Monday, July 30, 2012

Lammas – The Sabbat and Its Meaning

Lammas (pronounced La-mus) is one of the eight days that Wiccan practitioners celebrate.  The sabbat marks another turning of the seasonal wheel of the year, and the day is sometimes referenced as Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nə-sə or Loo-ne-sah) or the Bread Harvest.  In the Northern hemisphere, this holiday starts on August 1 and in the southern hemisphere, the day is honored on the first of February.  This is a day that is considered a greater sabbat: a day considered as consisting of elevated energies and which mark the earliest beginnings of a seasonal transition.

Lammas is a sabbat that follows Summer Solstice, and the holiday is recognized as the day when we honor the earliest beginnings of the autumnal season.  While seasonally we are still in the summer months, we acknowledge the fact that fall will be coming soon: this day is one of three harvest celebrations.  At Lammas, both spiritual and mundane growth over the course of the past year is explored.  The day marks a time when we can “reap what we have sown” and express our appreciation for what we have harvested in our lives, while simultaneously considering the new seeds we will plant in the coming year for a future harvest. Lammas is seen as time to express our gratitude for all that we have been given and earned. We can also share our appreciation for the harvest and abundance experienced during the months of spring and summer.  This day is honored with fasting, a ritual, and with a feast often consisting of grains, bread, fruits and vegetables from the harvest.

The Full Moon on Lammas

This year, there are two full moons occurring in the month of August – the first will occur on Lammas, August 1, 2012 and will appear at 11:27 pm EDT, 10:27 pm CDT, 2:27 PM MDT, and 8:27 PDT.  Since Witches gather to celebrate esbats during the full moon, this will make Lammas doubly special – it will serve as a day for Sabbat ritual and feasting as well as a full moon gathering.  The second full moon this month is set to occur on August 31, so there are two esbats to be had during the month.  Some practitioners may choose to celebrate esbat practices on both days, while others might prefer focusing on Lammas rites of August 1 and esbats for August 31.  The second full moon in the month is considered a “blue moon,” so called because the appearance of the second moon in a month does not occur often – in fact, it will be the last blue moon to occur until the year 2016!

The full moon occurring on Lammas is known by a variety of names; Native Americans referred to the moon as the Sturgeon Moon, and it has also been called the Dog Moon and the Red Moon.   The Red Moon is so called because the moon will appear with a reddish hue as it rises in the sky; for ancient fishing tribes, this full moon was called the Sturgeon Moon since it was the season when Sturgeon can be caught with ease.  Identifying the moon as “Dog Moon,” is making use of the reference to the Latin phrase diēs caniculārēs, meaning “Dog Days:” a further reference to the Dog Star Sirius, a star that is part of the Canis Major constellation, and the hottest days of the year; in ancient times was as believed that the sultriest days of the year were so hot becomes of the star’s proximity to the Sun.

Article by: Dayna Winters - Co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions.  More information about the book and the author is available at http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.
 

Sunday, July 29, 2012

In For the Ride of Your Life - Reflections on the Chariot


The card numbered 7 in the Tarot is the Chariot. This card depicts a warrior about to arrive to receive a hero’s welcome - or a bittersweet homecoming, the end result is dependent on a few variables. The Charioteer is decked out in formal attire patterned with stars, a crown, and ornamental zodiac symbols upon his belt; they are typically faced forward, confrontational, and commanding. Hoisted off the ground by the Chariot, they are a cut above their peers on foot. The Chariot is different from the cards we have seen thus far in that it is the first card to represent something more than a concept embodied by or in an individual. It is a vehicle. It is describing a process or tool, not so much a persona.

The Chariot is the journey, the process, the unfolding of events. The characters in the card are important but work as part of a whole. The Charioteer commandeers the vehicle, but he alone does not manifest his ultimate victory. He relies on two Sphinx who pull the chariot. One is white, one black, reminiscent of the pillars in the High Priestess card, representing the internal, intuitive, and receptive nature as well as the outward, active, and projective powers. These two opposites provide a balance but in the present situation they also represent two opposing drives or forces that bring progress to a halt. A stalemate is reached and further action is delayed until the Charioteer finds a way to overcome the stagnation caused by these two drives cancelling each other out. Success is not out of the picture, nor is the near completion of a project or task, but the chariot is brought to a halt by a conflict that forces closer examination.
   

