New Moon Card Draw - and maybe a painting

[wyld_dandelyon]

With the current state of things, I'm feeling more need for insight and inspiration than usual, and I'm thinking my friends might also be feeling the same. So I'm going to try to schedule card readings more often this year, hopefully at least once a month at either the full moon or the new (or possibly both). I'm also thinking I may be able to use this card draw for my own inspiration (see below).

It's a New Moon this evening, so I figure I'll offer to draw cards. I hope to send some good energy out into the world, to spark some hope and creativity. You can ask about real life or a creative project, or even a game. I can draw a card for you to meditate on, to represent the Guide you need right now, or to get you unstuck. I can draw a card for a character or can draw a card or cards for you to use as writing or art prompts--starting something new is a traditional use of New Moon energy. But ask what you will, because now is always transforming into a new moment.

I hope you will stop by my garden. It's windy outside today; the snow is all gone, and everything is still winter-grey. But we can move one of the little round tables into the library and sit under the wood carving of dragons playing. The guitar tree is in a corner, the there guitars each have a little tube stuck between the strings. If you ask, I explain that those are guitar humidifiers, to keep the wood supple. You and I can share hot chocolate or tea and chat, and you can get a reading if you would like one. Both new friends and old are welcome.

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, ask for inspiration, or you can just ask for a card. I don't need to know what your question is, but you are welcome to share it with me if you like.

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.

Please consider dropping something in the guitar case below. Readings take time and energy, and even though the Milwaukee winter, like everything else, has been affected by global warming, winter heat is pricey and old houses always need repair somewhere or other.

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

Today I'm trying a new thing--if donations reach $50 or more, I will use one or more of the cards drawn today as inspiration for a new acrylic sketch/painting, which I will share here, so you can all see how you inspire me.

I'll periodically update progress on that goal here (on DW, the edits may or may not transfer over to LJ, I guess that's also an experiment). So far, I have received $12 of the $50 needed to prompt a sketch/painting. If we go over that amount, I will put more time into moving the painting onward from the sketch stage.

I understand all too well that when people don't have cash or spoons that is generally when they 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). If that doesn't work for you, drop me a message and we'll work something out.

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.

I will reply to all requests. In the highly unlikely event that the number of requests nears my limits, I'll close this card draw by adding a clear note at the top of the post rather than risk leaving anyone without a response. However, I intend to stay open at least through Saturday night, and longer for paid readings since in these days of low LJ usage, people may find the post late.

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

[chanter1944]

I'll go in again, although the answer I got from your last reading still very much applies, and thank you for it! I'd like a card, please. Your choice of decks.

For questions... I seem to be a little less stuck as far as writing goes, but the emotional snarl-up of a few weeks ago is still a thing, if to a little bit lesser degree. If somebody friendly out there has anything more to say on the subject of getting/keeping words flowing, emotional healing, or both, I'm open to it. Part of me wonders if I'm not insulting somebody or other for essentially asking the same question twice; I haven't disregarded previous good advice, it's just proving harder to implement than I'd like. To avoid insulting friendly somebodys: Previous advice helps, now how do I continue from where I started with same?

Whoops, wordy!

Friends are happy to see you, just as you are, warts and all

[wyld_dandelyon]

For you, I shuffled the cards to draw one, and three cards came to my hand, stuck together as if they were one and the same answer.

So, as we sit there sipping tea, Ffaff the Ffooter comes in, a serious look on his face. He is carrying a basin full of water, with a wash cloth and towel over one skinny shoulder and a fragrant soap hanging from his elbow by a loop of soft rope. The soap was apparently formed into a bsr right around the rope. "You have to take care of the basics!" He admonishes you as he gently takes your shoes and socks off and sets your feet into the warm water, then lifts them one at a time to wash them with the soap, inspect them for wounds or fungi, and once he's satisfied, to rinse snd dry them. "You'll never get anywhere without proper understanding." He chuckles at his own pun.

