Marisol Velasco January, 2012

I know I’ve spoken about the Magician’s card in the past but I wanted to talk about him yet again as we begin the new year. Why? Well the Magician is the first card of the deck symbolized by the number one.  The Magician is a representation of a higher power or as some would call him “God” when he is present during a reading the Magician reminds you that you have all the tools you need to forge ahead as in the story of his meeting with the fool the Magician forces you to look at your life and reminds you of how lucky you truly are.  He holds on his table the pent symbolizing financial stability, the sword symbolizing the driving forces that propel us forward, the staff which symbolizing our relationships and the cup a symbol of our spiritual well being. Above his head he wears the infinity symbol around his waste a snake also symbolizing the infinite and his hands point towards heaven and earth being attention to the all.

As we begin the new year we need to bring our attention to the Magician’s message a simple reminder that all we are searching for is easily found within each item in his table  are tools we already have in our possession all we need to do is use them to our best abilities and begin living a fruitful and positive life.

So as the new year begins please take this time to begin using the tools that are rightfully yours. Your God given gifts that will move your towards your life journey.

Happy New Year!

Tags: cards, Divination, magician, reading, tarot

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The VayuTiger December, 2011

divination with playing cards was a common practice throughout Europe and utilized by Romany gypsies, although they did nor originate the idea. I must be truthful to say playing cards are eerily similar to the minor arcana, with lack of the princess, knave, and page. The King represents the Yod, Queen represents the Heh, and Jack represents the Vau; in retrospect, indicates these are these three divine letters that make the IHVH. The princess is not needed due to the fact the queen is the Heh and there are truly only three Kabbalistic elements: Fire, Water, and Air. Most of the time the Kings are mature males or traditionally men over 40, the Queens are mature females or traditionally women over 40, and the jacks are primarily not gender specific and people under 40.

The Hearts naturally represent the cups of tarot or the water, also to mention they are the Water of the Fire and represent the Autumn time; the Spades represent the Sword or also the air, and the elemental qualities are Air of the Earth, also represent the Winter time; the Clubs represent the Fire and the Wands, they stand as the Fire of the Water and the Summer time; and the Diamonds represent the Earth or the pentacle and mean the Earth of the Air, also signify the Spring time. The very the items these are a symbol of are found exactly in the modern elements of thaumaturgy and thuergy. To understand these elements they are also broken down to masculine and feminine, introverted and extroverted, and also the astrological signs that go with them.

Spades (Swords)- Conflict, Obstacles, forewarning,  and Wisdom to be gained. It is a masculine, extroverted, and are the air signs of astrology (Libra: Twos to Fours, Gemini: Fives to Sevens, Aquarius: Eights to Tens ). The spades are the intellect of the querent.

Clubs (Wands)- Intent, Will, Goals,  and new projects. It is a masculine, extroverted, and are the fire signs of astrology (Aries: Twos to Fours, Sagittarius: Fives to Sevens, Leo: Eights to Tens ). The clubs are the intent of the querent.

Hearts (Cups)- Relationships, Friendships, Feelings, and Desires. It is a feminine, introverted, and are the water signs of astrology ( Cancer: Twos to Fours, Pisces: Fives to Sevens, Scorpio: Eights to 10′s ). The clubs are the emotions of the querent.

Diamonds (Earth)- Possessions, Employment, Finances, and Materialism. It is a feminine, introverted, and are the earth signs of astrology (Capricorn: Twos to Fours,Virgo: Fives to Sevens, Capricorn: Eights to Tens ). The clubs are the emotions of the querent.

To understand the Aces through the Tens one must realize what impact the Kabbalah has on playing cards. Aces represents the spiritual crown, Twos represent the Wisdom to be gained, Threes represent Understanding, Fours represent Mercy, Fives represent Power, Sixes represent Balance, Sevens represent Glory, Eights represent Victory, Nines represent the Foundation, and Tens represent the Kingdom. The idea of the kabbalah being used card reading is crucial, if you know the kabbalah then you can pick up any set of tarot or playing cards and instantaneously comprehend the meaning of the deck. The divination readers use owe a lot of the set up to the Kabbalah. You may read further into the symbols of these 10 aspects of the kabbalah in the Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic by Israel Regardie.

