Day 7 - Tarot Challenge - The Witch…

A powerful draw for the incredible wisdom we hold within which we can utilize in magic making this Halloween Season - Justice. Finding the perfect balance in whatever you set out to do, will be key, but you have everything you need to do so! You know exactly where you stand and you have keen awareness of all situations around you. Focus in on all that you know to be true, trust your instincts with what is at hand and deliver your magic in a way that aligns with your values. Allow this season and your goals to highlight what you believe and hold most dear. Good and evil - right and wrong work in tandem to create a potently magical space everywhere you go. You will be the deliberator of this sacred energy, if you use what you know to find the perfect balance.

“If you restore balance within your own self, you will be contributing immensely to the healing of the world.” - Deepak Chopra

The Justice Card from The Tarot of the Haunted House by Sasha Graham

Day 6 - Tarot Challenge - The Witch…

Tap into your fiery power and utilize your magic to release burdens. Let’s face it, others can’t truly understand your fierce capabilities if you keep carrying around so much hardship. I imagine you are so tired from sustaining so much dark and oppressive energy. You deserve to be unencumbered - to feel light of heart, but strong as stone. Connect with the passion inside of you and use it today to shed that which holds you back and weighs you down. It is easy to say, “heal yourself”, but in this case the first step should be focused and driven magic that ignites your fury. Banish overwhelm and be relentless in annihilating the evils that threaten to diminish your spark. There are so many ways to do this, my pretties, but when you take action, do it in a creative way and with intensity of purpose.

For you, an idea from LLewellyn’s Spell-A-Day - Melissa Tipton: “When you feel like you’re carrying a heavy burden or otherwise need to let go of dense, stuck energy, go for a walk and look for a stone that’s hefty but light enough for you to safely pick it up. Ask the stone if it would be willing to remove some of your heavy energy, and if you intuitively get a green light, proceed with the spell.

Holding the rock in both hands, bring to mind your burden, and allow any thoughts and emotions to arise. When you feel ready, send the burdensome energy into the stone, and once the transfer is complete, hold the stone aloft and drop it to the ground from waist height or higher. (Watch your toes!) Feel the lightness following the stone’s release and notice any shifts in your energy. Thank the stone for its aid.”

The Ten of Wands from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham

Day Five - Tarot Challenge - The Witch…

This card struck a real chord with me today, as did the question. “What stirs within my soul unseen?” with a big answer popping up out of that cauldron - The World (Reversed). I feel like my deck is truly calling me out on this one. It’s true that though I have great satisfaction in who and where I am, I feel the humdrum of life creeping in. Deep down I long for big sweeping change - to take my world and turn it upside-down. Underneath the surface, I crave excitement and the unknown and sometimes you have to shake up the balance of elements and disrupt the natural order of your world to experience life in a different way. Is this the same longing you have stirring in your soul?!? What element of your world do you find yourself wishing were different? Big thoughts for a Thursday and a great starter for your Witch’s Brew!

“Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed and rearranged to relocate us to the place we’re meant to be.” - Anonymous

The World (Reversed) from The Tarot of The Witches Garden by Sasha Graham

Day Four - Tarot Challenge - The Omens…

Now that our path is clear and we have set ourselves in motion to walk it, we are paying attention to any Omens that cross our path. What should we follow?!? Light and togetherness…Celebration of self and others! The glow of success and any recognition of our own light and the light of others is to be followed on this path. The symbols of this energy - candles, candlelight, horses and sturdy, tall trees that are shedding their leaves. What should we heed? People or persons who are all talk and big ideas, but actually full of manipulation. Any feeling of rushed energy and mental chaos that clouds our way. Advice that comes from a place of fear or confusion and only serves to move us backward or block our path. The symbols of this malevolence - Black birds, metal and metallic colors, crisp foggy air and red/brown colors. If your heart is lit up - follow, but if your mind is in distress - heed! Good luck, my pretties!

“Learn to recognize omens and follow them.” - Paulo Coelho

The 6 of Wands - follow - and the Knight of Swords (Reversed) - heed- from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham

Day Three - Tarot Challenge - The Path…

Oh! Day 3 is upon us and the question is juicy! The path is chosen and the reward has been suggested, how should we begin?!? Well, our usual brand of magic won’t work this time, so we need to start in a different way. The tools that you normally employ in magic making will have to get dusty on the shelf this season, my friends. Ask yourself this, how might you begin this journey in a different way? Or, if you were stripped of all your usual superpowers, what would you do to set yourself down a path toward power or chance? Strangely, I have been having some pretty wild and vivid dreams lately, which I have begun to document in a dream journal. So, when I saw this card emerge this morning, I thought, “hmmmm….the answer to this question lies there!” I will be diving into this diary to pluck the method from my night-time psyche. Tonight, I will hand select a chance-like activity, based on the contents of my dreams, that will begin this adventure in an unpredictably exciting way. What will you do? How can you connect to your hidden magic to start this October expedition with verve? Can’t wait to hear about it!

