Luck, Lightheartedness, Small Happinesses, Opportunity, Being Untroubled, Comedy
Did you know Bes is a patron of children? It was said that if a baby smiled and laughed for no reason or without prompting, it was Bes making faces at them. Though He may not have the same popularity today as He did in antiquity, He’s not one to overlook.
If you are interested in following or supporting the creation of this deck, get an original card, or even small prints of my work monthly, please join me over at my Patreon.
Djehuty (Thoth) seemed the perfect name to represent the first card in this deck.
Energy, Passion, Speed, Activity, News, Messages
He’s depicted in flight carrying with him his message. Quick, and knowledgeable He may come to us suddenly and unexpected. Djehuty is a name with many aspects, and this one that comes swift on beating wings.
If you are interested in following or supporting the creation of this deck, get an original card, or even small prints of my work monthly, please join me over at my Patreon.
I originally wrote this with the intent of posting it near the holidays. Then the pandemic hit. But with vaccines starting to go out and things starting to open up again (at least in my area), I figure family reunions and parties may be resuming, and this will be relevant again. Here for another cartomancy spread! This one is focused on dealing with family (in-laws or otherwise). Without further…
Back for yet another cartomancy spread! This one is focused on change (expected or otherwise) and how to deal with it. This six card spread looks as follows:
How can I best adapt to this change?
What can I do to help myself on this journey?
What is a likely positive that may come from this change?
What is a likely negative that may come from this change?
I’m going to preface this by 1) saying that I wrote this “on the fly” – in that I just added every now and again with the intention of eventually posting it here so that it may – possibly, on the off-chance – be of use to someone,2) this is, of course, by no means the definitive way of reading playing cards for tarot-like purposes: but is MYway.
With that being said, let us begin with some very rough correspondences to both the tarot suits and the elements. People will argue for days about which suits go with which elements and yadda yadda – this is what makes sense to me. Perhaps it’s the emblazoned Catholic symbolism stamped into my brain, but Heart/Love naturally goes with passion and fire. I leave Water for emotions at large – they are fluid, changing, and as such, Water/Spades, too, is/are a symbol for change. Diamonds/Mind/Air/Wands – not any complex symbolism going on there. Club… I’m almost embarrassed to say I use for Earth merely because it looks like a clover. Spade makes sense (considering)… but it’s just never jived for me.
Here’s a handy table:
Hearts - Fire, Swords
Diamonds - Air, Wands
Spade - Water, Cups
Club - Earth, Pentacle
Now we move into the real fun, actually reading the cards. Always remember. Tarot isn’t so much this card has this meaning – “it is fact, it is unchanging.”No! Each card can and will take on entirely new meanings when placed near or far from other cards. Allow them to!
ABOVE ALL ELSE, TRUST YOUR OWN INTUITION;;
this is simply a place to begin…
1-Solitary, adjacent to the spectrum of life – the means by which one approaches life and the challenge in brings.
{Hearts} Heart and the pursuits of love and passion are the main focus of your life. Drive and ambition.
{Diamonds} Mind and reason are the main focus of your life. Knowledge is the key to overcoming any challenge.
{Spades} Your beliefs are fluid and changing. There is an element of choice in your ability to persevere in that challenges can be overcome in a number of ways.
{Clubs} Indoctrination and stubborn. Very set in ones ways – whether good or bad, you stick to what you know and have experienced to deal with new challenges. Can also mean an inability to alter one’s own perceptions.
2-Balance, partnership, duality
{Hearts} Can be an explosion partnership or one with a great deal of passion. Can also be a symbol of conflicting sides – another card can specify as to the details of a situation.
{Diamonds} A partnership rendered with reason. A dynamic duo, one fixed on balance and the cohesive ability to maintain it. Can also mean, gathering focus toward one common goal – often between the heart and mind.
{Spades} A flexible partnership. On of a more fluid balance – in that, one man’s weaknesses are made up by the other’s strengths (and vice versa). Can also mean compromise and the power it has. When in the realm of emotion – adaptability.
