Divination Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

How to Use Oracle Cards: The 411 on Reading Oracle for Beginners

kitty fields — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:59:00 +0000

I remember the first time I opened my first deck of oracle cards. I remember being flooded with excitement but also feeling rather confused. The artwork stood out to me – it was Brian Froud’s Faery Oracle – the cards were graced by the presence of beautiful wood nymphs, gnarly gnomes, and creepy goblins. I thought, “they’re beautiful…and I know I’m supposed to read them…but how?” Sure, most oracle decks come with a handy dandy little guidebook. But half of our questions aren’t answered in those pages. Now that I’ve been reading oracle for the past 12 years, I figured I could write an article and teach others how to use oracle cards. From start to finish! First, What Are Oracle Cards Exactly? Oracle cards are not Tarot Cards. They are two different forms of cartomancy, yet they are similar in many ways. To define oracle cards: these are printed decks of cards illustrated with beautiful imagery that evokes the reader’s imagination and intuition. As well as the reader’s understanding of symbols. Consult your oracle cards for messages from the Universe, the gods, spirits, or your higher self. Oracle cards differ from Tarot in that the imagery varies widely. I mean, the symbols and themes of Oracle can literally be anything the artist and writer feel drawn to create. With Tarot, the cards follow a pre-defined system, i.e. the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, in which there are typically a major and minor arcana (suits). For our intents and purposes, we aren’t learning Tarot, we’re learning how to use oracle cards. So that’s all I’m going to say about Tarot (so as not to confuse you!) There are no specific suits or “arcana” in oracle. Step 1: Cleanse Your Oracle Cards (And Why It’s Important) Whether you bought your deck from a local shop or online, your cards need to be cleansed and charged. Cleansing removes any energetic funk clinging to the cards from manufacturing or sitting on store shelves. Keep in mind, after every use (particularly if you’re reading cards for other people), cleanse your deck again. Ways to Cleanse Your Deck: Smoke-cleansing: light an incense stick, cone, or herb bundle. Then hold each card over the smoke to spiritually remove any unwanted funky energy. The first time you do this, cleanse each card individually. In the future, spread the cards out and fan the smoke over them. Bury them: wrap them in cloth or put them in a bag and bury them in a bowl of salt. Alternatively, bury the cards in the earth (make sure it’s not going to rain!) OR in a potted plant. Sound-cleansing: use drumming, flutes, or Tibetan singing bowls to cleanse your oracle deck Step 2: Charge Your Oracle Cards Charging your oracle cards fills them with positive spiritual energy so they function best. This is the spiritual equivalent to plugging your phone into a charger. Re-charge your cards once a month if you’re using moonlight or another technique (besides crystal-charging, as this method is constant. See more below). Here’s a few ways to charge your oracle cards: Sleep with the cards under your pillow: your charging the cards with your own personal vibrations PLUS connecting with the deck all-in-one step By moonlight: set the cards in a windowsill or outside in direct full moonlight to charge by the moon’s rays With a crystal or stone: by laying a crystal or stone on top of your cards and storing them in a special box or bag, the crystal’s energy will consistently charge them. A few examples of crystals that I use: clear quartz, amethyst, lapis lazuli and selenite (extra tip: selenite is self-cleansing AND cleanses other items in its vicinity – double purpose!) Step 3: Connect With Your Oracle Deck If you’ve slept with your oracle cards under your pillow, this is a great way to develop that psychic connection. In addition, interview your oracle cards to get to know their energy better. There’s different ways of doing this, but essentially you’ll ask the cards different questions and pull one card per question for an answer: What is your purpose? What is your personality? How will you help me grow spiritually? What kind of an oracle deck are you? Etc. Step 4: How to Read the Oracle Cards for Yourself Now it’s time to learn how to read the oracle cards for yourself. The easiest method: ask an open-ended question, shuffle and draw ONE card. Take note of the FIRST thought or sensation that pops into your mind. Write it down. Then notice all of the elements of this card: the colors, theme, characters (if any), numbers, and messages written on the card. Is anything standing out to you? Sit with the card for a little while and meditate on its meaning. I also recommend keeping the card somewhere you can see it throughout the day. As for the guidebook, only reference it when you need extra clarification on a card. Shuffling & Spreads: Beginners want to know the best way to shuffle an oracle deck. There is no “best way”. The best way is YOUR way. Whether you riffle shuffle or go hand-over-hand is completely up to you! As for Oracle card spreads, after you get used to reading one card try cutting the deck into 3 piles and reading a 3 card spread. This spread represents things like past, present, future or the problem, factors impacting the problem and the resolution. After you get used to the three-card spread, try your hand at traditional spreads like the Celtic cross. There are literally hundreds of card spreads on Pinterest to experiment with! The “Fanning” Method of Reading Oracle Cards The Fanning method is when you take the deck and fan it out across the table. Then close your eyes and hold your dominant hand out over the deck. Slowly “scan” the deck by waving your hand over the cards until you feel a tingling, pulling, or some other sensation in your hand. Then place […]

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Elder Futhark Runes: How to Read Runes for Divination

kitty fields — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 16:46:07 +0000

