HR Giger Reading For A Friend

Alright, for this next reading we are returning to Tarot, although not the standard deck. This is another requested reading, and the selected deck is the HR Giger Tarot. 

For this spread, I chose to use the Celtic Cross layout outlined in the book, which differs from the traditional Celtic Cross in shape only: instead of a cross, the cards are laid out in the following manner:

Card One: Current Position/ State Of The Querent

Wheel Of Fortune

The first card drawn suggests a need to accept oneself regardless of circumstance, to make peace with not only your good qualities but also your flaws. It would seem there is a tendency here to rebel against nature, and to accept far too much blame for your own circumstances. Your current situation requires a serene and delicate approach, and while it can be easy to become overwhelmed by circumstance, your inner peace will be a guiding light to you, if you choose to seek it. Though life may be difficult at times, the strength of your will and the power of your beliefs must not be underestimated.

Card Two: Barriers/ Obstacles/ The Repressed Self

The Sun

This card shows us what stands in the way of the Querent's goals, including the Querent themselves. The Sun  in this position represents a powerful longing in the heart, and the fear that perhaps true joy will forever be out of reach. This card reminds us that we must not falter in times of doubt, that we must hold onto our ultimate goal and never lose sight of it. All you wish for can be yours, if you will allow yourself to reach out and take it.

Card Three: Main Goal/ Priority Of The Querent

Death

As the classic card of rebirth and reinvention, as a goal Death may symbolise a need to escape a current situation entirely, to start over in every respect. It suggests that the Querent is holding onto an outdated belief or way of life, that although it can be difficult to do so the time may have come to rid yourself of some destructive influence in your life. While it is often noble to stay and fight, there may be a person in your life who has outstayed their welcome, a habit which needs to be dealt with, or simply an overhaul with regards to the way you look at the world. In short, it may be time to take a different approach. If someone is a dead weight, now is the time to stop carrying them, and move on toward your own happiness.

Card Four: The Root Of The Matter

The Fool

The Fool in this position serves to remind us of our own inner freedom, of our ability to change the way we see the world. It is an indicator that some new phase in life is just beginning, but in order for it to pass there are other influences which must be left behind. So then, it represents something which may be frightening to some extent, as are a lot of new experiences. But it is human nature to be wary of change, and The Fool encourages us to embrace that, to reach outside of our comfort zone and free ourselves to the whim of fate, from time to time. There is no sense worrying over that which cannot be controlled.

Card Five: Recent Past

Judgement

This is a card of reincarnation. You may not have had the easiest life so far, but you have been reborn from the ashes like a phoenix, and are stronger than ever. It may be that you are beginning to realise this, and if not then it is most certainly time to do so. There ids a sense here that in order to realise your future dreams, you must forgive yourself for past mistakes, and move on from them emotionally. You cannot progress until you cast off the weight of self-criticism, as well as the judgement of those who would oppose you. Allow yourself to be reborn, and you will become more powerful than ever.

Card Six: Immediate Future

The Universe

You are in a magical place right now, one in which your own personal energy and that of the universe are completely aligned. What you want is also what fate wishes for you, and you can expect a much easier time ahead, one in which you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Your hearts desire is well within your reach -be clear about what you want, and the universe shall oblige your request.

Card Seven: Area Of Growth/ Potential

The Lovers

This card brings with it a warning. It suggests that the Querent may have a tendency to hold back in relationships. Whether this is because of past experience remains unclear, but the message here is that unless you give all of yourself to another person you will not find the love you seek. The path of true openness may lead to pain and heartache, but the alternative is a numbness, the empty feeling that comes from unsatisfying romantic encounters. It may be tough to open your heart to others, to allow them to see your true self, but if you seek true companionship which has significance and is founded on mutual care and respect, then this is the path you must take.

Card Eight: Environment/ Situation From The Perspective Of Others

The Star

This is a lovely card to draw, in terms of how others see you. It represents someone who is a dreamer, creative and inspiring. Someone who dreams big, and has the courage to follow it through. There is also an indication of someone who has a mystical aura, an almost magical charisma. Your love of life, your vivid imagination and your innate hopefulness are an inspiration to others.

Card Nine: Hopes And Fears

Strength

As far as hopes and fears go, this card is very direct in its message. It is all about inner fortitude, endurance and resilience. There may be times when you fear that you cannot possibly continue on your current path, when you come close to giving up entirely, Yet your hope, your belief in your own internal will, is what will carry you forward. Your doubts are just that - doubts, but nothing more. The trick here is to determine what is worth fighting for, to differentiate between when you are being firm, and when you are being stubborn. There is a time and a place for each, and knowing the difference may be the key to your current situation.

