Archive for January, 2025

Today’s Card: Be true to you with Dog Spirit

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , , on January 31, 2025| 1 Comment »

You’ve heard it before – this is one of my favorite cards in this deck. It’s literally the reason I wanted the deck. Today, being loyal to your chosen loves and values is more important than ever. Being loyal means being loyal to your own heart as well as to those who are friends and family. As Druid John Beckett shared in a recent post, during these troubled times – remember who you are.

Blessings,

Thistle

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Dog Spirit – Be Loyal To What You Love

Message: Dog Spirit appears to remind you that although change is a part of life and all of us are meant to evolve, our love and commitments remain strong. You are loved now and can trust that this higher love is true. Spirit loves you, and love has arrived in many forms now, manifesting in the people you surround yourself with, expressed uniquely through them. Dog also says be true to that which you love, for now is a time of good fortune. Be steady as you recognize that people and things are always transforming. Your heart is loving and true, and Dog Spirit wants you to know that your steadfast commitment to experience and expressing love will attract and manifest more love. You deserve all of it. Have faith in Spirit’s plan for you.

Protection Message: Loyalty to people and situations can turn into attachment that results in stagnation, enmeshment, and loss of integrity. Do you fear what will happen if you let a relationship evolve? Are you afraid that asking for a situation to change will make others see you as disloyal? Trust that when Dog Spirit appears, you are meant to accept the turning of the wheel of life and the changing of fortunes. If you feel you are being betrayed or are growing apart from someone, let Dog reconnect you with your commitment to love in all its forms. Perhaps a relationship is meant to evolve; perhaps you are meant to evolve too, so that you can experience the growth for which your soul yearns. Your greatest loyalty is to love, so be open to all its many guises, including self-love. You deserve the best, and that is what Spirit wants for you.

Spirit Animal Oracle by author Colette Baron-Reid and artist Jena DellaGrottaglia

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Today’s Card: Nourish yourself and your community

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , , on January 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

While yesterday’s cards clearly pointed to making magic, today we have cards that lean toward taking care of oneself and community – through both leadership and protection as well as nourishment and preparation. The cow is a comforting card, and she was flanked by Bee (community, celebration, organization) and Boar (warrior spirit, leadership, direction).

For me, I’ve already been taking steps toward connecting with others in the community for mutual aid. With increasing grocery prices and a fairly unpredictable world around us right now, these feels like the right thing to do. As a dedicant to the goddess Brigid, I know her day of Imbolc is coming in a couple days. I also know this is work she guides me to do while I also prepare for things with my partner in our home. I suggest taking some time and deciding what you can do to be generous and healing in your community in your own way.

Blessings,

Thistle

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COW – Nourishment, Motherhood, the Goddess

MEANING: The Cow opens us up to awareness of the Goddess. Her generosity, healing, and nourishing powers is present all around you – in your friends and children, in your food and drink, in your dreams, and particularly in the natural world that you are blessed to live in. She brings protection from harmful influences, and by attuning to her presence you can gain the inestimable benefit of deep and peaceful sleep. By opening yourself to the Cow and to her sacred quality as a manifestation of the Goddess on earth, you will be connecting to the perpetual stream of nourishing energy that flows from the Goddess to each one of us. To experience this, there is nothing you need to do.

This card can also be calling you to examine the ways in which you give to the world. If you believe your resources are limited, then you will be anxious about giving fully from your heart. If you know that you are one with all creation and all of nature, then you will be able to give fully and freely. But you can only give if you are also able to receive. How easy is it for you to receive the love and concern of others?

THE CARD: The card shows a highland cow placidly standing beside the peaceful waters of a Scottish loch. In the foreground, we see cow-berry (cranberry) and cowslip and, to the right, milk-wort (field gentian).

The Druid Animal Oracle by authors Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and artist Will Worthington

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Today’s Card: Powerful time to manifest with New Moon, the Banes

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , , , on January 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Today is the New Moon (what our group calls Dark Moon), generally considered a good time to start something and for powerful magic. And this morning I drew these three cards.

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Yarrow speaks to fidelity and reviewing the status of things. Mandrake may have some startling folklore, but it represents fertility and wealth. Now, the main card for today is The Banes, a potent mix of plants bringing power and unexpected help.

All this being said, what’s really being said is it’s time for powerful magic!

Blessings,

Thistle

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THE BANES – WOLFSBANE, HEMLOCK, & HENBANE

KEYWORDS: Power, unexpected aid, and relief (or ill will, betrayal, and difficulty)

MEANING: Life can sometimes seem almost unbearable. If you have chosen this card, it may mean that you are surrounded by pressures and difficulties. But life is fundamentally mysterious, and out of the blue something can happen that acts as a catalyst for change. We are so used to the high drama and “big stories” of movies and television that we forget the immense power of the smallest things. Just one remark of a friend or stranger, one line in a book, or a dawning realization of your own can trigger a new direction in your life or a turning point in your affairs. Such a gift may come to you from a completely unexpected direction, bringing a relief to your situation that you would never have imagined. Consumerism has trained us to look for the biggest when really we should be looking for the best.

