Sacred Days of Yule Spread

Every year for the past three or four I've done June Kaminski's Sacred Days of Yule spread at the end of the year. This year, I'm going to do it here. I'm going to use Nora Huszka's incomparable Gypsy Palace Tarot for the spread; each day I'll draw a card using The Gypsy Palace Tarot app.

The position meanings here are from the original posting.

1. Mother Night of Dreams: - Dec 20th This card reminds us to look for a particular message in our dreams tonight. The ancients believed that our dreams on this night foretold some of the important events in the coming year. 

Strangely enough, I had a dream that I got a Tarot reading from Theresa Reed on this night! It was only two cards: 'brain' and 'contract' (it was definitely a Tarot deck, despite the strange titles. If you know of a deck with these cards let me know). My initial sense was that this was a message for me to use the power of my mind to stay committed to what I really want to do.

The Two of Pentacles is a message telling me that there will be change, ups and downs, and that is why it is so important to use my personal power to stay focused and committed to the things I want for myself. Also, it's a reminder to not be too serious, to dance with life. The stream coming from the woman's mouth an the blue background also brings to mind the throat chakra, which makes me think that talking about my commitments will help me be accountable to them.

2. Yule - Winter Solstice: - Dec 21st This card shows us how best to connect to the Light within and without - it symbolizes the Birth of the Sun.

Ten of Pentacles - Manifestation and rewards are very much on my mind lately, and I have indeed been experiencing a lot of ups and downs based on recognition and criticism of what I've created. This card reminds me to be proud of what I've done, and to reward myself for my work. It is also a reminder to continue manifesting and remember that part of what I've created for myself is experience and skills -- which can't be taken away from me.

3. The Time of Beth: - Dec 22nd This card points to the inner blocks and resistance that is holding us back from following our dreams.

The Page of Wands reminds me that a lot of what I'm experiencing now around my work is very new, and often uncomfortable. It also indicates a tendency for me to lose confidence in myself because I'm a beginner and I'm learning as I go.

Nora says, "Exactly what you experience now is not as important as the fact that you are experiencing something! The direction you take is not what counts; what counts is that it's fresh, full of fire, joy, and fun!" Which reminds me that while I may not feel like a master in what I do, what really matters is that I enjoy it (I really do!) and that I approach it with curiosity and creative passion. Perhaps the fact that a lot of what I do is new to me is a strength!

4. Hopi Time of Renewal Dec 23rd This card indicates the best way for us to seek purification and renewal, and to build tolerance for others.

The Seven of Swords is not a surprising card for me here. With the Waite-Smith deck I often interpret it as taking a "mental health" day; that is, escaping from social events or work to be in solitude when your thoughts start getting heavy. Nora writes about being aware of those that will steal your energy and take advantage of your good intentions. It's important for me this year (always, really) to set and enforce clear boundaries, and to take time for solitude.

5. Feast of Mothers, Christmas Eve: - Dec 24th This card shows how we can connect with the spirits of our ancestors for communion and to ask for wisdom and guidance. It is also a time for Christians to reflect on the birth of Christ. 

The Four of Swords is a significant card to me because it is the card that is associated with my Libra III decan; it is a card about resting and letting thoughts and wisdom incubate and mature. I've been struggling with sleep lately and, at the same time, having very vivid dreams. This card makes me think that it is in my times of rest and sleep that I will receive messages from my ancestors and guides most clearly. One of the things I really want to do in 2014, and should start right away, is keep a dream journal; this card really reinforces this for me.

6. Festival of Life, Christmas: - Dec 25th This card shows us how to connect directly with Spirit.

The Hermit, like the Seven of Swords and Four of Swords in the previous positions is an urge to me to spend time alone, to rest, to meditate, to look within.

7. Yuletide, Kwanzaa: - Dec 26th This card shows us how to express nurturance, to attend to our families and to express the protective energy within us towards others. 

The Three of Swords here, with the cards about solitude in the previous positions, seems to be saying that there may be times when I will have to sacrifice what I really want to for myself in order to be there for my family. It may be difficult, but in the big picture of what is important to me, will be a worthwhile sacrifice.

8. Birth of Freyja: - Dec 27th This card points to issues of love, luck, artistic and creative expression and female wisdom.

The Knight of Pentacles seems a bit in contrast to the ideas of "creativity" and "femininity". This card is a reminder that I can approach art and creativity my own way. I don't have to have mad, wild fits of creation and passion; I can do a little at a time in a calm and consistent manner. I admire artistic genius, but I also know that I too am an artist; I just need to express myself in small and consistent bits; always learning, always improving.