{Clubs} A strong, but possibly difficult partnership. Conversely, it can also symbolize reliability and a steadfast companion. When in the realm of emotion – goal oriented and a hardworking spirit.
3-Creativity, Spirituality and Magic
++ immediately place another card on top of any {3} ;; apply the above ideology to the 2nd card ++
{Hearts} Countless meanings reliant wholly on the cards nearest by.
{Diamonds} Countless meanings reliant wholly on the cards nearest by.
{Spades} Countless meanings reliant wholly on the cards nearest by.
{Clubs} Countless meanings reliant wholly on the cards nearest by.
4-Home, Foundation, Structure and possibly cyclical “seasons” or “ideas"
{Hearts} Could signal basing ones personal foundation on passion and spirit, love, and power – which can be as dangerous as it is rewarding.
{Diamonds} Could be an allusion to “frame of mind,” but more literally, wealth and expenses. There are elements of distrust with this card – most often due to over-analyzation..
{Spades} The card of the vagabond. Travel, adventure and excitement – conversely, however, it can signal the inability to “settle down” or a phobia of responsibility.
{Clubs} The strongest foundation. One sure and steady. Can by a symbol of family or home in the literal sense, as well as compassion and loyalty.
5-Completion, the joining of the masculine and feminine, the elements, spirit, etc. – more specifically, what is MISSING from completion.
{Hearts} Heart is the missing piece of the puzzle, be it due to a lack of passion for that which is at hand, or a longing for love (both physical and spiritual) can render one feeling incomplete
{Diamonds} A signal of rashness, being driven purely by desires – and rarely the good ones, ie. Lust, greed, anger, etc. Only through applying reason and logic might one find completeness.
{Spades} Rigidity, intolerance and the ability to change/adapt. The inability to compromise or evolve based of prejudices or fear is hindering your ability find completeness or overcome an obstacle. Creativity is necessary to triumph.
{Clubs} One cannot find completeness due to over-malleability – could be a symbol of one being used as a “doormat,” being manipulated (or manipulating), and the inability to make up ones mind. Being dragged in too many (often opposite) directions.
6-Harmony, Truth, Enlightenment, Love
{Hearts} Romantic love is coming – and it will be a love of great devotion – one that will open doors to a plethora of new emotions; can also symbolize a marriage, a spouse, or a significant other
{Diamonds} Enlightenment is on its way. There will be an illuminating series of events that will offer clarity to a situation.
{Spades} Troubled waters will calm, and burned bridges might be mended – IF there are proactive measures to remedy these turbulent situations.
{Clubs} This is a card of Truth and Honesty – a card that can signify the curative powers of truth and the freedoms honesty brings. Can be a signal to be honest when it comes to a specific situation, or a message that the underlying truth must be sought out.
7-Education, Learning and Scholarly applications – can refer to literal schooling, such as higher education, as well as spiritual learning
{Hearts} You have a zest for knowledge and crave a continuous stream of information to feel stimulated. Scholarly stimulation at the forefront. This can be a sign of ones character, or a signal that one must again find the passion they have lost in regards to learning – reassessing and realigning to any lost goals.
{Diamonds} Expertly studious by nature, but can be cold and lacking a specific passion and understanding. Scientific understanding and overly-analytical, could be a pursuit of knowledge without consideration and application: cold, unfaltering fact
{Spades} Emotional learning, dealing with the heart, love and familial bonds. Growth in the sphere of love and learning, spiritual growth based on the control of ones emotions – and the relationships they build.
{Clubs} Knowledge is present. All that one needs to know to overcome or enact a situation is already in place, all that is lacking is the motivation and the metaphorical “push” to fell the dominoes.
