Deck of The Week: Sign-up Thread: Week 246 : March 26 - April 1

[VGimlet]

This thread is for those who would like to work through their collection of decks.  Each week we will be picking a deck (or decks) to work with for the week.

 

All are welcome. Please join us!      The only rules we have are the Tarot Tea & Me rules; be respectful to each other.    

 

You can drop in and out anytime,   time and real life permitting.   New to tarot?  Long time reader?   Come on in.  

 

1. Please post with your chosen deck for the week. 

 

2. Chat away about your deck, how you're finding it etc., or not - it's all up to you.  

 

Participants:

1.  VGimlet - Mystic Martian Oracle

2. Wyrdkiss - The Wisdom of the Oracle

3. sweeneyish - Deviant Moon and Abandoned Oracle

4. Amberjune - Idiosyncradeck Tarot and the Whispers of Love Oracle

5. Bodhiseed - Classic Tarot (LS) paired with the Constellations Deck

6. Rachelcat - American Renaissance Tarot

7. Page of Ghosts - Bohemian Gothic Tarot

8. AJ-ish/Sharyn - Zillich tarot

9. Mi-Shell - Flower Spirit Cards

 

 

 

(556)

Edited March 28, 2022 by VGimlet

[VGimlet]

Yes, one more week with the MMO - I did touch it at least, but didn't do my minimum of 4 readings before I move on.  

 

Suddenly we ended up doing the estate sale for my father-in-law's house, but the person who was going to run it got sick...so now we are scrambling.   Luckily I work Saturday, LOL.  

[Wyrdkiss]

I want to look closer at  a go-to pack of mine called, The Wisdom of the Oracle. There are still some cards I haven't drawn, and I wish to 

really get a feel for everything it has to offer.

[sweeneyish]

Good luck with the estate sale, @VGimlet - - And sorry to hear about all the stress!

 

Back to the Deviant Moon (apologies!) and Abandoned Oracle for me.

 

@Wyrdkiss I had said a couple weeks ago that I got one of the prototype cards for the Deviant Moon Oracle - Some of the cards in the Abandoned Oracle have made their way into the Deviant Moon. Here’s the prototype next to the version from the Abandoned:

 

 

Here is my draw for the week ahead with the Deviant Moon, featuring two of my favourite cards from the deck, the Ace of Wands and Six of Wands. The Six of Wands is very interesting - it is the only character in the deck with a red face instead of a blue one. She has woken up from the ‘dream’ and heralds the sun that is rising:

 

And finally, a practice reading I did about a broken friendship with the Abandoned Oracle - Actually, it read quite well!

 

 

 

Edited March 26, 2022 by sweeneyish

[Amberjune]

I'll be working with the Idiosyncradeck Tarot and the Whispers of Love Oracle.

Take care everyone!

[Bodhiseed]

I'm in with the Classic Tarot (LS) paired with the Constellations Deck.

 

Hope you get a break soon, VG!💓

[Rachelcat]

I'll be using the American Renaissance Tarot, my latest acquisition.  As you might guess, a literary tarot has much to unpack and a chunky book to unpack i in!  I've read most of the book, and will be back later with an interview, along with some wieldy way of using it over the week.

[Bodhiseed]

You got it, @Rachelcat! I can't wait to see how this one reads for you! 🤩

[Wyrdkiss]

9 hours ago, sweeneyish said:

Good luck with the estate sale, @VGimlet - - And sorry to hear about all the stress!

 

Back to the Deviant Moon (apologies!) and Abandoned Oracle for me.

 

@Wyrdkiss I had said a couple weeks ago that I got one of the prototype cards for the Deviant Moon Oracle - Some of the cards in the Abandoned Oracle have made their way into the Deviant Moon. Here’s the prototype next to the version from the Abandoned:

 

 

Here is my draw for the week ahead with the Deviant Moon, featuring two of my favourite cards from the deck, the Ace of Wands and Six of Wands. The Six of Wands is very interesting - it is the only character in the deck with a red face instead of a blue one. She has woken up from the ‘dream’ and heralds the sun that is rising:

 

And finally, a practice reading I did about a broken friendship with the Abandoned Oracle - Actually, it read quite well!

