Reverend Moon Masque September, 2009

The World (21)

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone’s task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.”  ~Dr. Viktor E(mil) Frankl

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck depicts a nude woman dancing in mid air between an oval wreath of laurels. A long, loose sash is flowing around her body, and she holds a double ended wand in each hand. The four corners outside the wreath are each adorned by a creature: bull, lion, eagle and angel/man.

Symbols:

Laurels: Victory, attainment of a goal

Bull: Taurus and the element earth

Lion: Leo and the element of fire

Eagle: Scorpio and the element of Water

Angel/Man: Aquarius and the element of Air

Oval Wreath: Unity and eternity, the mystery of creation, potential realized

Wands: The powers of involution and evolution

Key Words:

Achievement, Accomplishment, Success, Fulfillment, Completion

Fool’s Journey:

The Fool’s success is at hand. With a sense of accomplishment, he takes the final step on the path into the light that marks the completion of his journey. To his bemusement he finds himself back where he had began, on the very same cliff he had once stood upon at a time when he was young and foolish. However now he sees his position very differently. The cliff is not nearly as high in the light of his achievements. With a knowing smile, the Fool steps off the cliff… and soars. He flies higher and higher until the world is a tiny speck in the universe, fading into the stars and planets to create a whole. His fulfillment is now complete.

Lesson:

To learn how to

Meaning:

A major part of achieving happiness and fulfillment is finding a sense of completeness – the awareness that we have everything we need, and that all of the significant elements of our lives are working together in harmony. Anytime we successfully reach this all important goal, we feel as if the World and everything in it is ours to enjoy.

In readings, the World suggests we have reached a time when we are able to enjoy success in our accomplishments and goals. When all is well in our world we can experience internal and external harmony, as well as a feeling of blissful oneness with ourselves and our place in the universe. Knowing where we belong provides a deep sense of peace and well-being.

The World can signify the successful completion of a cycle or stage of existence, the triumphant end to a long-term project, or a sign that a pleasing conclusion is in sight. This card simply reinforces the idea that our hard work, knowledge, wisdom, and patience will yield fruitful results in the end. When we accomplish our greatest goals, the world truly becomes a beautiful place.

Tags: cards, reading, tarot, world

• Divination

Michele Burke August, 2009

Merry Meet everyone, in this lesson we will learn how to divine with our Runes. The first thing you will need to do is find a place you can work without distraction, once your private place is found you will need to find a flat surface for casting the Runes. Now you are ready to begin. In previous lessons we have learned the meanings of the runes so now it is time to use what we have learned.

There are vast arrays of ways to read the runes just as there are numerous ways to cast and read any system of divination… But we will start with three easy castings that will enable you to begin divining with your stones immediately.

The first thing you will need to do is spread out your rune casting cloth, now pour your stones out and place them right side up and put them in their alphabetical order, making sure to place the blank rune separate from the rest, and then say, “Holy Goddess, mother of us all, guide my hand as I cast these stones, guide my mind as I interpret their meanings and guide my soul as I take them into my life.” Now turn all the stones over and stir them around while concentrating on the question to be asked, select the runes and interpret. This one is an ideal way to do a daily casting, to use the runes as a guide for your day. An example reading would be if you were to draw Ansuz, right side up. This would be interoperated as meaning communication will be of the utmost importance to you today; be sure to explain yourself clearly, and to speak up when necessary and always, always listen to the needs of others.

Instead of a quiz of what we have learned today I would like for you all for one week to do a  daily one stone reading and journal your results being sure to log the stone you pulled and the interpretation you gave. Once you have come to the end of the week email your results to me at Micheleb@paganpages.com for further interpretation.

Our next lesson will be on the Three Rune Draw.

Bountiful Blessings & Happy Casting

Tags: casting, Divination, divine, reading, runes

• Divination

Rev. Alicia L. Folberth August, 2009

Dear Reader,

Welcome to ‘It’s In the Cards’ for www.PaganPages.org. At one time this column appeared in Finer Things Magazine in New Haven, CT, and I am very pleased to be writing my column again; this time for the Pagan Community.

Every month, I will do a tarot reading for one person whose question I choose for this column. Also, by writing me, you will have a chance for a free tarot 10 minute reading on the phone. If you would like to contact me about purchasing a reading, please visit my web site at www.SubRosaMagick.com or write me at SubRosaMagick@aol.com.

Since I first began reading for the public 13 years ago, I found that I fell in love with being able to help people in their personal lives and on their path as a spiritual counselor. The cards, I have found, often tell us what we need to know, and not necessarily what we want to know. They provide a way for me to see deeper into the heart of an issue and often what magickal advice I also need to give to bring about change.

Even if you aren’t familiar with tarot cards as a form of divination, they also work in the same way other forms do, be it the Runes, I-Ching, oracles or Ogam. The symbols of the tarot speak on many levels, and allow a connection to be created with spirit; opening a doorway for the universe to communicate on a personal level. As an artist as well as a priestess, I acknowledge the power of these symbols, but as a psychic, I use them to “see” more clearly.

