The Sun…

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, DEAR FRIENDS! The veil is at its thinnest tonight, but the message coming through is one of hope, warmth and optimism. Open up the shades and let the haunts and bats fly away. As we say goodbye to the spooky season and step even further closer to the winter, let us keep the fire of the sun burning in our hearts. Feel gratitude as you eat your candy for the fun that October bestowed upon you. Then, turn your face to the sky and, even if you cannot see it, feel the rays of the sun that exist behind even the greyest of clouds. Growth is assured for all as we turn the clocks back - do not doubt that for a second. How might you shine your light to lift up and inspire others in the dark of winter? Think of the days ahead as your chance to be the light that everyone needs.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It's what the sunflowers do." – Helen Keller

The Sun from The Haunted House Tarot by Sasha Graham

Queen of Swords…

Hey, Queens of Darkness - Are you planning to conquer the world again or simply tame a few unsuspecting souls to your will? Let your nighttime rumination inspire a wicked and unexpected scheme - one that is sure to cast a shadow upon those that seek to cross you. You are only just getting started as the sun goes down. Use the blackness of the dead of night to your advantage. Think upon the many ways you might weaponize your power of persuasion to get what you want from unsuspecting foes. Your mind is sharp in its quest to dominate, so ready yourself to vanquish those that seek to overthrow or diminish your power. Reign supreme and let your intellect lead the charge.

“We are the things that others fear”- Anne Rice “The Vampire Lestat

The Queen of Swords from The Gothic Tarot by Joseph Vargo

Six of Cups (Reversed) & Four of Pentacles (Reversed)…

Are you feeling stuck? Like you just have to sit there, waiting for impending doom to pounce upon you? Well, maybe you don’t. I pulled two cards on what you need to do to free yourself. First, you must confront a former version of yourself that has been emotionally holding you back. There’s some past trauma that must be exorcised, if you want to promote self-growth and change. When we resurrect the past in hopes to expel it, it can be overwhelming, which is likely why you are feeling stuck. If it’s too much to face on your own, do this with the help of a therapist or counselor. And, while you are making these changes, take a close look at your personal idea that you do not have what you need to move forward. The “never enough” mind frame can deathly impede your progress. Stop making excuses - use what you have at your disposal. The world has not placed a curse on you…you can do a whole lot with what you already have. Ok - time to get to work! Clear those skeletons from the closet and free yourself. It will be challenging, but you won’t regret it.

“True freedom is an inward state of being. Once it is attained, no situation in the world can bind one or limit one’s freedom.” – Jack Canfield

The Six of Cups (Reversed) and The Four of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Haunted House Tarot by Sasha Graham

Two of Bats - Reversed…

There is so much flying around in your mind and you are avoiding making a very crucial decision. It’s ok to pause, but you must decide, my spooky friends. I know you feel overwhelmed and it may not help you to hear what you already know, but you are running out of time. You may feel like there is so much riding on this one little decision - that the fate of people you love is at stake. Perhaps a bit of guilt at the idea of choosing has overtaken you. Might I suggest the idea of avoiding those dark thoughts, by listening to your heart and trusting your gut? Think about what you hope for - not what you hope to avoid. Deep down, you know what is right, so tell those pesky thoughts to shoo by simply making a choice that makes you feel good.

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”— Nelson Mandela

The Two of Bats from the Halloween Tarot by Kipling West

The Ace of Swords…

Lightening will strike this week, but don’t hide inside and miss the magic of the storm. Clearing the air is assured when this tempest blows through and a hair-raising kind of inspiration will light up your nights with wild, new thoughts. Seize the electricity of the moment by aligning your mind with what suddenly strikes you out of the blue. The most unforeseen insight will galvanize your life in truly exhilarating ways. So, let the storm rage on - steady yourself and become the lightning rod for invigorating and provoking new ideas. This is only the beginning of a new journey toward success.

“Life is a flash of lightning in the dark of night. It is a brief time of tremendous potential.” - B. Alan Wallace

The Ace of Swords from The GentrySmith Tarot

The Ace of Cups…

This weekend sends you the chance to engage in activities that will promote transformation and emotional healing. You are longing to connect to the people in your world with a full and uncensored heart, so make it your mission to cleanse the spirit of past trauma and to transform your entire outlook on love. You will not be alone in this endeavor. The raven can signify messages coming through from the other side, so open your mind and heart to the wisdom of the ancestors who are watching over you. They will send you signs throughout your weekend. These soon-to-be known ideas will enhance and expedite the healing you are longing for. Get ready to heal your soul to make way for beautiful growth.

“Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore...”― Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven

The Ace of Cups from The Tarot of the Witch’s Garden by Sasha Graham and Natasa Ilincic

Five of Wands - Reversed…

“Double, Double…Toil & Trouble…” Why are you inviting such things into your mind space? What you envision in this current incantation…will appear for you. So, why are you future predicting drama and conflict? I’ve always said, “Drama is for the stage only.” While it’s true that we cannot avoid friction, there is no real reason to welcome it. In this case, your belief that dissension and discord is a given in this circumstance is only standing in the way of you being able to make true magic. So STOP!!! It’s time to recognize that you hold the potential for peace-making sorcery within you. If your quest is hit with any brand of antagonism, you will know how to dissipate it because you are a powerful witch. So don’t kill your potent spell with all of this negativity. Find ways to unify when you are met with contention and strife.

“And so, what the munchkins want to know is…are you a good witch or a bad witch?” - Glinda - Wizard of Oz

The Five of Wands (Reversed) from the Everyday Witch Tarot by Deborah Blake and Elizabeth Alba

The Seven of Pentacles - Reversed…

The fall season moves through our lives so quickly, so I thought I’d ask my deck how we might best embrace and enjoy it. Hard work has been on the agenda and you may have faced some deadlines, but how much of this is internally imposed? Yes, this is a season about Harvest, but you can also take a pause to really indulge in the magic of the season. Is there a place that you can escape to where you might free yourself from obligations for just an hour or two? A place that promises to invigorate and inspire you in a very autumnal way? Yes - pumpkin patches and apple orchards count, but maybe there’s something even more specifically suited for you. I plan to set aside a few hours and take a walk through the Central Park Mall and visit the Bethesda Fountain, hoping that the crisp air and fall colors will whisper their hidden messages to me as I journey through the park. What can you devote yourself to that is just for your own fall enjoyment in the next few weeks?

“The autumn road, the mellow wind that soothes the darkening shires. And laughter, and inn-fires.” — Rupert Brooke, “The Chilterns”

The Seven of Pumpkins (Reversed) from The Halloween Tarot by Kipling West

Two Card Tuesday…

Imagine this - you're walking through a giant field full of yellowing grass at dusk. This open field is surrounded by a perimeter of dark, silent forrest. How did you get here? Who knows, but here you are as the night sky is slowly dimming. Suddenly a door appears - just a door. What do you do? We’ve all faced the terrifying exhilaration of a ghost door at some time or another. Should you enter, not knowing what dwells behind that door? Do you dare? If you are facing a door like this right now, here is a draw for you - If you open that door, there will be opportunity for growth, but only up to a certain point. Once you get to that point, it is still up to you to move yourself forward to your true goal. If you open this door, it will help you speed the process at first, but may leave you feeling exhausted and alienated. If you keep the door closed, then you stand to elevate your internal wisdom and sense of self. This is a longer road toward your ultimate dream, but you will be growing stronger within in a way that will ensure your personal success is in alignment with your convictions. Choose wisely, my friends. Only you know what you need more.

“Of magic doors there is this; you do not see them even as you are passing through.” - Linzi Day

The Nine of Wands and the High Priestess from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

The King of Cups…

I asked the question “Why?” today when I pulled our card. In true bad question form, I wasn’t entirely specific - I just asked “Why” with no real sense of content. So, I’ll put it out there with the idea that perhaps you needed this information? If the question is why today, the answer is because either you or they crave a very energizing kind of emotional control. There is a sense from this card that, in your situation, a wilder need to own the very essence of another is at play. This kind of deep addiction to what another person has to offer is definitely thrilling, but can be quite dangerous. When it feels as if your very existence depends on sucking the life from another, you must stop to be sure you haven’t lost all sense of self. Conversely, if you find yourself being consumed by another, though it can be fun for a bit, eventually you will have to pry yourself free and release them to fly off into the night. Emotional mastery almost always calls for boundaries, so grab your garlic. You may even need to sharpen that stake.

