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Posts Tagged ‘Inspiration’

     A Spring Equinox Tarot reading is a great way to focus thoughts and consolidate plans for the rest of the year.  The deck, as usual, is Patrick Valenza’s Deviant Moon Tarot drawn according to the recommended Lunatic Spread.  Position 1. is left-middle then count anti-clockwise.

Position 1.  The Enquirer/Present Day ~ The Nine Of Wands

The previous spread finished with The Nine Of Wands inverted in Position 9. followed by significant obstacles and trials courtesy of The Devil in Position 10.  The Nine of Wands appears once more, only this time the right way up: The Enquirer is not out of the woods yet but their situation is much improved.  A maze of barriers, perhaps self-imposed, remain in place but with patience and perseverance inner strength and purpose will return.  A single steady flame of inspiration is now burning and will guide the way back from solitude.

Position 2.  Past Influences ~ The King Of Cups (inverted)

Focus has been upon a mature and artistic man, possibly fair and of a large build.  This is a man who can be ruthless and calculating when prioritising his domestic life over the responsibilities of work.  At worst he is hot-tempered with an addictive personality and a great capacity to take his pain out on both himself and others.  The King’s shortcomings are motivated by anxiety and lack of security but The Enquirer feels mistreated and should escape this relationship by refusing to accept what is less than correct in others.

Position 3.  Subconscious (unknown) Influences ~ The Page Of Pentacles

The Enquirer frequently draws Pentacles in the “hidden/internal” part of the spread suggesting hidden reserves of practicality and material needs whilst Court Cards often represent a specific individual.  The Page has a young head on old shoulders.  He is ambitious and enquiring with a strong sense of duty and a desire to rise to the top of his profession.  He has a tendency to be serious but he champions health and wealth, encouraging The Enquirer not to bottle-up the things she needs to say.

Position 4.  Secret Wishes & Desires ~ The Emperor (inverted)

A Major Arcana card appears here indicating a potent desire.  The Enquirer wishes to shun the responsibilities which come with a role of authority.  Self-confidence has waned, compromising the desire for achievement.  The Enquirer wants to be treated with more respect whilst hiding the distrust that has come from recent hurt.  The King Of Cups is likely to blame but The Page Of Pentacles strives for more influence and a genuine allegiance.

Position 5.  Hidden (external) Forces ~ The Lovers (inverted)

An emotional issue of conflict and division troubles The Enquirer to the point of obsession.  Issues feel unresolved and The Enquirer is racked with indecision.  Sometimes however a broken relationship can be a blessing in disguise – The Lovers offer unity if confrontation is put aside for emotional fulfillment.  Surrounding forces and The Enquirer’s own secret wish urge letting go of this situation.

Position 6.  Events To Come ~ The Page Of Swords

The Page Of Swords is rational, dynamic and articulate.  He encourages The Enquirer to turn anger, caused by keeping other’s secrets, into something more positive.  The Page ushers in an eventful period during which obstacles can be cut down and ideas can grow.  He will not be deterred by anything negative he thinks or hears.  He values truth and clarity and will encourage The Enquirer to follow his lead.

Position 7.  The Surrounding Environment ~ The Knight Of Cups

The old King Of Cups may be on his way out but two Pages and now a Knight have stepped-up to bolster The Enquirer in person or else by example.  Questing Knights and Pages represent incoming or outgoing change; suggesting a new phase and an environment full of possibilities.  The Knight Of Cups offers social invitations, births or marriages are possible, this is a romantic time for loving and sharing.

Position 8.  The Influence Of Others ~ The King Of Pentacles

Half the cards in this spread are male Court Cards!  This suggests that a number of positive and diverse male friends, colleagues and role-models have rushed in to fill the void and ease the damage done by The King Of Cups.  The King Of Pentacles “trumps” the Knight and Pages: exerting a very specific influence.  This is a mature man in a position of authority, he is placid and stable in nature (if stubborn).  He holds out the possibility of validation to The Enquirer.