Card Ten: Culmination

The Chariot

Here we find ourselves at the end of the journey, and The Chariot shows us the lesson that the Querent's current situation is trying to impart. It very neatly reinforces the rest of the reading, with the emphasis on inner will and determination. Once the path to your dreams has been set in motion, nothing short of the hand of destiny itself can derail it. Use you focus, your ability to go after what you want. Keep your eyes on the prize, and do not allow anything or anyone to steer you from your current path. The message of this reading, then, is simple. Nobody knows what you want better than you do, and nobody else has ability to make it happen. With determination, with faith in yourself and your abilities, there is nothing you cannot achieve.

White Eagle Reading For A Friend

Wanting to kick start this blog again, and needing to warm up a little after a few periods of absence, I have decided to post a couple more readings. This first one was requested by a dear friend of mine, who is experiencing a lot of stress at the moment and came to me seeking guidance. 

I hope that this helps, to some extent.

Firstly, I laid the cards out as explained yesterday:

I chose the dragonfly as a guide card for this reading. In the book, the dragonfly's rhyme is:

Dragonfly skill

Adapting to grow

Seeing all 

Learning to know

It goes on to describe the dragonfly as a creature who brings magic as it dances between the elements of air and water. According to Wa-Na-Nee-Che, this is a reminder to us, that it is important to find a balance between our mental and emotional needs.

As stated yesterday, we first read the four cards of the outer circle, then the four cards placed in the inner circle.

The Outer Circle

The first four cards highlight the more negative aspects currently influencing the life of the Querent. They are read anticlockwise, from north to east.

Card One: Horse - The northernmost card pertains to negative mental attitudes, and intellectual restriction. The Horse in this position indicates someone who is fenced in, restricted in some way. The Horse is wild, and has a strong and energetic spirit. When it gives it's power away and allows itself to be tamed, the Horse can become restless, and frustrated. This may manifest itself in a number of ways, from acting out in the form of unpredictable or uncharacteristic behaviour, to the more quiet reaction of depression and withdrawal. 

Card Two: Otter - The card furthest west relates to physical and material problems. This suggests, as mentioned yesterday, someone who has become too rigid with themselves, and may need to live a little more. The Otter reminds us that while a little self control is a good thing, too much can be just as destructive as excess. There is a balance to be found.

Card Three: Dog - The southernmost card looks at the negative emotional aspect of our lives, dealing with trust and relationships. For the second time, we find the Dog card here. The Dog asks us if we have become too reliant on others, if we are seeking outside approval instead of developing an inner acceptance of ourselves. He asks us if we truly need to be validated by others, suggesting that true confidence and inner peace can only come from the self. Do not allow yourself to be defined in others' terms. 

Card Four: Rabbit - The card furthest east examines the negative aspect of our creative life, our lack of clarity and inspiration. Here, the Rabbit suggests someone who is drained by the negativity of others, whose own positivity is restricted by the attitudes of those around them. Rabbit also warns us that we may be losing a lot of energy through worry and stress. In terms of creativity, this may manifest itself as a creative block, an inability to concentrate on any one thing because so many things are competing for our attention. It is the niggling doubt at the back of the mind, the distraction of negativity and problematic circumstance.


The Inner Circle

The second set of four cards bring positivity back into focus, drawing our attention to the strengths we have, the opportunities around us, and the areas of life in which we will find our solution. These cards are read clockwise, from north to west.

Card Five: Elk - The card to the north of the inner circle reminds us of our mental strengths, our inner wisdom. The Elk reminds us of our ability to love, and allows us to find our strength through the care we have for ourselves and each other. He may also represent someone who knows when it is time to stand their ground, but also when it is time to flee. If thew cause is just, the Elk will not back down until the fight is over. If it is not, he simply will not waste his time. Some battles cannot be won, and the Elk indicates that the Querent is very good at knowing when this is the case. 

Card Six: Buffalo - The eastern card of the inner circle is a source of inspiration, helping us to gain clarity in difficult times. Here, the Buffalo is a source of healing and nourishment. He suggests that to regain focus, we must be more sensitive to our own needs. Take care of yourself, live healthily and comfortably, and the ideas will come flooding in. It may be time to relax, to step back and reconsider your position. 

