The Gentle Tarot – The Cauldron Goddess

First Harvest Wisdom + Tarot Reading!

Blessed First Harvest! This season is also celebrated as Lammas, Lughnasadh and Gwyl Awst, which each have their regional variations but are very similar. I call it First Harvest for simplicity, as it is the first of three harvest festivals. This is the harvest of grain, followed by the harvest of fruits and vegetables at Autumn Equinox and then the harvest of the hunt at Samhain.

At First Harvest, traditions celebrate the harvesting of grains such as oats, wheat and barley, which are baked into bread. It honors skills and crafts, the God Lugh, and coming together in community to share our bounty, creations and wares.

As we enter this extended harvest period, the universe calls us to begin a process of integration, learning, and gathering wisdom from our toils since the beginning of the year. We can think back to Imbolc season (approx. February 1st-March 21st) and see how our visions and goals for the year have manifested. Some themes from that time may come back into our life for review now.

For those living agricultural lifestyles, this is a busy time of much labor and hard work. Farmers, gardeners and those who work with the earth are aware of the need to process and organise the harvest into something sustainable for the future, such as separating the wheat from the chaff, drying, storing, canning, preserving, etc. Cooking and creating medicines from our harvest is another wonderful way to strengthen our bond with Mother Earth and nourish the soul.

Even if we are not gardeners or farmers, we may be processing the results of our work over the last six months and organising this into something that can be shared with others or that will sustain us in the future. We can honor the abundance of the Earth at this time through supporting local farmers at markets, eating seasonal foods, crafting something in honor of the earth, or supporting local artisans.

Our ‘harvest’ can come in many forms- tangible and intangible. While materialistic values reign in this world, this does not lessen the value and importance of our inner work. We can honor the accomplishment of any personal healing that we’ve been working on, brave steps we’ve taken, small goals we’ve achieved, any growth in our mental or emotional wellness, spiritual life, friendship, family, emotional satisfaction, inspiration, or other ways goodness has flourished in our lives.

Take some time to acknowledge all your efforts and allow gratitude to swell within your heart this season. Gratitude opens us up to even more abundance.

In an area of life where our harvest is low, we may need to be more discerning and creative with our resources. We can focus on investing limited resources where they are needed most. Where our harvest is more bountiful, we can share, give and support others. It is a time to tune into the flow of reciprocation in our lives- giving and receiving, expressing and listening, and adjusting the flow to be more sustainable and beneficial to ourselves and others.

During this year’s First Harvest season, we have a Mercury Retrograde period from August 5th-27th, which adds a twist of the unexpected and an even more reflective quality to this season, as pieces of the past come up to be processed and integrated. As we remember the past, we can see how far we’ve come and let go of what we no longer need to hold onto.

Embrace slow medicine and give yourself some extra time and space to become deeply present in mind, body, heart and soul. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain a new perspective on something you’ve been doing a certain way for a while, which may need to shift. Be open to twists and turns that will take you where you really need to be, rather than where you thought you’d be. Relax into the moment and go with the flow. Trust that all is supporting our highest good.

Now let’s get on to the Tarot Reading! (If you’d like to learn more about First Harvest and how to celebrate, please read my post: Why Lammas is Important and How to Celebrate.)

Take 3 deep breaths to clear your energy and relax. Once you are grounded and centered, ask:

“What do I need to know for this First Harvest season?”

Then, choose a card from the photo below. Scroll down to reveal each card and its meaning.

First Harvest Reading with The Gentle Tarot by Mariza Ryce Aparicio-Tovar

Remember that number! Now scroll down to find it. Descriptions are my own words except those in italics, which are of the deck’s author.

The Moon- Delve into your depths to find the treasure

There’s a lot going on under the surface right now. Like a deep lake, you can see more clearly when the waters are still. Take this as an invitation to slow down and find stillness. Your heart may be telling a different story than your mind, and so you have to get off the hamster wheel to hear your inner truth. It is likely that your inner truth is spilling over into your nighttime dreams, so if you can, record your dreams and take time to process and learn from them. Harvest the wisdom that lies deep within, and separate it from any illusions you’ve ascribed to. This takes some time and effort, and a willingness to let go of the typical mundane grind. What helps you ease into an intuitive, peaceful frame of mind? Music? Movement? Meditation? Find your pathway opener. Then allow the treasures of your inner truth to bubble up into your awareness. All will fall into place once you make space for your inner wisdom.

