CARDS OF THE WEEKEND: January 21-22, 2023

 

Two of Pentacles and Temperance

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

   

January 21-22, 2023: Balance and blending are the key concepts here, illustrated by two cards from Neo Tarot who wished to collaborate on this weekend's message--the Minor Arcana's Two of Pentacles and the Major Arcana's Temperance.

The first most often refers to balance within practical, earthly matters with the prancing figure skillfully keeping everything moving in harmony. The second takes things to more psychological, archetypal, and magickal levels, hinting that it's possible to make the "impossible" happen.

Consider the truth, too, that what we think of as earthly and what we think of as spiritual are already one, already perfectly functioning as one. Lean and relax into that reality.

I continue to enjoy Daiana Ruiz's art for this deck, and I especially love the sapphire blue spurt of water from vessel to bowl and the lavender aura emanating from the Temperance angel's head. And, of course, that outfit with its wing-like power shoulders!

******

VENMO ME: @Eva-YaaAsantewaa

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CARD OF THE WEEK: January 16-20, 2023

 

The Tower

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

January 16-20, 2023: Might it ever be possible for the sight of The Tower to bring a laugh? Or a wheeeee!!! woohoo!!!? Or, at the very least, a sigh of relief?

It might not seem the way things typically go with Tarot's Tower, but you never know. I'm definitely getting a curiously giddy vibe from this Neo Tarot Tower today.

The disruption of the status quo introduced by a higher, external force (that pointing index figure) both liberates enormous energy and gives the toppled figure a Hanged Man-style brave new perspective on things. And it's all to the good.

So, if you often find yourself asking for sameness--perfect stability and safety--maybe ease up on that this week and see what novel things this week will introduce to your life. Accept that you don't know everything and that your good may come in a form as yet unanticipated.

Let go and fly!

******

VENMO ME: @Eva-YaaAsantewaa

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ONE WORD/THREE CARDS: December 12-16, 2022

Five of Wands

and

Four of Swords (reversed)

Below: Ten of Wands

 

All from Neo Tarot

 

by Jerico Mandybur and artist Daiana Ruiz

One Word/Three Cards

Here's a new occasional feature called One Word/Three Cards. This simply means a three-card random draw in response to a single word prompt for the week or weekend.

For the week of December 12-16, 2022, we'll start off with the word CONFRONTATION.

Appropriately, then, the first card is Five of Wands from Jerico Mandybur and Daiana Ruiz's Neo Tarot, a flash of dynamic, possibly disruptive energy brought together from a variety of sources in what could be seen as a confrontation, indeed. Some form of change is being whipped up, but change for what and to what effect?

 

The figures in this image aren't fighting, necessarily, but their wands of intent and energy are raised and angled in quite different directions.

Next up: a reversed Four of Swords. So, in this confrontation and upheaval, something or someone might have taken a hit and will need time to rest and recover. The reversal can suggest any of the following:

• internal damage
• internalized non-physical damage (e.g., emotional/psychological)
• low-level or slight damage (reversals sometimes indicating a lesser degree of a card's energy and effect)
• future damage
• unexpected damage
• undetected damage

 

You'll have to sort out which of these possible interpretations works best for you in the moment, and that comes with some practice.

 

In this Neo Tarot deck, my Four of Swords card itself has a slight bend (my bad) from its top edge down through the hilt of the middle sword hanging over the reclining figure. Happily, it's not serious damage, just an interesting, telling flaw.

And that's followed up by a card of resolution: Ten of Wands. The resolution here might be to gather all of the diverse energies unleashed in the original confrontation and find a way to bind them together, integrate them.

 

What do you think of this One Word/Three Cards process? Send me a note and, by the way, please feel free to suggest single words for future One Word/Three Cards posts!

******

VENMO ME: @Eva-YaaAsantewaa

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CARD OF THE WEEKEND: November 5-6, 2022

Nine of Wands

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

November 5-6, 2022: Battle-tested and battle-weary, you're on high alert for anything coming your way. This stance can be negative--shutting out positive things and good connections--or, literally, it can save your life.

