That’s right. Automatic drawing. Not writing, drawing. Unlike my cohorts on this blog, I am not a writer but an artist. My writing skills are very basic at best. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat. Drawing is your strong point. So, this submission from me will be aimed at drawing for all you artists out there. Actually, this will work with non-artists also. I apologize in advance that this is such a short entry but I think it’s worth adding this month and it has been very successful and interesting when I have tried this with friends.
I’m sure most of you have heard of and maybe even tried automatic writing. Well, we are going to do something similar except we will be drawing. First, you need to decide who your attention is going to be focused on. A demon, a deceased relative (or friend) or spirit of your choice, it’s up to you. For this example, lets choose a deceased grandparent, Grandpa Joe. We want a quiet area to be in. Maybe a table in a darkened room would suit us. Get a candle (I suggest one of a calming color), paper, pencil or pen and a photo of the person you are trying to contact. In this case, Grandpa Joe. If you were trying to use a Demon, use their sigil instead of the photo. Now, we want the room dark, the candle lit and no distractions. Spend a few minutes performing some relaxing breaths. Stare at the photo and get the image in your mind. Think of Grandpa Joe. Remember things you did with him. We want to make a connection with him. Focus on just him. Invite him in to control your pen/pencil. If you are doing this with a Demon, chant their enn as you invite them to join you. Take your pen and start drawing shapes. Try not to lift your hand. Keep your concentration on Grandpa Joe, not your pen. Don’t think about the flower (or whatever) that is taking shape, just keep focusing on your connection. Don’t try to analyze your drawing. Doing that will bring you out of your trance and you won’t be able to hold a connection. You want to stay in that meditative state. Let Grandpa Joe move your pen. You don’t need to think about the pen, just Grandpa Joe. You can ask a single question beforehand if you like or just let things happen as they will.
I have to confess, I’ve only tried this with the Demonic and not the dead but the technique is the same. Make your connection, keep your connection and let the images flow to your pencil/pen and paper. The better you are at meditation, the easier this will be. As with any technique, the more you practice, the better the results. It is interesting to do this with others and compare drawings afterwards.
For some of you advanced artists out there, try using smoke as your drawing tool. You will definitely get some interesting images that way as long as you don’t set your room on fire.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, give it a try. It’s a good exercise for channeling. If you are afraid of channeling, automatic writing, Ouija boards, etc. then you probably want to skip this. In fact, you probably shouldn’t even be on this site. For the rest of you brave souls… Good luck!
Have the trees started changing colors where you are? It’s cold enough outside in the mornings that I now need to wear a light jacket. Only last week, dawn felt too hot to breathe. Summer passes by so fast.
I chose the Mystic Mondays Tarot for this month’s reading. I picked up this deck on a whim based on its packaging and images I found of several cards online. At first glance, I appreciated the deck for aesthetics alone. Its bright colors, geometric patterns, and use of silver foil edging really caught my eye. Yet the more I used Mystic Mondays, the more annoyed I became. I loved the deck’s slick, laminated feel, but the cards were so thick I could barely shuffle them as a group. (I’m not sure if I should blame their edging or my small hands, but I don’t struggle this much with other decks.) More importantly, although I adore the cards from an artistic standpoint, some strip the Rider-Waite Smith imagery down to such sparse symbolism that the intended meaning is nearly lost. This minimalism might add another layer of difficulty for new readers, leading them to depend on the accompanying book. Admittedly, the booklet contains two pages for each card, with upright and reversed meanings. I often found myself pulling up the original imagery from memory as best I could and filling in the missing details to trigger my intuition. Not ideal at all. While I’ll probably keep trying with the Mystic Mondays Tarot, we did not click as well as I’d hoped.
Anyway, on with the Tarotscope.
