Llewellyn Publications's Blog, page 27

 

Llewellyn’s Little Book of Tarot

Barbara Moore

This book is so wonderful! If you are looking for a gift for someone who is tarot curious, new to tarot, or simply loves tarot, you can’t go wrong with the Llewellyn’s Little Book of Tarot.

It begs to picked up and flipped through. Knowing that would be the case, the content is in small, easily digestible bites. No time for a long study session? Just have a few minutes and want to get some tarot on? Just flip through and stop at almost any random page for the perfect tarot break.

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here’s a two-page spread to give you an idea of the delights in store for you between these covers.

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Tess Whitehurst, author of a number of books, including Magical Housekeeping, You Are Magical, and the new Unicorn Magic.

Both crystals and unicorns are of the earth, and both also transcend the earthly plane to align us with the Otherworld, the realm of Faerie, and the eternal consciousness of Spirit. But some crystals are particularly aligned with unicorn energy, making them uniquely relevant to those of us drawn to the magic and wonder of the unicorn realm.

Here are 7 gemstones that will help you attune to the purifying, healing, and courage-inspiring realm of the unicorns.

Amethyst is a purple-colored quartz with a soothing and spiritual vibration. It’s calming and stress-relieving and supports a deep and restful night’s sleep. Amethyst also helps heal addictions and addictive behaviors. Like unicorns, amethyst is aligned with the crown chakra, which opens up our connection the the realm of dreams and the Divine.



Apophyllite is a starlight-colored, bright, clear-white stone that often appears as a tiny little luminous pyramid. When you meditate with it, it can help you enter into other worlds and dimensions, including the fairy, unicorn, astral, and angelic realms.



Aquamarine is reminiscent of pale blue tropical oceans and pristine alpine streams. It purifies mind, body, and spirit, and helps relieve any sense of uncleanliness or toxicity. This mirrors the unicorn’s fabled ability to instantly and completely transform any poison or noxious pond into sparkling, clear, drinkable water.



Larimar is an opaque, vibrantly aqua-toned stone that looks like the brightest blue sky after its been purified by a heavy rain or strong wind. Simply glimpsing a larimar can infuse you with deep and abiding joy. Quite like a unicorn sighting, larimar helps bring back our joy when it seems to be lost. It also reminds us to prioritize joy every day, and to spread it to everyone we meet.



Lepidolite is a sparkly, lavender-hued stone that is perhaps the answer to the question, if a unicorn were a crystal, what would it be? Like unicorns, lepidolite reminds us to love freely, purely, and deeply. It also attunes us to the inner knowing that we are lovable, adorable, and deserving of every wonderful thing. Carrying or wearing it helps us draw true love and lasting friendship.



Peridot is a pale, grass-green crystal. It’s as serene and comforting as a late summer day. Unicorns are perfectly harmonized with the magic and wisdom of herbs, flowers, trees, and the seasons, and peridot helps us harmonize with these things in a similar way. It also helps strengthen physical and emotional health, healthy habits, and feelings of grounding, inspiration, and interconnection.



Spirit quartz, also known as drusy, is a quartz covered with lots of smaller crystal points, resulting in a breathtaking, sparkling effect. It appears in clear, amethyst, aqua aura, and angel aura varieties, and all can help foster a harmonious sense of community and interconnection. Additionally, just like unicorns, spirit quartz boosts energy, creativity, inspiration, wonder, vitality, and joy.

To work with one of these crystals in order to gain greater access to the wisdom and healing power of unicorns, first cleanse it in sunlight and/or running water. Then hold it in your right hand and set the intention to align with unicorn consciousness and to open up to the magic of the realm. Next, carry it, wear it, sleep with it under your pillow, or place it on your altar. You can even create an altar specifically for the purpose, by placing an attractive image of a unicorn as a focal point, along with any other altar items you may like to include such as candles, flowers, or offerings (hint: unicorns like cinnamon sticks, apples, and sweet-smelling flowers).

