Thursday 27 December 2018

The delightful "folk meanings" of The Russian Cartomancy

My friend Dmitry Korolev loves to share his knowledge of cartomancy. In this post - Beware the Diamond interest! - adventures in the Russian card meanings - he tells of some of the colourful phrases associated with playing cards that have come into everyday use in Russia as a result of their  fondness for cartomancy.


Dmitry also has charming and fascinating videos on YouTube exploring various "schools" of cartomancy.

If the above piques your interest, you should check out his Level 1 workshop on Russian Cartomancy starting in the new year. You can sign up over on the World Divination Association website.

Monday 10 December 2018

Weekly Reading - #29

Thanks to Celestial Fairy Cassandra's incessant enabling, πŸ˜‰ I am now the owner of yet another deck - the darling Kawaii Tarot*.

You know what that means.


Shine a light.
Sharing your wisdom and experience will have a positive impact on someone just beginning or considering a new venture.


*It is a very "kawaii" deck, but Cassandra's flip-through revealed a certain something. I'll need to work with it for a while to figure out just what that something is, but it was certainly very easy to read in this instance. In any case, it's really cheap, so why not? 😊 Just be prepared for a few less than perfectly cut cards.


Kawaii Tarot - Diana Lopez, published by Sterling Ethos

Friday 7 December 2018

YouTube: Vincent Pitisci - Genius of the Tarot: Breaking Open the Mystery

I had never seen or heard of Vincent Pitisci until Beverly of Tarot Connections shared this video today. Curious, I decided to watch it. Boy, am I glad I did.

I like this guy! 


I like his approach to Tarot. I like how he puts his ideas across. I love his sense of humour!

We're not in complete agreement on every aspect of divination, but he comes across as being very open to the diversity within the profession.

It's a fairly long video - 1 hr 13 min - and it starts off a bit slow, but once he hits his stride it's well worth your time.

Monday 3 December 2018

Weekly Reading - #28

In another change to the scheduled programming, I'm trying out an adorable majors only deck I bought recently - Tarot Mondo Lirondo*. I wanted to go all-Tarot with it, so I've pulled one card for the theme and 3 cards for the message.

Warning: Cartoon nudity. πŸ™ˆ


Happiness is yours.
You have the skill and the knowledge, you just need to direct it.

Bottom card - Death. I love the new growth sprouting from the planted corpse.

Notice how all the "message" cards are looking to the left, to the past? You were taught a valuable lesson there. Time to put it to new use.


*Tarot Mondo Lirondo - IvΓ‘n Saiz GutiΓ©rrez, self-published 2011. Available from Museo del Tarot.

Saturday 1 December 2018

The Greenwood Tarot is being reprinted! (limited edition)

Have you dreamed of having a Greenwood Tarot in your collection, but fainted away at the prices asked for them online? Apparently, there are counterfeits out there as well that still sell for mega-bucks. πŸ˜•

Well, in a few months you'll have a chance to get a genuine, authorised, certificated, limited edition copy from Mark Ryan himself. Be sure to go to the video on YouTube and sign up to the mailing list.

Happy New Year! πŸ‘



PS. For those of you aware of Chesca's part in this, here's what we've been told so far -
"Mark will be doing a short vid explaining how her royalties will be set aside for her, or her estate."
So we'll just have to wait and see.

Sunday 25 November 2018

Weekly Reading - #27

I acquired a quirky little deck a while ago and I got the urge today to use it for this week's reading.

I had real trouble getting my guides on board, though. Perhaps they viewed the deck as a bit undignified? When I finally felt their presence, this was the card I got... 😏


Watch your actions this week. Don't do anything at home or at work that you would be ashamed for people to find out about. Avoid workplace romances in particular.

We have a saying in England - "Don't piss on your own doorstep." Which basically means don't cause trouble in a place or a group where you regularly find yourself, because you'll have to constantly live with the consequences.


Thank you, guides, for humouring me. 😁


"30 designs created by a north west artist..." - I haven't been able to find any more information on this deck
 Skatkarten - German playing cards

Friday 23 November 2018

Freebie Friday - #4

### CLOSED ### Try the next one... 

We're fast approaching the time of the year that I affectionately refer to as the "C-word". This will probably be my last Freebie Friday until after the silly season.

But I have next week off, so between writing C-word cards, racking my brain trying to come up with C-word present ideas, shopping for C-word presents, wrapping C-word presents... I should still be able to squeeze in one little reading.


