Tag: spreads

Spice Up your Tarot Readings with Divination Add-Ons

spice up your tarot readings with divination add-onsIf you feel your regular tarot practice has become a little stale or boring, here’s a new way how you can spice up your tarot readings – simply add some divination add-ons like the ones you can see on the pic above.

While I’ve created just eight cards, you can add more prompts, such as

enjoy/avoid
learn/release
think/feel

From your selection of divination add-ons, choose specific card pairs like yes/no, or draw random cards to create a spread.

How to use the cards

Each keyword can bring up a number of different questions, and your intuition will guide you to which question to ask.

For example:

Rest – What do I need to let rest for a while? What do I need to put to rest? What can help me rest?

Grow – What do I need to grow? What is ready to grow in my life? What needs tending to? What is growing? What can help me grow?

More – What do I need to do more of? What am I receiving more of? What do I need to be more?

Stop/More – If you draw two cards at random, you can combine them as follows:

If I stop doing this …., I will get more of that…. 

or

I will stop this …and do more of that…

(… = tarot cards drawn)

Simply go with the flow. Different questions or messages may come up for you when you tune into your reading.

Making your cards

Be resourceful with your cardstock – I’ve used a colourful cardboard box of paper tissues, which would have otherwise been thrown away. Upcycling rather than buying new.

I also decided to try my hand-lettering and doodling skills – not that brilliant, but I like it!

If you would like to download my version of the cards, hop over to my Patreon (more info on membership HERE).

In the meantime, check out my video for more ideas:

Let me know, how my divination add-ons spice up your tarot readings. I’d love to hear from you 🙂

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Saturn Retrograde Tarot Spread

saturn retrograde tarot spreadA few weeks ago, Saturn turned retrograde and will continue until the 18th September.

Plenty of time to explore and work with its energies using the Saturn retrograde tarot spread below.

Before you do, take a moment to consider what the World reversed as an energy card in a reading means to you.

In the Tarot, Saturn is linked to the World, so its retrograde energy can be compared with that of the World reversed.

In its upright position, the World suggests achievement, establishment, a sense of having arrived and be content with where you are.

Reversed, you may feel a little stifled; something is missing, and you have the urge to escape the status quo.

The World is about restrictions and boundaries, but not in a negative sense. You feel happy with where your are despite limitations.

However, reversed, you may feel less positive.

Saturn is also the ruler of Capricorn, and coincidentally, Saturn has turned retrograde in Capricorn and will also turn direct again in Capricorn.

Capricorn in the Major Arcana is linked to the Devil, so we can sense dull routines and a lack of growth.



Saturn is also linked to the following cards in the Tarot:

  • Five of Wands
  • Ten of Wands
  • Eight of Cups
  • Three of Swords
  • Seven of Pentacles

Based on these cards, I have created the following spread that can help you make the most of the World/Saturn retrograde energies:

  1. Where in my life do I feel confined or restricted?
  2. What stops me from growing/evolving?
  3. How can I free myself from limitations?
  4. What past hurt is still affecting me and needs healing?
  5. Where do I need to change?
  6. How can I enhance my relationships (family, work)?
  7. What am I holding on to that keeps me secure?
  8. Where do I need to take a risk?

Saturn retrograde is a good time to evaluate your goals, plans, projects and ideas (Seven of Pentacles!).

For example, if you are writing a book, do some editing before you continue.

In your home, you may realise that some repairs or redecorating are required. You may even consider a move as you feel you’ve outgrown your space.

Workwise, you may find it hard to generate the energy to push for a promotion or change of job.

In relationships, beware of the rut! Choose your words and actions carefully to avoid misunderstandings, and remember to have some fun and just dance, dance, dance 😉

If you want to learn more about the Saturn cards in the Tarot, check out this post.

Learn how to combine tarot with astrology here.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Jupiter Retrograde Tarot Spread

wheel of fortune rwsJupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, slows down and turns backward from 10th April until 11th August 2019.

