Happy Solstice and Full Moon! Wishing everyone joy and creativity, and offering a card, if you wish

[wyld_dandelyon]

My heart is heavy today, what with some of the less friendly political comments I've been seeing, the horrible hate-massacre in Orlando, and some scary things happening in my neighborhood. So I'm feeling a need to send good energy out into the world, to wish one and all peace, joy, hope, creativity and love, or at least necessary lessons learned and changes for a better tomorrow. Also, it's the Strawberry Full Moon and Summer Solstice, which seems an auspicious time to send out good wishes to all.

So come, be welcome to my garden. We can smell the roses and then sit together in the shade and drink something cold, and you can see if you can find one of the first ripe mulberries. The local feral cats will doubtless stare at us from under the rose bushes. I keep trying to convince them I'm harmless, but they resist my guile. If we're lucky, we might see the cardinals courting in the big pine tree or some butterflies--I even caught a female Monarch on my milkweed a couple of weeks ago. We can chat, and you can get a reading if you would like one. New friends and old are welcome.

Today, for free one card readings, you can pick from the Brian Froud's Faeries Oracle, my combined Susan Seddon Boulet Animal Spirits and Goddesses cards, or the Shapeshifter Tarot. You can ask a question, ask for a Guide, for inspiration, or you can just ask for a card. You can also ask for a card or Guide for one of your characters or in some other way ask for advice or inspiration for a creative project.

The first card is free (though tips are always appreciated). Tips also let you ask me to use any of my other decks, to request a private reading, or to draw a clarifying card. If you want a longer reading, send a direct message so we can agree on the type of reading and rate.

I've written before about why I do readings and some of the decks I use here, feel free to hop over and check me out. I'll wait.

Please consider dropping something in the guitar case below. Readings take time and energy, and even though Milwaukee isn't enclosed in the blizzard, winter heat is pricey.

Signal boosts are very much appreciated, and earn you the right to ask for a clarifying card.

I understand all too well that sometimes people don't have cash or spoons, and it is generally during those times when people most need inspiration! Don't be afraid to ask for a card if you can't tip.

If you tip, it's helpful to me for you to mention it here so I can connect your paypal information with your request.

Tips should be at least $1 (Paypal charges fees). Alternatively, you can tip in Torn World/EMG credits. If neither of these work for you, drop me a message and we'll work something out.

I will reply to all requests. In the highly unlikely event that the number of requests nears my limits, I'll close this One Card Draw (by adding a clear note at the top of the post) rather than risk leaving anyone without a response.

Thank you, and Blessed Be!

As always, these readings are for entertainment and inspiration only. See my "Dandelyon's Readings" page if you have questions.

Comments

[rix_scaedu]

I have tipped, so may I complicate matters by requesting a card for the winter solstice?

(Summer is half a year away down here! :) )

Faeries of the Future

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Of course! That's no complication at all. Thank you for the tip!

I invite you in to look at my flowers, and you pause at the very old bush that only blooms in the spring, and not every spring at that. I cannot tell you the variety of this rose, as it was here when we moved in, but it is fragrant and blooming well this year.



As we are standing there, even before we sit down, a frog hops by, followed by a stream of dancing fairies. "It's time!" "Where are we going?" "Isn't it exciting?" They lead a very pregnant faery with flowers in her hair to the seat I was going to sit down in, and an elderly gnome sits in your seat. The gnome speaks, "We're going to the future. It could be exciting or boring, dangerous or safe, fun or deadly dull." "But there's new life, new promise!" The pregnant one pats her belly and lsmiles at you. "The act of giving birth is the act of setting a spirit free. You give birth to your own future. You're free to decide where you want to go next." She gives you a hazelnut, which she says symbolizes wisdom. "It's winter where you are, a time when the natural world rests and prepares for Spring. Think well on where you have been and where you want to go. Your choices will make a difference.

I pour them some of the iced peppermint tea I have waiting, and they all gravely sip from the glass, even the frog, then they get up, dancing again. "We'll see you in the future!" they cry and, waving, they vanish into the bushes, leaving us only the empty tea glass to show they were ever there.

[seekerval.livejournal.com]

Today is my 61st birthday. I had a surprise quintuple bypass 5 weeks ago tomorrow. And another family member just had aneurysm surgery this past weekend.

I think I'd REALLY like a card from the Animal Spirits and Goddesses deck. Please. And Thank You.

I've sent a tip.

[callibr8]

Wishing you a best-ever year ahead, and swift healing!

Polar Bear

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!



For you, I draw the polar bear. Ms. Boulet painted her dancing and cavorting in the wind. Polar Bear is a symbol of spiritual energy, and bear, in general, is a symbol of healing. The information on this card states that she completed the painting shortly prior to her death in 1996. It also talks about an Innuit legend of a bear who renounced the violence of his kindred and attempted to create a community based in peace and love.