8-Business, Wealth and Financial Prowess
{Hearts} A born leader, strong, courageous and powerful. A risk taker, entrepreneurial pursuits – with great reward, there is a potential for loss. Can also signify rashness, wild, unchecked passions and foolishness – overspending, addictions, the dark realms of business – excess
{Diamonds} A career built on knowledge and responsibility. These are the analytical thinkers, scientists, academics and teachers. They are a wealth of knowledge and ensure all is in-check and accounted for. Those who manage finances well, with mathematical precision, and a vehement sense of responsibility. Can also signal a lack thereof, as a message urging one to allot and plan more responsibly – a prism by which to focus ones passions.
{Spades} A career built on guidance – caretakers, healers, social workers, counselors – a loving nature, keen on helping people and their communities at large. Conversely, they are sensitive and often lack the capacity to say “no.” Value duty over self, and can be easily distracted or lose track of finances. Can be caught up and lose themselves – often their own wellness, giving too much, overly charitable
{Clubs} Extremely family oriented, value home and trust. Business and wealth are a means of support. These can be those who work to fulfill their obligations, but also public servants: police officers, office workers, housewives/husbands and occasionally those who own their own business. Overall a card of structure, and wealth as a means of support, but rarely to excess. These people have a tendency to be overworked, stern and responsible, and can be under a great deal of stress. They require a support network of family and loved ones (home) to unwind and lighten their loads.
9-Success, Accomplishment, Satisfaction, Primal Energies and Crossroads
{Hearts} Love is highly valued, a means by which to attain happiness. These people are creatures of love and require (sometimes to a fault) a lot of attention. They are also the most passionate and loving individuals. This card may also symbolize crossing paths, a love that might evolve into something great, or might be a brief affair that changes ones perspectives on life at large. This is a card of choice – a choice of heart and the opportunity for a great love.
{Diamonds} Prospective glory, success and accomplishment garnered by intellect and brainpower. The possibility for notoriety and acclaim that is well earned. Could also allude to a promotion or thankfulness/reward for a job well done. Someone who can lend a great insight to a particular situation.
{Spades} Indecision, constant evolution and being torn between matters of the heart and mind. A tipping point, a decision that must be made – with great consequence or reward. Having ones beliefs tested.
{Clubs} Roots that run deep. Success as a means of hard-work, labor, strength, and unmatched will-power. Conversely, a missed opportunity, fear of the unknown and stubbornness standing in the way of change. To be set in ones ways.
10-Possibility, potential, the ability to alter ones own path and align it to what he/she desires – change (Feminine)
{Hearts} A powerful and seductive woman, a dominatrix, but also one that is strong, passionate and in control of both her wiles and her desires. She has both the motives and the means to get all that she desires.
{Diamonds} A sharp, bright woman, a masterful and just leader. She is not ruled by her emotions, but her wit – and she gains her power from her pointed dominion of her mind over her heart. The potential problem lying in a coolness or a fear of intense emotion. She fears most being taken advantage of.
{Spades} Literally: A sweet, sensitive woman – maternal by nature, caring, giving and accepting. She is loving and nurturing. But she is also extraordinarily sensitive, both physical, emotionally and spiritually. This is both her strength and her downfall – can also be easily persuaded.
{Clubs} A strong, resilient and ambitious woman – powerful and stern, but she does so from a place of love. She is gifted with natural power, commanding austerity and respect. She is loyal, courageous and a shelter from the proverbial storm.
Knight/Jack-Possibility, potential, the ability to alter ones own path and align it to what he/she desires – change (Masculine)
{Hearts} Literally: A handsome and loving man, one who is passionate and romantic, but also one with a temper – he can be prone to luxury and excess. Metaphorically: Primal passions, and a plethora of opportunities by which to utilize them.
{Diamonds} Literally: an intellectual, a smart and witty man, but one who values thought over feeling. Possibly a man who values work, responsibility over emotion – can be as cold as he is smart. Metaphorically: The power of thought. Intelligence, calculation, and planning. Prestige and academic prowess.
{Spades} Literally: A kind, gentle and loving man, heart-felt and sincere, but also one who struggles with illnesses, such as depression or one who bears a heavy, emotional burden. Metaphorically: Emotional turmoil, periods of great happiness concludes by periods of great sadness – one must find a means by which to balance and overcome these struggles.