Three of Wands – The Card for All Signs
Advice for All Signs – Three of Wands – Your hard work in recent days pays off, taking you one step closer to your goal. Don’t give up now, no matter how deep the water is. You’ll reach your desired shore eventually if you keep swimming. Just remember: it can be hard to judge how far you have come when you’re still struggling against the waves. Progress may seem slow at times but could surprise you from another perspective. Allow yourself to dream. Let the anticipation of success drive you forward.
Left to Right: Aries – 8 of Cups Reversed, Taurus – 5 of Pentacles Reversed, Gemini – Knight of Swords Reversed, Cancer – Queen of Swords Reversed.
Aries – Eight of Cups Reversed – You would think it better to have too many choices rather than too few, right? Well, Aries, an abundance of options paralyzes you with indecision in September, confusing you with what to do next. Though part of you knows you can’t always find what you want in familiar territory, the rest of you worries about what may lurk over the horizon. You cannot avoid making these decisions forever. Some of these options may fade given time.
Taurus – Five of Pentacles – Recent efforts exhausted your reserves, but take heart! This lean period nears its end, Taurus. This card suggests both physical and financial recovery this September. Try to slip away for a moment by yourself if you can and gather your thoughts. Now is the time to evaluate your money and investments. Plan for the future as your energy and resources rebuild.
Gemini – Knight of Swords Reversed – You figured out what you want — and you want it now. Impatience soars for you in September, Gemini. You’ve worked so hard it’s almost impossible to wait any longer for success. Just be careful. The desire to see things through quickly could lead to impulsive or reckless actions. Thinking things through will lead to fewer mistakes in the long run.
Cancer – Queen of Swords Reserved – You’re faced with a delicate balance between facts and feelings this month, Cancer. On one hand, September demands you examine issues with a clear head, without letting personal bias shadow the truth. On the other, this card cautions against relying on logic alone. If you act without regard to the emotions of others, you may seem cold, even cruel. The situation at hand requires your personal touch for resolution.
Left to Right: Leo – Justice, Virgo – 5 of Cups Reversed, Libra – Ace of Pentacles, Scorpio – The Tower.
Leo – Justice – Are you ready to present your case, Leo? With the Justice card in your sign, make sure to brush up on the laws of the land. Watch out for red tape and tricky regulations in September. If you do make a mistake, own up to it. Let your objective, fair outlook sway important outcomes. Keep cool! Now isn’t the time to let your heart rule your head.
Virgo – Five of Cups Reversed – Be proud, Virgo. You’ve made it through the long night. Now a new month dawns, bringing with it a surge of optimism and a chance for recovery. Let go of any lingering negativity. You can learn from this experience. Forgive yourself for the past. Recognize how much your cups contain.
Libra – Ace of Pentacles – September may bring an end to summer in the northern hemisphere, but the Ace of Pentacles advises planting the seeds of future financial harvests this month. Indeed, this period of prosperity and good fortune goes beyond monetary wealth. Be on the lookout for opportunities of all types during this time. Now is the chance to manifest what you want. You could make a serious impact on your world with focus.
Scorpio – The Tower – On your toes, Scorpio! With September, comes sudden and unavoidable change that strikes at the very foundation of your life. This upheaval may feel like a complete disaster at first, but you can rebuild better than before. Learn what you can from the fallout and salvage anything worth keeping.
Right to Left: Sagittarius – 5 of Swords Reversed, Capricorn – 4 of Wands, Aquarius – Hierophant Reversed, Pisces – Judgement.
Sagittarius – Five of Swords Reversed – Stressed out by recent conflict, Sagittarius? If you can’t reconcile with the other party, try forgiving them and forgetting the whole situation. Release any lingering resentment or need to be right. The only validation you need is your own. Besides — consider what you could gain from a truce!
Capricorn – Four of Wands – Your hard work comes to fruition this month, Capricorn. You built a solid foundation in previous weeks, and this stability allows you the freedom to have fun with those you love in September. Revel in your home and celebrate your family (blood or not). Both are the backbone of your success.