Some folks prefer Tarot. Some prefer Oracle. If you feel a connection to the Norse or Germanic tribes of the past, maybe it’s time you learn how to read the runes for divination purposes. Here we’ll dive into the Norse rune system: how to read runes plus the elder futhark runes meanings. Ancient Origins of the Elder Futhark Runes The Elder Futhark runes are an early writing system developed by the ancient Norse and Germanic tribes of Northern Europe. The Elder futhark system’s purpose was threefold: as an alphabet system, as representative of mundane issues of hearth and home, but perhaps more importantly the runes had (and have) sacred spiritual significance. There are preserved rune etchings dating to 2800 BC, Bronze Age Sweden. A few of the earliest rune markings include Ing(waz), Sowilo and Hagalaz among others not of the traditional Elder futhark. By the Medieval and Viking Age, newer rune systems were used everywhere from Norway to England by Scandinavian peoples, as well as the Anglo-Saxon. The Elder Futhark Runes as a Divination Tool We’ve mentioned the runes were used for various purposes, one being spiritual in significance. Spiritual leaders of a tribe, patriarchs and seers etched runes into stone and wood as a means of magically protecting, blessing, healing or cursing. Each rune held a sacred power and was therefore used as such. Volvas, or female seers, were known to cast runestones or staves onto water or earth and read the messages from the gods. It was common practice to consult the runes before battles and voyages. The practice of reading runes for divination purposes continued well into the Middle Ages, has survived despite religious and political agendas and is alive and well today. To read more about the history of the runes, click here. Elder Futhark Runes Meanings The Elder Futhark rune system is the “original” system, so to speak, and consists of 24 symbols total. Depending on the rune set you purchase, you may see variations in certain runic symbols. For instance, Ing may sometimes be Ingwaz and instead of being a simple diamond shape, may include “arms” reaching above and “legs” below it. Also remember, each rune has a “mundane” meaning that may also apply to its divinatory significance, but inevitably YOU determine the true message behind each. You’ll also find the longer you read the runes, the more complex they become. And the more personality they reveal to you. The wisdom of the runes is a deep, endless well. For all intents and purposes, we provide the basic Elder futhark runes meanings here for you. Then we’ll discuss how to read runes for divination purposes below. Fehu: Cattle, Finances, Abundance (F) Uruz: Aurochs (Extinct Oxen), Strength, Overcoming Obstacles (U) Thurisaz: Hammer of Thor, Thorn, Thunder God, Protection (Th) Ansuz: Odin, Voice of God, Universal Voice (A) Raido: Ride (Riding), Journey, Wheel of the Wagon (R) Kenaz: Torch, Inner Fire, Creativity (K) Gebo: Gift, Joy in Union, Marriage, Blessing (G) Wunjo: Personal Joy, Self Fulfillment, Career Success, Tribal Banner (W) Hagalaz: Hail or Ice Seed, Abrupt Change that Brings Transformation (H) Naudiz: Need, Fulfilling One’s Own Needs (N) Isa: Ice, Pause, Rest and Regeneration (I) Jera: the Harvest, Earthly Results of Labor (J) Eiwaz: Yew Tree (Of Life and Death), Wisdom, Pillar (E, Eh, Ey) Perthro: Gambling Cup, “Roll of the Dice”, Luck (P) Algiz: Elk Horn or Eel Grass, Overcoming Obstacles, Resolution (Z) Sowilo: the Sun, Sun Wheel, Health, Vitality, Opportunity (S) Tiwaz: Tyr, Justice, Truth (T) Berkano: Birch Tree, Mother Goddess, Renewal, Motherhood (B) Ehwaz: Horse, Partnership/Joint Ventures, Trust (Eh) Mannaz: Mankind, Humanity, Awareness, Collective Conscious (M) Laguz: Lake, Water, the Sea, Flow (L) Ing (Ingwaz): Fertility, Fertility God, Virility, Sex Magic, Love (-Ing) Othala: Inheritance, Home and Hearth, Stability, Ancestors (O) Dagaz: Dawn, Day, New Opportunity (D) If you purchase a set of runestones or staves, there will sometimes be a blank stone/stave. This is called “wyrd” and in it’s simplest explanation means “fate”. It’s up to you to interpret this blank stone or to leave it up to the gods. How to Read Runes for Divination Purposes: How to Cast and Interpret As you learn how to read the runes for divination purposes, you’ll develop your own style. There’s truly a limitless number of ways to cast and interpret the Elder Futhark. Traditionally one is to cast runes on a white rune cloth; however, I don’t use a rune cloth at all. Instead I cast my runes on a wooden table or directly onto the ground. It’s ultimately up to you! Some volvas and Norse seers even cast their staves on water. Simple Rune Reading: Pick a Rune The simplest way to draw a rune is by pulling one out of the bag and reading it. You can ask a question beforehand OR allow the runes to speak for themselves. For example, if you pull Ansuz (as shown below), you might interpret this as an encouraging message from Odin. Or maybe he’s telling you to speak up for yourself in a tough situation, etc. The “Cast 3 Runes” Reading Method A more traditional version of casting and reading runes would be to pull three from your bag, then cast them onto your cloth or preferred surface. Again, you may have a question in mind or simply allow the runes to speak. Sometimes they’ll all fall facing up, sometimes they’ll all fall facing down or another variation. You might interpret the runes that fall facing up as the more pressing matters and the ones face down as not so pressing. Alternatively, runes facing up are positive outcomes and runes facing down are setbacks. This takes time and practice and you may switch your preference based on the reading or question at hand. In addition, you may wish to read the direction of the runes as significant. For example, if Berkano falls face up pointing to the North, this might be a message from the Mother Goddess to focus your attention on family […]

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FREE Divination Tool Tutorial: Casting Pignuts for Members Only

kitty fields — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 13:37:21 +0000