The planet of luck, expansion and growth is linked to the Wheel of Fortune, and the reversed aspect of this card offers us an insight into Jupiter‘s retrograde energies.

The first thing that comes to mind is that the Wheel of Fortune may slow down, come to a halt and perhaps even move backwards in the form of reversal of fortunes.

This can work both ways: if things have gone really well for you recently, then be prepared for a slow down.

On the other hand, if you’ve been experiencing bad luck or lack of progress beyond your control, then you might get a break and life is slowly going to take a turn for the better.

Whatever our individual situation, we may all feel less optimistic about things as new ideas and plans may not be realised, or progress may come slower than expected.

But Jupiter retrograde is happening in Sagittarius at this time, and in tarot terms that’s Temperance.

Temperance is the key to navigate Jupiter retrograde successfully – it’s okay to slow down, create balance and harmony, avoid too much, too soon and too difficult…. we need to learn to let good fortunes and progress flow into our lives whithout trying too hard.

Beneficial activities during Jupiter retrograde:



Take it easy, take a break, re-evaluate, open your mind to new possibilities, research new ideas, experiment, explore, be more flexible, listen to your inner voice.

Watch out for change (for better or worse), turn of events, u-turns, deeper truths, revelations, blessings in disguise, spiritual development and karmic payback.

Here’s a Jupiter Regrograde tarot spread to make the most of this energy influencing us over the coming months based on the Jupiter cards in the Tarot:

  1. How can I best adapt to changes at this time?
  2. How can I expand my horizon?
  3. What do I need to be more flexible with?
  4. What can I handle with ease?
  5. What task/activity needs to be put on hold?
  6. What will give me joy during this time of uncertainty?
  7. In which area of my life do I need to show more leadership / take responsibility?

Jupiter retrograde will last for four months, so you have plenty of time to figure out how you can manifest positive change and growth during this challenging but also exciting time.

Interested in learning how to combine Tarot with Astrology? Check out my course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

freebies

 

 

Hello Spring Ostara Tarot Spread

ostara tarot spread
Check out my seasonal tarot spreads ebook

The Ace of Coins from the Alchemical Tarot perfectly captures the spirit of Ostara and the official beginning of Spring.

The hare reminds me of the white rabbit from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland beckoning us to follow him down the hole for a new adventure.

And yes, the Spring Equinox is a time for rebirth, renewal and new beginnings.

After a dull winter, the longer and warmer days tend to make us feel more optimistic and hopeful for the coming months ahead.

As part of your Spring Equinox celebrations and seasonal explorations, here is my Ostara tarot spread you could incorporate:

1. What are the seeds that I’m sowing? 
The energies you are releasing that you might not be aware of. Whatever you’re doing at the moment (especially unconsciously), what effect may it have?

2. What seedlings are emerging around me? 
What is already developing around you that you may not be aware of? A project you recently started, or a goal you’ve set yourself, what is emerging from it so far?

3. What do I need to focus on until the Summer Solstice? 
A task you need to carry out, a skill you need to acquire, or anything you need to pay attention to that will help you achieve your goal.

For each question, you can pull up to three cards to gain some insight.

I hope you enjoy my Ostara tarot spread, and please do let me know how it works for you.

For more seasonal tarot spreads and creative tarot journaling ideas, please check out Cosmic Faery’s Journal Workbook.

Wishing you a Blessed Equinox,

Christiane

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Finding Direction in Your Life with the Tarot

hermt tarot
Smith Waite Tarot, Centennial edition

If you are feeling a little rudderless and wonder where to go from here or if you’re on the right track, then it can be helpful finding direction in your life with the Tarot.

Autumn is Hermit season (he’s linked to Virgo), and at this time of year questions about purpose, progress and direction often pop up in people’s minds.

First, contemplate the symbolism of the Hermit.

He’s reached the top of the mountain (the one that is in the background of the Fool), and with his lamp illuminating the way he is trying to find a path down the mountain on the other side.

The top of the mountain represents the current situation, a milestone, where he is right now in his life. What next?