The first person to leave a comment* on this post will receive a free card reading**.

* Please comment with your question and tell me whether you'd prefer tarot or playing cards. You must be 18 or older, and not have had a reading here in the past 90 days.

** I will pull 3-5 cards for your question and post the reading here on the blog. In addition, I will answer one follow-up question if needed. I reserve the right to decline a request without explanation.

Monday 19 November 2018

Weekly Reading - #26

I fancied a change*. πŸ˜€


There will be some shake-up at work. It could be a new employee causing discontent, or changes requiring new training.

Whatever the disruption, it will be seen as unfair, but that's the way it's going to be. Use your wits to make the best of the situation.


*I found this spread in Paul Huson's "Mystical Origins of the Tarot". Without going into too much detail, the first card is the significator (I chose 8 of Wands to represent our desire for a swift and timely message), the two minors are essentially Present and Future, and the two majors above provide more detail. The King of Swords was the bottom card of the deck, which, in this instance, I looked to for advice.


Aquarian Tarot - David Palladini, Morgan Press

Sunday 11 November 2018

Reading of the Week - #25

It can be worrying when you're confronted with The Tower in a reading, but the 9 of Clubs assures us that it's a positive change.


Things are about to improve dramatically for an older woman, or a woman on her own, who is currently dealing with illness or a stressful situation.

Bottom card: The Star. I said "Yes!" out loud when I turned this, LOL. 
✨ Healing and Hope. ✨ 


Pointner Tarot, aka Tarot Piatnik Wien - Piatnik
Tarot Nouveau - Grimaud

Wednesday 7 November 2018

Do spirits know everything?

I was reading an article by Lisa Boswell on working with the spirits of your ancestors to improve your Tarot reading abilities and predictive skills.

I was getting along fine with it until I ran smack into this statement -
"... The spirits of your ancestors can tell you everything you need to know about the past, present, and future of your clients. Once they're on the other side, spirits know everything." [emphasis mine]
Everything?!

My take on that idea up to now has been "Nope". If they weren't psychic before they died, how/why would they psychic now?

On consideration, though, since I believe everything is connected in a spiritual/cosmic sense, it could be argued that once my ancestors are freed from the limitations of a physical existence, they gain unfettered access to "everything".

Buuut...

The only thing to do was ask my ancestors. So I pulled out my Skat cards (gotta use the ancestral method) and started pulling three cards at a time, trying to pin down an answer - "Do you guys know everything?"

I'm not going to share the actual readings because a) the process was too organic, with one question leading to another, leading to another..., and b) it was private conversation. 😏


What I can report, however, is that all the (somewhat guarded) responses boiled down, in the end, to "We can tell you everything you need to know."

Which I guess is all I really need to know.

Sunday 4 November 2018

Reading of the Week - #24


Finances will soon be in place for buying that new home or starting that small business. Just double-check the paperwork.


Pointner Tarot, aka Tarot Piatnik Wien - Piatnik
Tarot Nouveau - Grimaud

Monday 29 October 2018

Reading of the Week - #23

I struggled with this one.


Although I'm basically using my Skat meanings, I can't ignore the fact that, with this deck, all three court cards are looking directly at Death.

I wavered between a couple of interpretations for a while, and finally resorted to checking the bottom card, something I don't normally do until after I've completed the reading. The Queen confirmed my thoughts.

» A man is facing the death of his father. He thinks about the happy times but accepts that it's time for him go.


On a lighter note, is that not the swingin'est Death you've ever seen?


La Corte dei Tarocchi - Anna Maria d'Onofrio, published by il Meneghello
Russian playing cards based on popular prints by Viktor Sveshnikov

Thursday 25 October 2018

The Tarot Lady talks "Tarot and Prediction" with Lisa Boswell

As a predictive reader myself, I had to share this podcast. So much good sense and good advice. And some good laughs, too.


Theresa, aka The Tarot Lady's, introduction -
Recently, I had someone ask me if "divination was out." Apparently, there were some well-meaning folks that wanted to spread that message because they wanted to push their own "law-of-attraction" brand of tarot reading style. I... thought it might be an interesting topic for Tarot Bytes. The only person I considered for this hot topic was Lisa Boswell, of Divination and Fortune-Telling. I knew she’d have a lot of great thoughts on this controversial topic. 
In this... episode, Lisa and I discuss skeptics, tarot readers who object to fortune-telling, the truth about accuracy, and how to sharpen your predictive skills. 
For those who claim that fortune-telling is over, Lisa Boswell busts that myth. Prediction is alive and well – and thriving.