On the flip side, each of the Banes can be used to deadly effect, and it may mean that you need to be aware of the harmful consequences of your words or actions. It is possible that you have betrayed someone or a value that in your heart of hearts you hold dear. Rather than openly confronting or challenging the person or the problem, you may instead have worked in the darkness of unexplained motives – with feelings of hurt and a desire for revenge that you never dared express. Rather than now feeling despair, it is important to realize that your actions have created a difficulty that you can become a challenge for you: to show the strength of character to resolve the issue, make amends or move on in your life with wisdom and compassion. The soul creates learning experieces for us.

The Druid Plant Oracle by authors Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and artist Will Worthington

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Today’s Card: Cut to the chase with Motherwort

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , on January 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

All the Madre cards in this deck speak to guidance and love. This one is about clearly communicating (from air, that’s no surprise) needs and what needs to be done. She strikes the balance between curtness and humor to soften it. What do you need to make clear for yourself? To others in your life? Do not mince words today – say what you need to say.

Blessings,

Thistle

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Madre of Air – Motherwort

Quick bit, deep nourishment; say what you mean and mean what you say; be fierce in service to the heart of the matter.

A stand of motherwort towers over other vegetation. A woman grabs a boline in one hand and grasps a large clump of stems in another. The prickly seeds scratch her, but she tightens her grip and begins the harvest. She vigorously cuts away at the dense forest of motherwort.

Meaning: The Madre of Air is led by a deep sense of integrity. She cuts right to the point, even if it hurts. Like bitter motherwort, her words may sometimes be hard to swallow, but clarity opens the path to truth. She knows her values and makes quick, rational decisions without doubting her choices. Just as motherwort softens those with a spiky disposition, the Madre of Air diffuses tension with others using humor and wit. She soothes unchecked emotions and allows common sense to come forward. She understands that execution of purpose comes best from a calm, loving center. Embrace your sharp edges; they create the container for your tenderness.

Crafting with the Madre of Air:

• Make a bold declaration: cut something from your life today that will clear the path to truth.
• Experience the power of emotional stability: take motherwort daily for at least two weeks.
• Honor the lion-hearted one within you: Wear motherwort as an amulet for courage and strength.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

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Today’s Card: Step by step to overcome challenges

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , on January 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

I’ve always loved this card – it speaks to my Taurus nature and ability to just keep going. Never the fastest, but I get there. Mental and spiritual endurance are key to moving through this life. We were never guaranteed an easy life, though many tend to believe that is the way it should be (as if any creature on this earth has it easy – most spend the bulk of their days searching for food).

Right now, this endurance – along with resilience and humor – is a vital thing. The newsfeeds are a cacophany of chaos and many are trying to figure out what they can do to make sure things move forward in a way that is beneficial for society. We focus on a couple things we can make an impact on, then we rest and take time to maintain strong family and community ties. Laugh and play. Then we work again. Hyperfixating on every thing that is wrong in the world is a fastest way to shut down completely. Take a breath, take a step, take a rest. Repeat.

Blessings,

Thistle

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Five of Stones – Endurance

MEANING: It takes inner strength and courage to protect yourself and survive the challenges of life. This may mean withdrawing from trauma to focus on emotional resilience.

READING POINTS: Of all the qualities of a spiritual warrior or seeker on the journey of life must posses, the spirit and will to endure is most important. In the words of one screen Swordmaster, Bob Anderson, “Nobody said it was fair.” There will be trials and there will be harsh challenges. Life is a contact sport and there will be bruises. The desire and willpower to survive and recover from setbacks is vital and necessary.

Legend has it that in 1306, Robert the Bruce took shelter in a cave for three winter months while being hunted by soldiers of King Edward I in Scotland. This was the lower point in his life, having suffered defeat in battle, seen his brothers executed and his sister captured. The Bruce’s only companion in the cave was a spider that attempted to spin its web repeatedly across the mouth of the windy cave. Repeatedly, the wind tore the web apart. But at last the spider succeeded in its quest and the web weathered the storm. Maintaining a resilient mind and retaining a sense of humor are most important to health, along with the knowledge that the sun will rise on another day filled with opportunities.

DESCRIPTION: A child dressed in simple skin clothing sits in the entrance of a cave, looking out at a dark sky split by lightening. A small fire burns before him and, by its light, we see that four deep cracks have split the walls of the cave entrance into five massive blocks of stone.

