Parting the Mists

This is a meaty description, but then this is a card loaded with potential symbolism and meaning. It suggests you are coming to the end of an important journey and now entering this doorway is a ritual act to help you understand the meaning of it. Are you going to enter?

Happy Thors-day!

The World Tree

MEANING: As a symbol of the conscious bridge between the living macrocosm and the inner universe of the human psyche, the world tree marks the end of one journey for the wanderer and the beginning of another. The wanderer began the journey around the wheel with an innocent and childlike curiosity, but the subtle growing process experienced on the way has brought inner gifts of wisdom and awareness. The final step is to follow the path through the living maze and enter the heart of the world tree to become one with the wholeness of the universal mind.

Nothing is hidden and no misleading diversions are set to lead the unwary off the path, but to gain access to the tree one must walk the path and complete the journey. The unicursal labyrinth has no dead ends or false routes but leads on one wondering pathway from the entrance, inexorably to the center. Perhaps symbolizing the passage of the sun or guarding the souls of the dead ancestors and spirits in their place of repose, it remains a pathway to the core of the mysteries and and easily recognized image of the human journey. Though the doorway at the base of the tree is clearly visible and nothing stops the traveler from directly approaching it, walking the labyrinth in pathway is a ritual requiring patience and insight and enabling contemplation and meditation on the meaning of the journey.

What may be found behind that the door is both individual and universal, for encompassed within the branches of the world tree or the four seasons of the cycle of life. Through the rest for healing of winter to the fertile freshness of spring, the power and joy of summer and the wisdom immaturity of autumn, the cosmic light of universal understanding shines from the heart of the tree, creating a bridge to the source of all conscienceless and life.

The World Tree represents all individual life and all knowledge and one holographic field of consciousness and paradoxically, remains as one entity, a whole and complete. This complex concept is not Only stranger than we think; is stranger than we can think!

DESCRIPTION: The great World Tree marks the end of the wander’s journey. All four seasons are represented in the branches of the tree and added space is a labyrinth of the kind of found in many parts of the world and dating back to prehistoric time.

READING POINTS: The universe and all its blessings are available to everyone who seeks knowledge and wisdom with a sincere heart. On every level, the cosmos has a generous bounty and gives freely of its rich nourishment and fulfillment. No matter how long the journey of life may be, however many twists and turns the maze may offer us, in the end, if we persevere, we will reach the point of fulfillment. This may relate to material gain and wealth or two spiritual happiness and emotional security, but after the long process of learning, responsibility, and rebirth, it is now time to bathe in the light of renewal, attainment, and personal triumph. Breathe in the rich air, drink in the sweet water, and rejoice in the warming fire of the universal life force.

The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan and John Matthews, art by will Worthington

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This is often a difficult process – it’s easy to prioritize something based on the past rather than the present. What do you need now? Do you need to learn a new skill or embrace a new concept? Blessings!

Seven of Bows – Clearance

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We’ve been told by the cards for a while to go within and take time to rest and take care of business close to home. No more! Today’s card signals it is time to let loose and do what you dream of doing.

Blessings!

FREEDOM HORSE

MEANING: Let your spirit fly! Do not hold back. Break free and express yourself. Flaunt your stuff, dance, laugh, explore, and go beyond predictable behavior. Get out of the runt. You don’t need to fit the mold. Be daring. Fling your arms to the heavens in joy.

Native Spirit Wisdom: The horse allowed the natives of the Americas and Mongolia to travel great distances with ease. The horse also carried their supplies, which additionally granted freedom to those ancient peoples. This card remind youi that you aren’t here to be ordinary, but to setp beyond limitation and self-imposed boundaries. Don’t allow yourself to be trapped by convention or the expectations of others. You have the ability to choose your life on your terms. Replace the phrase “I should” with “I could . . . but I choose not to at this time.” Perhaps you aren’t always free to create the exact circumstances of your life – but you’re certainly able to decide what meaning to give those situations. Select meanings that empower you, for this is the time to break free.

The Journey: The way you use your body can change your state. Put on music and dance with wild abandon. As you do so, this sends a powerful message to your subconscious that you are indeed truly free.

The Native Spirit Oracle by author Denise Linn and artist Charles McStravick

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Are we still feeling a need to unwind, relax, and take time for self-care? Today’s card suggests this is needed so if you haven’t attended to these needs, consider doing so!

Blessings and hope you all have a good week.

– Thistle

The Restorers: Roseroot, St. John’s Wort & Valerian

Retreat, balance, or calm. On the other side, imbalance, anxiety, or disturbance

THE CARD: The Restorers are a trio of ancient and indigenous plants of the Druid sourcelands, which act to restore the balance between body and soul, healing the heart and mind with their calming and strengthening powers. The card shows a Druid healer in her bothy, sitting beside the fire. Through the open door, we see the Scottish Highlands. Roseroot and Valerian hand drying in bunches from the rafters, and freshly gathered St. John’s Wort lies on the table.