Mediumship isn’t something I intentionally practice, but sometimes I do receive messages from spirit or departed loved ones, and if I receive messages I will relay these to you as part of the reading.

This following is the question chosen for this month.

****************************************

Dear Alicia,

What do I need to do/change in order to achieve my deepest dreams? Birthdate – 06/10/1969.

- Kelly

Dear Kelly,

As a Gemini with Venus in slow and stubborn Taurus combined with the inner restlessness of Mars in Sagittarius, you may find yourself in a bit of an inner conflict when you make decisions, however, with Jupiter in Virgo, luck comes to you rather easily once those decisions are made. Your greatest challenges will be to take risks and find your own personal liberation.

I’ve chosen a simple seven card horseshoe spread for you, which is also a lunar crescent in the same moon phase as I write this column. An extra card is drawn to represent you.

1…..S…..7

..2…….6..

…3…..5…

……4……

The Horseshoe card spread positions:
Significator card representing you
Card #1: Past

Card #2: Present situation

Card #3: Future

Card #4:

Card #5: Outside influences

Card #6: Challenge/Limitations

Card #7: Outcome at this time

The Significator card is the Ten of Cups, representing you. You are very concerned with your loved ones, and they bring you great joy. Let this be the strength that propels you forward.

The first card is the Empress (3), inversed, which represents the past, but influences the current situation. It speaks of you as being a nurturer who has given away too much of themselves, presumably for too long a period of time. This tells me that you need to take care of yourself first for this to be the foundation of those dreams. Castles in the air are nothing until the foundations are placed under them.

The second card indicates present circumstances, which is the Ten of Pentacles, inversed. Tens are cards of completion and fulfillment. This card is the physical side of the home, in contrast to the emotional Ten of Cups above. At present, there does not seem to be the physical or monetary support to further your goals and vision. Inversed, it suggests transformation, of a situation ending.

The third card is the Six of Pentacles, representing the near future. This card directly ties into the last, as financial restrictions will change and progress will be facilitated. You can expect resolution and some very real and practical help offered to help you achieve your goals.

The fourth card is the Magician (1), inversed. Although upright, this card indicates power, and when inverted, it indicates abuse of power. It is deceptive magic and slight of hand, of things that are not as they appear to be. Seeing that this is the card which advises you – this is a warning to stay on the good path and not stray from it through another’s advice, which you can count on it being self-serving. Be careful with the gifts that you will be given in the future.

The fifth card representing outside influences is the Ace of Pentacles. As the Six of Pentacles suggests, there is prosperity coming your way. If you were considering a home-based business (which would be perfect for you) this would become a possibility. Aces are beginnings and cards of initiation. Once you have the means available you should begin.

The sixth card is the Eight of Wands, inversed, and in this lies your challenge. I believe this is connected to the Magician inversed as above, a conflict with someone who may be too close to you – quite literally. A price may have to be paid in making your decision to go forward and much discord over the issue, which doesn’t surprise me. People change and behave badly most often when money is at stake.

The seventh card is the Seven of Swords. Sevens are mutable, but your dreams can be reached with perseverance and a refusal to be dictated to by the wants and needs of others. What you sow now, will be reaped later in abundance. I can’t emphasize enough that you should already have begun your plans and to do your research before any of this manifests. Your dreams will bear fruit in direct proportion to how much energy you put into them, and the energy involved must be steady.

I drew one last card, the one from the bottom on the deck, and it was the Four of Cups. This symbolizes what is hidden from you, and doubly so by the car itself. Please be open to new possibilities beyond what you can see. The brass ring doesn’t come around very often, and sometimes what appears to be brass is actually gold. The universe will provide the means, but you must provide the determination. As in the Charge of the Goddess, “Keep pure your highest ideals; strive ever towards them, let nothing stop you or turn you aside.”

Blessings,
Rev. Alicia Lyon Folberth

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR READING TO APPEAR?

If you would like me to do a reading for you in the next issue of Pagan Pages, please send me your:
1. Name you would like me to use in the article (it doesn’t have to be your given name)
2. Full birth date
3. Your question. Feel free to ask anything!
4. Send it to: SubRosaMagick@aol.com

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

• Divination

Mindy Lee August, 2009

I recently had someone contact me via email requesting that I do a tarot reading for her.  I’ve never met her and had no idea what her current situation was.  I sat with a notepad, my favorite deck and a flickering candle.  I felt that the reading connected totally and the cards were making perfect sense, like they were falling into place.  Sometimes when I do a reading I get in the “zone” and just know that the message is coming through loud and clear.  After finishing up I typed what I had written and sent the reading to the inquirer feeling rather accomplished.  Within a day of receiving the reading she contacted me telling me that the reading was right on target, but not what she wanted to hear.  Next I got all the details on her sorted love affair and she went on to try and convince me to change the meaning of the cards.  I told her that I couldn’t give her romantic advice, but if she read the message again and maybe put it away and looked at it in another week, she would see how it applied to the situation.  The week came and went and this time she sent me an email with specific questions, numbered even!  “Why doesn’t he see that I’m so much better for him than his wife?”….”Should I lie to him and tell him I’m moving away just to see what he says?”  Needless to say, I have decided to suggest to her that she finds someone else who perhaps would have more insight into her situation.