Aquarius – Hierophant Reversed – Some rules clearly act in our best interest, to keep us safe or healthy. Others feel more arbitrary — or, worse yet, were made only to benefit those in power. This month you question the reason behind certain regulations, and it leaves you eager to rebel, Aquarius. Challenging the status quo will put you through your paces too. Get ready to break the mold society has created for you.
Pisces – Judgement – It’s time to take a good, long look in the mirror, Pisces. Evaluate yourself. No, you may not match the image of perfection you’ve tucked away in your head — not yet, anyway. Absolve yourself of past sins and keep working at your goals. Otherwise, the Judgment you feel will hold you back from ascending to the next level.
We’ve come to the end of another Tarotscope! May this glimpse into the Mystic Mondays Tarot provide some guidance for September. You can find information on how to book a reading with me here and on my website. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for free daily readings, and find my find my books on Amazon.
Evocation (here meaning the art of summoning a spirit or demon to visible appearance) is a long sought after skill by many Demonolaters, Satanists, and Occultists. Here I would like to describe my understanding of the practice and provide a method for successful evocation. When summoning a demon for their assistance, it is best to call them in the name and by the power of the demon who is above them. It is also desirable that the mage has an understanding of vibrating words and names for added effect. The following skill set will grant the mage the best possible experience and potency in their evocations:
Visualization, Vibrating words and names, Astral projection, Heightened astral senses of sight and hearing, an understanding of the demon you seek to summon as well as the hierarchy or paradigm you are working with, understanding of the ritual structure you will use (circle and triangle of art, scrying mirror, incense smoke as focal point, etc)
Now, onto the method of summoning which was taught to me by Astaroth.
Pick a demon you will summon. Draw their sigil on a piece of parchment or unlined paper. You may chant their Enn while doing this, directing the power of the chant into the sigil’s making.
Place this on the ground with a plain wall behind it. (with no hangings or pictures on the wall)
On top of this sigil, place a black bowl filled 2/3rds with water.
Walk at least 4-5 paces away from the bowl and turn facing it.
Light a candle and place it behind you. The rest of the room should be dark. The shadow you cast from the candle will aid in manifestation.
Begin vibrating the name of the demon you seek to summon. You may add the enn to this and direct it towards the sigil.
During this time, close your eyes and visualize the sigil in your mind as clearly as possible. There will be a shift in your consciousness and a trance will overtake you. Say a summoning of your own devising, calling out to the demon in the name of its superior (or in the name of Satan) to come forth and appear before you, and to give you truthful answers.
Now, imagine yourself rise up out of your body and over to the bowl. Look down into it with your astral vision and see the sigil of the demon glowing with power. Dive down through the sigil into the realm of the demon. In this darkness, say the name of the demon and feel the vibration of the name resonate to the ends of the universe. The demon will appear to you. Slowly come back to your body.
Begin slowly opening your eyes while whispering the demon’s name. See them rise up before you out of the bowl.
When their image becomes clearly defined before you, request they sign their name in the air before them. If the name is spelled correctly, it is the demon you seek.
Converse with them and be respectful, straight to the point, and be focused.
When you are done, thank them for coming to you and say “In the name of Satan, go in peace, harm none as you depart, and may we be allies henceforth.”
See the demon dive down into the bowl.
Extinguish the candle flame and turn on the lights. Write down your experience in your journal.
The water may be used to anoint yourself with, anoint candles for further meditation or rituals with the demon, etc.
The sigil may be kept with you as a talisman, or burned as an offering and dropped into the water, then poured on earth.
I hope this helps some of you who are having issues with summoning to visible appearance, just know it takes a lot of energy to accomplish, but is well worth the effort.
Protection is another one of the most common rituals/spells people ask me about. Sure, there are elaborate rituals you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your possessions. However, there are simple ways to do this as well. Especially when you’re traveling outside your home where you’re outside the boundaries of your own wards.