Position 9.  Spiritual Forces ~ The Ten Of Cups (inverted)

The Ten Of Cups is always fortunate, even upside-down.  It represents unity and harmony amongst groups of  family and friends.  Final acceptance of an emotional situation allows for a new beginning and building a better relationship with yourself helps you have better relationships with others.  The Enquirer must always be mindful but not vulnerable to potential strife in relationships.  This is a time to revel in new friends.

Position 10.  Final Outcome ~ The Ace Of Swords

In the hands of The Ace the sword becomes a tool of breakthrough success.  The Enquirer is unstoppable.  There will be a period of action – even struggle – and such glorious liberation can require sacrifice.  An old way of life will come to an end and a peaceful time, with plenty of practical and emotional support will begin.

 

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     Beltane (meaning “bright fire”) or May Day is one of eight festival days marked upon the ancient seasonal calendar known as The Wheel Of The Year.

     Beltane heralds the beginning of Summer as it lies halfway between The Spring Equinox (Ostara) and The Summer Solstice (Litha).  It is a time when daylight hours are long, trees blossom and herding animals are turned out to pasture.

     Beltane was originally observed by the Gaelic people of Ireland, Scotland and The Isle Of Man who performed protective rituals for their crops and livestock whilst The Celtic Tribes of Western Europe and Britain also celebrated mating rituals and male potency.

     Beltane is named for the Celtic Sun God, Bel (Belenos/Belenus) who is associated with West Cornwall, formerly Belerion.  The Romans dubbed him the “British Apollo” and – like many solar deities – he carries the sun in his chariot and is associated with inspirational light and healing waters.

     Beltane also celebrates The Spirit Of The Greenwood in the guise of The Green Man; known variously as The Celtic Antlered-God Cernunnos, Herne The Hunter, Jack-In-The-Green and even Robin Hood.  Cernunnos consorts with The Mother Goddess at Beltane to assure the birth of the following Spring from the dead of Winter.

     Collecting May blossoms or “bringing in the May” is a euphemism for this time of sexual licence.  Beltane remains a popular time for marriage ceremonies and traditional handfastings.

     Jumping over a broomstick on May Day symbolises crossing the threshold from Spring to Summer and combines the masculine (handle) with the feminine (brush)… no sniggering at the back please ;)

     Dancing around Maypoles at Beltane is still practiced today throughout Europe, Scandinavia and The British Isles.  The origins of this tradition are lost but Folklorists believe the pole represents the ancient reverence for sacred trees or a phallic symbol!

     Pre-Roman tribes danced and walked themselves and their herds around or between protective Beltane fires.  These bonfire celebrations are enjoying a modern revival attracting fire-eaters and coal-walking.

The Beginner’s Guide To The Wheel Of The Year

Imbolc (birth of Spring)

Ostara (Spring Equinox)

Related articles

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     Yes, your eyes do not deceive you, this may be the best Lego sculpture you have ever seen.  It’s hard to know where the Lego Of The Month Post can possibly go next…

lego-hawking-640

Click and don’t miss ~ 

Lego Hell

Return To Lego Hell

Lego Mount Olympus

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     Why spend a fortune on advertising campaigns when you can get the fans to do it for you?

     These pictures are desperate for your comments…

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     Then look no further!

     I am pleased as punch to present Very Inspiring Blogger Awards to the following artists and wordsmiths.  Well done everyone!

http://crazygoblin.wordpress.com/

http://creatureofthewheel.wordpress.com/

http://poeticparfait.com/

http://cardcastlesinthesky.wordpress.com/

http://lunchsketch.com/

http://masternickroberts.wordpress.com/

http://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/

     Click here for further information on blog awards and rules  :)

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     It is always beneficial to keep a visual and written record of your Tarot spreads as a means to spot shifting phases and emerging patterns.

     The following readings were taken at Yule (December 2012 – left) and Imbolc (February 2013 – right).  They cover general trends for The Enquirer

up to Ostara (20th March 2013).

     The photographs are posted throughout for reference and again in a larger size at the end of the reading.

Imbolc 2013Yule 2012

1.   The Enquirer/The Present – The Seven Of Swords (Yule) > The Eight Of Swords inverted (Imbolc)

The numerical progression is obvious and the images show that The Enquirer has inadvertently escaped from an untenable position.  The Acrobat (Yule) has become inactive and endangered by the stresses and anxieties of multi-tasking but the realisation that we can be “our own worst enemy”  engenders the strength to let go of unhealthy situations.

By trusting to destiny and “going with the flow” The Enquirer has submitted to a fortuitous fall: an escape from a self-imposed prison (The Eight Of Swords).  It’s still dangerous out there, one might land safely or fall on a sword, but this is freedom and an end to frustration.  The Enquirer is at last free to act.

2.   Past Influences – The Four Of Wands (Yule) > JUDGEMENT (Imbolc)

The Four Of Wands denotes that the hope of domestic harmony, especiallyYule 2012 within a romantic partnership, is a primary influence that has contributed to The Enquirer feeling over-extended, especially in the run-up to the Christmas period.

JUDGEMENT’S appearance in early Spring suggests a major transformation; positive new influences instigating a new lifestyle and renewed purpose.  The Enquirer has done their duty well, their conscience is clear and a new beginning – following that fall from the tower (The Eight Of Swords) –  is assured.

3.   Subconscious Influences – The Three Of Wands inverted (Yule) > THE HANGED MAN inverted (Imbolc)

Inspiration hibernates for Winter!  The Enquirer feels lacking in resources; low and tired; an inevitable consequence of trying to balance all those swords!  (Position 1.  The Seven of Swords (Yule))

The sense of waiting and inaction continues into the Spring with THE HANGED MAN.  The figure depicted has been tethered by self-punishment and/or the emotional manipulation of others but has realised the need to end stagnation.  Letting go of the past, looking at the world in a new way and allowing events to run their course will free THE HANGED MAN for that fall/escape from the tower (Position 1.  The Eight Of Swords, Imbolc).

4.   Secret Wishes & Desires – THE TOWER (Yule) > THE EMPEROR (Imbolc)

The Enquirer is wishing for an apocalyptic “light-bulb moment”: a sudden destructive act that will sweep away old ideas and habits.  This is a wish destined to come true because, by Imbolc, the dramatic fall pictured in THE TOWER has evolved into a free-fall from entrapment (Position 1.  The Eight Of Swords).

Imbolc 2013Major Arcana cards in Position 4 suggest The Enquirer is strongly motivated by desire.  Come Spring there is a wish to rely on a strong, practical and authoritative man or else to adopt an ambitious and confident aspect.  The desire is for improved status and success.

5.   Hidden Forces - The King Of Swords (Yule) > THE HIGH PRIESTESS inverted (Imbolc)

Court cards are likely to represent specific individuals.  At Christmastime The Enquirer has a mature, pro-active man in their corner whose serene detachment and dogged determination is an inspiration: possibly a lawmaker.

As a new year begins The Enquirer is unwittingly burdened and repressed by the secrets of others.  There is a sense of isolation and frustration following emotional wounding and too much time spent caring for others.  It would be best to adopt a few characteristics from THE EMPEROR (Position 4).

6.   Events To Come – The Six Of Cups inverted (Yule) >The Knight Of Cups inverted (Imbolc)

Here comes a negative nostalgia trip but it’s time to take off those rose-tinted glasses and let go of something or someone disappointing.  It is time to grow up move on.

The Knight heralds closure on a relationship with a faithless and immoral man who has become an emotional drain.  This “letting go” will be eventful, painful but beneficial and set to come to a head before the end of March.

7.   The Surrounding Environment – The Ten Of Cups inverted (Yule) > THE HIEROPHANT inverted (Imbolc)Yule 2012

The inverted Ten suggests imbalance and family strife – hardly surprising over Christmas and New Year!  The Enquirer has suffered a loss (Position 6.) and is encouraged to prioritise their relationship with themselves and then embrace the unorthodox environment they inhabit (THE HIEROPHANT).