“Be careful in the company of monsters that you don’t become one.” — Cindy Gerard

The King of Cups from The Vampire Tarot by Natalie Hertz

Justice - Reversed…

How can we best enjoy what the week ahead has in store? Don’t try to stabilize your highs and lows too much because a bit of imbalance could be healthier for your experience than you think. Sometimes deciding what is “right” or “wrong” is just another way for you to censor or place judgment upon your own good time. And life, as we all understand, isn’t so black and white. To really feel all the feels of what is on your agenda may seem dangerous, but if you approach it in a holistic way you may find you are more fulfilled when all is said and done. Shake things up by letting yourself connect completely without self-judgement or restriction. If you do this in a safe way and with good intentions, you will experience all the dynamics of what this week has to offer.

“Judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement.” - Simon Bolivar

Justice (Reversed) from The Spooky Cat Tarot - Art Print

The High Priestess…

Ponder this, my magical friends: you get to write your own story. Consulting the cards for your future should be for inspiration, not for a final draft. Today, think of wondering what the future holds as a brilliant brainstorming session in which you get to evoke the very core of your intuition. Deep down you know what you truly want for that future version of self, so let your own ideas of fulfillment lead you to put pen to paper with creative flow. Once you have formed these mystical micro-visions, use them as puzzle pieces. Play with them in a way that is both fun and illuminating. See how they fit together and where they might mis-match. Like an accomplished author, you may begin to see the many ways in which your story might come together to your best advantage. Don’t use your strong and beautiful powers to predict - use them to create. Happy Saturday!

“Divination is a mirror reflecting what's in the soul” - Hermes Trismegistus

The High Priestess from The Haunted House Tarot by Sasha Graham and Mirco Pierfederici

The Four of Swords…

How can we have a wickedly wonderful weekend, my pretties?!? You may be out carousing right now, even though you have a pretty full schedule of magic making ahead, but if you want to make the most of your weekend, you will have to find moments to rest. Reserve your energy, for you have plans for a much more potent brand of sorcery. If you want to stay connected to your deeper powers and powerful intuition, a significant re-charge will be required. Find meaningful ways to revive. Get cozy and connect with your beautiful grimoire. Nap times are encouraged, but sleep deeply enough to dream of the wild spells and incantations you will ignite. Focus on yourself in a way that will make you feel ready to conjure something bigger than anyone could ever imagine.

“Some people are magic, and others are just the illusion of it.” — Beau Taplin

The Four of Swords from The Everyday Witch Tarot by Deborah Blake and Elisabeth Elsa

The Page of Wands - Reversed…

Happy Thursday, troublemakers! Underneath the surface you are burning to make some mischief. If the idea of rebelling in a small, but fiery way is calling to you, get specific in you plan to ignite the right kind of vexation. Be curious at the potential for some tricky magic that will also be meaningful. What would truly bring your unsettled heart a sense of enjoyment? You can probably raise cane with purpose - so mull it all over a bit. Don’t take action until you know exactly what brand of mayhem will serve you best. AND do it with good intention, so it doesn’t come back to get you! You’re such devilish imps…

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

The Page of Imps (Wands) Reversed from the Halloween Tarot by Karin Lee & Kipling West

Ten of Pentacles…

Dare we ask the question - “Who is haunting you?” Do you even want to know or do you just want to slink away in the night pretending you aren’t being terrified and tormented?!? Well, if you stopped yourself from running scared, you might have noticed that the specter is actually emanating from you yourself. Let the ghosts of who you were and the ghosts of who you might be come pull you in various directions, because there is so much to be learned from them as you set a course into your future. Also, trust that ancestors and spirit guides have the best intentions as they watch over you in this magical season and beyond. Your life is building toward something wonderful, so don’t let yourself be spooked. Trust and let all of these “ghosts” lead you in that direction by simply honoring self and acting upon your internal intuition. Let yourself be haunted!