Did you work with any of these crystals to attune your energy to the realm of the unicorns? Or do you plan to? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Our thanks to Tess for her guest post! For more from Tess Whitehurst, read her article “The Unique Magic of the Unicorn: Seven Spiritual Specialties of the Species.”Ω

As we near the holidays and the end of one year, it is easy for our minds to drift toward the new year…a time of new beginnings, and often resolutions, goals, and reflections. We often examine where we are and what it will take to get to where we want to be. Often, these goals and resolutions are difficult to achieve, and end up by the wayside within a matter of months (or weeks, or days…).

Many of us are aware of astrology‘s power to help us examine our personalities and the personalities of others, using the blueprint of our birth chart to navigate our relationships and be our best selves. But, what if could use the power of astrology to also guide us in planning, in achieving our short- and long-term goals? What if we had signposts to warn us of potential pitfalls in the road ahead of us? As it turns out, we do have easy access to such information, when we enlist the power of the planets and the stars!

But, how can books on astrology help us plan, year by year? Even if you are new to astrology, there is a wealth of astrological information in the form of annual calendars, almanacs, and datebooks, as well as books on the subject for all skill levels. No matter what time of the year it is, don’t forget to consult astrological calendars, guidebooks, and datebooks for the best time to do…well, just about anything.

Astrology for Beginners : Professional astrologer David Pond introduces readers to the most important topics of astrology, including the zodiac signs, elements, planets, houses, and more. From angles and aspects to sun signs and houses, this book brings the stars down to earth so you can study astrology with ease.



Llewellyn’s Moon Sign Book : A bestseller since 1905, this guide has helped millions take advantage of the moon’s dynamic energies. With lunar timing tips on planting and harvesting and a guide to companion plants, this popular guide is also a gardener’s best friend.



Llewellyn’s Sun Sign Book : With monthly horoscopes for each sign, including favorable and unfavorable days, this guide is easy to use! Learn which areas in your life have potential for great success and which require extra attention. Also included for each sign is a guide to the best dates for endeavors like finding a job, beginning a romance, taking a vacation, or buying a house.



Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide : With valuable information on aspects, ephemerides, retrograde planets, eclipses for 2020, and more, this datebook helps astrologers be ahead of the game in everything they do. Even beginners can plan wisely with explanations of the planets, signs, houses, and how to use this guide.



Llewellyn’s Astrological Pocket Planner : This planner is conveniently pocket-sized and will help you choose the best dates for every important event, from job interviews and business meetings to weddings and graduation parties. Pinpoint the perfect times for any activity or event: plant a garden, begin new projects, conduct self-reflection, go fishing, and more.

View all of the 2020 astrological calendars, almanacs, and datebooks here.

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Michael Smith, author of Base-12 Numerology: Discover Your Life Path Through Nature’s Most Powerful Number.

We’re surrounded by numbers all the time, so much so they tend to become background noise in our busy lives. Still, occasionally a number jumps out at you and catches your attention—sometimes again and again. Maybe it’s the time on a clock, a date, a license plate number, a sales slip total, or a certain number of butterflies flying together. Whatever the case, rest assured that the number is showing up for a reason. If you believe in the Law of Attraction as I do, that your thoughts attract your reality, then that curious number is a sign from the universe helping you understand something about yourself.

Here are some tips to help decipher why a number may be showing up for you, along with an example to illustrate:

Where did you see the number show up?
What were you doing or thinking about when the number caught your attention?
What/who first comes to mind when you think of that number?
How does the number make you feel?
What does the number mean in numerology?

Lately I’ve been seeing the number 441 a lot, and I mean a lot! It seems to be popping up mostly on my computer when I’m working on a new book idea or thinking of my first book that’s coming out in a couple of months (Base-12 Numerology). What first comes to mind when I think of that number is that it was the house number where I lived through to the end of high school. And the first thing I think of (and feel) when I recall that house is that it was one of the happiest times in my life, especially pursuing my passion for visual arts. When I moved away to study Engineering in university, I remember the excitement I felt about beginning that new phase in my life but also the anxiety of not pursuing a career in art. I eventually retired from a rewarding, 30-year career as an engineer without giving up art as a hobby, so everything worked out fine after all.