The opposing forces in this card are not typically signs of outside interference. It is not an enemy caravan that blocks the road ahead, nor is it debris left by a careless traveler. It is a part of the vehicle itself that has ceased to work. The wheels of the chariot have been sabotaged not by foreign intervention, but by a breakdown within the vehicle itself, namely the forces being called forth to drive it in the first place. We see the Sphinxes as being part man and part animal, and in this card, the forces that create motion to begin with; in this sense, they are not an innate part of the Charioteer but have become a part of his process of action, behavior, routine, and conquest. They have served him well for the majority of his journey but suddenly what has been driving him will no longer suffice.

This is the message in this card. Ideals are important, the finish line is within reach, and outwardly, much effort has already been expended. What remains is the internal work, the recognition of forces that compete rather than enhance each other. This is where one must now focus to recharge their mission and find an integrated source of motivation, mission, and power to continue onward.

In a mundane sense these obstacles can look like someone who has put effort into getting an education to prepare them for a career only to fall victim to last minute doubts and fears that slowly sabotage the launching of what would otherwise have been a successful business. It could also be the nagging doubts that keep one from making a significant positive change to their lifestyle even though a part of them relentlessly dreams about this change. It is the vision of having what you have worked for and desire, darkened by the tension and anxiety about what it would mean to finally have the results you want. Stalling, or worse, self sabotage are possible here, but so is growth, transcendence, and success.

The key is in finding the energy to push forward. When the Chariot appears, success can be yours, but internal re-organization needs to occur. Old baggage, outdated thoughts and routines are weighing you down and will not allow you to pass the crossroads successfully if they are not dealt with soon. In order to reach success a full commitment must be made, and this involves belief in one’s self and willingness to take risks in order to finish the journey rather than settling for “good enough.”

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Friday, July 27, 2012

The Lovers - Opposites Attract


The Lovers card represents the archetype of the ideal couple- the unification of the soul through the encounter with one’s “other half.”  In a reading it brings a message of encounters with those who will foster development of cooperation and integration. The Lovers does not harken desperate clinging, or controlling, manipulative dynamics in which the word “Love” functions as a leash keeping one person bound to the other. This type of relationship is described by the Devil card showing codependency. The Lovers are able to stand as two individuals whose union brings a sense of integration. Their connection fosters growth.

This card does not always indicate romance. Its presence suggests harmonious involvement with another.  It can represent partners in business, one person possessing a set of skills, but lacking key ingredients to launch an endeavor, the other providing the “missing pieces” allowing the growth of the business itself. In fact, the Lovers is not about couple-hood. It is about joining energies to produce an end result more powerful than the efforts of either individual alone. It is the Divine Marriage.

In some instances this card does speak to the romantic love. Specifically it is the process of being in a relationship. When this card appears examine the cards around it and positioning in order to more deeply discern in what ways they need to be more open to receiving and giving within relationships, what is the missing component to “birthing” success? What are the components that are strong, or lacking in the current situation?.  If the reading pertains to romance, this card is an indicator of balance and an equal give and take.  

It is worth noting that relationships can change and the Lovers card can serve as a barometer of stability in a relationship. When both parties are healthy, the Lovers card may appear in positive positioning (right side up, not surrounded by cards which diminish its meaning).  However, as time passes assume that one partner becomes ill, or suffers a crisis such as unemployment or stress. It is not uncommon to now see the card appear in a reading in a reversed position or surrounded by challenging cards. This does not indicate that the relationship itself has reached its expiration date. Rather, it is an indicator that balance needs to be restored, that one party is overcompensating for the other, or becoming sidetracked by issues of control rather than mutually beneficial reciprocity. It is very important to remember that relationships can have a life of their own and are too complex to judge based on the presence of one card at one moment in time. 

