tarot

Distance Tarot Readings & How They Work

How can you do a tarot reading when you are not face-to-face with the person?

I have been asked this many times. Since the first version of this blog post there has been a plethora of articles written about distance readings. I don’t need to add to that, but I did want to update my blog with my experience.

I’ve provided tarot readings in person, over the phone, through messenger and email. It all remains very accurate because energy is all interconnected. In some cases I have felt more comfortable in a distance reading because I can be as comfortable as I like (as in, in my pjs!) and the information flows more freely. All feedback I have received has been positive.

Tapping into the energy from a distance is just as effective as face-to-face. In today’s digital world receiving distance readings have become quite common place. Heck, if you’re feeling nostalgic, I will snail-mail you a hand written reading and I have great confidence that it will resonate for you.

Maybe you’re still wondering how it works. If their energy isn’t there, how can the reading be done? Energy is all around. Essentially, we are all connected by tiny molecules. The esoteric and scientific communities can agree on that (even if that’s the only thing they agree on). Any reader can pick up on your energy, no matter where you are in the world in relation to them.

Doesn’t the client need to shuffle the cards? No. This is a myth. The client does not need to shuffle the cards. I know many readers who don’t allow anyone to touch their cards, even if they are sitting across the table. This is just a preference.

I hope you have found this information useful. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. If you would like to book an email reading click here for more info.

Brightest blessings,
Christina McCormick Bebee
Phoenix Rose

Tarot Talks: World Tarot Day 2019 Experience

Truth be told I forgot this day even existed despite it saw its 16th annual celebration this year. Typically I refrain from global social media challenges such as Tarosophy Association’s High Intensity Tarot Training (HITT) workout challenge.

Using only the 22 major arcana draw a card at random and follow a task list that’s based on the card drawn. Once task is complete pick another card and so on. See full challenge here.

I managed to complete 3 tasks. Each time I picked a card I felt the double-edged sword; one side told me to keep it simple, the other side felt it needed to be a grandiose achievement. I opted for the K.I.S.S (keep it simple, stupid). Sharing to my social media I actually wondered whether anyone would consider my completed tasks a cop-out. Really? Thoughts can be strange and funny things.

Looking at the cards I drew throughout the day – Strength, The Magician, The Tower – as a reading onto itself makes a heck of alot of sense for me.

“I am stronger than I think. I have all the tools I need. Clear out the old to make room for the new.”

I have been shifting on an internal and external level, which is reflected in these cards. I am looking at Strength as taming the wild beast that lives in us all. To me this currently is reflected by all my old social programming. The mind and behaviour conditioning and patterns that, when left unchecked, can cause a host of problems for me including anxiety, unmet and unrealistic expectations, insecurities, and more.

Magician is the will to do so, creation, making it happen. This is the action that is backed by the Strength card. The actual *doing* and facing of the fears. I also see this as journaling; gratitude journal, bullet journal, and personal journal. These tools have allowed me to take greater control by crystallizing the abstract thoughts into an actionable course.

Tower is the shifting moments. I have metaphorically and literally been clearing out all that no longer serves me, all that no longer “sparks joy.” The paradigm shifts and “ah-ha!” moments that come with it are all happening through doing the work of examining my own thoughts and beliefs. In a physical sense my house appears to be in shambles as we declutter (hubby and I both reformed hoarders).

All-in-all today was a good experience with the HITT challenge and am pleased with outcome. Was a great reminder that I have been facing fears, seeing the magic in the world, and making room for the new.