{Clubs} Literally: A family man, a man’s man – a man who is strong, proud a overflowing with masculinity. He is one who has great emotional and physical strength, but can be stubborn, insensitive, domineering and fragile in his masculinity. Metaphorically: Home, Hearth and Health/Wellness. Strength and power, but in the same sense, insensitivity and stubbornness.
Queen-the feminine, bowels of desires, passions, etc. ruling of desires and passion aptly and emotionally
{Hearts} Feminine strength, desire – a Queen of Hearts, a ruler of Love and Desire, Dominion. She is the Goddess of Fire, the Goddess of Passion, Desire, Creation and Destruction.
{Diamonds} Wisdom, insight, guidance, a powerful and receptive female force of knowledge – specifically of witchcraft and esotericism. She is the Goddess of the Heavens. Comparable to the High Priestess.
{Spades} She is the Queen of Emotion and the Seas. She is Calypso, she is Pomba Gira da Calunga, she is Goddess of the Depths and Recesses of the Human Soil.
{Clubs} She is the Goddess of the Forest, Queen of the Wilds and Nature, she is the dichotomy: Life and Death – she is the bridge between the physical and the spiritual. She is the Warrior, the Huntress, the Protectress.
King-masculine, reason, leadership, protection, but can also by tyranny and excessive force
{Hearts} The God of Fire, Force and Smiting. He is raw power, he is life, light and vibrancy. He is powerful, but he can be equally destructive, tyrannical and oppressive.
{Diamonds} He is Wisdom, Knowledge and the Guide. He is the wind, the eternal whisper – Ruler of the Heavens. He can, however, be wise – but lack emotional understanding. Can also be manipulative.
{Spades} He is the understanding, the triumphant, he who rules the Dead. He is the God of the Underworld, the cold and invisible esoteric worlds. He is a force of great change, but he is also secretive, a force of trickery and places one in dangerous situations – that often provide the greatest opportunity for growth.
{Clubs} Comparable to the Emperor, he is the God of War, Strength and Militant action. He is strategic, domineering and forceful – pushing people to the point of breaking, only to reshape them as stronger, better, more resilient. He is the General and the driving force of Conquest. He gives strength, but often at the cost of emotional/individualistic apathy. Imperialism, indoctrination, drive and force.
I’ve gotten really positive feed back about my accuracy so far, but I’m still getting used to the cards and my method. I’d love some practice questions from you lovely little witchies…or maybe just a random passer-by? :U Thanks in advance~
So, me and my pendulum aren’t getting along at the moment (*cough cough* meaning that I don’t have something to hang it from yet), and I have a new deck of playing cards that I got not too long ago and haven’t used them yet. A friend of mine suggested I’d be good at cartomancy, and I eventually would like to get into tarot, but for now I’m just going to stick with the playing cards.
So! That leads me to my question: how do I get started?? I looked around for some how-to’s and tutorials, but I don’t know anything about it, so I figured someone with more experience may be able to point me in the right direction. Anybody have any good links? Also, I have some specific questions that popped up when doing my looking around; anyone care to answer these, pretty please? :D
-If I’m doing a reading for someone else, should I be the one to shuffle the deck, or should I have them shuffle the deck?
-Should I keep my deck shuffled, or can I put the cards back in order once I’m finished with my reading?
-Is there a “proper” way to shuffle the cards (for example, shuffle a minimum of three times but always an odd number of times, then cut once, and shuffle one more time), or is it just shuffle however you see fit?
-Can I do other things with my cards, like play games, or should I keep them separate and special for cartomancy?
Thanks in advance, lovelies!
1. That depends on you and your beliefs for the cards and the belief of the person you’re rearing for. Typically I like to shuffle the deck however I have certain friends that like to do so themselves.
2. Again this is preference. I keep mine shuffled, and use reordering them as a way of bonding with them.
3. You shuffle according to your own instinct, however you see fit. I find that for certain readings I’m fine with a few shuffles but others I can spend forever shuffling because it just doesn’t feel right yet.
