The Lovers         

The deck I am using today is the Impressionist Tarot by Arturo Picca and Corrine Kenner.   This is another Lo Scarabeo deck.   It's also another deck that belongs to my husband.

I'm glad it belongs to my husband because I don't care for it.

Being that this is a deck that explores impressionist art,  I expected that the LWB woule at least tell us who the artist was.   The guidebook does indicate that the artwork is by Arturo Picca.   However, it does seem like the artwork is inspired by artists of the impressionist movement, even if it was painted by Arturo Picca.   The book does not indicate anything about the  inspirational artwork.   That's very disappointing.   I guess I'm just supposed to know all of this information.   The suits do seem to represent a different artist.  Wands are Manet,  Cups are Monet, Swords are Van Gogh, and Pentacles are Degas.   The Majors have no mention of the inspiration.

What do I know about each of these artists?  Manet - honestly, not much.  Monet was pointalism.   Van Goh did a lot with broad strokes, and tended to use black very boldly.   Degas was ballerinas. 

The Lovers is a card about partnership, but not always about physical love, though it can be.   It's very similar to the Two of Cups, but I actually prefer the Two of Cups to the Lovers.   The Lovers is more "love" in the ideal.   It's kind of like that quote from Sleepless in Seattle:  "You don't want to be in love, you want to be in love in a movie." 

Looking at this Lovers card.  There are two people in the foreground and an exploding volcano in the background, in the posiiton which is usually held by an Angel.   They are holding hands, but there is a look of resignation on their faces, almost like they have dcided to accept the inevitable together.  It's not a look of growing old together, but it is about facing the storm together -- even if the odds are against you.  

The book that comes with this deck says:  "You're in a position to explore your options, or to reaffirm the choices you've already made.  Be careful what you wish for because you're more attractive than you know.  Make wise choices and think carefully before you make a commitment you cannot keep.   Key words:  love, desire, attraction, communication, duality, choice."

Yes, that's pretty standard for the Lovers card, in general; however, it doesn't suit THIS Lover's card's artwork.

The spread I am using today came from the LWB that comes with the Impressionist Tarot.   It's called "The Gallery of Dreams"

Cards 1 and 2 describe the crux of the situation - they are the ones located in the middle of each cross.

Card 1 = 5 of Wands - this is a card about conflict.    It's also about the importance of communication.   Three protestors face off against two policemen.  Everyone has their arms raised in anger.

Card 2 = Death - this is a card that always speaks to me about new beginnings.   The end of one thing and the beginning of another.

So the crux of the matter is a bit of difficulty.  Conflict and Endings.   This might be difficult to accept.

Cards 3 and 4 describe the highest ideals.  They are the cards on top.

Card 3 - 7 of Swords.  This card always makes me think of stealing away in the night.  Maybe it is making an escape.

Card 4 - The King of Pentacles.   This is a card about being secure and using your wisdom to help others into this position

These two in conjuction seem to indicate that perhaps the best thing to be most secure is to take a break.

Cards 5 and 6 are the lower two cards.   These represent the foundation of the problem or the reality of the situation

Card 5 - 6 of Swords  - This one is screaming about water under the bridge.  There is a boat that is sinking.  So in many ways, it's indicating a bit of a lack of security in a foundation

Card 6 - 8 of Swords - This card is about feeling trapped; however, it's more along the lines of looking for an alternate solution whenever you feel like you're trapped or in a position where you don't see any way out.   Keep looking.

(If you're wondering about the preponderance of swords, I shuffled the deck for the first time today)

Cards 7 is the far left card.  It is representative of the recent past.

Card 7 - 9 of Pentacles - This one is about being at the right place at the right time.   Taking advantage of a situation that presented itself.

Cards 8 and 9 are the two middlemost cards. They reflect the present moment and how it is trending to the future.

Card 8 - Queen of Pentacles.  Queens are the emotional/emotive cards in the court cards.  Pentacles being security.  It's about being grounded.   So this is a card that represents someone who knows who she is and is grounded in that knowledge.   She does not buckle to outside pressures.

Card 9 - Queen of Swords.  Swords are about thoughts.   So this person is able to use her thoughts and emotions together.  I like to think of the Queen of Swords as Xena.   She's Wonder Woman.  She is a powerful, strong woman who is secure in who she is.   Very strong cards.

Card 10 - This reveals the most likely outcome.  The Lovers, the card of the day.   given That it is about being resolute in commitents, this is actually making some sense along with the reading as a whole.

The reading as a whole is indicative that there is change coming and it's going to take some strength and courage, which I possess, to exercise.  I should be resolute.

Word Count:  980

The Hierophant

The Hierophant

Today's deck is CatTarot, by Carole-Anne Eschenazi and Diana Cammarano.   This deck is one of those 'novelty' type decks.  I put 'novelty' in quotes because they really did put a lot of thought into it, and it is absolutely a deck you can read from.  It's a hilarious deck.  It's a nerdy deck.

