#herbaltarot

[cricketsings]

Card for Thursday, January 20th, 2022

Five of Swords paired with Mistletoe (Viscum album)

The Suit of Swords represents the element of Air which is equated with thoughts and ideas. Swords help us to identify and cut away that which no longer serves including false or illogical opinions we may unconsciously carry through past imprinting. Swords often depict a stormy path to self realization.

Numerically, Fives are a pivotal point, as they are found halfway between the numbers one and ten. Fives provide us an opportunity to choose, to change. Fives remind us to take a moment, check our map, and adapt or correct course as needed.  Fives are full of both adversity and possibility.

The Five of Swords is giving us a choice. At first glance, it appears that the central figure has triumphed over others, as either aggressor or oppressor. Exploring more deeply, however, we can see that the failure perceived in this card is in fact only found in the refusal to acknowledge lessons learned. Deciding to walk away from a battle we no longer need to fight is actually a great personal victory.

Today’s card suggests we would do well to adopt a new attitude or try going in a different direction, as the secondary figures in this card are doing. When we willingly accept self or external limitations with love and compassion rather than with castigation and self criticism, we can more readily leave behind the ego identity - who we think we need to be in order to feel safe - as represented by the remaining swords on the ground.

Mistletoe, a type of evergreen, is most famously known as a magickal herb  sacred to the Druids. Ceremoniously collected from Oak trees, it is used to dispel negative energy, provide protection, represent rebirth, and bring joy and good fortune. Today we associate Mistletoe with the Christian Winter Holidays for these reasons.

An old legend states that a God of Peace was slain by an arrow made of Mistletoe, and brought back to life by the Goddess of Love. Through this transformation, Mistletoe became associated with love, affection, devotion, passion, and sensuality in both amulets and potions. It is said that we still honor this ancient story with the tradition of sharing a kiss under the Mistletoe.

In more modern times, Mistletoe is used to foster witness consciousness, allowing us the ability to clearly and objectively observe our self and our situation. Medicinally, Mistletoe is listed as a nervine and an antispasmodic calming the nervous system and treating such convulsive disorders as epilepsy. Experimentally, and with the guidance of an experienced practitioner, Mistletoe is being explored as a possible treatment for various types of cancer.

Today’s card challenges us to guard against spinning our wheels, to stop turning anger or frustration against ourselves or our circumstance, to quit wasting our energy on a situation that is no longer tenable. Letting go of the need to “win” can bring us a healthier, increasingly realistic point of view which provides us the space needed to move forward on a more achievable path.

We always have the power of choice. Let us find fresh opportunity by acknowledging our own limitations. We each have them, after all. That is just reality. Turning away from an unhealthy struggle to find a simpler way, letting go of carefully cultivated but potentially damaging thoughts so we can see more clearly, therein lies strength and true progress.

Yet another call to practice self care! There is actually great freedom in accepting ourselves just as we are, without judgement. When we allow love rather than pride or self condemnation to be our guide, the way forward shifts from inner battle to child’s play.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Mistletoe Berries are extremely TOXIC. European and North American varieties have different properties. NEVER take Mistletoe internally without the guidance of an extremely experienced practitioner.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalance.*

Tarot deck : The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra LaC, and Candis Cantin Interpretation : Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

[modernmysticmaggie]

my spiritual compass spread for april ✨ #biddytarotplanner #tarotspread #herbaltarot (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvrpAJFjxcq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=519ragyqtmv5

[greywillow3]

Getting to know my new Herbal Tarot Deck...if you’re local you should go check out @curiocraftconjure #tarot #fullmoon #herbaltarot https://www.instagram.com/p/BqjPtt0hBfB865FYyxRrlaquhm4yUe6LD_Ts_c0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d2wovcbxxlrm

[thetreeswestofhere]

Had the distinct pleasure of getting a reading from this amazing woman tonight at @lovepotionperfumes event tonight. She's a trained herbalist who uses the Herbal tarot to tackle questions. We super duper clicked and I seriously want to be friends with her! We were taking a look at what it's going to be like for me heading back to work next week. Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. Ha!! Yup. Headed over to @clarysageherbarium tomorrow to check out her suggestions and get some support for myself. It's adventure time! #herbaltarot #amandamayther #clarysageherbarium #tarotreader

[wisechildposts]

#tarot #herbaltarot A little reading about my upcomming work weekend.