4. I wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re going to read with your deck, don’t play games with it. It’s often seen as bad to have anyone else touch your cards in general, but that’s a personal preference.
Thank you so much! That was very helpful. :) <3
Honestly, I play games with my tarot decks all the time. It’s my way of connecting with them when I don’t have any readings to do. I’ve also never had a problem with other people handling my cards, but whether you like other people to do that or not is up to you (which is pretty much the answer to all those questions!). If your still looking for links, my resources page might help you out (the hedgewytch site is the best IMHO).
I have encountered decks that are happily passed around to everyone, those that will only allow others to touch when they’re in a certain mood, and those that just won’t tolerate it. I always trust my instinct and obtain clear permission to touch other people’s witchy things, even my wife’s and even if I’m just scooting them over. It’s just good manners!
That makes sense, actually. My husband and friends won’t touch any of my precious mundane things, an I don’t theirs unless I have permission, so it’s logical that it would apply to magical things, too. I hadn’t thought about it like that before. Thanks!
So, me and my pendulum aren’t getting along at the moment (*cough cough* meaning that I don’t have something to hang it from yet), and I have a new deck of playing cards that I got not too long ago and haven’t used them yet. A friend of mine suggested I’d be good at cartomancy, and I eventually would like to get into tarot, but for now I’m just going to stick with the playing cards.
So! That leads me to my question: how do I get started?? I looked around for some how-to’s and tutorials, but I don’t know anything about it, so I figured someone with more experience may be able to point me in the right direction. Anybody have any good links? Also, I have some specific questions that popped up when doing my looking around; anyone care to answer these, pretty please? :D
-If I’m doing a reading for someone else, should I be the one to shuffle the deck, or should I have them shuffle the deck?
-Should I keep my deck shuffled, or can I put the cards back in order once I’m finished with my reading?
-Is there a “proper” way to shuffle the cards (for example, shuffle a minimum of three times but always an odd number of times, then cut once, and shuffle one more time), or is it just shuffle however you see fit?
-Can I do other things with my cards, like play games, or should I keep them separate and special for cartomancy?
Thanks in advance, lovelies!
1. That depends on you and your beliefs for the cards and the belief of the person you’re rearing for. Typically I like to shuffle the deck however I have certain friends that like to do so themselves.
2. Again this is preference. I keep mine shuffled, and use reordering them as a way of bonding with them.
3. You shuffle according to your own instinct, however you see fit. I find that for certain readings I’m fine with a few shuffles but others I can spend forever shuffling because it just doesn’t feel right yet.
4. I wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re going to read with your deck, don’t play games with it. It’s often seen as bad to have anyone else touch your cards in general, but that’s a personal preference.
Thank you so much! That was very helpful. :) <3
Honestly, I play games with my tarot decks all the time. It’s my way of connecting with them when I don’t have any readings to do. I’ve also never had a problem with other people handling my cards, but whether you like other people to do that or not is up to you (which is pretty much the answer to all those questions!). If your still looking for links, my resources page might help you out (the hedgewytch site is the best IMHO).
Thanks for the awesome link! <3 Very, very helpful~
So, me and my pendulum aren’t getting along at the moment (*cough cough* meaning that I don’t have something to hang it from yet), and I have a new deck of playing cards that I got not too long ago and haven’t used them yet. A friend of mine suggested I’d be good at cartomancy, and I eventually would like to get into tarot, but for now I’m just going to stick with the playing cards.
So! That leads me to my question: how do I get started?? I looked around for some how-to’s and tutorials, but I don’t know anything about it, so I figured someone with more experience may be able to point me in the right direction. Anybody have any good links? Also, I have some specific questions that popped up when doing my looking around; anyone care to answer these, pretty please? :D
-If I’m doing a reading for someone else, should I be the one to shuffle the deck, or should I have them shuffle the deck?
-Should I keep my deck shuffled, or can I put the cards back in order once I’m finished with my reading?