One of the most effective methods is to carry a sigil on your person, in your car or in your suitcase. And, let’s face it, since you can’t ward your workplace in the proper manner, you can place protective sigils in your desk or in a work locker.
Many people may just print a sigil and cut it out, but I’m a personal fan of drawing the sigil out by hand while visualizing the intent of protecting yourself or your personal space outside the home.
Agaliarept, Amducius, Asmoday, Focalor, Sabnock, Satanichia, Sonnillion, Tezrian, or Vepar are all good choices for protection. But ultimately you should choose a Daemonic force you resonate with. Then, over the seal, state your intention to be safe from harm, thieves, and accidents. You can even be more specific if the situation calls for it.
If you practice blood magick, add a single drop of your blood to the sigil (which can be obtained in the least harmful way possible, like a pin prick to a finger, or by removing a scab off an old scratch injury). This serves as a bonding mechanism between you and the Daemonic force, and your intention to be safe.
And that’s it! Paper sigils can be slipped into a purse, wallet, or even your pocket or shoe. Re-make them as necessary.
I’m also a fan of using this method to attract wealth, by putting the seal of a wealth Daemon into your wallet to help you draw more money, or spend less.
This blog post has been lingering in the back of my mind for some time now. Every time someone bitches about the “occult or LHP community”, or every time someone PMs me to tell me who’s stabbing who in the back within the “occult or LHP community”, I think about making this post. Or when I get the emails warning me to avoid the latest shit-stirrer starting drama in the “occult or LHP community”. Sadly, when I look at the general occulture, and even sub-groups of the occulture – I see a toxic wasteland that is poison to magicians and to magical creators.
There are cliques [obviously]. There are serious students [obviously]. There are people who lurk and keep their noses clean. There are smaller, actual communities in the larger occulture, but they don’t include the whole of the occult, or the whole of LHP practitioners. Because there are also a lot of shit-stirrers and trolls. There are attention whores. There are people who get along with no one. There are people whose only goal is to trash or tear down anyone they disagree with because they’re jealous, or pissed off, or have a shitty life or whatever. I see a lot of things in the general occulture and oftentimes, “community” isn’t one of them.
Community actually means: “A unified body of individuals.” Which means you actually have to be united in something. There are definitely many smaller united groups within the occulture, but don’t fool yourself into believing there is such thing as the “occult community” or the “LHP community”.
In order for there to be a community on such a general scale, people would need to set aside their egos and hurt feelings. Their one true ways and their need for attention. It would require setting aside petty squabbles and jealousies. In order for this to happen it would require every occultist to actually do the self-work and self-analysis magical practice demands. It would require every occultist to be open-minded about ideas and practices they don’t agree with and to not feel threatened by other people’s ideas and beliefs. It would require leaders and authors in the occulture to collaborate instead of tear each other down. [As an aside here, a lot of authors, leaders, and makers actually do collaborate and kudos to those who do. It shows they’re strong enough to not feel threatened by different ideas or techniques, and that they understand that a rising tide lifts all boats.]
The lack of actual community is nothing new. It was like this almost 40 years ago, back in the 1980’s when I showed up to my first generalized “occult” thing all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and I have no doubt it will still be like this when I’m dead and gone 40-50 years from now.
So seriously — forgive me when I roll my eyes as I’m reading my inbox full of “Occult Police” Reports [which is another rant for another time] that always talk about this alleged “community” that we have. Forgive me if I don’t feel like I belong to this community that some people seem to think exists.
Believe me when I tell you there is no actual, cohesive “occult community” or “LHP community”. Only Zuul.
(And yes, I realize the joke may be lost on some of the younger practitioners, but I figured those of you who “get it” would have a good chuckle.)
Daily divination supports all my other spiritual practices. Because of this, I feel I need a decent copy of the original Rider-Waite Tarot with artwork by Pamela Colman Smith. Unfortunately, some prints currently available are blurry, with a good deal of detail either lost or fuzzy.