Monday 22 October 2018

Well, at least one of us was paying attention

Back in August, when I announced that I was going to switch from Colour Card readings to Tarot + Playing Cards for my weeklies, apparently I said this 😏 -
The new spread will consist of one tarot major and three playing cards... 
I just happened to re-read that post this morning and suddenly realised that I'd completely forgotten about the 'only using majors' bit. Luckily, my cards have a better memory than I do.

Out of the 8 readings to date, only one of the tarot cards wasn't a major.
Gotta πŸ’™ it.

Sunday 21 October 2018

Reading of the Week - #22

Magician yet again.

But twice the Fante di Coppe (Page of Cups) jumped out while I was shuffling, so bearing his message in mind -


Someone you've had dealings with in the past will return. Their intentions are not honourable, but you will quickly realise this and - bottom card: La Torre - send them packing!

The two 8s - balance and resolution if you take the initiative.


La Corte dei Tarocchi - Anna Maria d'Onofrio, published by il Meneghello
Russian playing cards based on popular prints by Viktor Sveshnikov, still using my meanings, though :)

Monday 15 October 2018

Free Reading - for Mary 15Oct18

Mary, your question was "What would be the outcome if I apply for a secretary job at the health clinic?"


16. Stars - 3. Ship - 32. Moon - 21. Mountain - 23. Mice

I'm attempting to read these cards with the "Idalia" meanings. That said, even with standard Lenormand meanings the beginning of the line looks very promising, but the end foretells of obstacles.

If we take the central card as key to the situation, it speaks of fun and frivolity and nothing very serious. It makes me wonder if you have any serious intent to apply for the job or whether you're perhaps just toying with the idea. Or you're not seen as a serious contender.

Leading up to the central card the Star and Ship show good fortune coming, recognition of your business abilities and a successful future career. I'll come back to that last bit.

The following cards, however, tell me that you have an "enemy" blocking your way. Someone who wants to rob you of your success. This could be someone at the health centre with a grudge against you specifically, or someone who may simply have their own person in mind for the position.

It could also be someone closer to home... The LWB meanings are definitely a product of their time, i.e. sexist, and the Ship states: "You are a clever business man, or if a woman, a good housekeeper or arranger of social affairs." Ugh!! But maybe they, or even you, don't want you working outside the home. Or if you already do, maybe this job is seen as too demanding of your time.

As an exercise, and because I know you're a "cardie" and will be interested, I'll quickly apply the LWB's 5-card method - Your success is blocked by someone who sees you as frivolous and wishes to impugn your reputation.

I don't as a rule use the quintessence (adding the numbers of the cards and reducing them to a figure between 1 and 36) or the shadow/bottom card with Lenormand, but again as an exercise, they were Fox and Garden, respectively. A deceiver in your circle of friends, perhaps?

My overall impression from these cards is that now is not a good time to make an application. There's nothing disastrous here, and you're welcome to try, of course. Never let the cards "tell" you what to do. But the gentle suggestion 😏 is that for now you enjoy yourself and make the most of your time. The Ship promises success "in the future". Think about what you really want to achieve - Stars + Ship tells us you are capable of great things.

< < < < < ¤ > > > > >

Dear Mary, thank you for taking part. If there is anything further you would like to know or have clarified about this reading, please contact me.


Idalia Fortune Telling Cards, published by Geo. W Pilkington & Co, circa 1910.

Friday 12 October 2018

Freebie Friday - #3

### We have a winner! Better luck next time. ###

It's that time again. And I'm changing it up a bit this week 'coz Mama's got a brand new deck. 😁

Instead of tarot or playing cards, I'm offering a 5-card reading with these little lovelies -

Idalia Fortune Telling Cards
"Idalia" is a Lenormand variant printed in England around 1910. Lenormand works best with clear questions about practical matters. So if you have such a question...

The first person to leave a comment* on this post will receive a free card reading**.

* Please comment with your question. You must be 18 or older, and not have had a reading here in the past 90 days.

** I will pull 5 cards for your question and post the reading here on the blog. In addition, I will answer one follow-up question if needed. I reserve the right to decline a request without explanation.

Monday 8 October 2018

Reading of the Week - #21


Stop trying to do everything. You're heading for nervous exhaustion.

Bottom card: Make a rational decision about how you will allot your time. Get outside. Stroke a cat (seriously - this is a Picard-based deck 😏).

