Doubts and Fears Tarot Spread

I've been using tarot cards a lot lately, possibly because I finally found a deck that works for me. 

Or maybe because I occasionally need the Universe to tell me, "Hey, calm your ass down. All in good time."

I'm a Taurus, as in The Bull. I'm also an ox in Chinese zodiac. Basically, my life lesson is patience, to which I've decided I'll learn somewhere around 96 years old, thus granting me a long lifespan.

Universal loophole? Quite possibly.

Anywho, I have a way of worrying about shit that is 100% out of my control. Sure, you can plan for the future—savings accounts, spells and casting, taking steps toward your goal. But ultimately, the future is out of your control. Before you send me a nasty-gram, keep in mind I mean the literal future. You can't control 3 years from now. Hell, you can't truly control 3 minutes from now. If you could, no one would ever have car accidents, receive life-altering phone calls, or spill a glass of milk.

...I feel the order of importance was a little disorganized there.

But you get my point. At least, I hope you do. You absolutely need to take measures to ensure the future you want. That's why you learn a trade, save for a new home, and don't live off chocolate cake and coffee. Because no matter how good that indulgence tastes right now, you're *probably* not going to live to your declared 96 years of age off sugar and caffeine. 

So once the plans have been set, the spells have been cast, and money is stored away into savings, what can a Nervous Nelly do to quell (often irrational) fears?

Tarot. 

And maybe a little yoga. At least until pot is legalized. 

...now we're back to chocolate cake. I feel that most of life's problems could be solved by chocolate cake. 

What I'm trying to say is sometimes we just need a Divine message to tell us, "You're doing everything you can, and you're doing a great job. But now you need to let go and have a little faith in this wondrous, benevolent energy you call The Universe." Other times we need guidance to point us toward needed changes. Therein lies the heart of this spread.

Bear in mind tarot is not a rigid tool but an art of interpretation. It's a skill that, I believe, is a life-long journey which transforms over time. What a card means to you now might have an alternate meaning in thirty years. What a card illustrates to me may mean something entirely different to you. Just as nature shows us, nothing is permanent in this world. Everything is in a state of transition. And much of life is a matter of perspective. The same applies to tarot. Listen to your instincts when using this spread. Don't let guidelines limit you. And if you're very upset, wait until you're calm and clear-thinking before you draw. In my experience, when our emotions are jumbled the reading will be too.

If you're really feeling worried, try anxiety journaling. If you're seeking stress release, try a natural approach. 

Remember, if you've done everything within your control to attain your desires, it's time to step back and let your seeds grow. As long as you put forth the necessary effort, the Universe is working in your favor. Give it time. It kind of knows what It's doing! ;)

Do you have a favorite tarot spread for when you're feeling worried or doubtful?

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NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Natural Ostara Altar

Spring and fall are my two favorite seasons. Of course, I also loved summers in New England. ...and the way ice clung to bare tree branches in winter.

I guess I just love nature? Go figure.

While fall wins by a smidgen (pumpkins!!!), spring is a VERY close second as my favorite season. I love the tiny buds of unfolding leaves that seemingly appear overnight. I marvel at the delicate blades of grass that push through the muddied soil of the defrosting ground. Birds chirping in the cool, flower-scented breeze. Tulips and perfume-y jasmine and wild daffodils—oh my! 

And anything—anything!— in pastel. I'm kind of a boho gypsy that way, hence the turquoise dining table below.

So clearly, Ostara is one of my favorite Sabbats. It's a time of renewal and refreshment. A time to let go and be light. A time to see promise in what was once dark. 

If you're unfamiliar with Ostara, the Spring Equinox, check out my post on 10 Ways to Celebrate Ostara Without Spending a Dime to learn more about the meaning of Ostara as well as what foods and celebrations are appropriate for this vernal holiday!

Per the usual, I kept my altar simple. Egg shells for fertility. Lavender and rose petals for the coming blooms (remember to embrace what you have on hand!). The candle, which I had to take inside to light due to the gusty and dusty New Mexico spring, represents the growing warmth of the earth. Dirt because, you know, spring. The greenery is from olive leaf, which isn't just a beautiful tree but also a pretty friggen awesome anti-infective (among other things). Love, love, love olive leaf.

Fun fact: olive leaf is one of the first herbs I worked with when I began a path of herbalism. This will be on the test that I never give you, so make sure to write that down. 

If you live in a verdant place, an Ostara Altar will be easy! Simply step outside, take in the nature around you, and use what is available to you. Spring is such an amazing time for that.

With that said, you also may be buried in snow. If that's what your nature is providing, go with it. Write a wish in the snow, smile at the humor of Mother Nature, and try not to go The Shinning on your family. That's kind of the exact opposite of fertility and growth. More of a Samhain theme, really.

Happy Ostara, Everyone! May your spring be filled with flourishing flora, baby fauna, and just a liiiiitle bit of chocolate! ;)

What's your favorite way to celebrate Ostara?

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.