Brightest blessings,

~☆~Phoenix Rose ~☆~

Tarot Talks: Apophenia Tarot – The Chariot

The Chariot.
Photo credit: Phoenix Rose
This comes from the Apophenia Tarot by Steven Archer. The deck’s stark imagery is captivating, in my opinion.
When I was gifted the deck I did not know much about Archer. The deck had no guide book and on his website the artist said there would never be a book. I admire his brazen honesty. Archer stated that he only created the deck because his fans kept pushing for it, that he himself is an artist and not into tarot at all. The cards are a fan bit and nothing more. The title, apophenia, makes so much sense given his statement. As someone who has read tarot for half of my life I can see how, as an artist, Archer did a great job with this deck. I feel artists have a way of channeling things and end up with something they didn’t know they knew.
One card in particular struck me. The Chariot. Pictured is JFK, the First Lady is not with him, but the Lincoln Continental, the grassy knoll, and arrows imply his assassination. What does this have to do with the traditional image and symbolism of The Chariot?
I began my search on the now defunct Aeclectic Tarot forum to glean an ounce of insight into this deck. I was not surprised to see many complimenting the artistry, however I was shocked that this deck is a deal-breaker for some readers because of the Chariot card.
Some could not find the correlation between JFK and the Chariot meanwhile others found it in poor taste. A few non-Americans were not fazed because their patriotism lays elsewhere. Some even went so far as to say they would never buy this deck, would not even want to be read using this deck because of the Chariot card. Some were truly offended.
As a Canadian, I am well aware of JFK’s impact and lasting reputation, however I feel no offense to his image being used; I just want to know how I can correlate the seemingly unrelated symbolism. 
First things first, the traditional meaning of the Chariot. This card is about victory and success, not the dumb-luck kind, the kind that comes of hard work and perseverance. Having an almost aggressive attitude towards achieving goals. Being a bit self-involved. This card can relate to the military and leadership. This card is about making decisions between obedience and rebellion. Indicates travel and movement. Balance between masculine and feminine, as above and so below, to achieve success. It also has an adolescent energy about it; the part of the Fool’s journey where he’s gaining sight of his ability, honing skills, and striving towards mastery.
Photo credit: Google images
Now let’s take a gander at John F. Kennedy. He experienced much illness throughout his short life (perseverance for success against the odds). He was the US’s youngest elected president (adolescent to mastery energy). He climbed the so-called ladder to success through his school career, had a stint in journalism before getting right into politics, served in the Navy (perseverance to achieve goals). He has great leadership skills; was a lieutenant in the Navy (leadership and military energy). As a president he had his share of scandals, think Marilyn Monroe, he also made decisions that were not favorable to other politicians and powers-that-be (self-invloved, as well as rebellious, and tough decision making energy here).
I can really see how JFK ties in. Now I’m looking at it like how can he not be on this card, it’s too appropriate. The arrows threw me. As previously stated, I figure they imply his assassination. 
Or does it? Let’s look at arrow symbolism. Arrows symbolism speed, travel, movement, and swift action, which aligns with The Chariot. Arrows signify thoughts and nothing moves faster than a thought. They also indicate piercing the outer layer to get to the heart of the matter. In the card the arrows are shown piercing the outer layer. This goes with the energy of decisions, making choices that may change our current situation, or at the very least change our perspective on our current situation. In Christianity arrows are also related to the hunt, lightning, and divination.
Arrows can also be a sign of love when considering Cupid’s arrows. Could this point to JFK being known as a ladies man? His known and unknown adultery? Another aspect I see with these arrows of love is the romanticizing of him as a president. The historian, Carl M. Brauer, in 2002 said that the public’s “fascination with the assassination may indicate a psychological denial of Kennedy’s death, a mass wish … to undo it.”

Photo credit: CNN archive 
The Chariot is a card of self-discovery, and in the reversed position it’s about overcoming obstacles to achieve success, but at what cost? The reversal indicates riding for a fall; overconfidence, rash in actions, car troubles, problems on the road, delays, easily deflected from your course. I would say Kennedy had one hell of a set back during his travels to Dallas on that tragic day. The reversal speaks of the conflicts and opposing views. JFK had very much opposing views when compared to other prominent political powers. He scrapped Eisenhower’s methods in the White House. He did not allow the false flags that the Chief of Staffs wanted to play out on American soil to win favor in the war on Cuba. Among many other things which link to the meanings of the Chariot.
The more I read about JFK the more I can see the relation to The Chariot. This isn’t even touching on the conspiracies that surround him and his assassination. However, the arrows could suggest the theory of more than one shooter. The two hidden arrows might point to the unknown, and questionable, information surrounding his untimely death. 
Photo credit: Google images
Kennedy in his role of president and all he went through to get there is absolutely in line with Chariot energy. Archer could have chosen JFK speaking at a podium, or the inauguration with Kennedy’s famous line, “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” However, Archer chose not the moments of leadership or critical decision-making, instead he chose to show the result of those actions. 
As I stare at the image of Kennedy’s missing hair and gaunt complexion I wonder if this a zombie, JFK persevering even in death. His decisions in life, his actions and behaviours live on, despite all he was up against. His spirit pushes forth and 56 years after his passing his story is captivating, the more I learn the more I want to know. He was a man who promoted world peace in the midst of wars. This is the spirit of the Chariot, perseverance, making decisions and taking actions, even if others disagree, pushing forth in the face of adversity. Haters gonna hate.
Alternatively, this points to understanding there are consequences to our actions. Whether positive or negative, we take action and we get results. When we make rash decisions or act in haste we may wind up taking some hits. Should we let that stop us? Probably not. We should recoup and regroup, change course if necessary. Keeping with the self-discovery energy of the Chariot, only we can be responsible for ourselves and our path in life. We could be asking ourselves not what others can do for us, but what we can do for ourselves.
Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Recommendations and resources:

Learn more about Steven Archer here:
http://www.egolikeness.com
Buy the deck here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935738267/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_smhvCbBHKTSG7

https://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=250261

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy

Mary K. Greer’s Complete Book of Tarot Reversals
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1567182852/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_urhvCbFM9ZJAB

On-Going Lessons: Nov 25, 2018

Earlier this year the need for inner child healing work was screaming to be done.  Last year (2017) brought many unhealed wounds to the surface.  I erroneously thought these were no longer an issue, as it turns out they are huge issues begging to be healed.  I was pregnant for most of 2018 and I refrained from diving too deep to inner work because I was very hormonal and emotional.  I didn’t want to cause myself undue stress or anxiety facing the roots of my stress and anxiety.

I am now 6 weeks post partum at the time of writing this and the inner work albeit minimal has finally begun. My husband suggested a couple useful journal prompts for self reflection.  I also incorporate tarot into my self-work, more on that later.  It’s quite interesting when the synchronicities start happening on these inner journeys we take.

I knew journaling would be a part of this process. It’s always been a way for me to get to know the true, inner me. A theme that has come up for me specifically is soul purpose / life path.  I will start the string of synchronicities when I began to declutter our copious amount of paperwork in the house. It was stashed in various locations and we had several out of date and useless pieces of paper. Everything is now centralized and old documents shredded. Can a house lose weight? Because it felt lighter after that clean out.

I came across an old journal with entries dated 2006 – 2008. Seems I was unknowingly using it for the same process that I am embarking on currently. It was interesting re-reading some entries and how they are parallel to current events. Many entries written in pencil I decided I’ll just erase them and use the journal for my current journey. It was a process erasing the entries, but I went through and anything I wanted to keep I typed electronic copies.

I was chatting with some friends online and I had mentioned twice, once to each of them, the word “transformative.” It feels to me on a microcosmic scale to be true and I see this reflected in some of my friends’ experiences also.  The same night I caught a Facebook live broadcast of a friend and psychic/medium, Allison Boswell, was pulling some cards.  Lucky me, though this was no coincidence, a card was pulled for me: Transformation.  Everything Allison said was hitting the nail on the head.  This was confirmation that I am heading in the right direction.  I continued to listen to her broadcast and reading for others in the background as I worked cleaning this journal.  She mentioned in the next reading, as I was literally doing this task, erasing the past and rewriting your story… another BAM.

Screenshot of reading Nov 2018

I finally get my book ready to be re-written in.  I plan on using tarot as a tool for further insight as it will show me things in an undeniable way.  I have several decks and I was having a hard time choosing which one I should use.  I was thinking Dark Carnival Tarot or Tarot of Sex Magic.  They are very specific decks, while they felt right they also felt as though they didn’t quite fit my purpose.  My son came with me to the tarot shelf.  He mentioned the Golden Tarot.  I told him the story about this deck and how I forgot I even owned it and just recently found it in this bag.  I lift the bag up, take the deck out, and hand it to my son.  As I’m telling him that he can have the deck if he wants it I noticed a little baggie and a tissue paper wrapped thing in the bottom of the bag.

The baggie has two small blue-green obsidian pieces and the tissue is wrapped around an aragonite piece.  It took a moment but my son and I remembered getting these things.  The obsidian was his and the aragonite was mine.  This is great as I’ve been working to get all the crystals in the same spot.  When it came to the tarot deck selection I input all the deck titles into a random name selector.  Dark Carnival Tarot popped up first.  I decided to do a top 3.  Mythic Tarot was number two and lastly Tarot of Sex Magic; 2/3 ain’t bad, another BAM.