Seriously, this is about the nerdiest deck I've seen.   This is the deck to take to Dragon Con.  This is the deck to take to ComicCon.   This is the deck you whip out with your nerd friends, because I don't care what you're a fan of, CatTarot has a card in it for your inner nerd.

It's a Lo Scarabeo deck, which means that the cards themselves don't have words on them.   One of the things I like about Lo Scarabeo decks is the absolute universality of them.  The LWB is printed in five different languages, and because the cards use symbols rather than words, it does not matter your language.  

This deck also does sort of require you to look at the little white book, just so you know who the card represents.  It's not about reading it for 'what does this card mean', but 'who is it?'

The Hierophant is one of the cards I do have a hard time with, mostly because most representations seem so hard.   This one is actually very cute and warm.  

When I look at this card, I see a teacher. imparting his knowklee to his students.   But when I look at his scepter, it is giving off waves.  This teacher isn't just sharing his words, he's sharing his spirit.  This is true of any teacher.

I do wish that the card had a different name, although I do tend to shy away from using alternate names for the Major Arcana cards.   But this is what I get from it.  Teacher.  

Who is this card though?  According to the book, this is Merlin.  I will be honest, I don't get Merlin from this rendering.  It's a beautiful image, but I don't see Merlin in it, personally.

The spread I have chosen today is another one I got from Mitchell Haygood during Tea and Tarot.    Our local metaphysical shoppe hosts a monthly tarot meeting, which we almost never miss.  

This spread speaks to me because it is about what holds you back.  I am not a risk taker by nature.

1.  What prevents me from taking a risk:   The Hierophant.     An interesting card in this position, teacher    However, in this particular case, I think I'm one of the kittens.   What prevents me from taking a risk is that maybe I've learned lessons in the past that risks do not always lead to rewards.  Or maybe I feel like I have far too much to learn still, and I'm not ready.

2.  Most deep seated fears:  The Moon (Marilyn Monroe, Catrilyn Monroe).   The thing I get from the Moon is that sometimes it's about the masks you put  on, who do you show to the world.   Maybe, I'm afraid I'm an imposter, that I don't really have what it takes.   I'm afraid to embrace my inner diva and let her out.

3.  What is the core of disbelief:  The Emperor (Cat the Fourteenth/Henry the Fourteenth).    This is telling me that I should think big, and embrace my inner power, but again, as it is the core, perhaps I'm afraid of what would happen if I did.

4.  Actions to take to overcome:  Three of Cups (Catx Brothers).   Usually, this is a really feminine card.   This is also a card about celebrations and friendships.  But this card is the Marx Brothers.  They were smart, but also silly.   So what to do to overcome?  Allow myself to be silly, and have fun.  Cut loose.

5.  What actions to do to nurture self-belief:  Four of Wands (Mickey Cat -- hilarious).   This card is welcoming.  Go to Disney?   No, but seriously, when I look at Mickey Mouse, I'm reminded of Steamboat Willie -- the mouse that Walt fought for.   He didn't give up.   No matter what others said, he believed in his dream.   Be the Mouse.

Word Count:  695

The Emperor

Today's card is from the Revelations Tarot by Zach Wong.   It's a gorgeous deck, and one of the unique features is that the cards are designed for reversals.   The image of the card looks entirely different depending on whether it is upright or reversed.  Unlike most decks where a reversed card merely has an upside down image, the Revelations Tarot presents a different image.

This is the only deck I do read reversals from, and the only deck I am not OCD about keeping everything upright when I shuffle.

When reading with it, though, it is important that the Querant be shown the card from the Reader's perspective as they are seeing something completely different than the Reader is.

I also love the imagery.  It's very reminiscent of stained glass.

Here I am providing the image both in the upright and reversed position.

Upright -- the Emperor is very commanding.  He controls the elements -- lightning is summoned by his command.  The clouds disperse at his will.   The Emperor represents the iron will one needs to accomplish goals.

Reversed -- those yellow lights are strings.   The Emperor here has no control.  He is a puppet, controlled by others.   

What I like about being able to see both sides at the same time is that it does present a picture -- there is the dark and the light together.   In many ways, it is a warning -- don't overstep, because it could cost you.   Or an opportunity -- cut the strings and take your power.  

Most decks don't really offer that type of vision

This is one of my newer decks, and I love that it comes with a couple of spare cards, particularly because those cards are actually useful.  So often, they are advertisements.  This one provides two spreads.   A year spread (which I am always looking for, so now I have it in a handy/dandy card that I can easily locate) and a Seven Days Spread, which is what I'm using today.

I really do recommend visiting  http://www.zachwong.com/tarot.

