Hello, Dearest Reader,
As I did my weekly Celtic spread this morning, I came up with so many good ideas! I was left feeling inspired! I decided to write a book (the details of which I will keep under wraps for now), and determined that I wanted to do a blog! I enjoy writing anyway, generally keeping a journal while working with my Tarot cards, and believe it is a good idea to have a place to share updates on what is going on with me and get feedback from others.
Every week, I will post a reflection, a spread with an interpretation, an Oracle card for additional insight, and a rune. Runes are something that I have wanted to get good at for a long time to add to my divination repertoire! As I pull rune(s), I will post the meaning of the rune(s) so you can learn with me! I genuinely enjoy interacting with others, and am so glad you are here.
Things have been good with me. My mother and three year old niece visited for Thanksgiving. It was really cool to have them visit my family in Arnold, Missouri (located close to St. Louis, MO). Despite the snow we got around Thanksgiving, my family and I took them to the Science Center (my little niece loves dinosaurs and got to see an automated T-Rex up close!), The Magic House (which proved to be a little too stimulating for my niece), and went to Kimmswick. My Mom and I went to Kimmswick together where we picked up some coffee beans, got some hot beverages, and went to a store all decked out with Christmas stuff (Christmas is my mom's favorite holiday). All and all, it was a good four days we got to spend together. My Mom and niece had never flown on a plane. I was very proud of them for being brave and adventurous by doing so!
Work is going great. I work with a Nurse Practitioner to take care of children with various behavioral issues. I have always enjoyed caring for children so I believe I have found my niche. Work is close to home too which is nice. My husband and kids are doing well with their endeavors. Life is good. How are things with you?
Here is a spread for reflection with a Yule/Christmas theme! It is entitled Yuletide Tarot by Erin O'Leary Brown and Kristoffer Hughes:
Let's put this together! We will work from left to right. The 5 of Gifts is a reminder of two things: We should be on the lookout for others who may need help. This is a hard time of year for many who may have limited resources and may need extra support. On the flip side, we may be the ones who need help (asking is the hard part for many of us). Lean into support in the form of family and friends who may be able to help. Family and friends are a blessing some people don't have for different reasons. If help is needed, look into community resources. If yourself or a friend are struggling with mental health crisis and need help, please consider calling 988. There are people available 24/7 so that people who are having a hard time with their mental health can get the help they need. The next card is all about balance. How are we spending our time and are we truly present with the people we care about? It isn't about going into debt buying things for people (I get it -- this can be a materialistic holiday which is uber stressful). The biggest gift we can give is the gift of our time and presence. It is all about choosing to exercise gratitude. Every day, there is something we have to be grateful for and every day is a chance to start over and start anew. We should choose to be present when and where we want to be in the way we want to be. Time goes by fast so it is important to be selective in how we spend our time because we cannot get time back. The past is the past. Unlike the movie, Back to the Future, there is no going back. Nor is there a phone booth like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. The present is not here yet. All we have is the here and now. The third card is The Chariot. This can be an exhausting energy (although an exciting one). Many travel this time of year to see loved ones and shop for Christmas gifts. However, there are only so many hours in a day. Aim to not overextend yourself so that you can have energy (which is limited) to invest in the projects and with the people who are a priority to you. It links right back to Balance: Be mindful of how you spend your time. Remember that you have the theoretical reins to the sleigh, telling the reindeer where to go! If you need to pull over and take a breather, please do so! Here is our Oracle card from Seasons of the Witch Yule Oracle by Lorraine Anderson & Juliet Diaz with a ruhn, Othala (OH-tha-la):
This card and ruhn are about the community of our choosing, our friends and family. It is all about being around the people who are good influences and supportive of us. It is also about finding your joy, not waiting for it to come to you. What makes you happy? Find your happiness with intention and purpose.
I hope that you have a good week!
The Crow Lady