When the Lovers card appears in challenging or reversed position, explore in what ways control is being used in a relationship. Has focus been placed on one’s self or partner as an object rather than an individual? Are one person’s needs being sacrificed to meet the needs of the partner? Is the connection between partners weakened or in jeopardy? These questions can help discern why the relationship is no longer thriving and ways to restore balance can be explored. It is essential to remember that Tarot readings reflect momentary scenarios and are no substitute for common sense. It is unwise to remain in a relationship which is toxic or dangerous just because at one time a Tarot reading showed a good connection between two people.

The wisdom of the Lovers is that of being open to nurturing the connection between two who, together, birth a unified and powerful whole. Be it a physical family, a business, or a stronger combined presence, the Lovers are about the alchemy of energy combined between two people when mutual respect and harmonizing of opposites are the focus.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Hierophant- Law, Morals and Other Boring Matters


The Empress and Emperor bring inspiration and backing to increase personal development based on individual mentoring, guidance and nurturing. The individual’s development and goals are at stake and just as a young child’s dreams or preferences are attended to by encouraging grownups, so do these archetypes seek to nurture the individual needs of the querent, in hopes that their influence will be a positive contribution. As the individual matures through the encounters with archetypes in the Tarot deck, one arrives at the first indication that, as the saying goes “it’s not all about you.” Such is the oppressive but useful lesson of maturity brought by the Hierophant. The Hierophant is a guide and a helpful one at that, but his skills and assets are expressed through the presentation of structure, hierarchy, rules, ethics, and systems that prove helpful to those willing to align with a large established structure in order to learn and develop. The Hierophant is less tolerated by maverick souls, individualists who struggle to compromise for the greater good, and who fail to see that traditions have a purpose even if the customs are not of individual preference.

The Hierophant brings lessons and messages concerning alignment with or appeals to a large organization in hopes of gaining access to the many benefits of this structure. The individual is not in charge and must grasp this. It is not about what the company (church, agency, government, and club) can do for you, it is what you can do for the company etc. This is embodied within this archetype and the best way to gain and grow as an individual is to find the humility, compromise and teamwork to be part of the whole. By doing so one is gaining security, wisdom, knowledge of a trade or profession, specialized skills, and support they would not have without the backbone of this large organization. In return, one must temporarily forego the need to claim the throne. With the Hierophant you are a worker bee, not the Queen, but stand to benefit from the association you’ve made as part of a hive. This card speaks to networking, organizations and in particular affiliations with institutions of higher education, philosophy, law, religion, government etc.; hierarchy and bureaucracy exist within this structure, but so do great gains and benefits for those able to compromise and apply themselves.

In Tarot’s early days this card would be considered (and was sometimes called) the “Pope” and embodied the association with one who rules a religious faction in the physical realm and is given ultimate respect and authority, not in the secular sense but in sense of philosophical purpose. This card was considered more than just a King or other type of ruler, but an overseer who was on a mission that contained a moral or ethical agenda, translated into human structures and systems. Just as a large religious organization relies on human qualities to enforce and teach concepts pertaining to the abstract/spiritual (and thus may fall victim to losing touch with its mission) so can the Hierophant reflect an organization or system that has wisdom, ancient learning and philosophical underpinnings in its core mission, but may lose its way in the drudgery of the mundane world. A subtle meaning in this card is the possibility of losing touch with one’s vision by getting lost in the mundane, appealing to or affiliating with a large organization in which one’s individuality is compromised can be another message in this card. When this card presents look for interactions with colleges, religious institutions, government agencies, large hospitals and organizations that have a humanitarian mission, but are established within a large hierarchy. Even institutions themselves such as that of marriage or other significant rites of passage can be indicated.

The tone this card takes largely depends on one’s individual reaction to the notion of being part of a larger system. It is reassuring for those who seek comfort in tradition and support, but may feel oppressive or confining to those who want to forge their own road. The key lesson is to grow in wisdom and skills through affiliation with this organization. It need not be a lifelong confinement to service, but can represent the process of maturity, transition and learning from the role of bringing service to a larger common good which can strengthen the character even when or if one moves on from ties to this institution in the future.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Emperor - Power and Protection Earned With Integrity