So back to the spread:

Monday - This represents the past -  The Magician -- I love how active this Magician feels.  Most feel very stagnant, but this one looks like her image has been captured in the act of spell casting.  The Magician also looks female, which is rather unusual.   Zach does use "he" when referring to this card, but it screams feminine energy and this is my copy of the deck, so the way it calls to me wins here :)   If you recall, the Magician is creation.   This is an upright Magician, so I'm only going to focus on that portion.  When I see it though, I do feel almost as if the Magician is working in partnership, maybe taking over from a mentor.    That actually makes sense to me.

(It occurs to me that readers of this blog are going to learn a lot about me.)

Tuesday represents the Present -- This is the Six of Swords.   This is usually a card which I think of as stealing away, but this is not how this feels.  He feels like he is struggling, leaving.  He is putting his energy into steering the boat, but he is not defeated, and he is not done.  

Wednesday - Hidden influence, hopes, fears.  The Hanged Man, Reversed.  This is indicative of stagnation, of maybe staying in place too long.    Staying in one place too long could lead to loss.   

Thursday - Obstacles or Conflict.   The Emperor.   As previously discussed, this card is about command control, so looking at this in the position it is in, perhaps the issue is a sense of control.

Friday - Outside Influences - Death, Reversed.  This is actually one of my favorite cards.  Death isn't about death, but it is about endings and beginnings.   For every door closing, a window opens.     Reversed, with the baby taking center, reminds us that change can be good.

Saturday - what should be done.  Three of swords.   I'm going to call it 'cut your losses'.   The three of swords is the heartbreak card.  This image implies that in many ways, the broken-hearted is holding onto the pain rather than releasing it.   Dwelling.  The advise from this card is to let it go.

Sunday - Possible Outcome. The Fool, Reversed.  Usually, the Fool is carefree, but in this reversed Fool, he is cautious.  Is that a warning, don't be too cautious.  Or is it advice to proceed with care, look before you leap.    Given the other cards -- it feels more like a warning about being too cautious.

Word Count: 768

The Empress

The Empress     

Today's deck is the Witches Tarot by Ellen Dugan.

I was really lucky to have had my first profesional tarot reading done by Ellen Dugan.   It was really awesome because afterwards, we had a chance to talk about the cards and inspiration for them.   We talked about reversals.  This particular deck is printed in such a way that it is very easy to not use reversals.  Reversals are an interesting concept, with some people viewing them as 'opposite' meanings and others taking an approach that upright cards represent external influences whereas reversed cards represent internal influences.

Me? I don't care for reversals much, and I think it has to do more with not liking upside down cards than having an issue with two meanings.

Ms. Dugan is also a published fiction writer, and at that time, I was not (I am now:  my novel is called Spell Me the Truth and is available on Amazon).   I was still toying with the name as well as whether to pursue self-publication or attempt to get an agent to represent me.   I eventually decided on self-publishing.    We also talked about the prologue to my book.   Her advice was that I should cut the prologue, and I did take that into consideration.  However, while I did not take her advice ultimately, that does not mean I ignored it.   I thought very hard about what she had suggested, and her reasoning about it – prologues are generally frowned upon.   That said, there are exceptions to every rule.   While I ultimately kept my prologue, there are strong reasons for it.

Shortly after my reading by Ms. Dugan, I went to New Orleans and had my cards read there.  I did feel more connected to the reading I had with this deck by the author.   The one in New Orleans used the Ghosts and Spirits Tarot deck, which is not one of my favorites.   (Okay, I’ll be honest, I don’t like that deck at all.)   

Of the two readings, Ms. Dugan’s was a lot easier to follow.   She used a more logical reading format than the one in New Orleans.  

The Witches Tarot is actually my husband's deck, not mine.   He bought the Witchy Tarot because he wanted a witch tarot.   I do not recommend that deck at all, but because of it, he did not have the tarot he wanted, so I got him this one.   Between us, we presently have over 50 decks, so I will be using a different deck every day. Some will be mine and some will be his.

So anyway, onto the Empress card

First impressions:  she makes me think of Vikings, and I feel Freya.   This image does have a few glare flares from my overhead lighting, because the cards are very glossy.

She is sitting on a throne, surrounded by symbols of fertility.... the rabit, the wheat.   She wears a crown of stars, symbolizing her connection to the planets and planetary bodies.  She seems herself to be pregnant.   This is a card of fertility, creativity, embracing of the divine feminine within.  She is in nature and part of nature.  The Empress does not belong in a stuffy room.  She belongs outdoors, in nature, because she is nature. 

The spread I am using today was given to me by Mitchell Haygood.  It's a basic five card spread, but really beefed up.   The basic spread is Situation, Past, Present, Near Future, and Outcome; however, it is built in with clarifiers.    I don't normally use clarifiers, but they are frequently helpful.

