Discovering Tarot

My first solid memory of tarot is seeing the cards in the James Bond movie, "Live and Let Die." I thought they were interesting but I was probably only 12 or so when I saw the movie on television, so my mind was likely filled with video games and school vacations. I probably thought of them as nothing more than a game because I wouldn't have known any better.

Years later, while thumbing through an Azuregreen catalog, I saw an ad for the Shapeshifter Tarot deck. The main image called to me and from that point on it was added to every wish list I had, but it never seemed to materialize in my hands. I went through a rough patch in 2013 and found my local Unitarian Universalist church and an Earth-based spirituality group. I emailed the group facilitator and was invited to an upcoming meeting where people were encouraged to bring their main tarot deck.

My mind flashed back to the Shapeshifter Tarot deck and I knew it was my time. I ordered the cards and companion book on Amazon and I still remember how excited I was as each day passed because I was one day closer to receiving them. I was in awe of their imagery and connected with them immediately. It wasn't anything more than having the feeling that I was meant to have them and that was enough. 

I took them to the meet up and we learned about creating tarot spreads. The facilitators were kind and fun, but I was lost since I was still so new to them. I eventually packed them away as other aspects of life took precedence. I broke them out on occasion for random 3 card readings for myself, but the companion book was always in one hand as I tried to decipher their meaning.

It is now 2 years later, and though I recently purchased The Gilded Tarot deck, I am especially excited to explore the cards that my journey started with.

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This blog post was prompted by a question asked of the members of the Tarot Together Facebook group. Click the group name to be taken to the page and join us!

Solstice Incense - Yule Love It!

Corny word play aside, if you haven't heard of MIRTHandREVERENCE on YouTube you are missing out.  Anni is a trained Gardnerian Wiccan and her videos are some of the best on the entire site.  She greets each topic with a well thought out opinion and doesn't shy away from difficult subjects or going into her own practice and why she does certain things the way she does them.  It is truly a breath of fresh air to find someone that will discuss almost anything with anyone to create an open dialogue and promote learning.

My favorite videos from Anni are her incense related videos.  Since Yule is tomorrow I thought it best to send you all on a journey to her greatness.  In the video she creates an incense and an oil that can be used for the season.  I encourage you all to catch up on her entire collection if you haven't seen them.  Her videos do tend to be a little longer than most, averaging about 14 minutes, but I am willing to sit quietly for that time to hear her knowledge on the subject at hand.  I encourage you all to enjoy her company and do the same!

Incense and Oil Video

Solstice blessings to you all!