9. Feast of Alcyone: - Dec 28th This card gives us a personal inner message - one that speaks directly to our heart and spirit. 

I love this card! I know exactly the message the Page of Pentacles has for me: I've recently started a creative project that is going to take a very long time, and that I won't reveal until the end. This card is letting me know it'll be worth the effort, that I'll learn a lot doing it, and that may patience will pay off. I love how it follows the Knight of Pentacles which I interpreted as my personal approach to creativity. Very affirming!

10. Day of Nymphs - Dec 29th This card encourages us to connect to our playful side, our inner child and how best to cultivate this aspect of ourselves. 

The Two of Swords is not that easy to understand here. One thing it may be expressing is trying to have an unmade up mind about things. Also, the girl in this card seems to be dancing, with swords. So dancing might be a way to connect and nurture my inner child, and so might taking small risks.

11. Day of Rest: - Dec 30th This card shows us how to walk our path in a relaxed and confident way....with the ability to deal with stressful situations in a philosophical, detached way.

I can walk my path, which seems to be much about manifestation this year,  in a relaxed and confident way if I don't over-think my ideas and just get them out into the world, as indicated by the Three of Pentacles. I will develop my ideas and learn as I go, but I must get ideas out of my head in order to work best with them.

"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol

12. New Year's Eve, Hogmanay - Dec 31st This card shows us how to release the old and let in the new. This relates to both our external lives and our inner being.

I can release the old and let in the new by paying attention to my dreams and intuition, The Moon tells me. Maybe it's because Venus is in retrograde, but my dreams have been very vivid and intense lately. It is time to start writing them down!

Overall, many swords and pentacles cards -- which I understand to be about manifesting (pentacles) ideas (swords) and The Hermit and The Moon from the Major Arcana reminding me of the importance of going within, instrospection and exploring the hidden recesses of my mind.


The cards in this post were shared from the Gypsy Palace Tarot app. The beautiful art is by Nora Huszka.

Darkness into Light: A Tarot Spread for the New Moon in Capricorn

This is a stop on the Tarot Blog Hop! Whether you've hopped over from Joy's blog, or just randomly tumbled into this space: Welcome!

For this Solstice Tarot Blog Hop Joanna has chosen the theme of Darkness into Light. 

The end of the year for many of us, is a time of reflection. This can be a really hopeful time -- we have the new year ahead of us to start afresh, make new goals, have new intentions -- but it can also be a dark time; the year is ending and maybe we feel like we haven't progressed in the areas we wanted to, haven't done the things we thought we would do.

Right around the time of solstice, the sun moves from expansive Sagittarius, into disciplined and ambitious Capricorn. And in 2014 the Capricorn new moon casts its influence on new year's day. 

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, often called "the taskmaster" of the zodiac. Saturn is the planet of limitations and challenges, but its challenges are more than just a pain-in-the-ass: they are invaluable opportunities to learn and mature. We can indeed turn what is dark into light.

For this time of reflection, and the new moon in Capricorn, I made a spread to help us see how the things we are finding difficult are actually valuable lessons. We can overcome the challenges that are facing us now, and we'll find ourselves stronger and more mature on the other side. We may even learn something that we can teach others. 

A Self-Reading with the New Moon in Capricorn Spread

The Haindl Tarot by Hermann Haindl. © 1990 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

For this reading I've chosen to use the Haindl Tarot, a beautiful deck, but one that I rarely use. I feel it's earthy tone is just right for the earthiness of the Capricorn time.

What feels very difficult for me right now? Two of Stones - Harmony

I have been having a hard time finding a harmonic balance lately. I've been working really hard and have recently put some creative works out into the world. I'm finding putting my work out there, and getting feedback, and also feeling somewhat ignored, quite disruptive. My sleep has been quite bad -- some nights I am anxious and worried, others bursting with excitement. I definitely am finding it difficult to find my sweet spot. Rather than skillfully riding the flow, I often find myself being thrown around by the waves.

What strength do I have to pull on to help me overcome this challenge? Ace of Stones in the West

This reminds me that I am planting seeds for my future security. Even the hard parts about my work and its exposure are valuable lessons that I will always have from now on. Also, the things I've made are out there now, for the long-term. If the immediate results are not as big as I'd hoped, it's important for me to remember that I've created something that will continue to benefit me far into the future.

What is this challenge helping me to become? The Hermit

I am becoming evermore self-reliant. Although now I am very affected by external feedback, I am learning that if I know that my work is good and that I put my best into it, if I continue to pursue my dreams everyday, then it is worthwhile. This challenging experience now is teaching me to look inside myself for recognition and feedback. Overtime, this will, I hope, become more natural for me.