First Card - The Situation  - the Ace of Wands.   This card is the beginnings, it's passions, it's fire.  This card is about opportunities.  So here I am seeing a card that is telling me that there are opportunities on the horizon, and to be aware of things that are going on around you.   Don't be so focused on where you are that you're not checking out what surrounds you.   Allow the wind to take your ribbons and show you new things.

Crossing the first card -- things that can help or hinder:

The Hermit  -- the first of our Major Arcana in this situation.   The Hermit is a reminder that sometimes you need to take a moment to learn, meditate, be at peace with yourself, or seek out a teacher.   So when crossed with the Ace, it does seem to mean that improviing yourself can open up opportunities -- it might mean taking a few classes in an area of interest.

Second Card:  The Present.  The Six of Pentacles -- this is a card that I do like.  Who are you in the situation.  ARe you the man in green who is in a position to help others by sharing what he has, or are you the children who are receiving from the man in green.   This card is absolutely saying that there is bounty in both giving and receiving.  sometimes you give. and sometimes you have to let someone give to you. 

Present Clarifier 1 - The Lovers.  As is traditional, there is an angel between our lovers, but instead of standing between, this angel feels like she is the matchmaker who put them together.  The lovers is a card about partnership, despite the name.   Clarifying the Six of Pentacles, it does speak of the relationship between giving and receiving, the partnership of this action.  The ebb and the flow.

Present Clarifier 2 - The Empress.   As earlier stated, this is about creativity and fertility and nature.  How does she relate to the Six?   Perhaps what is being given is not money, perhaps it is knowledge or compassion.  While Pentacles are often thought of as representing money, the root of it is security.   The Empress is a very grounded individual.  She is nature and nurture.

Third Card:  The Present

Seven of Pentacles.   This is a card that I always feel represents a situation that is nearing fruition.   We see a farmer here standing next to a bush.  Is it time to harvest the crop, or should they bloom a little more.   This card is reminding us to look at where we are and evaluate whether or not we are ready to gather in our harvest.  It also may mean that you've gotten everything out of a circumstance (job, relationship, etc) that you can and that it is time to move.   A warning is that if you let the situation continue after it is time to gather the resources, they could dry up as well.

Present Card 2:  The Four of Pentacles.   This card always makes me think of a miser.   This is about holding onto things for far too long.  

As a clarifier to the Seven of Pentacles - this is a perfect card.   So in this situation, I would say that it is definitely time to gather the harvest, collect final data, or break free from relationships.   It's really important to evaluate why you're holding onto it ... is it emotional or logical?   

Present Card 3:  This is the Two of Pentacles -- so at this point, I'm very much feeling that the queerant really is focusing on security.  They don't feel secure or they are very risk averse because of a fear of losing security.  This would also mean refusal to leave questionable situations to move to more productive or fulfilling ones.  This person is very rooted.     However, the past -- this is balance.   There is a balancing act going on here.

Fourth Card: Near Future:  This is represented in the King of Swords.  The King of Swords is a wise man, who uses his knowledge for his people.   As a card, of the near future, this indicates that the querant is in a position where they could be asked to share knowledge, and is being encouraged to be generous with that knowledge, recoginzing that the knowledge used for the betterment of all is the best application.

Near Future clarifier 1:  the Three of Pentacles.  This is a card about cooperation, working with others.   Using multiple methods to learn.   Our card shows a man who is working with his cat familiar.  He is very focused on his task.   It's a great card in conjunction with the King of Swords, which is about using knowledge wisely.

Near Future Clarifier 2:  THe Knight of Wands.   I always see him as a bit impetuous   He may ride off without all of the information he needs, so this is something to consider.  Work with others, share your knowledge, but don't go off half-cocked

Fifth Card:  Outcome

Strength - Strength is pretty self explanatory.    Don't let worries or fears stop you from living your dreams.  You will only find the inner peace you're seeking when you test yourself and trust yourself.   Doubt will only lead to disatisfaction..

Crossing this:  Advice or Warning - Seven of Wands -- you might feel like everyone is against you, but you don't have to back down just because of this.  You can still fight for what you believe.   Remember, believe in yourself, and don't let the naysayers stop you from attaining your goal.

Word Count:  1518

A Change of Plans

This year, I started my blog with the intent of the first 78 posts being an exploration of the Tarot of the Cat People.  However, after just three cards, I can already tell you that this is a road paved with failure.  I simply do not connect with the imagery of this deck.

I’ve had this deck for over 20 years. It’s my first deck.  There are many many people who truly love this deck, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.   I, however, do not.

I wanted to, and I was hoping that the exploration of this deck would really help me connect with it.  That is not happening.  What is happening is that I am actively avoiding working on the blog because I don’t want to work with this deck.   I have not written in it since last week when I wrote up the entry for the High Priestess.

There are a few issues I do have with the deck.