-Is there a “proper” way to shuffle the cards (for example, shuffle a minimum of three times but always an odd number of times, then cut once, and shuffle one more time), or is it just shuffle however you see fit?
-Can I do other things with my cards, like play games, or should I keep them separate and special for cartomancy?
Thanks in advance, lovelies!
1. That depends on you and your beliefs for the cards and the belief of the person you’re rearing for. Typically I like to shuffle the deck however I have certain friends that like to do so themselves.
2. Again this is preference. I keep mine shuffled, and use reordering them as a way of bonding with them.
3. You shuffle according to your own instinct, however you see fit. I find that for certain readings I’m fine with a few shuffles but others I can spend forever shuffling because it just doesn’t feel right yet.
4. I wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re going to read with your deck, don’t play games with it. It’s often seen as bad to have anyone else touch your cards in general, but that’s a personal preference.
So, I think I’ve got this stuff figured out…mostly… Anyway, if you guys feel up to helping me practice, I’d be happy to answer some questions. Send me whatever, but I’m not sure how comfortable I feel about answering the really heavy-duty, srs bsns type questions, so keep that in mind. I will probably only do two- or three-card spreads to begin with. Thanks in advance, lovelies!
So, me and my pendulum aren’t getting along at the moment (*cough cough* meaning that I don’t have something to hang it from yet), and I have a new deck of playing cards that I got not too long ago and haven’t used them yet. A friend of mine suggested I’d be good at cartomancy, and I eventually would like to get into tarot, but for now I’m just going to stick with the playing cards.
So! That leads me to my question: how do I get started?? I looked around for some how-to’s and tutorials, but I don’t know anything about it, so I figured someone with more experience may be able to point me in the right direction. Anybody have any good links? Also, I have some specific questions that popped up when doing my looking around; anyone care to answer these, pretty please? :D
-If I’m doing a reading for someone else, should I be the one to shuffle the deck, or should I have them shuffle the deck?
-Should I keep my deck shuffled, or can I put the cards back in order once I’m finished with my reading?
-Is there a “proper” way to shuffle the cards (for example, shuffle a minimum of three times but always an odd number of times, then cut once, and shuffle one more time), or is it just shuffle however you see fit?
-Can I do other things with my cards, like play games, or should I keep them separate and special for cartomancy?
“Committed by oath and forged by steel, I bind you to your quest.” These are the words inscribed on the Seeker’s sword and so Accepting the Quest is a card of agreements and commitment. Important contracts and documents are relevant today, whether you’re signing on the dotted line or entering into a formal agreement with someone.
This person is older than yourself or someone who you regard as mature and experienced, as a more specific significator this could be an elderly relative. It may be that this Elder is a mentor who will offer you advice about this contract; heed their wisdom today.
The knowledge you possess is key to achieving happiness today, once you apply it to everyday life. Mastery suggests completion and the chance to use your existing abilities.
Together with Bliss this realisation brings inner harmony and joy. Celebrate yourself today!
Masquerade can show clouded thinking, confusion or even deception so be careful and don’t take anything at face value today. A situation that appears straightforward or stable may be an illusion, is it one created by yourself or by others?
Looking back is the key to this mystery. Review suggests that you should take stock of the situation by sifting through your past experiences, as you may find the answers you need. Has this happened before? Was there a clue that you missed? Reflect before you act.
Something that has lain dormant should receive a new lease of life and lead to a revival. If you’ve felt frozen out in some way then Phoenix suggests matters may now experience a resurrection and some area of life will provide a second bite of the cherry, so to speak.
Home and family are highlighted today, and they are working with The Butterfly Queen’s influences - so major changes and transitions could be ahead of you in your home life. Are you ready for this transformation?
Don’t be afraid to fly in this new direction, just breathe and surrender yourself to the winds of change.
Friends are at the core of your happiness today and it’s the kind of pure joy that makes your heart sing. These relationships are cause for celebration, whether it’s a catch up with an old ally or a whole gathering of your nearest and dearest - find bliss in your fellowship.
In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. ~ Kahlil Gabran.
