What do you Advise?

As for the "Don't buy it" cards, I interpret the High Priestess as your innate higher knowledge of the situation and that your Higher Self already knows that you have already subconsciously made the decision that you want this house. The Two of Swords represents your conscious split mind about whether you are actually going to buy the house or not and that you may be avoiding coming to a concrete decision in order keep your stress level at ease. The Five of Cups also represents your torn conscious mind when it comes to buying of the house, but if you choose not to buy it you will be living in the past and unable to take on new opportunities for growth and knowledge. 


Your "Buy it" cards are screaming for you to get the house. The Lovers, representing harmony and having your values aligned is suggesting that you know what you are doing and you are buying this house for a good reason. Same with the Judgement card. This is the time of judgement in terms of moving on to a new chapter of your life; a "rebirth". You have evaluated all of the good this purchase can serve you and you are now at the point where you must make a decision. The King of Cups may have been pulled due to your emotional state in regards to this purchase. You are aware of the emotional implications in regards to buying and not buying the house, and are not making this decision based on your emotions. This card may be telling you that you are free to make whatever decision without emotional bias and that your reasons will be rational and logical. 

Based on my deck and my personal interpretation of the cards; I say you should go for the house! Your "Buy it" spread seems to really be telling you that this is something you are ready for and have been prepared for. Your "Don't buy it" spread even seems biased towards unhappiness and disappointment if you don't buy the house. I think you already have made the decision subconsciously and your cards are reflecting this. I hope this helped! Good luck!

Different Spreads

I have not experimented with many different spreads, and often find myself coming back to the Celtic Cross and the 3 card spread. The Celtic Cross is a more in depth continuation, I feel, of a quick 3 card spread that one would use to sort of check in with oneself or for the person they are reading for. Using both of these on my mom, we found to no surprise that the Celtic Cross answered her question better and more precisely than a 3 card spread would, receiving 4 Major Arcana cards in her Celtic Cross and none in her 3 card. I would love to branch out and try other spreads and maybe create one of my own that speaks to me. The 3 card is a great way for me to sort of check in with  my higher self and see how everything is going and what I may need to focus on. 

Symbols Related to High Priestess

Significant symbols that are present in many, if not all High Priestess cards are the Cross, the Moon, the Scroll, either two pillars/seats, the Robe and the Crown. The Cross represents her intimate knowledge of nature and God. The Scroll represents her very powerful inner knowledge of things she is not willing to share outwardly. The Moon represents her psychic abilities, intuition and unforeseen energy. Her Robe is a symbol of knowledge and her Crown is often associated with the Goddess Isis and her ability to access other worlds and realms. The pillars or seats often represent her neutrality in situations and that she never has a clear side that she is on, but she is more there as a guide than someone to tell you if you need to be on the "dark" side of the "light" side. I would still pick this card over the Strength card because as I said before the High Priestess possesses her own mysterious and intuitive strength that I wish I could have myself. 

Celtic Cross Reading

I practiced a Celtic Cross reading on my mother. I had her pick the cards she wanted randomly from the deck. I referenced the book and the Celtic Cross position explanations on pages 300-301. The card she picked for her Inner was the Queen of Wands Reversed, which I interpreted as my mother being to hard on herself and doubting her thoughts and actions lately. (I have also been struggling lately with the way my mother is going about certain things and maybe she subconsciously realizes this as well.) The card she pulled for Outer was the King of Pentacles. My mother has been stressing about finances lately and her it is. My dad has been pushing her to try and sell our house but she really has no interest and does not want to invest in a multi-family like he does. She picked the Ten of swords reversed for the Past position. My mom has often acted as if she has no control over situations and that she is defeated in every conflict she is presented with. I feel as though the reversed symbolizes her slowly getting back on her feet after the death of my grandfather. The Recent Influences position held the Ace of Swords. This could represent her and my father just a few months ago writing out all of their expenses in an itemized list and keeping track of them better. The Higher-Self Advice position held the Tower. Her higher self could be telling her to let go a little and enjoy herself rather than constantly worrying about money. Her Near Future card was the Eight of Swords. If she continues to hold her emotions like this she will continue to limit herself and her happiness and only sabotaging her own future. Her Self-Image card was the Hermit reversed. This definitely exemplifies her feelings of being alone and over-thinking all of her emotions that come with her stress. The Environment position held the Five of Wands reversed. Her and my dad are always fighting with one another over something. This is the environment that have encapsulated themselves as well as me and my sisters in. It is just a breeding ground for negative energy. The Hopes and Fears position held the King of Cups reversed. Again the fear of my mom feeling overwhelmed and having no control over anything. The last position, the Possible Outcome space had Seven of cups reversed. If my mom continues to hold her self restricted and let her irrational emotions and thoughts rule her life then she will continue denying herself any happiness and enjoyment.

