Autumn Equinox – Embracing The Dark Season

A friend of mine told me recently that she found the transition from summer to autumn hard.

The falling leaves make her feel depressed, and she was dreading the unavoidable approach of the long cold winter months ahead.

To a certain degree I understand her sentiment, but once you consciously decide to tune in and embrace the light and dark of all the seasons, you discover the magic and beauty of all of them.

Just like the trees shed their leaves in the autumn, so can we shed old stuff that is holding us back.

The shedding of leaves is preparation for new life and growth in spring, and we can do the same in order to pave the way for new experiences and growth.

Today is Virgo’s (The Hermit) last day in the sun until Libra (Justice) takes over tomorrow.

Over the past four weeks, the influence of the Hermit's energy has guided us inward, urging self-reflection and exploration. 

This period has inspired us to identify new skills to develop and knowledge to acquire, paving the way to transform these insights into wisdom that will not only enrich our own lives but also serve others meaningfully in the future

The New Moon in Libra tomorrow invokes the energies of Justice, encouraging us to create and appreciate harmony in life, especially in relationships, including friendships that need building and nurturing.

So there is much we can do, and the approaching darkness will help us focus on what we need to do including planning and implementing.

Perhaps today at the time of the Autumn Equinox, or over the coming weeks until Samhain, you may want to consult the Tarot to explore some of the following questions to help you gain focus and direction:

1.What is holding me back right now that I need to let go of?

At this time of year with the energies of Libra/Justice, explore your options rather than making a decision. It’s about weighing up the pros and cons, so you can make your final decision by Samhain (31 October).

2. What new skills do I need to learn to help me reach my goals?

Depending on the card/s you draw, these could relate to

• leadership and creativity (fire, wands),
• emotions and relationships (water, cups),
• mental challenges and conflict resolving (air, swords), or
• hands-on practical skills and money management (earth, pentacles)

3. What can I do to strengthen my relationships with people that are important to me?

Remember that important people in your life are not restricted to your partner or close family, but also extended family, friends, co-workers, professional networks… Explore how you can build bridges, overcome conflict, encourage solidarity and teamwork, bring people closer together etc.

And here are a few other practical ideas to get you started:

• make a to-do list
• declutter your bookshelf to make room for new knowledge
• network with people and see what you can do for them
• when it comes to friendships, it’s not about quantity but quality. Only two genuine friends are worth more than a large bunch of acquaintances, who don’t care about you.
• get your finances in order
• avoid drama and the people creating it
• enrol on a course

Wishing you a Happy Equinox and a magical autumn season ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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How To Make Your Own Rune Set

Would you like to learn more about runes and how to read them?

In this article, I'm showing you how you can easily make your own rune set and start learning the basics.

One of the tasks of the 30 day divination picture challenge I recently participated in was to write my name in runes.

That challenge reminded me of a fun workshop I enjoyed at a TABI conference many years ago, in which we created our own rune set on paper cards, and it also reminded me that I always wanted to learn more about runes.

If you feel the same and are curious about runes, you can make your own card set before you spend money on ready-made runes or rune decks.

Materials you will need:

• 200gsm heavy cardstock
• ruler
• ballpoint pen
• colour pens
• scissors (or guillotine paper cutter)

Instructions:

Cut the cardstock into 24 card squares measuring 55 x 55 mm. You can use ruler and scissors or a guillotine paper cutter.

Then fill out each card as per image on the left:

• rune in the centre with a colour pen
• name of the rune underneath
• corresponding alphabet letter in the bottom left-hand corner
• its symbolic meaning in the bottom right-hand corner
• divinatory meaning at the top

Scroll down for full list of runes and their meanings.

If you feel adventurous, you can choose more expensive card stock, glitter pens and stickers to make your rune set more special.

If you want to use coloured or patterned card stock, make sure it is white on one side, so you can write on it.

You can increase the size of each rune card (perhaps to the size of a standard Tarot card), if you want to add more information or illustration.