You have raised protective boundaries, and you have trusted allies aligned with you. Tend well to these advantages and relationships--more of them suddenly manifesting or suddenly being remembered--for you will surely need them in the future.

You might also want to think about how you have--or have not--been your own best ally in times of conflict and challenge. When do you get in your own way, trip yourself up, show up unprepared without your best tools and skills? When do you talk yourself out of intuitions, decisions, or actions that could greatly benefit you? How could you now think and act differently, giving yourself the best chance of survival or advancement?

The Nine of Wands warrior has learned from every wound and fights back with profound, unshakeable knowledge and resolve.

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CARD OF THE WEEKEND: October 1-2, 2022

 

Ten of Wands

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

October 1-2, 2022: Artist Daiana Ruiz's Ten of Wands image reminds us of energy (Wands) or resources being gathered up and redirected. The force is high (Ten), and the effort can be arduous, but this work must be carried forward.

For this weekend, consider how you've been using your energy--in which direction and for which purpose. It might be time to reassess and take a new approach.

Withdrawing from a habitual pattern and turning things around might take strong effort, but now is the time.

******

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******

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CARD OF THE WEEKEND: July 9-10, 2022

 

The Fool

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

July 9-10, 2022:  Here we see a Fool actually engaged with his dog companion, and I love it. In the charming Neo Tarot deck, the pair of friends seem to be playing as the nimble Fool spins a hoop.

So often we see Tarot's traditional Fool ignoring the barking dog and rushing towards the precipice, completely heedless (or completely accepting) of any risk ahead, and we can interpret that in a variety of ways. This time, though, artist Daiana Ruiz's image of The Fool encourages you to take time out to play, to find your joy. 

This is not only an opportunity for growth but also a way of resistance to all the exploitation and ugliness we see around us. Treasure and safeguard your right to rest, to breathe, to have fun, pleasure, and joy.

****** 

Do you have a particular Tarot or other oracle card that you'd like to me explore and write about in the hummingwitch way?

Just email a good, clear jpg photo of your card to:

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I'll incorporate its message, one way or another, into one of these posts. Let me know if you'd prefer your submission to be anonymous.

Thanks!

******

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READER REQUEST: 7 of Clubs

 7 of Clubs

Thank you, Denae Hannah, for sending this request for a look at the 7 of Clubs from a standard playing card deck.

Loosely connected to Tarot's Seven of Wands, the 7 of Clubs can represent a high level of energy--active, dynamic force--and having to be grounded and well prepared to meet all of the energy, good or not so good, coming your way. Otherwise, it can be a source of stress.

Seven of Wands

Left: Rider-Waite Tarot, art by Pamela Colman Smith

Right: Neo Tarot, art by Daiana Ruiz

On the other hand, old divination traditions associate the 7 of Clubs with money, the amount of which might vary, but certainly a current or currency flowing. Even a little money moving at a time is movement indeed. So, things might be parceled out carefully, perhaps slowly, but steadily, and that has to be good enough.

As with its Tarot cousin, the 7 of Clubs might inspire you to think about how other folks are involved in a venture around money or what money can buy--either by having joint control, joint responsibility, and/or being the ones reaping the benefits of this movement of currents/currency. If there are others involved, you all must be carefully organized. Planning, communication, and negotiation should be clear to each or all of the invested parties. 

You don't want the potential strife or even chaos that Tarot's Seven of Wands can warn against. You're counseled to take your time and get things properly sorted before they spin out of control.

Another caution might concern potential competitors or forces resisting the flow of your movement. The specific look of the 7 of Clubs suggests opposition--on one side, a mass of energy moving upward in a block, those five clubs; on the other, two clubs aligned in perfect balance. Of course, sometimes, we do need the disruptive force of the number 5 to break up something that is way too set, too balanced, and thought to be unchangeable.