Numerology is also crucial in card divination: 1 (Aces) is a new start or beginning, 2 is relationships or friendships, 3 is pure energy output, 4 is family and home based, 5 is judgement or karma, 6 is perfection and balance, 7 is spirituality or a walk of wisdom, 8 is finances, and 9 is completion, 10 represents 1.

Tags: cards, Divination, reading

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Marisol Velasco October, 2011

Now we all know what time of year is upon us….yes it’s our favorite holiday full of ghouls and ghost, candy and pumpkins Halloween!

But did you know why else October is such a special time of year?

It is believed that during this time of year the veil that separates the world of the living and the world of spirits is thin cumulating on October 31st when the veil is at it’s thinnest.  This belief goes way back to ancient times when the Celts believed that during this time the souls of the dead would come back.  October 31st was known as Samhain and was celebrated as the new year a time when crops were harvested and cold and darkness where upon us.

This belief of the thinning of the veil is celebrated throughout the world for example Mexico celebrates the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) where families visit the cementeries not only cleaning and repairing headstones and plots but also taking the time to commune with the dead in the form of celebration where a meal is eaten and the families pray for their loved ones. Even the Roman church got involved celebrating All Saints Day to honor the saints and martyrs of the church.

As a result of the thinning of the veil between the worlds it is a prime time for Tarot card readings and any type of psychic work.   As a reader during this time you should be able to have an easier connection to the spirit world and your readings should be more fluid and accurate. As a client you will be more open to recieving a reading and this in turn allows your reader to give you a prime reading. The intuitive and psychic abilities of many people become magnified during this time of year.

If your in the process of learning the Tarot the month of  October should be used as a time for practice not only in the definition of the cards but also allowing yourself to listen to the internal voices and vibrations that reach you.

So keep in mind as we travel towards the end of the Celtic Year to focus on strengthening your inner connection and voice to the spirit world. Take some time to pull out your tarot cards and play yes play with them, look them over, handle them, cast them. Take advantage of not only the fun aspects of October but also the psychic aspects and enjoy not the candy and the vibrate connection that comes with All Hallows Eve.

Tags: cards, celtic, Divination, halloween, new year, reading, samhain, tarot

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CricketSong September, 2011

The Business of Tarot

Last year I had an experience with an individual who was highly upset with the fact that I read Tarot for profit and “personal gain”. This woman accused me of “commercializing what she held as sacred and that I was selling the religion of Wicca and spiritual practices as a business.” After recovering from the hurt and shock I experienced at the allegation, I contemplated what my own views were in regards to my business. This is what I discovered:

I view Tarot as a sacred tool for divination. I use the cards to tap into Divine Source in order to attain knowledge and retrieve messages meant for others. I relay these messages to my clients. Are those whom I read for able to receive their own messages without my help? Yes, indeed they are. It is my belief that everyone has the ability to connect and communicate with the Spirit Realm. But just because they have the ability does not mean that they use it. At the moment when they are sitting across from me at the table they chose not to utilize their ability. Why is that? Well, the reasons are as numerous as the individuals. Sometimes their connection may be weak. Perhaps their connection is clouded. It is possible that the individual doesn’t believe that they possess the ability to connect. Regardless of the reason – at that point in time they sought out my guidance. Should this mean that the time they sit with me should be free? Am I not “allowed” to charge?

I know there are those who believe that any ability born of spirituality should be free. They believe that if it originates from God/Creator/Divine Source/Spirit – it shouldn’t cost anyone anything and while I can understand their point of view – I don’t subscribe to it. I believe that because I am doing a service clients pay me for my time – the time I spend with them – not my actual ability. Just for a moment, think back to the days when there was no concept of currency and people bartered for what they required. I’m sure we can all recall the village mid-wife or medicine woman. These women would make “house calls”. When needed she would go to a dwelling and deliver the baby or cure the illness and in return the family would give her a meal, a loaf of bread, a blanket, or some wool. She was compensated for the service she provided. True, it wasn’t cash but in 2011, not many individuals trade or barter like they did back then and believe me, neither the utility company nor cell phone company would take a loaf of bread as payment for my monthly bill. So most of my clients pay me with money. This is not to say that if I were offered a service or item for a Tarot Reading, I’d turn it down, on the contrary – I would welcome it. And in fact I have a regular client who is a hairdresser and we trade. She receives a Reading and in return my daughter or I receive a haircut.

A few months ago, my husband shared with me an idea he read about on the internet which stated that healing or spiritual services are in fact priceless. You cannot put a set price on either. They could cost millions or next to nothing. The decision of price is between the one giving and the one receiving. Both parities have the privilege to accept or reject it. I tend to agree with this point of view and can easily say the same about my Tarot Readings.

I also came to the realization that there is more than money that I gain from reading the cards for others. I find enlightenment in the service that I provide. I find understanding in the connections that I make. This ability isn’t just a technique that I was taught or something that I learned from a book. It is intuitive. It is a relationship that I took the time to nurture. It is a relationship between me and my cards, between me and Divine Source, between me and the Spirit Realm. divination is an understanding. It is an attachment. These people aren’t just “problems” or clients. Each of them is a sacred being. Each of them is joined to Spirit just as much as I am and it is through this connection that I unite with All. With everything. In those precious moments, through those intimate connections,  I receive enlightenment and understanding. And that means more to me than a profit ever could.

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

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Marisol Velasco September, 2011

The Magician

The Magician is the first card of the tarot deck marked with the number one above the image. The image shows a man standing behind a table one arm stretched upwards holds a wand the other arm stretched downward points towards the ground.  Above his head floats a symbol of infinity around his waist a snake also a symbol of infinity. He is surrounded by a white halo and on his table are the four suits of the tarot the chalice, the sword, the staff and the pentacle.

The magician is a spiritual being when I encounter the Magician while doing a reading he represents the all.  He comes forth to tell you that you have all the tools needed to continue on your path and towards your goals.

I heard a story about the Fool, in the Tarot the Fool is the final card of the Greater Arcana. He is represented by the number zero. In the story the Fool begins his journey being foolish of course he doesn’t really pay attention to much. However as he wanders he encounters the Magician. The Magician ask the fool for his satchel which the Fool carries on a stick.  When the Fool give the Magician his bag the Magician opens it to find all the tools of the tarot. But the Fool begins to questions the Magician how did those get there?  Where did they come from? Why are they there? To which the Magician responds it doesn’t matter they are there to use so use them wisely.  What we don’t see in this story is the fact that the Fool carries his satchel yet had no idea what is inside.

Sometimes we don’t realize what tools we have in our possession and when we do realize it we hesitate on if we should or shouldn’t use them. Clearly the Magician comes as a reminder for you to use the tools you already have. So don’t spend to much time on the who what when where and why’s and more time on the how can I use these gifts to better myself.

Tags: cards, reading, tarot

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Marisol Velasco July, 2011

I was doing some shopping a few weeks ago and I came across a little deck of cards. Now these really aren’t tarot cards per say however I though that they merit mention and this will be my first deck review of the column.

The deck is called Goddess on the Go by Amy Sophia Marashinsky with art by Melissa Harris.  Each card is 3.5 x 2 and the art work is beautiful with muted colors and soothing images.  The cards are described as love letters to women and they also come with a handy dandy booklet which is chockfull of affirmations. Each card has it’s own affirmation written on it such as “I am filled with tranquility” or “I am a complete success”.  The cards are small enough to be tucked in your pocket or tossed in your purse.

What I love most about these cards beside the small size is that the affirmations are relatable.  How many times throughout the day to we not trust or inner guidance? How would that change for you if you grabbed the card with the affirmation “I am trusting my inner guidance”?  The cards hold positive clips of writing that remind us as women to trust or instinct or be grateful for everything we have. These cards not only benefit adult women but also teen girls who are going through their own life adjustments and insecurities reminding us that we are Goddess in our own right.

Now how do I use these cards?  I love to have small affirmation decks scattered throughout my house. Not only does this allow me to grab one read it and Meditate on it, it also allows guest and family members to do the same. Typically I set the cards out in bowls or small containers where they can be easily grabbed, read and returned.