Card Seven: Hawk - The southern card of the inner circle is the source of trust and laughter in our lives, an emotional comfort. The Hawk card in this position enables us to put things into perspective, and promotes appreciation through understanding. It reminds us that sometimes if we are to deal with an emotion we must first examine it, and recognise it for what it truly is. Hawk suggests that the Querent has an inherent ability to see the larger picture when it comes to relationships, and tends to think long term. This is a person who truly understands the effects of their actions on others.

Card Eight: Beaver - At the westernmost point of the inner circle, we are reminded of the source of physical and material harmony in our lives. In this case, we find the Beaver. His message is simple - that we can build a better world for ourselves  That by utilising our industriousness, by working with others, we might find some sense of happiness. In terms of the physical/material, this may manifest itself as a need for a physical outlet of some description, it may indicate a change of job or a new project for the Querent to throw themselves into. It also suggests someone who is a natural leader, and cannot find happiness in a situation if they are being led by others. They are not made to follow, and in such an environment will not thrive. 

White Eagle Medicine Wheel Reading

Recently, I received a new deck, as a gift from a dear family friend: the White Eagle Medicine Wheel deck, by Native American spiritualist Wa-Na-Nee-Che. While I will be writing a piece on the deck itself later on this week, I wanted to share my first reading, using the Four Directions Medicine Wheel layout described in the accompanying book.

For this reading, the cards are laid out as shown below:

Each of the compass points corresponds to a different aspect of life: north pertains to mental attitudes, intelligence and wisdom; east pertains to creativity, ideas and inspiration; south pertains to trust, and to the emotions; and west pertains to the physical and material world. 

At the center of the wheel is the guide card. For this reading, I chose the Badger card. In the White Eagle book, this card is accompanied by the following rhyme:

Badger will organise

Day to day

Live life in order 

Is what it will say

Badger is associated with the gifts of tenacity and appropriate anger, is self-reliant, and can encourage these traits in others. For this reading, he seemed to be the perfect guide.

To read the cards, we first read cards 1-4 of the outer circle, then cards 5-8 of the inner circle. 

The Outer Circle

The first four cards highlight the more negative aspects currently influencing the life of the Querent. They are read anticlockwise, from north to east.

Card One: Otter - The card at the northernmost point of the wheel reflects our own negative attitude. The otter in this position suggests that the Querent is far too rigid with themselves, and needs to step outside of their comfort zone. Otter suggests a reluctance to try new experiences and challenge one's self. When the Otter falls into this position, the message is simple: LIVE A LITTLE!

Card Two: Hawk - The card at the westernmost point of the circle is associated with physical and material difficulties. The Hawk in this position suggests a need to focus on the interior world, on the self. It asks that we look at our health, at our weight and our bad habits, and make the necessary changes in order to move on with life. The Hawk reminds us that a healthy body is needed if one requires a healthy mind.

Card Three: Dog - The card at the southernmost part of the circle relates to trust and the emotions, and to hindrances in this respect. To find the dog here suggests either unreliability on the part of the Querent, or else a sense that one has become too dependent on others. Dog encourages us to stop looking to others for a sense of self worth, reminding us that a healthy attitude toward the self must come from within. Inner stability will translate into stability of relationships with others but also, the reverse is true. Inner instability will also manifest as mistrust and insecurity.

Card Four: Spider - Finally, the easternmost card of the circle pertains to creative blockages, and lack of clarity and inspiration. The Spider in this position suggests that the Querent is trapped, either in a prison of their own making or one of another's design. Either way, the end result is the same - an endless cycle of negative thinking and derivative thought, originality quashed by doubt and restriction.

The Inner Circle

The second set of four cards bring positivity back into focus, drawing our attention to the strengths we have, the opportunities around us, and the areas of life in which we will find our solution. These cards are read clockwise, from north to west.

Card Five: Horse - The northern card of the inner circle reminds us of our own wisdom. It is a great source of mental strength. The Horse in this position suggests an ability to endure suffering, to tolerate hardships and keep on going. A person with the Horse to the inner north is strong, and tenacious.

Card Six: Buffalo - The inner eastern card relates to our source of creativity and clarity. Here we find the Buffalo, which suggests a person who gains inspiration from others, from compassion and sensitivity. The Buffalo in this position reminds us that sometimes when we are lacking in inspiration we need only look to the people around us, that by tuning into them we tune into ourselves.

Card Seven: Elk - The inner card to the south reminds us of the strongest source of laughter, happiness and trust available to us. The Elk is a fitting card to find in this position, as it reminds us of our own ability to love, not just others, but also ourselves. If you find the Elk card in this position during a reading, you have valuable friends around you, and have a stronger support network than you may realise. Take care of others, and take care of yourself - by doing this, you will find that you are never emotionally lacking.

