Brigit Esselmont's Blog, page 21

Honouring the Winter Solstice

Winter time, and especially Winter Solstice, is the perfect time to:

go withinstep into the darkness and hibernatereflect on your shadow self (the part of you that you try to deny or hide from others)

This time of internal work, and possibly some seclusion, is a powerful practice before you emerge once again into the light.

Use the following Tarot spread to connect with this sacred energy as you honour the Winter solstice.

What is the essence of my inner shadow self?What can I learn from my shadow self?How can I bring my shadow self into the light?What lights me up from within?What new seeds am I planting?What do I need to release in order to create space for growth?

The post Honouring the Winter Solstice appeared first on Biddy Tarot.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Summer is the time to shine and be seen! As you celebrate the Summer Solstice, be ready to step into the spotlight and express your true self to the world.

Bask in the sunrays and allow yourself to be filled with light as you feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

Watch as your projects come into full effect and you are energised to take action on the new opportunities that arose during the Spring.

Use the following Tarot spread to connect with this sacred energy, as we celebrate the longest day.

What new opportunities have emerged over the spring?How can I bring my current projects to fruition?What is expanding in my life right now?What blessings am I receiving?What truly fulfils me?How can I shine my light in the world?

The post Celebrating the Summer Solstice appeared first on Biddy Tarot.

Connecting with the goddess to understand the tarot queens by victoria collins

As personifications of female archetypes, the Tarot Queens can be much like the goddesses. Relating a Tarot Queen to a goddess with the same traits can be a very effective way to deepen your understanding of these cards.  

 Get to know these multi-faceted goddesses, and you can uncover insights and connections with the Tarot Queens in easy and exciting ways.  

 As earthly beings of the minor arcana, I look upon a Tarot Queen as a priestess of the chosen goddess; one who walks with the goddess in her everyday mortal work (just like you can!). 

The Goddess Vesta and the Queen of Wands 

The Roman goddess of fire, Vesta, is an easy starter for insights into the Queen of Wands, who sits in the suit of the fire element with her passion and energy gently smouldering.  

Vesta was goddess of the hearth fire specifically. As the traditional centre of the camp or home, Vesta’s energy is ever present in our lives.  

Every person is drawn instantly and instinctively to a fire in the centre of a camp or home.  

The priestess of Vesta/Queen of Wands is magnetic and charismatic. As a woman of fire, she is ambitious and driven, but it’s somehow attractive and inspiring rather than material. People want to warm themselves by her wisdom, charm and sensuality. They want to be with her, listen to her, bask in her energy.  

The hearth fire brings to the home the presence of an ancient, primal life force. The priestess/Queen of the hearth fire knows that she walks with an untouchable, perpetual passion and energy in her everyday work. 

As the goddess of the hearth, the fire’s most wild and fierce traits are contained but remain in Vesta’s soul and serve to add depth to her intrigue and potential.  

Archaeology indicates that Vesta’s temple in the Roman Forum, the ruins of which are present today, was originally built as a hut protecting a camp fire around 600-800BC. In those ancient times a fire was a prized energy source which fuelled all prospects of health and growth, and from this camp area grew Rome the city, then empire.  

Vesta’s fire was life and potential. She sustained the vision for Rome’s greatness.  

Vesta’s priestess/Queen has a fire in her belly, and the drive to keep it aflame.  

There is a sense of positivity about this priestess/Queen. She is full of feminine passion quietly glowing in her depths.  

The hearth fire may be constant and grounded but it is also ever moving, changeable, untouchable. Vesta reminds you to stay connected with those mysterious feminine traits even while you do the work-a-day stuff required of modern life and achieving your goals.  

The Goddess Vesta and the Queen of Pentacles 

Vesta’s very pragmatic, earthy side is also manifest in the Queen of Pentacles.  

As the centre of the home, providing warmth, light and sustenance through cooking, Vesta can be seen as the ultimate domestic goddess or Earth Mother just like the Queen of Pentacles.  

Pentacles is of the earth element, and according to the historical writer Ovid, Vesta was considered by the Romans to also be one and the same as the earth itself. 

Vesta’s temple housed a sacred fire which was considered to represent the hearth of the empire and therefore its prosperity and security. She was protectress of the whole Roman empire as it expanded and conquered foreign lands: so, her energy extends to whatever ‘success’ and ‘stability’ mean to you.  

The priestess of Vesta/Queen of Pentacles recognises the divine in nurturing your centre of prosperity whether that is your career, your own business, your family and home, or a project that represents your soul path; all things represented in the suit of Pentacles.  

This woman has the wisdom to understand that she needs a strong, reliable foundation if she is to sustain love or greatness.  

She is your go-to when there’s need for a nurturing mother/manager figure to hold things together while the family or team gets on with the work of building a life of stability and prosperity.  

If you’re in the lead, she can draw on the dependability of the hearth fire to help you find ways to nurture yourself, too. 

Note the abundance pictured around this Queen in the Rider-Waite deck: surrounded by vines covering in blooms and fruit, grasses and a rabbit (a clear symbol of abundance, new life and reproduction) under a clear sky yellowed by the nurturing sun.  

This priestess of Vesta/Queen of Pentacles is first and foremost of a woman of fire. Earthy and pragmatic she may be, but this is no dowdy matron. In her every movement, be it cooking and cleaning or writing business strategies, she carries the divine, driven, changeable, creator energy of the primal fire. 

Note also that ritual sacrifices were placed into Vesta’s fire for purification. The fire sears away decay and contamination. Vesta’s flames have no regard for the unnecessary, shallow busy-ness that often complicates our modern daily lives. Her priestess/Queen is interested only in substance and the divine work of your true home and path. 

The Goddess Minerva and the Queen of Swords 

A Roman goddess of wisdom and war seems like a great place to find insights into the tarot’s Queen of Swords, who is a woman with a weapon sitting in the suit of the mind and intellect!  

Minerva was said to be born directly from her father’s (Jupiter’s) brain, emerging fully formed and with weapons and armour. She’s often depicted with a sword, or spear and shield. 

Minerva was originally and more broadly honoured as a goddess of wisdom. Poetry, medicine, numbers, commerce, and crafts were also thought to be within Minerva’s realm. She is equated with the Greek Athena but believed to be derived from the Etruscan culture which predated the Romans in that part of Italy. 

