Tarot Tuesday 11/29/16

Today's card drawn is the Ace of Cups.

The Ace of Cups is a very positive card!  Things will be looking up for you.  Generally, you will find that people respond to you with more happiness, love, and goodwill in the near future.  More than they usually do.

In work, this card can signify you are headed for a promotion or a new, better job.  If you are already employed, this card is telling you that people appreciate and value you.  Signs of this appreciation will be coming your way soon.  If you are looking for a job, keep on looking as the opportunities are there for you.  You just have to find them.

In regards to finances, this card is telling you that you will find opportunities to make extra money.  Again, if you are looking for a job, it looks like one will be coming your way.  There is also a chance that someone will gift you some money or that by some fortunate turn of events, some money will come your way.  This is something you can look forward to.

In regards to health, if you have not been feeling the best, look for this to improve.  Your health will take a turn for the better and you will feel healthier and have more energy.

Spiritually speaking, you may be feeling very connected to the divine and to your higher power.  It is important to give back some of the love you are experiencing.  Spend a little time quietly reflecting on the support you are given from the "other side".  That support is always there and all you have to do is seek it.

Witchy Wednesday

Happy Witchy Wednesday.  In the spirit of my sugar skull theme this week, I have pinned the sugar skull from a broken earring onto my safety pin.  This gives it a double meaning.  I am an ally to any marginalized groups and I encourage everyone to be themselves, however crazy and weird that might be.  Nobody can tell you what you should and should not be.  That's my lesson of the week.  You just keep on doing you as long as that means everyone else's rights are respected as well.

So today is all about sugar skulls.  Do you love them as much as I do?  I found several beautiful sugar skull jewelry items at this site Cafe Press. There are necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings.  I especially like the owl since I've been into Athena a bit lately, and also the Baron Samedi skull (with the top hat).  Enjoy looking at some of my favorites from that site and if you are so inclined, add a sugar skull charm to your safety pin or grab yourself a necklace, earrings or a ring.  In fact, I am needing a new ring and think one of the sugar skull ones from this site might just do the trick.

And here is the good Baron.  He'll help you cross over to the other side when the time comes.  He's a pretty good guy, really.

The necklace above is a Frida Kahlo sugar skull.  I love animal sugar skulls like the chihuahua and the owl.  Owls remind me of Athena these days, anyway, so I'm really liking them.

I encourage everyone to be themselves and protect each other.  We are going to need all the support and tolerance we can give and get.  Sugar skulls for all!!!  Stay witchy.

Tarot Tuesday, 11/22/16

Today's card drawn is the Nine of Swords.

Actually, the first card drawn was "The Hermit", but since I recently had pulled "The Hermit", I pulled a second card.  I will say that since "The Hermit" has come up again, it would be a good idea to go back and look at what message he is sending us.  It must be very important and still applicable.

The Nine of Swords is often a card of anxiety and fear.  How appropriate with the current state of our country.  Regardless of who you voted for, you can't deny that things are pretty bad right now.  From every angle and from all sides, there is hate, discrimination, anger, resentment, racism, sexism, religious zealots and even violence.  I'm not sure how it can be fixed, but I will do my part to spread more tolerance and acceptance. I know there is much anxiety and fear in our nation.  You can feel it in the air.

Let's see what this card is telling us today.  Look closely at what it is you are worried about.  Try not to blame other people or situations for how you are feeling.  When you feel your anxiety is out of control, focus on your breathing.  It will help you to feel more calm.

Much of what you might feel anxious or worried about could be under your control.  These are the easiest situations to address.  Look at what you can do to lessen the anxiety.  Could you be more prepared?  More organized?  Could you meet the situation head on and deal with it?  Remember, this, too, will pass.

If, however, you feel like other things or people in your life are contributing to the anxiety, take a good look to see if something in the situation or relationship can be changed to make it more workable for you.  Take comfort and joy in the ordinary things in life.  That's where the true beauty is. I don't know about you, but I get an energy "reload" from both nature and music.  Get outside and take a walk in the woods.  Let the trees give you the energy they so freely give.  Listen to a live concert, close your eyes and let the music do the same.

When you can't control what's happening around you, remember that it is important to do what makes YOU happy.  When you can't take care of others, take care of yourself.  Treat yourself.  Do what you enjoy doing.

Another thing to help alleviate the fear, worry and anxiety, is to learn to silence the "monkey mind". Usually when people can't sleep it's because their mind won't stop the internal chatter.  Those problems and situations from the day are still playing out in your head.  It's one of the hardest things to do, but figure out how to silence that noise in your head.  Meditation is a great way to deal with that.  Spend some time in silence each day.  Let the chatter come to the surface and then let it go until there is nothing left to chatter about.

In summary, the Nine of Swords is telling us to change what we can and when we can't change it, to change how we react to it.  You control your own happiness.  You alone.  Take care of you and make yourself happy.