Coincidentally, Pauliina (Tarot Readings of the Finnish Path) pulled the Magician in the "Stop" position this week and made the same sort of connection.


Crystal Tarot - Elisabetta Trevisan (Lo Scarabeo)
Skatkarten - German playing cards (find out more here)

Sunday 30 September 2018

Reading of the Week - #20

Prompted by an interesting discussion in the comments, I feel I should state for the record that these readings are not going to apply to *everyone* in the coming week. That would be crazy. 😳

I perform each reading with the clear intention that the message I receive will be meant for someone, and that someone will see it when they need to see it. Could be this week, could be two years from now.

In keeping with this intention, I've changed the name of these weeklies. So, let's get on with it...


An offer is not all that it seems. It hides a secret. Run it past people you trust and definitely investigate further before acting.

Black tourmaline is great for repelling negative energy.


Crystal Tarot - Elisabetta Trevisan (Lo Scarabeo)
Skatkarten - German playing cards (find out more here)

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Kickstarter Project - VAMP: The Theda Bara Tarot πŸ–€

Oh my giddy aunt, this needs to become a thing!  πŸ–€




If you like it, please back it.

This is an All-or-Nothing project - if the project doesn't reach its funding goal you will not be charged, so no risk.

#vamptarot #thedabaratarot

Monday 24 September 2018

Reading for the Week Ahead - #19

Ah. The majors only spell is broken. The bottom card came up trumps, though. [pun - #sorrynotsorry]


A business venture or similar enterprise is just getting off the ground. At this stage you will need to approach potential investors/backers, or someone willing to assist you. You're not ready to go it alone.


Crystal Tarot - Elisabetta Trevisan (Lo Scarabeo)
Skatkarten - German playing cards (find out more here)

Friday 21 September 2018

Free Reading - for Clare 21Sep18

Last week's Friday Freebie winner hasn't gotten back to me with her question yet, unfortunately. So, in order to move things along, I'm going to wing it. πŸ˜‰

I'm using Cheryl Ann Gardiner's "Spiritually Guided Tarot Spread"*. I like this one for general readings, i.e. those without a specific question, because you can blame Spirit if it doesn't make any sense. πŸ˜‡

So Clare, if you're reading this, this one's for you -


Firstly, I'd just like to say WOW! You could have ended up with as few as four cards, but you got eight and half of them are Majors. I asked Spirit to be nice as you'd never had a reading before, and they really pushed the boat out.

The first column tells me that there are some competing energies in your life at the moment that you're possibly finding it frustrating to deal with, but you will just have to take a deep breath and let things work themselves out at their own pace.

I feel the next two columns relate to each other, especially as they're both a Major + a Coin. It strikes me that you have a deep sense of what it will take to make you feel established and content. You've reached a point where you can take what you've learned and achieve something you can be proud of. I get the word "accomplishment".

It's my habit not to turn the bottom card, in this case the Queen of Cups, until I've finished the rest of the reading. She is sensitive, intuitive (like the High Priestess) and has a strong talent for self-expression - art, music, dance, drama, creativity generally. She is someone who is, or certainly can be, "accomplished".

< < < < < ¤ > > > > >

Clare, I sincerely hope what I saw in these cards has meaning for you. I confess I'm not a fan of general readings. If you do have a question, or if this reading has generated lots of questions, LOL, please drop me a line and I'll sort you out.


*Rather than pull cards 1, 2 and 3 and then pull any extra cards, I prefer to pull them immediately after the trump/court/ace, before moving to the next position, as these are the cards that were "in attendance" with the first card.

Rider Waite Smith - Rider & Co.

Sunday 16 September 2018

Reading for the Week Ahead - #18

Before I begin, has anyone else noticed that since I started doing these Tarot + Playing Card weeklies all the Tarot cards have been majors?

It only just hit me today. It wasn't deliberate - they've all been pulled at random. Or at least what passes for random within the realm of cartomancy.


Something is coming to an end, and very shortly you're going to get an unexpected letter/email/text about it. It's not necessarily bad news, it's just going to catch you by surprise.

You're going to have to deal with the letting go.


Crystal Tarot - Elisabetta Trevisan (Lo Scarabeo)
Skatkarten - German playing cards (find out more here)

Friday 14 September 2018

Freebie Friday - #2

✨ We have a winner!! Please check back again for more freebies. ✨
Clare - please drop your question in the comments. Ta!