What will I have to teach others once I've overcome this challenge? Son of Stones in the West (Prince of Stones, Page of Pentacles)

I will be able to teach others that if they are working hard and doing what is true to them that they are progressing, and that lessons learned are permanent. Whether they receive acclaim for what they do or their work is unseen, it is valuable in that it is teaching them and taking them forward.

Thanks for stopping by! The next stop in the hop is Jordan's Land of Mystereum!

Three Things

There is so much cool stuff + sharing is good = I should share cool stuff. Right? Right.

A new blog feature -- maybe weekly, maybe monthly, maybe bi-weekly -- in which I will share my favourite things from my travels around the digi-world, probably sometimes Tarot related, sometimes just plain awesome.

1. This post by Marybeth Bonfiglio made me want to eat mangoes in bed, until I remembered about the ants.

2. Many relationship Tarot spreads make me shudder with their positions that pretend to read the other person's mind ("What does he think?", "What does he really think?"). It was very refreshing to see Lisa post this meaningful love spread on Love Dove Tarot. Definitely on my to-do-before-wedding list.

3. As the culmination of a very exciting year for my small business, Galaxy Tone, we released The Gypsy Palace Tarot app yesterday. I just LOVE it, if I do say so myself. Nora Huszka's art is so beautiful, and, though the deck deviates from traditional Tarot imagery, the readings are really inspiring. Here are a couple of my favourite images!

artwork by Nora Huszka © 2013

artwork by Nora Huszka © 2013

35 Goals, One Year Later. A list!

Last year on my 35th birthday I posted a list of 35 goals for my year. 

Because I love lists and neat, tidy, closure, here's a recount of what I did and didn't do.

1. Do my taxes. Do them twice (the ones I missed and the ones that are coming).

Did it. Not a big deal. Must remember: not a big deal! Just do it! √

2. Get some shoes custom-made.

Did it. They're cute. √

3. Continue my journey through the chakras.

Still doing it. I'm not as focused on this project as I was, but I have not stopped. The solar plexus chakra has been a bitch for me. I really want to step into my power, but also seem to sabotage myself in some silly ways. √

4. Visit Vietnam.

I'm writing this blog post from a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. √

5. Get my scuba diving certificate.

Very proud that I did this and, wow, am I ever glad I did. If you have not, people, you should. And I don't like telling people what to do usually. If you can do it here, even better. Dream come true, for reals. √

6. Finish Haruki Murakami's "1Q84". 

That was some weird shit man. √

7. Make 3 recipes from "Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking".

Done. I highly recommend this cookbook! √

8. Make meditation a daily habit.

Nope. 

9. Finish the course on Buddhism.

Also not.

10. Visit Myanmar. 

We were going to do this last Christmas, but decided to move towns at that time instead. So, no.

11. Visit Thailand. 

No. However we spent 5 weeks in Indonesia -- that counts for something.

12. Go to the zoo.

Yes. We visited the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity. It was great! √

13. Visit 3 places in Cambodia I've never been before.

Nope.

14. Go on a yoga retreat.

Nope. I crave this though. 

15. Increase my skill and output in some artistic medium (photography, drawing, water colour, and oil pastel are the first that come to mind).

Yes, but not what I was expecting. This year I added Graphic Designer to my resumé and have learned a ton about using Illustrator, and have created some graphics I'm quite pleased with. √

16. Skype with all my dearest friends at least once.

I about 1/2 did this. 

17. Finish "2012 Creating Your Goddess Year Workbook".

I did, and I really liked doing it. Will do again for 2014.  √

18. Get a bikini wax. (I've never been waxed before!)

Yes. Ouch. √

19. Watch 10 of the Top 500 Films that I've never seen before.

I did indeed watch 'Raging Bull' and 'Night of the Hunter'. Both fantastic. Also from that list, 'Goodfellas' and 'Imitation of Life'. So 40% done.

20. Feed 300 kids one meal by making a donation and volunteering my time if it's wanted.

I didn't.

21. Finish working through "Tarot for Your Self"

For the most part, done. √

22. ...and "Psychic Psychology"

Didn't even start.

23. Reveal my naked voice.

Nope, not at all.

24. Level-up my Tarot readings and give 5 in-person empowering, interactive, counselling style readings.

Nope. My professional life moved into a whole new direction and I think I only did like 2 email readings last year.

25. Have some nice photos taken of me by a friend or professional.

I took some great selfies, and I'm my own friend, so: √

26. Do a traditional Cambodian photo shoot with my love.

Not yet.

