When Death is in the cards

Of all the divination tools, the Death Card evokes the strongest reaction in people. I can certainly understand why this is, but it makes me sad to know that it causes such dread. I have met people who are so afraid of this card that they refuse to even consider a reading.

So let’s dispel the myths and set the record straight. The Death card is a staple in the Tarot, but not all Oracle decks feature one. The image above is from “The Faeries Oracle” by Brian Froud and is (in my opinion) the most beautiful depiction of this card that I have ever encountered. In contrast, Froud’s second deck (entitled “The Heart of Faerie”) does not include a Death card.

No matter what deck you find it in, the Death card represents the end of one aspect of being, doing, or thinking. Closing a chapter. A change in direction. It can be the end of a relationship, changing careers, or a physical move. Although I would never presume to state this as a certainty, this card rarely means a physical death.

These endings also mean new beginnings. In order to move forward, we have to release what no longer serves. Sometimes that simply means making a decision to downsize our collection of candle holders so that we can focus more clearly on the sacred work and less on the “stuff” (I plan to expand on this in a future blog). Other times it means taking a deep breath and starting the process of moving across the country to pursue our passion.

Sometimes these changes can be painful. Sometimes, it’s the best thing that could have ever happened and you experience a smooth transition. I recently let go of the idea of finding my way back to a previous career because I realized that it had ended for a multitude of positive reasons. More importantly, once I was completely honest with myself, I realized I didn’t even want to go back. It was simply the lure of the familiar in an uncertain time that kept me clinging to something that wasn’t even in alignment with who I had become. Once I worked through this and was able to finally truly let go, I found my way into a new career path that I definitely never would have even known was a possibility had I still been hanging on to my old life.

What was sundered and undone, shall be whole - the two made one

I became interested in divination over 20 years ago, taking a class at a local metaphysical center on oracle reading. I believed in divination, I just didn’t fully believe I could do it. What I learned is that we all can. The cards (or pendulum or tea leaves or stones or bones, etc.) are simply a tool that helps us sharpen our intuition and offers us insight to the messages we are receiving.

I enjoy doing readings, both for myself and for others. But to be honest, my relationship with my decks wasn’t nearly as deep or meaningful as I now know it could be. So I would waffle back and forth, either using them on a somewhat regular basis or tucking them away and ignoring them for months (or years) on end. Lately, like so many others, I have been feeling the pull. Not only to return to them but to put in the work needed to expand my knowledge and deepen that relationship.

I have both of the Froud decks and enjoy them, but was constantly torn as to which deck to use. The images are beautiful, but I was never really able to fully immerse myself. I felt like I was being pulled in two directions, unable to focus on either.

It was only after I decided to honor my intuition and combine them that something clicked. Bringing all 134 cards together seems to have magnified the energy, enabling me to finally connect in a meaningful way.

I am not gonna lie. This combo has resulted in a chunkster of a deck. I mean, look at how thick that is! As soon as I saw the two together, my first instinct was to reconsider. Although shuffling is a bit of a challenge, I am getting used to it and the energy that I experience working with both decks at once is amazing. Needless to say, I wish I had done this sooner.

I started pulling a card each morning to help me find a focal point for the day. This has also offered me clarity with regard to how I am processing current events and the overall impact they are having on me, both personally and professionally. A very dear friend inspired me to begin journaling my experience with each of the cards. This is not a new concept, but it is a new habit that I feel has enhanced my spiritual practice considerably.

We have a tendency to look outside ourselves for the latest gadget or hottest fad, hoping that will be the proverbial “cure for all that ails you”. Because of my frustration, I had been searching for a shiny new deck to work with. Thankfully, I allowed my intuition to guide me and soon discovered that what I really needed was to see the tools I had in a new light. To not only consider the possibilities, but be open to them.

A reading to start the week

I have decided to start each week with a single card reading, posting it here for you. This week's card is “The Messenger” and comes from “The Heart of Faerie Oracle” by Brian and Wendy Froud.

The message I am getting is “People do not value that which they get for free”. Ask yourself, is there something you are currently offering for free that you really ought to be charging for? Sometimes, our talent comes easily and thus we do not value it in the way we should. I was that way with my writing, offering to help people write this and that at no charge because I didn't feel right accepting payment. But I recently grew to value my talent and realized that there should be an equal energy exchange. Sometimes that involves money, other times it is another form of currency.

I did a “Wheel of the Year” reading in exchange for a beautiful handmade quilt. Both parties felt the exchange was equal and fair.

I did a bit of writing for a friend's business in exchange for a scone and a cup of tea while in Ireland.

With regard to the exchange of money for my services, I have yet to find anyone who takes issue with my fees and many who say I don't charge enough. So I am taking a look at that and making adjustments accordingly, including adding two packages to my freelance business that I will be launching soon.

This also applies to your career. The first step in asking for a raise or searching for a new job is to decide your salary. It's time to stop settling for “enough to get by” and start asking for a number that fairly represents what you bring to the table.

I offer private readings starting at $40. Options vary, from a three card “Past/Present/Future” reading to something more in-depth. You receive photos of the cards, as well as a detailed write-up. Please message me privately for details. Sidhe.Writes@gmail.com