I know what you’re thinking…casting nuts? Get a good chuckle out of it, then let’s learn how to use nature’s FREE tools to divine a message from the gods. This form of divination is inspired by a method in The Goodly Spellbook by Lady Passion and Diuvei. But I’ve changed a few things to make it my own. Feel free to do the same! Divination should be personal and feel natural to you and your practice. For members only. Casting Nuts in 4 Directions Divination What did shamans and witches do back in the day when Tarot cards and pendulums weren’t mass produced? They used what they had in their own garden or forest. So for this divination session, you’re going to go outside and find all of your tools there. For free. What You’ll Need: 3 wild nuts, halved (as shown) A patch of soil/dirt A stick/branch (optional) OR chalk/salt What to Do: Relax and get in an open state of mind. Draw a symbol of your choice in the soil using either a branch or alternatively you can draw a symbol on sidewalk/pavement with chalk or salt, etc. In the photo above, I chose to draw a cross to separate/point to the 4 cardinal directions (North, East, South, West). Then cast the nuts onto your symbol or grid. Depending on where the nuts fall and if they are face-up or face-down will determine your answer/message. For example, if they all fall face-up (insides up) towards the North, you might read this as you have a need to focus on prosperity, growth, and/or family matters. If they fall mostly face-up, one in the East and one in the West, you may read this as communication is needed between you and your partner soon. Look up the four cardinal directions and what they represent, if you’re unsure but here’s a quick guide: North: family, growth, money, prosperity, etc.East: communication, inspirationSouth: Passion, anger, driveWest: emotions, intuition, dreams Nuts inside up (face up): favorableNuts outside up: unfavorable/setbacks It may take some time for you to get used to this type of natural divination reading. Keep practicing and don’t overthink it! Just let it happen! You can also play around with the kind of nuts you use, and the symbols you draw. More for Members Only: Autumn Harvest Blessings Spell: Door Wash Recipe Waxing Moon: Simple Grow Your Power Ritual Fairy Knot Magic: A Witch’s Ladder to Attract the Fay

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Water Scrying Ritual: Egyptian Magic and Divination

kitty fields — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 21:50:40 +0000

Ancient Egypt. The land of pyramids, pharaohs, gods, and the Sphinx. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been drawn to it. In my search for Egyptian magic, I’ve found that divination was a large part of their entire religious and magical system. Learn real Egyptian magic: how to perform a simple water scrying ritual here. Egyptian Magic & Divination: Scrying One of the ways in which the Egyptians divined the future, past, or an answer to their questions was by scrying. Scrying put simply means to see. This means the Egyptians used natural objects to divine a message from the gods. They didn’t have Tarot cards then, as far as we know, so scrying was their main form including water, ink, mirror, smoke and oil scrying. How did the Egyptians perform their scrying sessions? Often only the priests and the royalty were allowed in the sacred temples, and this is where the scrying was done. There’s also evidence scrying rituals were performed in dark tombs Sometimes a child who was believed to have oracular abilities was brought to do the scrying. However, nowadays, we do the scrying ourselves as adults. Water Scrying Basics When I first learned of scrying as a beginner, it sounded difficult. How was I supposed to stare at the water and see something? Would I have to train my eyes to see things that weren’t actually there? Then I realized messages and visuals that come to us while scrying come through in different ways. It truly depends on the individual. The Process: The Type of Water, Practice and More Water scrying is the act of divining by gazing at a water source. This could be a bowl of water, bathwater, a sweeping river, the waves of the ocean, or a stagnant puddle. What matters is how you approach the water scrying ritual. Come to it in a relaxed state of mind. Put on some otherworldly music, light candles and incense, and simply soften your gaze while looking at the water. You may see an image on the water, but often the image will come as a flash in your mind. A (seemingly) random thought, word, or visual. Once you get good at scrying, you’ll start seeing things in the water itself AND you will be able to scry with anything: mirrors, clouds, crystals, even the patterns in wood grain. I find myself seeing images in tile, ceilings, in the blowing leaves on trees, and much more! An Egyptian Water Scrying Ritual What You’ll Need: Gold or bronze bowl Small piece of amethyst Candle How to do the Water Scrying Ritual: The ancient Egyptians used scrying as a main form of divination. For this scrying session, I used a gold plated bowl, water and a piece of amethyst as a focal point. All done by candlelight. Lights are down low or off. Candle is close-by the water, so that you can see the light’s reflection and see the amethyst at the bottom of the bowl. Relax and soften your gaze over the water. Then say the following incantation: Tefnut goddess of dew and rain May I see in your waters the answers to attain May your power never wane I evoke the seven het-herus Keepers of all knowledgeboth old and new Auset. Isis. Mother of magic and life I thank you for your presence and humbly ask for second sight this full moon night. More on DIVINATION: How to Use Tarot to Work with Gods and Goddesses How to Read Tarot with Playing Cards Divination for Beginners: the 3 Pillars of Divination

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Tarot Reading With Playing Cards: History and How-To With Examples

kitty fields — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 18:18:41 +0000