Photo credit: Echoside Phoenix Rose 2018

I will leave this entry off on this note, as it is already quite wordy and there is so much more.  Just so many synchronicities I can’t possibly list them all!
You can find more about Allison on her webpage: https://allisonawakened.com/ 

Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Oracle: Deck Interviews – The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck

Today’s blog will be showcasing The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck by Kim Krans.  This is a beautifully illustrated oracle deck.  On the surface the meanings behind the cards are simplistic, however these simple reflections to ask oneself can have you diving quite deep into yourself.
New Deck Interview
…5……6…
……4……
…3……2…
……1…….

1. Tell me more about yourself; What is your most important characteristic?
**Hummingbird**
Positive, Enthusiastic, Spiritually Resourceful
Inside the tiny hummingbird resides in endless well of energy and positivity. The hummingbird’s secret is that it has learned where to gather nectar, and it returns to these sources daily for nourishment and rejuvenation. The secret elixir springs from many sources, but usually involves nature, creativity, and exploring spirituality. Follow the way of the hummingbird and you cannot go wrong. Every drop of life becomes sweet, every moment worth savouring.

2. What are your strengths as a deck?
**Bee**
Earnest, Hardworking, Democratic
The Bee personality is a delight to be around, especially when there’s a team project on the horizon. Bees love to work steadily and thoughtfully until the final task is complete. They are sensitive creatures, aware of many subtleties at once. Since they’re artists at heart, they usually add creative details to the overall vision. For the most part they have bustling, joyous personalities… until they’re too tired from all the work… then they gripe. And then sting.

3. What are your limits as a deck?
**Owl**
Abundance, Clairvoyant, Treasures
The owl is a mysterious and otherworldly creature found in folklore from East to West. The white owl in this particular deck is the companion of the Goddess Lakshmi and represents wealth, beauty, and good fortune. When the owl card appears it’s an omen that a boon or treasure is on the way, either in spiritual or material form. With owl wisdom on your side, you’ll “see” and “know” exactly what to do with this boon… how it can further serve your dharma and bring abundance to the world. Trust that the wellspring of treasures is infinite.

4. What do you bring to the table; What are you here to teach me?
**Unicorn **
Reconnecting to higher wisdom or divinity
It’s difficult to see, hear, or think of a unicorn without immediately questioning if it’s real. Did they ever exist? Perhaps long, long ago? The Mind answers, “maybe…” or “it could be…” or “no way.” This very contemplation explains our relationship with divinity, and encapsulates our wavering belief in the Unicorn. We wonder what Divinity is. We wonder where our intuition comes from and if we can really trust it. We think about a higher power and our mind hesitates between yes, no, and maybe. Is it male or female? Does it have a name? Is it just a feeling? The Unicorn card appears and “wakes us up” to curiosity about the higher self and the Divine. It is a card of questioning, exploring, and contemplating the inexplicable. The mind’s eye knows there is something beyond our day-to-day lives, a deeper dimension to our experiences. The mind’s eye reaches and reaches and reaches out to grasp something more. You are the unicorn, and you have begun your quest for answers.
The unicorn and the sixth chakra
It’s no surprise the subtle essence of the Unicorn card resides at the third eye, the exact place from which the unicorn’s horn extends. This center is called the ajna chakra, or “command center.” The ancient yogis believed it to be responsible for intellect, intuition, and deepest wisdom. Some say our two eyes see the past and present, while this third eye peers into the future.

5. How can I best learn and collaborate with you?
**Whale**
Desire to delve deeper, Profound peace, Ancient wisdom
The whale represents profound emotional health and stability. Whale personalities are not afraid of emotional expression or traversing difficult terrain, as they have overcome many challenges in their lives. These experiences have enriched them, giving them stability, strength, and a depth that is rare. Whale energy is usually linked to the feminine forces of compassion and communication. We can depend on whale personalities when all else seems lost, and trust them to be the beacon in our darkest hour.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
**Cosmic Egg**
Completion, Harmony, the infinite within the finite
The cosmic egg is the final card in the journey of the Animal Spirit deck, and it represents the unfolding of cosmic consciousness. This state emerges after we have tread the path for quite some time, and through self-effort and grace we experience self-realization. A sense of contentment and oneness spontaneously arises within us, and the veils of our self-limiting beliefs are lifted. When the essence of the cosmic egg has not been activated, we may feel as if we will never “get there,” or that we travel alone, disconnected from others. Even if our encounter with this card is brief, appearing as a momentary glimmer or flash of interconnectedness, it’s potent energy stays with us. It’s through the power of this card that we are reminded  of the cosmic contract written at the beginning – we hold on to life, and life hold on to us. The journey is complete, but it does not end.
The cosmic egg in the seventh chakra
The subtle essence of the cosmic egg resides at the crown chakra at the top of the head call the sahasrara. One of the aims of yoga and meditation practice is to channel energy from the base of the spine upward towards sahasrara. Each of the six lower chakras plays an important role along this journey, and once the final epicenter of consciousness is activated it is said to radiate the light of a million suns.

Overview:  This deck will provide a creative new perspective on things.  This deck is best suited for someone who is interested in doing work involved with spiritual and personal growth.  It is limited in the sense that it is not going to provide the insight for you, but rather guide you to find it within yourself.  This deck is designed to give you something to think about, to reflect on, to question within yourself.  Gently nudging you to your true path.  This deck will provide an opportunity to explore emotions that one may not have considered, or have been willfully repressed; essential to aiding in spiritual and personal growth.

Photo credit: Echoside Phoenix Rose 2018


Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Tarot: Deck Interviews – Tranquil Willows Tarot

It’s been almost a year since focusing on the blog.  In my tarot studies whenever I get a new deck I always do an interview spread.  It just dawned on me I should post them to the blog.  Over the next few weeks / months / whenever I have time I will be uploading the interviews.

This week I’m going to start with my newest deck: Tranquil Willows by Rowan Saille and Tranquility Fearn

New Deck Interview
…5……6…
……4……
…3……2…
……1…….

1. Tell me more about yourself; What is your most important characteristic?
**The World – Capturing the essence of allness. This deck has its unique world. Can be used in many ways.

2. What are your strengths as a deck?
**5 of Wands – Fairness, seeing both sides of conflict. Helping in making decisions. Learning to work with rather than against.

3. What are your limits as a deck?
**4 of Discs – Relating this to the decluttering aspect, the workbook may be cluttered with too much options. Putting things in boxes. Traditional for better or worse.

4. What do you bring to the table; What are you here to teach me?
**2 of Wands – Pondering knowledge, making plans, having a trusted advisor. Helping to strategize internally. Bringing inner power back into balance.

5. How can I best learn and collaborate with you?
**2 of Swords – Balance, easing the mind. The deck seems to insist on meditation and inner journeys to find solutions.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
**Warrior of Wands – Assisting in moving forward, especially when feeling vulnerable. Opening of heart and self. Moving with the flow,  discovering where life can take you.

My impression/overview:  Working with this deck can be a positive endeavor. It has a unique view from it’s triangular world. It is traditional to RWS, though the author of the booklet (Luna Blancas) is inspired by several decks to bring together insights into this one.  This is the cluttered aspect that, while it’s good to have differing view points, can become information overload.  I love the triangular shape of the cards.  Along with the cards pulled in this spread it gives the feeling that when I need to make a decision between A and B it may offer a C solution that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.  The messages seem gentle enough, which falls in line with the “tranquil” part of the name. I don’t think this will be the deck to give me brutally honest answers, but will rather lead me in the direction to find those brutally honest answers within.
Photo credit: Echoside Phoenix Rose 2018
Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Tarot Talks: Choosing a Deck

A conversation happened recently where a good friend was asking about the concept of how tarot decks have to be given to you, that you shouldn’t buy one for yourself. He threw out his deck based on this information he was told. While this old wives tale has a mysterious allure to it, almost a romanticism that somehow makes a deck more special, it is still just an old wives tale. There is an adage to “the deck must be given” and it’s “or stolen.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m not becoming a thief to acquire a deck, not in today’s day and age when they are so readily available!

Our fore-mothers, the old wives that made up all these tales, I do not wish to discredit them. There are still nuggets of truths that are valid today, though some things just no longer hold truth, and we need to use discernment in the now-moment.

I have been given decks that I absolutely adore. My first deck, Rider-Waite-Smith, was given to me. I did my best to use and connect with it. However, I didn’t really connect with it. I struggled with reading from it. I had it for a few years before I decided that I want a new deck. I was also gifted Mythic Tarot within this time, and it was without a book, I was lost with this deck and rarely ever touched it.