The numerology of 441 is found by adding the digits together until you get a single digit. In traditional (base-10) numerology, 4+4+1 = 9, which means completion. In base-12 numerology (the method I prefer), you first convert 441 from base-10 to base-12, which is 309, and then sum the digits as before. Here, 3+0+9 = 1×12 + 0 = 10 in base-12. As 10 isn’t yet a single digit, we sum again to get 1+0 = 10/1, which means new beginnings (1) through new beginnings (1) of potential (0).

As I’m going through a very similar phase today as at the end of high school, of beginning something new (as a writer) during a particularly fulfilling time of my life (as a numerologist and psychic medium), I feel that seeing the number 441 is just the universe encouraging me to courageously step forward as a new author without the fear of sacrificing my other passions and that, as before, everything will work out great.

To learn more about deciphering the numbers that show up in your life, look up my book: Base-12 Numerology: Discover Your Life Path Through Nature’s Most Powerful Number.

Our Thanks to Michael for his guest post! For more from Michael Smith, read his article, “How Base-12 Numerology Unlocks the Universal Wisdom of Twelve.”

 

2020 Tarot Calendar

It’s the end of October and you are probably already scheduling things for next year. Why not treat yourself (or a lucky friend) to a calendar that will add a tarot sparkle to your whole year? More and more people are enjoying the tips, techniques, essays, and spreads…to say nothing of the exquisite art…they find in this calendar each year. Don’t miss out!

 

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Ryan Smith, author of The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism.

One question that often comes up for Norse Paganism is, “So, is that the Viking stuff?” It’s no surprise, since the first thing most people think of when they hear the word “Norse” is, “Viking.” This isn’t helped by the fact that most people’s first exposure to anything Norse is probably through any number of avenues saturating popular culture, including (but not limited to) shows like Game of Thrones, The Vikings, and The Last Kingdom; the Marvel Thor films; and the thriving market for uber-masculine, Viking-themed knickknacks scattered all over social media. Many are left with the impression that any Norse is a throwback to a long-lost time or superficial escapism in a Conan-inspired fantasy.

For practitioners of modern Norse Paganism, however, nothing could be farther from the truth. There is so much more to Norse practice than Odin, Thor, Loki, hammers, and horned helmets. The myths, sagas and folklore used by Norse practitioners as the source for inspiration show a richly relevant, all-embracing set of ideas with significance for all aspects of your life. In Norse Paganism, the world is alive, constantly in motion, and endlessly dynamic.

Fate, a key force in Norse practice, is a huge part of why Norse Paganism isn’t just about having more Gods than can be conveniently counted. From the Norse perspective, everything is the product of everyone’s actions and these actions are all intimately connected. Every person’s choices change the world around them, creating different sets of options for all other people. The sum of all these actions, along with the actions of other Powers, is the stuff of Fate.

There are also many more Powers active in the Norse world beyond the Gods. Life is full of and surrounded by many different spirits, both great and small, of everything from trees and rivers to the home you live in and the street where you walk to work. The constant hum of the countless Powers fills reality from end to end, making everything more than meets the eye. This also calls on practitioners to live in the world mindful of the respect all things deserve.

Even these key aspects of Norse Paganism only just scratch the surface of the depth, beauty, and greater meaning in this form of practice. Far from being an avenue for escape from life, Norse Pagan practice offers new ideas, answers, and approaches in the face of the growing challenges of modern life. For anyone interested in modern Norse Paganism, there’s always something more out there in a living world filled with possibility.

 

Here in the northern hemisphere, Samhain is almost upon us, but for our southern hemisphere friends, it is time for Beltane. To help you celebrate, we’ve rounded up our best rituals, spells, books, and more!

A May Eve Incantation: Beltane is one of the most important holidays in the Pagan year. Beltane celebrates life and growth, manifested this time of year by fruit and flower. To get in touch with the fertile flavor of the season, try this simple Beltane incantation.

 

 

Magickal May Wine for Beltane: Drink this May wine to welcome in the spring and renew your sense of youth and vigor.

 

 

Beltane Tarot Spread: May is a time of fertility and high spirits. By Beltane, the dark time of the year is a distant memory and the possibilities of life seem sweet. Use the May Queen spread to regain or confirm a sense of abundance and safety.

