I Will Learn Tarot. I Will Learn Tarot. I Will...

Guys, I don't know what my hang up is over these cards, but something is keeping me from seeing what is there. I mean yes, I see the images there, but I can't cut out that feeling in my gut that what I'm seeing isn't right.

I don't know if this is my intuition trying to tell me to look past what I see on the card, my anxiety monster telling me I'm going to be wrong all the time, or whatever else it could be.

1...

2....3....

Breathe.

So here's why I ask ya'll for help. What tips do you have for a person learning the tarot? What helped you and what didn't? Are journals really worth the effort or is it better to just study the book that came with the deck? Any advice will be tremendously appreciated.

Honoring Danu - Incense Mixture

Here is the embedded video as promised. I hope you enjoy it!
Please be sure to like and subscribe. I don't make videos frequently, but I plan on making at least a handful or more over the next 30 days.



-Miach

Danu Incense - Check

That's right, folks.
After a lot of research, I finally found an incense recipe to honor Danu. It just clicked with me and felt right. Surprisingly, even substituting a few ingredients didn't make that feeling of "this is right" go away.

And there's a surprise for all of you as well. I recorded the process and am on the verge on starting the editing. It should go live in a day or two and will be posted to my YouTube account, as well as my  Facebook page.

Insomnia and Productivity- A Blessing or a Curse?

I woke up at 1:30 am after going to sleep around 11. I'm a long sufferer of insomnia and tend to roll with the punches, which is exactly what I did this morning. Instead of staring aimlessly at the ceiling, I oped to get some work done. 

I didn't get to cleansing my crystals with sage, but what I did accomplish was just as useful to me. I had time to work on my Book of Shadows. I'm meticulous about the words I use so of course I had to type everything up prior to copying it into my book. My writing is skewed and uneven despite my attempts to use a ruler to keep the text steady (it couldn't be easier than that and I still went wonky with the words). It's a simple fact I've come to accept: if I'm writing on unlined paper, the text will not be nice and neat.

I created a page about crystal grids and some layouts that I have used in the past. I'm happy with how it turned out and since I'm likely the only one to see it, it won't be a big deal. I also had the chance to work out a few more page ideas. Sometimes insomnia is a curse, but there are times when you can make it a blessing in disguise.

Tarot

I've been thinking a lot about Tarot recently. You can toss Oracle Cards into the mix as well should you choose to do so. My question: is Tarot really the most popular form of divination?

I'm thinking it is. Please consider responding to this poll. It is fast, free, and you don't have to sign up or provide any of your personal information. I thank you on behalf of science.

Which is your preferred divination method?

Tarot/Oracle Cards

Runes

Scrying

Precognitive Dreams

Ogham

I don't believe in divination; it isn't possible

I believe in it but can't do it; only certain people can

I do not practice divination for other reasons

Poll Maker

This Little Shrine of Mine

Before some of you roll your eyes at what I have created, know that the purpose was for simplicity. I didn't include many of the things people would expect to see on an altar or a shrine - in fact, this shrine is set up for both my matron and patron.

I have felt a severe spiritual disconnect over the last few years, but especially over the last ten months. This is tied directly to my depression. I know Danu and Lugh are with me even in those times that I can't bring myself to get out of bed and, I don't know, bathe like a normal human being. Sometimes I talk to them but the real truth is that I am often a silent participant.

Wicca is about having a connection to deity, at least in my mind, but it is difficult to do in light of my current situation. This shrine is a way for me to connect to deity - it is a reminder that I am not alone even on those times that I feel I am. It is meant to inspire and comfort. I can see it from my bed and stare at it if nothing else. The photos below are of its first use.

Lugh

Lugh. There is the misconception that he is a Sun God when he is actually a God of Light. He is holding a natural citrine point and a piece of tumbled sunstone. In front of the statue are an ametrine point on the left and a selenite point on the right.

The candle is a white candle without any adornment because I was a little lacking on energy after getting it all put together.

Danu

Danu - The Celtic Mother. Her offering plate holds an aqua aura point as well as a piece of tumbled moonstone. In front of the statue is another ametrine point on the right. On the left is a clear quartz obelisk.

A candle was placed on her side of the shrine as well.

In the center is a vanilla incense cone. An awen pendant is sitting behind it but the flash required for you to be able to see the image has caused it to wash out slightly.

Yes, it is simple. That doesn't make it any less useful.

"In Shadows We Can Grow; We Are The Seeds We Sow"

The title of this post comes from "Last Goodbye," a song written by Alex Band, formerly of The Calling.

I was trying to figure out what I wanted to say in this post and started remembering the lyrics to this song. I'm sure by the end of this post you'll understand why those words are so to the point of my message. The keywords for this topic: depression, anxiety, suicide.

Some people will immediately think of Robin Williams when they read those three words. Alas, this post is all about me. And why shouldn't it be after a four month absence?

I suffer from:

• Major Depressive Disorder - Severe
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Suicidal Thoughts

Before anyone asks, no, I am not currently a danger to myself or others. I am receiving treatment from a medical professional and while it seems most days as though the effort is futile, it is better than me giving in to the depression and doing nothing. Most days are a challenge for me. Some days I go hours without negative thoughts or the desire to harm myself and other days it is like a continual replay in my head. A lot of days I am unable to get out of bed. I am currently unemployed because of these conditions from which I suffer.

This post isn't to gain sympathy or ask for assistance. I have a support system in place and things are taken care of for the time being. Should that change, most of you will probably never know about it because that is the type of person I am. In fact, this entire post is a little like exposing my soul for the world to see. 

I have revealed bits about my depression before. None of you know of my previous suicide attempt; not because I was ashamed to admit it, but simply because it isn't talked about. I have been hospitalized three times. That doesn't mean I'm a crazy lunatic - it means I'm a human being who has had the courage to seek out help in those times where all I see is darkness and all I feel is despair. 

Removing the stigma from mental illness will go a long way in ensuring that those that need help are able to get it. However, this post isn't about politics or programs to help persons suffering with mental illness. It is simply an explanation for my long absences which will likely continue from time to time. I may begin talking about this experience of mine in further detail, especially in relation to my religious practice (or lack thereof). 

Just know that I am working on me and during the process I will be unable to be as active in the "community" as I would like to be. 

-Miach Rhys