Her mythology shows her descending into rage when challenged or embarrassed by others, and as fiercely protective of her virginity. This isn’t a woman particularly in touch with her emotions.  

She is however a thinker, leader and inventor. 

Minerva was born ready. The priestess of Minerva/Queen of Swords is illustrated in the Rider-Waite deck with her sword raised and her hand beckoning to unseen subjects. She has a ‘bring it on’ energy to her. She is equipped to handle whatever comes, answer any question or debate any query. She is an authority on life and your go-to Queen when you need decisiveness and clarity of mind.  

This priestess/Queen has the wisdom (and the weapon) to cut through illusion and deception. She is not clouded by emotion or fear.  

As Minerva of commerce, she will ‘çrunch the numbers’ before any decision. She is the objective leader who can think creatively but who will always be rational, realistic, logical and consider the bigger picture. She will wield that weapon if required for the better end, too, without any guilt. For a modern example, I like to think of Judy Dench’s M in recent James Bond movies. 

Unfeeling? Perhaps at times, but she’ll tell you that’s necessary.  

It might seem incongruous then, that the Queen of Swords’ throne is often decorated with butterfly motifs. Butterflies are a symbol of transformation in life. Consider that she is priestess to the goddess of wisdom; and that we are most ready for change and new beginnings when we are experiencing clarity and confidence – and have the wisdom to cut through illusion and know our true path.  

Minerva is a goddess of action.  

The suit of Swords is of the air element, and therefore the East. Their wise Queen is of new dawns, and of new solutions ‘dawning’ on her.  

The Goddess Venus and the Queen of Cups 

Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty is a great place to start when delving deeper into the character of the Queen of Cups. In the Rider-Waite deck this Queen is even pictured on a throne in the shape of a clam shell, reminiscent of Botticelli’s famous Birth of Venus painting. 

When we think of Venus (or her Greek counterpart Aphrodite), we think of a goddess who embodies feminine sensuality and sexuality. She is completely authentic and unapologetic about her feelings and desires.  

Venus is the archetypal feminine energy: in touch with her emotions, changeable and fluid, beautiful, expressive, intuitive. She is receptive but not passive: she is a vital, present, dynamic force. She is a mother and creator. 

As mother of the god Cupid, Venus is the mother of romantic love so remember that it is only a part of her story.  

In tarot, Cups are the suit of the water element. Venus, too, is of the water; said to be born of sea foam, and risen from the ocean. In tarot, water is metaphor for emotion and the unconscious, so we can view Venus’s birth as rising from unconscious emotion (which leaves us feeling out of control and confused) to emotional awareness.  

The tarot’s Queen of Cups sits on a small patch of earth surrounded by water. She is grounded, allowing water/emotion to swell about her without being tossed about by it. The Queen of Cups is emotionally aware but also in control of herself. She can feel deeply, then healthily let the emotion pass.  

The priestess of Venus/Queen of Cups honours her feelings and accounts for them in decision making, but does not let them rule her. In that state, she also has no fear of emotion; no fear of tears, nor of authentic, open joy and desire.  

Note that water is receptive by nature: drop a stone into water and the water takes it into itself.  

As a priestess of Venus, the Queen of Cups understands love as an opening up; of allowing yourself to take in, and be taken in by, another. In relationship she plays the receptive role to the male active; the one through which the thinking-focused male can reach the world of intuition and emotion. 

It is this unique gift, more than physical beauty, that makes her energy irresistible.  

Venus, through the Queen of Cups, can be a great energy to draw on when you need to allow yourself to feel or show emotion more; when you need to embrace femininity and all its power; or when relationships would be enriched from your allowing yourself to receive: to stop doing in your busy modern life, and allow being.  

The post Connecting with the goddess to understand the tarot queens by victoria collins appeared first on Biddy Tarot.

Tarot: Not Just A Party Trick

Let’s be honest– when many people think about Tarot, they think about how it’s a novelty or a party-trick instead of the powerful, intuition-confirming tool that it can really be.  

They usually picture someone more like ‘Reader A’. She’s in the back room at a party, cloth laid out and reading Tarot cards with a line out the door. Everyone is asking questions like, “Will I hook up with someone tonight? Or “When am I going to meet the love of my life?” — questions that are more fun and entertaining than life-changing or meaningful.
 

They get the answers they came for and then they go back to the party, quickly forgetting what Reader A told them. Nothing in their life changes and they go back to life as if nothing had happened. 

If this seems like you as a reader right now, this could be a problem because… 

You’re not taken seriously as a Tarot Reader
You have little or no impact on the person you’re reading for


They’re rarely going to take action on what you say.
 

Is that enough for you? If it is, that’s your choice… but I believe Tarot can be so much more powerful than just a party-trick. If your instincts are telling you that there’s something more to Tarot- that it can really make a difference in those whom you read for- I’m here to validate that intuitive hunch for you.
 

It’s possible to have a Tarot practice that’s taken seriously, one that can make a difference in people’s lives; a practice like ‘Reader B’s:’
 

She’s studied the Tarot cards meanings and learned all she could about reading Tarot for others… but she didn’t stop there. She has learned to connect intuitively with the Tarot and create memorable experiences for the people she does readings for. Her clients are more than willing to pay $100 or more for a reading with her. More importantly, they feel like they got their money’s worth (and then some) because their reading powerfully changed the course of their lives. Instead of quickly forgetting what was told to them, they use the information provided to make better decisions, live inspired lives, and manifest their goals.
 

‘Reader B’ has helped her clients do amazing things such as: 

Leave a career of 20 years to pursue the dream of being an energy healer 
Turn life around and finally attract an ideal partner 

… results that didn’t go away after the client left. This reader’s advice helps create changes that last years– it’s literally life-changing for her clients.
 

Which reader would you love to be?
Being a Trusted Tarot Advisor like ‘Reader B’ also means that: 

You help your clients create lives they love 
You help people make decisions they may have been putting off 
You help them see the possibility of a new path– one that is in alignment with who they really are and what they want to manifest most in this lifetime. 

When someone asks you for a reading, their lives are going along a certain path. And for most of them, they’re living by default. If they keep on that path, it’s going to stay the same for the rest of their lives. Unless something changes for them, they’re going to be following the same path, with the same habits and choices, five, ten, fifteen years from now. 