If the Empress is the Divine Mother here in the physical realm, her counterpart is the fourth numbered card, the Emperor. Interesting to note that in Tarot the masculine spiritual energy of attraction precedes the feminine spiritual beacon (Magician/High Priestess), but the tangible source of nurturing and creation arrives before the masculine representation of power, authority, and structure. First creativity is given life and nurturing, and then one encounters the essence of more masculine physical power, the domain of the Emperor. It is as if the Empress nurtures the potential for success and abundance and the Emperor awaits the arrival of such abundance in order to begin to establish the structure and authority necessary to wield power with integrity. The Empress represents growth and profit, the Emperor provides the backing to make sound decisions, protect one’s hard earned territory and assets, and establish authority in a mature responsible way. The Emperor is the archetypal father figure. He is generous but not doting. His role is to provide and to counsel. He has the ability to defend those who need his intervention, but will not bestow his resources lavishly upon those who have not earned his respect.

The Emperor is the essence of power, authority, and stability. He is a grounding force but is also a leader, a warrior and a seasoned and wizened guide. He wears the appearance of a confident, stern ruler who shows evidence of his experience in battle, but currently rules from his throne. He has earned his place in his kingdom and waits patiently to see if you are earning your place as well. He has resources to spare when needed, but does not give in lightly to any requests for aid.   In modern cultures we do not look to an Emperor for the final say, for protection or opportunities to work for our families and homes. We do however seek the opportunities to show our integrity, to prove our work, to obtain intervention and guidance when new tasks are beyond our scope of experience. The Emperor is the energy of developing stability and protection and learning to handle your own personal power without unfairly crushing others (even if you can) but also without holding back out of fear or insecurity. It is through the Emperor that we learn to develop in our careers, set boundaries with our children and families, protect our homes, and assert ourselves in all relationships. The Emperor helps us rise to the challenge of recognizing our own power and knowing how and when to use it. He is not a warrior for the sake of dominion, and warns against overpowering others out of greed or conquest alone. He brings the influence of the stern, but fair ruler.

If the Emperor appears in a reading, issues of power, authority, discipline, resources, territory, protection and assertiveness are at play. The Emperor may represent issues with one’s own father or dynamics that evolved from the relationship with the father, but extend beyond just this one individual into a pervasive response, a pattern that emerges when we are confronted with authority, restriction and power. For some this will mean accepting the lack of control in situations in which one must collaborate with others, or managing confidently when dealing with a boss or other authority. For others this may mean tapping in to your own sense of confidence and authority, to assert yourself rather than turning unspoken concerns into anger, depression, or self pity. This is a card calling you to action as the Emperor brings the energy of Mars and Aries, and commands attention and motivation to work toward achieving what you want, but perhaps in the confines of an already established hierarchy. Whether the message is to bring a voice to your needs and assert yourself or to recognize the value of allowing those in power to assist you by appealing to mutually beneficial goals, this is a crucial card for developing independence and navigating through issues of power assertion. There may be the need to appeal to an individual or organization that holds control over resources crucial to your goals. The Emperor stands as an ally to those who are able to find their voice and assert their needs.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Empress and the Search for Abundance

The Empress sits in a lush fertile garden, sometimes accompanied by signs of growth such as a rabbit. She is the symbol of physical feminine power, although this is not indicative of any disrespect to the High Priestess, who also symbolizes the power of the feminine.  From the shadows, sending intuitive cues to those who read between the lines, the High Priestess commands a subtle respect and wields the power of the subconscious and mystical. The Empress, however, is the ruler of the Divine Feminine in the material plane; hers is the domain of the tangible, the nurturing life sources in the world around us, the bringer of abundant harvests and the nurturer of physical needs. In this way she is the quintessential Earth Mother and represents many things.  She is growth and abundance and a sustaining source of nourishment.

It is exciting to have the Empress present in a Tarot reading, as she signals that growth and promise of filled potential are waiting or nearly here. She portends profit for hard labor, available growth and development that will be eventual and will bring material growth and gain. The number three is associated with this card, for expansion, the trinity of Divine Feminine and the number of growth even within human relationships (speaking of fertility). In traditional readings some would look at the Empress as a sure sign of physical fertility and pregnancy, but this is not always the case.