MEANING: Although adventure and excitement are necessary ingredients in life, we also need periods of peace and calm: oases in our busy lives. Drawing this card in a reading may mean that you should create such a time for yourself now. Retreats are an important part of spiritual practice, and in Druidry these can include visiting the old sacred sites and walking the old tracks. But wherever you are, you can take a retreat. Even if you are busy, see if you can withdraw from your schedule for three hours, during which time no one disturbs you and you treat yourself to whatever will help you find calm. Better still is a longer retreat – three days or more – in a setting close to Nature. By taking such a break, you give your body and soul a chance to catch up with each other add to find balance once more.

This card may also indicate that you or someone you know are out of balance and feel disturbed and anxious. Life is often puzzling, and relationship are so difficult that it is no wonder so many people suffer from anxiety and depression. Now may be the time to tackle this imbalance with a combination of counseling, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes.

Alternatively, the card may indicate that a situation or project is unstable or completely unrealistic, and that a good dose of common sense is required to get it back on track. It may be time to hire a consultant or simply get someone to look at the problem objectively and give advice.

The Druid Plant Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, art by Will Worthington

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The Chameleon’s message isn’t always clear cut, so a little time to think about her may be in order if this card is speaking to you.

Blessings!

Chameleon Spirit – Act As If

Message: Chameleon Spirit shares her gift with you today to prepare you for changes that will greatly benefit you. Outer conditions are changing, and you’re required to come into harmony with them so you can co-create your greatest dream. Feeling sensitive? Good, because that will come in handy, enabling you to determine how best to adapt to your environment and the people in it, while at the same time maintaining your integrity and inner equilibrium.

Even if you feel like you’re in uncharted territory, Chameleon has complete faith in your ability to fit in and learn the lay of the land, adapting as necessary. This is a fortunate time to “act as if” and “do as others do” until the new ways feel familiar and completely natural. Life is offering you a great lesson now: adapting isn’t about losing yourself; it’s about learning how to dance with others. 

Protection Message: Being sensitive and having empathy for others can become a heavy burden if you don’t practice self-care. Could it be you’re feeling stressed because you’ve tuned in to challenging emotions that aren’t even yours? Chameleon Spirit does not want you to adapt to these conditions by withdrawing or distracting yourself, hoping the feelings will just go away, or attempting to rescue another who may be having a pity party; you can be swallowed up trying to manage it all. It is time to figure out where you end and the rest of the world begins.

Not all conditions are yours to match. You need to distinguish your own color from the rest of the world right now and take time out to soothe your sensitive soul. Choose some activities that will restore your sense of being grounded and avoid people who revel in drama. Take a break from social media too. Self-care and a timeout is the answer to this temporary dilemma.

Spirit Animal Oracle by author Colette Baron-Reid and artist Jena DellaGrottaglia

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Well, here’s a dose of energy as we head into the weekend! What message does the Air Dragon have for you?

Have a great weekend!

Air Dragon – Inspiration, Insight, Vitality

The card shows one of the dragons of Beli flying high over the magical city of Dinas Affaraon in Snowdonia. In the distance, a bolt of lightning reminds us that Draig-athar (Air Dragon) is one of the servants of the Sky God.

MEANING: Coming into contact with the air dragon can be as a bolt of lightning to the psyche and intellect – and as such must be treated with care and considerable respect. Sometimes manifesting as sudden flashes of illumination, Draig-athar brings insight and clarity to your thought and imagination. As conveyer of numinous power, the air dragon can be seen as a symbol of visitation – for he is a messenger of the Sky God.

This card may also indicate that you are in danger of becoming the servant of an idea, dogma, or belief system. Contact with spiritual concepts and energies can sometimes stimulate the intellect in a way that produces inflation and delusion. To avoid this, constand reality-testing in the everyday world of relationships and practicalities is essential.

The Druid Animal Oracle by authors Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and artist Will Worthington

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Is it time to let yourself find the key to your healing? Of perhaps you’re being called to help another in the healing process. Energy can be low by this time of the week, so take care of yourself!

Blessings.

Seven of Stones (Healing)

Description: A Green Woman sits cross-legged at the center of a circle of seven low and weathered stones. In front of her on the ground lies a man dressed in the garb of a hunter. The Green Woman holds out her hands, palms down, over the body, streams of energy shooting along her fingers.

Meaning: After physical or emotional sickness or injury, a time of inner rest and rejuvenation is required. Patience and peaceful healing comes from a spiritual source. Wholeness and recovery will follow a serious physical or emotional wounding.

