Pre-Pathfinder Reading for Celia, Space Archaeologist Hacker ft. the Starchild Akashic Tarot
Companion Music: Black Sheep - Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Soundtrack
Energy: Two of Wands - Even as you are about to meet your “past”, you’re looking beyond it/him. This was never your end game, just a small (and, granted, important) part of the story.
Challenge: Six of Crystals - “You will see the one you are looking for, but whether or not you can do anything for him I cannot say.” Yeah, that’s right, the actual prophecy from Catrin, Furthest Seer of the Order of Imminent Dawn. Time to figure out if you can or cannot.
Advice: Page of Swords - Use your words with care. Be clever, but also sincere. Be the messages you wish to impart.
Shadow: Ten of Cups - Look, being so in tune with your past is only a problem if you let it rule your present. It’s alright to have these mixed feelings from Che and Nyima’s experiences with Odysseus/Otrin/O-whatever, but you’re not living their lives right now. The best self you can be right now is YOU.
Pre-Pathfinder Reading for Celia, Space Archaeologist Hacker ft. the Starchild Akashic Tarot ( & Bonus Guest Reading for Otrin/Odysseus ft. the Elder Futhark Runes)
Special Notes:
Tonight’s reading is done using my original “Leadership Wheel” spread, which I used to use for monthly readings for my patrons on patreon. It’s probably my second favorite original spread after the Gunslinger.
MORE EXCITINGLY: There’s a bonus guest reading at the end of this, from the Dungeon Master of the campaign for Otrin/Odysseus using elder futhark runes. I was asked to post it with Celia’s reading this week and I am beyond thrilled to comply.
Since this will be very long I am putting the readings proper under a cut.
Companion Music: Hello My Old Heart - The Oh Hellos, Natasha and Andrie’s Waltz - Martin Phipps, Celia and Oliver - Patrick Doyle, Nothing to Forgive - John Lunn
North/Warrior (where can you take charge/responsibility?): The Star - You’ve quite literally got Alpha’s light inside you, and it is (to some degree) within in your control when you use it.
This is also a card of hope, which is a very dangerous and beautiful little word. It’s an act of bravery, I think, to keep hoping for things to work out. Be deliberate with how you use the power of your own star. To be a light that other people can follow is a big responsibility-- but perhaps one you should consider.
East/Visionary (where are your ideas expanding and changing?) : The Emperor - Let’s face it, dearest, you’ve always been a bit of a rebel. We have two spirited past lives with which to confirm this to various degrees. Rules, order... never been your thing. Yet here you are, defending some kind of order. It may just be that you have room in you for character growth yet. And if you do, yeah, maybe some other folks do to.
Speaking of, yes, I realize this card can stand for a person. But I don’t see any Emperors in this room so shut up.
South/Nurturer (how can you care for/help yourself and others?) : Two of Wands - Plan for tomorrow and make that vision as real for yourself and others as possible. It’s time to stop thinking so fatalistically, you’ve made it this far for a reason and it’s up to you to carry forward and be a beacon for yourself and your companions. (It’s almost a shame you’re not a real bard.)
West/Strategist (where do you need to mind the details?): Transformation - I think we both know exactly what this means so I am not going to spell it out for you.
Center/Sage (how can you stay centered?) : Page of Crystals - Darling, do what you do best. Be curious, investigate. Maybe a little reckless, but also determined to get to the bottom and the top of all the facts. This is the card of a student who has their boots on the ground, they live their studies-- which is everything you’ve always been. You’re going to be more than fine. You are enough.
ON TO THE BONUS READING!
Song: Johnny Cash, Hurt
The Pinwheel - Samsara
To be read in a clockwise fashion...
First Arm - The Past, Questions
Gebo - Gift
There was once a balance, but that balance has tipped. Do we right the ship, or let it sink? Is our method worth an unpredictable outcome? Do we make the sacrifice, or have we failed to trust in our friends? Have we separated ourselves for too long? Have we failed to seek the wisdom of our allies? Have we failed to listen? Have we not accepted what we have been gifted?
Kenaz - Beacon
A light in the dark arrives, to guide and warn us. For too long, we have shied from light. We have blocked out all thoughts but our own, and pain has dulled our senses. Do we turn our gaze to the light? Or have we already lost all hope?
Algiz - Elk
We built barriers, sheltered ourselves from all things in order to overcome our pain. Should we continue to deflect and defend? Or should we open up, and allow the light to pierce our bastion? We sought one goal alone, and burned all that stood in our way. Was that goal a lie all along?
The Second Arm - The Future, Answers
Hagalaz - Hail
Moving forward will be difficult. No matter the path we tread, bad luck will be sure to follow. The road ahead is long and dark and filled with storms, but we must find the strength to walk it.
Perthro - Dice Cup
We do not have all the answers. Yet the curtains will be drawn in time, and when the veil is lifted we will know the truth. A decision must be made, and unknowns are not to be trusted. A light must be cast upon the darkness, here and now.
Ehwaz - Horse
There will be a change. Our dogged, restless task- perhaps even our wandering- will be at an end. A destiny awaits us, and there will be no running from it this time.
The Lynchpin - That Which Holds It All Together
Ansuz - Odin
The world tree. Odin. As we continue, we must consider all things with a clear mind. Careful thought and consideration, after listening to all the advice of others. We must steel ourselves for what is to come. We must be watchful, we must be wary, for this is not a single end nor a thousand beginnings. Keep one eye open, gaze ahead- while the other eye remains to watch the shadows.
Notes: This arrangement was created by me on the spot. I wanted one with seven runes, for significance, so that was how I did it. I drew seven at random all at once from a bag and laid them all out one by one, starting with Gebo at the top and going clockwise around, until finally placing Ansuz at the center. This was an extremely lucky pull- is that wrong, to call it luck? I don't do this often. I was surprised to pull not only Kenaz, Algiz, and Perthro- all very interesting pulls when dealing with this Pathfinder campaign (Algiz for more of an inside joke reason) but of course the Ansuz pull was incredibly surprising, and has quite a bit of significance. The meaning behind the arrangement itself came about after as I drew together the meanings of each individual rune. I've always been drawn to the concept of infinity, and I'd like to think of this arrangement as something that continues to circle back on itself.
I laid the runes out without paying attention to whether they were reversed or not, and when I did the interpretation of them I likewise read with both regular and reversed in mind.
Pre-Pathfinder Reading for Celia, Space Archaeologist Hacker ft. the Starchild Akashic Tarot
Companion Music: Are You Out There - Dar Williams (the first song to ever make the Celia playlist, actually)
Energy: Knight of Swords - It’s time to be fast, cunning, and cutting-- but you’re not quite feeling it. Funny that. Usually this knight is depicted in motion, much like yourself, but here they are still. They stare into the light, pondering-- a thoughtfulness lighting up their own head. Just remember, time doesn’t always slow down with you.
Challenge: King of Swords - You’re going to have to draw and enforce some lines, you have a responsibility to others to consider here. Like... a galaxy of others. This may mean calling out your own bullshit as well as kicking the ass of those who threaten your corner of sky.
Advice: Nine of Cups - Emotional tides do not have to pull you under. You’ve never really been one to resist a temptation, and this is often a card associated with intoxication-- but like the Knight of Swords, this one is a bit different. Instead of getting caught in the undertow, center yourself. Walk on the water. You don’t have to be the chaos you feel.
Shadow: Knight of Cups - Ah, here’s the water we’re talking about. Another “left of center” depiction, the grail knight isn’t holding their prize, but walking away from it. They look back with a pained expression, either regret or displeasure. You’ve been a seeker for so long, and while you’ve questioned your motives along the way there’s nothing quite like finding your grail isn’t what you thought it would be. It doesn’t complete you, does it? Answers just lead to more questions and you may never be satisfied.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t do some good in the meantime, don’t let this stop you.
Pre-Pathfinder Reading for Celia, Space Archaeologist Hacker ft. the Starchild Akashic Tarot (and a one card cameo from the Linestrider Tarot)
Companion Music: You - dodie, Leave A Trace - CHVRCHES
I decided to switch things up and use my old Gunslinger spread for Celia today, since I wanted to get clear on what she’s about as much as where she’s headed and needs to do. So let’s dive in, this one’s going to be a bit much:
Issuing Your Challenge: Nine of Wands - You would love to be as ready to defend what you are doing as some of your companions are. Truth is, your resolve has been wavering for awhile. You want to hold the line, but you’re also worried that in your weariness you already crossed it yourself.
Ten Paces: Two of Crystals - You’re still wavering on what is this you. All your mental effort is really on staying balanced, never mind where you’re tottering off to in the meantime.
Stand-Off: Nine of Swords - (What’s with the Nines? It’s almost like you’re approaching the end of something.) Your fears and your anxieties are your best allies right now. Lean into that a little more. Sometimes we feel the urge to be cautious for a reason.
Taking Aim: Queen of Wands - You know, for someone who is supposed to be so very driven and independent and sovereign... the Queen of Wands is not often depicted alone. She’s got at least one dark animal with her at all times.
And, like, I am generally against reading court cards as people. Just as a rule. But I am getting an Irkalla vibe here. And her hound(s). And her “champion.”
Pulling the Trigger: Knight of Pentacles - We’re just challenging all my “I don’t read court cards as people” things today. He’s making things difficult. Not who he is now, I think we can acknowledge that he’s not the same person any more either, but who he was. You have emotions at play here that aren’t even yours, it’s a weird cocktail and no one can really blame you for feeling less than certain.
BANG!: Two of Swords - Oh darling, you can’t defend your side if you haven’t chosen one yet. Heed the red flags, the fears that keep cropping up and playing with your mind. You’re scared for a reason. Other people are scared for you for a reason. Let that shit guide you.
Gunslinger: Ace of Pentacles - It’s up to you to forge your own new path. No one is going to do that for you. You’ve got potential, but you need to make your choice and walk the road you chose. That’s even more important than holding the line.
Pre-Shadowrun Reading for Cipher, a Sick Decker ft. the Neon Moon Tarot
Keeping with the one-card readings for Cipher, they seem to be more effective. Shadowrun isn’t built for the same level of introspection as, say, Pathfinder.
The Hierophant
Are you ready to pursue some Big Knowings? Just remember, when in pursuit of secrets there are generally some interesting/big personalities attached.
Pre-Shadowrun Reading for Cipher, a Sick Decker ft. the Neon Moon Tarot
Companion Music: Cool - West Side Story
It’s going to be more of a mini-session tonight, and Cipher has something very specific to address... so I figured it was a good time for a one card wonder.
Executive of Vials
If you can’t keep yourself under control what good are you to anyone?
Breathe deep and get your head back in the game. Panic will do you no good, no matter how much you’d like to just explode everything you are thinking and feeling right this second. Sip your mental cup of tea with a heaping spoonful of calm. We’ll go from there.
Pre-Shadowrun Reading for Cipher, a Sick Decker ft. the Neon Moon Tarot
Energy: Ten of Vials - So, being called ‘Angel’ feels good, huh? The team is starting to feel like family. That’s not something you’ve felt a lot of before.
Challenge: The Empress - It’s time to grow up, kiddo. Put on your game-face and level up.
Advice: Six of Vials - You can’t move forward until you make some sort of peace with your past. Or at least own that there was something good there.
Shadow: Three of Wires - You’d love to just focus on the decking, I know. Plan and attack. But there’s more to it than that and you’re going to have to deal with some of this interpersonal communications stuff first.