27. Join a book club.

I joined one, but then I moved towns, so I started one in my new town. Yay me! √

28. Do a Zumba class.

Yes, just once. Did not love it. √

29. Speak publicly, either in-person or in a video about something I am passionate about. Possibly a Tarot class...

Nope.

30. Create and sell or give-away an e-book.

No.

31. Get a Tarot reading from one of my Tarot heroes.

Yes! Theresa, she's the bomb! √

32. This one sucks, but its gotta be done. Visit the Killing Fields and S21.

I didn't do this, but yesterday, on my birthday, went to the War Remnants Museum here in Ho Chi Minh City. Extremely devastating and horrible and like totally WTF?! How can people do that to one another?

33. Find a big ass crystal that really reverberates with me and buy it.

I found one, and had my eye on it for a long time, then my love bought it for me for my birthday. √

34. Update my personal style by trashing/donating the clothes I do not love and replacing them with lovely treasures.

This is a work-in-progress, but I've done well so far. √

35. And here's the mother of them all, which I'm oh so very excited about: Get my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Certification!

This goal was based on living in a city with a kundalini yoga centre, and then I moved. So did not do. Might be something for later in life... I don't know.

So 18/35. Not too shabby. I think it was helpful writing them down like this. I notice that a lot of the things I didn't do were activities of a spiritual nature, which is very much where I was coming from at the end of 2012, but life took some twists and turns, and I ended up focusing a lot more on my work and developing the company I own with my partner. So, I achieved a lot, but not necessarily the things I thought I would. 

Thanks for reading! 

I'd love to learn your goals/accomplishments/personal vision/whatever! I am curious about you, seriously! Share your blog URL or thoughts in the comments. 

New Moon Tarot Series: Taurus

This year I am featuring a series of spreads to be done in the time of the new moon. Some I'll share here, while the rest I'm saving for my first ebook!

This spread is for the new moon in Taurus. The sun and moon will align on May 9th, at 8:29 pm EST (May 10th, 7:29 pm for me in Bali).

This new moon will pass directly between the sun and us here on earth, causing a solar eclipse. In astrology, a solar eclipse gives the new moon a burst. This is a super powered time for big new beginnings!

Right now, a load of planets are hanging out in Taurus: the sun and moon, obviously, but also Mercury, Venus and Mars. These inner planets are said to be the personality planets. The new moon solar eclipse in Taurus lends all these planets a down-to-earth, practical energy now. This is such a good time to start living our lives more in congruence with our ideal selves and also a great time to begin manifesting great abundance.

Plant your seeds, nurture them, and be prepared for fantastic results!

My spread for this new moon is inspired by the idea of planting a garden. It's a simple spread to guide us in nurturing our idea-seeds into full grown abundance-flowers. Try it out! I'd love to learn what you find.


What seeds are you planting in this magical new moon time? Let me know in the comments!

New Moon Tarot Series: Aries (pt. II -- A Reading)

In my last post I introduced this Tarot spread for the new moon in Aries, which is happening right now! Check out that post to learn more about the significance of this powerful new moon and how it can help you.

Today I want to take the spread for a spin by doing a reading for my friend Krysten, a fabulous Tarot reader whose work you can find at Creole Moon Tarot. I am using the Cosmic Tarot to take a look at the ways Krysten can use the new moon energy to help her move towards her goals.

What is Krysten leaving behind? The Fool

While she may have been more open earlier in 2013 to influence and inspiration, this card makes me think that she has begun to solidify her vision and to leave a more exploratory time behind.

What is a useful intention for Krysten to have at this new moon time? 4 of Swords

While she may have some solid ideas about the direction she wants to take, this card suggests that letting the ideas incubate while she rests and practices self-care will help her to refine her goals even more. This card depicts nomadic men taking a break at an oasis, presumably after some hot and exhausting desert travel. They are relaxing in the shade and rehydrating their bodies. Like them, Krysten would be well served by intentionally taking time to restore her well-being and reflect on her journey at this time.

What should be the first action Krysten takes toward her goal? Justice

My feeling with this card is that Krysten would benefit from doing an inventory of her strengths and weaknesses at this time. With this new moon in Aries, things are going to begin falling into place. In areas where she has worked hard and developed herself, Krysten will start reaping rewards; likewise, in areas where she has cut corners, or ignored her higher wisdom, she may suffer the consequences. If there's something that she knows she should be doing, but has been putting off, my feeling is that it is not too late to start. This new moon energy is perfect for putting action behind our ambitions.

What is Krysten's goal at this time? The Tower

Wow, a lot of major arcana cards! This is not a hum-drum everyday reading!