Change in Major Arcana Choice

I originally chose "Strength" as my Major Arcana card for my first blog post. I have recently become connected with the High Priestess card and feel that it also embodies Strength but it it's own unique way. The High Priestess is extremely intuitive, all knowing and soulful and I want to strengthen these qualities in myself. There is just a powerful essence about this card and that she is a being people go to for advice and wisdom and I feel like I could use her guidance in my life. Her strength is in the trials of life she has experienced and the knowledge she now possesses from these hardships. 

Questions for Reflection Part Three

The Star

What replenishes you?

I love coming home after a long day and sitting in my room with my dog and just recharging myself. Being by myself and not having anyone else's energy or emotions influencing my energy is what a need to do everyday to keep emotionally and spiritually stable. 

What brings you hope?

People who are selfless. I love seeing things on Facebook or in the news of people saving other people, performing selfless acts and putting others before themselves. We do not see enough of this in social media today and are only told of the bad and negative things going on in the world.  

How are you helping make the world a better place?

By getting my education, I am hoping to become a youth an adolescent psychologist. I really want to heal children who don't understand that there isn't something "wrong" with them, they just need some guidance and someone to be there for them. I want to counsel a generation of children that are empathetic and understanding of their own goals but want to help others achieve their goals as well. There is not enough focus on the mental well being of children in today's society because all of the attention has been thrown onto the adults. If we intervene when they are children, we can prevent them from committing negative acts as adults.

What are you in the process of healing?

I am in the process of healing myself. I've been in this process for over a year now and I am not sure I will ever end this process. A year and a half ago after I lost my grandfather, I was diagnosed with depression, ADHD and a generalized anxiety disorder. I had been exhibiting characteristics of all three of these illness for at least 4 years before this but my Opa's death amplified them to the highest degree. I didn't want to exist. Not that I wanted to physically harm myself, because I have wanted to before and have tried  but I could never get my soul to cause harm to my body. I just simply did not want to wake up everyday and go through the motions. It proved to be overwhelming and ultimately devastating on my mental health. I am medicated now and go to therapy, and have sought out comfort in being spiritual in regards to my Opa. I know he is with me because I receive signs everyday. 

In what activity do you receive back as much, if not more, than what you give?

Just interacting with children in animals. I love babysitting and honestly do not care how much I get paid when I do it. I love being around little children and just studying their mannerisms and seeing how eager they are to please and be loved and to have fun. The same goes with animals. When I volunteered at my local animal shelter last year it was so heart warming how excited every single dog was to just have me pet them or take them out for a walk. They were so grateful for every human interaction and I was just as grateful for the love they offered in return. 

When have you experienced a cleansing and renewal?

I think the whole process of me beginning college has been a cleansing and a renewal. I really hated high school and was more than ready to leave by the time I graduated. I have not felt overwhelmed with college as other students have expressed and I think it is because I have already experienced what it is like to feel that stressed out everyday for months at a time. I know that I am divinely loved and protected and there is nothing to be afraid about. 

The Sun

What is your most powerful form of self-expression? (Where do you shine?)

I shine when I dance. There is nothing better than performing a routine that you feel confident about, you love the moves, you love the song and have put your soul into performing something that conveys your personal emotions. 

What doubts or insecurities have you overcome?