A little while ago I hinted that I might be offering another free reading here soon. As is always the way, things immediately got too busy, so it didn't happen.


Until now.

The first person to leave a comment* on this post will receive a free card reading**.

*You must be 18 or older, and not have had a reading here in the past 90 days (sorry Andrew πŸ˜‰). Leave your question in the comments and tell me whether you'd prefer I use tarot or playing cards.

** I will pull 3-5 cards for your question and post the reading here on the blog. In addition, I will answer one follow-up question if needed. I reserve the right to decline a request without explanation.

Sunday 9 September 2018

Reading for the Week Ahead - #17

What a lovely reading! Makes a change from all those spades. 😏


Maintain a healthy level of give and take and you'll enjoy a peaceful and happy home life this week. For someone, these cards could well indicate the conception, or possibly birth, of a baby.

Bottom cards say "Choose happiness".

Langustl Tarot - Stephan Lange 
Skatkarten - German playing cards (find out more here)

Tuesday 4 September 2018

Lucky Lynx (YouTube) - What Do You Do When You See Disaster in Someone's Future?

This was a timely video for me.

I had someone request a reading recently, and their question was "Is now the best time?". The subject was very sensitive, and one I wasn't about to proffer a flat yes or no on. I told them I would look at what the cards had to say about Now vs. Later and let them decide which way they wanted to go.



"It is not your job... to determine the outcome of their life or their choices. You can simply show them the patterns that you are seeing in a particular oracle and what the oracle tells them, and then it's up to them to make the decision."

Sunday 2 September 2018

Reading for the Week Ahead - #16

Someone is about to make things happen.


Out of many possibilities, one direction is about to be taken. It will go against perceived wisdom and social expectations. It's likely to upset others and catch some flak.

I usually look at the bottom card, but only after I've done the reading. Sometimes I regard it as a confirmation - or not! Sometimes it's more like a postscript.

PS. Take a moment to consider which way you want to go with this.

Langustl Tarot - Stephan Lange
Skatkarten - German playing cards (find out more here)

Sunday 26 August 2018

Reading for the Week Ahead - #15

Call them out.


Someone is having problems with a colleague at work (could be male or female). One of those people who likes to gossip, throw shade and generally cause trouble. They're causing a fair amount of aggravation and stress, and have probably been doing so for some time.

It's crunch time. Are you going to confront them about their unhelpful behaviour? Are you going to have a quiet word with the boss, or call for an entire team meeting to clear the air?

It's time to say something to somebody about it.

Langustl Tarot - Stephan Lange
Skatkarten - German playing cards (find out more here)

Saturday 25 August 2018

New and Improved. Well, New.

I'm going to be trying a new format for my weekly readings.

I'm bored with the Colour Focus readings. I need a change. Apologies to anyone who considers them the highlight of their week. 😏 I can always post one for you sometime if you ask.


The new spread will consist of one tarot major* and three playing cards. The major (I want to call it a trump but that word has been sullied) will show the overall theme or advice and the playing cards will give us the details. Actually, I was doing something similar to this on Instagram last year.
(*22 Oct 18 - I'm just re-reading this and realising that I'd completely forgotten that I was only going to use majors. Luckily, my cards have a better memory than I do. Out of the 8 readings to date, only one of them wasn't a major. Gotta love it.) 

I anticipate these readings will be more predictive than the Colour Focus ones, which looked at the general energies influencing the coming week.

This does mean that fewer people are likely to relate to the readings, which is unfortunate. On the other hand, it does make a "hit" all the more meaningful. And it makes the whole process a bit more meaningful for me.

I do hope you'll get something out of them, even if it's just an insight into how I go about reading cards.

Tuesday 21 August 2018

Tom Benjamin (YouTube) - For beginners, 3 cards are better than 1

Tom Benjamin produces excellent YouTube videos on a range of cartomantic subjects.

Here he talks about something I've always believed myself - it's better/ easier for beginners to practice with three cards than just one. And he offers a very effective method for validating a reading. How do I know it's effective? I tried it. And the results were so good I'll be using this technique in future.

    

Sunday 19 August 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #14

Need to make an apology? Chocolate makes everything better. 🍫

It should come as no surprise that I just happen to have chocolate truffles sitting around ready for a photo op. 
» Don't beat yourself up over an indulgence. You needed it at the time, now move on.
» Forgiving yourself or someone else will improve your physical well-being.
» Coral at our local cafΓ© makes lovely brownies! Coincidence? I think not.