I think it's a hopeful image.

Feel free to wander my garden with the bear, and to sit and talk with her for as long as you like.

Also, thank you for the tip. It is very much appreciated.

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Solstice is a huge thing here, of course - I got up at 3 in the morning a few days ago and it was bright as day out. (Convincing the four-year-old to GO TO BED was not fun...)

I will tip you the domain renewal fee of wyld_dandelyon.com! :)

I'd love a reading from any deck, regarding guidance on the creative projects I've got lined up!

Initiation

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Well, yeah, where you live it _was_ day out! No wonder Guppy was confused about whether it was time to sleep.

Thank you for the tip. Same amount as last year, I assume? Gotta keep those tax records straight.



For you, I picked the Shapeshifter Tarot, and drew Initiation. That is this deck's "0" card in the major arcana. The image is a dragon shifter holding a glowing staff in one hand and a red apple in the other. He is soaring above an island, accompanied by seagulls, a parrot, a butterfly, and a dragonfly. The sun is huge and warm at his back.

This card is always about starting a journey and taking a leap of faith into new territory. It certainly looks like you have the tools, companions, and inspiration you'll need along the way.

You're welcome to hang out and chat, any time!

[kelkyag]

No card, just wanting to send some warm fuzzies!

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Warm fuzzies back to you!

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

Growth

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Different decks speak clearly to different people. Let's try the Shapeshifter Tarot for you this time.

For you, the Twilight Zone rose, which is the purplest one I currently have blooming.



For you, I drew Growth, which shows a woman shifting into a mare, wearing a green mantle full of red apples. Flowers swirl around her as she gallops between menhirs marked with spirals and concentric circles. This card corresponds with the seven of pentacles and is an earth element card. This is a card of perseverance, of growth, of progress and gain. The usual image is the gardener, waiting for the pentacle fruit to ripen, so patience is part of the message, but with this image, I'd say the message is more for you to keep moving and enjoy the run.

[callibr8]

What a lovely offering. Happy Solstice! I had known full moon but not Strawberry Moon. Nice!

Not sure how the "ask a question" variant works, but I certainly do have a question in mind, and would like a card from the "Animal Spirits and Goddesses" deck, for it.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

Ix Chel

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

There are many ways to label each moon, but the one I'm seeing this year is overwhelmingly the Strawberry Moon, and it seems to me to fit. Though I could have gone with Mulberry Moon, I suppose, since my mulberry tree has some fruit ripening just in time for the full moon.

For future reference if you wish to receive inspiration regarding a particular question, you can do just as you did, and mention that you're looking for the answer to a question that's in your mind, or you can specify the question. Your choice. I'll proceed with what you've given me this time.



For you, I draw Ix Chel, an ancient Mayan moon goddess. She is called the White Lady and the Goddess of Becoming. She is accompanied by a wild lion, and she has ties to fertility, creativity, and healing. She is a patroness of weaving, and is Goddess of all the moon phases and all of the phases of life.

I invite you to wander my garden and choose a spot to meditate and to get to know Ix Chel, and to hear the stories she chooses to share with you.

Joyous Solstice to you!

[cassandramorgan.livejournal.com]

I would like a card please! The Faeries Oracle sounds interesting. :D

The Faery Who Was Kissed By Pixies

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

I invite you into my garden, and we wander around, sniffing roses and watching bees and little white butterflies flitter about. We sit, and choose our drinks, and a little pixie in a pointed hat runs up, kisses your elbow, and vanishes. The pixie is so gentle you're not sure if it actually touched you or if it was an air kiss, offered for you to accept or not, as you choose.

Then Morna appears, standing by our table, graciously and casually accepting kisses on her hand or her cheek or even the tip of her nearly-invisible wings. She is here to talk about all the best kinds of love, love of friends and children, love of kittens and ice cream. Love that does not assume permission, but that takes the time to ask, and graciously accepts whatever answer you give. Indeed, after swarming the faery at our table, the pixies dart into the bushes, trying to make friends with the feral cats, cautiously and gently as one must be with feral cats, to not drive them off.

An ugly faery kitten flys up to Morna's shoulders, and she gently pets it with just one finger, so gentle, so unassuming. The kitten curls into the spot where her shoulder meets her neck, flicking its downy wings occasionally to keep it balanced. It leans into her fingers until she is rubbing its ears firmly and you can hear it purr from the other side of the table.

Morna is the queen of love, which can include sex and romance, but so often is just finding the healthiest and most appropriate relationship two beings or a group of beings can achieve. It's not easy, usually, but it's always rewarding.