Should the issue most on your mind not concern money directly, substitute energy and your uses of it, or think more generally about the nature and efficacy of how you are interacting and exchanging with others around some important matter. How do you stay centered and handle the potential for becoming overwhelmed?

So, clearly, there's a lot here, Denae! I hope this gives you a spectrum of possibilities as you consider the meaning 7 of Clubs has for you at this time. Thanks, again!

****** 

Do you have a particular Tarot or other oracle card that you'd like to me explore and write about in the hummingwitch way?

Just email a good, clear jpg photo of your card to:

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I'll incorporate its message, one way or another, into one of these posts. Let me know if you'd prefer your submission to be anonymous.

Thanks!

******

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CARD OF THE WEEKEND: June 4-5, 2022

 

Judgement

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

June 4-5, 2022: Don't you just love this glamorous Judgement angel from artist Daiana Ruiz? And the way the two humans have sprung to life by dancing? In this image, there are no graves and busted-open open coffins in sight--just dancing! Jerico Mandybur's affirmative and gender-fluid Neo Tarot makes room for all of us to manifest and live out our true best selves, as we desire.

I don't know if angels sometimes fluff out their wing feathers the way birds do, but I want you to imagine movement that sends life-giving energy coursing through your body and fluff out the "feathers" in your spirit body as well. Can you fluff out your aura and let it pulse with bright color? And can you project that energy a foot, two feet, three feet and increasingly further away from your physical body? What can that energy do in your immediate environment and, potentially, further?

Take your time and play with this imagery and energy this weekend. Keep notes in your journal and return to this practice whenever you feel the need to refresh and re-affirm your life and your powers.

****** 

Do you have a particular Tarot or other oracle card that you'd like to me explore and write about in the hummingwitch way?

Just email a good, clear jpg photo of your card to:

hummingwitch@gmail.com

I'll incorporate its message, one way or another, into one of these posts. Let me know if you'd prefer your submission to be anonymous.

Thanks!

******

Catch up with updated CARD OF THE DAY/WEEK/WEEKEND posts here: https://hummingwitch.blogspot.com/2022/03/catch-up-with-any-featured-card-you.html

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CARD OF THE WEEK: April 4-8

 

 Ace of Cups

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

April 4-8: Beginning with this week, hummingwitch will share and explore one or more CARDS OF THE WEEK instead of daily cards. There will also be a CARD OF THE WEEKEND and the occasional reader contest.

This new arrangement should prove be more sustainable for me and, I hope, will give more of you sufficient time to keep up with, contemplate, and benefit from these posts. Take your time with them over the week and enjoy. Let me know what you think!

Recently, a hummingwitch reader noted the presence of the Ace of Cups reversed in his daily draw of cards, and I suggested that he imagine what might happen if, as a therapeutic measure, he were to turn that card right-side up.

A reversed Cups card often makes me think of a few things:

• how a turned-over glass or cup indicates you're finished and want no more to drink
• and, more than just being finished with something, the gesture can indicate refusal
• how turning over a vessel spills out whatever--good, bad, or indifferent--was held within
• how, by turning down a vessel, you can trap and restrain something within it.

At times, some of these possibilities can be positive. At other, they may have negative connotations and consequences. One needs to look at the situation in question--and, in an extended layout reading, other cards surrounding the Cups card--to take its temperature and meaning. Or simply ask Spirit: How am I to understand this reversed Cups card?

Your CARD OF THE WEEK, Ace of Cups, is, of course, right-side up. Hooray! So, you want to think about what this vessel brings to you from Spirit. It is definitely a Spirit-borne gift. See the disembodied hand emerging from a cloud?

Despite the minimalism of Daiana Ruiz's art for the Neo Tarot, I find incredible energy and charm in this image, and I immediately want to seize that goblet! Yes, this is for me!