We all know the health benefits, and pitfalls, of chocolate, so I won't even go there.

Red coral is a powerful protective amulet.

Tarot cards 5 and 6 are the Hierophant and the Lovers. Looks like there might be a marriage on the horizon. I recommend a chocolate wedding cake. πŸ˜‰


I'll be honest, guys. I'm getting a bit bored with these colour readings now. I think I'm going to have to change things up a bit. There might be another "special offer" coming soon.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Sunday 5 August 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #13

Lighten up.


» For those of you in new relationships, don't strive for True Romance too quickly. Just enjoy it right now and have fun.
» Giving yourself permission to do the things you enjoy and to be happy is an easy self-love option.

In Tarot, 17 is The Star, which represents hope, healing and assistance.


Speaking of having fun, I'm going to be away on holiday for a fortnight, ⛺ so no Colour Focus next week. And with little or no internet access, not much contact of any kind. Missing you already!


The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Monday 30 July 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #12

Believe in You


» Your confidence may have taken a knock but it's temporary. You are competent and capable, and you have inner reserves of strength you can draw upon to fight back and to protect your spirit going forward.

Sunstone (pictured) is widely recommended for enhancing confidence.

Echinacea is believed to boost the immune system and reduce infection.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Thursday 26 July 2018

Well, I've done it now

I listened to my own advice and took the first step towards being an actual Card Reader™, not just an enthusiastic hobbyist. I've inveigled myself πŸ˜‰ into two free card reading groups.

Yeah, I know. Free readings. But hey, it's a start.

I have worked in free reading groups before, but they were generally thousands of members deep and tended on the whole to be a bit too 'Love and Light' for my taste.

These new groups are quite small and offer straight-up "Get yer cards read here", so I'm hoping to avoid the mad free-for-all (pardon the pun) of the big "psychic circuses".

No, I'm not going to say what or where they are. The purpose of this post isn't to promote myself (maybe later). It's just a bloggy share 'coz I'm quite excited about my baby-steps progress. 😁

Monday 23 July 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #11

Take that first step.


» Nothing will come of your desires if you dither and hold back.
» Wake up and smell the coffee (or the mint tea).
» Just do it.

In Tarot, 10 is the number of the Wheel of Fortune. You can’t sit still if you want to change your fortune.

Mint draws things to it, attracts things - attention, money, blessings…

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Saturday 21 July 2018

A post shared by Judy K (@weirdeye) on

I promised this deck I would always keep it with me (because reasons), so it lives in my handbag. But today I briefly considered taking it out of my bag to make room for another deck. Naturally, I asked for its reaction -
"Happiness destroyed, left out in the cold."
Okay, okay, you'll stay.
[turned deck over to see postscript] - Wish fulfilled.

This is why I read cards.

#thisshitisreal #ilovemycards #zernerfarbertarot #zernerfarber #tarot #tarotreadersofinstagram #cardreadersofinstagram #tarotcommunity

Monday 16 July 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #10

Fire and Water


» Find that one thing that you’re good at, that excites you, that you dream of achieving… and do it. The success is in the doing.
» However *you* define success, follow the inspiration of other “successful” people.
» Keep a passionate heart and a cool head.

Blue is the colour of the throat, the voice, communication.

Neptune is the planet of dreams, and yes, illusions, but also inspiration.

And on this unbearably hot day (unrelenting sun and no rain for weeks! Yes, that is my lawn) the Ruler of the Oceans is a welcome counterpoint to Scarlet’s fire-storm.

I needed a healthy splash of Florida Water just to get through this reading today. I hope it’s more comfortable where you are.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Thursday 12 July 2018

The Frustrated Fortune Teller

Tarot challenges.
Instagram, YouTube, Facebook…

Every time a new one comes along I get all excited and think, “Yay, another reason to play with my lovely cards. Let’s do this!”

And about three days in I’m like, “Judy, how many times? πŸ™„ You know you don’t get on with these challenges.”

The problem is, I don’t like reading cards without a reason.

Prompts or no prompts, it amounts to the same thing. I’m either pulling cards just to see what shows up, or I’m tackling prompts that most of the time I’m not invested in. And if I were, I wouldn’t necessarily want to be sharing the results with all and sundry.

This is why I don’t do daily draws either. They’re just too vague. There’s no “Need” involved. (Check out Balthazar's video - NEED is The Fuel for The Engine of Divination)

And yes, this does extend to my weekly Colour Focus readings. I work through my discomfort by reminding myself that I’m doing these readings for others; that my intention is to get a message meant for someone out there.