The Enquirer needs to develop their willpower, embrace their individuality and reject negative influences.  The inverted HIEROPHANT rules an environment where truth will not be compromised and the head rules the heart.

So far THE HIEROPHANT, THE HIGH PRIESTESS and THE EMPEROR have appeared.  THE EMPRESS is missing.  This is the “self” The Enquirer needs to find.

8.   The Influence Of Others – The Ten Of Wands inverted (Yule) >The Four Of Swords (Imbolc)

Cards 6 – 8 (Yule) recommend a reflective period of peace and solitude.  The figure (The Ten Of Wands) has become stagnant and unstable carrying other people’s burdens.  End this cycle and drop those wands!

Spring brings a more positive influence; a peaceful interlude, a chance to re-energise and some space to nurture an idea.  Problems can finally be identified but good health relies on ignoring any negative remarks or comments.

9.   Spiritual Forces – The King Of Pentacles (Yule) > The Nine Of Wands inverted (Imbolc)

Imbolc 2013The Enquirer has another King, a strong, mature and dependable man on their side.  This one is a stubborn realist with a practical approach to removing obstacles: exactly what is required.

Nines are ruled by THE HERMIT so The Enquirer has stalled on the edge of a new phase imagining the world is against them.  Get up, get going and trust the support of The King Of Pentacles!

10.  Final Outcome – The Nine Of Swords inverted (Yule) > THE DEVIL (Imbolc)

The picture on The Nine says it all.  This is the card of stress, anxiety, needless self-punishment and the realisation that we are all, essentially, alone.  Drawing the card upside-down suggests this temporary, even illusory state will soon be over.

Overall, the Yule spread suggests an almost self-destructive desire to escape from pain caused by the burdens of others.  The Enquirer has support from two significant men and has identified the need to let go and recuperate.  This is something easier to say than to do.

By Imbolc identifying a specific problem has led to freedom; with mighty JUDGEMENT suggesting a dramatic positive change has occurred simply by allowing things to run their course.  THE DEVIL encourages The Enquirer to enjoy their rest for this new-found independence will soon be tested.

Spring is not a good time to make major decisions and life changes but a time to maintain balance.  The Enquirer’s personal demons – obsessive behaviour, chasing the wrong dream, focusing on the negative and tending to self-punishment – must be kept in check.  Major lifestyle overhauls must be fought for and THE DEVIL reminds us not to be complacent.

     Click here for more Tarot readings with Lily Wight :)

Yule 2012

Imbolc 2013

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     Ostara (Old High German) or Ēostre (Old English) falls upon 20th March 2013.  It is one of eight ancient Wheel Of The Year festivals denoting seasonal shifts.

     Ostara marks The Vernal (meaning “youthful”) Equinox: the height of Spring.

     Daylight and darkness are balanced at The Equinox, prior to the lengthening of days: a period sometimes referred to as Lent.  It is a time to celebrate fecundity and growth.

     Ostara is named for an ancient Germanic goddess and the month that bears her name; Ôstarmânoth, now April.

     Ostara is a dawn goddess associated to the Greek Eos and the Roman Aurora.  She represents the resurrection of light following the death of Winter.

     Ostara’s totem animal is the hare: a symbol of fertility dating back to prehistoric times.  The hare was admired for its enthusiastic mating rituals and it’s associations to moon goddesses and the female reproductive cycle.

     Eggs are an ancient symbol of renewal, fertility and life-force.  They can be decorated to represent the wishes we hope will manifest in the coming summer.

     Eggs were used to play a number of festival games such as treasure hunts, races and relays (our modern egg and spoon race).

     Ostara is a solar festival so bonfires, hearth fires and candles can also be lit.

     The daffodil or “harbinger of Spring” is the traditional flower of the Ostara festival.

 

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     I cannot think of a better way to close Library Month than as the sanguinous fleshy stuffing in an Anne Rice and Clive Barker sandwich.  Please tuck in ;)

     This February The Grande Dame of Grand Guignol and The Master of The Macabre (via official administrator, Alex) were kind enough to recommend and share features from www.lilywight.com with their huge online communities.