“A dream which is not interpreted is like a letter which is not read.” - The Talmud

The Magician (Reversed) from the Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

Day Two - Tarot Challenge - The Path…

On Day Two of our October Tarot Challenge, “Season of The Witch,” we are exploring what our chosen path will “reap or sow”. So, whichever path we’ve selected yesterday - power or chance, it will illuminate for us the beauty of the natural world through a new found sense of balance. I believe a decision we make on this path will allow us to feel the magic of earthly flow and highlight how our constant engagement of self is gloriously reflected by the beauty of the world around us. Expect to feel lighter, but busier. Welcome the support of friendly collaborators and step into fall with a joyful outlook on how you might best contribute to the natural way of things. Let wonder find you in every step you take on your path. Enchant others and you will suprise yourself.

“To the one who knows how to look and feel, every moment of this free, wandering life is enchantment.” - Alexandra David-Neel

The Two of Pentacles from The Tarot of the Witches Garden by Sasha Graham

Day One - Tarot Challenge - The Path…

I’ve accepted a Tarot Challenge for the month of October and I am filled with wicked excitement. I’m taking you along on the journey. So, grab your broomsticks - it’s “The Season of The Witch”. First question is to establish our Path. So, pick a card from the two I have pulled (and I must say, it’s a powerful draw!) If you choose The Emperor to start your month, it’s all about power and leadership for you - taking control of your world in an unyielding way and expanding your impact on the world around you. You will be the one leading others and you will be setting all rules and guidelines for the month ahead! If you choose The Wheel of Fate, you leave yourself open to the potent magic of chance. Taking big risks will be your mission in the month ahead and seeing the spooky and surprising results of your bold and daredevil approach. So, which will it be? I think I’m going to spin that wheel - I love surprises!

<I will post the full challenge after this card each day, so you can follow along. It’s a challenge crafted for us by Lionharts and it’s full of Halloween fun!>

“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.” - Erol Ozan

The Emperor and The Wheel of Fate from the Tarot of The Haunted House by Sasha Graham

Ten of Swords - Reversed…

Mental overload can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing. Lately, the overwhelm of the mind has been ensnaring your spirit in a painfully challenging way. This Ten of Swords (Reversed) reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from a beloved childhood story. In an effort to ease some of the mental anguish we face, wouldn’t it be delightful to be a fairy that only has “room for one feeling at a time”? It’s sounds ridiculous, but what if you truly allowed yourself the fullest expression of each emotion your thoughts bring to you to? To distill each moment down to exactly how you feel and release that feeling with total abandon, would be so freeing - would it not? On the eve of October and as the full moon begins to wane, see if you can set your emotions free and in turn, open the mind to what truly matters. Name and express each tormenting feeling that has been holding you down over the last month. Feel it, express it fully and then let it go. Wake up in October, refreshed, recharged and ready to start a new chapter! I love a little Fairy-inspired magic…

“Feel the feeling, but don’t become the emotion.Witness it. Allow it. Release it.” - Crystal Andrus

The Ten of Swords (Reversed) from The Mystic Faerie Tarot by Barbara Moore and Linda Ravenscroft

King of Pentacles - Reversed…

I know we all wish we were high-rollers and dream of the day when money comes raining down upon us to wipe away all of our insignificant worries. But, this weekend is a good time to reassess what accumulating wealth and power would actually mean for us. Is it the answer we dream of? What are we truly working toward as we slave away at our jobs to get ahead and increase our earning power? Perhaps, it won’t bring the sense of satisfaction and control we long for. In fact, maybe there is some other factor than dollars and material items which will help us achieve that sense of bliss we long for? Spend some time with self this weekend - ruminate on what truly matters and how you might inhabit your personal power without the superficial dependency on the potential for financial windfall.