In practical terms, this can relate to a job, relationship or lifestyle choice you are thinking about.

Try the following spread to explore your current path, a path that is open to you or the path you wish to take:

Path – Obstacle – Growth

Example – a relationship situation:

sharman caselli tarot deck
Sharman Caselli Tarot Deck

The Seven of Swords as the current Path suggests something being hidden, which needs to be revealed, or at one point the truth will come out. There’s a need to be open and honest, with yourself and the other person.

The Knight of Swords as the Obstacle suggests cruel words, accusations, quick judgement, but also brutal honesty, which can clear the air but can be hurtful.

Avoid nastiness and words you may regret later. Be kinder than you want to be.

The Three of Pentacles as Growth indicates the possibility of reconciliation and rebuilding of this relationship in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Lessons learned include a greater mutual understanding, building trust with honesty and supporting each other.

Support may also come from a third party, like a family member, friend or counsellor.

Here’s another spread to explore your current situation and new direction:

Where I am now – Where I want to be – Action to take

Here are some spreads that help you make choices:

Choice a – Choice B – What you need to know to decide

You may even have the choice between three options, so add Choice C if necessary.

Heart – Mind – Balance

Torn between head and heart? This can relate to a career change for example. How can you balance your conflicting thoughts and feelings?

What I want – What I need

morgan greer tarot
Morgan Greer Tarot

What you want is not always what you need right now.

The Sun suggests the desire for happiness, but the Three of Swords may indicate that you need to work through some unresolved grief first.

And if there is no grief in your life, why are you not happy? It’s your choice.

Here are some journaling prompts that can help you find purpose and direction:

journaling prompts
Generate journaling prompts with the Cosmic Journaling Oracle
  • What gives me joy?
  • Where do I need to be patient (or have been patient for too long)?
  • What do I need to release?
  • What do I want to walk away from?

Wait and See

Sometimes it is counter-productive to think too much or putting pressure on yourself.

It is actually okay to float for a while and let answers come to you while searching for some inspiration (another Hermit hobby ?)

Here are some cards that indicate the need to be still, to contemplate, to surrender to the present, to wait and see:

tarot contemplation cards
Tarot cards indicating contemplation, wait and see, a new direction ahead… Sharman-Caselli deck

The High Priestess: The mother of wait and see. Silence is golden. Be still and listen. Sit back and observe.

Two of Swords: Caught between a rock and a hard stone; trying to balance heart and mind. There is no harm taking your time. Procrastination can lead to a situation resolving itself or a decision is made for you.

Four of Swords: Take time out from over-thinking. Just rest. Before you can make any kind of decision or gain clarity about what to do next, you need to unplug from the overwhelm for a while.

The Hanged Man: my year card in 2012, and it took me a whole year to start moving again. At one point you just have to surrender, bend rather than break. It’s not always down to you, so go with the flow. In your own time.

Seven of Pentacles: a choice between something established and something new. The new is still a seed and needs more attention before you can see its true potential, so be patient and let it grow while you still nurture what you have. And that new seed may never grow into anything. Time will tell.

Seven of Cups: a castle in the sky, which needs a solid foundation. Daydreaming about beautiful possibilities is fun, sometimes it’s all you need. Sometimes you don’t need to turn a dream into reality, as long as it makes you feel happy and inspired.

Finding direction with the Tarot is a fun and insightful way to reorganise conflicting thoughts and gain some clarity before you take the next step on your journey.

Want to learn more? Need guidance and personal support? Then check out, how you can work with me.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

How To Create Your Own Oracle Deck

how to create your own oracle deckIt is surprisingly easy to create your own oracle deck. That’s because anything goes.

You don’t need to be artistically talented. You can choose your own artwork, but you can also use photography, your own or stock and public domain images.

It can be any theme, with or without keywords, phrases, size, any structure you like.

You can even choose how many cards your oracle deck contains. It’s all down to your imagination.

But you need to ensure that the deck you create actually works in a reading.