Whether in business, relationships, finances or health, the Empress shows that the blessings of our work’s profit awaits. The abundance we sought will arrive, our hard work pay off. There are some times that we do not see the immediate presence of the Empress. We have worked hard and do not feel rewarded, or our advancements do not seem to be enough. Our abundant garden does not seem as green and vital as our neighbor’s. It is crucial to call on the power of the Empress to help bring us closer to the source of vitality and growth as it is often associated with money, but may come in a variety of forms. The nurturing guidance of a powerful and self confident female boss brings invaluable gifts that extend beyond a week’s pay; the granting of a business opportunity that will allow one to grow and spread its influence, eventually acquiring wealth as a result: these are also the gifts of the Empress.

The Empress wants to inspire growth and expansion and this can mean numerous opportunities to grow as an individual and break out of restrictive comfort zones by taking new risks, especially with the support of groups or teams of three. She is reminding us not to abandon our growth as human beings and not to settle into lazy complacency whether material comfort surrounds us or not. When we have reached a reasonable degree of success she is a reminder of our obligation to spread and share our wealth by showing others the generosity we have been shown. 

In a reading in which the Empress is somehow compromised, reversed, or surrounded by challenging cards, her message is to examine if and how our own growth and creativity is being stifled. Are we conducting busy work and making no progress? Are we limiting ourselves and not allowing the full harvest to unfold? Are we inadvertently squandering the blessings we may have been given or missing opportunities to grow and expand?  Most importantly are we ignoring the connection to feminine power that comes through the process of creativity, failing to nurture ourselves and those around us? The Empress is a reminder to connect to the archetype of the Mother and recognize the abundance and opportunities for growth and success.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The High Priestess and Receptivity to the Mystic Guidance from Within


It has become so simple to search the Internet, dial the phone, or consult the media for answers when we feel the need for guidance. We have grown accustomed to asking questions for which direct, concrete answers are available at the push of a button. This process is convenient when a simple solution is all we need. Pizza for dinner or pasta? What time does the bus arrive? How much does an oil change cost? There is a finite solution to these mundane questions.  The High Priestess is beyond this routine domain. Her guidance is there to speak to our intuition and guide our spirit. When we are faced with a situation that does not have a clear cut resolution, or seek answers not easily handed down, we are calling on the High Priestess for help.

Consider the very routine decision of what to make for dinner. The media, commercials, doctors, and even the influence of children and family may have an interest in guiding your decision. Your knowledge of nutrition sways you in one direction, while the input of your spouse offers other ideas. Your kids want you to lean toward junk food, and the influence of the day’s fast pace and pressure nudge you toward making choices that are convenient to save time.  These are external factors that guide decisions. The kids will say “let’s have burgers and French fries again!” The spouse may respond by encouraging sandwiches which are less work, the nagging reminder of healthy eating may be prodding you to consider salads and grains, and the last twenty minutes of television are lulling you toward brand  X, Y, and Z convenient frozen entrees. No one is asking what makes sense for you and allowing your intuition to solve this problem from the inside out. If this confusion stems from the process of making dinner, contemplate the murky web of influences and feelings entangled in more serious decisions.

Enter the High Priestess. She is not here to tell you the healthiest, quickest, most satisfying meal to make for dinner. Her role is to question what you want and need in order to solve the problem you face. She provides guidance, but her cues are prompts to return the focus to the inside. She is the Mistress of what is beneath the surface. If you have grown used to quick answers that remove personal accountability and block your need to access your intuition, you will find her style frustrating. She does not provide the solution, but reminds you of how to find your own answers. She is a spiritual guide and is constantly guiding you to seek beyond the immediate and be receptive to her many forms of help. She is the teacher whose impact was long lasting because she allowed you to experience your gains and losses first hand rather than giving you the answers ahead of time. She is the voice of inner knowing without needing a logical or rational explanation. She has spoken to you in moments when you made a decision based on an internal sense of right or wrong, regardless of external influences, and came out secure in your decision. She is the vague sense that something more exists that you must then seek out for yourself.