“All the money you made will never buy back your soul.” - Bob Dylan

The King of Pentacles (Reversed) - Art by D. Hirajeta on Deviant Art

The High Priestess…

We are standing on the precipice of October and all of the juicy magic that it can bring. Now is the right time to cast a spell for yourself - a spell of what you wish for in this shifting season. You know your worth and you feel a deep connection to the truth of your surroundings, so use who you are to set yourself up for a season of manifestation. The pomegranate symbolizes both death and abundance, so figure out the best way to say goodbye to the pieces of self that have withered away and to welcome the rich and succulent gifts that will be coming into your life this season. Figure out the best way to release what is dead and welcome the lucious abundance you have earned. The veil is about to thin, so you should embrace the inherent intuition you harbor deep within.

“Intuition is the highest form of intelligence transcending all individual abilities and skills.” - Sylvia Clare'

The High Priestess - Art by Lauren Oberlin

Judgement…

An immediate response to yesterday’s call to connect more deeply, the Judgement card flies in, upright, to re-affirm our belief in what is possible. The truth of who you are calls to you and the power of what you can be will materialize when you stand up to answer that call! The world is full of happiness and light and you are meant to experience it and share it. In fact, inspire others to join you on your mission for self-fulfillment and purpose, because this isn’t a solitary journey - it is something to be shared with family, friends and all those you encounter. Allow yourself to be so taken by the light of your own existence that you radiate exuberance and delight wherever you go. Happy Wednesday night!

“You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.” - Oprah Winfrey

The Judgement Card from The Tarot of the Witches Garden by Sasha Graham

Judgement (Reversed) & Nine of Wands…

You’ve had a long day…a long week…maybe a long year. The burden of all the hard work you have put in to achieve certain goals has begun to way heavy on your soul. Though you may feel worn down, you are not worn out, as you understand there is still more work to be done. But, the really tricky thing is, you have started to lose sight of your original intention - the true purpose of why you set out on this journey. Truthfully, you were so driven to succeed that you left the meaning of it far behind you. It’s still calling to you from the distance - harkening you to remember the reason behind all that you do. Try to recall the music of your true intention. Think back on what motivated you so long ago. That magic is still there - you just need to reclaim it. You only need to answer the call.

“Purpose is the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s needs.” - Frederick Buechner

Judgement (Reversed) into The Nine of Wands from the Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

Justice…

You may be called today to step in as a kind of mediator in a situation that is unbalanced. Listen intently to all sides of the argument and absorb the tiny details that will give you the information you need to be impartial. Close your eyes and trust that you understand the fair way to bring this conflict to a resolution. You may not feel like you want to be the one in this position, but you are because of the inner strength and depth of knowledge you already possess. You will know exactly what is the right thing to do, so trust your gut. Also, be kind and compassionate when you deliver your verdict. You were meant for this moment.

“Conflict is the nature of the world. Comfort is the nature of the self. Amidst the conflict, seek comfort.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Justice from the Incidental Tarot by Holly DeFount

The Page of Swords…

Flit into this week with an open mind and you will be rewarded. It’s always good to have a strategy, but in this case your plan will benefit from further information - ideas that will come to light as you explore the situation at hand. So sharpen your focus and lighten your spirit. Let curiosity lead the way and listen very intently. Remaining open to the hidden magic that can come your way, will help you to shape your approach to the week ahead with keen understanding. Learning something new will be inevitable, so don’t shy away from the unknown. Instead, open yourself up to any new ideas springing forth from others that may catch your fancy and highlight a differing perspective! Approach your world with wonder.

“Wonder is the beginning of wonder.” - Socrates

The Page of Swords from The Tarot of The Witches Garden by Sasha Graham

The Fool…

What playful new thing did you try today? If you haven’t yet participated in something totally unknown and intriguing - don’t worry, there’s still time! When I pulled this card this morning, it filled me with enthusiasm for the possibility of trying something totally fun and out of the normal box in which I live my life. And, you should also be ready and willing to take some risks tonight, or simply explore an idea that is unfamiliar to you! Have carefree fun and be ready and willing to learn. Look to nearby companions to inspire this fresh adventure. Dance on the edge of the night in way that makes you feel young again. Happy Saturday!