When I created the Cosmic Journaling Oracle, I applied a little trick to give it structure:

I used the Major Arcana from the Tarot to cover a universal range of life experiences, so the oracle would offer meaningful advice in readings.

For this purpose, choose an upright and reversed keyword for each of the 22 Major Arcana cards, and hey presto, you have the titles for 44 oracle cards.

cosmic journaling oracle cards handmadeFor example:

The Fool – new beginnings, folly
The Magician – potential, trickery
The High Priestess – intuition, illusion
The Empress – creativity, lethargy
The Emperor – leadership, control
The Hierophant – stability, dogma
The Chariot – independence, struggle

Once you have completed your list of cards you want to create, you can decide whether to just use the keywords or turn them into a phrase.

For example:

  • New beginnings: A new journey bears risks but also great reward.
  • Trickery: Beware of deception. Not all is what it seems.
  • Stability: A solid foundation provides security.

You can also expand on these phrases. In fact, if you don’t have the artwork for your oracle deck yet, you can just print the oracle messages.

I have done this for the Mainfesting Change Empowerment Cards and the healing cards included in Cosmic Journaling Through The Year.

Next, print your cards. Insert them in a Word table (you can also do this in Google Docs) and convert the document to PDF:

make your own oracle deck
Cards printed on 180g light blue card stock suitable for inkjet printers

For the artwork I have used my own photography.

Check out How to create your own Tarot Deck for more information on photo editing websites and where you can get your deck printed, if you want to sell it.

However, as a first step create your own oracle deck for personal use and try it out.

A handmade oracle deck would even make a great gift for a friend, who is into this kind of thing ?

Tip

Just in case you do decide at a later stage to have your deck printed by a printing company, make sure the size of the images complies with standard playing card sizes, otherwise you will have to reformat all your images, which would be a lot of unnecessary extra work.

You can find the sizes on printing companies’ websites, most of which will have templates for you to download.

You can choose from mini size (like mine) right through to tarot/large playing card sizes. Some companies even offer round and square card printing.

Try this…

An oracle deck with keywords can also be used as a random tarot spread generator, a technique I have already mentioned in my previous post.

Simply draw three cards to create your spread. Here’s an example:

cosmic journaling oracle spread

You can either formulate a question around each keyword or just keep as it is to read intuitively with a tarot card drawn for each keyword.

Now it’s over to you to create your own magical oracle deck, or make a start by downloading the digital edition of the Cosmic Journaling Oracle (take advantage of 15% sharing discount during September!)

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Combining Tarot And Oracle Cards In Your Readings

combining tarot and oracle decksCombining tarot and oracle cards in a reading can offer you a fresh and innovative approach to divination.

There are no rules except experiment and use your imagination.

For that reason combining tarot and oracle cards can be confusing at first, so I’ve come up with some ideas on how to get started.

Take a look at the following image. How would you interpret the cards to answer the question?

cosmic faery tarot and cosmic journaling oracle

While the tarot card in the centre offers you an overall theme or direction, the two cards of the oracle deck focus on specifics.

Sometimes it is the clarity and succinctness of the oracle that can help you pinpoint the true heart of the matter.

It can offer straightforward and immediate empowerment, something you can act upon straight away.

Instead of Help you could have drawn the Six of Pentacles from your tarot deck, or the King of Swords instead of Knowledge. Possibilities for interpretation would have increased but also become more vague.

What also works is the complementary artwork of both decks, which can make readings more fluid and coherent.

Here are more examples of tarot and oracle decks that work well together:

1. Rider Waite Smith Tarot – Pixie’s Astounding Lenormand

Can you combine Tarot and Lenormand cards in a reading even though they are totally different systems?

Yes, why not? If you want to learn more about the Lenormand system, check out Cafe Lenormand.

In the meantime, here is a 3-card reading I have done to address a possible career move using Tarot and Lenormand cards together:

rws and pixies lenormand

Here, the focus is on the Tarot while the Lenormand indicates underlying influences / energies.