1. I don’t connect to the artwork, which is very strange when you consider that I love cats.  I really do.  I have a lot of cat decks.
2. I tend to be a very elemental based reader.  Some people really are drawn to colors, some are drawn to numerology.  I’m elemental, and these are not elemental cards.   Most decks will tell you that the suit of Wands represents fire (or air), etc.   This deck does not do that.   I’m not able to figure out how the artist and creators intended.
3. Because of this major difference, the meanings on the cards do not really mesh with my familiarity levels. 

There are some things I like… I like that the deck represents diversity.  That’s not altogether common, although there is a lot of intent in the creation of more recent decks to represent the world around us, rather than being extremely monochrome with representation.   That’s important, and it should not be discounted, especially considering when this deck was published.   

And perhaps, the lack of connection has nothing to do with any of the reasons I think it does.  Maybe it is much deeper.

This deck was given to me by my ex-husband.  Is there some sort of tie there that will never really be cut.  

At one point, I thought I had lost some of the cards to this deck, and bought a replacement.  I couldn’t connect to that replacement, and I chalked it up to having lost cards and the deck not trusting me because of that.    So I found it a home with someone who does appreciate it.

Then I found my original deck and, lo and behold, it was complete.  I had not lost any cards.  So it was not that.  I just think that maybe, there is a deep level of disconnect.

Perhaps it is because the deck was given to me by my ex.

Perhaps it is because I didn’t initially choose the deck.

Perhaps it is all of it, or maybe none of it.   Perhaps I am overthinking it.

So I will retire this deck.   I will not get rid of it.  This deck served me well back when I first started reading.   And it gave meaningful readings to people, even though I depended on the Little White Book.   It is not a useless deck or a bad deck.

It’s just not for me.

I have a couple of choices in this situation:  

1. Attempt to stick with the Tarot of the Cat People – and therefore end up scrapping this whole thing as I just can’t bring myself to work with the deck every day
2.  Change decks – technically, failing as a blog where I explore the Tarot of the Cat People, but at least continuing on writing
3.  Just stop and drop it entirely.

So, what have I decided?

I’ve decided to keep writing and to change decks.   I have not yet decided if I’m going to swap out decks or pick one and stick with it.   We have about 50 decks in my house (I do wish I were kidding.  Tarot decks are kind of like potato chips), so I could easily use  multiple decks in this exploration, while continuing with the journey through the cards.

This journey continues tomorrow…

Word Count:  715

The High Priestess

Illustrations from the Tarot of the Cat People reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902.  c. 1985 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.

Today's card is the High Priestess. 

Looking at this card, I see two large cat pillars looming in the back, one on either side of a dark expance.  Is our High Priestess in a cavern, or is she standing near a doorway?  She is bathed in light, in a room which is dark.   She doesn't look towards us. She is looking towards her staff.  Her robes are voluminous, much like the Magician's, but hers do not feel as much of a tool to obscure.  They are more of a symbol of her status.  She wears a collar of golden plates with a medalion that resembles an eye.

The High Priestess is usually about the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom.   She isn't about arrogance or haughtiness.  She is a student and a teacher, understanding that knowledge is an evolution.

This High Priestess doesn't really give off that vibe.  She seems to be one who receives petitioners and who uses her wisdom to aid those who seek help.  She doesn't seem unforgiving or unapproachable, but does does not strike me as a teacher or a student.

What I am finding in this deck as I explore it by the card is that it really does not feel like a RWS variant.  

The spread I am doing today is one of my own design.  It was inspired by the  Big Bang Theory.   The spread is called the Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock Spread.  

Rock represents what grounds you.  The card in this spot is the Four of Swords.  Swords are representative of the element of air....things that pertain to thoughts or creativity.   Fours are ususally about stability.  Traditionally, this card is about taking a rest; however,this card?  Honestly, I see a woman playing with her cats.  And to me, that's family.  In this position, this card is telling me that I find my strength in my family, in my home.

Paper represents the message you should take away.  The card in this spot is the Three of Pentacles.  Pentacles are the element of earth, and threes represent growth.  But in this card, looking at the image, I see a woman who is training cats, and the cat is balancing and juggling.  What does that mean?  She's clearly been the one who taught this cat.   The message I'm getting is that I should use my creativity to pass on knowledge.

Scissors represents something that is holding you back that you should cut.  The card here is the Four of Wands.  Wands are the element of fire, and Fire is passion.  As before, fours are stability.   Again, that's really not what I'm getting from this card.   I see the man here is playing music, and tehre are four wands on the ground as if tossed neglegently to the side.  The cats beside him are relaxed.  He's very relaxed as well.  So what does it mean?   The wands being tossed to the side make me feel like he's a dabbler.  He starts on paths, but gets bored with them.  He has a variety of interests but doesn't focus on any of them.  So in this case, there is a lack of focus.  The card is advising me to decide what I really want to pursue and focus my energies on it rather than being distracted by a multitude of things which consume my time and don't allow me to really focus on that interest.