What has your intuition been saying lately? Is there a calling that you have buried? What does your wild side have to say about the present life you live?

2. Judgement- Rise up and claim your power

This card is not so much about judgement, as it is about acceptance. Once we’ve accepted all that we are, all that we’ve been through, flaws, shadow, imperfections and all- can we feel truly empowered. This is a time of reckoning, of meeting your wholeness and an invitation to claim all of it. Be all of it. You are the fullness of your life experiences, and these have created the beautiful work of art that is you in this moment. We are always changing, shedding skins and evolving. Honour the unique and challenging path that brought you here. You are enough. You are beautiful, just as you are. Rise up from the ashes and stand in your power. The world needs your unique perspective and energy to make it a better place. What aspects of yourself do you feel ashamed of? Can you bring some tender loving care to those parts of yourself right now? Perhaps journaling this part of yourself or speaking to a loved one or therapist may be helpful at this time. This is an invitation to level-up, reclaim your power and begin anew with the wisdom of your experience.

Like this snake has freshly shed her skin, rise up to meet your higher self. Fulfill the promise you made to yourself upon arrival to this Earth, follow your true vocation.

3. The Emperor- Embrace your inner authority

You are the boss of your own life. Does it feel like you are? If not, perhaps bringing in a more supportive routine, structure or boundaries would be helpful at this time. Your energy is precious and it may be leaking out in certain aspects of your life. It is easy to get caught up in the needs of others, distractions, or scattering our energy in many directions. What this card calls for is a remembering of your inner authority, and a call to take yourself a bit more seriously. You are majestic and powerful. Does your life reflect this belief?

Re-assess your priorities. Re-connect with your personal goals. Create a schedule that honors these priorities and goals. Set boundaries with people who have too much access to your energy or who pull you off track. You may be grappling with issues with an authority figure in your life or even inside of you. There may be a perpetual habit of keeping yourself small because it feels safe. Or perhaps you’re being too hard on yourself. This can take time to heal. You can start small by reminding yourself that you are the boss of your own life. You are responsible first and foremost to yourself. You decide how to use your own energy. Claim your inner Sea Lion and show the world you’re worth it and you mean business!

4. Two of Stones- Stay grounded yet flexible!

Circumstances may have you balancing several things at once, which may be causing some overwhelm. You must stay grounded, yet flexible. If there is too much on your plate, delegate. Let go of what is unnecessary. You must find the balance that is sustainable for you. Even with adjustments, you may find you need to be a bit more flexible and adaptable than usual, but this will help you achieve what you’re aiming for and increase your skills. Mercury is retrograde, so things may come up out of left field forcing you to pivot or make changes to your plans. Don’t fret, as this experience is helping to move you in a better direction. Be light on your feet, go with the flow, and be open to doing things a different way. Be patient with the process and trust all is moving in the right direction, even if it seems a bit chaotic at times. You are strong, wise, and capable. Move with the grace and lightness of the woman in the card. You’ve got this!

When we surrender control, we gain opportunity. Embrace your courage and your strength.

5. Five of Thunder- Know when to surrender and let go

There are times in life where we must work and grind, push up against impossible odds, or fight for what we believe in. And then there are times where fighting is futile, and the more effort we put forth, the worse things get. As we grow wiser, we recognise that we must choose our battles and use our energy in ways that are most productive and life-affirming. This card in an invitation to put down your sword and let go. You’ve reached a limit. Perhaps you’ve been pushing in a direction that is not yielding results or is causing more harm than good to your well-being or that of others. Permission to pause, surrender and restore your energy. Ask for the help you need. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost, it just may mean you must find a new way to go forward. Take the time you need to rest and reflect on the situation. Process your feelings through journaling, art, physical activity or talking to a trusted friend. There is also an invitation of acceptance here- accept of the reality of this present moment, the truth of a situation, and the limitations of others or your own. It’s time to make inner peace a priority right now.

No need to climb to the tippity-top of this mountain, maybe you are just fine where you are and your path has other plans for you, another destination.