There is so much more to divination than most people realize.  Nothing is more aggravating than receiving a call from someone who is desperate for a tarot reading when they are in self-caused turmoil or are caught in a situation that they know is wrong.  Most of the time these people don’t hear what the cards are trying to tell them and usually they will pick and choose parts of their messages to fit into the answers they want to hear.  If you are not going to listen to your true inner voice, then there is no sense in looking for someone to validate your feelings with a reading.  The first thing you need to realize is that your reader is not your psychologist.  We cannot persuade the married man you are so desperately in love with to leave his wife and fall in love with you.  We cannot give you the lottery numbers for the next power ball drawing and we cannot assure you that stealing money from your great grandmother to pay your bookie off was the right thing to do.  Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying.  If someone comes to me seeking advice for a situation, I will gladly read for them and do my best to present their messages in a non-judgmental fashion.  But, please don’t ask me to tell you everything is going to be alright and that you are a misunderstood soul who is skipping down the pearly path to heaven.

Now please don’t see me as some cranky old gypsy who is complaining about the people she reads for, that’s not at how it is at all.  I just feel that if things are more understood there can be more attention to understanding and getting answers from the higher powers rather than cornering them into giving an answer that they, and we, know is wrong.

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

• Divination

Rev. Alicia L. Folberth May, 2009

Dear Reader,

Welcome to ‘It’s In the Cards’ for www.PaganPages.org. At one time this column appeared in Finer Things Magazine in New Haven, CT, and I am very pleased to be writing my column again; this time for the Pagan Community.

Every month, I will do a tarot reading for one person whose question I choose for this column. Also, by writing me, you will have a chance for a free tarot 10 minute reading on the phone. If you would like to contact me about purchasing a reading, please visit my web site at www.SubRosaMagick.com or write me at SubRosaMagick@aol.com.

Since I first began reading for the public 13 years ago, I found that I fell in love with being able to help people in their personal lives and on their path as a spiritual counselor. The cards, I have found, often tell us what we need to know, and not necessarily what we want to know. They provide a way for me to see deeper into the heart of an issue and often what magickal advice I also need to give to bring about change.

Even if you aren’t familiar with tarot cards as a form of divination, they also work in the same way other forms do, be it the Runes, I-Ching, oracles or Ogam. The symbols of the tarot speak on many levels, and allow a connection to be created with spirit; opening a doorway for the universe to communicate on a personal level. As an artist as well as a priestess, I acknowledge the power of these symbols, but as a psychic, I use them to “see” more clearly.

Mediumship isn’t something I intentionally practice, but sometimes I do receive messages from spirit or departed loved ones, and if I receive messages I will relay these to you as part of the reading.

I apologize for missing the last issue of Pagan Pages, as many forces seem to be moving within my own life that I have no control over.

This following is the question chosen for this month.

****************************************

Dear Alicia,

What lies ahead for me in the cards this year? My birth date is 2/26/64

Blessed be,
Dark Angel

Dear Dark Angel,

I enjoyed my phone conversation with you earlier, and I hope I was able to help you. I do hope you will find that present your husband bought you while you were living. It most certainly explains the missing money. If I receive any messages from him, I will be sure to let you know. He hasn’t entirely left this plane, and his connections to you are very strong. As I sat down to write this right after our conversation the wind began to howl and the lights went out for a few seconds.

Now that the candle is lit on the altar, the wind has died down. Not even a flicker from the lights.

Indeed, you are the person I needed to write this article for. You were the one who I felt needed the reading the most.

As a Pisces, like other water signs, you have a connection to the mysterious cosmos that many do not understand. The other parts of your chart point to you having gift for manifestation, which lends itself to being a witch. You may not need an elaborate spell to make things happen, but rather, will them into being. So I want to remind you that when life hands you setbacks, to ‘be a witch about it’ and make magical lemonade out of those lemons. You are not simply a dreamer, but a dreamer who ‘does’ with a positive can-do attitude.

Rather than doing a 12 month card layout, I will use one that corresponds to the horoscope, which will tell you about what the different aspects within your life are moving toward.

The Ten of Cups inversed is in the first house, the self, and its ruling sign is Ares. Tens are cards of transformation and fate. Clearly, your sense of self is still healing from the separation of you from your husband by his death. I do not believe you will find true happiness within yourself for a while until you can find wholeness as a separate individual outside of a relationship. Losing yourself in another person when you are in love is so easy to do, and re-finding ourselves after can be like climbing an impossibly high, steep cliff. This is something you must do for yourself. The view at the top, I hear, is amazing. It is time to transform you and your life.