While he is working, trying to ground you, The Rarr whizzes about, bumping into things and sending wild spurts of magic, energy, and fairy dust shooting out randomly. Snippets of strange illusions pop in and out around us, threatening to obliterate our view of the real world, but FFaff dips his long, skinny fingers into the water and blows soap bubbles at them, and each bubble collides with an illusion and both pop. When the Rarr shows up reversed like this, things are seriously out of control. You may be having trouble telling truth from lies, and it is vital to get grounded, work to clear up misunderstandings, and try to look at things without letting your emotions overwhelm you.

I am quite surprised to see these two faeries showing up together, both speaking of the importance of grounding and self-care. If you need both of them, it's no wonder you're having trouble staying focused on the writing.

And then the Singer of Transfiguration floats in, serene in her bright, fiery colors. Her bright aura burns away all the excess and mess that the Razz had spread around. The Razz flies to her and is cradled like a tired child or restless kitten. She tells us you are on the brink of being able to see how to transform or transcend the situation you are in. It will be a profound change, and it will be you, not the magical faery who has to do the work to make it real, but it will be a good change if you banish the hopes and fears, look at the situation in all its reality with compassion and acceptance, and do that work. Nothing will ever be quite the same again, and that is a good thing.

The Singer tucks The Rarr into your arms, for you will need the energy it represents, just as you will need the grounding and attention to your own well-being and to your connections with the natural world and with your true friends that The Ffooter represents.

And then we are sitting there alone with our tea in my peaceful library, but your feet--and your shoes and socks and even my floor--are clean and smell wonderful. You feel a renewed sense of connection to who you are and to the world around you, and you can feel the energy of The Razz curled up in your lap, ready to wake and assist or entertain you.

This is a turning point for you, a time when you have the possibility of setting a new direction for your life in at least one significant way. Don't choose your direction in fear or confusion. Reach for the future you most truly want, and start walking into it, one bold and careful step at a time.

Re: Friends are happy to see you, just as you are, warts and all

[chanter1944]

First, thank you! I'm terribly slow in replying, my apologies. I first read this while on a city bus this afternoon, got to the detail of three cards leaping out together almost as one, thought 'three is sacred' and said "Oh frak!" out loud, loudly, in public. For info: My brain tends to loop and get stuck at times, known feature/bug depending on situation, and that first reference... is relevant to my being stuck now. If you don't recognize it, suffice it to say it's super nerdy.

Second: Oh goodness. All three of these cards seem extremely accurate at the moment. I'm... not entirely sure how to act on what I've been shown, but that second faerie, the Rarr/Razz (?) sounds like my mental state lately re: writing. Idea snippets leaping out all over, then fizzling, and repeat. Oof! As for the Ffooter - yep, I am actively in search of a grounding influence. This is spot on. And that particular singer... She's arguably the hardest to take in, at the moment. Not that I'll ignore her, no way, not with three cards jumping out as one, just that her advice is going to be the most difficult/flipping terrifying to implement.

This is rather scarily accurate, frankly. True though that is, thank you!

Re: Friends are happy to see you, just as you are, warts and all

[wyld_dandelyon]

Well, remember that all three faeries came as your allies.

If you want a suggestion from me, I'd say when you're getting ready to write, cast a circle (or make a bit of sacred space-time according to your own traditions), wash your hands (symbolically calling Ffaff into the circle) and then ask the other two to come in, gently, to assist you in your writing. Then either write while you are in the circle, so it can help you contain and focus the energy and close it when you're done or if that doesn't feel right to you, close it or send the circle to Earth (open but not broken), and then get to writing. You can even set a particular time period for the circle, if that helps you to focus.

If it works for you, you might end up washing your hands before writing forever, but extra hand washing isn't a bad thing.

[wyld_dandelyon]

Hah--I was wordier than you!

[chanter1944]

That does not often happen! :)

[clare_dragonfly]

Thank you for doing this! The last card you drew for me has been very helpful.

Today I'd like a card to help me answer the question of which of my current creative projects I should be focusing more energy on.

Partnership reversed

[wyld_dandelyon]

This is the third card in the air element, which corresponds to wands

The image is a man and woman kissing in a flurry of feathers; they are birds or bird-like in some way. They are in a garden or meadow full of flowers, in the center of a trellis--a marriage canopy perhaps, or maybe just a gateway. Perhaps even a gateway between worlds. Though the image is bright and cheery, the card is reversed, so they or their relationship is in trouble. In the foreground are two birds, together holding on to a single thread or vine or some kind of line--a line for rescue or a barrier or just building a nest together, I don't know. But I'm guessing you do.

