Visions of Venus

Tarot | Divination | Witchcraft

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The Wheel of Fortune can be a bit of an unsettling card to some, bringing up a feeling of powerlessness when confronted with the vast and unsympathetic force of fate. A sense of chaos pervades for some, when in reality everything around us is truly alive with meaning. We are generally just too close to the canvas to see the grand design. 

The ups and downs of life occur within this framework. The cycles of transformation that occur in our daily lives are a reflection of universal law, and apart of what unites us all. The Wheel is a reminder that although the reality of death, whether literal or symbolic, cannot be escaped, we can take comfort in knowing that all that dies will be reborn in some way. 

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Judgement speaks of the destruction of falsehoods that cloud our perceptions, as shown by the death of the figures in the card. It focuses, however, on them rising from their graves in a miraculous scene of resurrection, rejoicing in their new knowledge of the wonder of the universe. This is because during the journey through the tarot the true self does not die, only the parts of ourselves that blind us do, and in the process we are restored to full sight.

The souls depicted in the card are answering the powerful divine call to awaken and join The World in its dance, giving them the strength to rise from their graves. They cannot argue with or deny their call to return to their rightful position of oneness with spirit. By achieving unity with the true self and the soul through self knowledge, we can achieve unity with the universe. This call comes as a deep, unshakeable, and powerful knowing, and we must answer it in order to complete our soul’s journey.

When Judgement comes up in a reading, you may find yourself at a crossroads. Rather than being unsure of which path to take, however, you already know exactly where to go. This knowing goes against all logic. You have no idea what this unknown path leads to. Perhaps the alternative choice even seems to be superior. But somehow, you just know which way is right for you, and there is nothing that can convince you otherwise. Listen to this call and trust your instincts, for it is aligning you with the needs of your soul on its journey toward advancement.

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Salamander Symbolism and the King of Wands

The salamander is the elemental spirit of fire. Not to be confused with the cute little amphibian, these are spiritual beings who are born from and made of flames, they represent the purest form of the element. Salamanders are pictured all over the King's robe, indicating his mastery of the element and his close allyship with the salamander.

In alchemy, salamanders are linked to the concepts of transformation, death and rebirth, and purification. Think of the way that fire has the ability to burn away the old and make space for the new to be born from the ashes. In fact, I recently learned that some forest fires, and I don't mean the devastating human made ones, I mean the small naturally fires that happen in some ecosystems, literally do cause different nutrients such as potassium and nitrogen to be introduced to the soil, boosting fertilization. This is not to mention burning away dead debris that may be blocking new growth, and this type of function exactly reflects the transformative aspect of fire. 

This is the type of destructive yet regenerative energy that is governed by the salamander, and enacted by the King of Wands, who at his best leads by destroying that which does not align with the highest good. The King is concerned, obviously, with leadership, and he leads with the fiery passion and endless energy toward action gifted to him by the salamander, who grant him the spark of divine inspiration that carries him forward in his ambitions. 

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The Sun is a messenger of joy, happiness, and above all, authenticity. It represents the divine source of energy that we all come from and remain connected to. As such, it signifies our soul, and the truest version of ourselves. The Sun is about expressing our inner selves in the most genuine way possible. Notice that the child pictured in the card sits naked and exposed, arms spread out, opening to and absorbing the Sun’s rays. The child’s nakedness is liberating rather than shameful, and it meets the Sun’s warmth with trust rather than fear. 

We can view The Sun as a powerful invitation to find strength and freedom in the vulnerability that comes with expressing our true selves. It speaks to the joy of being you and allowing your inner light to shine. We cannot find true happiness when we repress the needs and the messages of our soul. When we are really in sync with ourselves and the universe at large, The Sun may appear to let us know that we are on the right track. The Sun can also reference a spiritual experience of feeling the connection between oneself and the divine. Perhaps you are awakening to your own inner power and your connection to the universe, or it is time for you to do so. 

The decision to depict the figure in the card as a young child, perhaps even an infant, points to the fact that we cannot truly connect with the energy of The Sun when we are burdened by the weight of our previous experiences and the ways that they, along with the dictates of society, have shaped us over time. We must face the world unjaded and open, seeing with the eyes of a child. 

Whenever we encounter The Sun, it is in the querent’s best interest to tune into and trust their inner voice, and to express it outwardly. Perhaps it is time to start that new creative outlet you have been thinking about, finally express your truth to a friend, or start therapy to improve your confidence. Remember that when we honor the deepest parts of ourselves, nothing can cause us to stray from our path. 