But as a Trusted Advisor, when you lay out the cards, you’re able to show them what different paths are available to them and what they might experience along each of those different paths. Then they can make conscious choices about which path to take instead of just being led by habits and past programming.  

But that level of conversation between you and someone you read for can only happen if they take it seriously. And that can only happen if YOU take it seriously.  

So how can you take your Tarot readings more seriously and therefore be taken more seriously whenever you do a reading for someone? 

The first thing you can do to take your Tarot readings more seriously is to practice – with people other than your family and friends. Practicing with the people you are in close relationships with is great, but they might not provide you with quality, unbiased feedback on your readings. It’s important to find people who are open to providing you feedback that will help you improve your readings for the future. Offering readings at no cost with the clear expectation of the client providing feedback is a great way to get started with this. 

Another great way to become more confident in your readings and really take your readings to the next level is to consider certification.  While it’s true that you don’t have to be a Certified Tarot Reader to be a good reader, it does definitely amp up your credibility, confidence, and reputation. If you want to be the go-to Tarot reader for your community—online or offline—becoming a Biddy Tarot Certified Reader is a streamlined way to make that happen. You’ll not only improve your Tarot readings, but also learn the valuable information necessary to create a Tarot business that’s taken seriously—not just for entertainment and parties. 

Tarot is definitely more than just a cheap party trick. When you get the training to really know the meanings and energy behind the cards, put in the work to practice on as many people as possible, and take the steps necessary to feel confident and sure in your readings, you’ll be able to take yourself seriously as a Tarot reader. When that happens, you’ll be taken seriously by others, as well. Your readings will have a meaningful impact on the people you read for- not just advice they’ll find entertaining and then forget after they leave, and you’ll go from a Party-Trick to a Trusted Advisor when it comes to Tarot.  

Interested in becoming a Trusted Tarot Advisor? Then check out the Biddy Tarot Certification Program. Doors open in April – join the waitlist today.

The post Tarot: Not Just A Party Trick appeared first on Biddy Tarot.

Tarot Certification: Amy’s Story

Congratulations to Amy Lucas, one of our Certified Biddy Tarot Readers! Amy is an actress, writer and Tarot reader in Los Angeles who recently decided to take her Tarot business to the next level. Read on to learn more about Amy and her journey toward Tarot certification. 

 

Amy Lucas first stumbled upon the Tarot over a decade ago during a personal crisis. It was a familiar story and one that many can relate to – she had just ended a tumultuous relationship and was heartbroken. She found the Labyrinth Tarot Deck by Luis Royo at a bookstore and so her love affair with the Tarot began. 

Amy started reading Tarot professionally eight years ago – first with family and friends, and then at spiritual bookstores in her neighborhood. But she has primarily made her living as an actress and writer. Reading Tarot was just for fun on the side.  

Then last year, she completed the Urban Priestess training, which is a year-long deep dive into the Divine Feminine. She took lessons on ritual, herbs, astrology, shadow work, candle magic, Tarot, and more. She describes it as a journey toward “becoming a more fully embodied person.” 

And the end of the year-long program, she was left wanting to go deeper into the spiritual realm. Then she had a reading with famed astrologer Debra Silverman. Debra told her that her life purpose was to “wake up the world.” She was meant to take everything she had learned and share it with other women – to become a bigger force for women in the world.  

With her Priestess training and her experience in Tarot, she felt more empowered to expand her presence in her Spiritual business – which led her to the Biddy Tarot Certification Program. 

 

A Clear Sign to Move Forward 

 

As an initiated Priestess, Amy trusts her intuition to help her make decisions. “If this is my path, it will continue to open up for me. If nothing opens up, then it’s a sign that it’s not meant to be,” she said.  

Amy discovered the Biddy Tarot Certification Program right at the end her Urban Priestess training and she had the instinct that it was the next logical step in her path.  

“I have always been a fan of the Biddy Tarot website – and I’m academically oriented. A credentialed program appealed to me because having a credential sets you apart from other Tarot readers,” Amy said. “Anyone on the internet can call themselves a Tarot reader. But not everyone can call themselves a Biddy Tarot Certified Tarot reader.”  

Amy recently launched her website TransformindTarot.com, and is using everything she learned during the Biddy Tarot Certification Program to provide her Spiritual services online. 

 

Making Tarot Appealing to the Average Person 

 

Amy shares the same passion I do for bringing Tarot into the mainstream. “The average person is wary of Tarot and Tarot readers already, so I’ve found that having the Biddy Tarot credential helps set peoples’ minds at ease,” she said.   

Amy used the same approach when building her brand and website. Crystal balls, dark colors, and skulls & crossbones certainly have a place. But Amy wanted to make her brand lighter and more inviting, as to be more appealing to the “Average Joe.” 

She serves seekers who are looking for clarity in their life, not just for people who are looking for fortune telling or someone to predict their future. “My ideal client is someone who is looking for clarity and the best action steps to take in their lives; someone who is looking for guidance to empower their decisions.” 

Amy offers phone or Skype sessions, and several different email reading options, including weekly email readings for one month.  

According to Amy, her Priestess training sets her apart. “I love to craft customized rituals for my clients according to their readings. For instance, if you’ve asked about your love life and we see some potential suitors in the future, I will come up with a really juicy love ritual for you to perform to help manifest all that romance headed your way!” 

 

Amy’s Advice for Aspiring Tarotpreneurs 

 

Amy wholeheartedly recommends that aspiring Tarotpreneurs pursue certification. “Having the Biddy Tarot Certification makes me much more confident,” she says. 

She also recommends starting by setting up your website & offerings – and then being judicious about which marketing avenues you will pursue. For example, Amy does an email newsletter twice a month – one reading for the full moon and one for the new moon. She is also on Twitter and Instagram.  

“That’s all I could handle. It takes a lot to build a social media presence – everything is so saturated and you have to be committed. Consistency is more important than anything else.” 

Her best piece of advice? Ask yourself “what can I commit to realistically?” to avoid burnout. 

 

I can proudly recommend Amy as a Tarot reader. You can learn more about her or get a reading by visiting TransformindTarot.com or by following her on Instagram at @pixiepriestess.  