 

May Wishing Tree Magick for Beltane: Beltane is a celebration of vitality, fertility, strength, and growth reflecting a blending of many traditions. Here, Melanie Marquis provides ideas for May Trees and other ways to celebrate this sacred day.

Beltane Spells: Browse our spells to find your perfect Beltane ritual or incantation.

Books:

Beltane
Llewellyn’s 2020 Sabbats Almanac
Rituals of Celebration
Supermarket Sabbats
Sabbats
The Witch’s Wheel of the Year

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Kristy Robinett, author of several books, including It’s a Wonderful Afterlife, Tails from the Afterlife, and the new Born Under a Good Sign.

From October 31st to November 20th, the planet Mercury will be traveling retrograde through the astrological sign of Scorpio. Will it be a trick, or will it be a treat for you?

Mercury Retrograde occurs three times a year, and lasts for several weeks during each time period. It’s said that Mercury, “goes backwards” or “takes a vacation,” and so anything with communication, contracts, and legal obligations can—and often do—go haywire. Here’s what each sun sign can expect for this particular Mercury retrograde period.

Aries: It’s especially important to watch your finances during this Mercury retrograde period. It could be a bill that you thought you paid and didn’t, a credit card that is compromised, or being double-charged for your non-fat Mocha. Keep a close eye on everything money-related.

Taurus: This Mercury in retrograde has you extra suspicious. Who from your past did you wrong, or you them? It’s time to release the hurt and forgive, no matter the story behind the betrayal. Once you do, you’ll discover the weight lifted and an easier journey ahead.

Gemini: Be extra careful about your worrying during this period so as not to deplete your immune system or affect your body, mind, and/or soul. Channel that concern into a healthy routine of health and fitness with helpers such as a doctor, nutritionist, or fitness instructor.

Cancer: The past couple years have brought about some nonsensical drama that has made your everyday life confusing. Now is the time for you to reflect on relationships, and to decide who is a keeper and who is a giveaway into the new year.

Leo: Home is truly your castle, Leo. As Mercury is in Retrograde, you are being urged to clear, organize, and be productive. Stop avoiding and throwing both tangible and emotional junk in a closet for later. Now is the time to deal with it. In the end it will help to manage your time and lighten your load.

Virgo: You are amazing at detail and organization, but Mercury in Retrograde is notorious for causing delays. You’ve got this, though, Virgo. Just make sure to double- and triple-check that the emails you send out are going to who they are supposed to. Don’t be concerned if you haven’t heard from that job opportunity you applied for, or the house you bid on was denied. Bigger and better is coming.

Libra: You ain’t afraid of no ghosts, and you aren’t afraid to admit it. You also have a refreshed take on life with the dusk of Libra season. An abundance of opportunities is about to come your way because you’ve been busy making it happen these last couple of years. If you can, hold off on signing any legal paperwork until after Mercury goes direct.

Scorpio: This Mercury in Retrograde aligns with your sun sign and is paramount to helping you visualize into the new year. It’s no surprise that you hold grudges, Scorp, and it’s time for you to be honest with yourself and do something about it so that the past isn’t like a monster in your closet.

Sagittarius: Can you truly make peace with your inner demons? This time period reminds you that you’ve been carrying more baggage than you think, and it’s time to release and restore all that’s been haunting you. It might be from years ago when you didn’t get the attention you needed from a parent, or the raise you didn’t get this year. No matter how big or how small, the bags are heavy.

Capricorns: It’s time to look hard at your social circle. If things feel good, then schedule some lunch dates, plan a trip, or have a day adventure. If your social circle is more toxic, then you already know what needs to be done. Negativity in your life is like a virus and can cause contamination of your own spirit.

Aquarius: It may be that you’re thinking of going back to school or applying for a new job. You may have been passed up for a promotion and are still bitter. It may be that you’re just feeling unsatisfied with your day to day life. This Mercury in Retrograde is a great time to review your life path and truly look in your own personal crystal ball to see what will make you happy.

Pisces: You are extra sassy, Pisces. Normally pretty cool and calm, the last couple months have taken a toll on your soul. Be careful not get caught up in the tsunami of emotion. You don’t love to apologize in an after the fact, so during this period be cautious of the sass rearing its ugly head. You won’t be able to take back. Back away from the sass. For now.