[cricketsings]

Card for Thursday, October 28th, 2021

Pan (XV in the Major Arcana) paired with Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Pan, most often represented by The Devil in standard, Christian influenced tarot decks, is a card of challenge.  This card demands that we recognize and accept all aspects of our nature: both light and dark. Either as The Devil, or Pan, the Greek God of fertility, this card advises us to connect honestly with our innermost selves in order to identify unconscious behaviors, self imposed limitations, blocked or repressed feelings of anxiety, depression, or worry.

Pan is, historically, a more fun-loving, free-spirited, sensual, nature based entity than The Devil although, with the advent of widespread Christianity, Pan’s traditional connection to humanity’s more instinctive physical urges, celebration, and positive sexuality became an unpopular platform within the stricter theology of the Christian Church. Eventually, Pan was banished to Hell where the Devil gradually began to be represented by Pan’s signature hooves and horns.

In reality, Pan, and indeed The Devil card as well, remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. We are the ones who bind and chain ourselves when we refuse to honor our shadow side and accept all of who we each are, without embellishment or judgement.  Pan offers the added suggestion that we cultivate our sense of humor about ourselves and release old information that has no basis in truth. We are being invited to be amused by ourselves, in a good way.

Lobelia is a stronger, bitter, neutral herb that gets things moving.  It is expectorant, antispasmodic, stimulating, and in larger doses, emetic  and will cause vomiting.  For this reason, always work with an experienced practitioner when considering Lobelia. Historically, Lobelia is known as a treatment for spasmodic lung conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It has reportedly  been used in various topical blends to provide relief from muscle spasms, strains, sprains, and bruises.

As an herbal or flower essence, Lobelia is said to be able to help us let go of self imposed limitations, assisting us in finding balance and thus, inner peace. It can be used to get the chi moving again, and bring a sense of calm, encouraging us to “lighten up” as we learn to work openly and honestly with our greatest adversary - ourselves - without being afraid.

Energetically, Lobelia removes blockages and brings “the breath of life”, that which flows through all living things on this planet. Breath is sacred, linking us to our physical bodies from first to last; Lobelia aids us in honoring this life force, reminding us we are not alone here.

Cultivating calm, peaceful, deep, steady respiration assists us in maintaining the natural connection to the flow of all physical life.  Lobelia relieves constriction and effects healing by realigning us with both breath and flow.  Challenges will still arise, but, when not blocked from within, will be easier to weather.

Pan knows well that we are all bound by the laws of nature, to the very core of our being, but that within this framework we are encouraged to feel free to be ourselves. Pan wants us to recognize the true facts of our lives and find the inherent tranquility, the relief, the simple joy, that honest self connection and personal validation bring.

This card underscores the need to examine our motivation for continuing to deny ourselves the love of self that is our birthright. We are being asked to stop punishing ourselves, or apologizing to others, for being exactly as we are. Our choice to continue to own and live out of this false information is what blocks and limits us.

Pan is here to gently but firmly push us back into the truth, the enduring flow, the balance of who we are, so we can break old patterns and learn to be more playful, more in tune, with the unfolding of physical life. Be the witness.

Today’s card sums up the messages we have been receiving for weeks:  connect with our inner self via open, harmonious circulation through both heart and mind; use balance and challenge to learn and grow, embrace your Shadow as you celebrate the small things, for they are actually of what life is made.  Things are what they are, but we get to choose HOW we dance with life.

A WORD OF CAUTION:  Use only in small amounts. If unsure,  please work with an experienced Practitioner as needed. Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalances.*

Tarot deck : The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra LaC, and Candis Cantin Interpretation : Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

[cricketsings]

Card for Saturday, November 27th, 2021

Strength (VIII card of the Major Arcana) paired with Cayenne (Capsicum annum)

The card of Strength reminds us to practice self discipline. Instinctive desires and wishes do not need to be denied, repressed, or "controlled”, rather we do best when we balance and integrate our individuality through self mastery.