Once you have completed your rune set, you can start getting to know the runes by spreading out your set face down and picking one each day as a special message.

For more information about runes, try the following websites:

1. Divination using Runes

2. Futhark – Rune Meanings

Divinatory Meanings:

Fehu Frey - Cattle - Wealth, Energy, Mother Rune

Uruz Power - Wild Ox - Power, Creative Force, Health, Strength

Thurisaz Thor - Thorn, Giant - Protection, Irritation, Polarity, Regeneration

Ansuz Odin - God - Ancestors, Inspiration, Wisdom

Raido - Wheel - Journey, Growth, Rhythm, Solar Chariot

Kenaz - Torch, Fire - Clarity, Illumination, Knowledge

Gebo - Gift - Love, Sharing, Divine Interaction

Wunjo - Joy - Harmony, Contentment, Kinship, Heritage

Hagalaz - Hail, Air - Change, Transformation, Crisis, Egg of Life

Nauthiz (Nied) - Need - Necessity, Friction, Shadow, Distress, Recognition, Self-Reliance

Isa - Ice - Stasis, Blockage, Cosmic Coherence

Jera - Year, Earth - Harvest, Reward, Good Timing, Cycles, Right Action

Eihwaz - Yew, Horse - Protection, Endurance, Relationships, Twin Gods

Perthro - Hearth, Lot Cup - Risk, Gamble, Fun, Divination, Primal Law

Algiz (Elhaz) - Elk - Protection, Sanctuary, Awakening, Connection to Spirit

Sowulo - Sun - Hope, Warmth, Success, Wheel of Power, Thunderbolt

Teiwaz (Tir) Tyr - Victory - Justice, Analysis, Masculine Gods, Warrior Rune

Berkana (Beorc) - Birth - Fertility, Liberation, Earth Mother

Ehwaz - Two Horses - Harmony, Trust, Journey

Mannaz - Man - Community, Awareness, Order, Divine Union, Manifestation

Laguz - Lake, Water - Flow, Life, Vitality, Unconscious, Fertility, Renewal

Inguz (Ingwaz) - Fertility - True Love, Passion, Gestation, Growth, Music, Harmony

Othila (Othel) - Property - Home, Economy, Ancestral, Inheritance

Dagaz - Dawn, Day - Coming into Light, Intuition, Light Within

This is all the information you need to make a start. Please do let me know, how you get on. I'd love to hear from you.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Tarot Readings - Asking The Right Questions

 

When clients approach me for a reading, they are often tempted to ask questions like

• When will I find new love?
• When will I get a new job?
• Does he still love me?
• What does the future have in store for me?
• Will my business be successful? etc...

Although I don't rephrase questions and aim to answer them as best as possible, I also include some additional insight clients may not have thought about, which are meant to provide opportunities for personal development and growth.

It is important to ask the right questions, which put you in control and empower you. Strive to "know thyself" with the help of Tarot.

Through self-exploration you will find the answers within you rather than hoping to find them elsewhere.

"An empowered life begins with serious personal questions about oneself. Those answers bare the seeds of success." - Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

Here are some personal questions you can explore with the Tarot, which you can also adapt to a specific issue:

• "Who am I?"
• "What do I need?"
• "How do I function best?"
• "How can I achieve my dreams?"
• "How can I fulfil my potential?"
• "What are my strengths and weaknesses?"
• "What is blocking me?"
• "What do I need to pay attention to at this moment in time?"
• "What do I have to give?"
• "How can I help and support others?"
• "What’s the next step I can take right now?"

Self-inquiries like these help you

• stay true to your values and principles
• pursue your dreams and desires
• take responsibility and make the most of what life throws at you
• recover from setbacks
• grow through challenges and adversity
• set and maintain healthy boundaries
• learn from your mistakes
• accept and embrace change with confidence and resilience
• add value to others and the world around you

"At the end of the day, the questions we ask of ourselves determine the type of people that we will become." - Leo Babauta

The right question should encourage you to take action rather than sitting back waiting for something to happen or surrendering to fate.