The High Priestess possesses great wisdom but also knows better than to cheapen her guidance by forcing it on others. She is a ready and patient guide but you must be open to approaching her and receptive to what emerges from her messages. She is guidance through unconventional lessons and teachings. You will know her influence when you are given the chance to obtain answers and wisdom from the situations around you but not from being told how to act. There is a sense of intuitive connection she brings as well and when this card appears it is time to remain open to dreams, meditation, the messages that are heard when the chatter dies down and we are forced to contemplate in quiet.  The moment in the story of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy realizes the true power of the slippers she has worn all along thereby accessing her ticket back to Kansas is reminiscent of the power of the High Priestess.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader. For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Monday, July 16, 2012

As Above, So Below. Lessons From the Magician


The first numbered card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot is the Magician. This figure stands with wand in hand toward the sky, and with index finger of the other hand toward the ground. He is crowned with a Lemniscate for infinite power, and a self-consuming serpent rests around his waist. Before him is an altar adorned with the tools of Magick; cup, pentacle, sword and wand. A lush garden of roses and lilies grow around him. The Magician is the force that brings what you have had on your mind. It is the lesson your mother told you about being careful just what you wish for, lest the desire to stay home from school results in catching a nasty cold, or the object of your affection falls for you - only to reveal their true nature as a less than trustworthy partner. The Magician is also the beacon of opportunity, with the power to focus intent and will to manifest desire.

When an old friend suddenly pops into your mind and you end up running in to them the next day, or when you contemplate buying a new appliance only to learn unexpectedly that a neighbor is looking to get rid of the same item, these acts of random fortune seem to carry an energy of magic and excitement. It is as if the universe has heard your desire and granted you the opportunity to see your dreams come true. The job that would be perfect if only it existed….but it does!

Take hold of these synchronistic opportunities and let the Magician help you transform your desire into your reality. The Magician is a powerful figure and not one to be taken lightly. He represents a latent power within us all to bring forth what we desire. Take care, what we desire and what is best are not always congruent. The Magician carries a force of action, and it is up to the individual to discern which actions carry integrity and which merely get the job done.

The power of the Magician also carries a warning against wasting mental energy on that which is not truly productive. Jealousy, resentment and vengeance do not aid in development, however appealing they may seem. The power to manifest, stagnating on these toxic emotions, will bring self destruction. Instead of fantasizing about misfortune befalling an adversary, why not expend the energy to better one’s self? This is what it means to carry the power of the Magician with integrity. Such integrity is not innate however. The Magician can be a trickster and can provide a satisfying allure of getting lost in one’s desires without consideration of higher attributes.

Let the Magician’s powerful potential help you unlock the latent ability to make your dreams come true by focusing your energy on that which will bring abundance, even if it means working diligently to avoid negative thinking or comparing one’s self to others. The Magician appears to bring the message that you are capable of accomplishing your dreams and realizing your goals with a clear and focused mind, one not distracted by doubt and negativity.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.
 

Friday, July 13, 2012

Playing the Fool


The noise of modern day life permeates the psyche bringing a barrage of stress and burdening the spirit. How wonderful it would be to let down the baggage of responsibility and restriction, to be relieved of the oppressive strain of the rat race and to follow your own drummer no matter how risky the path may seem. When you feel crushed beneath the weight of worry, when creativity eludes you, it is the energy of the Fool that is needed to restore balance.

In Tarot, the Fool is the first card, numbered zero. The figure of a youth prancing lightly staring at a vast sky, undisturbed by the proximity between his feet and the edge of a cliff, followed close behind by his loyal and cheerful dog.  A rose held high in one hand, knapsack in the other. The Fool is the energy of youth, freedom, spontaneity and unbounded joy. This card does not speak to intelligence or lack thereof. Indeed the Fool is quite wise. He knows the value of the moment, of dreams and of taking risks. The Fool is naturally inclined to let go, to be creative and to think outside the box. Breaking tradition and bringing anxiety to onlookers who fret over his careless ways, the Fool brings lessons that the modern era has forgotten in our rush to the finish line.

Lesson one - Have faith. There is no guarantee of the security of the ground beneath one’s feet. The institutions and structures to which one loyally clings are a false illusion of hope. There is only one moment at a time to be in one place at a time. Certainty is not real. All we truly have is the choice to have faith that our intuition and choices will serve us well.