I have overcome being insecure about my skin. I have been made fun of since I was little by adults and kids about how light my skin is. I honestly love my skin now and I think it is one of my best features. I don't understand why people feel it is appropriate to say "wow you're so white". If they said that to a black person it would be an issue of racism. I've had an old man tell me I should go to the beach with baby oil and tan up to look like a "nigger" baby. I would be so bothered by kids calling me Casper when I was younger but now I joke about it and embrace it because it makes me stand out from other people and is simply a beautiful shade of skin (plus I can rock bright shades of lipstick). 

Who championed you and helped you appreciate or develop your gifts and talents?

My dancer teacher Carol has always been so encouraging not only with dance but with everything in my life. She always tells me how smart I am and how I am too hard on myself and that I can do anything I want to do. She understands how high of a standard I hold myself to and always tries to have me look realistically and the standards I am holding myself to. This is the same with my mom in every aspect of my life. She is not only my support system but my reality check when I need it. 

Where in life are you a leader, and how do you help others thrive under your leadership?

I think I am a leader when it comes to standing up for yourself, what you believe in and not bowing down to others. I feel like you should never accept something just because someone says it is so, you should express your feelings if you think someone has hurt you and you should be an advocate for issues you feel are important. I use social media to bring attention to things I feel are wrong and unjust in the world but are looking for other outlets to express my ideas about things such as mental health advocacy, gun violence and women's body rights. 

What could you do to bring more joy into your life?

I really need to get myself to mediate and go yoga weekly if not daily. My body has been hurting since I stopped dance and I have also been a little bummed out about my lack of intuition and a decrease in my psychic abilities lately. I know that both of these forms of exercise are linked to heightening psychic abilities and reducing anxiety, stretching out your muscles and toning your body for a better overall feeling daily. 

What are you most optimistic about?

I am optimistic about finding a career that I love. At this point in my life, going to school to get a degree, I do not want to get into a field that I will make a good deal of money in but hate going to work everyday, I feel that your career is a key component to your life's happiness and I want to make an impact on the world in a positive way. 

Questions for Reflection Part Two

The Hermit: 



To what questions are you looking for answers?
I want to know if the career path I am choosing to follow right now is what I am meant to do with my life. I feel like it is, but then there are days that I wonder why I am even trying so hard at all, and will college even be worth it.

For whom are you a mentor or a guide?
I feel like even though they may not want to admit it, I am a guide for my sisters. I share with them all my stories and difficulties with school and friends, and even though they may not seem to interested I feel as though they take what I have to say to heart. They are still in their early teens so it is not very "cool" to express your love or gratitude for anyone or anything; especially your bossy older sister. I really hope I am a role  model for them though because I want them to come to me if they ever need help with anything in their lives, and I will always be there to assist them through the many struggles of being a teenage girl.

For whom do you seek your sage advice?
Definitely my mom. I go to her with questions about everything. She is so honest and forthcoming with everything about life and her experiences that I don't really hesitate to talk to her about anything. If she doesn't know what advice to give me or doesn't know how to go about handling a situation; she'll tell me that. She will never act like she knows something that she doesn't. I love the fact that she is so real with me and treats me not only as her daughter but as a friend.

How comfortable are you in undistracted solitude?
I love being by myself. I wish I could make myself meditate more often but it is really difficult to find the time. Sometimes when I am in a not so good mood being by myself is a little dangerous because my thoughts can pick away at me. But being alone without technology or other distractions is a good way to reflect on yourself, your thoughts and your feelings.

When do you feel the need to retreat into yourself?
When I am hurt or feel betrayed I definitely put up my walls. I do not have a problem shutting people out and never talking to them again if they spite me, which has its pros and cons of course. If I feel like someone has hurt me I definitely emotionally isolate myself. It is way too easy for me to do and has frustrated my loved ones on numerous occasions.

What activities do you most enjoy alone?
I enjoy watching TV, reading, doing my homework, driving and scrapbooking alone. I cherish my time by myself. That is one of the reasons I feel like I could never live in a dorm room. I like having my alone time too much. I use it to recharge.