If you’d like to get a reading with Amy, use the code TAKE10OFF for 10% off of any readings on her website.   

 

Is Tarot Certification Right for You? 

 

The Biddy Tarot Certification Program offers a complete approach to Tarot that quickly develops your competence and skill. Our one-of-a-kind certification goes beyond other Tarot books and programs. 

While you’re learning, you’ll give real life Tarot readings for all kinds of people… and while you’re giving Tarot readings, you’ll learn things about Tarot that can’t be learned through study alone. 

That’s the Biddy Tarot Certification difference. 

So by the time you apply for certification, not only will you possess a deep and practical understanding of the stories, symbols, and systems in the Tarot deck… you’ll also have the real world tools and skills to read accurately for anyone, anytime. 

Learn More A bout  W hat T a rot Certification  Can Do for Y ou

 

The post Tarot Certification: Amy’s Story appeared first on Biddy Tarot.

2019 Mercury retrograde survival guide by liz worth

In astrology, the planets all have jobs to do. The Moon feels, Mercury thinks, Venus desires, Mars acts, Jupiter expands, Saturn restricts, Uranus innovates, Neptune transcends, and Pluto transforms.  
 
Here on Earth, we are the embodiment of these planetary energies. The saying “as above, so below” can be seen within us and around us through our individual and collective experiences.  
 
But astrology doesn’t make us do anything – we are all still responsible for our own actions and choices. 
 
Instead, can we use astrology to understand why certain themes may emerge when they do, and to look to the skies for answers to our own lessons and personal evolutions.  
 
We can also look to astrology to tap into a different kind of timing than what we see on our weekly schedules. Astrology reminds us that there are times to act and times to wait, times to create and times to rest – and that those times exist beyond the Gregorian calendar. 
 
While many aspects of our modern world are focused on constant growth, steady production, and maximum productivity, astrology reminds us that our natural world – the world we are all connected to – thrives through ebbs and flows, teaching us that we can’t always be focused on one direction alone.  

Retrograde periods are great times to allow yourself to slow down. Even though Mercury retrograde gets talked about a lot, the rest of the planets retrograde, too.  
 
But we tend to hear a lot more about Mercury retrograde. Why? Because it is a faster moving celestial body, taking just 88 days to orbit the Sun. In 2019, we will have three Mercury retrograde periods, which is typical for a calendar year. Compare that to another planet, like Mars, which takes 687 days to orbit the Sun and won’t retrograde again until 2020.  
 
When a planet is retrograde, we can look to that planet for advice as to where the universe is asking us to reflect, review, or relax our efforts in whatever areas of life that planet rules. 
 
With Mercury ruling our thoughts, communication, travel, and ideas, it’s no wonder that Mercury retrograde periods cause such a stir throughout each year – and why so many people fear these transits. 
 
In our modern world, Mercury is working overtime. We are all plugged in 24/7, communicating at an unprecedented pace.  
 
We can hop on planes, trains, and automobiles at any moment. The things that Mercury rules never stop, and so Mercury retrograde periods can feel challenging. Mercury wants a break, but we won’t give him a day off, let alone the three weeks or so that he needs for each retrograde.  
 
Remember: Mercury retrograde doesn’t exist to introduce chaos into your life. It’s not here to sabotage your plans or intentionally crash your computer. But if you do feel challenged during Mercury retrograde, try to see the greater lesson in it all:  
 
Is the universe telling you to take a break from your devices?  
Is it time to review or revise a plan or project? 
Is it time to give yourself some breathing space, clear your mind, and rest? 
 
When we get too caught up in our to-do lists, or too attached to a specific outcome, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that there may be different ways of doing things. Mercury retrograde gives you an opportunity to step back and see where things are at, whether there is a new door available to you that you haven’t seen before. 
 
Connecting with Mercury retrograde can be especially helpful for those of us who work with tarot or other divinatory practices, as Mercury also rules divination. When you give yourself space to clear your mind, you will be able to serve your clients and community in a way that is much more aligned with the natural energies of the moment. 
 
In 2019, Mercury retrograde occurs in March, July, and October, through the water signs of Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio.  
 
Here’s a look at what each retrograde period represents, and how you can work through each one using tarot.   

March 5 to March 28: Mercury retrograde in Pisces 

Mercury is in its detriment in Pisces, which means it is challenged here. That doesn’t mean that Mercury in Pisces is bad, just that Mercury has a harder time doing his job in this sign. Why? Because Mercury is so analytical – it is the ruler of cerebral Gemini and efficient Virgo – and Pisces is more concerned with dreams, poetry, and spiritual transcendence.  
 
Pisces is a creative, compassionate, divine energy. That means that cerebral Mercury has to learn how to communicate from a more intuitive, spiritual place. 
 
March’s Mercury retrograde period can be an especially important time for each of us to check in with our own barometer of compassion and intuitive connection.  
 
Consider questions like:  
 
Does your heart need to be more open? Do you need to let your voice speak your spiritual truth?  
 
Or, does your compassion run so high that your boundaries are blurred? 
 
Are you neglecting your own creativity, or are your spiritual practices suffering?

Use this time to communicate with your higher self with this three-card spread: 

1. What do I need to hear from my higher self right now?  
2. What can I do to speak from the heart?  
3. What kind of break does my soul want me to take?

July 7 – July 31: Mercury retrograde in Cancer (beginning in Leo) 

In July, Mercury’s retrograde period actually begins in the fire sign of Leo. On July 19, Mercury will slip back into the water sign of Cancer.  
 
This means that this retrograde period may begin with questions around your self-worth, your value, and your desire to be seen in this world, as Leo is expressive and enjoys the spotlight.  
 
But when Mercury leaves Leo – a sign ruled by the Sun – and enters Cancer, its focus will change quite a bit. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which is our feelings. It is also a softer, more introspective energy than Leo. 
 
This means the focus will shift towards questions like: 
 
How does your expression relate to your sense of place in the world?  
How are you validating yourself so that you can build the confidence to let your ideas shine?  
How are you communicating your needs and desires to those closest to you?  
 
Mercury in Cancer is a sensitive, accepting energy. It is also non-judgmental, and so this retrograde period may ask you to accept all that you are. Use this time to reflect on the ways in which you want to be kinder to yourself so that you can come out of your shell in a way that feels true to who you are. 

use this time to do a gut-check with this three-card spread:  

1. What is it time for me to value within myself?  
2. How can this help me shine in the world? 
3. Which of my needs is most important to focus on to support my path at this time?