Lesson two - Keep it simple. The Fool carries a small bag. It is enough to support his needs on his journey. The fool is not racing down a highway in an SUV. He is traveling on foot carrying a small pack of essentials. The Fool knows that with “stuff” comes burden, and he has chosen to carry less stuff in hopes of experience, opportunity and freedom to move swiftly without the weight of obligation of being bound to the material.

Lesson three - Trust your best friend- The Fool is not lonely, he is accompanied by the timeless symbol of loyalty and companionship, a dog.  Establish trust in those close to you and lean on friends when in need.

Lesson four - Look up: it is the sky that guides the Fool, not the ground. He does not aim for the lowest point, but the highest and is master of his own path.

Lesson Five - Be open to new beginnings regardless of age. The Fool is not afraid to risk a path that is close to the edge of where most find their footing and security, but he remains on solid ground. The card leaves one guessing just how close the edge the Fool will venture.

This alone is up to you.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Divination and Children - Ethical Considerations and Warnings


Unconventional as it may be, popularization of the Tarot in occult and mainstream media has resulted in an increased interest in divination and Tarot reading as entertainment. When it comes to hosting a party for children however there are some ethical and practical considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, consider the age and developmental level of guests at your event. Very young children (lower grade school) may have little understanding of and attention span for the broader benefits of a Tarot reading, even if done solely as entertainment.  Be clear when speaking to a prospective Tarot Reader about what your expectations are and the audience the reader will be addressing.

It would be awkward for a serious Tarot reader to arrive at a party with 7 year old children who are expecting a “Madam Fortuneteller” show for fun only to try find that time is dragging tortuously as the reader attempts to explain the virtues of having drawn the Queen of Swords to a child in a serious fashion.  If a child requests a “Tarot Reader” (or “fortune teller” or the like) as entertainment for a party, discuss with the child what their vision of this entertainer will be and explore whether they are really seeking a replication of a scene in a favorite movie (and maybe stick to a movie theme) or if they are hoping for information from the subconscious. 

While it is important not to underestimate the intelligence of children, it is also vital to consider the true purposes of both the party and the art of divination. If the two are difficult to reconcile for the event you are planning, perhaps it is best to consider a variation on the theme.  It is, in general, also much more cost efficient to have someone dress up “fortune-teller” style strictly for show and entertainment purposes than it is to hire someone who is a serious Tarot reader with a skill to offer when the crowd is seeking more image than substance.  

You should always be cautious about the ramifications of hosting a party for youth with the entertainment provided by a Tarot reader. On the one hand it is delighting to know that the general public is releasing its collective fears of the Tarot and arts of divination and embracing these practices more openly. On the other hand, Tarot is still considered by many to be dangerous, intimidating, or blasphemous. If you do not espouse these views, it can be difficult to imagine that there are those who do hold Tarot as evil or harmful, but these are the beliefs of some people today and to introduce this art as entertainment for the child of someone who has strong opinions against such arts is asking for interpersonal - and possibly legal - trouble. If you have decided that the youth in attendance at your event will be able to appreciate Tarot readings - for entertainment or not - it is important to make very clear to their parents what your plans are. Some Tarot readers will even insist that each child’s parent signs a written consent form clearly stating their permission for the child to have a reading. 

Assuming that the children in attendance are of an age to enjoy a Tarot reading, and their parents are in agreement with this entertainment, one must next consider the purpose of readings for children. There is a philosophy among some readers that even with permission from parents the line between “self exploration” through Tarot and “fortune telling” should not be crossed with children. In these cases Tarot can still provide a fun and enjoyable way to stimulate exploration of the child’s strengths, dreams and obstacles they are overcoming without the framework being set that “you WILL go to dental school…” or “you WILL someday live in a house on a farm with 4 cats…” etc.  While it can be said that all people to some degree are impressionable and can be influenced to act or not act based on a Tarot reading, with children this is much more the case. Therefore some readers feel it is their ethical obligation to not use Tarot to tell children specific outcomes so as not to imprint narrow possibilities that would then discourage the child from important parts of their development. An example of what readers of this mindset may do in a reading, rather, would be to sit with the child and explore the symbols on the cards selected and describe the meanings of these symbols in terms of what they mean for the child’s present life, and discuss what that could mean in terms of the child’s growth or future goals, but in an open ended way. Dazzling the audience with “I told you so” fortune telling is not the goal here; but make no mistake, open ended readings remain a fun and exciting method of reading for kids. 