Re: Partnership reversed

[wyld_dandelyon]

(edited because typos make me crazy)

Re: Partnership reversed

[clare_dragonfly]

Hmm. Perhaps I do. Thank you!

I feel the same way about typos ;)

[becka sutton (from livejournal.com)]

I would like a card please. Susan Seddon Boulet Animal Spirits and Goddesses cards seems to call to me today - I'm looking for inspiration.

I've dropped a couple of dollars in your case.

Medusa

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

For you, I drew Medusa. The image is a winged hose rising from a red background, with images layered into the red. It almost looked like a unicorn to me at first glance, because the bright line of one wing is in just that spot. This is a link to a copy of the image.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjfqajtzuPRAhWn5oMKHUI8DkkQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fkkellyhecker%2Fsusan-seddon-boulet%2F&psig=AFQjCNGnTuWy71uFvMMdoPnpDa58R2yTsw&ust=1485650852454929

Seddon Boulet apparently chose a horse image because the myths tell us that when Medusa was slain, the winged horse, Pegasus, sprang forth from her blood. Her name has the same root as medicine and measure, and derives from a Green work meaning to protect or to rule over.

This makes her an example of the re-writing of stories to show a powerful woman as ugly and evil; the myth could even be seen as supplanting the powerful moon Goddess, associated with menstrual blood, creativity, birth, and death with an idealized male figure (Pegasus), who is, as she was in earlier times, associated with instinct, wisdom, imagination, life force, and intuitive understanding.

A lot of our Western history shows evidence of this happening over and over both in mythology and in life.

And once a woman has been defeated, who is there to say, "wait--she wasn't an ugly, horrifying Gorgon1"--or even if someone does try to speak up, who will listen? There's a beautiful winged stallion here, after all, isn't it obvious that we have to wipe the monster's nasty blood off of him?

Re: Medusa

[becka sutton (from livejournal.com)]

Thanks :-D

Re: Medusa

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome. I hope it's helpful; it's not the kind of message I think of when I imagine "inspiration."

Thank you for the tip.

Re: Medusa

[becka sutton (from livejournal.com)]

It was actually rather amusing because I'm writing a story where the moon goddess is rather important and I've been thinking about equines in that world.

Re: Medusa

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

It is always interesting to hear about the messages in a reading that are clear to you, from the card itself, but that I didn't see at all.

(-:

[rix_scaedu]

Hi. I have tipped and I would like a draw from the Fairy Deck please (over 17,000 words and still writing.)

If you think clarification or comment is appropriate, I leave it up to you. *bow*

The Friends (from the Faeries' Oracle)

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

These two guys are getting to be so familiar, here, that when they whiz in, they don't even phase the black cat, Nebula, who is curled up in a pink box that used to hold boots. She was named for the individual white hairs that gleam here and there like stars in her darkness. She looks up when we first hear them giggling, of course, but then returns to tearing tiny bites out of the cardboard, as carefully as any artist.

Faery Nuff and Laochan come running in, Faery Nuff on his own feet and Laochan dancing around him in circles. They are laughing as they run, and tossing colored balls of light around like tricksy jugglers. The friends usually speak of balance and trust, of giving and receiving help and support, but right now they're all about the joy of the juggling, making beautiful patterns out of naught but light and movement.

Laochan drops several of the balls, and laughs, kicking them back into the air with his long toes, then does it again, on purpose this time, using the bounces from the floor as part of the pattern.

The cat stops nibbling at her box and watches them, then pounces first on a green light and then on a pink one. The friends add the cat to their play and then Faery Nuff sneaks all the balls to the space between Laochan and the Nebula. Panting a little, he comes to join us at the table for tea. He's polite enough, but really he wants to read, and after perusing the shelves, he instead turns to you and asks if he can peek at the story you're writing.

Eventually, he smiles and notes, "Juggling only gets you so far." He is looking over at the shoe box, and we look up to see that Laochan and the Nebula lay curled there, sound asleep. The glowy lights lie gleaming on the floor around them except for a mouse-shaped green one, which is tucked under the Nebula's forepaws.