6. Root of Thunder- Be clear with your mission, and express with precision

You feel confident and ready to move forward on something. But before you jump full speed ahead, remember Mercury is going retrograde, meaning that some thoughtfulness and caution may be necessary first. You may find this time is helpful for clarifying your mission, plans, or intentions, or refine how you wish to express yourself. The details do matter, and if you slow down, you might find that the extra time spent will create a better outcome. Sometimes we run a hundred miles in the wrong direction. Keep your confidence, keep your faith, but take some time to refine your mission and execution. Get clear on your intentions and goals. Then maybe do a bit more research- do you know exactly where you’re headed? Is this the best path forward? Perhaps some extra preparation could go a long way? Is there another way to achieve what you desire? How might this land on others? Getting clear and precise with your energy will ensure you hit your mark. Patience is your ally. What is meant for you won’t pass you by.

Are you expressing and living your whole truth? Are you being compassionate and considerate to others? It is ok to take up space, but balance is essential.

7. The Fool- Open up to something new!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained! This is an invitation to trust your instincts. You may be venturing into new territory, wanting to try something for the first time or stepping out of your comfort zone. An air of innocence permeates your situation, and with it attracts the benevolence of the universe. Sure, there will be challenges ahead and perhaps some detours along the way, but you need to start somewhere, and listen to that little voice inside you coaxing you towards a new adventure. What is your heart pulling you towards? What are you feeling curious about? With Mercury Retrograde, you may wish to seek out guidance from those who’ve traveled there before or do a bit of research first, so you don’t get in over your head. Give yourself permission to experiment, make mistakes and have a beginner’s mind. Hold your vulnerability sacred. This may be the first small step towards a dream that is resurfacing from the past, or one you’ve held for some time. Be open to new experiences and ways of doing things. Wandering and meandering about can be great ways to get inspired.

Now is the time to be in the moment, to be fearless, to change paths, to be spontaneous, to trust. Uninhibited, you follow your heart’s desires. The entire universe supports your every move.

8. Temperance- Balance and moderation in all things

Sometimes life around us is divided and full of extremes. You may have felt pressured to ramp up your intensity or volume and strain to be heard and seen, or to take a big risk to get what you need. You may have overdone or over-indulged in something. Now is the time to come back into balance. Gentleness and moderation are called for. Where in your life are things out of balance? What has been taking its toll on your body, mind or spirit? Or all three?

Where you feel weakness, invite strength and confidence. Where you feel stress, invite ease and peace. Where you feel burdened, invite lightness and freedom. Your health and well-being depend on balance. What is your body asking for now? Spending time in nature can help restore harmony within, reminding you of your connection to the innate balance of the universe. Now is the time to invite balance into your diet, your exercise routine, your emotional connections, your work life and your mind.

Balance is key to having clear thoughts and clear ears for listening to your heart’s pull.

I hope your card resonated! I wish you an abundant First Harvest season and a beautiful rest of summer. If you are interested in going deeper with a more personalised Tarot Reading, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Blessings,

Serena

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What if the Cards Don’t Resonate? Tips for Reading for Yourself

Do you pull cards for yourself and sometimes find they just don’t resonate? Or maybe the entire reading has you stumped?

This happens to us all, I think, and there are different reasons why and different ways to deal with it. Often it can be one of two things, either we reject the message or we don’t see how it applies to our situation.

I feel it is important to distinguish between rejecting a card because we don’t like its message, vs not resonating or feeling disconnected from the card’s meaning or relevance.

Let’s explore reasons and solutions that address both situations…

Preparation & Ritual

First thing’s first- Energetic hygiene! Messages can get muddled when the cards have been used by too many people or too often without cleansing. If the deck is new, it may need more time getting used to your energy and establishing itself. We build a relationship with our cards. If we treat them well, they treat us well back.

Whenever I get a new deck, I take my time to cleanse and consecrate each and every card through smoke (air) and over a candle (fire). Then, I spritz or splash the deck with water and then let it sit with a rock or crystal on it. I ask that the powers of the elements cleanse and bless the deck. Then, I sleep with the deck under my pillow for a week or so beside me to attune to my energies. I get to know it by pulling a card each day and noticing how it plays out in my life. I also like to shuffle through it, looking at each card one by one. Over time, we develop a relationship, and the deck may eventually be used just for me or also with clients.