Other readers may choose to read for children and adults in the same manner, but it is worthwhile to inquire when a reader is contacted for the event to gain an understanding of their philosophy when it comes to reading for children. It is also wise to explain to the audience what will take place in the reading.  It is important to remind the children - and their parents - that readings are legally considered as “entertainment” and that some of the pictures may look happy, some cards may look sad or scary, but the images are symbols that tell a story much like if one was watching a show on TV or looking at a picture. The symbols hold meaning for the individual but do not bestow “bad” or “good” things upon them.

Older children may crave more concise direction in a reading; there has been an increase in requests for Tarot readings at graduation and Sweet 16 parties, and other events for teens and young adults. It can be easy to overlook the innocence in youths who are older and closer to their adulthood, however it remains important to keep in mind that until a certain age, children are considered minors and remain impressionable.  Thus, respectfully communicating with their parents about divination at the event is still advised. It is also possible for older youth to gain more from an engaging Tarot reading: one that can raise questions and help them to express themselves or explore issues presented in the reading.  The same reading does not need to be “future telling” or involve forecasting the future as this can limit the goals and expectations of a young person who is still trying to figure out what direction he or she wants to take in any given situation.   Tarot readings can be very beneficial however, as a tool to reflect on potentials, opportunities, skills, obstacles, and the various issues in the present that the individual can then act or reflect upon too.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Saturn’s Returning, and Boy Is He Ticked!

Astrology is more complex than the blurb in most papers pertaining to one’s sun sign. In fact, in order to benefit from an astrological report one must take into account where all of the major planets are (and in some cases stars and asteroids) at the time of birth. Each planet carries a significance pertaining to the way in which one will experience different facets of life. The closer planets speak to individualized facets of personality beyond the basic Sun and Moon signs. The more distant planets are harbingers of how one’s experiences will be shaped by culture, generation, and daily experiences as he or she ages.

With the passing of time, the planets travel and eventually return to the placement they held in the individual’s birth chart. The closer planets return more rapidly. Each birthday is a “solar return” etc. While planetary returns vary in significance there is a special emphasis given to the slower planets whose returns happen only occasionally in the lifespan, marking milestones.  Most famous is the “Saturn Return.”   Usually at age 28.5 to 30, the Saturn return marks a point in life where one would first experience the pain of restriction, karma, penalty, discipline, and the harsh realities of responsibility and burden.

Saturn is not a negative force. He carries the energy of Kronos, Father Time: the archetypal strict father and disciplinarian. It is through Saturn that we experience difficult challenges. These challenges teach profound lessons, albeit ones that most of us would have rather learned third hand! The Saturn Return is the growing up phase, where youth is officially over and any remaining pink cloud has officially given way to rain. Not to worry - Saturn’s intention is not torture for the sake of cruelty. Through his lessons of strife and struggle, Saturn is teaching what we are truly made of, and we are all the stronger from what we learn.

Whether through divorce, experiencing the first significant loss of someone close to you, financial crisis, the milestone of becoming a parent with responsibilities or any number of situations, Saturn is the buzz-kill of the Zodiac. The manifestation of these struggles will correspond to the sign and house in which Saturn is found in one’s natal chart. For example, Saturn returning to the sign of Pisces in the fourth house of family, real estate and the home, may indicate that someone experiences a profound crisis when illusions about their dream home turn out to be false. The happy home and family may experience financial struggle if decisions had previously been based on fleeting whims and romantic desires without much grounding in reality, and secrets or hidden problems within the family may be revealed at this time. The home and family may also be burdened with a crisis related to addiction.

The Saturn return occurs again another 28.5 to 30 years later in life, this time it is said to be less severe - one has already adjusted to the initial harsh reality of life not always being fair or fun, and this time it is more likely to correspond to a mid life crisis of identity, the sudden realization that time is moving faster and one’s dreams and accomplishments may not meet with earlier expectations.

Have no fear, Saturn’s lessons bring strength, determination, hard work and discipline. The situations do not make or break us, our reactions to such situations determine the final outcome.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.