“It is sometimes important for children to act like adults. It is sometimes important for adults to act like children.” - Shad Harrington

The Fool - Art by Dreamstime

Page of Cups (Reversed) - Queen of Cups…

Calling out to all my black sheep - “I went to pull our card for the weekend and these two leaped out of the deck and fell at my feet. This weekend, you may find yourself feeling mixed up, messed up and on the outside of things. But, is this feeling coming from you? Likely not. Friends or family stand in judgement of you and your actions (as maybe they always do), but this weekend it strikes an emotional chord. Even if this isn’t a familiar feeling, we all have moments where we feel like outsiders. But, remember my rebellious and tender hearts, outsiders are outliers and most others who don’t understand you, cannot comprehend the potent brand of magic that you carry within. Do not despair for being different - relish it! And, recognize that there isn’t any one way to greatness and perceived “normalcy” is just a made up concept. Conforming to meet the approval of others will only diminish your glorious power. Happy Friday, my misfits!

“The black sheep of the family bring new life to the family tree.” - Jonathan Hoban

The Page of Cups (Reversed) - The Queen of Cups from the Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

Five of Swords - Reversed…

I feel like this card keeps coming up for us both upright and reversed, so I’m beginning to suspect that we need to take a deeper look at the conflicted thoughts that might be burning in our mind. We all know that old saying “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” It’s certainly a nice sentiment and one that likely helped us all get through childhood intact. But, it’s not true, really - is it? Names and words with a negative tone can sting us to the core and though we can play it off like we are stronger than any silly insults that come our way, sometimes those nasty, harmful words become embedded in our brain. So, take a moment today to examine those recurring thoughts about self. When your inner voice starts to sound unpleasant, take note of what is being thought or said. Then re-frame it all in a positive manner and begin to repeat what is actually true about who you are. You deserve to be your biggest fan, - not to allow the long, lost insults of others to cloud your own self-perception. Get active about changing the themes you are clinging to that are not supporting a healthy and positive tone in your life!

“The moment you have a certain thought and believe, you will experience and immediate emotional response. Your thought actually creates the emotion.” - David D. Burns, MD

The Five of Swords (Reversed) from The Modern Spell Caster’s Tarot by Melanie Marquis and Scott Murphy

Three of Wands - Reversed…

Some people are sun seekers and others love sweater weather, but either way the shift from Summer to Fall can be quite dramatic. If you are like me, you will look back on the disappearing sun months with nostalgic regret - it never seems to last long enough and maybe I just didn’t have the opportunity to take advantage of it the way I had hoped. This 3 of Wands spoke to me about the dreaminess that sinks in around this time of year - dreaming of what could have been and wishing there was another chance. But, the colors of fall are vibrant and the crisp air meets the sun in a way that warms the soul. So, reflect and romanticize, but try my friends to stay in this brief moment of shift. We are, as humans, constantly shifting in our intentions and perspectives, so don’t linger in the past so much. Instead, enjoy the crisp winds of autumn that call us to transform.

“Autumn leaves shower like gold, like rainbows, as the winds of change begin to blow.” - Dan Millman

The Three of Wands (Reversed) from The Golden Tarot by Kat Black

The Devil - Reversed…

When this card was pulled this morning, I was so relieved to see that this demon came up reversed, because I didn’t have the time or energy today to be sucked into the dark side. And, if your day was like mine, you may have been confronted with MANY reasons and situations that would normally set you spinning into the 7th circle. But, we didn’t take the bait - did we?!? Good on us. Because sometimes you really have to endure all the shady nonsense others can muster and be the bigger person, by quietly saying to yourself, “Not today, Satan, not today.” We have conquered evil and so we should feel good, my friends. As you lay your head down to rest for the night, release any residual anxiety or animosity you may be holding onto in your heart or mind. Let it drop down to the underworld to be absorbed by the burning den of the monster we evaded, so we might float into our slumber on the wings of a lighter angel - one that will help us start tomorrow with a clear mind and open heart! Sweet dreams…

“Angels fly because they can take themselves lightly. It is easy to be heavy; hard to be light. Satan fell by the force of gravity.” - G.K. Chesterton

The Devil (Reversed) - Art by Horse&Hair on Etsy

Five of Swords…

This week you may find yourself bound by perceived limitations - Sorry! However, the restrictions you face are self-inflicted - the real problem is, you won’t see them that way. In your mind, you are prisoner to outside forces, when in actuality you are likely your own worst enemy. Because of all this turmoil, this week will be quite challenging, so prepare yourself mentally to feel a sense of powerlessness. Honestly, your best bet may be to give in to the inertia of the experience - don’t try to fight it. Wait it out and let the swords fall where they may. Let go of the need to control others, so you can free yourself. If you do, you will begin to see the internal changes you can make in order to motivate yourself in a fresh direction. Hang in there!

“Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours.” - Richard Bach

The Five of Swords from The Cosmic Tarot by Norbert Lösche