I cleanse the decks I use with clients before and after each reading. In my personal decks, I sometimes notice after a while, it may give muddled messages or feel energetically heavy or sticky when I shuffle. This tells me it is time to cleanse it again! I may use smoke, water, fire, earth, or all four, like above. I also like to gently bump it on the table a few times to release stuck energy.

Some folks use their hands to channel energy or Reiki to the deck and/or visualization to cleanse it. There are many ways to cleanse a deck, so try a few different ways until you land on what feels right for you!

Having a little grounding and centering ritual is also helpful before a reading to get us into the right mindset. A grounding and centering practice can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, dropping into our body, placing our hands on our heart, and going into a receptive state. You may wish to invoke your guides, ancestors or other helpers to bring you clarity.

I like to do the above as well as create sacred space for my reading by lighting a candle or have certain crystals around me, and laying out the cards on a special cloth.

It is also important to protect your cards when not in use. I usually wrap mine in a cloth and keep a small crystal on top, or they go in a box with a crystal.

Even if we have a thorough cleansing and grounding ritual, sometimes a deck just doesn’t mesh well us. It could be the imagery, the meanings, or it just doesn’t vibrate on the frequency we need at that time. Find a deck you feel good about. But, give a new deck some time before deciding!

2. Interpretation Skills

Me in vintage Tarot mode, photo by Stacie Noel

Sometimes we need to deepen or broaden our interpretation skills. It is important that we don’t rely 100% on intuition when reading cards for ourselves, because we can never really be objective about our own situation. Knowledge is important for balance.

When reading for yourself, even if you ‘know’ all the meanings of the cards by heart, it can be helpful to consult a guidebook or reference to remind you of all the meanings the cards holds, or really take your time with each card to consider all possible meanings. It is easy to get locked in our singular perspective when reading alone, and others’ interpretations can help awaken a broader perspective.

No matter how long you’ve been reading cards, there is always more to learn, that is why Tarot is so fun! It really is a lifelong journey. It is easy to overlook certain symbols or fail to see connections between the symbols and aspects of our lives, because we default to what we think we already know about the card’s meaning.

Keep learning and exploring new ways of interpreting the cards. Each reading is a chance to deepen your knowledge and understanding!

3. Asking the Right Questions

Sometimes, the reading doesn’t resonate because the question we asked was not the thing we really want to know about. For example, we may ask about our career, but deep down what we really want to know about is our relationship, but we aren’t comfortable bringing our true feelings into awareness.

The cards tend to pick up on our strongest feelings, rather than our words or mental intentions, so the reading may reflect what we feel most strongly about in the moment, rather than what we are mentally trying to focus on.

This is why it is helpful to ground and centre before we throw the cards, so we are connected to our inner truth and feelings,(without being in a super activated emotional state),and therefore able to resonate with the messages of the cards.

Crafting the right questions to obtain the answers we are looking for also takes some experimentation. Some questions are too vague for the answer we want, or too specific for the perspective we need.

For example, if we ask a question like ‘should I take this job?’ and then throw a spread, we may or may not get a clear answer. We can perhaps try just pulling a single card for a yes or no answer (assuming we have a yes or no associated with each card), or we could pull a couple of cards to get a sense of a positive or negative experience.

But, sometimes a yes or no answer is not ideal. We may not be in the right stage of a decision process to take in a direct answer and need time to consider our feelings about different possibilities. We could instead ask: ‘what will the outcome be if I take this job?’ and pull a card or two to shed some light. Alternatively, we could ask a broader question such as ‘What do I need to be aware of with this job opportunity?’ and pull a card or two on that.

Sometimes we need to take a step back a bit further and look at the whole situation for greater clarity. In this case, asking ‘Please shed light on my job situation right now’ and throwing a full spread can be most helpful.

Often, I find a specific question looking for a specific answer is better answered by pulling fewer cards, and an overview of different energies at play in a situation is better answered with a full spread (like the Celtic Cross).

Because I use the Tarot predominantly for healing and self-awareness, I am a fan of the broader perspective a spread gives, because it helps us see more of the energies at play within us. However, I also like to ask specific questions from time to time or add those on top of a bigger spread.