Don’t have a set of tarot cards? No problem! I’ll bet you have a deck of playing cards. And guess what? You can read playing cards just as well as tarot. In fact, playing cards have been used by fortune tellers and conjurors for centuries. This is a great form of divination for those who want to keep their practices secret or discreet, as well. Learn how to do a tarot reading with playing cards here. The Magical History of Tarot Reading with Playing Cards Tarot cards and playing cards today are considered two different things. But the origins of both are basically one-in-the-same. History dates the origin of playing cards to the late fourteenth century in Italy. These playing cards, called Triumph and Trump cards, were used as a simple parlor game and were a game for the wealthy. Nobility commissioned artists to paint elaborate playing card decks for them. One example, still in existence today, is the Visconti-Sforza deck. The Italian Triumph Cards Some sources claim these Italian playing cards initially consisted of just the four suits (in Tarot called the Minor Arcana): swords, staves, coins and cups. And later, artists expanded on the deck by adding cards like The Emperor, The Hanged Man, The Tower, etc. These Triumph cards would come to be called Tarrochi (in French – Tarot). By the eighteenth century they were being widely “read” as a form of divination or fortune telling throughout Europe including in Germany and France. Another Theory: Tarot’s Far East and Middle Eastern Origins However, in PRS Foli’s book Fortune Telling by Cards, written in 1915, he claims the Major Arcana of the Tarot was in existence long before the four suits were added. And that the Tarot or triumph cards weren’t the first cards to be used for divination purposes. That “in past ages many eastern peoples, notably those of India, China, and Chaldea, possessed cards which differed materially both in use and design from those known in the West at a later date. It is impossible to trace these prehistoric beginnings of card-lore” (Foli, pg. 16). He goes on to say these mystical cards made their way into Europe via the Arabs, Moors and Romany people. And may have also originated in ancient Egypt with the Book of Thoth. The Romani Gypsies and Playing Cards Although reading playing cards as tarot was a common practice in Italy and France, the Romani gypsies are often credited with the practice. This may be because the Romany people are believed to have come from India, making their way through Egypt, and then into Europe in antiquity. They brought their fortune telling customs with them, possibly picking up new methods along the way including cartomancy. It’s interesting to note, the Romani fortune tellers reserved their abilities for people outside of their own culture. Did they originally use cards from India or adapt the practice after traveling through Egypt and Europe? Tarot Reading with Playing Cards: How-To We’ve covered the mysterious origins of Tarot and cartomancy, now let’s dive into tarot reading with playing cards. At first glance, a pack of playing cards looks rather different than a deck of Tarot cards. But look closer – they have much of the same symbolism. The four suits of playing cards are equivalent to the four suits of the Tarot minor arcana. There are 52 cards in a regular playing deck and 13 cards in each suit. There are no cards in a regular playing deck to correspond to the tarot Major Arcana, which is the biggest difference between the two. The Four Suits = The Minor Arcana (+Their Meanings) Hearts = Cups. Main symbolism: love, friendship, marriage, matters of the heart, emotion, intuition, family (water element and feminine). Also relates to the season Spring. Spades = Swords. Main symbolism: matters of the mind, intellect, power, action, change, courage, conflict, communication (air element and masculine). Season Winter. Clubs = Wands/Staves. Main symbolism: spiritual matters, core consciousness, personal values and goals, beliefs, passions, energy, enthusiasm, sexuality (fire element and masculine). Season is Summer. Diamonds = Coins/Pentacles. Main symbolism: finances, prosperity, inheritance, career success, creativity, livelihood (earth element and feminine). Season is Fall. Kings, Queens, Jacks and The Joker Within each suit of playing cards are the court cards: King, Queen, and Jack. Each of these court cards correspond to the King, Queen and Page in the tarot minor arcana. The King generally represents an older adult male, wise and strong. The Queen represents an older adult female, mother or matriarch. And the Jack (Page) represents a younger male or female, who is in the process of learning and growing. Easy enough, right? But what about the Joker? The Joker is the only card in the deck that corresponds to one of the tarot Major Arcana cards – The Fool. You can remove this card, or keep it in – the choice is yours. When the Joker pops up in a reading, it symbolizes chance, the start to a new journey, an inexperienced but curious youth, and beginner’s luck. Just as The Fool in the Tarot. The Numbered Cards: Ace – Ten Symbolism & Numerology Tarot reading with playing cards takes a deep look at the numbers and their symbolism (i.e. numerology). First, it’s interesting to note, there are 52 cards in a deck (minus the Joker) which corresponds to the 52 weeks in a year. Then there are 13 cards in each suit, which corresponds to 13 lunar cycles in a year. Coincidence? I don’t think so. But if you gain a basic understanding of the meaning of each number, you can build onto your reading skills from there applying the colors, suits, etc. to the numbers and court cards. Ace – Ten Card Symbolism (A Quick Breakdown): Ace: individual, new journey, start of something new Two: union, balance, polarity, partnership Three: creativity, rebirth cycle, team Four: organization, practicality, foundation Five: freedom, change, conflict Six: harmony, communication, compassion Seven: wisdom, reflection, spirituality Eight: action, authority, […]

