here.  The Fool is an invitation to adventure.  Unlike the conservative and logical Hermit, the Fool is ready and willing to take that leap of faith.  And sometimes we all need to do this.  (The Hermit will understand!)  Bring spontaneity into your life once in a while.  Explore your own potential by challenging yourself with new things.

One is the number of the Self.  The first constellation embodies the principles of will and focused consciousness.  The seven cards in this group are an open invitation to face challenges and overcome obstacles.  It's all about you!  The Magician is a resourceful fellow, but he's not afraid to ask for assistance when he needs it.  He understands that much of what he needs to be successful is already his and he's willing to get creative.  The Wheel of the Year reminds us all that change is imminent.  The seasons rise and fall and blend together to provide what we need when we need it.  And the Sun fuels us with the energy we need to do the work.  How do you face challenges and obstacles?  Are you able to ask for - and accept! - help?  Can you set goals and do the work to make them happen?  Or do you procrastinate and find excuses?

The Aces all and always point to new beginnings.  They portend fresh starts and the confidence to take first steps.  The seeds of inspiration are found in all the Aces.  Do you have a good idea?  Are you looking for a fresh start?  Well, what are you waiting for?

Six is the number of family and friendship.  It also relates to colleagues and co-workers with whom you work closely.  The sixth constellation is all about relatedness and choices.  These principles are closely entwined in these six cards.  Beginning with the Lovers, we have connection and partnership in play.  Paired with them is the Shadow Side (The Devil) or that which tempts and tests us.  Are your choices made of love or lust?  Do you consider what you can give or only what you can gain?  Are you guided by greed or by compassion?

The Six of Cups - the nostalgia card!  Are you stuck in the past?  Do you have fond memories of your childhood?  Perhaps you would like to connect with someone from the past.  Do you bring into the present only that which serves you well?  Have you learned your lessons?  Or do you simply hold grudges?

Six of Swords - the smooth sailing card!  Is it time to plan a vacation?  Are you ready to take on a new job or move into a new house?  The waters are calm!  Set sail for distant shores and get ready to see the world from a new point of view.  What changes can you make this year that will strengthen your bonds and improve your life?

Six of Wands - the victory card!  Victory is yours!  But you must remember that you didn't do it all alone.  No man is an island.  Certainly accept the accolades, the rewards and the elevated status.  Just don't forget whose backs you were carried to them on.

Six of Pentacles - the generosity card!  If you want more, give more.  Be ready to accept gifts of great value, be they nuggets of gold or pearls of wisdom.  Be kind!  For kindness is its own reward.  If you see someone in need, do something - do anything! - to relieve it.

And there you have it.  2016.  A year to build relationships, improve your self, deepen bonds, make good choices and changes, face challenges and practice compassion.

Before I sign off, I would like to touch briefly on today - January 1, 2016.  In numerology, today is represented by the number 11.  This is a master number and it represents foundations.  Today is the first day of the rest of this year.  (Ha-ha!)  It is the foundation, the opening energy for the coming days, weeks and months.  What foundation are you laying today?  Are you open to the very best of what the year may bring?  Or are you dragging unwanted baggage in with you from the past?

Take a few moments to check in with yourself and examine what you are thinking, feeling and projecting.  What kind of foundation are you laying for this New Year?  Is it a strong one or a weak one?  Is it positive or negative?  Is there anything you can let go of?  Is there anyone you can forgive?  What can you do to restore balance and feel better?  What can you change to make your foundation stronger and kick start 2016 with a joyful heart?  Let Justice be your guide!

Brightest Blessings, Everyone!  May 2016 be filled with Peace, Happiness, Love, Abundance and Wellness for all.

A True Passion

There was a time when I owned 38 Tarot decks.  For reasons that I do not wish to dwell on or get into here, I gave them all away.  Every last one of them.  Even my favourite one:  The Witches Tarot by Ellen Cannon Reed.  (Which is now out of print!)

Today I own 12 decks - 5 Tarot decks and 7 Oracle decks.  I have a new Witches Tarot by Ellen Dugan that I love.  The Ellen Cannon Reed deck, while not impossible to find, is outrageously priced.  One day, though, I will stumble upon one and add it to my collection.

I try not to regret what happened to all my beautiful decks.  What's done, is done.  They are gone, and like old friends, are fondly remembered.  The bright spot here is that there is more room now for new decks to find me.  My wish list is long and growing!

I love the Tarot.  I love shuffling the cards and laying them out.  It's like Christmas morning every time with all the new gifts of insight they reveal.  I look forward to recording my daily Tarot Journal.  Every chance I get to play with the cards is a blessing.

It's become a bit of an addiction.  And this concerns me.  The notion that I am addicted to my Tarot cards popped into my head a few days ago when I felt myself growing a little impatient for a friend to leave so I could record my daily reading in my journal.  I was ashamed of myself for my impatience.  How could I put the cards before my beautiful friend?  

Needless to say, my reading that night was filled with messages of Temperance and Balance.  No kidding!  

I used the Temperance card to meditate with that night as well.  As I lay there contemplating my behavior and feelings, the word passion came up.  

I am passionate about the Tarot!  It calls to me.  For forty years I have been fascinated with and by Tarot cards.  Not once in all that time has my interest in them waned.  I missed them terribly when they were gone.  It was like a huge hole had opened in my heart.

I think that there is a fine line between addiction and passion.  I've been giving this a lot of thought.  Do I use my cards as a crutch?  Or do I use them with wisdom?  So I decided to try a little experiment.  I put the cards away for a few days and paid close attention to my thoughts and feelings about not using them.  Sure they were close to hand and I could have taken them out any time, but I didn't.  I left them alone and just stayed mindful.

II High Priestess
from the Witches Tarot
by Ellen Dugan

Some interesting thoughts and feelings emerged.  The constant yearning for my cards made me worry a little that I was addicted.  I meditated on this for quite some time and the image of the High Priestess came to me.  Here is a lady I admire; powerful, serious, compassionate, wise and compelling.  A role model for all women (and men!), the High Priestess embodies a neutral position, leaning neither to the light, nor the dark.  She is accepting of the balance and interdependence of the two.  She encourages learning, curiosity and creative expression.  She knows the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

I am not perfect.  Yet I do strive for these qualities within myself.  Not having my cards was like a teacher not being allowed to teach.  A healer not being allowed to heal.  I have found and shared both teaching and healing with the Tarot cards.  They are a gift the Universe has bestowed upon me and one I have no desire to deny.

I'm still not entirely sure that I'm not addicted to my cards.  I do know that I am passionate about them.  The beautiful images and the deep spiritual connection to the Universe that they inspire is something I hold dear.

What inspires you?  What are you passionate about?

Brightest blessings!