Lizard represents something that is poisoning you or protecting you.  The card is the Ace of Pentacles.   Traditionally, Aces are about beginnings.   In this card, I see a woman who is using her energy to summon a pentacle. A fat cat is at her feet, content.   I have a fat cat who is a marshmallow butt of a purr monster.   Basically, he's about the sweetest cat you can meet, and if I'm ever sad or stressed, he is very good at grounding me.   So in this case, I feel like my 'lizard' is protecting me.  I feel like it is telling me that my family helps me to recharge so that I can devote my energy out to the world.

Spock represents the wisdom or experience that you bring.  This card is the High Priestess.   I've already talked about this one a little bit.  How does it relate to this spread.  I do have a degree in education, and frequently do training.  So something that it is telling me is perhaps my path should continue along that.

The spread does not have to be read in a particular order, because afterall:

Scissors cuts Paper

Paper covers Rock

Rock crushes Lizard

Lizard poisons Spock

Spock smashes Scissors

Scissors decapitates Lizard

Lizard eats Paper

Paper disproves Spock

Spock vaporizes Rock

Rock crushes Scissors

So this does allow for a read which relates the different cards in relation to one another.  

How does the Three of Pentacles relate to the Four of Wands?  That means that I should be sure that sharing knowledge does not overextend my energy.  (Scissors cuts Paper)

Four of Swords vs Four of Wands - Don't let my comfort in my home prevent e from getting out there.

(Paper covers Rock)

Four of Swords vs Ace of Pentacles   Both of these were very family driven.   So since one was about my family recharging me and the other was giving me energy out to the world, I think this is also telling me that I help recharge my family.

(Rock crushes Lizard)

Ace of Pentacles over High Priestess.   I've been told I think too much. In this instance, sometimes, it is important to just feel.

(Lizard poisons Spock)

Four of Wands vs Ace of Pentacles.    Decide what I want to pursue, even if my family doesn't understand it.

(Scissors decapitates Lizard)

Ace of Pentacles vs the Three of Pentacles.   Don't feel like I must use my creativity to pass on my knowledge if that's not helping to recharge me.

(Lizard eats Paper)

Three of Pentacles vs High Priestess.   Both of these are about sharing knowledge.   Don't feel that the only way I should use my crativity is for education.

(Paper disproves Spock)

High Priestess vs Four of Wands -  Don't let my feeling of comfort, or my tendency to stay isolated with my family, keep me from getting out there.

(Spock Vaporizes Rock)

Four of Wands vs Three of Pentacles - My family can help me focus, and maybe help me keep from taking on too much.

Rock crushes Scissors.

Word Count:  1109

The Magician

The Magician

Illustrations from the Tarot of the Cat People reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902.  c. 1985 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.

Today's card is the Magician.  I'll be honest here -- it's not my favorite interpretation of the Magician.  This magician seems to be cloaked in mystery.  He's wearing a mask which covers his face, and thus hides him from view.  He appears to be wearing an oversized wig/headdress.  His robe encompasses him entirely, obscuring the very shape of his body.  His entire person is covered, leaving us with the mystery of who he is.   As is traditional, the infinity symbol floats above his head, almost as if summoned by his wand in his right hand.   The sword, cup, and pentacle float above the floor, commanded by his left hand.   The cat in this card is drarfed by the oversized annonymity of the Magician.

When I look at this card, I don't see creativity.  I see control.  I see energy.  It feels like the Magician is trying to control all of the elements, but because he is so cloaked and hidden, the motivation for that control is questionable.  That isn't the normal feel of this card, and it is a strong indicator of why this is not one of my favorite artistic impressions of the Magician.   Ordinarily, this card is about creativity, willpower.  

One thing that is interesting about the book that comes with the deck is that the meanings are very much about the duality of human nature.   Willpower overdone can lead to domination.   The book here indicates meanings as varied as originality, creativity skill, willpower, control, deception, sleight of hand. 

The spread I chose for today is the Elemental Spread.   Each card is representative of an element.

Right from the start, I see that I have two cups, one sword, one wand, and one Major Arcana.  Two of the five are court cards.

Card One, Earth - this is about the physical realm, what grounds and keeps secure.   This is the King of Cups.   The suit of cups is the water element, or the suit of emotions.   So we have Water in Earth.   By having a cup in this position, it is indicative that part of security is emotional stability.   The King of Cups is about having that command and knowledge, which further supports the command of emotions bringing security.  

Card Two, Air - this is about the mental realm, thoughts and creativity.  The card here is the Five of Swords -- so it is an Air card in and Air spot, reinforcing the importance of thoughts.   The five of swords in this deck is very differently imagined.  Usually, the card reflects three people, one in the forefront and two leaving.  All have discarded their swords.  However, in this card, there are four swords seemingly mounted on a wall and the protagonist is holding one in a relaxed position, while two cats look at him in awe.   This card indicates that one should be careful of the battles one engages in, and the manner in which victory is earned.  Do you win the battle and lose the war?   In a position regarding the mental realm, particularly when it relates to creativity, it could mean that sometimes fighting to get through the mental block may not be the best way to handle things.