The Knight of Cups inversed is in the second house, resources and money, and its ruling sign is Taurus. I feel this too, reflects the emotions within, but this time they are also controlling what is without. Be careful with what you have, and now is not the time that you will be truly prosperous. When you are emotionally ready to go forward, it will happen for you on the material plane as well, but not this year.

The Nine of Swords is in the third house, communication, and its ruling sign is Gemini. You have been through so much that those feelings are overflowing into your communication and connection. Nines represent endings of a cycle. You are through the worst of the storm, there is no need to come from a place of fear. Thoughts become words, words become actions, and actions become destiny. So be careful of those words you speak, and doubly so because of your gift for manifestation.

The Seven of Swords is in the fourth house, the home, and is ruled by Cancer. It is definitely time to begin anew even in terms of living space. Like the hermit crab, you have outgrown the old shell and it is uncomfortable emotionally as well as physically. This card advises not to discard everything, but to take with you what you can salvage and what is useful. All else will be baggage from your previous life.

The Knight of Wands inversed is in the fifth house, pleasure, creativity and romance; ruled by Leo. I believe rather than representing an aspect of yourself, this is your current love. Charming, but emotionally not an adult and acts on compulsions rather than thinking things through. Plan on being the adult, the responsible one, in your relationship and consider if you are prepared to take care of him for the rest of your life, because you will. Like myself, just because we have the strength to carries others doesn’t mean that we should. We might not be doing them any favors when fate may be pushing them to grow. People who are caretakers are often so used to being in that role they don’t notice.

The Ace of Swords is in the sixth house, health and work, ruled by Virgo. Now this was nice to see! By Samhain, these things will begin going your way. With the emotional healing will come physical healing, and with physical healing will come more opportunities.

The Ten of Pentacles is in the seventh house, partnerships, ruled by Libra. As with the Ace of Swords above, this signals a change by Samhain, and the seventh house’s connections with justice in terms of a settlement. Financially there will be balance in the household. Enjoy the ride while it lasts.

The Ten of Wands is in the eighth house, the taboos of sex, death and money, as is ruled by Scorpio. I truly have to ask you this; how much do you wish to carry? The weight of what you are carrying is too much and it is aging you inside. Perhaps you don’t have to do it all and give yourself permission to do so. Peace of mind is everything.

The King of Swords is in the ninth house, what is on the far horizon and travel, ruled by Sagittarius. It is an extension of the third house. It can also represent education and philosophy, important in your line of work. Do not allow this person in a position of ‘the sword’ to dominate or bully you. Perfectionism can take a nasty turn when it becomes personal imperfection’s projection onto others. My advice: walk away. He only has as much power as you give him. Take comfort in knowing that those who live by the sword tend to die by it.

The Horned One (the Devil) inversed is in the tenth house, career and outward image, ruled by Capricorn. You have been condemned as the devil by someone who is “the Devil,” but this card inversed, I find has an inverse meaning of its own. The tables have turned and karma will be pushing this individual back, hopefully, back under the rock he crawled out from under. The prison and bindings of his own karma is at hand. Feel free to sell popcorn while everyone enjoys the show…his fall from grace as a fallen angel.

The Two of Wands is in the eleventh house, social relationships both personal and professional, ruled by Aquarius. This is a year to decide what you want, and who you wish to keep in your life. Where you decide to go is up to you, as is the company you keep. In time, what you need will come into view and you will know what to do.

The Hermit is in the twelfth house, what is hidden, is ruled by Pisces which is your sun sign. This to me, is a very hopeful card, but it’s also a card of looking within to find healing. It is the lesson of the bear who goes fearlessly into the dark caves to dream, and she emerges leaner, but well rested from the journey within. Let the love of the Goddess be your torch to illuminate the dark places that would cause you fear, because even though we all walk the path alone, we aren’t ever truly alone.

There is someone in the spirit world also looking out for you, and I am sure you will find him at the final end of your days. When you are both reborn, you will know and love each other again. The magick of true love can’t be broken even in death. But life is for the living, so don’t forget to live until then. It is the best way to still love him to love yourself as he loved you.

Admittedly, I’m crying as I write this, being the watery moon-child that I am. It has been feeling as I have been writing this, that I’m not alone, and I keep expecting to see someone out of the corner of my eye. So let the cold rain fall tonight and its darkness, the first stirrings of summer are almost here and the sun will shine tomorrow. It will shine again for you too.

Blessed be,
Rev. Alicia Lyon Folberth

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR READING TO APPEAR?