One of the nicest reproductions on the market today is the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot, a playing card-sized deck that comes in a small tin from US Games Systems. Virginijus Poshkus recolored Smith’s classic artwork to add richness and depth to the 2D images. Clearly printed and brightly colored, the cards themselves possess a slick, laminated feel for ease of shuffling (and cleaning). Although brief, the accompanying pamphlet provides enough upright and reverse meanings to aid beginners in interpreting the cards and refresh the memories of more experienced readers. The Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot makes an excellent day-to-day deck for both casual and professional readers, and its sturdy tin means you don’t need an extra bag to carry it with you. This deck has a place of honor in my arsenal.
On to August’s cards.
The Sun – The card for All Signs in August. On the left, the Rider-Waite Pocket Tarot. On the right, the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot, recolored by Virginijus Poshkus. Note the additional depth and richness.
All Signs – The Sun – Rejoice! The Sun shines on all signs of the zodiac in August. Your hard work pays off this month, leading to success and recognition from others. Take a moment to celebrate yourself and your achievement. You have earned this period of harmony and contentment; it’s all right to enjoy its rewards.
Top Row: Aries – 9 of Wands, Taurus – Knight of Cups Reversed, Gemini – 6 of Wands Reversed, Cancer – 4 of Pentacles Reversed, Leo – Ace of Cups, Virgo – Emperor Reversed. // Bottom Row: Libra – 3 of Cups, Scorpio – Temperance Reversed, Sagittarius – 2 of Swords, Capricorn – Kings of Wands, Aquarius – 5 of Wands Reversed, Pisces – Death.
Aries – Nine of Wands – August brings the relief of a ceasefire, Aries. The tension of recent months has worn you down, but you can take this brief break to refresh your energy and tend to your wounds. Yet stay on your guard. The truce you are in may not be what it seems. Be wary of possible deception and trickery.
Taurus – Knight of Cups Reversed – A new opportunity rocks the boat this month, Taurus. While it inspires your creativity, it also pushes you towards emotional depths previously unexplored. Now is not the time to wear your heart on your sleeve. Turning over this card reversed advises you to keep your newfound feelings to yourself until you understand them better.
Gemini – Six of Wands Reversed – August makes you worry about the downside of success. Others expect more from you now, but try to consider that as an investment in your future. Keep an eye on your overall potential and growth instead, even as the pressure increases. More awaits you in the months to come.
Cancer – Four of Pentacles Reversed – There’s a large difference between being thrifty and outright greedy, Cancer. Do you want all the accolades and all the stuff? The Four of Pentacles reversed emphasizes that you can’t have everything. Your challenge this month is learning to share. In August, you must coexist peacefully with those physically and emotionally in your space.
Leo – Ace of Cups – The world overflows with blessings and positivity this August. Do not let this chance pass you by, Leo. Make the most of the moment and open your heart to its new opportunities. React to others with love and compassion, and it will only be returned to you in abundance.
Virgo – Emperor Reversed – Don’t let recent success give you a swelled head in August. Turning over this card reversed warns of a tendency to bully others to get your way this month. True leaders care about the concerns of their people, Virgo. Warmth and compassion will bring you closer to your goal than pushing around your coworkers.
Libra – Three of Cups – You worked hard and now you’re ready to play, Libra. Your focus on fun and frolic leads to celebrations with friends and family this month. Conditions are especially favorable to mend broken fences and form creative alliances for the future. Even when you’re having fun, you can still keep chasing your dreams!
Scorpio – Temperance Reversed – You can have too much of a good thing, even work. Pulling Temperance reversed suggests your recent push for success and outside recognition leads to fatigue in August. Can you keep up this pace, Scorpio? Now is the time to consider cutting ties with possible caffeine or nicotine dependency before it gets worse. You need to refresh your energy in healthier ways.
