#tarotdailydraw

[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

[atiredwitchx]

✨Card of the Day!✨ . In reverse, Judgement calls for you to look within yourself. Often, we live our lives without introspection, and it can take somebody else to look at us and help us see where we are going wrong. It can help to practice this yourself. Sometimes, you know you are doing something morally wrong, but you ignore it. In the long run, this will not benefit anybody, especially you. To grow as a person, you need to account for your infractions on the universe. Judge yourself before others. None of us can act as the bastion for the moral right, but we can keep improving ourselves, and keep helping others to improve. . Also, I tried to change up the color feel on my feed and I hate it so were back to the drawing board- thanks for pretending we liked that filter change- we all know it wasn’t the business. . //tarot deck: @lovelyomenstarot // . · · • • • ✤ • • • · · Don’t forget to check my FAQs reel on profile, for info on the decks I own, their artists and otherwise. Tired Witch blog in bio! Twitter: tiredxwitch · · • • • ✤ • • • · · Want to book a distance reading, or shop some of my oils, salts, etc? Follow the link in my bio to my shop! . . . . . . #witch #witchy #witchcraft #witchythings #witchesofinstagram #witch🔮 #witchery #tarot #tarotcard #tarotcards #tarotreading #tarotdaily #cardoftheday #tarotdailydraw #divination #lovelyomenstarot #witchessociety #thewitchyclub #salemsouls #judgementtarot #altar #cauldron #occult #pagan #pagansofinstagram #paganwitch #spirituality https://www.instagram.com/p/B2KHpJQnYWI/?igshid=xcguqeiyja5u

[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 Saturday, October 9th, 2021

Six of Swords paired with Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

The Suit of Swords represents the element of Air, which is equated with thoughts and ideas. Swords also cut away that which no longer serves as well as false or illogical opinions we may unconsciously create through our previous imprinting. Swords often depict a stormy path to self realization.

Esoterically, six is said to be a number of harmony, balance, and equilibrium. A six pointed star is made up of two triangles, one pointing up to the heavens, the other down to the physical realm symbolizing the inherent balance in “as Above, so Below”. The sixth chakra is the Third Eye, which allows us to both look Within and to see things Without - or outside of ourselves - through a different lens, which is timely as we come out of the shadow of Wednesday’s New Moon.

The Six of Swords, yet another card of balance, is a “perspective matters” card; a mix of serenity and strife. On one side of the boat pictured in today’s card, the water is placid, calm, peaceful. On the other we see waves, active seas, motion. Separating them is the boat itself, carrying six swords - perfectly poisitioned despite the challenging passage - and heading into either sunset (the ending of a cycle) or sunrise (the beginning of a new level of experience or understanding); we are not entirely sure.

The meaning of the Six of Swords depends completely upon your perspective. The gift of the Six of Swords is that a new or changing point-of-view or cycle is on the horizon. The challenge of the Six of Swords is to trust that this change involves moving away from difficulties or confusion towards a more clear-cut future, one which can bring us a measure of peace. It is our perspective that determines the character of the seas we travel.

We do need to have a certain willingness to drop old thoughts and problems so that we can make room to welcome fresh insights. Change shakes things up, but not all change is bad. Indeed, it is far more detrimental to have no change, than too much. Just because we feel unsure and off balance, does not mean change is unhealthy. It may very well be our mindset, our context, our thoughts or feelings about our thoughts and feelings, that is causing us discomfort, not the actual change itself.

Vervain - most commonly referred to as Blue Vervain- is another of the time honored “official” herbs as noted by the word “officinalis” in its botanical name. It has a long history of both medicinal and esoteric importance.

Described as cold and bitter, Vervain is used to support the liver, the spleen, the kidneys, and the nervous system. It is said to break up congestion in various chronic conditions including hepatitis, liver related jaundice, and delayed, painful, or irregular menses, and to increase the flow of milk in breast feeding mothers. As a diaphoretic, Vervain is useful, in formulation with other herbs, for treating colds and flu as it relieves fevers through sweating. Topically, as an ointment, poultice or wash, it can help to quell acute pain caused by bruises and sprains.

Vervain has been used by many religious and spiritual sects over the millennia in rituals of sanctification, purification,  and protection. Energetically, Vervain is said to break up “congested thinking” thus allowing for the flow of new ideas. In this way it acts on the nervous system as a calmative, for a clearer mind always makes it easier to focus, ground, and center, and is especially useful when processing new information.