The Ace of Cups encourages that affirmation. So, this week, look for the surprise of wonderful things and opportunities you might not even be aware you needed or wanted. But, especially regarding things you've been actively striving for, please settle down, breathe and receive. Believe in yourself and your worth. You may have already done the hard, preparatory work to make things happen as they now will with generosity and grace.

******

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CARD OF THE DAY: March 25, 2022

 

Nine of Swords

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

March 25, 2022: Here we meet another one of Tarot's scary cards--Nine of Swords, this time imaged by artist Daiana Ruiz for Neo Tarot. Those nine layered, interlocking swords dominate the atmosphere, weighing heavily on the vulnerable human below. Excedrin Headache # 9.

This card can suggest the aftermath of a nightmare, or it can suggest a hard time dropping off to sleep with a busy mind filled with troubles. In either case, the best way to approach this sign is to accept difficulties, fear, and anxiety as parts of the human experience that can visit any of us from time to time. 

Your brain will process puzzling and disturbing experiences from life events, producing mental images that can be weirdly cryptic or obvious in their meaning. Waking life, for that matter, can also have its nightmarish elements. Consider all the unrelenting stress that most of us have been feeling, in these 2020s, piling on from so many sources.

Should Nine of Swords come up in a reading, look to surrounding or accompanying cards for assistance in understanding the source and triggers as well as the potential process for resolving your problem(s).

This Nine is certainly not the most pleasant Card of the Day, but what can you do? Shit happens, day or night, close at hand and half-way around the world. What makes a difference is how we choose to face it and deal with it.

As a child, I suffered relentless, recurring nightmares clearly linked to traumatic difficulties in my home life. One time, though, in the middle of one of these cruel dreams, I turned to face and question the monster that was always lurking and chasing me, forcing me into futile hiding places. Because I challenged it, I never had another one of those nightmares--though now, as an elder, I do still have the occasional nightmare or frustration dream when I am most stressed out.

Recognize bad stuff for what it is, sometimes--even often--a good opportunity to meet a nagging problem head on, square up, and dismantle it. Be sure to lavish yourself with compassion and care all through this process.

Be the best friend to yourself that you can be.

******

Catch up with updated CARD OF THE DAY posts here: https://hummingwitch.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-good-weekend-to-catch-up-with-our.html

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CARD OF THE DAY: March 10, 2022

 

 

Three of Cups

above: The Diamond Tarot by Marie-Louise Bergoint,

art by Klaus Holitzka

below: Neo Tarot by Jerico Mandybur, 

art by Daiana Ruiz

 

March 10, 2022: One deck frames a familiar Tarot image with bright and distracting psychedelica; the other presents us with the same story idea but rendered with graceful simplicity. Take your pick between these two or among many others. Three of Cups invites you to a well-deserved celebration. It's party time!

Three of Cups suggests that you take time off to enjoy generosity and pleasure, especially in the cheerful company of friends and loved ones.

Work or times of deep, perhaps challenging reflection now give way to ease and appreciation for one's accomplishments and gains. Where possible, share joy and abundance, helping others, as well as yourself, to store up good feelings that can be recalled and drawn upon in harder times.

******

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CARD OF THE DAY: March 8, 2022

 

The High Priestess

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

March 8, 2022: I'm totally loving the conjoined duality in Neo Tarot's High Priestess. Is that white hair short or long? Honey, it's both. Is that body suit, those juggled balls, strongly contrasting colors. Of course! Why not? Waxing moon or waning moon? Yes!

But what's really jazzy about this particular High Priestess is what has happened to the archetypal scroll of secrets. Ruiz's HP is so busy juggling those balls that the famous scroll has completely unscrolled and spills from her lap. Why, you might even be able to walk right up to it and read everything that's written there.

So, why don't you?

Go ahead. Honestly, I don't think this particular High Priestess would mind.

If you recall, I always talk about how Tarot's High Priestess, though intimidating to many seekers, is actually the fiercest, most demonstrably loyal of friends, one I so appreciate. And this High Priestess isn't even remotely intimidating!