This particular deck I keep near my bedroom door allowing me to grab one yup on the go and read it and then I spend the day trying to be mindful of the affirmation I read.

Now if you want to use cards as affirmations throughout your day and you don’t have an affirmation deck you can always use your tarot deck. Each card in the tarot deck holds a meaning for instance the ace of cups means contentment, nourishment, abundance etc when you pull that card from the deck you can spend the day meditating on or reminding yourself of the abundance and contentment you have in your life. Another idea is to create your own affirmation cards some retailers actually sell the blank tarot decks where you can create your own deck or you can also buy a small package of artist trading cards easily purchased at any craft or art store. And if you can’t find those use good old blank paper.

Using affirmation cards or the tarot deck as affirmation cards is a great way to keep us grounded and remind ourselves of issues within our lives that we need to be mindful of.  So grab your deck and have fun.

Till next time.

Tags: cards, Divination, review, tarot

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Reverend Moon Masque September, 2010

The Hermit (9)

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”  ~ Carl Gustav Jung

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays an old, bearded man dressed in dreary robes, standing on a desolate peak high in the mountains. His head is bowed and his expression speaks of wisdom and serenity. In his right hand he holds a raised lantern high in the air, casting its illuminating light into the darkness below him. Within the lantern is a brilliant six-pointed star.

Symbols:

Long, White Beard: Age, wisdom
Lantern: To guide those below; “inner light” shared openly with the world
Cloak: Anonymity, mantel of discretion
Mountaintop: Abstract thought, aspirations, path leading to greater heights
Six-Pointed Star (in the lantern): The Seal of Solomon (In legend, a seal ring used by Solomon to control the four elements)

Key Words:

Seeking, Guidance, Solitude, Introspection, Retreat

Fool’s Journey:

In time, the Fool begins to feel a desire for solitude. Retreating to a rustic cabin deep in the woods, he spends many days alone contemplating the deeper meaning of life. One evening, while lost in the introspection of his thoughts, he travels across the bare, autumn landscape and encounters a Hermit carrying a lantern. The lone Hermit, clearly old and wise beyond his years, speaks to the Fool in a raspy voice, whispering simple yet profound words of wisdom, “Seek, and ye shall find”.  Accepting the Hermit’s guidance, the Fool nods his head in acceptance and resumes his journey once more.

The Lesson:

To learn how to look within ourselves for the answers we seek and to guide others while remaining humble.

Meaning:

The lantern of knowledge depicted by the Hermit card represents the illumination of inner self. There are times when we seek deeper enlightenment, and we must embark on an inner spiritual quest to find it. Contemplation, meditation, reflection, and prayer are some of the methods we can use to gain a closer connection to our higher selves. Often times the answers we seek do not lie in the external world but within ourselves.

The Hermit can also indicate a time of withdrawal or retreat. Finding a “still center” in the midst of action or high energy can create balance, allowing us to better analyze our thoughts and feelings.  By stepping away from distractions and diversions we can obtain greater enlightenment and clarity.

In readings, the Hermit can also suggest a period of isolation or seclusion. Peace and solitude can teach us a great deal about ourselves and provide answers we may not have otherwise taken the time to seek.  Like the Hermit, by learning wisdom and patience through the passage of time, we are able to learn how to stand alone without feeling lonely.

The Hermit also speaks of guidance. Whether it be the advice we receive or the assistance we provide others, guidance can shine light on darker situations, making life seem less mysterious and confusing.  Such direction can help us continue to grow and learn as we progress forward toward that which we truly seek.

Tags: cards, reading, tarot

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Reverend Moon Masque August, 2010

Strength (8)

“To bend like a reed in the wind — that is real strength.”  ~Lao-tzu

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a serene woman gently closing/opening a lion’s mouth. Her robes are accessorized with flowers, and a blossoming wreath adorns her head. Like the Magician, the infinity symbol is shown hovering above her.  The lion appears calm and subdued. With his tail tucked behind him, he patiently accepts her tender care.