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The Six of Pentacles appears as a welcome sight following the desolation of the 5 of Pentacles. Generosity, philanthropy, charity - regardless of what you may choose to call it, help has arrived for the figures in need. The two less fortunate souls are pictured kneeling with hands outstretched to collect the coins being carefully measured out by the merchant. There are times when we must all be open to accepting the help of others on our journey. No one can make it in this world alone, and if we close ourselves off from occasional assistance from others due to pride or embarrassment, we limit our opportunities for growth, and the manifestation of our goals into real life through the suit of Pentacles will be stunted. This does not apply only to material assistance. If we are able to set aside our ego and ask for directions when we are lost, we will undoubtedly find our paths in life easier to navigate and open ourselves to the unique gifts others may have for us, be it material or spiritual. 

That being said, like all things in the tarot, the blessings of this card come with a shadow aspect to be aware of. The merchant stands above the beggars, demonstrating his hierarchical position above them. There can be no question that what we are viewing is an unequal exchange. While the men below may be the ones receiving, it is the merchant who is in a position of power. He gives, but in a controlled way. He never gives so much that his own status will be lessened, or that the status of the beggars will truly improve. Instead, the beggars become reliant on his assistance, and the merchant utilizes their dependence to solidify his power. He gives in such a way that ensures that the status quo will be maintained, and the merchant will be viewed as generous by all. Be wary of the way that cycles of perpetual giving and receiving can subtly create and reinforce oppressive power dynamics. 

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Full Moon in Scorpio Reading

What needs to be transformed in the collective?

The Devil 

For most people, the concept of The Devil most likely brings to mind a malevolent external entity that pushes for it’s own agenda at any cost. Many believe that we can avoid The Devil by living a virtuous life far from it’s influence while remaining perpetually fearful of it’s potential power over us. The truth, however, is that The Devil exists in all of us in the form of our shadow selves. It is the manifestation of our trauma, fear, secrets, and animalistic instincts. When we try to flee and hide from The Devil, we only exhaust ourselves and find ourselves utterly defeated by it, consumed by our own darkness. This is because when we spend all of our lives trying to deny it’s presence within us, we give The Devil even more power and space within our psyche. Our shadow grows louder and more desperate for acknowledgement when we pretend not to hear it, like a beast within us that demands our attention or else it will wreak havoc. We must allow our shadow to step into the light on occasion, but the key lesson of The Devil is that this does not need to be in a toxic, uncontrolled, or explosive manner. Our shadow truly only wants to be accepted and expressed. If we are able to realize that we are the ones who hold the power, we can give our shadow self boundaries to express itself through love, art, and healing, thus transforming The Devil and liberating ourselves from its chains. 

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Humans have long seen a connection between the stars and our own experience, inspiring countless individuals to explore the celestial realms that exist both within and without themselves. This is because the stars serve as a map of cosmic energies that are reflected in nature as well as our individual and collective psyches. If we view the land pictured in The Star tarot card as the earthly realm governed by the Pentacles and the water as the emotional realm governed by the Cups, we can view her pouring as indicative that she has achieved a harmonious flow between her inner and outer worlds.

The Star is straddling the worlds between the archetypes of the High Priestess and the Empress cards by taking the deep spiritual insight of the High Priestess and the tangible creative power of the Empress, and synthesizing the lessons of the two into a grounded spiritual practice. Her ability to integrate these dual energies is a way for her to harness the healing power of the alchemical wisdom that “as above, so below”.

The maiden appears naked and surrounded by the night sky, showing her connection with and acceptance of herself as a part of the natural world, as well as her newfound humility and vulnerability following the cataclysmic events of the Tower. Once we are able to maintain an intuitive awareness of the interconnectedness of all things and the way that we reflect the cosmos, we begin a healing journey toward greater trust and freedom. 

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Our society tends to view personal strength and the ability to repress one’s emotions as one in the same. We receive messages every day that say that the more we focus on holding in the raw and “animalistic” parts of ourselves, the stronger we are. We view vulnerability as a weakness and go to great lengths to avoid it so that we may remain comfortable. The tarot’s Strength card, however, tells us that true strength comes from vulnerability and the ability to face our subconscious, or what some may call our shadow selves or our id, with acceptance and serenity. If we feel shame about unconscious selves, our feelings, and our impulses, we will never be able to demonstrate true strength of character. The Strength card encourages us to release our emotions, fears, and insecurities with a grace that can only come from true self-love and acceptance. 

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Pick a card for a special message from the universe today! 💫🔮🌜

If you selected the first card, your card is the 8 of Wands. You have a great deal of forward moving energy toward achieving your goals right now! This is your message that conditions are right to finally do that thing that you have been dreaming of and preparing for. You have been gaining momentum in an area you are very passionate about and have poured a lot of energy into, and the universe is supporting you in your efforts. Things will be happening very quickly for you now, so be ready to make your move. 