The Strength card refers to our ability to overcome outer challenges by using our inner wisdom to guide us in wise ways. Our trust and confidence in ourself gives us each the strength to persevere. We can call on the harmonious powers and healing energies of love and spiritual fortitude to support us during times of strife or obstruction. While this does not change the situation we are in, coming from a position of Strength can help us feel more confident about our ability to weather a storm.

Cayenne, a stimulating warming herb, is primary useful to circulation and digestion. It is best known for breaking up internal stagnations and blockages. Cayenne can raise vitality,  spark the immune system, open the heart center, manage excess mucous conditions, and stem hemorrhaging.

Both a culinary and medicinal herb, Cayenne is said to activate inner immune reserves and has traditionally been used to help quell developing colds, flus, and fevers. It has also been documented to treat arthralgias, slowed circulation, and rheumatic conditions.

As an herbal or flower essence, Cayenne wakes us up to our personal power so that we can successfully overcome blocks, sluggishness, and fears in order to initiate and sustain emotional and spiritual development.  

Connect with your inner power, your love of self, your dynamism. Balancing courage and reason gives us the strength to push past all difficulties.  Using inner mobility and fortitude we can power through that which threatens to bind us.

The Universe is reminding us that we do have the strength, composure, and self discipline needed to get through the next period of time. Change, both inner and outer, continues. Breathe and call for what you need. Our internal fire and healing heart are our tools. Connect with The One, with perfect trust and love, and step into your Strength.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalances.*

Tarot deck : The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra LaC, and Candis Cantin Interpretation : Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

[cricketsings]

Card for Monday, October 11th, 2021

The Hermit (IX in the Major Arcana) paired with Licorice Root (Gyycyrrhiza glabra)

The Hermit, gazing into an uplifted orb,  is a card of contemplation, inviting us to withdraw, or create some distance from, the busy outer world so as to enter the quiet place within ourselves. It can be helpful to allow our minds to empty and our thoughts to clear, from time to time. Rest and solitude are imperative to recharging our batteries.

The Hermit is a lone Seeker, reflecting quietly on the long journey of Life. The Hermit has learned that the answers they seek can only be found within, not in the distracting busyness of the outer world. Being able to accept what is, exercising patience as time takes its inevitable course, and following the path of inner understanding are the gifts The Hermit brings to us today.

Licorice Root has a long history as a supportive herb.  Referred to as “the Grandfather of Chinese herbs”, Licorice Root is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to build chi and harmonize formulations.

This cooling, soothing, sweet, demulcent, nutrient-rich herb moistens the lungs and tissues, calms emotions, fortifies bones and muscles, and supports the organs that cleanse and detoxify our blood. As an herbal essence, Licorice Root is calmative, and can help us to gain compassionate detachment, especially during turbulent or difficult times.

Today’s card is a wonderful one upon which to meditate. It can be increasingly challenging to find any sort of inner peace and balance, of late; or to know what to say to others experiencing their own challenges and fears. We are being reminded here that we are in this for the long haul and the risk of burnout is high. Sitting quietly with ourselves, letting all our thoughts churn up then dissipate, can energize us and bring us a deeper sense of our true self.

Solitude, for we are each alone here together after all, allows us to reunite the scattered pieces of self into a harmonious whole again. All paths lead back to the One. Finding ours will ease the burden of the journey. We can best do this by becoming still and shining our light upon ourselves for a bit. Today’s Hermit encourages us to embrace our inner self and tend to our roots and foundations for soul searching is very necessary self care.

A WORD OF CAUTION; Licorice root is contraindicated in people with hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperglycemic conditions (elevated blood sugar, such as is found in diabetes mellitus), severe liver dysfunction (such as cirrhosis), conditions that involve water retention (such as kidney or heart disease), and should be avoided in pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is meant for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalances.*

Tarot deck : The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra LaC, and Candis Cantin Interpretation : Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS