Tag: universal waite tarot

Happy Ostara (Spring Equinox)!

The first official day of Spring has arrived. For today is the day that the light and dark are of equal lengths, and the days will begin to get longer. More time to enjoy the outdoors.

Many faiths celebrate this time of year. The word Ostara is just one of the names applied to the celebration of the Spring Equinox on March 21. The Venerable Bede said the origin of the word is actually from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of Spring. It’s also the same time as the Christian Easter celebration, and in the Jewish faith, Passover takes place as well.

For early Pagans in the Germanic countries, this was a time to celebrate planting and the new crop season. Ostara is the time for new beginnings and awakenings, to act upon things we planned during the Winter months.

Ostara by Johannes Gehrts — Ostara (1884) by Johannes Gehrts. The goddess flies through the heavens surrounded by Roman-inspired putti, beams of light, and animals. Germanic people look up at the goddess from the realm below.

Many symbols that are associated with Easter had their roots in ancient Paganism. Symbols of fertility and new life such as eggs, flowers, vines, and rabbits. In medieval societies in Europe, the March hare was viewed as a major fertility symbol — this is a species of rabbit that is nocturnal most of the year, but in March when mating season begins, there are bunnies everywhere all day long. Many parents take their children to visit the Easter Bunny, and my parents were no exception.

I look a bit unsure, but still likely enjoying the festivities of that time of year, anticipating coloring eggs and eating candy. I have a childhood memory of an Easter Sunday after attending church, excitedly running around the wet and slightly muddy grass on the church grounds in my white patent leather mary janes, white tights, and new pink Easter dress, enjoying the warm sunny day. I got mud spots on myself, I don’t think my parents were too pleased with that.

Ostara Tarot Cards – Place the Chariot, card 7, on your altar as a sign of confidence in your ability to test what you have learned during the Winter months. Unlike the Fool, the Chariot knows the reason for his journey and creates his own destiny through his actions. The Eight of Wands generates creative new ways forward. The Magician, card 1, symbolizes the ability to visualize goals on the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual planes of existence. He then asks you to get to work on those goals to make them your reality. From Tarot for All Seasons: Celebrating the Days & Nights of Power.

Ostara is the time of renewal, rebirth and change. Just as nature is reborn, what will be reborn in you? Start something new during this time, or look back on what you had done in the past that you enjoyed and bring it back again for a rebirth. Or take a look to see if some spiritual housecleaning is needed, this is a good time for that as well.

Be joyful on this Ostara, the wheel has turned, the Winter months are behind us, and Spring is here again!

Tarot Card of the Week: Seven of Wands

Stevi Tarot Card of the Week

Seven of Wands card on a tarot cloth with crystals

Using the Universal Waite Tarot Deck, the card I drew was the Seven of Wands.

This card depicts a man on top of a hill, he appears to be fighting others at the bottom of the hill, and he is holding a wand in a defensive or ready to fight position. He has been victorious in his battle, but he needs to still fight to keep his position.

This card indicates that you may have it within yourself to be victorious in battles you may encounter this week. Even if the fight is difficult, you may find that you can come out on top by relying upon your inner strength and knowledge. And, you are in an advantageous position.

On the Seven of Wands card, there is a stream of water running beneath the man, which could symbolize your intuition that you also can utilize to overcome the obstacles you may have to face. Challenges may still come at you, but they may not surprise you, meaning you probably already know who/what your battles are. Knowing this means you can be prepared.

Have a great week!

Tarot Card of the Week: Ten of Pentacles

Stevi Tarot Card of the Week

The Ten of Pentacles illustrates an old man, watching his family, they appear wealthy and well cared for. The ten pentacles are over the image on the card, as if to overlay what is happening. This card often symbolizes abundance, success, comfort. This can be financial, material, spiritual, or other joys such as family and friends.

When I reflected upon this card, it made me think about what the world has been going through the past year. People staying at home, maybe feeling cooped up, our patience tested by being with our families more than usual. But through this, there may have been a renewal of a bond between them. A rediscovery of each other. A joy found that was temporarily put on hold prior to March 2020 because of work and other commitments.

The old man in the Ten of Pentacles is separated from his family. He is sitting down, petting his dog, and observing from a distance his daughter/daughter-in-law and son/son-in-law with his grandchild. Although his dog does give him some comfort, there is a loneliness there. The rest of his family may be starting to venture out. When will it be his turn? He may no longer want to observe through phone calls or Zoom. He wants to be with his family again. He wants to laugh, hug, and be with them in person.

As the vaccine is being distributed, and cases of the virus go down, families can hopefully gather together again and feel safe and comfortable as things get to more of a sense of normal. That abundance and comfort is needed by many families who have strong ties, and protect and support each other.