Card Eight: Snake - The card to the west within the inner circle pertains to physical and material balance. Snake in this position immediately suggests a need to rest, and warns against burning out by not taking the time to properly recharge one's batteries. It would seem then that for the Querent to enjoy good physical health, it may be time to take a holiday of some kind, a break from day to day routine. The message here may also be as simple as ensuring that you get enough sleep, if you wish to be at your best. 

Answer Deck Reading

Well it is the start of a new year, and the start of a new creative project, so it seems like as good a time as any to get some practice with the Answer Deck! 

Talent/Confusion/Anxiety

This combination tells us straight away that this is a period of self doubt, and a lack of confidence in one's own abilities. There is a sense here of being afraid to go wrong, afraid of not measuring up somehow, and of being unsure of how to proceed. As the first card drawn, Talent places the emphasis of the reading on natural ability and creative pursuits - very fitting, for the current situation.

Strength/Troubleshooter/Heartbreak

The Troubleshooter makes for an interesting center card, and suggests that the key to everything here is in how you approach, that sometimes you must be resourceful and willing to adapt. Where you find this card, the solution is near, if you are only willing to try. The trick with this card combination is to learn to manage negativity, to turn a weakness into a strength and pain into power. 

Battle/Fame/Truth

This combination can be interpreted in many ways. it could indicate a struggle to make the truth known, or a situation in which you are struggling to make people believe you. On the flipside, it could also indicate a situation in which notoriety comes at a price - that positive attention comes hand in hand with negative attention, and one must be prepared for both eventualities. Certainly, the theme here is revelation, realisation, and the struggles which inevitably follow. 

Talent/Strength/Battle

Again, the message here is to utilize strengths, and turn them into a weapon - that the querent possesses the skills needed to succeed already, and it is just a manner of learning to wield them efficiently. Increasingly, in this reading we are seeing an overall theme of self belief and capability, suggesting that the problem is really more a matter of attitude and perspective. 

Confusion/Troubleshooter/Fame

The advice here reminds me of a quote I once heard: "Ask, and you are a fool for five minutes, but don't ask, and you will be a fool forever". It is best to clarify the situation rather than quietly wonder, to ask questions and voice concerns rather than allowing doubts to fester and grow.

Anxiety/Heartbreak/Truth

There are surely some difficult things to accept, where this combination is found. The truth can hurt, and it can be tempting to turn away from it in an attempt to protect oneself from hurt and damage. But this is only an illusion - in reality such actions often only serve to prolong suffering, rather than end it. To live in denial is a dangerous thing, and these cards remind us that even if it is not the easiest path to follow, honesty is still the right choice.

Anxiety/ Troubleshooter/ Battle

While anxiety is indicated, a solution is also offered here, in the form of the battle card. This suggests a need to stop running and stand firm, to actively challenge oneself by confronting fear. By owning the problem, it is possible to regain some form of control over it, turning hindrance into motivation. 

Talent/Troubleshooter/Truth

This last combination sums the reading up quite nicely. Sometimes the only way to alleviate doubt is to face it head on, to be true to yourself and utilize your strengths while being honest about your limitations. Sometimes, the only way to find out whether or not you can do something is to try.

The Scales Spread

A friend taught me this spread a good few years ago. She called it The Scales:

Card One: The Situation

This card identifies the root of the problem.

Card Two: What is lacking

This card shows what there is a lack of in the situation.

Card Three: What is excessive

This card tells us what there is too much of, in the current situation.

Card Four: What is in balance

The fourth card shows us what we are getting right, what our strength is.

Card Five: Best Outcome

This card tells us the best outcome of the situation.

Example Reading:

To give an example, I used my Answer deck, though the spread can be used with many different types of decks. I have a new project in the works, a charity fundraiser of sorts. I asked the cards for insight into the situation:

Card One: Situation

The first card is straightforward enough. In a reading about charity, it is no surprise to see Generosity as the first card drawn. Quite simply, this card is about giving, of both possessions and your time.

Card Two: Lacking

The second card drawn is The Fool. In terms of a lack, this card seems to be reminding me to loosen up, and think outside the box. It is a reminder not to make a chore out of something which is supposed to be fun, and to find off-the-wall solutions. It may also mean that now is not the time to care about what others think, or about making a fool of myself.

Card Three: Excess

The third card is Heartbreak, in the Excess position. I think this card is a warning not to take things to heart. I do, I'm afraid, have a tendency to take failure personally. A little emotional investment is fine, but I think the message here is to not become weighed down by little disappointments, to learn from mistakes and move on.