So, what do you need to know today? Really, really, really know? Like, it matters a great deal? 

Ask. You may never get a better chance!

******

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CARDS OF THE DAY: February 11, 2022

Queen of Cups and Two of Pentacles

Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

February 11, 2022: I so love the figures in Neo Tarot, their graceful dynamism. So here are two drawn for your day:

One, the Queen of Cups, carefully balances a goblet constructed of four disparate parts while holding a big orange ball steady beneath one firmly-planted foot. Two serene Black cherubs hover above, eyes closed in prayer.

The other--the figure in the Two of Pentacles--prances forward while expertly juggling two pentacle-balls in a figure-eight pattern, the energy of eternal motion.

Cups symbolize, among other things, human feelings, and pentacles can represent practicalities.

Looking at these two cards--with their two cherubs and two pentacle/juggling balls--I'm thinking about that expression: "Feelings are not facts."

But sometimes our feelings (Cups) really are facts (Pentacles) that need acknowledgement and acceptance as such. Know when this is true. Respect the Queen--of your feelings--and learn how to juggle, alternate, balance, and work with these feelings in a safe, fruitful way.

They are dynamic and changeable, and you can make exciting magic out of them, if you juggle them just right. The cherubs bring tender affirmation to your project or situation and heal any sense of doubt or defeat you might be harboring.

The act of walking or dancing moves us out of and into balance and out of and into balance again--does it not?--step after step. The act of motion or dancing in a wheelchair opens up new spaces to be and express. Everyday magick.

We move to claim something new and be something new.

Let's dance!

****** 

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CARD OF THE DAY: January 18, 2022

 

 

The Devil

(above) from Universal Waite Tarot: art Pamela Colman Smith, recolored by Mary Hanson-Roberts

(below) from Neo Tarot: Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

January 18, 2022: You knew it had to happen eventually: the appearance of one of Tarot's scariest cards, certainly part of the Tarot ecosystem. The Devil unnerves beginners and sends some would-be learners--mainly those influenced by mainstream religions--running as far away from Tarot as possible. So, what's to be done?

Kick that pedestal out from under!

Actually, both Pamela Colman Smith (in the Rider-Waite-Smith-based Universal Waite) and Daiana Ruiz (in the wonderfully contemporary Neo Tarot) offer an obvious solution though the answer escapes the two human figures at the forefront of each image.

Take those damn chains off your necks!

Look, folks, they're actually loose. They've always been loose. But you're so distracted by...whatever, that you don't have a clue.

In the case of the Neo, the chains, which issue from the monster's own head, aren't even locked around the humans' necks. They're vaguely attached to the backs of their heads, and I'm thinking they could probably be removed if only the pair would just reach around and yank them out.

The Devil's greatest weapon is our own propensity to be hoodwinked and manipulated.

The Devil card's relevance to the current climate in our society is profound. Is it not?

As is often said, the Devil is liar. And as is also often said, the truth shall set you free.

Arm yourself with the truth and give the Devil a good shove off that pedestal.

****** 

Catch up with updated CARD OF THE DAY posts here: https://hummingwitch.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-good-weekend-to-catch-up-with-our.html

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CARDS OF THE DAY: January 12, 2022

 

 

Nine of Pentacles and Eight of Wands

from Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

January 12, 2022: Pip-pidee-do-dah! Today, two pip cards from Neo Tarot display two different ways of communicating a message.

IX of Pentacles brings us another of artist Daiana Ruiz's graceful human figures. Unlike some Nine of Pentacles images, this figure is moving, not so much smugly resting on their assets but actively enjoying them. A bird in the hand is a nifty symbol of all that is needed being reliably close at hand in the Nine's pleasing environment. It's a card of sufficiency and satisfaction.