Her visit is full of hope and blessings for all of your relationships. You can ask her for additional advice if you want, or we can just watch the pixies trying to lure the old tom, who has the coloration of a Siamese cat but not the markings, out from under the spirea.

A celebration of astronomical events

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User ng_moonmoth referenced to your post from A celebration of astronomical events (http://ng-moonmoth.livejournal.com/8012.html) saying: [...] fun and whatever help paying the bills her visitors might be able to supply, and is doing one today [...]

Re: A celebration of astronomical events

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the signal boost!

My journey continues

[ng_moonmoth]

The traits and habits which have allowed me to survive in the shadows are ill-suited to my new environment. Yet my future lies there, and I realize that I must adapt. There are friends I have not yet encountered, and also dangers of which I am not yet aware. And though there are some who will not react well to my having come from the shadows, it is part of who I am, and I am not yet ready to completely disavow my origin. What can the Shapeshifter Tarot tell me?

Rummaging through what I have brought with me, I pull out a small bowl, such as one might use for eating, and two small pieces of crystal. I take my bowl, and an empty bowl from which we have eaten all the mulberries, and fill both from the fountain in your garden. I place the first piece of crystal into your bowl, and the surface offers a view of a place in the shadows from which I have emerged. I then turn over the crystal, and the surface goes blank until I place the second piece into my bowl; my face becomes visible in your bowl, and yours in mine. I remove the crystal from my bowl, return the water it holds to the pool at the base of the fountain, dry the bowl and crystal, and return them to my pack. The second crystal I remove from your bowl and dry off, leaving it on the table between us within your easy reach.

These crystals are common enough where I come from, but little used; few who dwell in the shadows choose to be so readily seen. Please accept my gift in return for your guidance, and tell me what you can, in whatever way your wisdom informs you, of what will help me in my journey's next steps.

Skill

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

I place the crystal into my own pouch carefully; gifts of friendship and connection are treasured. Thank you!



The Shapeshifter Tarot does seem like a good choice for someone who is changing environments and needs to develop new skills. Let me see what I find for you.

For you, I draw Skill, a card that shows shifters peeking out of a stream and stream bank. On the bank kneels a bard, her arm raised to welcome a tiny songbird, her harp sitting on the stream bank beside her.

It's quite a contrast, between watchers who have barely let their voices rise above the murmur of the stream itself and the bard, trained to sing out over a crowd. Yet here they are together, the bard quietly inviting timid beings to come out of hiding.

This card is analogous to the 8 of Pentales in other decks, a card of apprenticeship, modesty, skill, and diligence. I believe it is signalling to you that you can find one or more teachers and mentors to help you adapt to your new world and learn the skills you need. The fact that you are aware you have stepped from one world to a new one is a strength, as is your willingness to learn new things.

I note that you left my bowl still full of water. I leave you to contemplate the card and take the water to one of the new rose bushes I planted this spring, pouring out the water along with your good wishes to nourish the plant as your gift and friendship nourishes me.

Do let me know if you want a clarifying card.

[earthspirits.livejournal.com]

I empathize - it is a scary and disturbing time in the world.

Sending you good thoughts, and thank you for sharing your (virtual) garden and tea with us!

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Thank you for stopping by!

[filkferengi]

Given all the lovely pictures, I'm hearing "Everything's Coming Up Roses" [extra Ethel Merman optional ;)].

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Thank you for stopping by!

And a rose for you too!

[red-trillium.livejournal.com]

If you still have time I would love to have a reading from the Susan Seddon Boulet deck. Thank you for mentioning this on your FB to me. I haven't been up for a lot of online stuff so appreciate your pointing it out.

For your winter solstice, I drew Psyche

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

As you will remember, Psyche is the young woman who was married to a man she never saw, and who snuck a peek in the middle of the night, spilling hot wax on Eros, her husband, and thus losing him. While I feel that was not a fair condition to place upon her--to never truly know her husband--she did agree to it. Her story speaks to the importance of respecting each other's boundaries, and especially the ones we agreed to respect. But also, Psyche's story does not end there, it talks of her heroic measures to try to regain her husband's trust, in going to his mother and being given four seemingly impossible tasks to accomplish, inluding going into Hades to obtain a box of beauty. Psyche is a rich reminder of our imperative to grow, that life takes us into dark places as well as light, and our potential to transform ourselves.

In the image Boulet painted, Psyche is shown with wings and bird companions, protecting one of their eggs with her own hands. I suspect you are holding something precious in your hands, metaphorically speaking. When the time comes, what is inside will be revealed, as naturally and wonderfully as a baby being born or a chick hatching. You may feel impatient, but rushing the process will cause pain.

And indeed, this imagery is suitable for winter, the time when seeds rest in the ground and trees go dormant, waiting for warmer weather. Be patient and kind, and remember spring will come.