Card Three, Fire - this is about passions, the things that drive you.   The card here is the Magician.  Because this is the only Major Arcana in this spread, I feel that this is an indicator that this may be an important key for this reading.   It is also fitting because the element being held by the Magician is the wand, the Fire Element.   The Magician thinks he can control his passions; however, Passions must be tempered by thought and emotion and security.  Letting any one of them be the strongest weakens the person as a whole.   Passion allowed to run unchecked can lead to troubles; emotions left unchecked can weaken one.  Too much time spent in thought or creativity leads one to neglect other things.  And focusing only on security can cause one to not take any risks.   Only when all of these are in balance can one really achieve greatness.

Card Four, Water - This card is about emotions.   The card here is the page of cups.   Again, water in water, doubling the power of the emotions in this spread.  The Page here is calm, relaxed, easy.  Greeting the day wth patience.   This is showing a serenity and peace.

The final card Represents the element of Spirit.   Here we have the Nine of Wands.  This is about passions, and it is a card that reflects inner strength.

Word Count 793

January 2 - The Fool       

Again, we're following the Tarot of the Cat People.  Reviews I have read on this deck claim it to be both Rider Waite Smith inspired and Marceilles.  I personally am more familiar with the RWS variants than the Marseilles, and I see it as a RWS style tarot deck.

Today, we start our journey through the Tarot of the Cat People with the Fool.   The Major Arcana has been referred to as the Fool's Journey, so it does seem a fitting place to start.

Illustrations from the Tarot of the Cat People reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902.  c. 1985 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.

Before I provide the standard definition of this card from the LWB, I'm going to break down what I see when I look at the card, and what I get from this particulr card.

The card reflects a walker in a yellow patterned overcoat and billowing pants.  He has his hair up in pony tails.   His boots have poms and bells.   At his heel is a cat clawing to his leg, but he is not bothered.  He has a walking stick and he walks over a path of boulders.  He seems to be walking at night, and through a cave out to the expance.  He's not looking to his destination -- but rather off to the side.   Is he going out for a short jaunt or a long journey, it is not known, but the walker is not concerned about it either way.   Hia companion is not trying to stop him, and is not worried.   It more seems to be a cat playing with his leg.   

What do I get from this?  Walk with confidence and assurance, even to the unknown.  Don't let fear hold you back.

The standard meaning of this card is a combination of variations of Boldly Go and Watch Your Step or Pay Attention.   Those are showing in this card for certain.  However, this Fool feels less foolhardy than the RWS version.  

Now obviously, those meanings are a little more in depth than Boldly Go or Pay Attention.  The book that came with this deck indicates that the card is indicative of the beginning of an adventure, enthusiasm, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, rashness, obsession, etc.  

So when you're looking at all of the meanings that this card could have, it is important to note the surrounding cards and see what else is going on in the spread.  As a stand alone card of the day reading, I would consider it to be an indication of new opportunities to be aware of.

But using in a spread, it could mean many things, depending on what was surrounding it, or the purpose of the spread.  So the best way to demonstrate that is to lay out a spread.

The spread I'm using was created by my friend Kathy Briget and is a New Year's Spread.

Looking at it at first, I see that this ten card spread has three Pentacles, one each of Wands, Cups, and Swords, and Four Major Arcana, and Four Court Cards.

The First Card is the Theme of the Year:  Two of Pentacles.   This is a card of balance.  Ups and downs.   The balance theme is also very well shown by looking at the cards that have been drawn for this reading.

The Second Card represents the Outcome or Goals for the year:  Page of Pentacles.   I tend to view Pages as heralds or announcers.   I am also an elemental reader, so I do put a bit of focus on the elements that are representated.   This is the suit of Earth, security.    That said, I am actually going to draw on this from the image itself on this card.   The woman in it is reading or writing in a large book.   That is a goal of mine, to write more (which is why we're here in this blog)

The Third Card represents the Energy from the Past Year that's moving away:  The Fool.   This is where we look at the position of the card to determine what it means.   The energy of the Fool is a new adventure, and that makes sense.   This last year was very much the beginning of a new adventure.   Now I'm on that adventure.  I have already set out.   Perhaps the path will continue, but the adventure is no longer new. 

The Fourth Card represents the baggage that is being left behind:  The Tower.   The tower is a card that represents foundations being shaken, upheaval, change.  It's actually a card I do like -- It means that a new beginning can occur, that a new set of goals and desires can be formed.   This one also makes sense.  

