Page of Ghosts Posted March 29, 2022 Posted March 29, 2022 I really enjoy seeing all your Patrick Valenza decks @sweeneyish! I ended up giving my Deviant Moon away as I didn't quite gel with it even though I wanted to, I think his decks that have a more hand-drawn vibe to them could be more my thing. Either way they all look so good and cohesive with that wonderful artstyle of his and I like that they all seem different and fresh. I appreciate you sharing your collection in these threads.
sweeneyish Posted March 29, 2022 Posted March 29, 2022 15 minutes ago, Page of Ghosts said: I really enjoy seeing all your Patrick Valenza decks @sweeneyish! I ended up giving my Deviant Moon away as I didn't quite gel with it even though I wanted to, I think his decks that have a more hand-drawn vibe to them could be more my thing. Either way they all look so good and cohesive with that wonderful artstyle of his and I like that they all seem different and fresh. I appreciate you sharing your collection in these threads. My pleasure! I'm glad you're enjoying them and that it doesn't just feel like a hostile Patrick Valenza takeover 😆. I love the art style of both the Deviant Moon and his ink work, but I have to say, I really love his ink work, so I can totally see what you mean. The Trionfi Della Luna is so beautiful - Fully his ink work, so you can see how he does a Tarot deck without the more photographic style of the Deviant Moon (which is also amazing and adds something different, but I definitely see how it's not everyone's cup of tea). I find his universe quite addictive. Even on days where I think "Eh, this is too dark for me today", I end up missing it. And it's funny, because I'm actually quite an optimistic, upbeat person. Just a little twisted on the inside, I suppose! One cool fact about the Deviant Moon (you may know this already) - the characters' clothes are fully made from photographs Patrick took of old gravestones and abandoned buildings (as are the backgrounds), which he then wrapped around his original ink drawings and coloured. So in some ways, it's kind of a graveyard deck. Super interesting!
sweeneyish Posted March 30, 2022 Posted March 30, 2022 Now for something completely out of character for me - the non Patrick Valenza deck that arrived for me yesterday - The Forest of Enchantment. My initial impressions: It is an absolutely beautiful and unique deck. The art is gorgeous, the cards feel nice in my hands, and the book it comes with is one of the nicest books I’ve seen come with a deck. I thought I would be overwhelmed by the suit and Major Arcana change, but it does work for a lot of the cards. And in many ways, I enjoy the move away from the Zodiac/Golden Dawn interpretations (much like the Deviant Moon). I also love the self contained world of the Forest, much like the Deviant Moon’s strange city. It is nice to go to a different universe for readings. So far, this deck is pretty harsh! Strangely, I have found it cuts a little deeper than what am I used to. Or at least my readings with it so far have really been slapping me around. Maybe like what you experienced, @Wyrdkiss? I did a giant spread from 365 Spreads today - The Hero’s Journey, based on Joseph Campbell’s work. More and more I’m finding that I’m a smaller spread reader, but some of this spread definitely hit home, and it’s nice to play with a bunch of cards at once. Still, I found myself stretching to make some of the positions work, while others were perfect.
sweeneyish Posted March 30, 2022 Posted March 30, 2022 In contrast to all the harsh readings, I had quite a positive one today - just a three card spread for the day. We'll see if any victory happens, but in any case, certainly nothing negative here. Six of Spells (Wands): Success, justifiable pride in accomplishments VII The Faery Wind (The Chariot): Speedy change, success, self-achievement. X The Enchanter's Wheel (The Wheel of Fortune): Inevitability of change, fate & fortune, good luck & bad luck Work is quiet this week, so I don't think the spread is looking there. At home, the rescue pup we have is doing well medically, and his training to be a better citizen is also going well, so maybe could be looking there - with the possibility of an unexpected change today. As always, I can easily relate it to my spiritual practice as well. Things went well in my meditation today, and I also felt the need to change a technique I was using, which I think will lead to greater success. And of course, my experience with practice is always flexing and changing.
Rachelcat Posted March 30, 2022 Posted March 30, 2022 The baby dragon reminds me or Norbert and Hagrid! And maybe your puppy! The reading looks good. I'm going to say the Wheel is GOOD fortune, not just a change in fortune. So there!
sweeneyish Posted March 30, 2022 Posted March 30, 2022 9 minutes ago, Rachelcat said: The baby dragon reminds me or Norbert and Hagrid! And maybe your puppy! The reading looks good. I'm going to say the Wheel is GOOD fortune, not just a change in fortune. So there! You know, silly me, I didn't even think of the little dragon being the puppy - Of course! Such a good point. And yes, I totally see Hagrid and Norbert. So lovely! And, hey, I can always use more positivity, so I will take your good fortune and run with it!
sweeneyish Posted March 31, 2022 Posted March 31, 2022 Today was the Roman festival of Luna, according to Sasha Graham's 365 Tarot Spreads, so I (of course) had to read with the Deviant Moon this morning. I used the Luna spread from 365 Tarot Spreads. As a side note, I'm realizing as my focus seems to slide more and more towards reading with the Deviant Moon Inc. assortment of Tarots and Oracles, I may become a little off topic here, where people are often exploring new decks every week. I may have to move to a journal post to spare you all. The spread today with the Deviant Moon: New Moon: What is possible? XX Judgement I saw this as a sign to continue to commit to my spiritual path - This particular Judgement has a real flavour of regret to it, with each of the figures lack of connection to the spiritual resulting in their pain and fear when Judgement comes. So the possibility is kind of positive and negative: The possibility to commit fully, and the possibility to not and be full of regret. Waxing: What am I drawing to me? IX of Swords Ouch! Drawing anxious and fearful thoughts to me. Well, life is busy and I do have a tendency to draw the worst conclusions about things, but I actually find this card reaffirming in a strange way, because as much as I may have a lot of negative thoughts, I don't feel like they control me. Full: Where does my power lie? VII of Cups My power comes from my creativity, my intuition, and from finding inspiration in what I do. Yes! The big Deviant Moon handbook also suggests that this card is advice to not conform to the views of others. Love it. Waning: What do I need to shed? X of Cups Ouch again! A certain degree of renunciation is necessary to fully pursue the spiritual path I'm on. Though I won't be a yogi who lives in the caves (in this life), there are certain comforts I could let go of that would free my mind more. Lunar Eclipse: What darkens my mood? IV of Cups Well, this is very true. I'm easily prone to boredom, and I can't think of a more bored and lethargic card than this one. I'm always looking for the next best thing, instead of being happy with what I have. This one hits home. Dark Side of the Moon: What lurks within my hidden side? IX of Pentacles This is an interesting one. In a way, it connects to the X of Pentacles above, with a warning to not get too attached to material comfort. I also think there is a warning about mismangement of money - Guilty as charged. Tidal Pull: In what area of my life do I have the greatest effect? King of Swords I found this one the trickiest to interpret. In one way, I was thinking it pointed to my power over my mind and thoughts - which is true in some ways (and very untrue in others!). Or perhaps when I'm strong and decisive, I get the most done. Or perhaps it points to an ability to affect the people who have the most control over me (the Kings of Swords in my life). Not sure yet. What is now possible? Knight of Pentacles I can embrace methodicalness, patience, and be persistent, especially with my spiritual practice. The key to success is staying consistent and not allowing my butterfly nature to pull me in too many directions at once. I also have the possibility to show some more fiscal responsibility.