October 31 to November 20: Mercury retrograde in Scorpio  

Scorpio is another sign where Mercury can feel a bit challenged. Scorpio can be secretive, or guarded, which is not always an easy place for communicative Mercury to work from.  

Even though Scorpio has a mysterious vibe to it, it’s important to remember that Scorpio is a potent truth-teller. That means that when Mercury enters Scorpio, we are being asked to skip the small talk and speak from a place of deeper meaning.  
 
You may find yourself re-evaluating the power of your words and the impressions you make when you communicate. You may also feel called to release the past, let go of an old grudge, or clear the air.  
 
As this Mercury retrograde period begins on Halloween, or Samhain, and carries on throughout Scorpio season, you may also choose to explore some ancestral healing during this time. It is believed the veils between the living and dead are at their thinnest this time of year, and Mercury retrograde can help us to revisit the past. 

Use this time to connect with your truth, and your roots, with this three-card spread: 

1. What power do my words hold?  
2. What old wound is ready to be transformed?  
3. What support do I have from my ancestors that can help my healing?

If you love tuning into the astrological energies with your Tarot spreads, why not plan your whole year with seasonal spreads and more from the Biddy Tarot Planner? Manifest your best year yet, using the Tarot as your guide.

The post 2019 Mercury retrograde survival guide by liz worth appeared first on Biddy Tarot.

How to Create a Sacred Space for Your Tarot Readings

Imagine these two scenarios for a moment.

Scenario 1: You’re having your Tarot cards read in an open booth at a busy festival where people keep interrupting your reader to make a booking and you can barely hear the reader over the noisy music from the Zumba demonstration on a stage nearby.

(And yes, that kind of scenario really does exist! I’m not making it up!)

Scenario 2: You’re having your Tarot cards read in a quiet room with the door closed, with a cup of herbal tea, soft music and an attentive reader who tunes into your energy all throughout the reading.

Which would you prefer? I know which one I would choose (and which one would make me never return!).

You see, the space in which you conduct your Tarot readings is incredibly important. It is what creates trust between you and your client and allows the energy to flow freely throughout the reading for in-depth insights and transformation. It supports the needs of both clients and readers.

Get the space wrong and you risk losing trust, losing credibility, and worse, losing clients.

This extends beyond client readings as well. It’s just as important to set up a sacred space when you read for yourself. Grabbing your deck in the middle of making the kids breakfast, giving them a quick shuffle and throwing down three cards while you flip pancakes, is the equivalent of reading at a booth next to a Zumba stage. We’ve all done it, and it most often leads to confusion and re-drawing cards because we don’t like what we’re seeing.

Sacred space and sacred ritual brings a beautiful depth and energy to your readings. It’s also a great way to read consistently, as you start to really look forward to this special time!

So how do you create a sacred space for your Tarot readings?

You need to consider four key elements:

Physical space
Mental space
Emotional space
Spiritual space

Let’s dive into each of these and I’ll share with you how you can create a sacred space within each one.

A Sacred Physical Space

The physical space represents the tangible environment – the room, seating arrangements, the place where you lay out the cards, and so on.

Make sure you create a private and ‘safe’ environment by closing the door or putting up a ‘do not disturb’ sign so that you will not be interrupted halfway through a reading (yes, even a reading for yourself!).

Sure, you can read Tarot in a more open, public place (I have known people to read Tarot in airports, libraries, cafes and parks). But make sure that you still have some level of privacy. I love to do my personal readings out in nature (a sacred space in itself). Often, I’ll just pull together a few crystals that are calling to me that day, go into the garden to pick some flowers or find interesting things on the ground and have those with me for the reading. I allow myself to be guided by what feels good on the day, creating my sacred space without an elaborate fanfare. 

What’s most important is that you choose a place where both you and your client feel safe. For some, that may mean not reading at home – I know I don’t feel comfortable having face-to-face clients at my home. For others, it might mean reading Tarot anywhere!

In your sacred Tarot reading space, you may also like to decorate it with candles, crystals, pictures and beautiful fabrics. However, don’t feel obliged to do this if it’s not your personal style. Personally, I like to keep it simple – I have my Tarot cards, crystals and laptop – and that’s about it!

And remember, tidy desk, tidy mind. Clear away any clutter where you’re doing your Tarot readings and only have what is absolutely necessary and honours the sacred space.

A Sacred Mental Space

A sacred mental space is one where you (and your client) are bringing a clear and focused mind to your Tarot reading. It’s about letting go of any extraneous issues that may be occupying your thoughts, like shopping lists, an angry conversation or picking up the kids in 2 hours.

I always like to start a Tarot reading with a few deep breaths to centre myself and bring my focus to the Tarot reading at hand. I also ask my client to be very clear, before we start the reading, about their question and situation (for email readings, this is through the request form). When reading for yourself, treat yourself as the client, and ensure you are clear on your question and situation when addressing the cards. When I have the time, I’ll do my fifteen minute Confidence Booster Meditation prior to reading for myself or others. This meditation really helps to centre me and clear my mind before any reading.

If you are reading face-to-face, you may like to have your client take a few deep breaths with you. And if they seem particularly agitated or distracted, ask them to write down what’s on their mind for a couple of minutes then place it in a box nearby. Reaffirm that those thoughts are ‘parked’ for now.

Finally, to bring about focus, I love to play meditation music, especially with binaural beats. It will help to calm the mind and increase your focus and concentration on the reading.

A Sacred Emotional Space

A sacred emotional space is one where you and your client are coming into a Tarot reading, feeling safe and free of any negative thought or baggage.

Breath work is again very useful for creating a sacred emotional space. Focus this time on using the inhalation to capture any negative feeling and the exhalation to breathe out love, compassion and harmony.

And finally, build rapport with your client before you begin a reading in order to create a trusting relationship. I often start a reading with a casual conversation or asking whether they’ve had a Tarot reading before. It helps to break the ice and let the client you’re a regular, everyday person who’s here to help.

A Sacred Spiritual Space

A sacred spiritual space brings a special energy to your Tarot readings and will help you to connect with the Universe and your intuition during a reading.