4. Emotional Charge & Perspective

When we have a burning question, there is often a strong emotional charge around the situation. We want something very badly, we hope or we fear until we’ve lost touch with our centre completely. This can easily cloud our perspective or create tunnel vision which prevents us from seeing the situation in a new way. Often, this is why we come to the Tarot in the first place, because we need perspective- and the Tarot is a great tool to bring this to us!

However, especially when reading for ourselves, sometimes we can’t quite wrap our head around the meaning of a certain card or reading because we aren’t in a state of being able to see it in a new way yet! We are too emotional about the situation.

In this case, we need to shift our energy into a state of more openness and curiosity in order to gain perspective.

One way to handle this is to simply wait until a different time to do the reading, when you are less emotionally charged and more able to be curious. You can try going for a walk or venting to a friend and then come back to it, or sleep on it first.

You may wish to do a grounding and centering ritual before beginning the reading. This can help clear your energy and open your mind.

It can also be helpful to get an outside perspective from a Tarot reader or friend who can interpret the cards. They can help frame the meaning of the cards in a way that helps you understand and accept it, or they can ask you further questions to deepen your self-awareness and relate this to the card. Having an empathetic listener can help open the doors of your mind and heart just a little so that the message can come through.

5. Time

Sometimes all we need is a bit of time to let things percolate, integrate and digest. This is why it is a great idea to take a photo of the spread and write notes about it- so that you can return to it later. Sometimes, the ‘aha’ moment is simply delayed.

Do your best to take in the cards, be open to their messages, even if they’re confusing or unclear. Then go do something else for a while, rather than obsessively seeking an answer right away. Often, the more we push, the narrower our thinking becomes, and this may not be the ideal mindset to receive the message.

Let the reading go for a bit and immerse yourself in another activity or let your mind wander. Maybe even wait a day or two and then come back to your notes and photo. You might find it all comes together with a bit of time. I’ve had readings that took a week or two to really sink in.

6. Self-Awareness, Rejection & Shadow

The Goddess Oracle by Marashinsky & Janto

Get curious about any negative reaction you have to a card- what feelings come up when you see it? Before you slam the card back into the deck, take note of it and write down your feelings about it.

If we are rejecting a card or the message of a reading, this can mean it holds truth that we don’t want to face.

Often, when we react negatively to a card, it is because we have a hope or idea of what the message of the reading ‘should’ be and the card doesn’t fit our idea. The card may also trigger some deep emotions we’d rather not deal with. This can be an invitation to shift our perspective or delve into our feelings.

Could it be depicting a shadow part of us? A part of us that we push away, deny, hide or dislike? Is it illustrating an energy showing up in our lives through other people? Our shadow is often a combination or both positive and negative attributes- anything we pretend isn’t a part of us or needs to be integrated.

I believe when we come to the cards for healing and clarity, what comes up is usually something we are meant to see, and ready to see, whether it is comfortable or not.

Sometimes when I get a card I don’t like, I shuffle again. But often, the same card comes up again, so I know I have to pay attention, no matter how much I dislike it!

Journal your reactions to the card you reject. Express what you hate about it, or why it ‘makes no sense’. This process can shed light on what it really means to you and how/if it relates to your situation on a deeper level than you were first willing to accept. This is another reason why it is helpful to wait until we are in a less active emotional state and a more open, curious state to do a reading.

Shadow work is something the Tarot can be helpful for, but you may wish to get further support, such as a reader, a healer or a therapist that specialises in shadow work to delve deep.

7. It’s ok to Just Start Over

Sometimes we just throw a dud reading. It can be a combination of the above issues- perhaps the deck needed to be cleansed, we weren’t tuning in to ourselves while shuffling, or it just isn’t the right time. It is ok to let it go and start all over again! As long as you don’t repeatedly throw a new spread until you get one you like, I feel it is ok to know when it’s a lost cause and best to try again.

Over the years, Tarot has become very popular and you may find a hundred different pieces of advice for every issue. I don’t believe there is a right or wrong way, just different things that work for different people.

I hope that these tips were helpful, and if you are looking for a compassionate, healing-centered reading for clarity and inner peace, feel free to book a Tarot Reading with me!

Serena

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Dancing with our Shadow in Relationships

At the Fall Equinox, the sun enters Libra- the sign of relationships and balance. This season initiates our journey of descent into our own personal underworld, where we meet with our shadow self.