Reading Points: One of the deepest stages of healing and recovery after any emotional trauma or physical injury is forgiveness. If the healing is from a relationship issue, we often hold onto the pain, mistakenly believing that it keeps us close to the source of that pain. Sometimes, we hang onto sense of loss, loneliness, and betrayal associated with the failure of the relationship. Regret can also be associated with these feelings as one questions one’s own motives and actions. Yes, if you have acted with integrity and sincerity, there is no need for reqret; it is a waste of energy and healing focus. If regret is present, more work may be required to understand its underlying causes. One of the elements inherent in brining healing and closure to any situation is acceptance along with self-forgiveness. We are neither perfect nor omnipotent and, therefore, we make mistakes. The acceptance of these simple truths can bring healing to the suffering soul.

The Wildwood Tarot by authors Mark Ryan and John Matthews and artist Will Worthington

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First, meet Shy, an outdoor kitty we’ve brought indoors during our recent temperature nosedive. He’s still learning his manners, so he doesn’t know it’s not polite to step on the cards.

So, I had two very strong cards today, but they weren’t joining their energies, if you know what I mean. After a bit of contemplation, I realized one card was for an individual and the other was for visitors at large. So, here are both cards: Spider is the one that is speaking to most of us; Flamingo is for a particular friend who I am sure will chuckled at this post today.

Blessings, everyone!

Spider Spirit – Make your dreams real

Message: Weaving your dreams into the fabric of life begins with a single thread of intention, and then spirit joins you as your co-weaving partner. Take but a single step to make your dream a reality, and Spirit will take ten toward you, for the universe is designed to support your dream-weaving.

Spirit Spirit arrives when you need reminding of the awesome power of co-creation with Spirit. Ideas and resources will begin to appear as if by magic as you begin to bring your dreams from the realm of intention into the world of the senses where they take form. The action you need to take is to be clear about your intentions, and then act as if you have become the one that lives the life you desire. The web of creation has an uncanny way of coming together to weave the beautiful pattern you set in motion.

Another message of Spider Spirit is about any creative project you may be considering: Writing, painting, music, journaling, gardening, etc. Now is the time when inspiration wants to be channeled through you at something creative, even artistic and tangible. Creative projects are successful now, if you are so inclined. Let yourself be open to abundance.

Protection Message: Are you expecting your dreams to weave themselves into reality? Are you stuck in the sticky web of weaving dreams, but never following through? The thread of Intention isn’t enough to make dreams a frailty unless you do your part in the weaving. Spider want you to know that your plans will remain ephemeral unless you commit to being productive and industrious, for Spirit will not do it all for you. Magic needs to be instigated, so begin to make your dream a reality by taking action today.

What are you will do to do? what are you willing to sacrifice? Can you release your limiting beliefs? Your dream is worthy of weaving. Today is a day to choose one small step toward your dream. Remember, Spirit is your weaving partner; you just have to be the first one to bring the thread to the loom, then continue to do your part.

OK, so for she-who-shall-go-unnamed, here’s the colorful and yet balanced bird. 🙂

Flamingo Spirit – Embrace the in-between

Message: Balance comes easily in Flamingo Spirit, who sees what was and what will be and stands strong in the face of uncertainty. You can be informed by what came before and plan for a future yet to be, but do not resist Flamingo Spirit’s call to be fully present int he now, where the real magic happens. With one foot in the life you are moving away from and one in the future as you become the one who leads the life of your highest intentions, you must make peace with the fact that  you are not fully in either place. Embrace the in-between.

The presence of Flamingo is also a sign that your creativity is arising within you and opportunities are beginning to present themselves. Remain here in a. balanced stat of mind, for there is much to known and learn before going forward with new plans. You can trust this moment and yourself as you take in what you see and become aware of all that you are experience in this in-between time.

Spirit Animal Oracle by author Colette Baron-Reid and artist Jena DellaGrottaglia

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Today’s card suggests we need to not push forward with things or to force it along. Take some time to look within and deal with your issues before continuing your quest.

Blessings!

The Mirror

Meaning: In many traditions, the initiator into hidden knowledge is a female figure that reveals insights and wisdom to those on the spiritual sojourn. In the ancient Arthurian cycles this is Morgan, who takes Arthur on his journey into limbo and healing on the isle of Avalon. The Lady of the Lake is another such primal figure who also acts as a holder and guardian of the sword Excalibur and as an arbiter of Arthur’s actions. Both these archetypes represent the unconscious journey of the soul into deeper awareness and wisdom. No action will can make the soul take this journey; it can only happen after much searching and questing. It is also a condition of this experience that some kind of wounding has taken place. It is through the pain and endurance of the wounding that wisdom comes, at which point the individual can cross the lake to the island of healing and protection. It is a natural state of surrender that allows the inner self to travel across the emotional sea to the Otherworld.

