Tarot Tantilization

I am seeking guidance.

As someone who has spent a lot of time reading about tarot and speaking with friends who are tarot readers, but hasn't yet purchased a deck of my own, I am looking for a little help. 

Many of the more traditional decks I have seen have not wholly appealed to me. The Rider-Waite for example does not seem to capture my imagination. 

However, since reading so many of your wonderful blogs about the subject, I have discovered two decks which I find stunningly beautiful and whose images seem to make a lot of sense to me. 

The Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

The Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza

I was hoping that some of you kind people who have a bit more expertise than me could offer me some additional wisdom. Would you recommend either of these decks? What are the strengths of each? Do you have a preference between the two and, if so, can you explain why? 

If I can't make a decision soon I'll just have to buy both!

Blessings and thanks. 

Rune of the week

Odal - The Rune of Hearth and Home

This rune's name translates as 'home' or 'hereditary land' and so its meaning is focussed on the hearth, homestead, inheritance and familial possessions. Benefit through birthright or inheritance is the most obvious outcome this rune is suggesting if it falls like this one. It is worth remembering, however, that as well as fixed possessions one inherits characteristics from family and it may be a sign that a temperament or trait borne down through generations is due to surface.

With such focus on the family and inheritance, the rune also reminds the reader that these aspects of life for prior generations were the most valued. Loyalty to the ancestral line, the importance of the home and a united family's strength are all professed via this rune.

For the questions that the reader has, the rune could be suggesting that they should seek guidance from those they trust and re-evaluate their priorities by considering the importance of home and family. Before taking risks or making decisions, all these aspects must be taken into consideration and an objective must then be fixed firmly in mind.

If the rune has fallen in 'reverse' (upside down), it suggests a worthless inheritance or lack of forethought leading to costly consequences; if it falls 'converse' (face down) it suggests that an apparently worthless inheritance has hidden value or the honest and true path is being obscured.

Rune of the week

Tiw (Tyr): The Warrior's Rune

Named after the Norse god of war, Tiw, this rune represents courage, compassion and conflict. Today, this is more likely to mean a battle of principles or intellect, frequently referring to legislation, rather than the physical battles this rune's origins depict. Psychologically this rune can also represent determination or male sexuality so a personal interpretation would very much depend upon the question asked.

If you consider the shape of this rune, interpretation becomes both logical and instinctive: a forward facing arrow (much like the one in the image) would guide the reader to move forward with determination and courage; a reverse arrow, pointing towards the reader could either advise caution or suggest an aversion towards conflict - the reader would be guided to work towards overcoming shyness; an arrow which lies face down (converse) suggests the need to uncover hidden talents of leadership or the possibility of finding a courageous leader in unexpected parties. 

As Tiw was also god of justice and regulation of law, this rune reminds the caster that the truth will always out and justice will always be done; having the courage of your convictions and moving forwards with honesty to oneself and others will lead to victory in all endeavours. 

Rune of the week

Jera: the Rune of Success.

Its literal translation is ‘year’ and this rune’s message is one of rewards reaped from seeds sown. The symbol acts as a reminder of the cyclical and interlinked nature of the wheel of the year and the fact that hard work inevitably produces a harvest.

Usually a very positive rune, it implies a project will come to fruition, goals will be achieved or a profit will be made. As it represents the cycle of the seasons, it also suggests change and progress but as with all ‘cause and effect’ situations, the outcome can sometimes be a negative one. If a course of action has been unfair or harmful to others, it can represent justice and punishment rather than reward.

This rune can similarly serve as a reminder that, while we should be joyous in celebrating the fruits of our labour, we must not forget that the cycle is never-ending; complacency would lead us to a winter without stores. Just as we would conserve part of our harvest for the colder months, so too should we conserve our energy and the wisdom we have gathered for the challenges ahead. Jera symbolises life being a series of twists and turns – a goal achieved should not be regarded as an end point, but rather another step along the journey.

If Jera falls face down (converse), it suggests that rewards must be rooted out and talents may be hidden. If you take the time to look inwards, you may just unearth the key to your success.

Rune of the week

Although I don’t often use tools for divination, preferring to focus my craft on visualisation and healing using herbs, candles and crystals, a friend blessed me with a beautiful set of runes carved in pieces of amethyst. Occasionally, I will have a particular question that I wish for a little help with, and I will cast the runes for inspiration and guidance. I do not consider this practice as one which presents ‘the answer’: I often find, however, that the process of thinking through the various aspects that the runes ‘suggest’ will help me come to a decision.

I was not planning to do a reading today, although there is a significant question about the next steps on my path which has recently come to the forefront of my mind. As if reminding me that they are there to help, my little velvet pouch of runes came tumbling out of my desk drawer as I was searching for a notebook. Five of the stones spilled onto the floor and I took it as a sign that these particular runes could offer guidance with my question.

My favourite rune was the first to present itself and it is the meaning of this one I will share with you today.

Gyfu (or gebo) : The literal translation of this letter is ‘gift’.  It is an auspicious rune, representing love, partnership, forgiveness and gifts (meaning either presents, windfalls or abilities and skills).

This rune advises the reader to show compassion, declare love without fear and embrace the gifts of partnership.  As forgiveness is perhaps the greatest and most difficult of gifts to give or receive, the rune reminds us that true union cannot exist without it. Any gift presents the individual with the choice to accept or reject: if you accept you must be prepared to give in return.  Furthermore, the rune encourages the reader to be discriminate in giving; you must decide when and to whom it is suitable to give.

If this rune lands face down, it advises to think twice about romance and partnerships as gifts which are presented may not be what they seem.