There is no better way to meet our shadow than in the world of relationships. People we connect with in life, whether friends, co-workers or intimate partners mirror to us aspects of ourselves. Some of these qualities we are delighted to encounter, while others not so much.

Generally, the qualities we despise or are irritated by in others point to aspects of ourselves that we’ve repressed, rejected or denied, which then become part of our shadow. The shadow self follows us around, asking for attention and acceptance. If we do not heed its call for attention, it may actually start to drive us through life unconsciously. When this happens, we may end up in situations we regret, living life in a way that creates more pain and anguish for ourselves (and others) rather than healing and opportunity.

The shadow requires that we meet it. Acknowledge it. Embrace it. Dance with it from time to time. They are our forever companion, after all. We can’t simply get rid of our shadow. Denying its existence only makes life harder. Over time, the shadow can become our friend and ally.

We all carry human traits that we don’t like. If we like to think of ourselves as a selfless, hardworking person, we may relegate our inner self-centered, lazy tendencies to the shadow. When we do this, we encounter these qualities in others until we accept them within ourselves. If we accept our own human tendency to be selfish or lazy, we are less likely to be bothered by these traits in others.

We may repress positive traits as well, which can become part of our shadow. For example, we may deny or repress our confidence, out of fear of not acting humble enough. Then we may find we are attracted to confidence or repulsed by it in others we meet.

If you are single and find you are constantly attracting people with certain traits into your life and they keep triggering the same issues within you, there is likely some shadow work to do.

If you are partnered and get stuck in loops of the same old arguments, or collect resentments over time for the same behaviours, there is shadow work to do.

Basically, if you are human living in the world with other humans, there is shadow work to do!

Relationships as a path of Spiritual Growth

If you are interested in your own spiritual growth, I highly recommend being in an intimate relationship. All relationships can push our buttons, but the closer they are, the deeper the healing can go.

I have been with the same partner for over 19 years now, and I feel my marriage and being a mom has probably brought me the most spiritual growth than anything else in my life. A day doesn’t go by when I am not encountering my shadow. Every day I am asked to look in the mirror and tolerate/accept/dance with what I see.

The snarky sarcastic rebuttals my teen throws my way often cause a reaction in me. Then a split second later, I see my own reflection in her. She’s so much like me. I was a snarky sarcastic teen and still am now! I must take my own medicine and remember that this is how she asserts her independence. This is one of the ways I still do, too.

My husband’s frustrating absentmindedness is another mirror. When he has forgotten yet another important detail or isn’t paying attention to the present moment, I curse his blissfully unaware existence. I feel burdened taking on the responsibility for all the mundane details. Then, I realise how much of a daydreamer I can be too. I can easily avoid the world in front of me, and often prefer to. Maybe I could let myself daydream a bit more.

I am not a Jungian expert nor have any sort of formal training in shadow work, so obviously I would first suggest you see a pro for doing deeper shadow work, especially when it is rooted in past trauma.

Alongside seeing a therapist, or when that option isn’t available to us, we can use Tarot and journaling to help shine a light on our darkness. These self-healing tools can help us become better people, cultivate stronger relationships and create a happier life.

Journaling Questions

First, here are some reflection questions you can journal with to get a sense of what aspect(s) of yourself you repress, deny or relegate to the shadows. These traits can actually be positive or negative.

What positive traits do the folks I am attracted to usually carry?

Positive traits we desire in others can also be parts of our shadow. We can access these parts of us if we choose. Often a partner will bring these traits out in us as well.

What traits about the people I get into relationships with do I find hard to deal with or unacceptable?

These are traits that we may be denying or repressing within us that unconsciously take the driver’s seat sometimes- especially when we are upset or stressed.

Who do I sooo NOT want to be like? Why?

This person may be a more extreme example of your own shadow. Yes, its scary to fathom this. But, be open to there being something there to work with.

How do I behave towards others when I get really stressed or triggered?

Often, we express our shadow when we are in a highly charged state.

What’s the positive side of these shadow qualities?

For example, selfishness transmuted into its positive form can be self-love, self-confidence or self-respect. Are these traits you could cultivate?

Tarot Spread for Relationship Shadow Work

Here is an example of a Tarot spread you can use with your own deck to support you in navigating a current relationship. You can do this spread for an intimate partnership or for friends/coworkers/roommates or anyone who is pushing your buttons!

