Day 18 - Tarot Challenge…

The recurring threat to our magic and how we may prevail are being revealed as we continue to spin the wheel in this October challenge. It’s clear from this draw that exhaustion is threatening to overtake us. Lack of motivation may recur, as thoughts feel imbalanced. Discord of the mind will try to overwhelm us and while the leaves fall away, we will be tempted to slack off into mindless distractions. But, if we continue to put the work in, what will help us truly fight the insidious evil of lethargy is well deserved rest. Instead of being lazy - welcome truly restorative slumber that is earned once you have put in the real work of what needs to be created, crafted or accomplished. Be mindful of self and choose gestation with purpose, instead of wasteful inactivity.

“Always keep in mind that training stimulates growth, but that actual growth takes place when you are resting.” - Arnold Schwarzenneger

The Four of Swords (Reversed) & The Seven of Pentacles from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham

Day 17 - Tarot Challenge…

Powerful cards fly in to answer the following questions: What should I begin and how will it end? It’s time to start living braver and freer in our lives! This version of the Chariot challenges us to fly in with fierceness, use all of the power that lives within us and snatch up what we aiming for. It’s time to soar into action and wildly grab hold of the change that we seek. Start today by doing something you have been longing to do, but putting off. How will this end? This Wheel appears almost in a taunting way - all elements daring us to embrace the unknown and readying us for twists and turns that will surprise and delight. The end will feel like the beginning in this case - but we will land in a place where we love the idea of constant change and challenge. Let’s face it, life should be as thrilling as a roller coaster, otherwise, what is the actual point?!? Fly in with fierceness and let it spin, my friends….no time for static.

“Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive and moribund.” - Anthony Bourdain

The Chariot and The Wheel of Fortune from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham

Day 16 - Tarot Challenge…

What shall we manifest in this endeavor?! In what you are after, there are two versions of self that emerge - one knowing and one quite blissfully unaware. You may have been enjoying the sense of carefree easiness that lack of knowledge carries with it. Or, you may have been feeling quite frustrated because you just can’t tell why you aren’t satisfied as you walk the long hallways of your life in darkness, trying to open the doors. But, in the manifestation of this magic you have been conjuring, your knowing self is about to align with that innocence in way that will provide you with true power and harmony. In fact, the true reward of this sorcery you have been conjuring is this powerful alliance of knowledge with serenity! Your world will benefit from this level of balance and grounded intelligence. Sometimes knowing more is all you need to take control of a situation and your life. Let these two sides of who you are join forces for your magical benefit.

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” - Confucius

The Two of Pentacles from The Tarot of the Haunted House by Sasha Graham

Day 15 - Tarot Challenge…

Now we are diving deep into our emotional depths to further spark our magic this month, and I must say, the message from my deck is a little too close to the heart in my case. It’s one of those moments where I can almost hear my deck laughing at me as it doles out the tough love. Very potent messaging coming through. In my case, my entire goal in this spell-casting mission has been about healing and restoration based on some recent health challenges I have been facing. Part of the information coming to light has been a sudden intolerance to certain things - wine, regretfully being one of them. If you know me, you know how much of a oenophile I have been for most of my adult life, so this news has been (sorry for the pun) hard to swallow. Here we go with the reversed Five of Cups - Letting go of an addictive behavior that is no longer serving me and working hard to keep from fixating on what I do not have. This message, coupled with the image of the woman in the wine cellar - OUCH! Got it. It’s easy to recognize now that my emotions are tied to this part of my journey in a way that will require extra attention. I embrace that which is hard for me in this moment of discovery. I free myself from the deep feelings that a part of who I am is somehow connected to the fermentation of grapes which I can no longer indulge in. I look forward to discovering what IS available to me. I welcome healing, even when it challenges me in emotional ways.I hope you will, too!!!

“Healing is a choice. It’s not an easy one, because it takes work to turn around your habits, but keep making the choice and the shifts will happen.” - Yehuda Berg

The Five of Cups (Reversed) from The Tarot of The Haunted House by Sasha Graham

Day 14 - Tarot Challenge…

How can we conjure what we need? It’s time to get territorial to stand up and defend the work we’ve put in so far on our journey! Any threat that comes your way can thwart the progress you have already made, so be ready to take action in protecting that inner fire. Think on challenges of the past to inspire that determined energy you will need in order to make the impact you intend. Push away any nay-sayers and make sure you stay on top of what needs attention. Fire is passion, so call upon your own burning desire for the best result. This is hard work, but you have the enduring spirit to accomplish what you’ve set out to do. Set the world on fire!

“Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” - John Wesley

The 7 of Wands from The Tarot of the Haunted House by Sasha Graham

Day 13 - Tarot Challenge…

Let’s cut into the core of this spell-casting challenge and evoke the element of air. Communication, thoughts and ideas can certainly haunt our good intentions, so what can we shed - 7 of Swords? Time to stop thinking we are being hunted and feeling like we constantly have to look over our shoulders. No more worry about who to trust and what others may know about us. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. It’s the fear we are carrying in our minds that threatens to stifle our endeavor. What are we keeping - 8 of Swords (Reversed)? It’s time to trust the dark shadowy light of the Moon inside of us. We are not prisoners to our thoughts, but rather, if we look far within the murky terrain of our mind, we will become the masters of our destiny. Let us fly into the night like a wild bat by truly understanding that the power of thought cuts deeper than a superficial flesh wound. Let’s use this pain and worry to our advantage, my spooky friends….

“Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial and dedication. It is fearlessness and love.” - Vince Lombardi

The 7 of Swords and The 8 of Swords (Reversed) from The Tarot of The Haunted House by Sasha Graham

Day 12 - Tarot Challenge…

Though it feels we have focused so much on how we might best send our intention out into the world, you never really know how the reward of your hard work will manifest. As we put our final touches on this little spell we’ve crafted, let’s think about how we might shake all elements up in order to charge our hopes and dreams with a more electrifying energy. Turn it upside down and expect that what you might expect in return could be full of surprises. In fact, use your night as a wind up for the flip you are about to take - do everything you had planned differently. If you were seeking a shake up or an alternative perspective, you can bet your brand of magic will deliver. Welcome an unsettled feeling in your stomach - butterflies of the unknown and see where that uneasiness leads you in this journey. For me, the idea of healing may mean changing a lot of how I exist - that has become clearer and clearer in this challenge and, though it’s daunting, I feel ready. Let your spell fly to your desired destination, but recognize that you may not be able to control how it arrives. Take the risk of allowing for surprise.

“I do believe in an everyday sort of magic — the inexplicable connectedness we sometimes experience with places, people, works of art and the like; the eerie appropriateness of moments of synchronicity; the whispered voice, the hidden presence, when we think we’re alone.” ― Charles de Lint

The World (Reversed) from The Alchemical Tarot Renewed by Robert Place

Day 11 - Tarot Challenge…

“Now is the time…this is the hour…show me what this spell will empower!” Oh - Ten of Cups emerges with emotional juice and the promise of colorful fulfillment! Be ready to transform yourself and the world around you toward radiant possibility. But, also, the enjoyment of the spell and this great shift within will be palpable. Drink in the colors of jubilation and be ready to share the overflowing love of your own experience. You have opened up a portal to rich gratification. Rewards will flow from all places and all people. And remember, some may feel unexpected or strange, but these too are magical offerings. Accept the gifts you receive with full gratitude emanating from your pores. Feel the warmth of the universe embrace you as you grow and expand. Your spell is working, my friends!

“Everything is a gift of the universe - even joy, anger, jealousy, frustration or separateness. Everything is perfect either for our growth or our enjoyment.” - Ken Keyes Jr.

The Ten of Cups - Deck unknown, but what a gift! Anyone know what deck this is from?!? Type it in the chat, if you do!!!

Day 10 - Tarot Challenge…

Banish all feelings of guilt or shame - you are allowed to be selfish! This spell is all about you. Listen - self care, self love and self adulation are what you need to make your sorcery resonate. What gift can you give yourself to solidify the wish at hand? For me, since healing and restoration are at the forefront of my magic, I’ll be treating myself like a queen in every moment I can claim for self. Calming music, warm baths, foot massage?!? Maybe, I’ll even go shopping for something quite frivolous. But, whatever you do to gift this magic to yourself, use it as a means of intensifying your intention. Draw in what you need, what you crave, what you desire most of all, but do not let the guilt creep in with it. You deserve every little gift, so take what is yours and watch the magic multiply!

“How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” - Rupi Kuar

The Six of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham

Day 9 - Tarot Challenge - Rule of Three…

On Day 9 of this wickedly wonderful Tarot Challenge, we come to some spell casting, my friends! Three threes making up the number 9 and as we know, the number three is a very potent and magical number. Today, you can find a “rule of three” existing in business, writing, psychology, math and even comedy. But the original rule of three is definitely about manifestation. Let’s put it to good use!!! Use your own cards to draw for self, but you can also follow along on my journey, as I always pull for all when sharing on social. What I send forth - The Star is the card I selected. I’ve been combatting some non-serious, but life interfering health issues, so high on my agenda is healing and restoration. I hope to restore my energy and regenerate my path, in doing so, I also put this wish out into the world for all I know and have known. I am on the right track, but I wish for even greater healing, health, restoration and regeneration for all. In fall, we can let all that does not serve us fall away to reveal more of our true selves. Let the senses heighten in a strong, but open way and let’s all glow anew through the winter season ahead! Coming back to us will be three things - 1. work well done with a profitable outcome, 2. individualism and a reevaluation of relationships that drain our emotional wellspring and 3. a deeper and more understanding bond with the people and things we truly love. Overall, refocusing on restoration of self and personal wellbeing will help us shine anew and be prolific!

“The Rule of Three (also Three-fold Law or Law of Return) states that whatever energy a person puts out into the world, be it positive or negative, will be returned to that person three times.” - Online definition of The Rule of Three

The Star - The 7 of Pentacles - The Three of Cups (Reversed) - The Lovers from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

Day 8 - Tarot Challenge - The Witch…

If you want your magic to flow, you need to direct it toward yourself. You need a transfusion of life affirming energy that will reinvigorate your life’s meaning. So, this week sink your teeth into the idea of self care in the ways that will revitalize your inner magic. Dare I suggest a spooky meditation to reconnect with your inner motivation? Or some down time, reflecting on the nighttime moon to explore the darker parts of who you are in a way that might inspire you? Even asking spirit guides, ancestors or just your own version of universal partnership for a little fortification of literal life blood could re-spark the light of your personal sorcery. The flow lies within, so find your own way to drink the juice of life into your heart. Restore, revitalize and make magic…

“You know what the issue is with the world? Everyone wants a magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic.” — Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Judgement (Reversed) from The Halloween Tarot Deck by Kipling West

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