What NOT to do during Mercury Retrograde:

Buy a new car
Sign legal documents
File legal paperwork
Accept a new job
Buy electronics
Put your house up for sale
Lease an apartment
Get involved in petty arguments
Spend time comparing

What to Do during Mercury Retrograde:

Release your insecurities
Renew your spirit
Review the dreams of your past
Look at people in your life you might need to release
Look for something positive every day
Leave early
Stay organized
Work out
Indulge in long and deep conversations
Take care of your health—sinus issues, headaches, heartburn, and exhaustion will be felt during this time
Shut off the electronics
Meditate
Find a creative outlet to get all the excess emotion released

Mercury in Retrograde asks for you to look in the mirror at yourself to see what demons you might still be carrying—and then doing a personal exorcism, setting yourself free from past burdens. We all need practice in patience, and although most of us all hate lessons, this is one you don’t need to study for.

Looking for more from Kristy Robinett or about the strengths of your Sun Sign? Read her article, “The Bright Spot of Your Sun Sign,” and order Born Under a Good Sign.

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Phoenix LeFae, author of What Is Remembered Lives.

One thing I know for sure is that there isn’t one true way to be a Pagan or a Witch. Our faith is a highly personal one; this is part of what makes it so potent. There is no person that stands between you and the Divine. In fact, you are the Divine. How beautiful! However, even with all the possibility and permission, it is still important to have some foundational practice when embarking on modern polytheism.

Polytheism, simply stated, is the belief in many Godds* (I use this spelling to denote a more gender-full option for deity) In my personal practice I work with several deities that are all from different parts of the world. My flavor of polytheism isn’t stuck to one pantheon, but allows for a broad rainbow of possibilities. And in that potential there are still important “rules” that I follow.

History

The good thing about historical records is that they give a starting point. The bad thing about historical records is that they are written by the victor and are often wrong or very misleading. History is only one part of the equation. You also need to look at culture and context. The Godds were born in cultures very different than our modern one. We can’t ever fully understand that because we see everything with our modern lens. But learning culture, context, and history will give you a firm foundation for having a relationship with a deity.

Experience

When working with deities your personal mileage may vary from another practitioner. Brigid may show up for one person as a calm and tender healer, but may show up for another person as a no-nonsense blacksmith. Neither are wrong and both are right. Allow your personal experiences with Godds to expand what you have learned about history and culture.

It’s also wise to compare your personal experiences with other modern practitioners. There isn’t one right answer, so don’t think that your experience needs to match perfectly with what someone else has said. It doesn’t. But when you find similar words, phrases, energies, feelings, or images, you may find that it is easier to connect into the spirit of that deity.

Grains of Salt

Don’t believe everything you read or are told. Even books that are considered gospel on mythology can be wrong. Many practices that were once considered the one true way have been debunked or proven to be the made up liturgy of one person. It’s just a good practice to take anything with a grain of salt.

Modern polytheism doesn’t have one book, one set of rules, or one ruling Priestess caste. It is a growing and evolving practice based on very individual beliefs. As with all spiritual practices your mileage may vary. Have fun in the exploration.

Our thanks to Phoenix for her guest post! For more from Phoenix LeFae, read her article, “Courting Relationships with Spiritual Allies.”

Pathworking the Tarot

Leeza Robertson

Most experienced readers know that theory will only take you so far. You can read a hundred books on what the cards mean, but until you experience them in a conscious way, you don’t really know them. There are lots of ways to experience the cards…we experience them or what they represent every day. But there is a difference between merely reading about them or experiencing without knowing it. Pathworking is a way that anyone can connect with the cards on a more meaningful level.

Don’t know what I mean? Well here’s an excerpt from Robertson’s latest book. She discusses the Temperance card, then offers three different styles of pathworking. You may want to pick just one or try all three.