Page of Ghosts Posted March 31, 2022 Posted March 31, 2022 This week has been a hard one. My last living grandparent passed away on Sunday morning. We were not very close, but I cared for them and it's still very sad. We shared the same birthday so it will be weird to have it just be my day when autumn rolls around. I did a daily reading on Sunday evening which was very on the nose, and another one for today. I had planned to buy fresh pants for the funeral next week that aren't jeans, but I also bought some black fabric for sewing (a hobby this grandparent was very supportive of and they did some lobbying in the family to raise funds for my new sewing machine last year for my birthday) a few weeks back. I did a daily reading and it seemed I would be happier by honing my skills and working on sewing, so that's what I'll do and make myself a pair of pants with a new pattern and some details I haven't added before. Hopefully they'll turn out well so I don't have to buy anything! I'm a little anxious about traveling as I haven't been home for over two years thanks to the pandemic, and I haven't been on an airplane in ages because of anxiety, but I felt some sort of spiritual urge to make it back for the funeral so I'll just have to push myself through it. The reading from Sunday evening Craftmanship, honing ones skills and emotional fulfillment for today
Wyrdkiss Posted March 31, 2022 Posted March 31, 2022 @Page of Ghosts My heart goes out to you. Give yourself huge props for making the journey and honoring the call you are feeling. The cards you pulled seem quite fitting, including a testament to the impact they had on you growing up. Safe travels. @sweeneyish ultimately where you choose to place your readings is a personal decision, but I love having all this reflection and various deep dives all in one place. I can assure you, for what it is worth, I too have decks that will require more than one week of study here. On the The Wisdom of the Oracle. The first task I've done for us is pull separate some cards that have been meaningful to me, to illustrate some benefits of the deck as well. This is a true oracle, and thus has both spiritual as well as down-to-earth practical advice. "Time for a Nap" is perhaps my favorite example. "Unfinished Symphony " helped me get a creative non fiction piece published a few years ago. Just a positive yet perfect kick in the pants. As for the spiral imagery throughout, it matches my tattoo quite well. More later, I'm off to reconnect with a friend today up North. Cheers everyone.
sweeneyish Posted March 31, 2022 Posted March 31, 2022 42 minutes ago, Page of Ghosts said: This week has been a hard one. My last living grandparent passed away on Sunday morning. We were not very close, but I cared for them and it's still very sad. We shared the same birthday so it will be weird to have it just be my day when autumn rolls around. I did a daily reading on Sunday evening which was very on the nose, and another one for today. I had planned to buy fresh pants for the funeral next week that aren't jeans, but I also bought some black fabric for sewing (a hobby this grandparent was very supportive of and they did some lobbying in the family to raise funds for my new sewing machine last year for my birthday) a few weeks back. I did a daily reading and it seemed I would be happier by honing my skills and working on sewing, so that's what I'll do and make myself a pair of pants with a new pattern and some details I haven't added before. Hopefully they'll turn out well so I don't have to buy anything! I'm a little anxious about traveling as I haven't been home for over two years thanks to the pandemic, and I haven't been on an airplane in ages because of anxiety, but I felt some sort of spiritual urge to make it back for the funeral so I'll just have to push myself through it. The reading from Sunday evening Craftmanship, honing ones skills and emotional fulfillment for today My condolences and my prayers are with you and your grandparent, for you as you go through this stage of grief, and for them in whatever may come to be beyond this life. The readings you pulled are beautiful and insightful - And the Nine of Cups is such a positive pull (the wish card, after all), that I think it's a good sign of this foray into sewing being a happy path for you. 27 minutes ago, Wyrdkiss said: @Page of Ghosts My heart goes out to you. Give yourself huge props for making the journey and honoring the call you are feeling. The cards you pulled seem quite fitting, including a testament to the impact they had on you growing up. Safe travels. @sweeneyish ultimately where you choose to place your readings is a personal decision, but I love having all this reflection and various deep dives all in one place. I can assure you, for what it is worth, I too have decks that will require more than one week of study here. On the The Wisdom of the Oracle. The first task I've done for us is pull separate some cards that have been meaningful to me, to illustrate some benefits of the deck as well. This is a true oracle, and thus has both spiritual as well as down-to-earth practical advice. "Time for a Nap" is perhaps my favorite example. "Unfinished Symphony " helped me get a creative non fiction piece published a few years ago. Just a positive yet perfect kick in the pants. As for the spiral imagery throughout, it matches my tattoo quite well. More later, I'm off to reconnect with a friend today up North. Cheers everyone. I appreciate your view, @Wyrdkiss, and I love the community and conversation we have in this thread - So as long as it doesn't annoy anyone, I'm quite happy to keep posting my plethora of images and sharing here. I love Time for a Nap - Again, with the beautiful fox and moon. Just lovely!
