Archive for December, 2020

OK, sometimes when I pull my three cards in the morning, from which let the energy of cards determine which to post, I get a trio that seem cohesive for the world. Today was one such day. Take a look:

Am I right? Read left to right, we see where we have been and are and, hopefully, where we are headed. What are your thoughts?

But the card with the biggest pull this morning was Seven of Arrows, aka Insecurity. I know too many people who are in this place right now, either in regard to financial or food security to health security. It’s a touchy time, and we must all take the best care that we can of ourselves and others. While the card description suggests our fears are often ungrounded, the difficulty right now is that they are very much based in reality.

Blessings!

Seven of Arrows – Insecurity

MEANING: Ungrounded fears and confusion lead to instability and panic, self-torture through guilt or delusion and the need to deal with fragmented or rejected aspects of personality. 

DESCRIPTION: At the center stands a Green Woman clad in leaves and with hair that seems to grow from her head like vines. Her arms are raised in blessing, but arrows pierce her flesh and fly towards her. 

READING POINTS: Some of our greatest fears and self-destructive drives are born of emotional insecurity or lack of self-discipline, crippling an individual’s ability to make timely decisions or responsible action. Sometimes, these dark, ungrounded fears are the product of panic or guilt planted by inappropriate parenting or the lack of ethical education. Unreasonable emotional expectations and feelings of abandonment can also fuel a lack of emotional stability and stable grounding in practical life. Finding one’s feet in this environment takes serious inner work and real self-appraisal to reveal the true nature of the undermining issue at the heart of your fear. We may not be able to change the past, but we can learn to evolve strategies from the lessons of life and apply them to future scenarios. 

This process may also involve forgiveness for past failures, either of other individuals, belief systems or, more importantly, oneself. Forgiveness of oneself is a vital healing mechanism to deal with self-inflicted wounds associated with the burdens of guilt and self-recrimination. Understanding and acknowledging the motivations behind past mistakes stimulates the process of establishing a secure and healthy emotional foundation from which new beginning can arise. 

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

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It’s funny that today’s card was approved by kitty Cerridwen, who does NOT respect physical boundaries much at all! Alas, in this house we are better setting boundaries with humans than animals. Cute cats aside, it is important for your mental and spiritual well being to set boundaries with others. Take care of yourself, or your ability to care for others is compromised.

Blessings!

Respect Your Boundaries

Others will not respect the emotional boundaries that you set within your relationships if you do not respect them yourself. Know yourself. Love yourself. If you do not accord yourself with the same care that you desire from others, then you will not be shown care. If you do not honor your own truths and dreams then nobody else will. Honor yourself by treating yourself with the same care, and in the same manner, that you wish others to treat you.

Messenger Oracle by Ravynne Phelan

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Here we are with the three plants that historically most represent the season, for the decorated tree is a relative newcomer. The soft light of the sunrise shows us the three dancing in a circle, while a passage tomb is also in the background. The cycle of life and death embodied.

Have a beautiful day!

Holy, Ivy, and Mistletoe 

First, we see three people personifying the well-known greenery of winter celebrations: Holly, Ivy, and Mistletoe. Holly is considered a masculine plant and represents protection, among other things. Ivy is a feminine plant and represents death and rebirth, among other things. Mistletoe is a sacred plant representing fertility and more. All three of them were brought in during the winter because they were green and symbolized that life continues even in the dead of winter. An interesting folklore bit is that whichever plant – Holly or Ivy – came into the house first in winter indicated whether the man or the woman would rule the house for the year. 

Also note the background – it appears to be a passage tomb or a similar ancient structure in the background with the winter sun rising up, possibly the solstice sun, which strengthens the concept of death and rebirth in this card. And even a hint of a sleigh and elf are on one side, suggesting gifts, travel, and festivities for the day.

