Marisol Velasco April, 2012

So Many Spreads So Little Time:

The Celtic Cross, Three Card Spread, Five Card Spread, Six Month Spread, I can go on and on.  The Tarot has a number of different way in which the cards can be read.  Some decks have their own spread suggestions and some decks stick with the basic spreads.  When I first learned the Tarot as a teenager, I learned using the Celtic Cross Spread but as the years went on I slowly developed my own spread incorporating what I felt was coming naturally to me into the traditional Celtic Cross.

When it comes to readings you have to go with what seems natural and comfortable.  If the traditional spreads works for you then by all means stick to it but if you feel inclined to add or change something about a particular spread then definitely go with your gut instinct.

The purpose of readings is to give your client the most beneficial information and if you are not comfortable with the spread you are using then you need to find the one that works for you even if it means changing it up a little.  There are some out there that might disagree with my thinking however it’s best for you to be able to flow during your reading then to feel you are stumbling.

I do suggest when you are first learning to do readings that you learn one of the basic spreads and then when the need arises you go ahead and tweak it to suit your energy and by all means if you are comfortable with the traditional ways then please do stick with it.

I’ve learned throughout the years as I’ve done readings that allowing myself to flow creatively assisting others through their life issues and cycle is more important then sticking to a ridged though process.  Listing to that intuitive voice during your readings will keep you well grounded and allow your client to really benefit from their interaction with you and often times ensure future return visits.

So let your creative juices flow and your intuition be your guide during your next reading.

Blessings

Tags: cards, Divination, reading, tarot

• Divination

Marisol Velasco March, 2012

Well here is an interesting tidbit of information.  I was reading recently that some people believe that the word Tarot might be derived from the word Torah.  The Torah is the Hebrew Holy book and is the name given to the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The word Torah basically means “Instructions” or “Law”.

However, when looking at the Tarot you can clearly see that the images depicted in many of the early decks had a Catholic influence and cultural background and in according to scholars there is no evidence presented to date that shows any form of Jewish practice or influence on the creation of the deck.  The actual origins of the French word “Tarot” or “Tarocchi” or “Tarock” remain unknown to date.

Thinking about the origins of the word Tarot has also made me to consider the correct pronunciation of the word.

Is it Ta-rot like carrot or Ta-row?

The correct way to pronounce the word is Ta-row.  However many people unfamiliar with the correct pronunciation refer to it as the Ta-rot.

I’ve been guilty of using the incorrect pronunciation myself a lot of the times especially if I am trying to explain to someone what it is that I do. I have found that many people do not recognize the correct pronunciation of the word.

Now although I mispronounce the word I do believe in educating so I will often follow with “actually the correct pronunciation is…” this way who ever I encounter will at least leave knowing what the correct word is.

That being said how many of you who read cards use the correct pronunciation?

And how many of you find that people aren’t sure what you are talking about when you pronounce it correctly?

Tags: tarot, torah

• Divination

Mike Gleason February, 2012

Who Are You in the Tarot?

By  Mary K. Greer

© 2011  Red Wheel/Weiser

ISBN:  978-1578634935

272 pages

Paperback        $21.95 (U.S.)

This is, essentially, a reworking, updating and revision of an earlier work.  It is designed to be a workbook.  I’ve read Tarot for years and have never encountered the ideas she promulgates within the covers of this book, which doesn’t say much for the “adventurousness” of my readings.

This is not her first book on the Tarot, and I might,  perhaps, have gotten more out of it if I had read her previous work.  Still, this book is designed to stand on its own and needs to be evaluated on that basis.

Anything which helps to expand our understanding of personalities and why people react in certain ways in certain situations is an invaluable addition to our ability to foresee trends and thus help to control and alter our behavior.

It is not necessary to read through book in the order it is written, although it would be beneficial to at least skim quickly through the introductions to each chapter.  It is possible, however, to just skip around and tackle the topics in any order which appeals to you.

In spite of coming to this book with years of preconceptions, I found her ideas easy to adapt to and understand.  There are numerous charts, forms and illustrations (which you are encouraged to copy) to help you understand the relationships of the various cards and their groupings (constellations).

Her method for calculating Year Cards, for some reason, seems to me to be either badly explained or more complicated than it need be.  I had to read through the procedure several times, and even then I wasn’t real sure of my results.  I have had instances in the past where, for one reason or another, I have read unnecessary complications where none have existed, so I am willing to give Ms Greer the benefit of the doubt and assume that the difficulty lay within me and my perceptions.

Even if you find that the concepts of constellated cards and other ideas she puts forth do not resonate with you, she offers a great deal of insight into the cards themselves and the symbolism and meanings which can be derived from them through seeing them in “unconventional” ways.

While I have some reservations because of my personal difficulties making some of the calculations, I have no hesitation in recommending this book as an excellent source of insight and inspiration.

Tags: book, Divination, tarot

• Interviews & Reviews

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

• Articles

Marisol Velasco December, 2011

It’s that time of year when we all head out to the stores in search of the perfect holiday gift for that special someone.  If your looking for the perfect deck of cards to give as a gift or stocking stuffer I though I’d give you some suggestions.

My favorite deck of course is the traditional Rider-Waite deck the art is classic and the cards are the most recognizable cards available.  I prefer the Rider deck because it makes the readings a bit simpler to explain to my clients when I’m reading them.

Then there is the Deviant Moon Deck this Deck has amazing and gothic art work the deck for me is reminiscent of Alice In Wonderland it’s a great deck for collectors however I don’t recommend it for actual readings since it is a little darker then most cards.

For the Vampire lovers there are two decks that I recommend. The Vampire Tarot with simplistic art work and my favorite  Vampyre (Phantasmagoria) this has beautiful artwork and comes in a gift box with an extensive book that details the cards.