 

 

 

Thank you @sweeneyish!  That oracle pull looks fitting for the inquiry at hand, unfortunately.  The juxtaposition of the Abandoned Oracle card and the future DM Oracle preview makes me incredibly excited for the release.  I appreciate it.  So, what "positive" cards are there in the abandoned oracle? Or does it entirely depend on context of the spread in this case?

[Page of Ghosts]

Joining in with the Bohemian Gothic Tarot again since I did well and actually used it a little last week. I can tell I'm very out of if when it comes to reading cards these days though. How do the rest of you deal with daily or weekly readings? I'll be trying out some three-card configurations next since I find just one card to be lackluster these days.

[Bodhiseed]

This week I'll be using Lo Scarabeo's The Classic Tarot, with the original engravings of Carlo Della Rocca and printing by F. Gumppenberg Milan. I'll also be drawing from the Constellations Deck published by Carddia. Today's draws are the King of Swords and Pavo:

  

Shakespeare wrote, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." I'd say this was true for any leader that leads with his brain instead of bravado, as does the King of Swords. He has the authority to lay down the law, but he does it thoughtfully (with intelligence) rather than emotion. The only problem with facts and figures is that it removes us from the reality of things, sometimes missing the heart of the issue. As Cassie Chambers explains in Hill Women: "Outsiders who rush into the hills don’t always take the time to see that mountain people are a creative, resourceful lot. They don’t understand that Appalachians can be—should be—partners in the effort to make their lives better. They don’t grasp that, if given the right resources and opportunities, these communities are capable of saving themselves." The constellation Pavo (Latin for 'peacock') is a caution not to let our need to be an expert override the truths of daily existence. Instead, just as the male peacock spreads its eye-adorned tail feathers, we might spread our perspective and personal experience a little further. 

[AJ-ish/Sharyn]

I've been pulling a card a day for many years, and never use them as fortune telling, only how the card speaks to me that day, if it is telling me to pull up my socks, or tuck in 🙂 Journal prompts if you will... it is a stretch from 'doing a reading' but drawing a card dozens of times over the years has given me a wide concept of what they may mean when it does come to a spread. 

 

Zillich tarot for me, thank you VG

[sweeneyish]

11 hours ago, Wyrdkiss said:

Thank you @sweeneyish!  That oracle pull looks fitting for the inquiry at hand, unfortunately.  The juxtaposition of the Abandoned Oracle card and the future DM Oracle preview makes me incredibly excited for the release.  I appreciate it.  So, what "positive" cards are there in the abandoned oracle? Or does it entirely depend on context of the spread in this case?

 

A lot is context specific for sure - The Mad Woman could mean literally losing your mind, but it can also mean going your own way, even if it’s different from what everyone else is doing. Others remain pretty negative or point to some kind shadow work, like (fittingly) the Shadow, which means either being repressed and controlled by a hidden aspect of yourself, or confronting and releasing that hidden aspect.

 

Here are some of the more ‘positive’ cards - Definitely I think this deck would only work for clients who like dark stuff:

 

[sweeneyish]

Thanks for sharing the beautiful deck and beautiful reading, @Bodhiseed! Love the Renaissance style art. 

[Rachelcat]

Here is my start with the American Renaissance Tarot, based on American literature and culture in the years 1825 to 1875.  Majors focus on such authors as Emerson, Longfellow, and Whitman, along with a few cultural representatives, like Joseph Smith (as the Fool!), Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the Fox sisters.   

 

The King of Swords is Poe, and the swords cards feature his works.

 

 The King and Queen of Cups are Nathaniel Hawthorne and Harriet Beecher Stowe, and the cups cards focus on his works and Uncle Tom’s Cabin. 

