A Tarot Check-In

Every time a New Moon approaches I treat it as a mini-New Year.  A new Lunar Month presents a new cycle of manifestation and release, a new chance to make changes in our own paths.  This is also where I tend to utilize Tarot and Astrology the  most in my daily life, especially if I'm running low on energies and can't do anything more ornate.

Every night before the New Moon, after reading other bloggers' takes on the astrological energies infused in the cosmic occasion, I lay out my cleansed tarot deck, and deal out my cards to match the spread I use.  Those cards stay unflipped overnight, and then I turn them over the following morning to take notes.  I leave those cards exposed until the Full Moon night, so it's like a little daily reminder of the lessons I have to learn.

Rinse-repeat for the Full Moon, until the next New Moon night. You get the gist *wink*.

*Note* the deck I use for my personal self-reflection is the Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn- which is certainly not an easy deck to just pick up and learn due to its depths in a Hermetic Order- so the Titles, astrological placements, meanings, etc. are not always going to match up to the 'usual' RWS deck traditions.

​I also allow the position of a given card in a spread to determine whether or not I read it as a reversal- so if a spread calls for exposed a blocked energy [as the New Moon spread does in spot #2] then that one I automatically reverse.

Speaking of spreads: My spreads for the New/Full Moon come from Samantha of Escaping Stars and her site provides a wide variety of spreads for use.  A great resource to have!

New Moon in Virgo [Sept 30/Oct 1]

• Where am I in my life right now?
  • 7 of SWORDS - Lord of Futility/Unstable Effort.  Moon in Aquarius.
    Your battles have been valiant, but now you're at risk of swinging blindly just because you  refuse to go into the night quietly.  You are determined to dispel the veils of deceit by any means necessary.
    
• What is blocking me from growing/what do I need to need behind?
  • REVERSED PRINCE of PENTACLES - The Chariot of Earth.  The Air of Earth.
    Sure you have a goal ahead of you, but you're dragging your feet to its completion.  You need to strike a better balance with progress and perfection, and not allow stubbornness to grind you to a halt.
    
• What intentions should I set in order for me to grow?
  • 4 OF CHALICES - Lord of Luxury/Blended Pleasures.  Moon in Cancer.
    "I work to gain a stability in my life that is both authentic and sustainable."  The first brushes of what seems like the luxury you want will be fleeting and illusory, so don't be conned.
    
• What Knowledge do I need to gain to aid in the cultivation of my intentions?
  • 3 OF WANDS - Lord of Virtue/Established Strength.  Sun in Aries.
    Accept the responsibility of your station- you have the passion, the inspiration and the drive- and you can see the completed dream ahead.  Go forth!
    
• What positive energies will emerge during this phase?
  • 7 OF PENTACLES - Lord of Failure/Unfulfilled Successes.  Saturn in Taurus.
    You will learn patience.  For if you act too quickly and rush to grab what isn't meant to be obtained at this time- or be tricked with the false glitters of luxury mentioned in the 4 of Chalices- you will fall into ruin.  So yes, you path will be long.  And you will feel the pangs of impatience.  But it's best to observe, and learn, and reflect, and wait.  When the time is right, the harvest will be glorious.
    

---

 Timing-wise, this spread took place upon the start of a training course related to the creation of this blog.  So this reading was a great mix of encouragement and warning!  The 7 of Swords though is still throwing me through a loop, haha.  I think it's picking up the residuals of the last Lunar Month, where I was dealing with complications in immigration paperwork.  Definitely much feistier lol. 

Also not surprising, this was a pretty Earth-centric spread, with my dominiant planet Saturn making his presence know on the most importance card.  My Virgo Moon appreciates the practicality of this result!

---

Full Moon In Aries [Oct 15/16]

• Where are you in your life right now?
  • THE HERMIT - Virgo.  Saturn in Aquarius.
    You've been listening intently, but to to a tune that only you can hear.  Even when the world is loud and raucous you've been able to seek the beauty of your inner self, and gain deeper understanding of your Self.  At first glance your separation seems cruel and isolating, but there's no doubting how much you have learned, or how you have found peace.
• How do you project yourself to the world?  What is the truth of your relationships in your life?
  • 2 OF CHALICES - LORD OF LOVE.  Venus in Cancer.
    You ooze harmony and unity, flowing easily with love and able to mirror the needs of those around you.  You are the yin to a person's yang, or vice versa when needed.
• What is blocking your desires and goals?
  • REVERSED QUEEN OF WANDS. Throne of Fire.  Fire of Water.
    Your warmth and grace comes packing heat- quite literally.  You hold grudges and you hold them well, so sometimes your tolerance evaporates under your passion under the smallest infraction.
• What do you need to do to overcome those obstacles?
  • 10 OF PENTACLES - LORD OF WEALTH.  Mercury in Virgo
    Eye on the prize- this is all for the security your seek, one that can be marked as a true manifestation of your earthly gifts as well as provide for you the financial stability that has long been elusive.
• What can you do within yourself to help achieve those desires?
  • THE MOON - Pisces.  Moon in Scorpio
    Do not be afraid to go deeper into your Shadow.  Take the lessons you have learned and really embrace the shadow work you began earlier this year.  The light can only be appreciated after some time in the dark.
• What can you learn from the outside world/others to help you manifest your desires?
  • ACE OF SWORDS - THE ROOT OF AIR.  Gemini - Libra - Aquarius.
    This is the stroke of logical inspiration, so surround yourself with like minds also starting out.  Those who can fuel your quest for knowledge and discernment without dragging your spirits down but still willing to keep you on your toes and your mind sharp are the best voices to seek out in your endeavours.
• Your projected outcome.
  • 6 OF PENTACLES - LORD OF SUCCESS/MATERIAL SUCCESSES.  Moon in Taurus.
    If all goes well, you would have learned from all your trials and your triumphs.  You are appreciative of the ground you've gained and the battles fought to attain it, and thus you enjoy the fruits of your labours without taking any of it for granted, or seeing potential setbacks as devastating losses.  A balance has been struck in your comfort and security and you are happiest for it all.

Just like the New Moon reading, there is a lot here that was just on the nose- especially the appearance of the Hermit and the Moon, with the magic/writing-oriented classes I've been taking as of late.  With the approaching end of my current living situation, I'm looking forward to the attainment of physical security the 6 + 10 of Pentacles point towards as well.

This spread erred more on the Air side elementally, but there is still a heavy dose of Water and Earth in the mix too.  I always seem to be short on Fire when I do my readings, haha.

---

Alright, this was definitely a long one, so if you stuck through the end, I appreciate your time!  Let's do this again next New Moon *wink*.