StoryWorld: Christmas Tales by John and Caitlin Matthews, art (this card) by Maggie Kneen

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Santa Claus

Santa Claus is sometimes a contentious figure for some Pagans, but some of us don’t really have a problem with him. He is truly a cumulation of many mythological figures, from Odin and shamanic wild men to St. Nicholas and Father Christmas, and then hijacked by modern advertising. But beyond all that, he is a gift giver. There are many of those associated from this time of year, so he is in good company.

Here, Santa is rather kind looking as he prepares to descend a chimney with a bag of gifts. First, he is communing with a wren and a robin. The wren has associations with this time of year and is the King of Birds, according to old folk legend. There is also another frost sprite peaking from behind the chimney, so one wonders what he is up to.

On this day, a day after the solstice when the days will start to get a bit longer each day, look for the gifts you are receiving. It could be a beautiful sunset, a phone call or zoom call with a loved one, or treats from a neighbor or friend. Most of us have blessings if we choose to look for them – and this is the time of year to definitely spread those around to give others some good cheer. This has been a hard year for many; let us do what we can to make it kinder.

Blessings!

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Happy Monday and Blessed Yule to all! My family and I had a beautiful and relaxing time at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas this weekend, and we used the time to have a mini Solstice celebration. Even in winter, the area is gorgeous with craggy hills and small mountains, streams and waterfalls, cedars and bare limbed redbuds and oaks, moss and lichen, and beautiful light.

Now we are home and have more energy from the fresh air and short hikes. Hopefully, we can keep the spirit of the forest with us and spread it around a little.

Blessing of the Solstice!

The Christmas Carolers

Caroling is just one classic activity to express joy of the season. I remember with fondness caroling with Girls Scouts at nursing homes, and I also enjoyed our local high school’s Vespers concert the previous four years (sadly, Covid canceled this year’s concert). Of course, I feel this card is saying to take part of whatever bring you the joy of the season, whether it’s baking cookies, vegging with wintery movies and popcorn on couch, or long walks in the woods.

But if you look closely, this card also tells you to watch out for those Scrooges who want to put a damper on your joy and celebrations. Also note the elf and Jack Frost helpers in the foreground – they can be tricky too. Don’t let them spoil your fun!

Storyworld: Christmas Tales by John and Caitlinn Matthews, art (this card) by Debra McFarlane

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Well, here is the card for our weekend, and it would appear we need to watch our Ps and Qs. The holidays can bring on a lot of stress, so be aware if you need a break or start to snap at someone who doesn’t deserve it. (I’ve already fallen prey to that!)

Have a great weekend!

The Frost King

This is a complicated figure, The Frost King. In the Russian folktale about Father Frost, he can be very generous and helpful to those who are kind and polite. As is the case in many similar folktales, he can also leave someone for death if they are rude or lazy.

Here, we see him peering through a cozy window, his touch leaving beautiful patterns of frost on the window. With him are many little frost fairies and small winter creatures to help him with his plans. He sometimes likes to play tricks on people, but not always. Perhaps our card says to be our better selves today in order to avoid the tricks of the Frost King and instead reap his rewards? What do you think of the Frost King’s visit?

Storyworld: Christmas Tales by John and Caitlinn Matthews, art (this card) by Tomislav Tomic

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We continue Yuletide messages, and today’s bear is a great one for anyone needing encouragement.
Have a lovely Thursday!

The Polar Bear

Bears are often seen as protective and fierce, and here we have a polar bear carrying a girl on an adventure by the light of the full moon. Behind them is a cozy home with a couple folks watching her leave – at least one of them is a child as well. Notice how she doesn’t look frightened at all? She knows the power of the bear is with her and will guide and protect her.

I think we might be getting the suggestion that we should seek a powerful ally in a forthcoming journey, whether it’s an adventure or a journey to a new job, home, relationship, or connection to spirit. Don’t forget that we are not alone. Even if you do not believe in deity outright, the symbolism of a powerful ally like a bear, wolf, or eagle can empower us. The cold of winter and the dark season need not frighten us when we are prepared.

Storyworld: Christmas Tales by John and Caitlinn Matthews

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This is no elf on the shelf, so give him a good look. Have a lovely Wednesday, everyone!