If you would like me to do a reading for you in the next issue of Pagan Pages, please send me your:
1. Name you would like me to use in the article (it doesn’t have to be your given name)
2. Full birth date
3. Your question. Feel free to ask anything!
4. Send it to: SubRosaMagick@aol.com

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

• Divination

Reverend Moon Masque May, 2009

The Star (17)

“Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality.” ~ L. J. Suenens

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck depicts a nude woman kneeling near a pond with one foot submerged in the water. She is pouring crystal clear water from two jugs into the pond and onto the ground. In a cloudless sky a grouping of stars shine above her, bathing the countryside in light. Flowers grow on the bank, and an Ibis is perched in the branches of a nearby tree.

Symbols:

Star: Hope, wish fulfillment, guiding light

Seven Stars: Seven main chakras, seven ancient planets

Five Rivulets of Water: The five senses

One Foot in Water, One Foot on Land: Spirit/subconscious (water) and material/conscious (land)

Water: The subconscious mind

Ibis perched in a Tree: Thought and mind

Key Words:

Hope, Inspiration, Rejuvenation, Faith, Tranquility

Fool’s Journey:

Having weathered the storm the Fool sits by a nearby pond with a feeling of emptiness, as if he has lost everything, including his faith. Gazing up at the night sky he wonders what is left. It is then that the sound of pouring water draws his attention. His eyes seek the source and he observes a nude woman emptying the contents of two urns onto the land and into the water. The Fool watches, inspired by the sense of tranquility this simply act brings him. Much like the land and water the woman is nourishing, he, too, feels as if he is being rejuvenated. Embracing a renewed sense of hope, he rises and resumes his journey, using the stars in the sky as his guide.

Lesson:

To learn how to renew oneself after experiencing difficult events, and to recognize and follow our higher purpose in life.

Meaning:

Throughout the ages people have looked upon the star as a signpost and symbol for guidance, inspiration, and hope. In biblical theology, three wise men saw a star they believed foretold the birth of Jesus. In hurian mythos, a star in the shape of a dragon shot across the sky signifying the future King of Britain had been born. Even now, in modern times, people have been known to ‘wish upon a star’, believing stars to be lucky.

In readings, the Star can be a welcomed symbol of hope and rejuvenation when grief and despair has overwhelmed us. When we need it the most, an unexpected blessing can instill within us a new sense of purpose, inspiring us to reach for our dreams during our bleakest moments. The Star encourages us to believe in our heart’s desire and our most cherishes wishes; anything is possible as long as we have hope.

The Star can also indicate a period of tranquility and serenity. When we free ourselves of the negative emotions and residue that life’s struggles create, we can experience a measure of confidence and the assurance that all in life is good.  By opening our minds to righteousness and faith, new opportunities and possibilities can arise giving us a deeper understanding of true inner peace.

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

• Divination

Reverend Moon Masque April, 2009

The Tower (16)

“In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.” ~Carl Gustav Jung

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck depicts a tower high on a rocky outcropping being destroyed by a powerful bolt of lightening. The force of the impact hurls two occupants from the building to the jagged rocks below. Fire burns the tower from the inside, causing flames to spew forth from the roof and windows. The skies are dark and turbulent.

Symbols:

Lightening: Inspiration and great power, sudden realization, Divine fire that destroys evil and purifies good

Crown: Mastery and attainment; the destruction of ego, false wisdom, and false power

People Falling: Presented changes when destruction occurs, release from bonds or confinement

Destroyed Tower: Destruction of things that keep us ‘above’ other people — power, money, social status, etc.

Exploding Fire: Release

Rock: The Foundation of our lives — beliefs, values, philosophies

Key Words:

Upheaval, Destruction, Difficult Change, Crisis, Release

Fool’s Journey:

As the Fool climbs the path leading up the mountain a strong storm begins to create upheaval, thus he sets course for a fortress in the distance hoping to find shelter there. Just as he reaches the structure a bolt of lightening strikes its protective walls, hurling the occupants already inside to the rocks below.  The Fool watches the crisis occur, momentarily powerless to act. Afterward, the Fool contemplates the deeper meaning of the destruction. He releases his fear by reminding himself that difficult change brings the opportunity to rebuild new foundations. Appeased by the knowledge that the tower can be rebuilt, he continues his journey.

Lesson:

To learn how to view destruction in our lives as a positive chance to rebuild a better and stronger existence.

Meaning:

The Tower is an unsettling card for most people. Few welcome the dramatic upheaval and reversal of fortune it can bring in its wake. When unexpected change occurs, stripping us of all that is familiar, grief, profound fear, and disbelief can follow. However, after enduring a life altering crises, often a strange sense of clarity can be gained, replacing the dark despair of uncertainty with the fresh light of truth. Upon this new foundation of truth, lives can be rebuilt.

In readings, the Tower suggests that major life changes are occurring, have occurred, or will occur in the fullness of time. When our old way of existence collapses, we are given the fresh chance to re-evaluate our lives and identify what is truly important to us. Even though such destruction causes turmoil, a new sense of freedom is made possible, bringing with it the opportunity for positive growth.

