Connecting with Ancestors through Tarot

My father’s death anniversary is July 20th. It has been a rough first year but somehow I’m still hanging in there.  I recently had a visit from him in my sleep.  He was upset.  I made him feel as if I forgot about him.  I took this as it was now time to set up his altar and welcome him in my spiritual work.

About 3 days ago, I felt a strong urge to collect graveyard dirt.  My father was cremated and his widow lives about 4 hours away with his ashes.  I needed to plant my roots, get in touch with where I came from, remember how my soul got here.

 

My grandparents have been gone for about 25 years now.  They passed over when I was 4 years old.  Within that 25 years or so, they have connected with me only once to pass on a message to a family member.  I had always thought they were long gone.  I had always thought they were resting, not wanting to be bothered.  I honestly don’t know much about them at all, so I saw no sense in adding them to my spirit work… but I needed graveyard dirt. I needed to reconnect with my family that I miss so much.

I asked around in a couple of Facebook groups as to how to collect graveyard dirt without ancestors being buried or wanting to be bothered.  I got every answer imaginable from “go for it” to “how dare you disturb the dead!”  It was annoying enough for me to delete my question in some groups.

Sitting in meditation, I thought to myself, “if I can connect with my father through tarot, I’m sure I can connect with my grandparents through tarot also!”  After all, who better to consult than the spirits themselves?!

 

I chose my Tarot Mucha because it reads well for relationships.  That’s exactly what I was doing; I was creating a new relationship with my grandparents and I used Tarot as my guide to doing so.

 

As I was shuffling I connected with my grandparents and the 2 of cups fell out of the deck.  I quickly placed it on top of the spread with the intention that this meant how they felt about working with me.  I can see they will be passionate and willing to be by my side during my spiritual journey.  The lion above the people’s heads is a strong symbol for me. The lion also has wings.. they are my strength from the spirit realm.

 

The best way to work with them is the 5 of Cups.  When I’m lonely and forgetting the good things in my life, I need to remember they are always here for me. I’m secluded, alone, and cold in this card image.. but there are two cups behind me.  The same two cups from the previous card.

 

They don’t need much in return.  I’m thinking of adding them to my ancestor altar and the 10 of Pentacles has given me a strong “yes”.  Don’t forget them. Even though I don’t know much about them, they still need my respect by remembering and loving them dearly.

 

Our relationship will help me be a stronger woman.  The 9 of Cups has always shown itself to me as a woman who needs no man.  She can do for herself.  Notice how the woman is leaning with her back to the 10 of Pentacles?  Again, my ancestors are behind me.

 

I ended up going to the cemetery after this reading.  I took flowers for my ancestors and 9 dimes for Papa Legba.  My experience at the cemetery was so magical.  I was surrounded by squawking crows, lovely church bells, and a strong summer breeze.  I haven’t felt at “home” in so long.

 

Thank you for letting me share this experience with you.  How do you connect with your ancestors?

Much Love

~Starr

Taking Tarot Classes

I honestly don’t know how long I’ve been reading tarot.  I remember grabbing my first deck at one of my favorite shops in Morro Bay, California.

After moving on from this deck, I picked up a Rider Waite deck and took off! I taught myself by journaling, pulling daily cards, and learning to listen to my first impression of a card. It wasn’t an easy task.

 

There’s one thing I always find myself doing.. taking local tarot classes. Most of them being beginner classes, I’m often asked why I do such things. Honestly, I’m not there for myself.  I’m there for the other members of the class!

I’m not one to keep my knowledge to myself. I certainly didn’t learn tarot by Tarot Experts keeping their wisdom a secret, so I want to do the same to beginners (or any other rank of reader) seeking advice.

I’m often called out in these classes as “knowing” or “already” a tarot reader, but in reality I’m just as everyone else. I am an equal.

During reading swaps within these classes, I notice students hesitant to read for me.  I’ve had clients (tarot readers) read their own cards as I’m pulling them for a reading! How annoying giving your insight and interpretation of the spread when a knowledgeable reader is breathing down your neck.  I’ve had clients (also tarot readers) stop me mid-reading and say, “I’ll just do this at home.”  It’s hurtful.  I have learned when getting a reading, you keep your energy focused on your reader.  The reader has a message that needs to be delivered and it’s MY job as a client (or student swapper) to stay open to that message without judgement.

 

In conclusion, no need to be nervous when reading for me, fellow Tarotists.

 

Much Love,

~Starr

Tarot Day Blog Hop {Page of Cups}

I hope you you enjoyed http://www.modronlotusgarden.weebly.com

Welcome!

I’m new to the blogging world, so when I heard about a blog hop for Tarot Day, I didn’t want to miss out!

I was totally nervous when I was assigned the Page of Cups. I have been reading for a few years now and the Pages still stump me! I saw this as a challenge and did some researching about the card I was assigned.

Over the weeks, I fell in love with the shadow side or reversed meaning of the card. I just moved into a new home surrounded by new people and one person in particular shines this side of the card well. I’ve been observing him closely, realizing there are some sides to MYSELF that I need to work on as well.

The Page of Cups reflects, in some aspects, someone who is unable to deal with their emotions in a healthy way. I struggle with this at times. More often than I like to admit.. but that’s the beauty of tarot. It’s a tool to help overcome those blockages and help reach our Higher Selves.

I created a simple tarot spread just for working with the Page of Cups.

For this spread, you are going to pull out your Page and use it as a focus point. Shuffle your deck and when you’re ready, lay three cards beneath the Page as shown in the image.

The first card represents an emotional blockage you may have, preventing you from being able to process emotions in a secure, healthy way.

The second card in the spread is the first step needed to overcome what is troubling you. Set yourself free from the emotional overriding.

It’s important to take in both of these cards individually and as an interactive pair.

On the contrary of the shadow aspect of this card, there is a deep, positive message awaiting youinn. The final card in this spread reflects this message.

Meditation Exercise

Let’s take our shadow work a bit further. You did your spread, you know where your inner blocks are, you know the first step to conquering it, and you have a message to hold tight and look forward to.

Sit comfortably in a quiet area. With palms facing upwards, laying on your lap, take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

As you walk into your Page of Cups card, you become the Page him/herself. Look around you. What do you see? What do you smell? Take a moment to get recognized with your surroundings. Do you hear the river near by? Take your time to walk over to the river bank.

After a moment, you notice you had your cup in your hand. This cup is slightly filled with water that represents your emotional immaturity. All those moments where you took things to heart for no reason all accumulate into this gorgeous cup. Take a moment to make this happy while your eyes are still closed. Remember what the tarot spread has revealed about your blockages and let that flow into the cup as well. As you release this, you begin to feel energized, new, and refreshed.

When you’re ready, throw the water into the river before you. Watch these blocks flow away with the current. You are now completely disconnected from those blocks and are able to start embracing your positive message from the spread above.

Take a few deep breaths and step back out of the card. When you are ready, you may open your eyes.

 

I hope you all have been enjoying this blog hop. Please enjoy the next blog at http://www.lavender-moon.com/2017/07/international-tarot-day-blog-hop-the-knight-of-cups