Again, you can set up your physical space with objects that have spiritual significance. Or you can create your very own ‘altar’ near to where you perform your readings. 

You may also like to clear your chakras before a Tarot reading to connect deeply with your spiritual self. Chakras represent our energy centres in the body and clearing and opening each of these prior to a Tarot reading can assist in creating a very deep and insightful reading. I personally use Deepak Chopra’s “Chakra Balancing” which includes a guided meditation for clearing each chakra and beautiful meditation music.

Before and after a Tarot reading, it’s very powerful and grounding to meditate and connect with Spirit. I created my own fifteen minute Confidence Booster Meditation for this purpose. It really helps me to clear my mind, ground myself and trust my intuition.  Some Tarot readers also use a prayer or affirmation to prepare. For example, “I open myself to becoming an instrument of truth and insight to honour the divine spirit within all of us.”

If you’re not sure how to centre and ground yourself before your readings (for yourself or others), or you’d like a little confidence boost for your reading, give my guided meditation a try! You can download it here for free.

The post How to Create a Sacred Space for Your Tarot Readings appeared first on Biddy Tarot.

2019 Astrological overview by liz worth

What do you want to create this year?  
 
The astrology of 2019 offers some incredible windows of opportunity for each of us to plant new seeds throughout the year.  
 
The year begins with go-getter Mars at home in Aries, and a New Moon and solar eclipse in productive Capricorn on January 5, giving us all some added oomph to the New Year.  

But don’t worry if you miss the first lunar cycle of 2019: We have thirteen new moons to work with this calendar year, including two that fall within the month of July – perfect for making magic. 
 
The eclipse series we’ll experience throughout the year in Capricorn and Cancer can remind each of us that there is much for more to life than what goes on a resume. The way we work may come up for some big reviews as more of us shift our focus towards matters of the heart as family, parenthood, love, and emotional needs become bigger parts of the collective conversation.  Jupiter is at its most powerful in Sagittarius through to early December, which can help each of us to tap into some added luck. But like anything else, Jupiter can bring its share of ups and downs. We’ll explore that more here, along with tips on how you can use Jupiter’s energy for the best. 
 
Being practical and intentional about your plans can be particularly important as Saturn continues its transit through Capricorn, where it’s been since 2017. If you have money or energy leaks, get to work on patching them up. Saturn rewards those who take responsibility.  
 
Keep your Tarot decks handy along the way: Spiritual growth, self-care, and personal awakenings are highlighted this year, too. Those who are keen to deepen their awareness and connection to themselves and spirit can soar in the months ahead.  
 
And if you’re worried about Mars or Venus retrogrades, don’t be: Neither planet will retrograde again until 2020. 
 
Are you ready to work with the energies of 2019? Keep on reading for important astrological dates to watch for, along with suggestions for how you can use Tarot to make the most of the year ahead.

The Eclipse Series of 2019

Solar eclipses always occur during a new moon, and lunar eclipses occur during a full moon. A solar eclipse can create outer change, while a lunar eclipse promotes inner growth.  
 
In 2018, we experienced an eclipse series in the fixed signs of Aquarius and Leo, two expressive, independent energies. Aquarius helped to highlight where we need to come together, while Leo asked us to look at the ways we want to be seen and heard in this world.  

One lesson that may have emerged for you – especially if you are a practicing or aspiring Tarot reader – could have been around the realization that the world needs your compassion, and hiding yourself away doesn’t do anyone any good. 
 
But another new story began in 2018 with a solar eclipse in Cancer on July 12. This was the beginning of the eclipse series that will continue throughout 2019.  
 
With all of the creative, expressive energy brought on by the Leo-Aquarius eclipse series, it will be important now to learn how to value and care for yourself in order to nurture your creative desires.  
 
Capricorn is productive, organized, and industrious. But it can push itself too far by working too hard. Stress and burnout are major concerns for many people, and even though self-care is a hot topic, it seems that a lot of us continue to struggle to make it a priority.  
 
If the world needs more compassion, then the Cancer-Capricorn eclipse series asks us to create it within our personal lives. It asks us to challenge our relationships to time and productivity and reminds us of the importance of play and connection.

Eclipse dates to watch for:  

January 5th: Solar eclipse and the New Moon in Capricorn  
January 21st: Lunar eclipse and the Full Moon in Leo 
July 2nd: Solar eclipse and the New Moon in Cancer 
July 16th: Lunar eclipse and the Full Moon in Capricorn 
December 26th: Solar eclipse and the New Moon in Capricorn

With eclipses, we can wait for change to happen, or take matters into our own hands and ask the universe what it’s trying to tell us.  

Here’s a Tarot spread to get you started:

1. How can I care for myself at this time?   
2. How can I be of service to the world?   
3. How can I work smarter, not harder?   
4. How are my priorities shifting?    

Mars in Aries: December 31, 2018 to February 14, 2019

If you love setting goals, resolutions, and intentions early on in the calendar year, you are going to be in your element early on in the year.  
 
Mars is at home in Aries until mid-February, which means 2019 starts off raring to go. If you struggled with motivation or momentum in 2018 at all, Mars in Aries will help to light the fire within.  
 
If you are hesitating on a plan, or looking for a new project, this can be a great time to get started on something new. Especially if it pushes you outside your comfort zone.  
 
There isn’t always a “right time” to do anything, but if you have been waiting for an ideal moment to take a leap of faith or get moving on something special, Mars is ready to help you run with it.  

Here’s a tarot spread to help you connect with this energy: 

1. How can I commit to my intentions?  
2. How can I enhance my energy?  
3. How can I build momentum? 
4. How can I stay inspired?

Jupiter in Sagittarius until December 2, 2019 

Jupiter in Sagittarius can give you the Midas touch…or cause you to burn some bridges. So this year, ask yourself: 
 
Do you want to be the Tower, or the Star?  

If you stay grounded, focused, and realistic throughout the year, Jupiter in Sagittarius can help you open doors, break through limitations, and align with a higher spiritual purpose. 
 
Jupiter in Sagittarius can cause us to be over-confident and overly-optimistic. In other words: It won’t hurt to take a pause, breathe, and think before you act on impulse this year.  
 