Card Four: Balance

The fourth card, Challenge, is encouraging. It suggests that I am more than capable of making this work. Before doing the reading, I will admit to being a little concerned that I had bitten off more than I could chew. But as a card of balance, Challenge suggests that I have chosen a project which is exactly the right difficulty!

Card Five: Best Outcome

The fifth and final card is Strength. As an outcome, I think Strength is all about learning and growing. Perhaps it isn't really about whether I succeed, or by how much. It seems that it is more about the journey, and how we can all grow by accepting new experiences into our lives.

Answer Deck: Personal Reading For A Friend

Do not let the title mislead you: I am not one for 'spying', and I don't like to perform readings which pry into the lives of others. But I had some distressing news today. A dear, dear friend of mine is having a difficult time of late. I decided to call upon the answer deck, as I desperately want to know how I can help.

Anxiety/Woman of the World/Communication

 

Anxiety is a self-explanatory card. This friend of mine is suffering a great deal internally. They are having an emotional crisis of sorts. We've all been there: you have your worries, and then on top of those you have the agony of not knowing who to turn to, or what to say. This card simply states that my friend is in a fair amount of emotional distress.

Coupled with the Woman of the World, however, we start to see a different picture. This is one resillient lady: The Woman of the World is streetwise, strong, knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and almost impossible to fool. She has heard it all before - twice! Applied to my friend, I think the message here is that my friend is very strong, and that it will take a lot more than their current situation to keep them down. I must not underestimate this person, and their ability to survive.

Next is Communication. Again, a simple card. The overall message here is to keep the lines of communication open. My friend will be okay, it is not the end of the world and I would do well to remember that. But the path forward will be hard for everyone. Sometimes, the best you can do is just be there to listen. I think this is what the cards are really saying.

Sample Reading: The Answer Deck

Yesterday, I wrote a post about my newly-arrived Answer Deck. Today, I have a personal question to ask. It involves the relationship between me and someone who shall remain anonymous - we'll call her L.

 Things between L and I are complicated. Some people in life, you want to get closer to them but you aren't sure how. We have never been best friends, but I have always wished we were closer. With this in mind, I asked the cards what the nature of our relationship really is, and how I can improve it.

 

PAST: FAITH/TRUTH

To me, this indicates a friendship built on solid foundations. The cards suggest absolute trust in one another, and a complete lack of suspicion. Put simply, it means faith in the integrity of another, or in the very notion of truth itself. In terms of my friendship with L, I think it refers to a time when we were almost close, and assumed we would always be in each other's lives.

 
PRESENT: CHALLENGE/HAPPINESS

This combination also makes a lot of sense to me. Circumstances have greatly affected us - we do not move in the same circles like we used to, and have grown apart. Lately, I have become acutely aware of L's absence from my life, and it has certainly begun to sting. The cards also suggest that to find a happy solution, challenges must be overcome, and obstacles should be expected.

FUTURE: VULNERABLE/ABUNDANCE/LOSS/THE TROUBLESHOOTER

In the context of a relationship, especially a reconcilliation, I believe Vulnerability speaks of the risk involved whenever we open our heart to another - the fear of rejection, and the uncertainty of reciprocation. I think it also points to a relationship which is on shaky ground, one that will take work to mend.

I was a little confused about Abundance - I could not tell whether it referred to the previous card, indicating heightened levels of vulnerability, or the next, referring to great losses. I can only hope it is the former, not the latter.

Loss is an interesting card to find in a relationship spread. It does not necessarily mean an end to the relationship, but at the very least, there are troubled times ahead. This may come in the form of sacrifices to be made, but it just as likely means that even if we reconcile, things won't quite be the same. This is a risk I am more than willing to take.

The Troubleshooter is similar in meaning to the Tarot card The Magician. It represents creative solutions, and implies that we have all the tools for success already - it is just a matter of using them. I get a sense from this card that the way forward will not be easy, and that I may have to take an original approach to the problem.

OUTCOME: THE FAIR/GREY HAIRED MAN

It would seem that the fate of our friendship relies on a third person, someone who may have the power to make-or-break the deal. This could be someone with mischievous intentions, or simply a case of the wrong thing said at the wrong time. It just so happens that I know who this is: a mutual acquaintance who will make friendship difficult between us, as they often have in the past.

The general message of this reading seems to be that reconcilliation is well within reach, but that this can only work if both parties really want it to.