One day I found the Essential Tarot, a deck by Hansen-Roberts, and bought it on the spot from a local bookstore. I LOVED the artistry on the cards. Beautiful work. It is based on the RWS system, so I was familiar with it, but these pictures *popped* for me. I also enjoyed the accompanying little white book that came with it.  I used these cards with great success for the next decade.

I have since moved on from using the Hansen-Roberts deck. I picked up the RWS deck again and use it with much more success than I ever have. I have over two dozen decks now, half given and half I purchased by myself for myself. The ones I tend to connect with the best are ones I have been able to pick myself. This isn’t a truth across the board. I have picked decks that have ended up being a flop. I have also been given decks that have worked fabulously.

My point here: you do not have to be given a deck – or steal a deck – in order for it to “work” or for it to be “real.”

The skill to read comes from the reader, not from the cards. The cards are merely a tool to unlock your intuition. In this day and age with all the different artistry, and even pop-culture based decks, I would say choose a deck you feel you will connect with. It will be much easier to learn from if you enjoy the tools you are using.

Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Tarot Talks: Thinking About Thinking

Something I have learned reading tarot is how important it is to understand that the future is written in sand and not in stone. We have the power of choice in most situations. Yes, there are situations beyond our control – recognizing those situations and letting go of trying to control them is the most liberating feeling. Distinguishing between what we can control and what we can’t control is a line that has not been clearly defined in this society.

What you can control: your actions/behaviours and your thoughts. With the added caveat to controlling your thoughts – you cannot control what thoughts pop into your head – what you can control is what you think of, and do with, those thoughts. Confused yet? I promise it is an easier concept than reading about thinking of thoughts. As humans we are metacognative: the ability to think about thinking. As an observer/seeker stand point, we are able to observe the thoughts that pop in our heads. If we believe those thoughts to be true then our behaviour and physiology follows suit. If we disbelieve the thought that pops in our heads then we dismiss it, no harm, no foul.

Creativity machine: is this where thoughts come from? We have a creative centre in our brain/mind that constantly shoots out thoughts and ideas, especially when we are looking for answers. This can be something as simple as looking for the T.V. remote and our creative centre shoots out the thought, “look under the couch cushions.” This creative centre has no sense of right or wrong, reality or fantasy. It may shoot out the idea that the T.V. remote has been zapped into thin air and no longer exists because you’ve been looking for an hour and haven’t found it. Yet, you know that this could not possibly be true. You couldn’t control that you thought to check the couch or to check outer space, but you could control whether either of those thoughts made any sense, and you most certainly controlled whether you moved your body and checked under the cushions.

Indirect control: feelings/emotions and physiology. We can’t directly control our feelings. Any advice that suggests you get your emotions under check you have my permission to throw that advice in the garbage. Emotions are information and we are meant to feel them, even the uncomfortable feelings that no one actually wants to feel.  They all hold merit and serve a purpose. We indirectly control our emotions through our thoughts and actions (yes, through our very own thoughts and actions, no one else’s!). Physiology is another meter/gauge that gives us information. Our emotions usually need to be processed through our bodies. Such as stress, high amounts of adrenaline is released and our physical bodies need to process it. This is why stress is one of the top causes of death/illness.

WTF does any of this have to do with tarot readings? Tarot helps us to distinguish what we can and can’t control, gives us insight into ourselves, empowers us to take control over our own circumstances, and shows us when to let go. We just need to start looking at readings as messages of divine guidance, and stop looking at readings as a fortune cookie.

What we absolutely cannot control: other people, period. We cannot control what someone else is going to say, think, or do. We can only control how we react to what they say, think, or do (what they think is none of our business, but that is a post for a later time). We cannot control whether they stay in a relationship – we CAN create an environment that will encourage them to stay, but ultimately it’s not our decision. We cannot control how others treat us – we CAN treat ourselves well, with love and respect, as it shows others how to treat us, but ultimately it’s not our decision how the other person acts. Tarot cannot help anyone gain any know-how into controlling someone else, it may show what is likely to happen, but ultimately tarot will only show you how you can take control of your Self.

I will end today’s post here before it gets too lengthy (this is a subject I could go on and on about).

Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Creative Tarot – Part Three: Rider-Waite-Smith

Click here for Part One, here for Part Two.