Shadow in Relationships Spread by me using the Gentle Tarot.

Card #1: Self- Aspect of self we need to be aware of in current situation.

This card shows the part of ourselves that is active within the current situation. How does this card make you feel?

Card #2: Shadow- Aspect of self we project onto the other and need to accept within ourselves.

This is an important card. It shows the issue we are grappling with, the energy we are avoiding within ourselves or what is blocking us from relating with ease. How does this card make you feel? How does it show up in your relationship? Is it something you feel ready to accept and integrate within yourself?

Card #3: Support- Cultivate this to support Card #1.

This is an energy within you that you can access now to support the current situation or your role within it. How would taking a step in this direction affect how you feel?

Card #4: Integration- Energy to help us dance with and integrate our shadow.

Cultivate this energy to help you deal with card #2. It is the key to integrating its energy within you and your life. How would it feel to bring more of this energy into your situation? How would it change your relationship with yourself? How could it change your relationship?

For me, my spiritual path is not about always trying to attain a lofty ideal of being or behaviour. It’s about wholeness, acceptance and finding peace with being human. Dancing with our shadow is an integral part of accepting the harsher realities of earthly life. Even if our spirit is made of complete love and compassion, we are living a human life. On earth, the laws of spirit don’t always translate.

As the ever-useful quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin states:

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Are you interested in shadow work? How does your shadow show up in relationships? Do you consciously seek to meet and accept it?

May Libra season bless you with self-love and understanding, grace and flow.

Serena

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Summer Solstice Reading: Step Into the Light

As we arrive at the year’s peak of light, the Earth Mother blooms and pours her cup of abundance our way. The sun radiates its healing light upon us too, illuminating the dark recesses of our psyche and heart, urging us to release our burdens and receive the gift of love available to us now.

We are asked at this time of year to remember how to lighten up, to listen to our childlike wisdom and let ourselves receive the nourishment the Earth Mother offers us.

It’s been a heavy past two years, which can perhaps make some of us a bit slow or unsure of how to embrace lightness at this time. It’s ok to not feel celebratory, super social or ready to shine just yet. On the solstice, the sun moves into the sign of Cancer. This sentimental water sign urges us to embrace all the feels, to be gentle with ourselves and practice receptivity. We can allow ourselves to receive the nourishment we need now, in order to shine our light once Leo season comes.

Generally, this part of summer lends itself to emotional cleansing and renewal, caring for ourselves and loved ones, exploring our past, family, lineage and creating a sense of being at home within ourselves and around us.

Once the sun moves into Leo, later in July, we will be invigorated with some extra bold, confident fire energy to help us shine. Even though we have more hours of sunlight now, Leo season will likely turn up the heat and make us feel more expressive in a few weeks. We can use this time to explore what aspects of ourselves wish to come into the light and remove blocks to their expression.

As we enter this potent time, you may find that anything that was hidden or unclear becomes illuminated. This is a wonderful time to getting to the truth of things. To uncover your own truth, to align with your authenticity, to see in others that which you maybe turned away from or chose not to see before. Illumination can be challenging. But it is only when we are willing to see, that we can move forward in alignment with who we truly are.

Is there an aspect of yourself that you normally keep hidden that is wanting to step out into the light, even just a little bit? Are you dealing with some fears or past traumas that are blocking you from fully being who you are? Do you often feel insecure around expressing yourself? Then you may wish to check out my summer solstice reading below- Step Into the Light.

This is a short reading to help illuminate an aspect of you that is wanting to shine or come out into expression. You can use this spread with your own chosen deck, or see if my reading for you below resonates!

Here is my summer solstice ‘Step into the Light’ reading for you below, dear reader! I used the Gentle Tarot by Mariza Ryce Aparicio-Tovar. The interpretations are by me with some quotes by the author.

Here is the spread:

Step Into the Light Spread with The Gentle Tarot

Self: This position describes an aspect of you that wishes to come into greater expression.
Inner Truth: This position describes something that influences this part of you and is only known to you, and not necessarily to others. It relates to the Self card.
Outer Truth: This position describes the expression of the Self card. It shows what influence hinders its expression, or how this part of yourself is coming out.
Light: This position is the gateway towards shining your light. It gives advice on how to bring the Self card into expression in a healthy way. It relates to the Outer Truth card, and gives insight on how to shift into healthy expression.