Here I am, surrounded by enough cards to choke a small herd of horses, and I’ve got no one to read for and only rarely do I have anything I want to read on for myself. It’s nuts!

And so I gravitate towards the challenges because mucking about with my cards is better than not using them at all, right? Mmm, not so much. It just ends up feeling empty and slightly exhibitionist.

I really need to find a way to read for other people.

My recent freebie offer was as much a toe-dipping exercise as it was a way of finding out if anyone’s listening.

The problem with free readings is that very often people are attracted more to the “free” than the “reading”. They don’t really have a need either. They’re just taking advantage of getting something for nothing. Who wouldn’t?

So I’d like to charge a small fee. If someone’s willing to part with a couple of quid, they’re more likely to have a real question they’d appreciate an answer to.

Of course, all this would have to be online, via email or snail mail - Hello! πŸ‘‹ Dyed-in-the-wool introvert here, with strong reclusive tendencies.

That said, I’ve been kicking this idea around for about a year and still I have no idea where to start. I suppose the motivation for this post was to get my thoughts down in writing to see if that might get the ball rolling.

Card reading is fun. Having loads of different decks at my disposal is fun! I’m not about to stop working with them any time soon. But I know I could be doing something useful and it seems such a waste to just be mucking about.

Sunday 8 July 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #9


Our little Sprout of two weeks ago is starting to harden off now, apparently.



» That new venture is beginning to take shape. Don’t be deterred by small setbacks.
» Attitude adjustments are paying off in terms of a healthier mindset and a more grounded spirit.
» Oh, and it never hurts to eat more fruit and veg. πŸ‘πŸ₯¦

Clary Sage is the ‘oil of the day’again, too. Consider the possibilities. Look for the opportunities as they arise.

Have a good week.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Sunday 1 July 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #8

You™ are made up of many parts.


» Don’t neglect or suppress any part of who you are for the sake of another part.
» Listen(!) to what your body is telling you through your physical senses (pain, fatigue, that funny feeling in your stomach…), emotions, or unconscious reactions to people or events.
» Check in with yourself and make sure you’re okay. Be your own best friend.

The card numbers progress from 29 to 30, so I see this reading not as flagging up any actual problem, but as timely advice towards making small improvements in your well-being.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Sunday 24 June 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #7

Grow happy.


» Now would be a good time to start that new project.
» Actively seek out joy and retrain your attitude.
» Things may take an unexpected but positive direction.

Apricot’s number 20 ties in with the “Judgement” card of tarot, speaking of renewal and fresh starts. As does “Sprout”. πŸ˜€

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Monday 18 June 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #6

Why am I getting so many red shades in these weeklies?


» Fruit salad!
» That summer holidays feeling when you were a kid. Remember?
» Getting out there and doing something FUN is the order of the day.

Maybe I keep pulling red cards because *I* need to keep hearing this kind of message.

Not really feeling the tarot trumps connection today, but “Have Fun with Your Inner Child” and “generous energy” certainly brought the 6 of Cups to mind. Childhood + gift. What made you happy when you were a child, before the world began shaping you to fit?

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Saturday 16 June 2018

Free Reading - for Andrew 16Jun18

Andrew won the reading I offered last week, and he asks, “Is the project going to be financially viable?”


This was supposed to be a 5-card reading, but cartomancy is not a precise science, LOL!

As I shuffled, the King of Clubs simply dropped into my lap. No jumping, no shooting across the room, just “This”. And “this” is a very good indication that we’re on the right track, as the KC is all about being professional, which is what you’re hoping to achieve.

The top row is your 5 cards and I could have stopped at the first one. Yes, this project is going to be financially viable.

So, what of the other cards? There are no Diamonds at all in this spread, so it’s less about the money, and more about ability and determination.

Queen of Spades – Ace of Clubs – King of Spades: Get advice and support from experienced people. People who have done this sort of thing. It might be a couple who work together, or the Q and K could just represent the community in general.

8 of Spades: The whole process is likely to be rather stressful. Viability depends on whether you’re prepared to see it through.

And that’s your reading… But because I like you πŸ˜‰ I also did a quick “Lost Man” – I pulled the cards either side of your significator (which in my system is always the King of Hearts for a male). Good change regarding official business. You can do this.

«««««««««◊»»»»»»»»»

If people are interested, I’ll be offering more readings from time to time. Watch this space.