VIII of Wands, like the classic Pamela Colman Smith pip on which it is loosely based, avoids human imagery altogether. Instead, it suggests turbulent, heavy weather in motion, an atmosphere ablaze with activity (wands equaling the element of fire in Tarot symbology). I often think of this card as the sign of lots of energy roiling around in either a literal or metaphoric environment--sometimes too much, much too much to handle. Things, thoughts, talk, tasks, challenges, people, what have you.

So, here are two cards again reminding us of the value of the basics to any Tarot study. As a Tarot newbie looking at the Nine, you're likely to figure out (no pun) a story to go with the figure that will work for your reading. Looking at the Eight, however, might prove more daunting. There's less here to go on, visually, and there are Tarot decks with pips that are even trickier to decipher--like the very early European ones and modern ones based on them that might show you merely a neat arrangement of six fancy pentacles or four elaborate cups.

Nine of Pentacles

from Ancient Minchiate Etruria,

a reproduction of a 1725 Florentine Minchiate oracle deck

 

That's when you need a clear understanding of what each of the suits are about--swords, pentacles, wands, and cups--and a grasp of how numerology can influence Tarot interpretation and storytelling.

One possible story arising from this particular encounter--Nine of Pentacles and Eight of Wands--is of sheltering with everything you need and staying out of the developing stormy weather. You'll know whether that message should be interpreted literally or metaphorically. It works either way.

An alternative story might show a past or current condition--call it Nine of Pentacles-hood, if you will--that is safe, secure, and even stodgy dramatically changing with a sudden wild infusion of new energy/weather! 

****** 

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CARDS OF THE DAY: January 3, 2022

  

7 of Wands and 5 of Wands

from Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

January 3, 2022: Today brings fire (Wands) in the form of an explosion of high energy from the combination of Neo Tarot's Seven of Wands and Five of Wands. Let's just say: Never a dull moment!

The storyline for this encounter of cards is so multifaceted and dynamic, it's hard to know in which direction one should turn--pretty much like what's going on with that figure in green on the Seven card. You can only hope for the agility to turn in whichever direction you need to deal with the immediate incoming!

In the Five, the situation has turned into a melee--true to the symbolism of the number 5 as a flash point, a point of upheaval, and/or a potential turning point for better or worse.

Let's hope for skill of the Seven and multiply that skill by 5 for what's going on in the Five, shall we?

On the challenging side of things, things are certainly challenging and call for wide-awake attention. Good morning and Happy New Year, but do know that holidaze is over. You might suddenly find yourself in an argument or other kind of struggle or just facing unexpected resistance or numerous little fires, here and there, to put out.

On a more positive note, wow! If you've actually been hoping for stuck or sluggish things to get moving fast, they do. This can be a great time for advancing creative projects (5+7=12 which reduces to 3) or--and this might be a bit of a stretch, but hear me out--heightened sexual appeal and activity. The flames. Bear in mind: the flames.

Good luck, cookie!

CARD OF THE DAY: December 21, 2021 (Solstice)

 The Sun

from Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

December 21, 2021: As the world struggles with the rise of another COVID-19 variant--Omicron--I send my best wishes to you for a healthy and lovely Solstice, and I hope you are doing everything in your power to keep yourself and your loved ones safe now and in the New Year.

Please forgive my absence yesterday, which went without a Card of the Day. I know some of you have been inspired by my daily draws and readings to consult your own decks--or buy your first one--and I hope you went ahead and found a card that spoke good and useful things to you.

Today's card is not a random draw but a deliberate pick--The Sun, for Solstice, naturally--from Jerico Mandybur's Neo Tarot deck.

I felt joy at rising early to find the moon visible from my bedroom window and, at the other end of the apartment, a bright planet--Venus, I assume--visible from my kitchen window. Our New York City skies have not always been clear enough to reveal these dear beings. They make me happy, and I always greet them with gratitude.

Daiana Ruiz's art for the Neo Sun expresses vitality. It's so easy to get frightened and discouraged by what is happening, but this image affirms and celebrates life and bids us stay in the fight against selfishness, despair, and cynicism. It asks us to find and securely align with a source of revitalizing energy and lock into that.