The Wildwood Tarot by authors Mark Ryan and John Matthews and artist Will Worthington

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Today’s Card: Keep gratitude, offerings in forefront

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , , on January 24, 2025| Leave a Comment »

OK, I know a lot of folks are worried about the economy, all their loved ones being safe, and more. Putting worry first, however, is almost a sure bet that things will go poorly. Remembering to be grateful for what you have now – whether that’s a cozy home with food in stock or good friends and family who will help you – is important.

While offerings are typically considered of the spiritual nature, I’ve been seeing support networks pop in various forms. Groups of people deciding to help each other and share what extra resources they have. I would argue that this is a type of offering too, an offering to the continuation of strong communities. Something to think about.

Blessings and have a lovely weekend!

Thistle

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Offerings

Meaning: The Universe is grateful for you! You are a gift to the world. Feel gratitude for everything in your life, even the things that don’t seem perfect. Appreciation for everything flows through you in a great bounty. Cherish the preciousness of life and everyone and everything around you, and thus you will be cherished. 

Native Spirit Guide: Every native culture throughout history has made offerings, often on a daily basis. Offerings were made to the Sun, the Earth, the plants and animals, and to everything in Creation. The offerings varied culture to culture, but they were always made with a feeling of extreme appreciation for the bounty of life. Gratitude was the secret to a joy-filled life. True thankfulness can work like modern-day alchemy in your life, yielding happiness and peace beyond imagination. And it’s simple: Find what’s good and wonderful in every moment. No matter what’s happening around you, there’s always something to be grateful for. Whatever you appreciate in life will grow, so discover what you’re thankful for – even the people and situations you’ve found challenging – and watch miracles unfold.

The Journey: As a suggestion, make an offering to whatever nurtures your soul. If you’re nurtured by a particular place in nature, for example, you might consider leaving fruit at the base of a tree for the animals in that area to give thanks for beauty that is there.

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Today’s Card: Sing your authentic song with Canary

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , , on January 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Decided on the Spirit Animal Oracle today because it felt like we could use a gentle deck and message. This card was posted in 2019, when I noted this:

“Many of us (especially many of those that follow this blog) have bitten our tongues in order to get along with others or to not be rejected because of what we are. And while there is being polite, not speaking your true thoughts and feelings just reaffirms other people’s narrow views. We are more than job, religion, political party, or sexual orientation – we are a soul that deserves its time and attention. Take a chance – there are often more people around with which to sing in harmony than we realize.”

And … I think that pretty much still applies. If you feel threatened, find your allies – but you have to speak up to do so. Wishing everyone safety and community.

Blessings,

Thistle

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Canary Spirit – Sing Your Own Song

Message: Canary Spirit arrive to help you find your authentic voice and express what is in your heart. Free yourself to experience your inner light and let it shine, as Canary Spirit sings to remind you of your inherent joy and to support you as you sing your own song. Now is the time to let the world know who you really are. Canary Spirit’s message is that you are free to be yourself and express your most cherished desires. The world wants to hear your song! If your inquiry is about a relationship, you’re being called to fully be yourself, for only then will you find harmony and joy. You can make music with others so beautifully when your note rings true.

Protection Message: Are you suppressing your true voice, perhaps trying to sing the song you think people want to hear instead of your own? You create a cage around your life when you express only what you think will help you fit in and get what you think you want. Are you hiding the real you, telling a safe story about yourself to others because you are afraid they will think that you are too “different” if you they knew the truth?

Canary comes to help you express yourself in a more honest and authentic way. Yes, not everyone will agree with you; in fact, not everyone will want to hear your originality or accept your uniqueness. You must not give this a single care. There will be plenty of people, opportunities, and wonderful new experiences that arrive as if by magic once you open your own cage door and fly free. Canary Spirit is cheering for you and wants you to know you are safe and loved. Find your voice and have courage to spread your wings and sing out loud! The world needs your true song.

Spirit Animal Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid and Jenna DellaGrottaglia

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Today’s Card: Adjust for new circumstances, seek help when needed

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , on January 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »

It’s a good time to reflect on how to adapt to new situations and changes in the world. Cattails manage to pop up in ditches as swell as wetlands and swamps, live in fresh or brackish water, spread by both seeds and rhizomes, and will release a toxin that prevents overpopulation of its own species.

Take a few tips from this highly adaptable and helpful plant and learn to live when the dominoes don’t fall exactly how you want them to. Being able to change and adjust is key to survival.

Blessings,

Thistle

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Six of Air – Cattails (Tyhpa species)

Question your assumptions; gain clarity through articulating your visions in writing; support others in setting intentions for change.