Self- Four of Wands: You have been working hard on your vision and set the foundation- good work! At this point in your journey, you deserve to relax and enjoy life a bit more! This card is about celebration, harmony and reveling in the beauty within and all around you. It is also associated with coming home to oneself and being with family and friends. Yes, this is a very summer solstice-y card, and invites you to shed the weight of the last 2 years and acknowledge all you’ve been through. You are ready to let go of striving and to get into a more relaxed mode of being. Take your shoes off, untuck your shirt and let your hair down. Be confident in the foundation you’ve laid. Allow yourself to coast, to keep things a little lighter, simpler and more enjoyable from now on. No need to be anything but your comfy, satisfied self.

“Spread your wings. There is celebration and excitement in the air! Break free of whatever is holding you back and reclaim your resolve. The four of wands invites you to take a moment to enjoy the satisfaction of new feats in your life.”

Inner Truth- The Hierophant: Spiritual wisdom, your spiritual practice and learning are very important to you. You may keep this part of yourself hidden sometimes, for fear of perhaps not being knowledgeable or acceptable enough in the eyes of society or because you don’t feel you can be an authority on spiritual matters. You may feel called to explore the spiritual practices of your lineage, or ancient knowledge that you keep privately to yourself. Your spiritual life nourishes and supports you and will help you to relax into your authentic self. Letting go of striving can become a spiritual practice for you. Giving yourself some space to rest and receive can support your spiritual studies. Honour your ancestors, elders or teachers that have brought you to where you are today. Your inner wisdom and spirituality strengthens you and wants to come out.

“Seabirds are ancient. The wisdom in their movement and in their eyes feels older than the millennia countable on our fingertips. Only until we honor our ancients, can we truly know who we are and live a life we love.”

Outer Truth- Nine of Thunder: The full moon depicted in this card is much like the summer solstice in that is illuminates the hidden and brings things to light. You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed at this time- your mind may be racing, you may feel anxious or having trouble sleeping. This is because a lot is coming up at once and demanding to be released or expressed. Events from the past and fears of the future may be affecting your ability to relax and express yourself. Take your time and calm your mind. You may be thinking the worst, making things appear worse than they truly are. You don’t have to express everything you wish to right now- you can take some time to slow down and process. Write down your thoughts and feelings. Sort through what is true and what is simply fear. Write down all the ‘what ifs’ and then with a clear mind, release the ones that hold no real weight (which could be all of them!).

“There are things that we may never fully understand and ultimately we need to accept what is and reconcile things with ourselves. Feel the feelings and cry the tears, but come back home when you are done. Those hard feelings need tending to.”

Light- Flower of Thunder: Another thunder card! This card shows us the way forward towards healthy expression of the Self and reminds us that the way through the overwhelm and anxiety is through strength, objective clarity and sound judgement. The beautiful eagle encourages us to take an objective point of view- pull back from the details for a moment and see the big picture. She balances her mind and heart and expresses herself with clarity and authority. Your fears of expressing yourself must be evaluated rationally and compassionately- are they based in fact? Do you need to perhaps set some boundaries with others in order to be yourself fully and enjoy life? This card says to express yourself truthfully and unapologetically. Remain true to who you are and express the wisdom and depth you’ve been developing behind the scenes. Others will take you seriously if you do. Carry yourself with conviction and others will respect you.

“She embodies truth, honesty and surviving through life’s heartaches and headaches. The energy of this card in one of bold, clear communication coming from an experienced, loving, powerful heart.”

Conclusion:

You are fully supported by the ancient ones, the ancestors and the Earth Mother. Relax and let your hair down. Honour the tender feelings that hold you back from simply enjoying life and let them go. It is safe for you to simply be, to honour how far you’ve come at this point. Relinquish the need to be perfect or let your fears and anxieties prevent you from expressing your truth. Your spiritual wisdom flows through you. Express yourself with conviction and authority. You are enough. Simply being is enough.

Summer Solstice blessings my friends!

I look forward to seeing you at our Summer Solstice Circle, for a reading or 1 on 1 session soon!

Serena

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