I also love the star at the Third Eye of Ruiz's sun. That's a reminder to activate higher vision, gain a more powerful knowledge of matters. Find your sun and be a sun.

CARD OF THE DAY: December 9, 2021

 

 8 of Pentacles

from Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with art by Daiana Ruiz

 

December 9, 2021: The rather dancerly painter central to Neo Tarot's Eight of Pentacles card draws upon a secure foundation of four pentacles (element of earth) below and the secure shelter of four pentacles above ("roof over my head"). You find yourself in the right space--your right place--protected and adequately supported as you attend to your work or craft.

You might have created (or should create) an environment in which you may fully express yourself and bring out creativity or skills of any kind. And this is definitely a time for demonstrating skills and setting upon the process of making. No matter where you are in this process, don't miss this opportunity to focus and make tangible progress. If, so far, important ideas and plans have been all up in your head, it's time to implement them.

Place is important. This might mean dedicating space in your living environment and making it clean, organized, well-supplied and, in every do-able way, optimal for your work. Or, by all means, accept a friend or colleague's offer to lend you space to embark on or finish up a project. Or, yes, apply for or accept that residency. It could make all the difference.

CARD OF THE DAY: November 25, 2021

 

The Wheel of Fortune

from Neo Tarot

by Jerico Mandybur with illustrations by Daiana Ruiz

 

November 25, 2021: Two songs sprang to mind when I drew this card! I'll probably be trying to get them out of my head for the next several days. How'd you like to share my struggle? 😊 Here goes!

I'm going to let two great singer-songwriters--David Clayton-Thomas and Carole King--bring you counsel that might apply to our Card of the Day, The Wheel of Fortune:

What goes up must come down/Spinnin' wheel got to go 'round

("Spinning Wheel," Blood, Sweat & Tears, 1969)

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose/And sometimes the blues just get a hold of you/Oh, just when you thought you had made it

("Sweet Seasons," Carole King (written with Toni Stern), 1971)

The first is a classic of psychedelic rock, remembered from my high school years; the second, a pop hit for King, came out when I was in college. Both acknowledge the rocky, predictably unpredictable nature of human life but also invoke the power of dreams and visions to move us towards the future our soul holds for us.

Someone is waiting just for you/Spinning Wheel spinning true/Drop all you troubles by the river side/Catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride

You know you we can get there easily/Just like a sailboat sailin' on the sea

 

"Drop all your troubles by the riverside" calls up the image of Pamela Colman Smith's Five of Swords-- doesn't it?--and of the Black spiritual "Down By The Riverside," where the singer vows to "lay down my sword and shield/down by the riverside" and "study war no more."

Yes, acknowledge the struggle, how profoundly difficult things have been and can often be. Risk and periodic downturns and failures are realities. But you're being encouraged to hang on and, meanwhile,  feed and heal your mind with hopeful, pleasurable images and ideas that give power to a better future. 

For those of you celebrating Thanksgiving traditions, it's a day for enjoying fun and a generous, sumptuous meal with loved ones. But remember to take some time to nourish yourself mentally and spiritually as well. And, among your thank yous, remember to thank yourself for being here with the potential you have to overcome, to heal, to grow, and to find your joy.

 

And thank you so much for your support of these offerings on hummingwitch!

CARD(S) OF THE DAY: November 2-3, 2021

Queen of Wands 

from Jerico Mandybur's Neo Tarot, 

illustrated by Daiana Ruiz

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Queen of Wands, Neo Tarot: Tarot’s Queens have profound, 360-degree, multidimensional knowledge. Be assured that you are completely surrounded by a warm, powerful force while action is being taken on your behalf. The Queen’s got you.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

The Emperor. Appreciate the role of purpose, structure, and precision in all manifest things. Respect that when you see it around you--and within you, too.