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How to Use Tarot to Work With Gods and Goddesses

kitty fields — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:24:26 +0000

Having just recorded a podcast all about our pagan gods, I thought an article about how to use Tarot to work with gods and goddesses would continue the discussion here on the blog. If you didn’t catch the podcast, listen to it HERE. Tarot Isn’t JUST for Divination When most people think of tarot and oracle, they think of divination – and for good reason. Tarot and oracle are primarily tools used as a means to divine current circumstances or used to predict the future. However, tarot and oracle are much more than just divination tools. Some practitioners even use them to commune with the deceased as a form of mediumship. Tarot and oracle are also used in spell-craft (this article to come!). But today we’re talking about how to use tarot and oracle to work with gods and goddesses. First, Select a Tarot Card That Represents Your God or Goddess Want to learn how to use Tarot to work with gods and goddesses? Think outside the box. One way tarot and oracle can be used for deity worship is by selecting cards which you feel represent their energy or represent them pictorially. A good example of this would be using the Hanged Man to honor Odin. How the Hanged Man Represents Odin: A Tarot Example The Hanged Man is a symbol of self-sacrifice, surrender, and patience to be pushed from our comfort zone to manifest our goals. In traditional depictions of the Hanged Man, he has the ability to release himself yet chooses to remain in stasis. It’s when we are in limbo, when we are between worlds, that we experience the most growth. The Story of Odin, The Hanged Man Odin observed the Norns (fates), who possess the runes in the Well of Urd from which the Yggdrasil’s roots were planted, from Asgard. He became thirsty for the Norns’ wisdom but knew the runes would only reveal themselves to those worthy. Therefore Odin pierced himself with a spear and hung himself upside down from the Yggdrasil tree for 9 days and nights, without food or water, and stared into the Well of Urd. He forbid help from the other Asgardian gods and, on the 9th night, the Well of Urd revealed the runes to Odin. He was bloody, bruised, starving, and dehydrated but he achieved his goal. The Lesson of the Hanged Man Odin could have been rescued at any time. After all, he is the All Father – the King of the Aesir. The God of Gods. But he knew the only way to achieve his goal was to show himself worthy of the reward he sought. The Hanged Man in the Tarot teaches us the same lesson. He pushes us out of our comfort zone into the space between. To be in the state of the Hanged Man is to be on the precipice of greatness. Odin is certainly not the only pagan God that teaches the lessons of the Hanged Man, he’s just the one I have the most experience with. How to Use Tarot to Work With Gods and Goddesses There are two ways I use tarot and oracle to work with gods and goddesses outside of their traditional divinatory uses. 1. Tarot and Oracle As Altar Decor I love using tarot and oracle cards to represent deity on my altar. Although I’d love to have full statues, it’s often cheaper and easier. Remember when you’re using a card it can represent your deity literally, energetically, or both. I often pair a tarot representation with an animal oracle card to bring in the essence of a god. For example, pairing the Empress and the Horse to represent Rhiannon. Here are more specific instructions: Take the tarot or oracle card(s) of your choosing that you believe represents your deity. In the case of Odin, it’s the Hanged Man from the tarot, and in particular, I love using the Hanged Man from The Wizard’s Tarot by Corrine Kenner (as pictured above). Frame the card(s) in a photo frame to place upon your Altar in the space you dedicate to God energy. If you do not keep an Altar space for deity work, placing the framed card in a location where you see it often is perfectly acceptable. 2. Tarot for Meditation & Journeying (to Work with Gods and Goddesses) Another way to use tarot or oracle to work with gods and goddesses is for journeying. Cards can focus your energy and help place you in a meditative or trance state. Here’s one of the ways to use cards to journey to the gods’ realms and commune with them: Place the card against a mirror so that it’s eye level. Turn on any music you’d like to accompany your journey. If I’m journeying to meet Odin for instance, I usually put on some good ole Norse drumming/chanting. Place a lit candle on either side of the card. White is always a good color choice but decide color based on your gods’ attributes. Turn out the lights. Sit across from your card in a comfortable position to meditate. Close your eyes and take three deep and controlled breaths. Open your eyes and focus on journeying into the card between the lit candles, letting yourself come to a deep state of relaxation, a trance like state. Commune with your deity. Spend time asking your questions or listening to what words of wisdom they have for you. Don’t be alarmed if they say nothing and instead show you symbols (they love to communicate to me this way). When you’re ready, bring yourself back to the current moment. Let your consciousness come back to fully present. Offer your thanks, turn on the lights, and blow out your candles. Journal your experience journeying into your card noting anything you found significant and how/why you believe it to be significant. Tarot & Oracle Decks for Working with Gods and Goddesses As I said, you can use ANY card you feel represents your deity […]

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THE STARSEED Oracle Deck: An Otherworldly Review

kitty fields — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 18:56:42 +0000