A table in the afternoon sun is covered in sheets of handmade paper for writing prayer petitions with friends. Cattails grow along the border of a nearby marsh. Crow, owl, and heron feathers are gathered in glasses. A jar of walnut ink is open, ready to document devotions.

Meaning: Clarity can be found in the mire. Cattail, often seen as invasive, creates a stronger ecosystem by clearing and purifying an area, making it more habitable for life. Open yourself to new ways to pray. Ask for help from your community when you need it. Adjust your expectations and challenge your current way of thinking. As cattail seeds are carried by the wind, trust Spirit to carry your visions toward a greater good. Cattail is sometimes called the supermarket of the wild for its many uses – as food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and medicine. Be the resource of the spirit; look for myriad ways to be of service to the needs of others.

Crafting with Six of Air:

• Learn to make botanical paper from cattails and use it for journal writing.
• Write a single petition to a spiritual helper; then burn the paper, letting your prayers rise.
• Gather friends on a new moon and support each other in setting new intentions.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by artist Joanna Powell Colbert and author Latisha Guthrie

Information about Cattails from: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/UT_WingsWater_WetlandProducers_Jan19.pdf

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Today’s Card: Hind guides us to work on spirit, with feminine energy

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , , on January 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The White Hind and the White Hart both have strong mythological links and they represent the Otherworld and the world of the Fae. The Hind also signifies feminine energy, which we all have even if we identify as male. It might be time to tap into that energy and weave it into your life.

Beyond that, this card call us to the really of spirit, to look beyond the mere material. For some of us, today is not a wonderful day in some regards – the Hind is here to help us look beyond the obvious and work toward keeping our spirits where they need to be during difficult times.

Blessings,

Thistle

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Hind – Subtlety, Gracefullness, Feminity

THE CARD: This shows a white hind, or eilid, in the forest in late summer or early fall. Acorns hang heavy from the oaks. The hind calls us to follow her deeper into the forest. Standing in a shaft of sunlight, she appears so elusive we are not even sure if she is of this world.

MEANING: Eilid brings us the gentleness and grace of the feminine principle. Whether you are a male or female, opening to the qualities of the Hind will enable you to achieve a greater degree of sophistication, subtlety, and elegance – in the best possible senses of these terms.

Deer, and the white hind in particular, call to us from the Otherworld, from the realm of Faery, and invite us to look beyond the material, beyond the superficialities of life, toward the heart of things, toward the realm of causes rather than effects. Poised in moonlight or sunlight, Eilid invites us to begin an exploration of the Otherworld, of the spiritual dimension of life.

The Hind may also be warning you to be less self-effacing. Rather than adapting yourself, like a chameleon, to the perceived demands and expectation of those around you, you may need to become more assertive. You may also need to be wary of becoming preoccupied with the Otherworld. Our psychic life has its seasons, and at times it is good and balancing for us to explore the inner mysteries, but at other times it is important for us to focus our awareness on everyday life. You may have reached a time when an interest in the esoteric needs balancing with a period of outer activity. Do not worry that you will lose touch with the Otherworld, for the magical white Hind will always be waiting for you at the edge of the woods, ready to guide you into the heart of the forest.

The Druid Animal Oracle by authors Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and artist Will Worthington

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Today’s Card: Break free and be extraordinary

Posted in daily card reading, tagged , , on January 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

It’s a great card for a Friday – maybe cut loose tonight or over the weekend and dance or drum or create with wild abandon. It’s the time to experiment with things that you want to try, whether that’s a major lifestyle change or a new flavor of jam. Be you and being extraordinary is sometimes done in small, less visible ways. That’s OK as long as you’re being you.

Blessings and have a wonderful weekend,

Thistle

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FREEDOM HORSE

MEANING: Let your spirit fly! Do not hold back. Break free and express yourself. Flaunt your stuff, dance, laugh, explore, and go beyond predictable behavior. Get out of the rut. You don’t need to fit the mold. Be daring. Fling your arms to the heavens in joy.

Native Spirit Wisdom: The horse allowed the natives of the Americas and Mongolia to travel great distances with ease. The horse also carried their supplies, which additionally granted freedom to those ancient peoples. This card remind you that you aren’t here to be ordinary, but to step beyond limitations and self-imposed boundaries. Don’t allow yourself to be trapped by convention or the expectations of others. You have the ability to choose your life on your terms. Replace the phrase “I should” with “I could . . . but I choose not to at this time.” Perhaps you aren’t always free to create the exact circumstances of your life – but you’re certainly able to decide what meaning to give those situations. Select meanings that empower you, for this is the time to break free.

The Journey: The way you use your body can change your state. Put on music and dance with wild abandon. As you do so, this sends a powerful message to your subconscious that you are indeed truly free.

The Native Spirit Oracle by author Denise Linn and artist Charles McStravick

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