The mysterious figure holds the mirror that aids our inner reflections and the orbit of seeing that helps illuminate the shadows of our inner life. The heron stands both as a keeper of the mysteries and a guardian of the other world. In some legends, three cranes or herons were seen at the gate of this magical realm and croaked warnings to the unprepared or uninitiated visitor. The cauldron represents the vessel of his knowledge and inspiration. From it, the bright flame of insight and revelation illuminates the dark landscape, this is the card that in the traditional tarot is known as the Hanged Man. We have chosen to amalgamate aspects of this into the Blasted Oak, while the reflecting mirror offers the same dizzy change from one state of being to another. As the hanged man sees life from another angle, so those who look into the mirror see things reflected as they truly are.

Reading Points: Patience and prudence are the keywords here, although trust plays a large part in the process of crossing to the island where insights into our own unconscious workings may be revealed. This process differs from the journey of the Hooded Man who makes a conscious decision to withdraw and contemplate the universe. In the mirror, a surrender of oil is required. Insides may come from dreams and meditations, but now is not the time to force the pace or drive on with the plan or desire until you have heard what your soul has to say, and your bruised and wounded spirit has been healed. Be patient. Let the journey commence and awaken fresh and full of energy, ready to deal the world and the challenge it raises.

The Wildwood Tarot by authors Mark Ryan and John Matthew and artists Will Worthington

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Good Monday morning! I had help with the cards this morning, as you can see little Cerridwen was guarding me as I worked, and the day’s pull is a fantastic one. Perhaps it is time to shake things up, wake up, and explore what makes your soul glow with joy.

Blessings!

Hi’aka – Sorceress of Light

Meaning: Ask for healing, mentoring or assistance to support you now. This support will help you feel stronger and more empowered so as to deal with any challenge and be reassured that your spirit can handle it. There is spiritual correction for you now as you follow the guidance to explore conscious movement and creative self-expression. This can stir up old energy, releasing it from you and allowing vital presence to take hold within you.

You are going through an initiation in which you will need to reassert your happiness and joy any time it slips into the darkness of doubt, fear, or anxiety. Take time to dance, sing, drum and affirm your aliveness with joy and courage. Become spiritually bolder in the face of anything that attempts to diminish you. Have faith in the power of the Divine Being, the Supreme Power. You are watched over by love.

Guidance: Hi’aka, a goddess or Hawaii, watches over the sacred dancers of the hula and the arts of chant, sorcery, and medicine. Hers is the medicine of light, sound, and the ability to penetrate the darkness of lower-level consciousness that could overwhelm our sense of spirit, joy, heart, and inspiration with defeatism, despair, boredom, and even terror. This type of onslaught from darkness comes at certain times to those seeking to embrace body and enact the light on earth. One of these times may be when we are feeling strong and making progress, and we feel tested to sustain that higher level of being and awareness even through challenge. Another of these times may be when we feel weaker, more vulnerable, perhaps fatigued from a challenging time and just not quite able to summon. the quality of joy on our own. In all such moments upon the Spirit Warriors’ path flight, Hi’aka assists.

Hi’aka is said to dwell in a grove of lehua trees, which are sacred to her as the place where she spent her time dancing with the forest spirits. Hi’aka’s name translates as “she who lifts darkness.” “Hi” is from lifting of the hip, and “aka” means shadow. As patroness of sacred dancers, she reminds us that with a simple movement of our hip, we can move into the dance and connect with joy. It is said that one of the first things that a shaman will ask of a person who is plagued by demons – or, in our modern parlance, unable to summon the energy for their fulfillment and sacred purpose in the world – is, “When was the last time you danced?” Dancing, whether literally moving your body to music or symbolically in whatever makes your being light up, is a way to invoke aliveness so that we can tap into the joy that counteracts darkness. Consider what makes you feel like your soul is dancing. Make time and place for it as a practice for sustaining and strengthening your spirit.

Part of Hi’aka’s divine purpose is bearing the clouds, providing rain, thunder, and lightning. Her wisdom reminds us that movement in itself can be healing. When energy becomes stagnant, we can struggle. This doesn’t mean we abstain from rest, because true rest allows energy to circulate through our being. This is why we emerge from feeling renewed and refreshed. Movement to circulate energy means flowering in relationship with our bodies, minds, and souls, trusting our inner rhythms.

Most modern lifestyles make it difficult to live an honest relationship with the mind and body. It can be tricky to find the time and place to authentically and spontaneously honor our natural needs for expression and flow, so we summon our wisdom and creativity to find a way. Hi’aka says that we must. We must be willing to move with the storm wisdom within us, or we shall be moved by the storm wisdom around us. Give yourself permission to explore a more authentic relationship with yourself, and trust that, in the process, the changes that will happen will be healing.

Earth Warriors Oracle by author Alana Fairchild and artist Isabel Brynne

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