Sagittarius – Two of Swords – This month you find yourself trapped in a decision for which there is no easy solution, Sagittarius. No matter what answer you choose, drawbacks await you. Yet you cannot go forward without hardship. It is better to walk your path with eyes open, knowing full well the consequences of your actions, than never advance towards your goal at all.
Capricorn – King of Wands – Now is not the time to focus on details. In August, take a step back and reassess the bigger picture. Are you painting this masterpiece for yourself or others, Capricorn? You possess all the drive and determination needed to move any obstacle in your path, but it helps to know where you were going and why. Otherwise, your passion for perfection might flag in the future.
Aquarius – Five of Wands Reversed – Competition rears its head this month, Aquarius. The question is: do you need to win? Avoiding conflict or finding compromise may be more beneficial in the long run than a head-on attack. Learning to respect the differences of others and even move past them will help restore the equilibrium of the situation.
Pisces – Death – With the success and recognition of the Sun in August comes the metamorphosis of Death. A door closes for you this month, Pisces. Seeing the inevitable ahead, you can efficiently prepare yourself for the transition. This profound change offers a new beginning that may affect you on all levels.
That’s all for this month! I hope this brief look at the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot provides you with some insight for August. If you need a deeper reading, you can find my listing here and on my website. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for free daily readings. (And, of course, you can always find my books on Amazon.)
Daemon Directory, an official app from demonolatry.org, is a compendium of the 100 daemons that traditional Daemonolaters work with most often.
Entries for each daemon includes purposes, enns (invocations), correspondences, and more, as well as useful descriptions from author S. Connolly and other traditional grimoires.
A handy and essential reference for any Daemonolater, occultist, witch, or anyone curious about the dark arts.
Entirely filterable by purpose, daemonic hierarchy, element, celestial correspondence, and month, enabling you to identify the proper daemon for your needs.
Use it to honor the Daemons each month, as a study tool, or to plan ritual work.
(If you are in iOS user, contact Frank at [email protected] to let him know you’re interested. If an iOS option gets enough interest, we’ll see if our developer will put an iOS version out.)
So this past month I had one of those “fate” moments in life. My daughter had been fostering a dog from their local shelter. While picking up something for the pup she saw that the shelter had just taken in a five year old bulldog. She notified us and sent a picture along with the details. I had wanted a bulldog for some time but honestly they are very expensive and that fact alone had truthfully been enough to put them in the “maybe down the road” category.
After seeing the info on her, I decided to go visit her and see what I thought. She had only been in the shelter for two days. After we arrived at the shelter and told them we who we wanted to see, we were taken into the dog area. The volunteer slowly opened her pen and she darted out trotting to her escape complete with her tongue hanging out. She was quickly caught and we all went to their “get to know you” room. I fell in love with her right away. She was so happy and so sweet. We adopted her right there but had to leave her for her to spayed.
As we waited her to come home I kept thinking this must be fate to get her because she kind of fell into our lap.
After she was home, we had some adjustments to make for her. She did pretty well. I kept wondering what she was thinking and how someone could give up this sweet little thing to a shelter. She kept us up a couple nights and slept through the rest. She would wake up and have that “where the hell am I look”.
I couldn’t stop wondering what was going on in her mind. Obviously she was confused. Her whole life had changed (hopefully for the better). As I sat in bed looking at her one morning, I thought why don’t I ask for some help with her. So, not really knowing how, I decided to do a ritual to ask what she is thinking or going through.
I have practicing Magick for many years. Not once had I performed a ritual that involves a pet. I wasn’t even really sure where to start. So, first off was to decide which Demon to work with. Barbatos seemed to be perfect as not only does he help to understand animals but this was June. Perfect!
Next was to write a quick ritual where I would summon Barbatos and ask for help with my new found friend. I meditated in the ritual hoping to get some insight. Nothing.