“Maybe all the people who say ghosts don’t exist are just afraid to admit that they do.” - Michael Ende from The Neverending Story

The Ten of Pentacles from the Ghost Tarot from Lo Scarabeo- Artwork by Davide Corsi

Two Card Tuesday…

Last night, I had a pretty grim evening that made me feel a sense of doom. This morning the entire disappointing experience continued to haunt me, so I asked the cards, “What two things can I do today to put a smile back on my face?” Hoping these cards may benefit you tonight and help you to find that jack-o-latern like grin that will light up your night! First, rediscover your true power by getting lost in a juicy novel or an exciting show or film. True freedom can be discovered through escapism and consuming entertainment can fill your imagination with fresh knowledge. When you feel like you don’t quite know which way to turn and there are no options available to you, find a sense of meaning in what you do have and what you can control. Perhaps a moment of gratitude - make a list of all the things and people in your realm that do bring you joy as a reminder. We all deserve happiness - be mindful of others as you move through any momentary frustration or gloom. Life’s too short so keep your spirits high, you fascinating ghouls! (Get it? Spirits?!? tee-hee)

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” - Albert Einstein

The Queen of Swords & The Reversed Seven of Cups from The Haunted House Tarot by Sasha Graham and Mirco Pierfederici

Ten of Wands - Reversed…

Calling all Witches and Warlocks - It’s time to set aside any past trauma and reclaim the magic of who you are! This Monday offers us a fresh chance to rise up from the ashes of what has been holding us back and set out on a new path of discovery. Release any doubt, fear and pain that you have been carrying with you - when flying via broomstick, you need a lighter disposition. Let your spirit soar through the day with focus and intention. Be sure to reset your energy in a direction where your sorcery is most needed. Gather with like-minded magic makers to summon a powerful spell - one that is filled with beautiful intention. Leave the past behind and band together towards a new and enlightening goal!

“There’s a little witch in all of us.” — Aunt Jet Owens, “Practical Magic”

The Ten of Wands (Reversed) from The Tarot of The Haunted House by Sasha Graham and Mirco Pierfederici

The Magician…

I was with one of my most magical friends earlier today and she pulled this card for us for our week ahead! I am not surprised that this sorceress conjured such a glamorous and masterful message for us from my tiny deck…it feels like it’s time for us all to make a little magic, doesn’t it?!? Don’t you feel the slightest shift in the energy around you and within you? Opportunities will appear where opportunities had not existed before and unexpected surprises will hold the promise of your success. Be sure to step into that energy with flair and style. You have what you need to master anything that comes your way, so dress for success and take full ownership of all of the magic you will make. Be ravishing as you bedazzle all around you with all the fun tricks you have up your sleeve. Turn all those disbelievers into believers. Never give away your secrets, though!

"What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes." – Harry Houdini

The Magician - Art by Enchanted Whispers Art

Five of Pentacles…

I started this morning with a tarot reading for someone who has the most beautiful energy, so my October Saturday is off to a magical start. Then I decided to pull a card for us on how we can invite even more joy into this day. I was kind of struck by the answer at first, because this card can be so heavy, but does always inspire one to see the light of the situation at hand. If you take just one tiny moment today to uplift or encourage another who is in doubt or need, you will also benefit. When we help another with absolutely no agenda of our own, the reward can be immense. It doesn’t even have to be a big sacrifice or offering, just a simple chance to connect to someone and let them know that you see, hear and feel them. It may be just enough to let them know you are there. We are all a part of this giant pumpkin patch of a life - staying connected in the tiniest of ways helps the whole bunch grow. Happy Saturday.

“I don’t see how a pumpkin patch could be more sincere than this one.” - Linus “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”

The Five of Pentacles from The Tarot of The Witch’s Garden by Sasha Graham and Natasa Ilincic

Four of Swords - Reversed…

When I asked for a card that can inspire our wicked weekend, the message was clear - this is not the weekend for “Resting in Peace”. It is actually a moment to resurrect projects, relationships and ideas that you had previously set aside or laid to rest. Unearth the remnants of your past and decide you might find that which you had buried, can and should be salvaged. What or who do you miss most? Think on it tonight and when you have the answer - fly into action! Make a plan to revive lost connections and/or get to work on freeing your inner spirit. Perhaps there are actually four pieces of who you were lying idly under the surface waiting to re-emerge? Attack all of these lost little bits with ghostly intention! Old haunts will prove to hold bootiful rewards. Happy Friday.

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." - George Eliot

The Four of Swords (Reversed) from The Vampire Tarot by Robert M Place