Aepheria and the Priestess discussed how they had both been captured by the king and his men. Both bound and hidden away. To the women this had to do with their powers and favour with the Gods. This King wanted to rule the land. He wanted to be a God and snuff out anyone who knew he was a mere mortal, power-hungry, man.

The pair gathered up branches and other materials from the woods. Soon animals came to partake in the ritual. They set about casting their circle. Aepheria began chanting and invoking the highest God, the Allfather, to enter the circle. At the same time the Priestess was summoning the King who was suppressing the land.

Both entities emerged in the circle. A God. A Mortal. Face-to-face. The great awe the mortal king felt in the presence of his maker brought him to his knees. The Almighty God stripped the man of his kingship. As punishment for his ill-will towards the people of the land the God turned the man into a throne made of cold hard stone. “He wants to know what it is to rule as a God, he shall know it, and get a firsthand look from the throne,” the God boomed in a powerful, earth-shattering voice. The Almighty sat upon the man-turned-throne and with a fiery clapped disappeared, leaving nothing but smoke and ashes behind.

This was the final act in the short story creative writing process using tarot. Just a small example how tarot cards can be used for more than just divinitory or occult practices. There is a plethora of decks with a vast variety of artwork to choose from. The writing process is also a great exercise in connecting with your deck and exercising your intuition. Personal meanings for cards can outweigh any book meaning, in a fun a creative process such as writing stories based on the pictures can have a positive impact and alter how you do future readings.

Brightest Blessings
Phoenix Rose
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Tarot Talks: Spreads for Navigating Your Life

I have spoke through a couple posts now about spreads. I feel like I’ve been avoiding this. I have no idea why, they are just tarot spreads!

As stated in last week‘s post, I listed some of my favourite questions to ask to get an open-ended reading (the intent is to be as objective as possible). This week I will talk on how I do my layouts. I use the KISS principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid. I have used intricate layouts such as this name spread described here, it was very time consuming and convoluted.

Starting out with a small spread and working from there is always the most helpful. Three or four cards, plus one or two clarifiers – only if needed. Take note of any “jumpers” from the deck when shuffling. For me, if a card jumps/falls out of the deck when shuffling I don’t always include it in the reading. If it lands face down I put it back in deck. If it lands face up I feel it was trying to be seen. Also, knowing the difference between whether you are a good shuffler is not, e.g. cards always fall because the deck is huge and your hands are small. Sometimes fallen cards are just fallen cards and not meant as a message for the querent.

Spreads:

Past-Present-Future – this is a classic spread that most people use. You can add a fourth card, which I sometimes do, as the “Overall Message” card. What is the overall message that these three cards is trying to tell you.

Should Do-Shouldn’t Do – this can be done as a 3-card spread as well, lay the middle card first, this represents you in the now-moment. Lay one card on one side to represent what you should do, another card on the other side for what you shouldn’t do. It may be useful to also look at reversed meanings for the “shouldn’t do” card, as it may give further insights.

Advice spread – this is intended as a daily spread that I found by Tarotphelia on Tarot Forum. I do not use it daily. I find this is a good birthday spread, or I use it for guidance as for month ahead. 5-card spread, draw a card for each question: What should you do? What shouldn’t you do? What is the unexpected? What will make you happy? What spiritual advice do you need?

Winging It – this is where I flip one card at a time, up to six cards. Read the first one individually, then tie the second one to the first, as so on. This is lass structured and can be more difficult to do, as humans tend to only see what we want and this method of reading can have us falling into self-fulfilling prophecies (a whole blog onto itself)!

Moon Spreads – there are many full and new moon based spreads you can find online or in books. The following are my two go-to spreads. Draw a card for each question.
New Moon, 5-card spread: What energies are abundant for me during this New Moon cycle? What can I do to aid or ease it? What goals or challenges should I set for this New Moon cycle? What do I need to let go of from the last New Moon cycle? What advice do my Spirit Guides have for me?
Full Moon, 5-card spread:What is my most important insight for my life at this time? What message does spirit want to give me at this time? What do I hope for in my life? How can I live inside that hope? Outcome.

Brightest blessings,
Phoenix Rose

Further Resources for Spreads:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=203788
https://www.jeannemayell.com/41-tarot-spreads-for-tuning-into-yourself/
365 Tarot Spreads by Sasha Graham
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