The Tower can also represent circumstances and situations that restrict and inhibit our capacity to develop fully. That which conflicts with our inner truths must be removed in order for us to grow. In such cases, the inevitable collapse of our own ‘tower’ is in fact a blessing in disguise that releases us from conditions that are no longer supportive.  When we are forced to take a new direction in life, we can reach a deeper level of understanding by recognizing that destruction sometimes occurs because it is needed.

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

• Articles

Reverend Moon Masque March, 2009

The Devil (15)

“Abstainer. A weak man who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure.” ~Ambrose Gwinett Bierce

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck depicts a horned devil perched upon a black pedestal, holding an inverted torch. His face and head is goat-like in appearance. His has the wings of a bat and the feet/legs of a bird. An inverted pentagram appears near his forehead. A nude male and female figure, each displaying a tail, are chained beside him. The man’s tail ends in flames. The woman’s tail is tipped with grapes.

Symbols:

Bat Wings, Goat Legs, Horns, Bird Feet: Animalistic instinctive nature

Chains: Self imposed servitude, bondage and restriction

Inverted Pentagram: Material plane, ignoring or subduing the spiritual

Downward Torch: Will directed toward the material plane

Devil: Negative aspects of ourselves

Black Background: Fear of the unknown, ignorance

Key Words:

Temptation, Obsession, Materialism, Ignorance, Bondage

Fool’s Journey:

The Fool’s journey eventually takes him to the foot of an enormous black mountain, where he stumbles upon a creature perched on a pedestal. Loosely chained to the creature’s side are a man and woman. Seemingly ignorant to their bondage, the couple obsessively engage in every earthly indulgence imaginable: lust, passion, greed, etc. Watching them, the Fool soon realizes that the horned being is not their jailer; it is the seductive temptation of materialism that binds them. Feeling his own earthly desires rising within him, the Fool lingers only long enough to understand this aspect of himself before continuing his journey again.

Lesson:

To learn how to recognize, understand, and accept our own inner demons in order to become free of them.

Meaning:

By whatever name we choose to call him, the Devil is not an evil, sinister figure residing outside of ourselves. He is the untamed and uncivilized aspects of ourselves that we normally seek to repress. Often times we feel ashamed of these hidden parts of our nature. Lust, Greed, Envy, etc. are characteristics of our ‘shadow’ or ‘darker side’ that we typically choose to disown or ignore.

In readings, the Devil card can appear when materialism is excessively evident. The seductive temptations of the material world can bind us so compellingly, we often do not recognize our slavery to them. On the other end of the scale, extreme self denial can create inhibitions, which can enslave us just as strongly. Ignorance can prevent us from seeking to balance our material realities with our spirituality needs. To develop to our full potential, we must accept that ‘good’ and ‘bad’ should not be separated, but integrated to create a natural whole.

The Devil card can sometimes indicate an oppressive situation in which we feel trapped and unable to escape. Feeling tied down against our will can result in a feeling of lost independence. When we are caught in unhealthy, unproductive circumstances or obsessions that rob us of our freedom, it is important to examine the restrictions that bind us; they may very well be escapable bonds that we have placed upon ourselves.

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

• Articles

Rev. Alicia L. Folberth February, 2009

Dear Reader,

Welcome to ‘It’s In the Cards’ for www.PaganPages.org. At one time this column appeared in Finer Things Magazine in New Haven, CT, and I am very pleased to be writing my column again; this time for the Pagan Community.

Every month, I will do a tarot reading for one person whose question I choose for this column. Also, by writing me, you will have a chance for a free tarot 10 minute reading on the phone. If you would like to contact me about purchasing a reading, please visit my web site at www.SubRosaMagick.com or write me at SubRosaMagick@aol.com.

Since I first began reading for the public 13 years ago, I found that I fell in love with being able to help people in their personal lives and on their path as a spiritual counselor. The cards, I have found, often tell us what we need to know, and not necessarily what we want to know. They provide a way for me to see deeper into the heart of an issue and often what magickal advice I also need to give to bring about change.

Even if you aren’t familiar with tarot cards as a form of divination, they also work in the same way other forms do, be it the Runes, I-Ching, oracles or Ogam. The symbols of the tarot speak on many levels, and allow a connection to be created with spirit; opening a doorway for the universe to communicate on a personal level. As an artist as well as a priestess, I acknowledge the power of these symbols, but as a psychic, I use them to “see” more clearly.

Mediumship isn’t something I intentionally practice, but sometimes I do receive messages from spirit or departed loved ones, and if I receive messages I will relay these to you as part of the reading.

This following is the question chosen for this month.

Dear Alicia,

Do you think our new president is competent enough for the job? He hasn’t had much senatorial experience. Do you think he will get us out of this economic decline?

Thanks, Mary

Dear Mary,

I, like so many people, am hoping that this man can do what may be the impossible, and I found your question very intriguing. President Obama’s birthdate is August 4, 1961, with both his Sun and Mercury in Leo. I have also read that his personality type is ENFP, which would make him perhaps the second ‘Idealist’ (NF) personality type ever to have been president of the United States. The first potentially being Lincoln. Idealist personality types don’t often take the lead, but when they do they often make great changes around them, and leave their mark on the world. Mars is in Virgo, showing that not only is he the right man for the job, but he will get it right. His chart speaks of someone who can mentally both see around corners and out of the box in the most difficult situations. He is, truly, brilliant. He combines, vision, honesty, and integrity into everything he does. He knows that the spotlight is on him and he must perform well.

Of course, even with being someone well suited to the challenge before him, comes the issue of what is to come. So for this reading I am going to do a simple version of the Celtic Cross layout as an overview, just as if he was coming to see me for a reading. I use this as my ‘foundation’ reading for my clients before I answer other questions, so that I can see the ‘big picture’ surrounding them.

I envisioned his face, and blew his fate into my cards. As I laid them out cards, what I see is very deep. I am sure that those of you who also read may come up with your own interpretations, and will be moved as well. I only laid the cards out once, and I am reading them exactly as I have drawn them.

The first card representing President Obama is the Wheel of Fortune. Fate is fickle, and sticky. This card symbolizes the cyclical states of man: “I will reign, I reign, I have reigned, I am without.” The deck I am using is Llewellyn, and its imagery is from Welsh Mythology. The Wheel of Fortune is Arianrhod’s Silver Wheel, and as Arianrhod placed destinies upon Llew, so perhaps have unpleasant destinies and challenges been placed upon this man who we see as a ‘shining one,’ which is also echoed in the final result card, the Sun inversed, which is represented by Llew in this deck.

The second card, his crossing card, is the Ace of Swords, which is upright (thank the stars!). This challenge to overcome all obstacles and achieve victory of course, is at hand. The sword holds up a crown, and it shows me he has taken up this mantle with much determination and with everything he has. If Obama was in front of me, I would remind him that the sword is double edged, and I would caution that those who live by it, also die by it. It is said that the “The Brave die only once, the Meek, a thousand times.” Truly, he is committed in his new role as a leader, as if he were a newly appointed king, with a strong leonine fearless streak.

Fate is the third card drawn, the Fool inversed, as is symbolized by Peredur. In Welsh tradition, Peredur was the original hero of the grail quest who failed in his first attempt, but spent most of his life searching for the Grail castle a second time. He alone is the keeper of the secrets of the sorceress, the Grail royalty. There is a theme here in this reading of something reenacting, of something from our ancestral memories being replayed out in the here and now. This will not be an easy path for him, but the rewards may be great. Perhaps his second term will be the place where he truly makes his mark.

The fourth card is the past, the Lovers. Obviously, his partnership is integral to who he has become, and it is still his root – his greatest source of strength. I think we all can see by now the love he has for his family exceeds all else. When a Leo’s family – his ‘pride’ and joy – believes in him he feels he can do anything.

The fifth card is the King of Pentacles inversed, which is the situation he must address. Obviously, the economy has turned upside down. But since this is a positive card normally, I feel that there is a chance to turn things around if the right decisions are made. Since the card is inversed, the apples are now on the ground, wasted, and the poppies are in the air, suspended. I can’t help but wonder if those poppies are also Afghanistan and the Middle East…

The sixth card signifying the near future is the King of Swords, again, I believe, this is the role he is stepping into. Swords cards are of course, also cards of war. I am relieved that there are no other sword cards in the rest of the reading, but I feel he is preparing for something that may not come right away – a readiness and an awareness to be on guard.

The Page of Pentacles is the current situation as the seventh card, outside of his influence. Although things may not be good now, the Page foretells that it will get better – help and hope is on the way. The winds of change are favorable, if not strong.

The eighth card is the Seven of Cups is the advice of the reading. To see things as they truly are is imperative. The illusion of the past is over – that spell has been broken, and castles that have been built in the air have been laid low.

The ninth card, the Six of Wands is in the Hopes and Fears position, and obviously this is a hope. This will not come to pass right away, this ‘dream’ of good news, of victory, of success and honors.

The tenth card, the final outcome is the Sun inversed, or Llew inversed. There will be limited progress although there will be success. I feel the first term in office will feel very much like a battle even through we are dismantling a war. There will be no miracles, just hard work and the results of that labor.

The last card, is what is hidden, and that is the Universe (the World). Perhaps there is something here very mystical, and hopes yet unrealized and unseen. This card in my deck is Cadair Idris – a mountain with connections to the Otherworld. There is still more to be revealed, but in its own time.

I hope you enjoyed the reading, Mary, as much as I did.

Blessed be!
Rev. Alicia Lyon Folberth

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Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

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ShyOwl February, 2009

It is my opinion that once you have learned the symbolism in tarot, you can pick up and read almost any deck. No matter what the deck is that you pick up, there are certain basic symbols that will remain the same.  Each symbol will be discussed in depth separately to allow for through understanding.