I felt disappointed. I decided to try again the next night. Again, nothing. I didn’t perform it on the third night. However, around 3 am that morning, I woke up. Just enough to release from a dream but not yet fully alert. I had a haze come over me. I was seeing my dog. Honestly, I can’t remember if I was actually seeing her or just in my head as I wasn’t awake enough.
Regardless, I started to feel anxiety. I saw flashes of puppies, people, cages, various things a dog would see. I didn’t hear anything. Just these visions and the slight anxiety feeling. Finally I woke up completely. I sat up and saw her looking back at me.
I was going to mention it to my wife but decided not to. It sounded kind of silly as I thought about it. As the day went on, the experience didn’t seem so silly. Maybe I did connect with her. The ritual didn’t solve anything but perhaps helped with a connection. I will probably do some more rituals but this time I will focus on getting a message to her, that her new family loves her, wants to take care of her and hopes she is happy in her new home.
The last week has found me dealing with the joy of having back spasms. Not really sure what I did but one evening last week the spasms were so bad that they were jolting me from my bed. Of course, I went and checked in with my doctor and he brought up the importance of making my core strong so that I wouldn’t have as many issues with my back or my knees. His suggestion struck me in multiple ways, one being the importance of having a strong foundation – core – when it comes to practicing magick.
I get so many messages from new practitioners wanting to know why their magick isn’t getting them the results they are looking for. Upon further questions they let it out that they have no real background in magickal traditions, they just bought a book from a store, thumbed to the page that had what they were looking for (usually something that is more advanced than what a beginner should be working on), and then went to town. They have no idea about how to raise energy, the importance of intent and correspondences, or how to release the energy when done. They look at spell work as something that can just happen from reading a book that they bought off Amazon. I’m not saying that this approach is 100% wrong, many of us have purchased books either online or in person,and then created magick or spellwork around what is in them, but we have a firm foundation to pull from. Let’s face it, some books are written with blinds that only experienced magicians will pick up on that allows us to get the full benefit and outcome.
Magick isn’t something that can be learned in one class or in a weekend, it is something that you are constantly perfecting and eternally learning about. You can have all the books in the world, but unless you practice those books are nothing more than dust gatherers.
Take the time to learn and be humble enough to realize that there is nothing wrong with being a beginner, we have all been there. Read outside of your tradition, each approach to magick has something important to teach you. If you have honestly tried your best and are still stuck, reach out to more experienced magicians for a different point of view.
Suffice it to say, that tonight while I am sitting with my TENS unit working on my back I will be enjoying going back to basics, there is nothing wrong with going back to the beginning; and reading Franz Barton’s ‘Introduction to Hermetics’. I’m sure I will find something that I missed the last 2 times that I read it.
This month, I used the Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans. This deck possesses a strong hand-drawn aesthetic and is composed of black-and-white ink drawings with cleverly placed rainbow accents. Readers with sight problems may have difficulties with the guidebook’s handwritten font and this style choice carries over into the artist’s other projects. That said, the Wild Unknown Tarot works beautifully with its two companions, the Wild Unknown Animal and Archetypes decks. The decks support each other thematically and artistically, though readers certainly don’t need all three. I enjoyed working with them last month, and will definitely be adding them as a team to my arsenal. That said, let’s get onto July’s cards!
All Signs – Father of Wands, Aries – 10 of Cups, Taurus – The Devil, Gemini – The Sun Reversed.
All Signs – The Father of Wands – The cobra waits to strike, storing energy in its powerful coils. It does not waste its venom on false attempts, instead relying on patience for the ideal moment. While we may not find the perfect second to act this month, the cobra suggests that all signs should use their magnetism and charm to lure what they want closer throughout July — and then pounce! In other words, save up your creative enthusiasm for the right time and place.
Aries – Ten of Cups – This month sees the completion of a goal dear to your heart, Aries, and it fills you with happiness and excitement. This is an excellent emotional period for you — and a wonderful time to be near you. Good vibes roll off you in waves. Channel the power of positivity towards your next success. Ask yourself: what comes next?