 

The King of Wands is Herman Melville, and the wands cards focus on his works.  I’m not familiar with the Queen of Wands, Elizabeth Stoddard.  Her novel, The Morgesons, is the Six of Wands.

 

The suit of coins features slave narratives, with the King of Coins as Frederick Douglass and the Queen as Harriet Jacobs.

 

Courts are king and queen, along with “pioneer” for page and “missionary” for knight.  The book lists missionary last, which makes me think there’s a Thoth influence in the courts. 

 

So as you see, the theme of the deck is not only mainstream literature of the era, but also Transcendentalism and other occult ideas of the time and the abolition of slavery.

 

 

The “transparent eyeball” on the book cover and the card backs is an idea of Emerson.

 

As mentioned, the book is thick and full of ideas and information.  Its spreads are also based on literature, including a Scarlet Letter spread!  (Even the one-carder is named for a line in an Emily Dickinson poem, “This consciousness that is aware.”)  I might try some of them, but I think with all this density, I might stick with daily draws.  We’ll see.

 

But I’m going to try a full interview now!  Wish me luck!

 

 

Most important characteristic:  Missionary of Coins, Martin Delany

Delany was an early proponent of a return to Africa for enslaved people, but, after the Emancipation Proclamation, he also recruited black soldiers for the Union army. 

An important part of this deck is that it’s based in real life at a certain time in American history (not so long ago).  That gives it a grounded, realistic feel.

 

Strength:  Nine of Cups, death and apotheosis of Uncle Tom

While not making a strike against slavery as a whole, Uncle Tom received his personal reward for being a good Christian.  Which ironically? did make a strike against slavery as whole because Stowe’s novel helped convince many that black people can have the same soul and spiritual aspirations as everyone else.

The strength of the deck is that it challenges the status quo and makes the unfamiliar more familiar to us.

 

Weakness:  World, Walt Whitman

The theme of Whitman’s poem, “Song of Myself,” is that “myself” contains everything.  “Every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” 

A weakness of the deck is that it purports to deal with the generality of life, the universe, and everything within a very specific, restricted theme.

 

What can I learn from the deck?  Ace of Swords, “The Raven”

The irrational fears brought on by the visit of the raven are contrasted with the bust of Pallas Athena, the goddess of rationality.

I can learn a lot about literature from the deck!  And perhaps how a literature-themed deck should or should not be done.

 

How can I learn it?  Nine of Swords, “Ligeia”

Another swords card, another Poe, this time a story.  A beloved wife, Ligeia, is determined to defeat death, and rises again by possessing the body of the deceased second wife.  A straight-up horror story.  Yikes!  I just noticed that the swords spell WILL.  (Ligeia is also featured in Robert Place’s Vampire Tarot as a proto-vampire.)  

I can learn about literature and tarot by accepting the ideas of the author and immerse myself in the good and the bad, intended or not.

 

Outcome of our work together:  Ten of Swords, Eureka

Another Poe, this time a book-length metaphysical treatise.  (I didn’t know about this work.  I guess my Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe wasn’t really complete!)  The card also refers to the character assassination of Poe carried out after his death by his literary rival and executor (how did that happen!?), Rufus Griswold. 

There indeed will be much learned, but much of it will be sad truths about extremism, prejudice, and lies. 

 

Wow, an interesting reading for sure!  I wasn’t so sure about reading with the deck, but this makes me want more.  I’ll see you over in my journal thread soon with more of this unique deck!

[Rachelcat]

@Bodhiseed.  Like I said, I took one for the team!  Let me know what you think.  Did you trim your Classic?  Also, I love the constellations deck.  I need to dig out some of my non-divi cards for some divi reading with them!

[Bodhiseed]

5 hours ago, Rachelcat said:

@Bodhiseed.  Like I said, I took one for the team!  Let me know what you think.  Did you trim your Classic?  Also, I love the constellations deck.  I need to dig out some of my non-divi cards for some divi reading with them!

I haven't trimmed it, just cropped the scan (though I do ignore the side keywords for the most part).😊 Aeclectic taught me that just about anything could be used as symbols for reading, and I've had fun exploring ever since!