This goes for all types of situations – positive and negative. For example: It might feel really satisfying to call out someone else’s mistake. But Jupiter in Sagittarius can amplify self-righteousness, which means you might not have as many facts on a matter as you think you do. 
 
Be careful that you’re not blinded to the truth, otherwise it can make a tricky situation even worse. 

Jupiter squares Neptune throughout 2019, which can blur perceptions, too. This transit has a tendency to exaggerate whatever it touches, which means we have to be wary of opportunities that seem too good to be true.  
 
To use Jupiter’s energy for good, check in with yourself by asking:  
 
“What is the best opportunity for me at this time?” 
and 
“Do my actions align with my purpose?”  

Use this tarot spread to help you connect with Jupiter’s energy: 

1. What door can I open this year?  
2. What limitation can I break through?  
3. What am I doing that is not aligned with my integrity?   
4. What is my higher self guiding me towards now? 
5. What can I do to stay grounded as I expand?

Checking in with Saturn in Capricorn  

Saturn in Capricorn is a longer transit. It started in 2017 and will continue until December 17, 2020, when it will enter Aquarius. 
 
We tend to talk a lot about transits before they begin, but it’s important not to leave it at that, especially when the energies are longer-term.  

Take some time this year to check in with the strength of the path you are walking: 
 
Are your feet on solid ground?  
Can you see what your next step is?  
Do you feel secure, or off balance?   

Anyone who is aspiring to begin or grow a spiritual business this year – whether it be a tarot practice, crystal shop, or healing path – should pay particularly close attention to the energies of 2019 with Saturn sextile Neptune in January, June, and November.  
 
What does that mean, exactly? Saturn and Neptune are in communication with each other to help us make our spiritual paths work for us.  
 
This doesn’t mean everyone is going to start launching metaphysical businesses or creating their own tarot decks, of course. But it is a good opportunity for anyone who does want to make their spiritual practices part of their material realities, as the astrology this year can support such goals. 
 
Of course, this also means that it’s a wonderful time to deepen a spiritual practice, take your knowledge to the next level, or even begin to share your knowledge as a teacher. If starting a blog, hosting a workshop, or attending a life-changing retreat are on your to-do list, 2019 is a great time to go for it.  
 
Remember that Saturn rewards hard work, so this can also be a good year to review what’s not working for you on your path.  

That check-in isn’t limited to spiritual pursuits. Review your budget, your commitments, and your schedule to see where you may need be able to charge.  

Here’s a tarot spread to help you check in with Saturn in 2019:  

1. How can I honour the path I am walking? 
2. Where can I become more disciplined? 
3. What am I ready to learn? 
4. What knowledge am I ready to share? 
5. What is it time to strengthen in my day-to-day life?

Remember: Astrology is only one part of the story. There are many other factors that influence your individual path in this world. The more you choose to take hold of the energies available to you, the more you can make possible.  

About Liz Worth

Liz Worth is a Toronto-based astrologer, tarot reader, and author. She uses tarot and astrology to help people find clarity, guidance, and purpose. Liz is also the author of seven books, including Going Beyond the Little White Book: A Contemporary Guide to Tarot, and her horoscopes have appeared in Flare Magazine and Spiral Nature. She has delivered workshops and lectures on astrology and tarot in Toronto, Montreal, New York City, Portland, as well as online, including a masterclass with Biddy Tarot. You can book a reading with her at lizworth.com.

 

If you loved Liz’s Tarot spreads and the idea of living aligned with the Astrology of the year, then you’ll love the Biddy Tarot Planner. Manifest your best year yet through setting conscious intentions daily, weekly and monthly, using the Tarot (and your intuition) as your guide. Available in digital or paperback, get your Biddy Tarot Planner today.

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Top 7 Tarot Card Spreads for 2019

2019. There’s just something so inspiring about a fresh new year.  The symbolism of new beginnings and the chance to hit reset and start again. The opportunity to make new, conscious choices about your beliefs, behaviours and boundaries. The energy of this time of year is truly magical. 

It can be easy, though, to forget all that magic and inspiration throughout the year, as life takes over and we move into “business as usual”. Buffeted along by events and happenings (both Earth-side and cosmic), before long we’ve forgotten our consciously set intentions and are back in survival mode. 

It doesn’t have to be like this! You have two of the best tools available at your disposal to create an amazing year – Tarot and your intuition. Getting into the habit of using these tools daily will make a huge difference for you in 2019. And because I want you to manifest your best year yet, I’ve handpicked 7 Tarot card spreads for you to use at key times throughout the year.  

Before we get to the spreads, let’s talk about the energy of 2019. From a Tarot perspective, it’s the year of the Hanged Man (2=0=1=9 = 12). In 2019, it’s time to look at your world from a different perspective. Pause, step back and take some time away from your regular schedule and routine so that you can connect with a new way of thinking and seeing. Something new is emerging and you won’t be able to see it unless you allow the time and space for it to come through. 

Numerologically, 2019 is a 3 year, highlighting the importance of community, collaboration and communication. Even though there will be challenges and times you may need to let go this year, stay optimistic. The future looks bright as we move into a 4 year after this. 

Paying attention to the lunar cycles, the 3 Mercury retrograde periods and other planetary transits, will help you go with the flow of the energy for the year and manifest in alignment with the Universe. 

These 7 spreads are designed to help you align regularly with this energy and consciously create the life you desire.  Bookmark this page and check in throughout the year to keep yourself on track and in alignment with your higher goals.  

Remember, Tarot is a brilliant tool to access your intuition. When you use your intuition daily, much like meditation or exercise, it will strengthen and bring you even greater benefit. 

For even more spreads, including seasonal spreads – check out the 2019 Biddy Tarot Planner.  

TOP 7 SPREADS FOR 2019 



1. New Year Spread

The New Year Spread is a powerful, 12-card spread to start the year. This is a great spread to use at the beginning of the year and on your birthday, to gain valuable insight into what you might experience during your next year. The perfect ritual to start your year of with intention.  

2. Daily Card Draw 

Even though this isn’t “technically” a Tarot spread, I’m including the Daily Card Draw here because it is the essential activity to connect with your intuition and build your confidence using Tarot. Plus, starting your day with a ritual like this sets you up for success – you’ll be clearer on what you want to create and go through your day with more purpose and intention. If you stick with this ritual, you’ll begin to notice your intuition getting stronger, making life more enjoyable and empowering you to live the life you want.  