Today’s card can be seen as a helpful reminder. Yes, vast change is happening, both within and without, for all of us, as individuals and as a society. Yes, change can be off-putting, anxiety producing, even paralyzing if we let it.  But, change also brings opportunity: the chance to gain closure as we move forward, to release tension, strain, “should have’s” we perhaps did not even realize we were carrying. Change is ripe with potential. It is up to us to relax so that we can successfully ride the waves. Perhaps, we are even the ones making those waves. You never know.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Vervain is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its being a uterine stimulant.

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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 Wednesday, April 28th, 2021

The Fool (Zero in the Major Arcana) paired with Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

The Fool, an androgynous figure in most decks, represents our innermost True Self. Guided by the heart, by absolute trust in The Divine, The Fool innocently steps onto the path of Life, not knowing, nor caring, where it will take them. Even if it is off a cliff, tumbling through the physical world of lessons and experiences, The Fool - calm, detached, enjoying the ride - proceeds and perseveres.

It is said that The Fool is the one who is journeying through the Tarot deck, much like our sojourn through life: having adventures, accumulating wisdom and knowledge, learning lessons, achieving goals, changing course. That we, each in our own physical life, are The Fool, finding our way.

The Fool reminds us to drop attachment and live in the moment, for we are all children of the Universe, held in perfect space, as we wander this physical life, just as we are meant to do. In their bundle, The Fool carries all that is needed: bits and pieces from The Ancestors, from previous lives, from cosmic memory.

Being the number Zero, The Fool is free of self-imposed restrictions and is always open to change and inspiration. Inverted, The Fool invites us to survey our inner landscape, not judging, not challenging ourselves, just watching, at home with who we already are. Sometimes we need to stop and remind ourselves we are actually Limitless, Boundless, Adventurous, Immortal.  

I feel that The Fool card helps us to put everything on pause for a moment - like leveling up in a game - and take stock: of ourselves, our situation at hand, our self talk. We are exactly where we are meant to be; even when something seems overwhelming or undesirable, it actually is not.

I do not say this lightly. If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, sit with that. Give yourself the permission, the absolute right, to feel exactly the way you do. You don’t have to add extra feelings about your feelings, or thoughts about your thoughts, or guilt about your guilt to your guilt. Instead let yourself be completely in whatever moment you are having right now and honor yourself for coping. That is the gift of The Fool.

Today's Plant Spirit Guide, Ginseng, is a tonic herb that is said to provide pure motivation and creative energy. Its wonderful root often resembles the human figure standing upright, arms outstretched.

Historically, Ginseng has been used by all cultures. There are many different types of Ginseng, found on almost all the continents, with similar properties. Often referred to as an Adaptogen, Ginseng is used to nourish the body, support immunity, strengthen the lungs, and promote longevity. Traditionally, Ginseng is valued as both food and medicine, bringing physical and creative energy as a daily tea or in broths and stews.

Bring to your awareness that which calms and energizes you:  the relaxing sound of rain falling, the incredible sight of a sunset, the  beautiful smell of a wood fire, the cozy feel of your blanket fort, the wonderful taste of a favored food, the comfort of routine or mundane chores. If these are memories and not your current reality, meditate on the feeling those simple moments brought to you, then surround yourself with that for a bit.

Give yourself permission to take a break from the World, from worry, from struggle, and just be, today. Let The Fool, inverted, lead the way and guide you back to, forward to, onward to, your next level of understanding on your Path.

The Cards are continuously reminding us, of late, that we are Divine Beings having a physical experience.  Despite the chaos, the drama of this physical plane, there is always reason to hope.  The Fool shows up on occasion to remind us to make time to check back in with ourselves. Full stop into stillness as you renew your Call to the Ancestors, the Angels, the Spirit Guides, The One, to hold and support you through life's tangled turns.

It bears repeating: All is as it should be, and we are where we are meant to be. I feel like The Fool shows up just when we need them to, gives us pause, then dances on through the next sequence of cards. Our life is a story we each tell about ourself, *to* ourself. Make your story one you enjoy hearing. The outline may be set for you, but within those borders you have all the power.

———————————— *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.*

**I was taught to read inverted cards as an invitation to go within, to apply the lessons of the card to our inner landscape, but not in a negative way. The more we remember to support our inner selves, the more we will have to offer in the outer world.**

[cricketsings]

Card for Saturday, June 5th, 2021

The Star (XVII in the Major Arcana) paired with Skullcap (Scutellaria latifolia)

As we start our next chapter with The Fool, today we are shown a young woman dressed in both red and blue, seated quietly on the Earth in the beauty of the woods, night sky glowing, beside running waters, watching as if to observe what flows by.