Since most of what I am drawing from for these articles comes from years of research and ultimately my own book of shadows, it is a good idea to print out what you find useful and add it into your own.

The most basic of all symbolism is color. For our purposes, color is at its basis a universal code establishing mood and intention. Just this evening I was privy to a discussion on the many ways that color effects learning and creativity. As an artist, I use color on a continual basis to effect mood and energy in my work and in my own environment.

Think about the last time you wanted someone to pay attention to you? What color did you put on? I will bet that it was red or black. Either color denotes sexual intention and evokes mystery.  Why? Why does color change us so? Each color in the spectrum resonates to its own vibration. It is this vibrational energy that works with our psyche to affect our mood and since we are all different people with different perceptions, some colors will affect us more strongly than others.

White is the absence of color. In this absence lies cleanliness, purity and our connection to The Divine Source. It is the balancing color of our crowning chakra and provides a light to us even in darkness. When white is the predominant color in a card or a vision for that matter, it is letting you know that the questioners guides are on the scene. Help is on the way. The 6 of swords comes to mind in reference to this. In this card we usually see a lone figure being carried in a boat that is rowed by either no visible being or a cloaked figure. The gray, tumultuous waters give way to calmer, blue waters. The sky is usually mostly white. The white sky is the symbol showing that The Divine is rowing the boat, granting safe passage to the questioner.

Black is, of course, the opposite of white. Where as white was the absence of color, black is the presence of all color. In the hodge-podge of it all, we find protection, safety in a dark blanket held firmly in place by The Divine Source.  But, in the darkness lies things that we can not see, things that are hidden from our vision, or things that we may hope to remain hidden from others. In the darkness, we may find safety but we may also find treachery. Since black is all color, it can be trained to do any work. The Death card is filled with darkness. In this we see the thralls of addiction, self hatred, victimization, cruelty and strangely, we see the Divine Order of things. That for every yin, there is a yang, for every light deed, there can be one of darkness beyond reproach.

Red is our connection to our base. It rules the seed chakra and therefore rules our wealth and carnal sexuality. Red can also house our connection to the Divine Mother and to our earthly mother. It is an explosion of energy and creation. It is seen best in the very blood that gives us life. In this state, it is void of oxygen, working with all the energy around it to return to the space of providing us soundness in life. It yearns to nurture us, but if allowed to remain in the state of searching, it can destroy us.  The Lovers Card shows us this choice as it represents the choice that we must make between the spiritual path and the carnal path.

Orange is creativity, energy given forth for growth and development. It governs the sacral chakra and represents procreative sexuality. It does also stimulate hunger and in tarot, represents the yearning for knowledge and growth.  The Strength Card is a good split between yellow and orange so it will be visited again. In most decks, we see a young maiden conquering a lion. The lion represents our carnal nature. It embodies her energetic victory over carnality in preservation for a more spiritually driven union.

Yellow is the color of strength, or weakness, depending on its surrounding energy. It is our connection to our instincts. Our most basic flight or fight instinct is seen in yellow. Back to the strength card, the young maiden is surrounded by a sky that yellows in its height and often in the yellow tones of the sands that surround her. She has chosen to stand firmly against the urges of carnality in favor of her own spirituality and of course, to literally stand and fight. This card positively aspected lets you know that your questioner has what it takes to stand for the fight ahead and survive.

Green is the lush growth of summer, the energy of the grass under our bare feet as we prepare for summer workings. Green is our connection to Mother Earth and the bounty of harvest that she willingly provides. Abundant growth, prosperity, fertility are all governed by green. The Empress is seated on a lush thrown, fat with child and feasting on the fruits of summer, she is safe to grow and enjoy life.

It is by no accident that so many communications companies choose to add blue to their logo since blue is the color of communication.  Governing the throat chakra, it is the manner in which we represent ourselves to the world. I favor using blue as a color of protection since here in lies the truth and few energies can disguise themselves falsely when enveloped in a cool blue field. The World Card is almost always earth in a sea of blue, her oceans vibrant and clear. The World brings us information that will guide us to our true life purpose.  Blue has a second job in tarot. Blue carries the energy of psychic connection. All of the cups are represented by blue waters and in this watery energy is show psychic ability or manipulation.

Purple by any name would still mean the same. It is the director of our third eye. This is our connection to the astral plane as well as the psychic web that connects us all. But interestingly enough, purple in tarot is not representative of psychic ability. It shows the energy of royalty, regal knowledge that is saved only for The High Priestess.

For those of you who are studying tarot, I am going to give you a little homework. Take the time to go through your deck, without the little booklet. Notice the dominate color in each card and asses how it effects your perception of the meaning of the card. Jot down your thoughts and then compare them to the generic meaning given in the booklet that came with your deck.

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

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