Symbols:

Lion: Animal instinct within us all, forces or influences that could be potentially harmful
Lemniscate (infinity symbol): Infinity, endless possibility
Woman: Femininity
Flowers: Beauty, grace, and kindness
White Dress: Purity

Key Words:

Strength, Patience, Compassion, Soft Control, Courage

Fool‘s Journey:

The Fool, now feeling proud and powerful from his knowledge of victory, next encounters during his journey a maiden and a lion. Amazed by her courage he watches the young woman gently, but firmly close the lion’s mouth. The furious beast passively accepts the maiden’s command, surrendering itself to her soft control. Afterwards, the maiden patiently explains to the Fool how he, too, can utilize the attributes of compassion and strength for higher purposes. Haveing been enlightened by the Maiden’s pure insights, the Fool continues his journey.

The Lesson:

To learn how to remain courageous in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles through compassionate strength.

Meaning:

While the Chariot card shows the masculine technique of overcoming our animal nature through mastery and firm control, Strength demonstrates the feminine method of tempering willful energies by using kindness and a soft touch. However, neither the masculine nor feminine approach is better than the other in helping to keep intense passions and impulses under control; they can each work equally well in different situations.

In readings, Strength can represent patience and compassion. It’s easy to become angry when a situation provokes intense negative emotions. However dealing with a frustration calmly, accepting others, and practicing the delicate art of forgiveness takes great strength. When this card appears it may suggest that gentle manipulation in the form of empathy and kindness is needed .

Strength can also symbolize steadfast bravery in the face of adversity. Inner strength comes from within, and can grace us with the quiet qualities of courage, perseverance, and resolve. When our lives seem difficult, the Strength card urges us not to give up but to maintain an unwavering determination to remain true to ourselves and our beliefs.

Tags: cards, reading, tarot

• Divination

Reverend Moon Masque July, 2010

The Chariot (7)

“Self-discipline is crucial to a simpler, more contented life.”  ~Tenzin Gyatso

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a man in a decorated chariot being drawn by majestic black and white sphinxes. In his right hand he holds a wand. His body is covered in protective armor, and his chariot is graced with a prominent winged shield of symbolic design. Behind him the motifs of a medieval city rise in the distance.

Symbols:

Armor: Readiness and preparation

Chariot: Movement

Sphinxes: Triumph of the mind

Wand: Inspiration and action

Black & White: Positive and negative energies

Wheels: Cycles, motion

Key Words:

Triumph, Ambition, Assertiveness, Firm Control, Motivation

Fool’s Journey:

Having mastered the lessons of lovers, the Fool continues his journey with a greater understanding of the world around him. As he walks onward, pondering his experiences, he sees a proud and commanding charioteer riding triumphantly toward him. Ambitious to learn, the Fool spends time with the charioteer studying his qualities of assertiveness and self-confidence.  The Fool soon discovers that in order to achieve true mastery over himself he must exert firm control over his base instincts. Feeling motivated by this new knowledge, he resumes his travels in an earnest search of his own victories.

The Lesson:

To learn how to master our own chaotic forces so we may triumph in our goals.

Meaning:

The Charioteer fights alone, seeking to gain the advantage by striking from the side. His steeds keep the wheels of his chariot turning, however, it is his control and direction that brings him triumph. Whether our challenges be obstacles, circumstances, emotions, or human desires, there are times when we must firmly grasp the reigns of our own chariot and do battle for our personal victories.

In readings, the Chariot can personify the positive strength, confidence, and assertiveness required to move forward to obtain the goals we desire. However, the Chariot can also signal a ruthless, diehard desire to win despite the cost. Success and triumph can be glorious under the right circumstances, but only when we are certain the sacrifices of the battle are truly worth the prize. After all, the victory is only the beginning.

The Chariot can sometimes appear when a situation or environment harbors the energies of hard control. At its best, hard control is not brutal; it is firm and direct, backed by a strong will and great self-confidence. Its powerful influences are sometimes required when we wish to draw separate paths into a single direction of our own choosing.

Likewise, the Chariot can portray the influential winds of ambition and motivation — potent energies that can provide the movement necessary to set our aspirations to sail.

Tags: cards, reading, tarot

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Reverend Moon Masque April, 2010

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

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