The Fifth Card represents the Opportunities for the New Year:  Knight of Pentacles.   Knights to me are repreesntative of action.   This particular knight is very strong and steady.  He's not running ahead without a plan of action.  He's steadfast.  He's reliable.  You can count on him to be where he says and do what he has promised.  How does this relate to opportunities?   It could mean that because of that reputation, more opportunities could become available.

The Sixth Card represents the Challenges that will come with the New Year:  The Ace of Cups.  Aces are about beginnings, and Cups are representative of the element of water, which is about emotions.   So this indicates that the challenges could be emotional.   Looking at the card though, the challenge seems to be overcoming contentment or complacency.   The cat in this card looks perfectly happy where it is, and while the woman is dressed to go out, she does not seem to be  moving.  For me, this makes sense as well.

The final four cards represent the seasons, and Kathy chose to order them according to the Wiccan calendar and begin in the Winter

So the theme or challenge for the season of Winter is the Queen of Wands;   Queens are nurturers, and Wands are Fire -- Passion.    Combined, this represents a generous energy that nurtures those surrounding her.  Looking at this card, the Queen seems to be lighting the way, leading.  She's not leaving anyone behind.  So this will be a time of nurturing and leadership.

The season of Spring brings The World.   The World is frequently considered the "end" of the Fools Journey.   The card features a dancer, light on her feet, holding a globe of energy in her hands.   It could mean that there is some recogntion or acknowledgment.

The season of Summer brings the Queen of Swords.    She's tough, when she has to be.  She doesn't start fights, but she will fight if she needs to.  She defends those whom she cares for.  I like to call her the Xena card.   This card shows a very powerful woman.  She is draped in softness, but the hard edges on her face reveal that she is not as soft as her presentation might lead you to believe.   The energy reflected here is indicative of readiness.

The season of Fall brings the Wheel of Fortune.  The Wheel indicates that the things can turn.   However, it mostly falls to opportunities, solving a problem.   Because of the surrounding cards, this feels more positive than negative, so Fall brings out a positive outcome.

Word Count:  1226

A New Year, a New Blog

Greetings, Happy New Year, etc.

So, for 2019, I joined in a writing challenge, and while most people participating are working on a novel, I'm working on a blog.  Why? I want to try to find my voice.

The writing challenge is the 365 Writing Challenge, sponsored by the 10 Minute Novelists, and the goal is to foster an environment where you set up the habit of writing every day, even if it is only for 10 minutes.  I've set up a personal goal of 3,500 words a week.   This is pretty must the equivalent of two days of writing for NaNoWriMo, so it's not an unreasonable goal.

The first 78 entries (after this one) will be an exploration of a tarot deck -- The Tarot of the Cat People.   I'd like to thank US Games Systems for granting me permission to use images from the deck, because it is a beautiful deck.

My intention with the exploration is the following:  talk about the traditional meaning of the card, talk about what this particular version of the card is saying, and use the card in a tarot reading. 

Why would there be a difference between the traditional meaning and the specific card?   The imagery lends itself to additional interpretatios, otherwise why even have more than one deck?  Each deck has a voice, because of the variety of the imagery and the different symbols that the artist chooses. 

Long before I settled on which deck to use, I knew I would be doing a blog to explore a deck from start to finish, but picking the deck itself was difficult.  I have over 50.   I use about 5 of them regularly, and Tarot of the Cat People is actually not one of my current "go to" decks.   Right now, I primarily use Every Day Witch, Shadowscapes, Revelations, Tarot of the Mystical Cats, and Tarot of Pagan Cats.

So why Tarot of the Cat People?

It's kind of simple, actually.   Tarot of The Cat People was my very fist deck.  I didn't buy it for myself.  It was a gift from my ex-husband, and is actually the most thoughtful gift he ever gave me.

He bought it for me in 1998, so I've had it for 20 years. 

I never asked for a tarot deck, but I wanted one.  He worked in a B Dalton Books.  Every time I went there to visit (or shop), I would linger over the tarot decks, but I never asked to see one.  I lived in a conservative town, and I didn't want word getting back to my parents that I was messing around with those kinds of things -- as I knew nothing about tarot cards at all, but I knew my parents would not be happy.

But he noticed this, and he bought me a deck out of the blue -- it wasn't a birthday or an anniversary gift.  It was a just because gift.

And just like that, I had my first tarot deck.

At that point, I thought that the meanings of the LWB (little white book for those who don't know) were sacred, holy, and exact.  That there was no variation away from it.  I also thought the only spread was the Celtic Cross, as that was the one shown in the book.

I started doing readings in email with the Tarot of the Cat People.   Over the course of the next two years, I did well over 50 readings for other people using this deck. 

But I have never taken the time to really get acquainted with the individual cards of the deck.   So if I'm going to do a card by card daily review, looking at each card in detail, it seems that the first one is the most deserving of that review.

So tomorrow, we'll start to get to know The Tarot of the Cat People by starting our journey at the very beginning -- with the Fool.

Daily Word Count:  660