The Star is a wonderful card of Hope, Renewal, and Transformation.  Numerically following the lightening flash of inspiration that the Tower brings in the tarot deck, The Star offers us Illumination so that we may each See. This card reminds us to seek and trust our own inner wisdom, for it is from within that the Voice of Spirit guides each of us. Faith is essential in times of challenge. The Star provides a light by which we may steer, a bit of magick to keep us going.

Skullcap, a tonic nervine, is said to calm the mind and the heart. Skullcap "brings sweetness to bitter times", calling to us to relax in order to better connect with the expansive, flowing movement of the Sacred Force of Life.

Soothing and comforting, Skullcap can assist us in healing a wounded heart, bringing us back into balance, making whole the fragments of our psyche. To achieve this we must, as the figure in the card suggests, sit quietly with ourselves, following the breath, allowing tension to dissipate, redirecting attention as needed, finding ways - even or especially if it is a blanket fort today -  to reawaken our own sense of peace. This is a gift of Skullcap.

We are being prompted to stay connected with Spirit, to practice the eternal meditation of service to the heart that underscores all of life. The Star calls attention to the importance of hope, the need for optimism in the face of extended obstacles and worriment. The image of the Star brings to us the light needed to keep going during difficult times, the awareness that, thanks to the renewal that is the one constant in life, we can re-inspire our sense of purpose, large or small.

I do not say any of this lightly. Be in your heart and remember to breathe. Alter what you choose to focus on for a bit, if needed; small gratitudes in the moment make an excellent distraction. Do something completely random that grounds you for it is always useful to recharge our batteries. Allow magick to flow into your life as you continue your journey. Give yourself permission to be totally in the moment, pouring out any frustrations you may have. Pay attention to your dreams and open yourself to receiving answers from the Divine.

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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.*

[cricketsings]

Card for Saturday, May 15th, 2021

Eight of Swords, inverted paired with Black Cohosh (Cimifuga racemosa)

Swords are the Suit of Air, which is equated with thoughts and ideas. Swords cut away that which does not serve, that which is often unconsciously created by our inner attitudes, in the search for Truth. Swords may depict a stormy path to self realization. Inverted, Swords can exemplify our thoughts about our thoughts.

Eight is a number of balance and harmony; laid on its side, it becomes the symbol for infinity. With that we can ask ourselves: are we feeling a sense of a coming to completion, things wrapping around full circle, to begin again, at a deeper level, as we gain more understanding, or does it feel as if we are trapped, spinning our wheels, unable to move?

In today’s card, we see a person bound and blind-folded, but in no actual danger. This figure appears to be waiting, patiently, for something to change. The blindfold, limiting access to external stimuli, allows the figure to better go within, granting maximum connection to inner resources. If things are not moving forward, if we feel stuck, it may be time to see if we are carrying around any mental concepts that bind us.

Black Cohosh traditionally has a much prized history on multiple continents, primarily as Women’s Health herb. It is also considered to be an antispasmodic and a nervine in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Black Cohosh has been used for centuries to manage pain and spasm in both menses and childbirth, to soothe the nerves which tones and benefits the entire body, and to treat various chronic pain issues such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Spiritually and emotionally, Black Cohosh can assist one to relax and reconnect with a sense of internal peace. A calmer state of mind, the release of anxieties and self-imposed, outdated mental concepts that bind us, opens the way for positive change. Black Cohosh flower essence is valued for its ability to help with transitions, and is used to support one during death, as well as birth. Encouraging flow from the 1st to the 7th chakra, Black Cohosh connects the whole being, both physically and spiritually, to ground us, even as it allows us to reach higher.

As the Universe keeps reminding us, in order to move forward we may first need to re-examine old patterns, drop any fears that threaten to paralyze us, and be present, in the moment, to adequately address current concerns. Connecting to our inner quietude opens us to the way forward. This is a card of patiently waiting, of remembering to put our ducks in a row, before we act.

It seems, of late, we have been gifted many cards of searching, of reviewing our connection to Spirit, of re-evaluating how we think and feel about ourselves. As has been previously noted, a good beginning makes for a better creation.

The foundations of all that we thought we knew, in the physical world, seem to be crumbling more each day. There is a definite need to find ways to relax, be calm and stay present. Focus on finding ways to speak up and speak out about current circumstances and events, either personal or within your community, without feeling as if you are wasting your time or draining your energy.  Access and honor the stillness within as you regroup in a positive way and pull your strength from there. Practice being clear of mind, so that when it is your turn to do something you will be ready and able.

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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.*

**I was taught to read inverted cards as an invitation to go within, to apply the lessons of the card to our inner landscape, but not in a negative way. The more we remember to support our inner selves, the more we will have to offer in the outer world.**