If you selected the second card, you are the Chariot. You are also working with a theme of momentum today. However, while the 8 of Wands is speaking of a type of universal energy that supports the querent, The Chariot is more like charging forward and accomplishing a goal due to the force of your own willpower. It is about showing how resilient and resolute you can be in pursuit of something important to you, and empowers you to charge forward, shifting your own reality. Know that you have the power to seriously make things happen in your life right now! 

If you chose the third card, you got the Ace of Wands. This is a card that signifies the beginning of a new journey through the Wands - a suit of passion, creativity, and life giving energy. You are currently brimming with inspiration and may have a new project or idea that you are captivated by. Your message today is that it is time to release the well of inspiration contained within you, and throw yourself whole-heartedly into your passion. Anything that you earnestly put your fiery energy behind right now will have a very positive and expansive effect, both on you and the collective. 

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The Hermit's lantern beams into the darkness as he fixes his gaze steadily upon it. We can imagine that this light never flickers or fades, instead burning brightly into eternity. This is because this lantern does not contain simple fire, but rather the physical manifestation of his individual soul, unique and radiant in it's brightness. 

The Hermit is guided by his own inner light, and his isolation facilitates his focus, for there is no way for him to distinguish his own flame from that of others and the artificial light of society without first stepping into blackness. Each person holds a spark of divinity that is uniquely ours and cannot be borrowed or projected onto us. This is because each person's journey and purpose is unique. While they may intersect at times, at the end of the day, we are all responsible for illuminating our own paths. 

If we trust him to guide us during our time spent walking in his footsteps by heeding his example of focusing inward in our search for light, the Hermit will share his wisdom with us. This wise old one shows us how to light our own soul on fire and harness it’s flame. He teaches us to hold and remain connected to it, tending lovingly to this beacon of spirit as it allows us to walk unafraid. 

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Weekly Forecast 5/5 - 5/12 🌜💫

Energy of the Week - The Devil

Events of the week - 10 of swords

Advice - 9 of cups

This will be a week all about releasing that which binds you and holds you back. You may find that certain negative aspects of your life, karmic contracts with people, and habits may be put under pressure to be dissolved or dismantled. It is a time for shadow work, and if you do find that something is coming up for you this week, whether it is a trauma that needs to be healed, a situation that needs to be changed, or a relationship that needs to end, this is your message that it is time to let go. The chains that are holding you are simply imaginary and make you a prisoner of your own shadow. It is time to walk away from the things in your life that drain and restrict you in order to journey through the rest of the path of the Major Arcana unencumbered.

Be sure to balance your shadow work with a practice of gratitude, appreciating the gifts and support that you have in your life. Protect your peace, and set healthy boundaries with others. Celebrate your growth and how far you have come, and reap the benefits of this effort. It is only through a place of gratitude that we are able to truly enjoy the fruits of our labor and the wonderful gifts given to us by the universe. As your gratitude grows, so will your prosperity.

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The Queen of Wands sits as the counterpoint of the King of Wands, reflecting a more nurturing and internalized aspect of the element of fire. While the King may possess the raw power and force of a raging wildfire, the Queen represents the life-giving element of a controlled blaze. The king is the uncontrolled aspect of fire that burns us, whereas the Queen sustains us, cooking our food and keeping us warm. The King spreads his vision in a forceful and authoritarian manner that destroys old paradigms, while the Queen spreads hers by sharing her warmth with you, filling you with inspiration and transforming the way that you see things. She lights a spark within us, filling us with the passion and energy needed to move forward. She is that which gives new life to the phoenix after it has been burnt to ash, and the alchemizing force that turns one substance into another. Embody the energy of the Queen of Wands today by considering the things that light your own internal spark, and allowing the flame that grows to fuel your spiritual growth and transform your life.

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A beautiful Beltane to all! In true tarot form, today’s pull could not have been more fitting. The Ace of Cups represents the most fundamental expression of the suit of Cups and it's corresponding element of water. This card represents an awakening of our emotional and spiritual landscapes. It is the river as it flows, relentless and alive, over unmoving hills and valleys. If we apply this concept to the watery aspects of our psyche, it illustrates the rich nature of our emotional experience that comes from the way that our feelings both shape and respond to the surrounding environment. Like the river, the Ace of Cups is a powerful force - think of the overwhelming intensity and state of emotional ecstasy that can surround new love. It must be allowed to flow freely and be expressed with sincerity. It is a time to allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to healing.