The right question should also discourage you from regarding yourself as a victim, and instead inspire you to step into your power in order to heal from any negative experiences.

For more information on asking the right questions, you can also check out relevant posts here and on my journal blog.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Meaning Of The Pages in the Tarot

The Pages in the Tarot are the children of the court card family.

They symbolise new beginnings, inexperience, youth (and the young at heart), enthusiasm, playfulness, naivety, curiosity, immaturity and potential.

They are similar to the Aces, but whereas the Aces represent the purest energy and root of their suit, which can turn into anything, the Pages are trying to get a handle on the energy of their particular suit.

For example, in the Pentacles suit, the Ace might symbolize an opportunity for money coming your way (without specifying how), while the Page would represent efforts to make more money, learn a new skill, or find a new job.

Unlike Aces, Pages also tend to indicate personality traits and more practical advice, which is reflected in their association with the element Earth.

Astrologically, just like the Aces, the Pages are also each assigned to a mix of zodiac signs indicating their individual traits and potential.

Pages can represent people, events (often appearing as messengers), energies surrounding a situation or personality traits.

For my Tarot deck, I have chosen flowers to represent the Pages to symbolise their link to the element Earth. Also I feel that flowers express the fragile nature and vulnerability of the Pages.

The Page of Wands is a red poppy. The red poppy is a bold, vibrant flower first appearing in Spring, which is the season linked to the suit of Wands based on the Golden Dawn tradition.

In magickal tradition, the red poppy symbolises creativity and imagination.

In the blandness of a wheat field, poppies stand out with their bright red colour, which represents the personality of the Page of Wands - confident, energetic, courageous, a bit noisy, seeking attention.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Shining Flame; the Rose of the Palace of Fire; Princess and Empress of Salamanders

Astrological attribution: Cancer, Leo and Virgo

Elemental association: Fire of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Energetic, eager, sociable, fun loving, restless, creative, courageous. Can be impulsive, reckless; sometimes finding it hard to concentrate and focus; short attention span; over-confident.

The quote chosen for the Page of Wands reflects her pioneering urge to explore new territory, get-up-and-go attitude and love for adventures.

The Page of Cups is a water lily. The water lily is an elegant and fragrant flower growing in still waters in temperate and tropical places around the world.

Water lilies flower in the Summer months here in the Northern Hemisphere, the season linked to the suit of Cups in the Golden Dawn tradition.

Water lilies are associated with spiritual enlightenment and symbolise purity, pleasure, peace, celebration and sexuality.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Waters; the Lotus of the Palace of the Floods; Princess and Empress of Nymphs and Undines

Astrological attribution: Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius

Elemental association: Water of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Sensitive, gentle, shy, quiet, artistic, dreamy, introvert, affectionate, loving, intuitive. Can be over-emotional at times, vulnerable, gullible and escapist.

The quote chosen for the Page of Cups reflects her urge to explore the emotional realm and trying to make sense of the vast array of mixed and confusing feelings and emotions.

The Page of Swords is a Dandelion. The yellow flower of the Dandelion transforms into a seed ball that blows into the air.

Dandelion grows from Spring right through to late Autumn, the season linked to the suit of Swords.

It is often regarded as a weed due to its profusion, but it is actually a very useful plant and entirely edible.

The yellow flower of the Dandelion symbolises communication, clarity and intelligence, whereas the white seed ball symbolises cleansing, space and new beginnings.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Rushing Winds; Lotus of the Palace of Air; Princess and Empress of Sylphs and Sylphides

Astrological Attribution: Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces

Elemental association: Air of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Alert, intelligent, rebellious, truth-seeking, independent thinker, innovative, detached, argumentative, cutting, rash, defensive

The quote chosen for the Page of Swords reflects her urge to explore and discover the truth, cutting through deception and being honest without fear of conflict.