Re: The Friends (from the Faeries' Oracle)

[rix_scaedu]

Laochan has given me the names for four of the eight gas giants in this solar system I'm doing a rough diagram of.

I think I need to know more about Nuff. :-)

Re: The Friends (from the Faeries' Oracle)

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Well, according to the book, the artist asked Faery Nuff what to tell people about him and the faery answered, "Nothing" and added "I shall tell them myself. I don't want you to pin me down with words like a poor dead butterfly on a collector's board. I don't want to be all word-wrapped and trapped. I want them to ask me and listen to me. I want to be friends with them and they can't be friends if they don't listen."

That said, if you need help listening, I'm happy to draw a card from a different deck as guidance for what he has to say at the moment. Or not, if this is enough. Let me know.

Re: The Friends (from the Faeries' Oracle)

[rix_scaedu]

I have two gas giants left. The ones already named are Gaisgeach, Gaiscedach, Brogach, Laoch, Balach and Gille.

Do either of you have any suggestions? :)

Re: The Friends (from the Faeries' Oracle)

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Laochan tells you about two of his favorite friends, Honesty and The Rarr. Honesty is also known as Bolbonac, though Laochan isn't sure why, except that it's among Honesty's botanical names, which also include Moonwort, Penny Flower, and Dollar Plant.

The Rarr is great, says Laochan, because The Rarr has more energy than Laochan himself, so when he finally tires, he can stave off boredom watching Rarr whiz around, going so fast he resembles a glowing sphere with wings.

Re: The Friends (from the Faeries' Oracle)

[rix_scaedu]

And planets are named, thank you.

Re: The Friends (from the Faeries' Oracle)

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Also, Yay Words! and thank you for the tip.

[magenta-girl.livejournal.com]

If it's still open, I would love a card. I'm feeling very troubled right now, mostly about the current political climate.

The Spirit Dancer, reversed

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Oh, hi there! LJ is apparently still broken when it comes to sending prompt notices of new comments.

I'm troubled too. Come on in, let's sit down and talk.

We head to the kitchen to grab refreshments, but before we even get there, we find a beautiful faery, dancing wildly, and not very well. "Everyone is so angry and afraid!" One of her wings sweeps across the table and you snatch up the tea pot to keep it from crashing to the floor.

I look around at all the other breakables in my kitchen and stride forward to fold her into a hug. "We're here for you, for each other," I soothe. She cries into my shoulder. "He's going to break things! He's already breaking things."

I tell her, "well, it won't help for us to join him and break even more stuff." She nods tearfully. Then I take her upstairs to the TV, and call up recorded coverage of the Women's March. "Look, it's not all about him."

The faery looks at all the knitted hats, so many different styles and colors even with the pink pussy theme, and all the different hand-made signs. Slowly, she calms. "We can make things right again?"

"What do you think?"

She nods decisively. "We have to. We have to try. She looks both of us in the eye--I'll help. We all will. All the faeries. Just ask! And don't stop expressing yourself, don't stop making things." Then she smiles. "That's my area, you know, being creative, expressing your feelings and dreams, the good ones and the bad ones both. Bringing people together. Do you want to learn to dance with the faeries?"

I tell her that for my part, I think I need to be resisting discrimination and governmental oppression here in this world, but maybe later?

She nods, watching the TV a little more. But when the news turns to showing the current president, she turns away. "I can't bear to watch him!"

I turn the TV off and we head back downstairs. I make hot chocolate, but she wants ice cream. And you can have whatever you want. And then we can take some time to make something, for the joy of making matters, it's part of what sustains me and, I suspect since the Spirit Dancer came for your reading, part of what sustains you too.

But if what you want to make is a phone call to your representatives, that's just as valid and important as pussy hats and new novels.

Re: The Spirit Dancer, reversed

[magenta-girl.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I am actually getting back to making hats this week (I took last week off after making 29 before the March)! And I'm hosting weekly craft/activism potlucks starting this week! <3 (Faeries welcome)

Re: The Spirit Dancer, reversed

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

That sounds great! Don't hesitate to ask for their help if needed.

I love it that you're making the activism into a supportive social gathering.