If you know me, you know the Otherworldly Oracle is a huge fan of Oracle cards. I recently purchased a just-released deck called The Starseed Oracle by Rebecca Campbell and artist Danielle Noel. This is my honest, otherworldly review for those interested in potentially investing in this oracle deck. By a starseed for starseeds. Enjoy, Star Family! First, What is a Starseed? Before I get into my review and the details of The Starseed Oracle deck, let’s define the term starseed. A starseed is an individual who might have lived other lives on other planets, in other solar systems, or in other dimensions. If you’ve ever felt a calling to be among the stars, you might be a starseed. But if you’re not sure, we list 20 starseed characteristics here. That being said, if you’re a starseed, you’re going to LOVE this Oracle Deck. No doubt in my soul! THE STARSEED Oracle Deck: A 53-Card Deck and Guidebook The first thing I noticed when I opened the Starseed Oracle deck was the box. It’s not like your typical oracle boxes with a rectangular-top that slides on and off the bottom. The shape is different: the bottom half resembles a pyramid. Ib the guidebook the author Rebecca Campbell explains how to use the bottom half of the box as a “display piece” for readings! I’ve never seen an oracle deck’s box created as a means of technology in this way before! In addition, the pastel and gold color theme is serene and uplifting. Aesthetics aside, it’s the high vibrations pulsating from the Starseed Oracle deck that make this deck worthy of my ultimate praise. FAVORITE Starseed Oracle Cards AND My Otherworldly Dreams It’s honestly too hard for me to pick a single favorite from this deck. The thing is – a few of the cards took me by complete surprise and spoke to me at a deep cellular level. I’ve had vivid dreams of which are reflected in the artwork of two particular cards: The Seas of Mintaka and Star Family. The Seas of Mintaka Dreams I’d never heard of the Seas of Mintaka until discovering this card, and when I did – BOOM. It hit me. I’d dreamed of this place. I’d SWAM through the seas of mintaka. Might this dream actually have been a memory from a past incarnation on another planet? When I researched the Seas of Mintaka, I discovered it was a planet in the Orion constellation. Mostly made of crystal-clear water, Orion starseeds refer to it as the “lost paradise”. The Star Family Rebirth The Star Family card is an exact replica of a dream I had right before the 2012 cosmic shift. In the dream, I left my body and shot into space through a light tunnel. It felt surreal and yet completely real…it was like I was being born in reverse. Then I floated among the stars in complete peace and wholeness. This card reflects that memory. Amidst a massive spiritual awakening for me in 2012, I realized I had lived other lives on other planets and dimensions. These cards are pure reflections of that consciousness and of so many other starseeds’ incarnations. Should You Buy The Starseed Oracle Deck? If you’re a starseed or simply feel drawn to working with cosmic energies, The Starseed Oracle Deck by Rebecca Campbell and Danielle Noel is the right deck for you. I don’t just say this about any oracle deck, and trust me…I’ve had at least a dozen decks. This oracle deck’s energy is palpable. And it’s ALWAYS positive and uplifting. Ancient Cosmic Elements in the Starseed Oracle As you get to know the deck, you’ll notice various ancient cosmic elements throughout: Egyptian deities, Divine Feminine vibrations, and lost civilizations like Mu and Atlantis. Even some elements you might’ve never heard of like Hidarian energy and a world called Hiraeth. In years past, I’ve always felt drawn to ancient Egypt and lost lands like Atlantis. Deep inside there’s a pull to learn more about those places…I feel that I’ve incarnated multiple times in ancient Egypt and Atlantis. This oracle deck speaks to Starseeds at a heart and soul level. It explores our karmic Akashic records in a way that speaks to the individual personally. My Only Dislike… The only downside to this oracle deck is there aren’t as many “starseed type” cards as I’d hoped. But the author explains this is because we as starseeds are living a human life on planet earth and it’s more advantageous to focus on this particular incarnation than on past or other incarnations. At the same time, you’ll see some starseed origins mentioned i.e. Orion, Pleidian, Hidarian, and more. The more I use THE Starseed Oracle, the more I discover about the Universe and about myself. In short, I HIGHLY recommend this deck. I don’t have enough good things to say about it!

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Throwing Bones: How to Make and Read Your Own Osteomancy Set

kitty fields — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:38:54 +0000

There’s something truly amazing about divination – it connects us to the spirit world and ourselves. A particular form of divination I’ve enjoyed lately is called throwing bones. I’ve recently put my own osteomancy set together using items I already had around the house. This divination set cost me literally nothing to make! Here’s how to create your own osteomancy set and how to throw ‘dem bones! What Does “Throwing Bones” Mean? Throwing bones, also called osteomancy, is an ancient form of divination probably originated with various tribes in Africa. Throwing bones as a means of foretelling the future or divining the past might also have been used among indigenous American and South American tribes. As well as by Norse witches and seers, known as volvas, for centuries. However it originates, throwing bones means to cast a collection of bones, seashells, stones and other items onto a hard surface and then read messages from the patterns that emerge. Each piece of the collection means something different, and depending on how it lands will give the reader insight. How to Make Your Own Osteomancy Set to Use for “Throwing Bones” Putting an osteomancy set together is fun and cheap/free! Typically, if you’re already a practicing witch or nature fanatic, you’ll have most or all of the items you need already on-hand. A set for throwing bones doesn’t have to have only bones! But if you have animal bones, you can absolutely add these, as it is traditional. My osteomancy set contains a bone and teeth. Bones and Natural Items to Include Natural items to include in your osteomancy set: animal bones, teeth, seashells, small sticks/twigs, stones, crystals, acorns, small seed pods, coral, seaglass, etc. If you collect random bits of nature, you probably already have some of these in your house. Household Items to Include Other household items to include: marbles, buttons, small toys, clothespins, coins, jewelry pendants, keys, small heirlooms, thimbles, mementos, etc. Don’t just choose any item you find, choose items that mean something special to you. For example, a button that came off your grandfather’s police uniform = ancestral protection. Or a baby’s umbilical cord clip = maternal love. The Key to Building Your Osteomancy Set The key to building your osteomancy set for throwing bones is to choose items that hold meaning to you. And each item should represent something a little different than the others. They also should be relatively the same size. For example, you don’t want to include a large birch branch that’s ten times the size of your grandmother’s button. There Are No Rules! Some people choose only natural items like bones, seashells and stones. Others choose a mixture. Still others choose ONLY household items for their osteomancy set. The choice is completely yours! Don’t let anyone tell you there’s only one right way…there’s no divination police who will knock at your front door to arrest you if your osteomancy set doesn’t have ALL bones! Define the Meanings Next thing, write down each item in your throwing bones set and their meanings in your grimoire. I had to do this because some of the items I chose I hadn’t fully defined their meaning. I just knew I wanted to include the pieces at first. Sit with each piece a minute and really meditate on what that piece means to you. What do you first think of when you see this piece? How does it make you feel? Are there any memories you associate with it? Write these things down, too. How to Throw ‘Dem Bones Keep your osteomancy set in a special bag or small box. Be sure to cleanse and dedicate this bag or box solely to the use of holding your “bones”. For a reading, take your bones and pour or gently toss them onto a hard surface. Some people lay down a cloth over the surface to prevent any pieces from damage. Look at how they fell. Are there any upside down? If so, this could mean a reversal or negative of whatever those pieces mean to you. How the Bones Land… Observe which pieces are closest to you and which are furthest. I typically read the ones closest to me as being the most important. Did any bones land on top of other bones or are there any “pointing” to others? These could have meaning, as well. For instance, if a clothespin landed on top of a miniature book memento, this might mean you’re putting too much time into your housework and not enough into downtime. The 4 Directions Method Some people use the 4 directions as part of throwing bones readings. Depending on which direction or quadrant the bones and such land will determine messages for the reading. For example: if a crow’s skull falls into the east quadrant, there may be news from an occult friend or from a deity like Odin or the Morrigan coming your way! If a baby rattle or toy falls in the north or pointed north, someone might be pregnant soon. Etc. The Key to Throwing Bones The whole point of making your own osteomancy set is that these are items that mean something special to you. The more you throw the bones, the more you’ll develop your own understanding and process. Place your new set on your altar and ask the Universe/your gods/ancestors to bless it. Charge the osteomancy set under the moonlight for added strength. Be sure to cleanse the entire set every once in awhile with smoke, etc. And, just as a recommendation from me, I don’t allow anyone else to touch or use my bone set. But it is ultimately up to you! More Divination! 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Dark Moon Rituals: Divination for Shadow Work & Past Lives