[Mi-Shell]

Hi guys!

I much enjoyed all the presentations of the all the different decks and the readings!♥

Up here we had another bout of winter with -12 Centigrade. 

So no wonder I am yearning for some spring flowers.

My deck this week is the Flower Spirit Cards ♥

 

 

Normally this one is one of my summer decks, but right now - I just need some love and colour.........

 

[VGimlet]

@Mi-Shell it makes me cold just thinking about -12....

 

Sale is over.   We sold a lot, have a lot left.   I was thinking of doing a "End of Estate sale"  one day next weekend for 6 hours only - but apparently our jerk of a neighbor was complaining about the traffic on the road (It is a private road owned by my husband and I) and we don't want him to be a jerk when the house is getting shown to potential buyers - so I may just call it good...IDK.   

 

I should be caught up now with the list.    🙂   

 

@Wyrdkiss  I finally got your deck title corrected in last week's thread too.   

 

Edited March 28, 2022 by VGimlet

[Bodhiseed]

@VGimlet, I'm sending you a hug.Your neighbor sounds like a test of patience!

@Mi-Shell, that deck has some beautiful photography!

 

[sweeneyish]

Well well well - A good day for mail, today. I received The Forest of Enchantment and Patrick Valenza's Garden of Lucid Daydreams Oracle today, so I'll actually be switching to those decks for this week. Perfect for the start of spring (despite it feeling like -15 C. out today 🥶)

[sweeneyish]

I cracked the Garden of Lucid Daydreams first, and asked "What do I need to know about the Spring ahead?" Here's what it had to say: 

 

34: The Fountain: This card is all about creativity, fluid and healthy feelings, relief, and emotional cleansing. And it's a pretty hilarious card! Well, I see this as indicating the spring will be a time where my emotions will feel like they are healthy and flowing, and my spirit will feel unstuck. 

 

41: The Tree: A tree weeps blood as summer ends, wishing for its former grandeur. When emotions flow, sometimes we have to come face to face with choices we made in the past and memories - It's all part of the processing. There are upright and reversed meanings for all the cards in the deck, and I went for a fusion here of the two - some regret and pain as emotions become unstuck, but also coming to terms with those negative emotions to move into the future. 

 

13: The Storm: This is kind of the Tower of this deck. Turbulent emotions, fury, destruction, chaos. And perhaps an end to that chaos. Interesting spread so far - From a release of stuck emotions, to some regret and pain, to absolute chaos and turmoil. Woo! I'll have to be careful with what I do with all those emotions. 

 

45: The Last Bird: A lone redbird watches as her flock flies away. She should go with them before winter comes, but she is too afraid. If she doesn't leave soon, she will freeze as winter sets in. This card is all about missed opportunities, indecision, and lack of confidence. Perhaps I'll feel a little shook by the storm and hesitant to continue to take risks. I'll need to muster my strength and courage and not get stuck. I will also be travelling over the next couple months, and I know there are some amazing opportunities in that, but it's also a little scary - I need to make sure I don't get stuck. 

 

3: Spring: The Garden Muse smiles upon us with warm cheer. The painful season of Winter has ended, and a new season of growth lies ahead. The card indicates abundance, renewal, rebirth, and even spiritual enlightenment. I'll take it! It looks like I'll have a bit of a dark journey of the soul, but if I can stay courageous and strong, I will enter into a time of abundance, renewal, and growth. My travel over the next couple months includes seeing my spiritual teacher, which will be absolutely incredible - so I can't help but feel this card is related to that as well. 

 

In some ways, I think this whole spread may be detailing my spiritual practice over the next few months. I am feeling resolved on a practice that is known for cleansing past karma, but is also quite difficult - and can even be pretty boring! (The Fountain leading into the Tree). It's also known for stirring up a lot of painful emotions - and resolving them (the Storm). I might feel a little frozen by the process, and afraid to continue on (the Last Bird), but if I can, I will experience a lot of spiritual growth (Spring). 