The Page of Pentacles is a snowdrop. The snowdrop is the only bulbous flower amongst my Pages.

Ornamental bulbous plants like the snowdrop used to be prized possessions and therefore symbolise wealth and status.

The snowdrop flowers in winter, the season linked to the suit of Pentacles. It is a symbol of new growth, hope and resilience, because it thrives even in the coldest conditions.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Echoing Hills, Rose of the Palace of Earth, Princess and Empress of the Gnomes

Astrological Attribution: Aries, Taurus and Gemini

Elemental association: Earth of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Practical, dependable, nurturing, loves nature, eager to learn new skills and crafts, building and making things, getting hands dirty, sensual, hedonistic, stubborn, obsessive.

The quote chosen for the Page of Pentacles reflects her willingness to invest time and effort into work and learning new skills in order to create security and abundance.

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comment below.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Do You Need Tarot Qualifications?

There have been many discussions about "certification" in the tarot community.

Some readers feel that an official looking tarot qualification in form of a pretty certificate reflects their knowledge and skills and makes them look more professional.

Other readers don't see it necessary to pay a lot of money for a "qualification" that no client is particularly interested in.

Here are my thoughts on this:

1. A certificate doesn't tell anyone how good you are as a reader.

2. But it can be a great confidence booster giving you a sense of achievement.

3. You may have gained a lot of theoretical knowledge by having completed an expensive long-term tarot course, but applying it is a different matter.

4. It's practical experience that will help you grow and develop as a reader.

5. Reading the Tarot for clients isn't just about Tarot; you also need people skills.

Consider getting a qualification in counselling or coaching rather than trying to obtain an official looking tarot certificate. 

6. Some knowledge in psychology is also useful. Get an overview either by reading books, such as Understand Psychology, and again learn more by enrolling on courses, if this topic intrigues you.

7. It isn't necessary to have a tarot qualification as the industry isn't regulated in this way.

8. Instead, join a tarot organisation that offers training and professional development including guidelines on tarot ethics. This is also the place, where you can meet and network with fellow tarot enthusiasts for help and advice. Check out TABI.

9. When choosing a certified tarot course, make sure that content is focused on practice rather than an overload of theory and elaborate jargon.

10. It's not an official tarot certificate that endorses you; it's how you engage with people and also related work, interests and knowledge that add to your qualification as a reader.

Perhaps you have worked in a medical / helping profession or teaching capacity.

 You may have extensive knowledge on crystals, herbs, reiki, healing, angels and/or astrology, which you can combine with Tarot, adding to the value of your readings.

11. Ongoing training and study is also a vital part of your qualification, but an official certificate isn't always necessary. 

Consider participating in self-study groups or work with a mentor on a 1-2-1 basis, both of which will contribute to your true skills as a reader.

12. A certificate (or even a diploma!) doesn't mean you can handle calls on a psychic phone line. Any theory won't save you from having to learn the hard way. Instead, keep on practicing.

13. Still wanting to frame a pretty tarot certificate? No need to spend a fortune; TABI offers courses and endorsement in return for a small annual membership fee.

14. While official tarot qualifications may indicate a certain level of knowledge, they are no guarantee to draw in clients, if you want to make a living as a tarot reader.

Don't be tempted to choose a tarot course only because it offers certification. Contents and quality of its delivery is more important.

Last but not least, before you rush out to become a "qualified" tarot reader, remind yourself what first drew you to the Tarot. Was it

• the mystery, magic and wonder?
• the forbidden with that connection to witchcraft and the occult?
• the unknown and exploration of the unexplained?

How can you possibly package all that up into a sanitised tarot "certificate"? 

What next? Tarot readings that comply with Din ISO 9001 quality control? 

Will the title "Grandmaster of Tarot" not create unrealistic expectations?

What do clients, who come for readings, really want? That you can present a certificate, or perhaps they would prefer to think you have some kind of psychic gift?