3. Release and Let Go 

Release & Let Go is a beautiful spread to assist you in moving through the year with ease. When things get tough and it’s hard to see beyond the emotion of the moment, this spread is there for you to rise above the negative feelings and bring positivity and new beginnings back to your life. This is one of those rare Tarot spreads that I recommend doing while you are feeling very emotional and the feelings are still very ‘raw’. It will help you to bring peace to your present state of being and take you out of that panicked state. 

4. New Moon 

The new moon is the birth of a new cycle, making it the perfect time to manifest your greatest desires. During this time of vibrant, magical energies, use the New Moon Tarot Spread to carefully plant seeds to bring your goals and dreams to life. A great spread to do monthly, journaling your insights so that you can look back at the corresponding full moon and see what you’ve brought to fruition. 

5. Full Moon 

The Full Moon Tarot Spread is a wonderful “check-in” spread. So often we power through life, setting our intentions and taking action day after day, without ever pausing to reflect on how far we’ve come. The full moon is the perfect time to appreciate what you’ve manifested and release and let go anything that is no longer serving you (including your old goals and intentions). This spread also creates the opportunity for some powerful reflection journaling each month. 

6. Mercury Retrograde 

With Mercury retrograde coming around 3 or 4 times a year, it’s a great transit to use as a check-in point. Especially considering that Mercury retrograde periods are the time to revisit, rework, revise, reconsider and re-evaluate. You don’t have to freak out because it’s Mercury retrograde, you can just do the Mercury retrograde spread to gain insight into how best to use this transit to your advantage. 

7. Three-Card Tarot Spread 

Bonus! This trusty spread is really a whole lot of spreads that you can do at any time, for any occasion. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Tarot beginner doing a reading for the first time, or a seasoned professional with decades of experience – a three-card Tarot reading will give you the crystal clear insight you need. Seriously, you can get super deep with just three cards.   Try this 3 Card Spread for Decision Making (so handy when all those choices come up through the year!), or create your own 3 Card Spread to suit your situation.  

Navigating your way through the year doesn’t have to be hard. You can stick with your goals and intentions (or consciously release them if they’re no longer serving you). Make the decision to connect with your intuition through the Tarot spreads at key points throughout the year (put it in the calendar at the beginning of the year) and you’ll be a manifestation machine!  

Come back to this list throughout the year (set reminders for the key dates in your calendar) and experience a year aligned with your highest intentions and the Universal cycles. I created the Biddy Tarot Planner to make this even easier for you – it includes lunar cycles, Mercury retrogrades, plus loads more! I hope these spreads support you in living an amazing year in 2019. 

For even more spreads, including seasonal spreads, check out 2019 Biddy Tarot Planner.  

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2019 Tarot Card of the Year: The Hanged Man

In 2019, it’s time to look at your world from a different perspective. Pause, step back and take some time away from your regular routine and schedule so that you can connect with a new way of thinking and seeing. Sure, you might have to literally put important projects on hold while you do this (and it might feel super inconvenient) but trust me, it’ll be worth it. Something new is emerging and you won’t be able to see it unless you allow the time and space for it to come through. 

The Tarot card for 2019 is the Hanged Man (2 + 0 + 1 + 9 = 12 – Hanged Man) 

At its core, the energy of the Hanged Man is represented by: 

Surrender Pause Seeking a new perspective 

Sometimes, in life, we have to hit the pause button and put everything on hold before we can take the next step (or the Universe does it on our behalf). You may have heard of the saying, “What got you here, won’t get you there.” It’s essential that you release and let go of your old mental models and behavioural patterns that are no longer serving you, so that you can see your world from a new perspective and prepare yourself to embrace new opportunities that would have otherwise been hidden to you if you didn’t hit the brakes.  

It’s a bit like when you are driving and following Google Maps to get to your destination. You’re zooming down the highway at full speed, thinking you’re on the right path, only to realise the road signs are now featuring places that are in the complete opposite direction. If you choose to ignore the signs and keep driving along just so you can feel like you’re moving forward, you’re going to end up in the wrong place. But if you pull over for a moment, re-orient yourself and adjust your directions in Google, you’ll find your way back to the right path, even if it means slowing down for a period of time. 

Here’s the thing. These ‘pauses’ can be voluntary or involuntary. If you’re in tune with your intuition, you’ll start to have a feeling when it’s time to hit the brakes and put things on hold. But if you’re out of alignment and oblivious to those intuitive signs, the Universe is likely to put things on hold for you, in the form of continued obstacles, ill-health, and breakdowns. When you feel the ‘pause’ coming, pay attention to it, otherwise the Universe will simply turn up the volume until you can’t ignore it any longer. 

And when your projects and activities come to an unexpected halt, don’t keep pushing forward, hoping that more and more force will get you to where you want to go. Instead, surrender to the opportunity to pause and see this as your chance to reassess and re-evaluate where you are on your path. Some adjustments may be needed. Or, a new opportunity may be presenting itself to you. You just need to slow down long enough to be able to see these opportunities emerging in front of you. 

So, in 2019, welcome these ‘pauses’ with open arms and be ready to surrender to the ‘what is’ – even if it is different to what you expected. This is the Universe’s way of helping you see new perspectives and preparing you for the next uplevelling that is happening in your life. If you push or resist, you will only encounter more obstacles along the way. But if you surrender and ‘allow,’ the opportunities will flow easily and effortlessly to you. 

Beloved, this is THE card for 2019, so revisit this post throughout the year and tune in to your connection with the Hanged Man. How can its energy help you and guide you during the course of the year? What lessons do you need to be reminded of, to live your fullest potential? 

Journaling Prompts 

Use these journaling prompts throughout the year to help you stay in alignment with the Hanged Man energy. 

In what areas of my life can I practice surrender?  What do I need to put on hold right now so that something new can emerge? What new perspectives are emerging right now?

If you want the perfect tool to support and guide you through the energies of 2019, the Biddy Tarot Planner is for you. With monthly Tarot card rituals, seasonal spreads and lots of journaling prompts and space for reflection, the Planner will support you in manifesting your best year yet, with the Tarot as your guide.

Order your Biddy Tarot Planner today.

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