Today is a day to appreciate all of the ways that your cup is overflowing, and to embrace a sense of abundance - not in terms of the material, but rather an abundance of love and creative energy. It is easy to think of today as “just a fertility holiday”, but fertility is about so much more than biological reproduction. It is also about the power to breathe new life into your existence through love. The energy of the Ace of Cups is carried by the falling rain that nourishes the soil from which new life is born - there are many things in life that begin not with a thought, but with a feeling. It is the love flowing freely in the Ace of Cups that begets creation.

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Pick a Tarot Card 4/29

Today I want you to select a number between 1 and 3, and whichever number you choose will correspond with a tarot card that holds a special message for you about where you are at in life at the present moment.

1. The Magician

Right now you are at the peak of your personal power, and brimming with creative energy. You have the power to manifest anything that you want. So, it is important to remember that your words, thoughts, and intentions may be extra powerful right now. If there are any new endeavors you have been considering, now is the time to take action. Work with this energy by realizing that you truly have the will and the tools you need to make magick happen in your life. 

2. Page of Swords

Right now you are intellectually sharp, curious, and thirsty for knowledge. You may have began a new intellectual pursuit, which could be anything from a class to a book or a topic you have been researching. You may also be beginning to explore a new idea and how it applies to you in a more personal or philosophical way. Work with this energy by spending time developing and stimulating your mind and communicating your ideas. You have a lot of great things to share right now, and will receive a ton of inspiration and insight from talking or writing about what is on your mind. 

3. 9 of Cups

The 9 of cups indicates that you are experiencing a state of emotional satisfaction and fulfilment. It is possible that you feel a wish has been granted, and you are now able to truly relax and enjoy your life. This is a card of comfort and relief after the emotional turmoil of the earlier cups cards. Work with this energy by practicing gratitude and sharing your emotional prosperity with others. 

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Tarot Pull of the Day: 5 of Pentacles

The energy of today may have you feeling left out in the cold, much like the figures depicted in the 5 of Pentacles. A sense of isolation pervades, and you may lack external support with seemingly no way out. This suffering may feel all-consuming and deeply destabilizing. The most important aspect of this card, however, is the church in the background of the image, looming over the heads of the poor souls depicted in the card, who are too gripped by their misfortune to notice or take heed of it. Alternatively, it may indicate a conscious choice not to enter due to a sense that the suffering may be deserved, unavoidable, or even necessary. Thus, while their circumstances may indeed be dire, the reality is that their suffering is at least partly self-inflicted, whether through ignorance or martyrdom. 

When we are too caught up in our feelings of despair and isolation, we become cut off from spiritual truth, and fall off the path to salvation. In other words, wallowing in self-pity lowers your vibration to the point where you can no longer fully connect on a spiritual level. The best way to work with this energy is to focus on processing and understanding your emotions rather than getting caught in negative thought loops and emotional spirals. Dive deep into what you can learn from your current situation, and get honest with yourself about how you may be contributing to it yourself. Seek solace in spirituality and in your community, and you may find that the path to stability may already be accessible to you. Lead with trust, and your perseverance will lead to resilience and spiritual growth. Allow the light of the universe to guide you, and you will emerge stronger than ever before. 

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The Magician sits as the first official numbered card of the Major Arcana. He is the beginning, the point of creation. He is the natural evolution of The Fool, who has developed from blissful ignorance into conscious awareness as the direct result of his experiences so far. Rather than being blind to the ways that he can influence his own destiny, wandering from circumstance to circumstance at the whim of external forces, The Magician is well aware of the power that he possesses, and he knows how to use it. 

The Magician holds a wand pointing straight up at the sky while the other hand points downward toward the earth. His wand, a representation of dynamic, active fire energy, serves as a conduit through which he receives his power in the form of divine inspiration. His hand pointing downward toward the earth represents his remaining grounded on the physical plane and acting in order to bring his ideas and his desires into fruition. 

The groundedness of The Magician in the physical realm is further represented by the presence of the symbols of the four suits of the Minor Arcana. If we think of the suits as corresponding with the elements of nature, we can see how their depiction indicates The Magician’s use and mastery of their power in his own magic. 

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It is undeniable that sexual and romantic love can be a deeply sacred experience. It serves as a glimpse into the wonders of the universe and our potential for ecstasy, and while this may be a fleeting experience, it plants the seeds that will later grow into spiritual transcendence. We experience a sort of partial ego death that propels us into a sense of eternal oneness with the divine. In releasing the ego, even for a moment, we transcend our isolation in a way that we could not possibly alone. Every time we merge spiritually with a loved one, whether it be theough sexual or other ways, we are becoming a living embodiment of the union between humanity and the universe.