kitty fields — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 14:24:54 +0000

The Dark Moon is the few days before a New Moon when the moon seems to be completely gone from the sky. Traditionally, witches of the past told us not to cast magick or do ritual on the dark moon. But if you heed their warnings, you’ll never realize just how powerful the Dark Moon is. Here we give the serious caster two dark moon rituals: one for shadow work and the other to recall past lives. The Dark Moon’s Energy While some people may be scared of doing magick or ritual on the Dark Moon, I recommend it. The energy is very specific and potent. When the moon is dark, the night is even darker. This is a time to turn inside, look at our shadow selves, and bring nagging things to light. Once they’ve been brought to the light, we see them for what they are and we can heal. The dark moon energy is also beneficial when performing past life regression and recall. It brings hidden things to the surface including past life memories. A Dark Moon Scrying Ritual for Shadow Work What You’ll Need: A mirror or bowl of water Black candle Lighter/matches Dragon’s Blood incense Journal and pen Warning: With shadow work, you’re bringing secrets, past memories, and sometimes PAINFUL memories to the surface. If you’re not prepared to deal with the reality of your decisions and intense emotions, it’s not time for you to do shadow work. How to Perform the Scrying Shadows Dark Moon Ritual: For this dark moon ritual, you’re going to practice scrying to see your true shadows. Gather all your items, cleanse your space and cast your circle. Dim the lights. If you can do the entire ritual by candlelight only, that’s best. Light the black candle and put it close to the bowl of water or mirror so that the light reflects off of the water/mirror. Dedicate your black candle to the Dark Moon. Light the dragon’s blood incense and offer it to spirit of the moon. Next, get into your otherworldly state of mind through breath-work, ritual music, etc. (however you shift your consciousness is what you’ll do at this point in the ritual). Begin to soften your gaze and say, “By the Dark of the Moon, I turn inwards to reflect upon my darkness. The shadows, the secrets, the old wounds holding me back. My shadows will now be revealed to me so that I may heal.” Look at the candlelight in the mirror/water and allow images to play out. If you don’t see any direct images in the reflection of the light, that’s okay. Any images that pop up in your head are legitimate scrying results! Also, if you hear words or feel sensations, these are all things the Dark Moon is trying to show you. Sit in the darkness, watching the candlelight reflection for as long as you deem necessary or until the incense burns down. Blow out the candle and open your circle. Record your thoughts, any images seen, any sensations, etc. One shadow or more has been revealed to you. If you don’t understand right away, give it a few days and the answer will come to you. Shadows aren’t fun to deal with. Be prepared to do some soul searching and acknowledge the shadows for what they are. Then release them. Let them go. If you need to do a releasing ritual, now would be the time. Dark Moon Ritual to Recall Past Lives What You’ll Need: A deck of oracle or tarot cards Candles and lighter/matches An offering for the keepers of the Akashic Records (burn incense, bowl of water, etc.) Journal and pen How to Perform the Recall Past Lives Dark Moon Ritual: Cleanse your space and gather your tools. Cleanse your cards thoroughly. Cast your circle. Dim the lights. Candlelight is best for this dark moon ritual. Hold up the offering and say, “Keepers of the Akashic Records, I come to you now. Hear my call and accept this offering as a temporary ticket.” Get into your otherworldly state of consciousness and shuffle your cards until you feel they’re ready. Then say, “Keepers of the Akashic Records, I come to you now and ask that you reveal to me one of my past lives. May this past life bring me light in this life.” Place 5 cards face up and read them left to right. The first card will tell you the time period you lived in (prehistoric, modern, Colonial, Medieval, etc.) The second card will tell you the area of the world where you lived. The third card will tell you your occupation in that life. The fourth card will tell you what lesson you chose for that life but failed to learn. The fifth card will tell you how you died from that life. Look over each card carefully. Whatever pops into your mind first for each card is what your answer is. Write everything down. Even taking a picture of the reading may help you learn things later. When done, open the circle and thank the Keepers of the Akashic Records for revealing your past life to you. If you don’t receive all the information you seek, it will be revealed to you over the next few days. Try More of Our Rituals: Powerful BANISHING Illness Ritual 5 Hex-Breaking Baths: How to Break a Curse with a Ritual Bath Full Moon Ritual Ideas + Rituals for Healing and Love