[Wyrdkiss]

 

 

Excellent reflection @sweeneyish. Will you  post some of your other favorite cards? I'm loving that oracle thus far -- it has slipped under my radar for sure.

 

My work with the Wisdom of the Oracle today affirmed some struggles I've been having on a spiritual level. I have not, and cannot, seem to envision what I want next out of life. I feel I have gratitude covered well. I'm involved in a creative project that offers some fulfilment.  And I believe in the work on doing for  a living.  But... there's a lot I could manifest that is just not in my vision. Here are my cards for the past few days: 

Imagine -- encouraging manifesting and awareness of desires.

Fork in the Road -- it's time for a definitive choice to avoid stagnation.

and The Observer.  Take a neutral stance to become aware of the full breadth of opportunity.

 

A non-coincidental triad here. I've much to reflect and journal on. Sorry for the muted pics -- I think it is time to clean my phone lens. I'll remedy that.

 

Edited March 29, 2022 by Wyrdkiss

[Wyrdkiss]

On 3/27/2022 at 6:37 AM, sweeneyish said:

 

A lot is context specific for sure - The Mad Woman could mean literally losing your mind, but it can also mean going your own way, even if it’s different from what everyone else is doing. Others remain pretty negative or point to some kind shadow work, like (fittingly) the Shadow, which means either being repressed and controlled by a hidden aspect of yourself, or confronting and releasing that hidden aspect.

 

Here are some of the more ‘positive’ cards - Definitely I think this deck would only work for clients who like dark stuff:

 

I think this one would be all for me @sweeneyish.  It's a challenge to use such a deck with querents unless they are really on a level that appreciates it to a certain extent. Those pics are rad, thank you!  @Mi-Shell that flower deck is lovely.  You are welcome to have some of our 82 degree California weather at the moment.  My sister lives in Wisconsin and she wants a bit of the warmth as well.

Edited March 29, 2022 by Wyrdkiss

[sweeneyish]

2 hours ago, Wyrdkiss said:

 

 

Excellent reflection @sweeneyish. Will you  post some of your other favorite cards? I'm loving that oracle thus far -- it has slipped under my radar for sure.

 

My work with the Wisdom of the Oracle today affirmed some struggles I've been having on a spiritual level. I have not, and cannot, seem to envision what I want next out of life. I feel I have gratitude covered well. I'm involved in a creative project that offers some fulfilment.  And I believe in the work on doing for  a living.  But... there's a lot I could manifest that is just not in my vision. Here are my cards for the past few days: 

Imagine -- encouraging manifesting and awareness of desires.

Fork in the Road -- it's time for a definitive choice to avoid stagnation.

and The Observer.  Take a neutral stance to become aware of the full breadth of opportunity.

 

A non-coincidental triad here. I've much to reflect and journal on. Sorry for the muted pics -- I think it is time to clean my phone lens. I'll remedy that.

 

 

Yes, I would happily post more! Here are some other really nice ones: The Four Muses (one for each season), Daydreaming, Starchild, to show some of the horror still present, Amnesia, and to show some of Patrick's irreverence, Vulgarity. 

 

 

I love the dreaminess of this oracle, @Wyrdkiss! The Fork in the Road animal reminds me of a reindeer combined with an alpaca. How wonderful! And that fox looking at the moon is pure beauty. It sounds like this deck is leading you down a good path this week! 

 

3 hours ago, Wyrdkiss said:

I think this one would be all for me @sweeneyish.  It's a challenge to use such a deck with querents unless they are really on a level that appreciates it to a certain extent. Those pics are rad, thank you!  @Mi-Shell that flower deck is lovely.  You are welcome to have some of our 82 degree California weather at the moment.  My sister lives in Wisconsin and she wants a bit of the warmth as well.

 

I agree. It would have to be a horror fan - or a horror themed Tarot reading party. Halloween, maybe? 

 

82 sounds lovely. Count me in!