New Deck: Napo Tarot

Big thanks to Miss J for this beautiful deck!

Description from the deck:

The inspiration for the Napo Tarot is based in Argentinean myth, culture, and history. Just as the man from the pampas knows what direction to take in the night by reading the stars, so too does the woman from the pueblo know how to read the archetypical images of the cards with speed and intuition.

Deck Interview Spread
1. Tell me about Yourself
I am Success. I am Misfortunte. I am the Six of Discs (Pentacles). I can show you times of prosperity or leaner times. I am Giver and Receiver. I am Master and Servant. What I give, I can take away.

2. What are your strengths as a deck?
I can show you how to avoid the worst of times. I can show you the face of Ruin-- the Ten of Swords. I can show you who will betray you and stab you in the back. I can show you the forms despair can take in your life. I can reflect uncertainty and anguish.

3. What are your limits as a deck?
I may be too quick to judge defeat-- the Five of Cards. I may miss the weapons at your disposal-- those that will help you fight the darkness and despair. All I may see are the defeated, broken weapons cast aside and may miss the smaller weapons in your hand. I may be to hasty to have you accept situations as they are, rather than speak up for what you need.

4. What are you here to teach me? What do you bring to the table?
I bring beginnings. I bring new ideas and new approaches. The Ace of Swords will guide your new projects and endeavors.

5. How can I best learn from you?
Listen to the Queen of Swords. She has the key to what you seek. But her messages are subliminal. You must keep your heart open and your spirit willing. Your eyes and ears must be an constant attention. She is kind, yet firm. You will learn best from this Queen.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
The Six of Cups will help you remember. All the stories that are passed on will be kept within you. You will be the story keeper and I will help you remember. The stories of the past will not be forgotten as we reflect on the future.

Why am I so drained?

Answer: Ten of Pentacles

Even before I asked this question, I knew the answer. I have forgotten how draining reading for others can be. I am tired as if I worked out for hours. But the reward of reading for other people is great. The Ten of Pentacles reminds me that I am drained because I am passing on guidance to other people. In turn, I am learning from each of the readings that I share. Some readings may have overlapping cards, but the meanings are different for each person. It is exciting to discern new meaning from the cards, especially ones that I've used for years and years.

I am also drained because I am so focused on bringing security and prosperity to my family. We are all drained from the challenges of the past couple of years, especially the challenges of the past few months. I look forward to putting the past behind me and welcoming a new era of stability and enjoyment. In the meantime, I am drained because I'm trying so hard to focus all my energy on making the Ten of Pentacles happen. This is my attempt at embracing positive thinking. And yes, it is draining.

Two of Cups

Love, love, love.

Here we have a couple drinking together. They are gazing at one another in what looks like a type of toast. This week is all about harmony in relationships. We are kindred souls and will live happily together. It is all about bonding.

my guiding card for 34

So says the Moon: I need to release my inner demons. The nightmares can no longer hurt me. They have no power over me.

*Thank you, Miss H, for the amazing cards. Nota Bene: tarot-themed bookmarks by lynyrd narciao. Just beautiful!

First card of 2009: Death (reversed)

Deck: Rider-Waite
Spread: One card

The guiding card of the week is Death in reverse. Death typically means a pending change, a time of transition, or the end of something. In the context of my current life situation this makes a lot of sense. With the New Year, there is a new beginning, and also a closing of the door to the year of the rat. The rat was not very good to me and I’m hopeful that the ox will bring a more positive outlook to my life. In reverse, the Death card warns of the dangers of being stagnant. It is important not to get bogged down by the past. So here I am, on the verge of a new beginning and a new year of healing.