sweeneyish Posted April 1, 2022 Posted April 1, 2022 My last post for this week‘s thread - final gander at the Garden of Lucid Daydreams. I did a simple “What influences do I need to pay attention to today?” The Rose, The Fountain, The Caterpillar I’m doing a practice intensive today, and this particular practice is quite cleansing, so the reappearance of the hilarious fountain seems quite appropriate! At the bottom of the spread is the Caterpillar, who represents an early stage of progress, but with a unique and wonderful future. Guess there’s still lots of practice to do, but the future seems bright. Finally, The Rose at the top, which represents achieving greatness against all odds, miracles, and high aspirations. My goals of the practice.
Wyrdkiss Posted April 1, 2022 Posted April 1, 2022 2nd to last post this week. Here are some cards with not so obvious meanings. I confirmed the Yin / yang follow the general psychology definition. The others I'll have to study, and there's more.
Wyrdkiss Posted April 1, 2022 Posted April 1, 2022 @sweeneyish I wish I had "Time for a Nap" today. Transitioning between work sites on my lunch break at the moment. Here is my last card (and a pictures of the backs). Possibly why I am wary of Oracles, I dislike when they have cards that definitively tell one what to do. I still add in the fact that we should always consider advice from a reading, not be reactive and swayed without reflection. I am including "Not for You" as an example. Please share how you feel about it. Cheers and thanks everyone
sweeneyish Posted April 1, 2022 Posted April 1, 2022 2 hours ago, Wyrdkiss said: @sweeneyish I wish I had "Time for a Nap" today. Transitioning between work sites on my lunch break at the moment. Here is my last card (and a pictures of the backs). Possibly why I am wary of Oracles, I dislike when they have cards that definitively tell one what to do. I still add in the fact that we should always consider advice from a reading, not be reactive and swayed without reflection. I am including "Not for You" as an example. Please share how you feel about it. Cheers and thanks everyone Thanks for sharing - what a strange and interesting deck! I agree about the deck giving direct advice - Even if there is an advice card in the spread, it’s nice for there to be some area for interpretation, rather than a straight up “No”. Of course, people devise all sorts of systems for answering yes/no questions with Tarot, and they would probably disagree. I definitely prefer descriptive cards.
Wyrdkiss Posted April 2, 2022 Posted April 2, 2022 On 3/29/2022 at 5:04 PM, sweeneyish said: Now for something completely out of character for me - the non Patrick Valenza deck that arrived for me yesterday - The Forest of Enchantment. My initial impressions: It is an absolutely beautiful and unique deck. The art is gorgeous, the cards feel nice in my hands, and the book it comes with is one of the nicest books I’ve seen come with a deck. I thought I would be overwhelmed by the suit and Major Arcana change, but it does work for a lot of the cards. And in many ways, I enjoy the move away from the Zodiac/Golden Dawn interpretations (much like the Deviant Moon). I also love the self contained world of the Forest, much like the Deviant Moon’s strange city. It is nice to go to a different universe for readings. So far, this deck is pretty harsh! Strangely, I have found it cuts a little deeper than what am I used to. Or at least my readings with it so far have really been slapping me around. Maybe like what you experienced, @Wyrdkiss? I did a giant spread from 365 Spreads today - The Hero’s Journey, based on Joseph Campbell’s work. More and more I’m finding that I’m a smaller spread reader, but some of this spread definitely hit home, and it’s nice to play with a bunch of cards at once. Still, I found myself stretching to make some of the positions work, while others were perfect. Astute observation about the directness of this Forest of Enchantment. It is amazing, how pretty and cute it is in places, that the book seems to really hit home with the card descriptions about various readings I've done with it. I love it though, in part for that reason. It has replaced the Wildwood for me as my go-to nature-centric deck.
Recommended Posts