If you’d like to know more about the playing card method I use, check out the posts here and here.

Monday 11 June 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #5

Love your body


» Not just accepting, but positively embracing your physical being - the you-ness of you.
» Move. Stretch. Dance. Roll around on the floor - whatever.
» Take into account your physical surroundings, too. Are they nurturing? Do they reflect the love and attention you deserve?

I was moved to burn gugal/guggul today as part of the reading. Sometimes called Indian Myrrh, it has a scent similar to myrrh and is burned to clear spaces of negative influences.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Sunday 10 June 2018

Is anybody there? 😏

**Closed** The offer has been claimed, but I'll probably post another one in the not too distant future, so stayed tuned.

I'm beginning to wonder if anyone actually reads my scribbles.

The stats are depressing and I've yet to get a comment.

I don't mind lurkers. I often lurk myself. But I always tick Like or a reaction button just to let the person know someone's been there.

I was thinking about this as I was dropping off to sleep last night, and I came up with a cunning plan.


The first person to leave a comment* on this post with receive a free card reading**.

*You must be 18 or older to apply. Leave your question, and you must have a question, in the comments and tell me whether you'd prefer I use tarot or playing cards.

** I will pull 5 cards for your question and post the reading here on the blog. In addition, I will answer one follow-up question if needed. I reserve the right to decline a request, and I will not read on a question that should be addressed by a doctor/solicitor/etc.

Tuesday 5 June 2018

Colour synchronicity!

Guess who pulled the same Color Mage Oracle card as me yesterday.

None other that the fabulous Bernard Charles himself!

Check out his Facebook video here:
Bernard Charles thecolormage - Life feeling stuffy?
(reading begins at 15:02)

I'm so chuffed. 😁

Monday 4 June 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #4

Intense tingles when I picked up the cards today. This is going to be significant for someone.


Whoa! Someone is really excited about something right now.

» You are on point!
» And you know it. Trust your intuition; trust your knowledge and ability. You’ve got this.
» Enjoy the feeling.

Clary Sage enhances both physical and psychic eyesight, and can induce visionary states and euphoria.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Friday 1 June 2018

Fortune Telling - It's a thing

Last night, just before bed, I placed my highest bid, £50, on an out-of-print (OOP) tarot deck on eBay. Then I drew a couple of cards to see how I'd get on.


I interpreted this as "Come the morning, it will have gone for £60".

I was close. It went for £6 more than I'd bid.

Damn.

But hooray for divination. No one can tell me it doesn't work. πŸ˜Ž

Black and White Divination Cards - Collette Star

Sunday 27 May 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #3

Set the stage for success.


» Confidence is attractive.
» Head up, shoulders back. Show them how confident you are.
» Resist the urge to rush ahead, though. Give your charm time to work its magic.

Scarlet’s 7 aligns with Tarot’s determined Chariot, aiming for success...
... while Yellow Sand’s 21 (= 3 manifestation, as well as 3 x 7) is the eventual completion and fulfilment of The World.

Jasper is a stone of courage and determination, transforming ideas into action.
Poppy Jasper is calming, nurturing and grounding. It relieves stress and promotes joy.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles

Monday 21 May 2018

In lieu of a Colour Focus this week - Balthazar! πŸ˜‰

I'm "away from my desk" this week, and I didn't want to try to squeeze in a Colour Focus reading before I went, so instead, here's another gem from the incomparable Balthazar of Balthazar's Conjure.


I say "another" because he got a lot of airtime on my old blog. And I imagine you'll continue to see quite a bit of him here, too.

I scheduled this post to go live while I'm away, so fingers-crossed a) it's actually happened and b) the formatting is right, 'coz I don't have access to a computer to fix it if it isn't. 😝

Sunday 13 May 2018

Colour Focus for the Week Ahead - #2

Love is in the air this week.


» But self-love first. When you know and accept your own worth, you’ll know who you’re willing to accept in your life.
» Already in a relationship? – make it stronger.
» Generally – immerse yourself in something you love. It’ll do you good.

Roses in herbalism: lurve ❤️ and long-lasting relationships.

Echinacea does what is says on the card – increases strength and boosts immunity.

Rose is number 6, which relates to The Lovers in tarot. Coincidence?


And in case you’re wondering, the rosy journal is the one I use for my Color Mage cards.

The Secret Language of Color Cards - Inna Segal
The Color Mage Oracle - Bernard Charles