Another beautiful gift box set is the Commemorative Pamela Coleman Smith set. The set comes with the Smith-Waite cards, a bag to put the cards in, an pictorial key book,  book on the work and Times of Pamela Coleman Smith and additional art cards. It’s a beautiful gift set comes in a sturdy box and as far as gift giving goes this one is my most reccomended because of all it includes.

There are quite a few decks that make great gifts and you can find most of them at your local bookstore.  If you have a reader, collector or want to give yourself a gift of cards check out the ones I mentioned above you won’t be disappointed.

Happy Holidays!

Tags: deck, Divination, tarot

• Articles

Marisol Velasco November, 2011

As we enter into the month of “Thank Giving” I wanted to discuss two of the cards in the Tarot Deck that come about to remind us to give thanks for what we have.  A lot of the time as we coast through life we forget to keep mindful of how thankful we are.

That being said I’m going to discuss The Sun.  The Sun cards in general means that things are going fairly well for you and even in it’s reversed state the Sun means good things however in the reverse state the card specifically reminds you that you have to be thankful of what you have no matter the situation or the things that are wrong in your life it’s time to count your blessings and refocus on the good.

The Four of Cups has a similar meaning.  In general the card tells you to count your blessing and be grateful and also reminds you not to wallow in self pity or negative self chatter as this negative chatter is damaging to the soul and spirit.

Within the Tarot Deck there are a number of cards that present themselves when we are not being grateful for what we have.  At times overwhelmed by the negative points in our life we tend to focus on anything but gratitude.  But the reality is that being grateful opens you up to receiving more good things.  As gratitude shifts your energy you’ll find yourself focusing on the good and less on the bad this energy shift then bring the law of attraction into play and the more grateful you are the more things to be grateful for will come along.

One of the exercises that I recommend when we are not mindful of “Thanks Giving” is creating a gratitude journal and working on it every night being grateful for at least 5 things a day no matter how insignificant they might seem to you at that moment.

Gratitude is a powerful weapon represented by the Sun it’s warming, nurturing, and life giving just as the real Sun is to the earth Gratitude is to the soul so take a moment to reflect on the good things in life and open your soul to the possibilities.

Tags: card, Divination, reading, tarot, thanks

• Articles

Morika Bernhard November, 2011

Wow, November 1^st is here!  We are now completely in the throws of the Holiday Season and in addition to the wonder, fun, parties, great family gatherings, friends, etc…, we also have more bills, more stress, more colds, and exhaustion to boot.  What’s a witch to do?

Well, as an herbalist and aromatherapist, I could go on forever on the benefits of keeping your immune system up and running smoothly with a host of herbs, and aromatherapeutic oils, but since the article I write for is about spells, how about we address a main concern of most everybody’s at this time of year… MONEY. J

Let’s face it, we all need more money.  Even if you’re doing okay in that department, it never hurts to have a tad more, especially during gift-giving season.

So, without further adieu, let’s do a great little spell together this month called, The Tarot Abundance Spell^© that will help with that need for quick incoming cash.   PLEASE feel free to leave a comment on this thread below the article sharing your manifestation of this spell with others!  We’d love to hear how it’s working for you and yours at this special time of year.

May your November be MOST abundant,

With moonlit beams of joy,

Morika

Tarot Abundance Spell^©

Need: One green candle (if you don’t have a green candle, use white which can be used in place of any other color at any time, for any ritual;) powdered cinnamon (the fresher, the better;) the Tarot card that most represents wealth and financial abundance TO YOU (go through the deck looking at the pictures…when a card that ‘feels right to you’ and in your mind looks like a good money card, use that card*;) money (a bill or two) and coins (a good variety of silver and a couple of pennies will suffice.)

Lay the card face up. Surround it with the money in whatever way feels most comfortable to you – there is no right or wrong in this ritual; keep that in mind.  Place the candle at the head of the card and light it (make sure the candle is securely fitted in a good candle holder so it won’t fall down and catch things on fire.) Focus on the imagery of the card.  You’ll know the right amount of time.  Then visualize yourself paying your bills EASILY; visualize being paid money from someone that owes it to you; visualize money coming to you from an unexpected source (lottery, inheritance, etc.) and money coming to you in other forms (if you sell things online, that would be an example of this.)  Sprinkle cinnamon on the flame saying affirmatively and adamantly:

Money of Silver, Green and Gold
Hurriedly Bring me Wealth Untold

Bring me enough, then some, for my Needs

Let money in my Hands, Grow like Seeds.
Riches come through every possible Door
To make me Money Ten Times More

And as I will, So Shall it Be,

Money will SURELY come to me.

This always works~~It’s always a blessing!

Snuff the candle and wrap it in the bill(s) and tie it up with green string. – Let it sit near your front door of your home, or front door of your place of business; or if you prefer, put it in your purse.  You can safely remove it and bury it or throw it away once your spell has manifested.

*Any card in the deck could look like money to you.  This is a spell that is about you; how you perceive things and your view of the pictures on the card can be quite different from someone else.  So it is NOT necessary to pick a card that is KNOWN to be a card of abundance. Any picture that quietly speaks to you and lends you to think and easily visualize ‘money drawing’ scenarios, is the RIGHT tarot card for this spell.  This is a personal spell*

Text Copyright 2011 by Morika Bernhard, Under The New Moon, www.underthenewmoon.com We invite you to stop by our store this month and browse! Take 25% off your entire order with code: WARMUP25

To contact Morika, email: underthenewmoon@gmail.com

Tags: tarot

• Spells & Rituals

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

• Articles

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

• Articles

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

• Articles