Taurus – The Devil – Liar, liar, pants on fire, Taurus! Sadly, you’re only lying to yourself. The Devil card says what was once a dalliance for you has now become a dependency. In July it’s time to deal with the behaviors that hold you back, whether you are addicted to unhealthy people or substances.
Gemini – The Sun Reversed – Are you putting the summer weather to good use, Gemini? Lower energy levels this month indicate you may be having some difficulty shaking off the winter blues. The timing couldn’t be better to get a little Vitamin D from the Sun. As you soak up its rays, let them burn off some of the fog in your brain and fill you with vitality. Just remember to wear the proper sunscreen!
Cancer – 3 of Cups Reversed, Leo – 10 of Swords Reversed, Virgo – Ace of Wands, Libra – 8 of Swords, Scorpio – 4 of Pentacles, Sagittarius – The Fool Reversed.
Cancer – Three of Cups Reversed – You will have multiple opportunities to celebrate this month, Cancer, but are you truly letting your hair down? Something is stopping you from being yourself when you gather with friends and family. It keeps you from completely relaxing, from having the best time you can. In July, you have to ask yourself whether being safe is worth never being at peace.
Leo – Ten of Swords Reversed – Don’t despair, Leo. There’s nowhere to go now but up. More importantly, you know the obstacles to watch out for as you climb your way back to the top. It may still be a path lined with sharp swords, but you can make it, especially if you forgive yourself for the fall.
Virgo – Ace of Wands – July is filled with fresh ideas and projects, and the heady rush of creativity makes you want to jump in with both feet. Prioritize as best you can. As much as you want to do everything, try to remember you are only one person. What really gets your blood pumping?
Libra – Eight of Swords – You long to fly, Libra, but an obstacle stops you from spreading your wings. In July, your view of the situation shifts and you realize the risk is worth the reward. Take honest stock of the problem as you move forward, and admit if you have played any part in creating the issue.
Scorpio – Four of Pentacles – This card indicates your hard work has paid off with a time of financial security. This is definitely good news on both the career and home front, Scorpio. It took a lot of control to get to this place. The thing is, can you let go when necessary? You’ll have to decide to pull or cut strings in July.
Sagittarius – Fool Reversed – Some may look before they leap, but not you! You’re too eager to take off to worry about anything that might hinder you this July. Besides, that’s part of the learning process, right? Good thing fledglings are known for looking a little silly during their first flights. Have fun, Sagittarius! You’ll fit right in!
Capricorn – 8 of Pentacles, Aquarius – 4 of Swords R, Pisces – Mother of Swords Reversed.
Capricorn – Eight of Pentacles – In this card, a spider web snags eight ‘flies.’ The Eight of Pentacles says you will likewise have an opportunity to take advantage of your skills or artistry this month. You’re close to that next level towards mastery, but real discipline is required to overcome the hurdle, Capricorn. Don’t give up. You can do this.
Aquarius – Four of Swords Reversed – Stress from outside sources hangs over you this month, Aquarius. Make sure to take the time to rest and recuperate in July. You possess the inner strength and calm necessary to get through this hard period if you allow yourself to call upon your reserves. Meditation or breathwork could be of assistance.
Pisces – Mother of Cups Reversed – July sees you in a flap, Pisces. But before you attack be sure exactly who the wronged party is. Are your emotions clouding your insight in this situation? Ask your deepest self how to proceed before moving, or you could only make matters worse in the long run.
That brings us to a close for July. I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look at the Wild Unknown Tarot, and that it has brought you some insight for the month ahead. If you require a more in-depth Tarot, Oracle, or Daemonic card reading, my listing is available here and on my website. I’m booking my summer readings now, so get in while you can!
To take a peek at my daily tarot journaling, check me out on Instagram. (And, of course, you can always find my books on Amazon.)