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Witches Runes: Their History, Meanings + How to Make & Read Your Own!

kitty fields — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:41:05 +0000

One of my favorite divination methods and one that I recommend to beginners is the witches runes. There are a couple different kinds of runes, and sometimes the witches runes get confused with the Elder futhark. But they are MUCH different from one another. Here, I’ll share the history and meaning of witches runes PLUS teach you how to make and read your own set! The Mysterious History of Witches Runes Witches runes are fairly new compared to the ancient Norse runic alphabet known as the Elder futhark OR the ancient Ogham alphabet. I’ve researched and researched and can’t find a solid source as to the Witches runes’ true origins. All sources say they are a modern version of a magical alphabet invented specifically for witches’ divination purposes. Theories abound as to the witches’ runes history, but all agree they were probably invented in the nineteenth or early twentieth centuries. 13 Witches Runes Meanings I’ve seen some people use eight and ten witches’ runes, but in my humble opinion, thirteen is the magical number. Why? Historically, thirteen has been a sacred number to witches because of the thirteen lunar phases per year and traditionally thirteen witches per coven. So I prefer to use the thirteen witches runes. I will provide you all with MY interpretation of each witches rune meanings; HOWEVER, keep in mind it’s up to you to determine what each rune truly means in a reading. 1. The Sun: growth, new beginnings, fertility, prosperity, solar magic, god When this witches rune pops up in a reading, I typically smile. The sun means different things to different people; however, the fact that it sustains the planet also means it sustains our lives and brings an abundance of good things. 2. The Moon: Intuition, the goddess, dreams, psychic abilities, emotions, love, healing, shadow work The Moon witch rune pops up in a reading to prompt us to look deeper below the surface. It asks us to use our intuition, look into our dreams, and connect with our emotional side. 3. Flight: travel, birds, communication, messages from the other side, soaring at great heights, fast moving, news The Flight Rune brings otherworldly news or reminds us of some form of communication, be it spoken or written. Birds are sacred animals and messengers to the heavens and to the gods. 4. Rings: bonding, alliance, marriage, teams, family This witches rune indicates an issue, be it good or bad, with family, co-workers, friends, etc. Bonding on different levels is also the message. 5. Trinity: Triple goddess, life/death/rebirth, trinity, love – romance Some people read this witches rune as a flower – new life, birth, fertility, love. I tend to read it more like the triquetra – life/death/rebirth cycles, triple goddess, etc. It’s completely up to you how YOU interpret these! 6. Woman: womb and vagina, creativity, birthing, motherhood, femininity, yoni I read this rune as the Divine Feminine in us and all around us. One’s womb is full, with a baby physically, OR with a creative idea or project. 7. Man: Male, phallus, arrow, action, fertility, virility, strength, aggression, justice, goals The yin and yang – male and female are represented in the witches’ runes for a reason. There’s duality on every level in the universe. The man rune is the arrow, the phallus, and represents all things masculine. 8. Harvest: abundance, reaping, manifesting, wealth, family security, finances What happens during the harvest? We collect all we’ve been growing. This rune represents manifestation and reaping the rewards. Finances and security. 9. Crossroads: decisions, blocked paths, opportunities, the space between, spirits The crossroads as a symbol and as an actual place are powerful. When we reach a crossroads in our lives, we have to make a decision. There may be a new path presented to us or our paths might be blocked. 10. Waves: Ocean, land of the dead, purification, water, emotions, healing Water is one of those elements that either draws people or scares them…or both. It’s the element of change, creation, destruction, nourishment, and represents so much in a reading. Purification is also a big indication. 11. Star: guidance, a light in the darkness, wishes, gifts, other worlds, astrology When you look up at the stars, how do you feel? Incorporate that into your readings when the star witches’ rune shows up. The star is indeed a gift and grants wishes to some. It may be a guiding light to others lost in the darkness. 12. Scythe: the reaping, death, waning, end of an era, releasing and clearing The scythe may seem scary to some, like the Death card in a tarot reading. BUT the scythe also means an end to something that needs to be released. It could mean clearing and letting go. 13. Eye: third eye, seeing the truth, clairvoyance, someone’s watching, the evil eye and protection This rune is my favorite. The all-seeing eye. It represents seeing things unseen, also seeing the beauty in things others don’t. Can also be a warning of the evil eye or someone watching. How to Make Your Own Witches Runes I didn’t come up with the idea of turning seashells into witches’ runes. I’ve seen many a witch take the opportunity to turn collected shells into something special. AND I capitalized on it! You can, too! Gather 13 seashells or stones, of relatively similar size and shape, then draw or paint a witches rune on each. I painted my shells blue to honor the water element even more AND used gold for the actual runes. Get creative and store them in a special bag. Tips on How to Bond With Your Witch Runes Just by creating your own witches runes set is enough to imbue it with your own energy and absorb some of its own. But you can also sleep with them under your pillow or sit and hold them in your hands while watching TV, etc. Do a reading for yourself once a day or as often as you can. You’ll […]

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