Krysten wants to get real with herself, break down any beliefs that do not serve her growth, and make her foundation STRONG. The 4 of Swords and Justice make perfect sense with an aspiration like that as together they speak of a time of reflection and being honest with oneself. From what I know of her I get the sense that she knows that she needs to quiet her ego in order to hear her spiritual calling more clearly (not that I think she is an egotistical person, just that I am aware that she has been doing a lot of spiritual exploration this year). I feel that Krysten may find more common methods of quieting the ego, like meditation, a bit too gentle and slow-acting right now. She is looking to shake herself up and have major breakthroughs!

Cosmic Tarot by Norbert Lösche, 1998 AGMüller. Click to see larger image.

How will the universe help Krysten co-create her goal? Strength

My first feeling is that Krysten will be challenged in coming months, but that those challenges will be extremely beneficial to her in that she'll be forced to pull upon her self-confidence, inner strength, compassion for herself and determination. Her sense of herself as a powerful loving warrior will be strongly reinforced.

The Strength card together with The Tower gives me the feeling that Krystan may be coming to terms with parts of herself that she considers less than civilized. I think that finding ways to let her wild self out will play a role in having the breakthroughs she desires. (Krysten, have you read "Woman Who Run with the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes? I'm being strongly urged to recommend it to you!)

How will Krysten find support from her community towards reaching her goal? Ace of Swords

She will be well served by listening carefully to her most trusted friends and asking them explicitly to be honest with her. While the truth may be challenging for her to hear, really hearing it will be a great asset. Krysten will also benefit by being sure to speak her truth. By revealing her most authentic self to her community, she can hope to receive the most honest and helpful feedback and support. Now is not the time to prioritize fitting in or being polite at the expense of the truth.

Overall, this reading of nothing but major arcana cards, including Justice, and swords cards, is telling Krysten that now is time to be really honest with herself about themes that have been prevalent in her life for the past few years.

What has been repeating for her? What is the universe trying so hard to teach her?

I feel this is a time when Krysten can make serious bounds in her development, but she has to break free from any self-deception she has been fooling herself with (another significance of that first card in the reading) and start implementing the lessons of the past years in a big way.

Dear Krysten, I hope you found this reading to be helpful. I wish you the best in all you endeavour!

If you would like to volunteer to help me showcase a spread here in the future, just let me know!

edit: Right after I finished reading this I came across this article about Pluto retrograde, which begins on Friday and lasts until September. It's very relevant to Krysten's Tarot reading, and possibly to all of us.

I'm often flabbergasted by the synchronicities I come across in my astrological wanderings. One of these years I'm going to dedicate myself to learning more about this subject I've found fascinating since I was a young'un.

New Moon Tarot Series: Aries

This year I am featuring a series of spreads to be done in the time of the new moon.

This spread is for the new moon in Aries. The sun and moon will align on April 10th, at 5:35 am EST (April 10th, 4:51 pm for me in Cambodia). 

I have a number of astrologers I follow online and adore, so for this month's new moon post, I would like to share some quotes on this fabulous Aries new moon with you.

"Wednesday is the NEW MOON so you have 2 strong weeks from today to make things happen. It's good for reinventing yourself, taking on a new name or title, make-overs, physical conditioning, tending to your body's health concerns, pushing the brand out there, new wardrobe or hairstyles, and working on how your ego leads your life."

- Zoe at zoemoonastrology.blogspot.ca

"This is a super-charged seeding time for anything new. And if you’re struggling with dragging energy, it’s potentially a spark out of stagnation."

"For this Aries New Moon, let the sunniest picture of who you’re becoming be your guide. New Moons are a time to rein in your focus, and Aries’ specialty is directed energy toward a singular goal. A tip is to keep it simple, for now."

- Molly Hall at astrology.about.com

"The New Moon in Aries takes place in the early morning (US) @ 20 degrees. Be sure an set your intention the night before.

The Sun and Moon are conjunct Venus and Mars in the sign. This screams, “Fresh Start!” This is a particularly encouraging new beginning because the stellium in Aries takes no hard aspects at all."

- Elsa at ElsaElsa.com. 

Check out Elsa's suggestions for setting an intention based on your natal house that the moon is transitting.

Here is an Aries New Moon vision board a reader shared with Mystic Medusa at mysticmedusa.com -- great idea! I like to make my vision boards digitally using images I love from the internet. 

So, overall, it is a great time to envision what you want to manifest and do in the coming year, and then start DOING IT! I made this simple arrow Tarot spread to help clarify goals, and the action and support that will help make them a reality.

As always, I would absolutely love to learn about your impressions of the Tarot spread. I would also LOVE to see your vision boards and hear about your goals and dreams for the season ahead!