The centre card is the heart of the matter surrounded by two energy cards, whereby the card on the right offers an insight into future development / possibilities / direction of this situation.

Eight of Pentacles / Tower: Effort, mastery, a full schedule; being immersed in work. The Tower suggests that the working environment allows advancement, but bureaucracy can be stifling. Timing (Lenormand): 19 days or weeks, so this can be a long-term situation.

Three of Cups / Tree: The total opposite to hard work is having fun and joyful times with people. The need for work-life balance. Reaching out, being social. The Tree suggests that this will maintain health and keep me grounded.

The Star / Child: (Starchild!) Hope, optimism, the future looks bright. The child suggests new beginnings albeit on a small scale. Timing (Lenormand): soon, so there could be some short-term developments that may lead to new opportunities in the future.

Tree – Tower – Child: It is also interesting to look at the Lenormand row separately for additional information.

The combination of Tree and Tower suggests hospital, and funnily enough my part-time work is based in a health service/care environment.

The combination of Tower and Child suggests child welfare, adoption services and teenagers. I’m blown away how much this relates to my work and life (my teenage son lol).

The bigger picture is slowly emerging from this Tarot/Lenormand combination.

2. Morgan Greer Tarot – Chakra Wisdom Oracle

morgan greer tarot chakra wisdom oracle

If you would like to combine tarot with chakras, then the Chakra Wisdom Oracle offers a great introduction to chakra balancing and healing.

The spread in the above image is taken from the Chakra Wisdom guidebook and about removing blocks:

What do you perceive as a problem: Empress – Instinct (trusting inner guidance, solitary journey, self-reliance, moving into sovereignty)
What is blocking you: Three of Pentacles – Impatience (wishing for quick results, being exhausted by efforts, forcing something, uncooperative people)
What would create a breakthrough: Six of Swords – Impartiality (take a step back, detach from emotions, take a break, distraction can offer new perspective)
What you must do to create what you desire: Knight of Wands – Insecurity (tackle insecurity by being bold and taking risks; be more confident about your abilities / opportunities)

The tarot cards (Morgan Greer) in this reading  point to the how, why and where. 

In order to get used to combining tarot and oracle cards, you can try this reading using both decks seperately and see what information would be missing by only using one deck.

3. The Wild Unknown Tarot – Connected & Free Oracle

Here, I have used the Connected and Free Oracle to determine positional meanings for this 3-card spread with the Wild Unknown Tarot:

wild unknown tarot connected and free oracle

Surrender: Son of Wands (Knight)
Beginnings: Daughter of Swords (Page)
Be You: Six of Pentacles

I love how you can create new intuitive spreads with the Connected and Free Oracle. Here’s another one:

Sun’s Rays (what is becoming clear)
Flying High (what will accelerate creativity / raise your vibes)
Slow down (where do you need to take it easy / rest / slow down)

4. Bohemian Gothic Tarot – Madame Endora’s Fortune Cards

bohemian gothic tarot and madame endora

For this tarot and oracle combination, I have chosen a 3-card spread from the Cosmic Faery Guidebook:

Reflect: The World – The Sphinx (Choose your words carefully)
Illuminate: The Sun – The Harlequin (True feelings are masked)
Discover: Knight of Cups – Fire (Reckless actions lead to conflict)

I love how Madame Endora’s Fortune cards offer a sinister but revealing twist to this reading with the Bohemian Gothic Tarot.

Again, explore the difference if only one of these decks was used for this reading.

If you are new to combining tarot and oracle cards, you can start off by drawing an oracle card at the end of a tarot reading as a special message or overall advice.

For this purpose, use an oracle deck with phrases or complete message rather than just keywords such as the Spirit Oracle:

spirit oracle cards

On the other hand, when you do an oracle reading, you can begin by drawing a tarot card to determine the theme or situation.

As you can see, possibilities are endless, and I have only scratched the surface with this article.

Hopefully, my suggestions offer you inspiration to start combining tarot and oracle cards. You will find that this technique will open up a new dimension in your readings and uncover new insights.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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