The Christmas Elf

Though the Christmas elf is normally associated with the workshop where the toys are made, here we see one in the woodland setting surrounded by animals: an owl, a deer, a woodpecker, a bird and badger, squirrels, and even a little rodent in there. What would make the little guy leave the shop and take time in nature? Of course, most elven lore indicates a strong association with nature, rather than just being production machines for the man in red.

Normally, I might suggest that this is a reminder that as we are busy with all of our events and gift buying, it is good to take some time to appreciate season for what it is. But for many of us, those activities have been restricted this year already. But have we used this time to truly relax and appreciate the smaller, quiet ways to enjoy the season. Are you holding up indoors or remembering to enjoy nature in even small ways, such as feeding and watching birds, bundled up strolls in a park or nearby trail, or even caroling with your family? Remember to appreciate the beauty of the wildlife in your area.

What does this card remind you to do?

Storyworld: Christmas Tales by John and Caitlin Matthews

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OK, today begins the start of using a nonoracle deck for the card of the day until after the 24th, as I have yet to finish the Yule Oracle deck I’ve been slowly working on. It’s always a fun challenge to use this storytelling deck for a couple weeks. This is a tricky card to interpret, so what does it mean to you? To leave behind a predetermine role or to treat yourself? Or something else entirely?

Blessings!

The Christmas Cookie

Meaning: OK, this is a tough one. This is NOT an oracle deck, but as the holidays approach I like to use this storytelling deck in lieu of one. Some of the cards are easy to sort out but this one did make me chuckle and scratch my head a bit. Of course, we have a cookie running away from the bakery and potential customers – the poor thing is even being chased by a fork and spoon! On one hand, I see a treat (I do so love to bake) and immediately think the message might be that it’s OK to treat yourself, whether it’s a sweat treat or another type of reward. But then there’s the part where I see the cookie is trying to run from responsibility. On the other hand, I see its running from its prescribed role as a bid for sovereignty, much like the goddess Bloudewedd. (Not much help there, am I?)

There is some other symbolism to parse out.

A goose walks along in the foreground of the card; geese are symbols of loyalty and bravery (and fiercely protective). They were also the popular choice for Christmas dinner in England. There is also a mouse in foreground, possibly awaiting a chance at the crumbs that are falling off the cookie. These two creatures seem almost opposite in nature: one small, quiet, and resourceful and the other white, loud, and fierce.

If you look along the edges, there is an unattended hat and pair of gloves, as well as a small sack in the snow. Perhaps there is something being missed as one is running along.

Storyworld: Christmas Tales by John and Caitlin Matthews

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OK, so yesterday was about getting down to business – perhaps that was so we would clear the way to be creative today and this weekend. Hope everyone can tap into their creativity, whether it’s with a canvas or camera or in the kitchen or garden!

Blessings!

THREE OF STONES – CREATIVITY

MEANING: An artist listens to the inner voice and hears the wind song of the universe. The courage, freedom, and skill that allow the artist to mediate this energy must be refined and focused for effective and meaningful achievement.

READING POINTS: The practical manifestation of creative energy requires a clear and open channel to the inspirational forces and impulses of the universe. Just as releasing your dreams and desires into the universal consciousness always brings a response, so the the releasing of creative energy invites into the artist the healing and enriching fuel from which further insight and visionary stimulus flows. This emotional and spiritual relationship with divine inspiration allows the subconscious mind to delve deeply and summons the intuitively creative power that catalyzes work. Artistic beauty takes many forms and presents itself in a variety of ways, but the relationship with the subconscious formative energy, whether through music, painting, sculpture, or poetry, reminds us of the personal and intimate connection we all should share with the universal consciousness. 

DESCRIPTION: A huge trilithon stands amid bushes and rocks. On the left-hand pillar is a great aurochs from the painted caves of France; on the right is an ancient horse known as Przewalski. Standing between the stones, one hand on each, is a Green Woman, from whose feet roots of energy spread out as she draws upon the strength of the stones and the earth. 

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

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