Also, remember to go back and read what "The Hermit" has to say.  I believe that card was drawn on election day.  Hmmm.

Monday Musings

Yesterday, on social media, I was called out on a closed support page because my profile pic is of me in sugar skull makeup.  This particular individual had a real problem with me "appropriating" the culture from which "Dia de Los Muertos" comes from and considered my profile pic to be offensive.  This person was not even hispanic, but has a significant other who is.

I won't go into the details of that encounter, but to make a long story short, I contacted the admin of that page and the conversation was put to a stop quickly.  Thank goodness.  However, this has prompted me to address the concept of cultural appropriation a bit.

First, let me tell you how I view America.  I view America as a great melting pot of cultures, races, religions and fascinating people.  No two of us are just the same.  I feel like we should explore other cultures and if there is something about a culture that "speaks" to us, it is just fine to adopt that into your own culture in some way.  I see no problem with it.  Some of my ancestors came from Germany and I am just fine with anyone using anything from the German culture here in America.  What's that you say?  You like to have a pint of Guiness at the local Irish pub?  Go for it!  I don't even care if you wear green on St. Patrick's Day.  And by the way, some of my ancestors were Irish.

I feel like we need to be very careful when we start telling other people that they "can't" do something  or wear something because they are not of the heritage that something came from.  When we start saying that we open a very big can of worms.  How do we tell which is an appropriate culture to adapt and which is not?  How do we possibly figure that out?  And then do we discriminate against white people and say they can't enjoy sugar skull makeup or celebrate "Dia de los Muertos" because they are white?

Spiritually speaking, I observe spirituality in a rather eclectic way.  I was brought up Christian and had myself baptized in the Catholic church when I was 17.  The honoring of ancestors is something that really speaks to me.  It's a very personal thing.  Most days I wear at least one item of clothing or jewelry that is a skull or sugar skull.  People who know me have just come to accept me as I am and know this is a part of me.  The rest of my spiritual journey is a pretty fascinating thing, from my celebration of honoring our ancestors at the silent supper to the beliefs I have and the little rituals I perform. It is not me being racist towards the Hispanic community in any way.  I was pretty proud of that sugar skull makeup.  On November 2, I put it up as my profile pic again and haven't taken it down yet.  Now I just might not for a very long time.  Nobody "owns" the right to appreciate "Dia de Los Muertos", sugar skulls, or La Catrina.  I can celebrate it if I want to and I can choose to celebrate it in my own way if I want to.  "Freedom of Religion" tells us just that.

During the course of this online exchange, I was referred to as "white privileged".  Is that perhaps a bit racist in itself?  Does this other person discriminate against me because I am white?  White, maybe.  But hardly privileged.  I grew up poor and still struggle to make ends meet and raise our daughters with a rich musical background.  I make sacrifices so they can have great experiences and a good and cultured life.  Nothing has been handed to me and it hasn't been easy.  It has been wonderful, though, and I wouldn't change any of my life for anything.

If you have any thoughts on cultural appropriation, please feel free to comment in the comments section.  I'd love to hear from you.

Check back tomorrow when I draw a tarot card for Tarot Tuesday.  Peace.

Witchy Wednesday

Today my blog hit 5000 pageviews.  So exciting!

Today I looked up fashion and shopping sites that have to do with rebellion since that seems to be the "feel" of our country right now.  I found a great site called Rebel Circus.  The dresses on this site are wonderful.  I encourage you to check it out.  I'll share several that caught my eye, but there is so much more there.  Here goes!  Enjoy looking.








Pretty awesome, right?  Which are your favorites?  I really like the Victorian suit with tapestry jacket and the sugar skull mini dress, which I would probably wear as a tunic over slim pants. I also really love the fringy maxi dress.  Perfect for a witches' walk.  American Horror Story is on again tonight, but I am thinking there can't be many more episodes left as almost everyone is already dead.  That seems to be how that show usually goes.  But you know I'll be watching!!

Enjoy your witchy Wednesday, my friends!

Tarot Tuesday 11/15/16

Today's card drawn is the King of Pentacles.

The King of Pentacles is a card of authority, tradition, and success with money.  When the king appears, it is a message to follow the established way of doing things rather than to break away from tradition at this time.

This card is telling you that you need to be a good steward of your money, of your time, of your energies, and of your life. Manage your money wisely.  Save some time for yourself. Take care of yourself so that you will have more energy to give.

In regard to finances, this is an excellent card to be drawn today.  It is a sign that your finances could be improving soon if they are not already.  This is largely due to what you are doing to improve those matters.  Your efforts are paying off.
However, this is not the time for speculation with money matters.  It's okay to take a calculated risk or two, or to treat yourself to a couple of nice things, but don't get carried away. It is always a good idea to perform a random act of kindness or two.  What you put out there will come back to you eventually.  Treat money like an energy and make sure you have more coming into you than going away from you.