     Just click the links below for these unmissable posts ~

“The Wolf Gift” scored this generous review by Lily Wight and I’m grateful.  Also note the cool use of Ran Valerhon’s art in this review.  Love it.

Anne Rice, 19th February 2013.

http://lilywight.com/2013/02/13/a-present-from-anne-rice-the-wolf-gift-matt-bomer-christian-grey/

Here’s a new blog post on Nightbreed by Lily Wight.

~ Clive Barker (administrated by Alex Ghastbrow) 21st February 2013.

http://lilywight.com/2013/02/21/clive-barker-cabal-nightbreed-directors-cut/

     Thank you, fellow imagineers x

 

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Reblogged from Wilson K.:

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Will libraries survive the next generation? Only time will tell.

      It is Library Month at Lily Wight ~ The Arcade Of Arts & Arcana so pay heed to Mr. Gaiman and visit your local library.      Use it or lose it :)  

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     As a winner of The Versatile Blogger Award I am thrilled to present three more bloggers with the same certificate :)

     Do check out their excellent work…

     http://brideofthebookgod.wordpress.com/

     Smart, insightful and diverse.  A library in blog-form.

     http://countryandvictoriantimes.com/

     Everything you ever needed to know about American Victoriana.

     http://rhiarti.wordpress.com/

     A talented crafter and lover of Steampunk.

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     This May Day reading, with Patrick Valenza’s Deviant Moon Tarot was insightful as always; a timely reminder to trust one’s instincts and take more care over prioritising.

     Turning over this site’s “personal” card  (position 10.) The Eight of Cups, shouldn’t be a surprise by now but it is always a pleasant surprise to see “Lily” shunning the negatives, stepping bravely forward on her creative path and chasing the dream!

     Please feel free to leave your thoughts on this spread, you don’t need to be an expert, the pictures tell a story, so have a go and leave your comments.

 

     1.  Inquirer/The Present ~ The Queen of Cups (centre left then anti-clockwise)

     2.  Past Influences ~ The Five of Pentacles

     3.  Subconscious Influences ~The Three of Pentacles

     4.  Secret Wishes ~ The Six of Pentacles

     5.  Hidden Forces ~ The Ace of Pentacles

     6.  To Come ~ The Two of Pentacles

     7.  Environment ~ The Page of Wands

     8.  Influence of Others ~ The Knight of Wands

     9.  Spiritual Forces ~ The Page of Cups

     10.  Outcome ~ The Eight of Cups

 

     You can read about this site’s approach on interpreting the Tarot by following the link below.

      Naked Tarot.

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Hello Blogsprites!

I promised you more Scary Fairy images for Book Month.  Click the pics to view the album and why not send me a Facebook Friend request while you are there.  xx

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     As a winner of The Versatile Blogger Award I am thrilled to present further accolades to the following Blogsprites.

     Congratulations everyone! xxx

 

     http://vampirebibliographica.wordpress.com/

     Thoughts and images for discerning vampirologists.

 

     http://cannonballread4.wordpress.com/

     Reading as an extreme sport!

 

     http://prettybonesjefferson.wordpress.com/

     Turning Art and Literature into Fashion.  Such a beautiful, beautiful lady xx

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Reblogged from TeacupTease:

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Hey everyone, this is a blog that will talk in general about fashion, t-shirt design, and the small business that I own (teacuptease) with my girlfriend (Taylor). A little about the direction of our shop, we are vintage clothing, as well as accessories, t-shirts we designed ourselves, and clothing that has been made a piece of art (pic related).

Taylors skeleton dress :

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Now if any of you Blogsprites want to propose I've found my dress!  

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Reblogged from Trash Complex:

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Here's the jacket I designed for Sam Pink's 'No One Can Do Anything Worse To Than You Can' coming soon from Lazy Fascist. The cover image, as with his other books, was drawn by Pink himself. Note to self: handwriting blurbs isn't very fun.

- Matthew Revert

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Too true!

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