What area of study completely absorbs you?
Definitely psychology. I always knew I wanted to work with children but I was not sure in which way I wanted to impact their lives. When I took my first psychology class I knew that I was meant to spiritually, mentally and emotionally heal children who are incapable of healing themselves. Learning about how the brain works and how it alters our whole being is just so fascinating to me and I do not see myself loving any subject so passionately as I do psychology.


Wheel of Fortune:



How are your actions, (or nonactions) today sowing the seeds of your future?
Just by being in college I am already cultivating a better life for myself. I am working towards a degree and and a career for myself. I am also working 30 hours a week to save money for things like a new car, repairs on my current car and a trip to Germany. I want to see the world and I am the only one who is going to make that possible for myself.

What patterns or cycles tend to repeat in your life?
I tend to get really depressed over the summer when I am  not in school and solely working at my job. I feel like this is even more of a reason to get myself into a career that I enjoy and am fulfilled by.

What seems to be the "blueprint" of your life up to this point?
My blueprint has been to complete high school and go to college and get a good job. That's pretty much all that has been outlined for me. It is sort of scary having all this freedom of what I want to do with my life and that I am one of the "final" stages of my schooling

When has timing made all the difference in an outcome?
I don't think I have an exact example for this question. Maybe me skipping a grade and rushing that time has made a difference in who I am today and the fact that I am already in college but I feel like that is kind of twisting the question around a bit.

What big change would you like to see happen?
I am not usually a fan of big and drastic change. I think maybe if anything I would want to just be 18 already. I only have 2 months left of "childhood" but it has felt like a long time coming waiting to legally be able to make my own decisions, sign my own things, and buy a hamster if I want. It is really fun how I am in college but I couldn't even sign my own form for the gym. I feel like it is really backwards and doesn't make sense, but I only have 2 long months left of this confusing limbo.

To what recent change are you still trying to adapt?
I am still adapting to the fact that I am a college student. It hasn't really sunk in yet even though I am almost a month into my classes now. I think maybe because I am a commuter and not constantly on campus that it is not as much of a shock for me as it is for other students. I wish I could get myself to hang out on campus more often so I could get that "college student" feeling.

Questions for Reflection

Putting yourself in the position of "being the card" helps allow you to gain a deeper and more personal understanding of their meanings. 

The Hierophant:

What doctrine or philosophy  guides your life?

About a year ago, after I lost my grandfather, I have been very interested in spiritual teachings and practices. What I have come to find out through my studying of the "paranormal, supernatural etc." is that I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. Even things that are painful, irritating and just flat out unbelievable. Each thing happens as a way for us to continue to grow and find our true Self. There are too many "coincidences" in this world that there is honestly no such thing. The universe was planning it out for you already based on the energy you are giving to it. 

Which of your family or religious traditions do you find most meaningful?

My family is not very religious, but I feel as though my mother, grandmother and I are very spiritual. My family is very close and we get together for every big holiday, for everyone's birthday, graduation, play, dance recital, big football game etc. I think I just cherish how easy it is for us to call one another up and plan a Sunday where we can all get together and have dinner and just talk. It is nothing extravagant or anything that involves much planning or activities; just being in one another's company is so comforting. 

At whose feet would you cherish the opportunity to sit and learn?

If I could sit with my grandfather when I was my mothers age, that would be the person I would want to learn from the most. He was so intelligent and patient and loved his job. Although I am not interested in what he did for a living, I really would want him to teach me about life and his experiences. He was a man of few words and to be able to have an extensive conversation on his beliefs and knowledge would be so incredible and note worthy. 

What is the best advice you ever gave or received?

My mother has always been there when I have had my anxiety attacks, or flipped out because I lost a hair clip, or just don't want to be on the earth at any given moment. She has always told me " do not worry so much, it's not healthy. Stop jumping to the worst conclusion first." What is the importance of this in the grand scheme of things?" I always replay this over in my head when I am about to get really worked up over something. It is not some profound wisdom that I carry with me throughout my daily life, but it definitely forces me to reflect on my emotions and reactions when I feel like the world is caving in around me (and usually it isn't because I create most of it in my head.)