It is also a good time to turn to your spirituality.  You might have focused for many years on your material stability and finances and not given much thought to your spiritual side.  Now is the time to give it some thought and do some exploration.  Improving your spiritual life will also benefit your financial life, interestingly enough.

The King of Pentacles is a very positive card for today.  As the king himself sits on his throne, comfortable in his wealth and contemplating his existence and spiritual life, you will be able to experience this same relaxation and contemplation.

Stay positive.  Enjoy your Tuesday and check back for some witchy fashion tomorrow.

Witchy Wednesday

Today many of my friends are grieving for America.  And a few are happy.  That being said, you really need to look at some great gothic clothing today, the darker the better.

I found a site called mysticcrypt.com.  Super dark.  Super goth.  Perfect for a day like today.  Not only do they have some great dresses, skirts, shirts and jackets, they have zombie dolls, accessories, coffin boxes and all kinds of spooky stuff.  Check them out.








This is the "Dark Star" black corset shirt.


















I love the sleeves on this.  This is the spider web bell sleeved shirt.  Very dramatic.  Wear something underneath, though.

















They have some great skirts.  I especially like the purple and black one.











 

The dresses on this website are very dramatic.  Think "Morticia".























I love this itty bitty skull hat hair clip.

This is the steampunk skull box to put your hair clip in.  Love it!


















Knowing that colder weather is coming, I've been especially interested in jackets and coats.  This long velvet coat has a red lining.

So today don't despair.  Put on your darkest clothes instead.  There's a goth outfit for everything!!

Tarot Tuesday, 11/8/16, Election Day

Wow.  It's election day.  Good day for a Tarot draw.

Today's card drawn is "The Hermit".

I may have mentioned this before, but I am in love with Cat Rocketship's tarot cards.  Her deck is not complete, but when possible, the image I will share of the card of the day will be from her deck.  We are in luck today, as "The Hermit" card is one she has completed.

"The Hermit" is a card of spirituality.  Appropriate for an election day?  I think so.  This card often has to do with institutions and large organizations, government offices, even the entire Christian Church.  If you are an atheist, it still represents spirituality, so whatever "spirit" means to you, that is the meaning this card should take.

It would be helpful for you to take a little time to yourself to clear your head.  Even just a five minute walk can be helpful.  Appropriately enough on election day, this card is also very much about "doing the right thing".  Doing the right thing requires a clear head.  In this case, make sure that "doing the right thing"includes doing what is right for you personally and that you are not just worrying about the wants and needs of others.

Regarding finances, it is a good time to be conservative.  In health matters, a healthy ritual would be a good idea.  If you are experiencing any health problems, they could be more of an indication of a general life/mind problem, rather than an actual physical one.  Sometimes those problems manifest in the body.  Take care of yourself.

It is very likely that a spiritual teacher or mentor could come into your life at this point.  This person  might not seem like a "teacher", but you will still learn from him/her on several levels.  You might feel the need to withdraw from ordinary life to a degree.  Honor that need and know that it is only temporary.  Soon you will be feeling more social again, so don't push yourself to be around other people right now if you don't really want to be.

Honoring yourself spiritually will result in you emerging from this month feeling refreshed and renewed.  You will once again be ready to tackle what ordinary life brings you and will be able to face it with a rejuvenated outlook.

Have you voted yet?  I will vote right after school today.  Whoever you are voting for, make sure you DO vote!!  May tomorrow arrive with a new and competent leader for America.

Witchy Wednesday

Happy "Dia de los Muertos".

Well, Halloween has come and gone and at this point, the picture to the right is pretty much how I feel. From the late nights reading fortunes in the gypsy wagon, to the weekend at "Valley Scare", to the 2nd annual "Cedar Valley Silent Supper" and finally, Halloween night itself, I am one exhausted witch.  I still have to take down the Halloween decorations in the yard and put away the decor from the silent supper (it's still mostly in my van).  That's what this coming weekend is for.

Today I was looking for witchy Autumn clothing.  I found a great site called Artka at alliexpress.com.  Browsing through this site was a good reminder for me that "witchy" doesn't always have to be black.  The rich fabrics and colors are just beautiful.  This is clothing that takes you someplace else.  Some are gypsy inspired, making me think of the gypsy wagon. Others are more romantic, classic or bohemian.  I will share several of the gorgeous dresses from this site.  The prices are moderate, ranging from $20 - $100.

First, we are going to need a cloak for the upcoming fall/winter weather, and this one is perfect.  It also comes in black.

Now, enjoy the lovely dresses and skirts.

How many of these could you picture yourself wearing?  If you're like me, the answer would be all of them!  If you like what you see here, head on over to the Artka at aliexpress site.  There's a lot more there!

I'll be watching "American Horror Story" again tonight.  It's so delightfully weird.  I'll also be figuring out ways to let a little of  "Halloween" last all year long.  Enjoy your Witchy Wednesday Day of the Dead.  Take the time to remember your ancestors and leave a soul cake out for someone special.