What are your thoughts on tarot qualifications? I'd love to hear from you💚

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Silence and the Art of Listening

 

Our world is noisy, and most people accept artificial noise as natural – TV, radio, music on the go, talking, busy public places, traffic, public transport, the phone…

The High Priestess loves silence. Without silence there is no ability to listen.

Listening to ourselves, to others and to spirit is neglected in the Age of Noise; it has become a lost art.

Talking is only one part of communication. Without listening, we cannot communicate and relate to each other.

Talk less, listen more.

We can learn to listen by embracing silence. Silence helps us to understand. Silence can heal.

Worries and pain can be healed when we listen.

“Spiritual medicine is ever-present in the soul. Whenever we need it, to whatever extent we need it, we can find it within.” - Brahma Kumaris

Be like the High Priestess – create a period of silence every day to get in touch with your soul. No artificial noise surrounding you. The length of this period depends on your lifestyle, but try and make it a minimum of 20 minutes.

Many people aren't used to silence. Noise can easily turn from a habit into a kind of addiction. You may need to overcome the initial discomfort of silence and persevere. It will get easier with regular practice, and you will reap benefits over time.

Introducing periods of silence into your life doesn’t mean you have to sit still with your eyes closed and meditate. You can simply get on with the tasks at hand such as cooking, reading, gardening, jogging, driving, writing, filing your paperwork etc.

You can even practice silence in the company of others, as long as you agree not to talk to each other during that time. You will find you discover new subtle ways to communicate and deepen your connection with the people you share silence with.

And while you get on with your activities, you can listen to the natural sounds surrounding you – the rustling of paper, the humming of the fridge, the clock ticking, your footsteps on the path, your breath…

You can listen to even more:

• Your hopes and fears and dreams
• Advice and solutions starting to emerge from the stillness of your soul
• Answers to why, how and what now

Silence heightens your awareness of your surroundings and deepens mindfulness of your actions, keeping you fully present in the moment.

Your mind doesn’t get clogged up with the tyranny of information overload and details of the screwed-up lives of others.

It’s just you and the present.

Silence is prayer.

Silence is golden.

Silence is better than bullsh*t.

Silence helps you learn to know thyself.

The High Priestess is your divine channel to self-knowledge. Nurture her with silence as part of your daily spiritual practice, and listen to all the new insights she will reveal to you in return.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Meaning Of The Chariot in the Tarot

Tarot of Quotes

The Chariot is all about moving forward into uncharted territory, leaving your comfort zone behind.

When this card comes up in a reading, is your personality or year card, the emphasis is on growth and self-development, so be prepared to make some decisions that can be seen as risky or perhaps uncomfortable.

It's never easy letting go of what you know in favour of the unknown and pursuit of distant dreams and goals.

But this card may be a sign that you simply have to get off your favourite armchair and out into the fresh air of possibilities and opportunities.

Whether it's turning a business idea into reality, sorting out your love life, moving home, improving your fitness, or tackling any other lifestyle issues—harness the energies of The Chariot for progress and positive change.

The Chariot in the Tarot suggests forward movement, momentum, travelling, action, change, conquest, control, determination, overcoming challenges and victory.

Victory and achievement are within your grasp, but the Chariot is also a reminder that it won't be easy, and you may well encounter struggle and tension along the way.

But it is exactly the hard parts of your journey that will help you grow and live the life you want to live.

You may need to 

• learn to balance opposing forces, just like the coachman has to lead two horses into the same direction. It's your time to lead
• develop resilience, self-discipline and determination to succeed. It's your time not to give up but persevere
• learn to assert yourself and take control of situations or aspects in your life, which need resolving

Astrologically, the Chariot is linked to the zodiac sign Cancer and the element water. 

There is a strong link to emotions, so you may have to learn to control negative emotions such as anger, jealousy or other aggressive impulses.

What to avoid: fear of change, apathy, impatience, recklessness

If you’d like to learn more about the Chariot and all the other cards in the Tarot, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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