{ Mugwort Monday: The Devil }

I've been toying around with different alliterations with which to title this post, my favorite suggestions by far were, "Muffled Screams Monday' and 'Murder Monday', but those don't really pertain to the subject at hand, so for now I'm going with Mugwort. I don't know.

I thought it would be interesting to break away from my usual three card pull and focus on a single card. This way, we are able to go a little further in depth in investigating the meaning and symbolism of the card and I feel like it makes room for some discussion as well. One of my all time favorite things about Tarot is that everyone has a unique interpretation of the cards and it gives us a fresh perspective when new cards turn up. Feel free to discuss your take on this card on our FB page in the comments, I'd love to know what you think!

Anyways, without further ado, permit me to introduce one of my +life cards: The Devil.

- The Devil - As I've mentioned here before, The Devil is one of those cards that puts fear in some people. I totally get why, I was raised Catholic and have seen The Exorcist a bunch of times - but I feel like this card gets an unfairly bad rap. While The Devil is a trickster and can represent our inner demons (like addictions, bad behavioral patterns, unhealthy relationships, etc), he is also a reflection of our shadow selves and true nature. The Devil calls us to get in touch with our creativity without being afraid of seeing ourselves. When we see this card in a reading, the message is that we need to free ourselves from our material concerns and focus inwardly on more spiritual endeavors. We are asked to remove self-imposed limitations on ourselves and become the people we really are, free of hypocrisy, not hiding behind a mask.

This card brings light with the dark, when we are challenged to face obstacles, we are called to do so without fear. I believe by recognizing and acknowledging the issues at hand, we are able to address them head-on. This is a type of Shadow Work - it's not fun Y'all, but we come out on top when we commit to doing it. The Devil is always a welcome sign for questions concerning creativity as he is evocative of talent, inspiration and intense energy. Try also to remember that The Devil is sticking his tongue out at us TWICE - reminding us that he is a childish, comical creation and we need to laugh at the things which try to smite us. 

+I recently had an EXCELLENT reading with Rita of Skeleton Key Tarot, during which I learned that The Devil was one of my Life Cards. Pretty cool - and also, of course, Tarot, of ~fucking~ course! Rita is an incredibly gifted reader (honestly, this was both the best and least expensive therapy I've ever had) and I highly recommend that you visit her if you are interested in getting a reading. She offers small and large readings, depending on your needs. You can follow her on Instagram, here! 10/10 would recommend!

 *These three card readings are intended for us all as a community and are therefore broad. If you are interested in a more specific, in-depth reading - we offer individual readings at Oracle as well! If you would like to schedule an appointment for an individual reading, you can do that here or give us a ring at 816.982.9550. You can also join us for one of our monthly Tarot Workshop & Happy Hour events and learn more about cartomancy!

{ Three Card Monday *cough* Tuesday }

Hey Y'all - apologies for the delay, let's have a look at what this week has in store, shall we?

- The Chariot - Yes! We are on the right path this week, meeting opposition with courage and moving towards change. The Chariot is an excellent reminder for us to question how we are taking action in the world. We've overcome various hardships to obtain our power and strength and we can take a moment to reflect how to guide ourselves along this well-set path.

- King of Pentacles - But! We are confronted with tradition and conservatism, even unprogressive views (an understatement lately). The real lesson to address here is how we can act charitably, to let go of some of the financial concerns that cause us to cling to an antiquated and corrupt system and focus our attention on our connection to this Earth and how we can protect and nourish it. 

- Six of Pentacles - Therefore! The generosity we extend to others comes back to us, we will be able to engage in the beauty and pleasures of the world and experience the joy of sharing our good fortune with those who need it. Invest in the things that you truly love and give without expectation of return - we'll be richer for it. Also, don't forget to practice self-care y'all - abundance comes in lots of different forms and now is the time to let it flow through yourself and others. 

Keep on keeping on, y'all! Take care of each other, take care of the Earth and you will be taken care of in return (and support your local artists)!

 *These three card readings are intended for us all as a community and are therefore broad. If you are interested in a more specific, in-depth reading - we offer individual readings at Oracle as well! If you would like to schedule an appointment for an individual reading, you can do that here or give us a ring at 816.982.9550. You can also join us for one of our monthly Tarot Workshop & Happy Hour events and learn more about cartomancy!

{ Three Card Monday }

- Four of Cups - The Cups usually relate to our emotions and heart feelings and this is no exception. This card symbolizes a time for re-evaluation. You may have experienced some boredom, disillusionment and/or unfulfilled expectations. While feeling like this is always a bummer, it can also be a gift - look carefully into your personal value system and decide what needs to change.

- Six of Cups - I know we all didn't have the best childhoods, BUT! Remember what it felt like to go out and play and and have fun? It's time to get back to those childlike feelings and create ease and a gentle space for yourself. Use your imagination and take pleasure in simple joys. 

- Queen of Pentacles - This week we are called to embody the characteristics of the Queen of Pentacles - a calm, practical and charitable person. This Queen is a nurturer, particularly concerned with caring for the Earth, as well as all it's inhabitants. She cherishes family, security and comfort - her appearance in this reading reminds us that we need to care for our environment, as well as for our neighbors. 

So, I'm going to to kick this off with an UNDERSTATEMENT and say that last week was pretty terrible (elections always are...), with that out of the way, let's break this reading down, shall we? 

There's a saying that I love, 'you can either change your situation, or you can change your perspective about the situation.' If you are stuck in a rut or just feeling a let down, it's time for your to take an honest peek under the hood. It's always easier for us to point the finger at others and lay blame for our unhappiness (and sometimes it is totally their fault), but now is the time to look within. Are you engaging in a cycle of behavior that keeps landing you in a bad spot? Are you attracted to unhealthy patterns - or people? Fear and habit keep us in bad places - emotionally speaking - so it's good for all of us to re-examine our relationships and how we engage with others.

I'm super glad that the Six of Cups came up Y'all! We are so serious all the time and forget the simple joys of playtime and creative exploration. Give yourselves some space to have fun and donkey around. Sign up for that dance class that looks fun as hell but scares the crap out of you! Go outside for a walk or run, get some fresh air and keep your eyes peeled for hawks! You've been wanting to dye your hair purple for months now, and I think you should. Think about the things that really sparked you when you were a kid and then explore those things - and be gentle with yourself. 

I think the next card is an easy one to summarize thusly; DON'T BE A DICK. Recycle. Turn off the tap when you aren't using it. Work for a local environmental charity that you care about...and while you are at it, take a look at how your own actions affect the land (and people, and critters, etc) around you and make changes to be a better steward to your planet. For the love of all that is holy, be kind to your neighbor and use your skill set and talents to create a better place for those around you. We are all the same under the skin and we all have to share this planet together, so let's do our part to not make our limited time here so awful.

 *These three card readings are intended for us all as a community and are therefore broad. If you are interested in a more specific, in-depth reading - we offer individual readings at Oracle as well! If you would like to schedule an appointment for an individual reading, you can do that here or give us a ring at 816.982.9550. You can also join us for one of our monthly Tarot Workshop & Happy Hour events and learn more about cartomancy!