What beliefs or ideas would you like to transmit to others?

I want people to know that there is always someone or something looking out for them and that they are loved more than they could possibly imagine. Everyone on earth has been born for a reason. Everyone on earth has family that has lived and died before them. They are watching us. They are guiding us. We are not the only things in existence. Energies far more divine than we are protecting us and healing us every day. You are never actually alone. There is someone or some energy that loves you and cares for you, even if you cannot see it. You are divinely loved. 

What long held beliefs or values no longer serve you?

I used to value having many friends. When I was younger, I thought the quantity of friends I had made me a better person. As a college student, I now know this is completely false. I have struggled to maintain friendships all of my life because of how strongly I put my well being before others wants and needs and that I am not afraid to speak my mind. I am now on a journey of finding a few valuable, incredible souls that are meant to be my friend on a molecular level, and will continue to be my friends well into our adult lives. 

The Emperor:

What needs to get organized in your life?

My emotions, for sure. My emotions are up and down and left and right all day every day. It is not just because I'm a hormonal teenage girl either. It's something deeper than that. I feel everything way too deeply and I wish I could separate my thoughts and feelings from other people's thoughts and feelings around me. 

When or with whom would it be useful to be more assertive?

I'd like to think of myself as a pretty assertive person, actually. Maybe with people at work who I feel are being condescending. I do not usually have trouble speaking my mind to people though. 

When or with whom are you too controlling?

My poor loving boyfriend. Oh my goodness I am a control freak. I don't tell him who he can hang out with and things like that. It's things like his driving, the way he says certain things. I force him to say bless you after I sneeze and make him help clean my car. I am very hard on him and he takes it like a champ but I really should back off of him a tad. He's so sweet and quiet it's hard for him to say no. 

Who in your life most exemplifies Emperor qualities?

I would have to say my father most exemplifies being competent, firm, rational, specific, forceful, authoritative, protective, etc. Especially with me and my sisters. He is the "man of the house" and he "works two full time jobs" (he never lets us forget"). He always wants the chores done and for us to do as we're told and not talk back. He likes things his way or no way and he always needs his ideas and opinions to be heard. 

How easy is it for you to stand up for yourself?

Extremely easy. I have always stood up for myself ever since I was younger because no one else would do it for me. I have to protect myself in order to grow up and protect others and have a family. If I feel that I am being treated unfairly I make it known. 

How easily able are you to act on your own decisions without the need of approval?

Relatively easily. The only people I seek approval from are my mom and my boyfriend. Other than that I couldn't care less about what others think of me. I do what I want because I want to do it, not because someone else thinks I should. It has been a very long time since I have actively searched for approval in others who are not my mom and my boyfriend. I feel that the people who are the most active in my life are the only one's who should have a say in what I do. 

Introduction to My Deck

I have never owned a deck of Tarot cards; and when I was required to go buy some I wanted some that were out of the norm. I understand the traditional Rider-Weight deck is the most well know and widely used. However, there are so many beautiful and interesting decks created by artists that are just waiting to become popular to the public eye. There were some mermaid decks and unicorn decks and fairy decks. All of they beautiful, mystical creatures you would expect to encounter. And then I saw the Deviant Moon deck, and I knew I needed them because of how startlingly different the images are. Many of the appear to be grotesque but are actually quite beautiful. 

The images are so unique and whimsical that it would have been difficult for me not to purchase this deck and settle for another. I love the darkness about them and how they are eerily beautiful and creepy at the same time. 

I picked from my Major Arcana cards at at random and pulled the "Strength" card. 

Pictured is a man battle with  what looks like the ancestor of an alligator mixed with that of a piranha with very long teeth. The man is blue (the coloring may be due to artist preference) and he has the fishes' mouth pried open with his hands. The man almost has his head dangling in the animals' mouth and the animal has it's long tail looped around the man's ankle. The man looks as if he is putting all of his power into holding the animal's mouth open from biting his face, and he has very large muscles straining to prove so. 

This card provides a very believable and straightforward representation of "Strength" and could be easily identified even if the card were not labeled with it's Arcana.