Temperance

Temperance sits between Death and the Devil. She bridges who you were with what is on offer for who you could be. She stands ready to heal your wounds and prepare you for what lays beyond within the devil’s playground. In this respect, Temperance brings past, present and future and molds them together to create something completely new. You are not who you once were, and now she needs to mold your new image. This requires balance, expertise and refinement, since she must attend to the after birth of your new self while cleaning up the mess left behind from the death of the ego. She does all of these while preparing you to walk through the residual energy of your past self. This residual energy will be in abundance, once you cross over to the Devil card.

Temperance’s work is complicated, specialized, and unique, as she must change and alter her healing techniques for every individual that crosses her path. What works for you will not work for the next person who comes to her healing waters. Temperance is a magician in her own right, molding and weaving together elements to make something beautiful, resilient and strong. She takes her task very seriously, and when you stand before her, you will have all of her attention. Having someone this focused on you and your well-being may be new to you, and it could make you feel uncomfortable and exposed. In your very raw state, this level of exposure may make you feel anxious and even slightly paranoid. Temperance is going to see things that you and other people may have missed, such as details and information that will help you navigate your next steps. Therefore, ask her questions,ask her what she sees, ask her for guidance and for words of advice. Ask as many questions as you feel you can find to ask, because once you leave Temperance behind, her healing magic and her focus will shift onto the next person.

Pathw ork

Intentional

Temperance is best known for bringing two opposing elements together and making something beautiful and unique with them. This is why she is often referred to as the alchemist. She can basically take something that others would discard or look over and make it to something precious and desirable. Remove the Temperance card from your deck and place it in front of you face up. Shuffle the remaining cards and ask Temperance what two elements or things she wants you to blend together. Shuffle the cards until you feel down and fan them out in front of you. Scan your hand over the cards and select the two cards that either heat up or give off a prickling feeling in your palm. Turn them your two cards over and have a look and see what trick Temperance wants you to pull off. You may wish to journal with these cards for a while as making a recipe for these two cards may take you some time. Just trust that the two cards you have drawn are the correct ones. Do not be tempted to put them back in the deck and try again just because you don’t like the pair you have been given. Remember, Temperance sees things others miss. She knows what ingredients you need. All you have to do is blend them.

Intuitive

Temperance has a long connection to the rainbow. Even in my very own Animal Totem Tarot, we see a flamingo that has a rainbow being formed by the waterfall behind it. In the original Rider-Waite-Smith image, the artist was very heavily influenced by the goddess Iris, who was the personification of the rainbow and was said to be a messenger from God. In today’s spiritual community, you often hear of how loved ones have crossed over the rainbow bridge, meaning they have passed away, which isinteresting, as Temperance is considered a bridge. Mix Iris and temperance together, and you have a rainbow bridge crossing from the heavens to the earth plane and back again. This is a wonderful image to meditate on, to see the rainbow as a sort of heavenly conveyor belt. Get yourself comfortable and take a few nice deep breaths.  Visualize the answers and solutions to your problems and questions sliding down the rainbow into Temperance’s arms, as she mixes you a drink while you pull up a seat to her spiritual bar. Just picture yourself sipping on something cool and smooth, as all of the things you ever wanted just come gliding down the rainbow bridge. Know that with each sip of the cocktail that Temperance has mixed for you is healing your body, calming your mind and restoring your soul. Take your time with your drink and spend as much time as you want hanging out at Temperance’s bar. When there appears to be nothing left coming down the rainbow bridge then you know it is time to leave. Take a few nice deep breathes, say thank you and carry on with your day.

Wandering

Temperance lands at number fourteen in the Major Arcana, between Death and the Devil. Her numbers connect her to the Hierophant, as 1+4=5. This means we have come to another card that brings change through knowledge and understanding, but this time, instead of it being so rigid and formal, it is more intuitive and experimental. Where the hierophant likes to keep to a strict and ancient code of conduct, Temperance likes to mix things up. Today as you wander around in Temperance’s shoes, think about how you can change things around, mix things up and bring some rainbow energy into your daily habit or routine. Consider taking a different way home. Go down to a shopping center or Mall that is new to you. Take a new class or even just say a hello to someone you normally walk straight past during the day. Use the fire energy of this card to get into the ‘doing’ energy of change. The best adventures are taken by those who actively step into them. Temperance says, “Now it’s your turn!”