Category: Guest Authors

By Angela Kaufman, Moonlight Tarot LLC

It is strongly advised in Tarot and Psychic practice to not conduct readings for those who have not requested guidance. Yet this month I felt compelled to acknowledge a need that exists in our time of transition of the ages and heightened spiritual and mundane anxieties. In honor of the birthday of America as we know it I chose to conduct an oracle reading unsolicited for the people of America in our new age of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment.

It was a struggle for me to pin down the exact question I wanted to ask. How can things get better? What do we as a society need to do to improve our culture? Are we doomed? After reflection and meditation on this question I was led to use a special deck- the Medicine Cards deck- an animal oracle by Jamie Sam and David Carson. The question is less of a question, but rather a request- Animal Spirits…. What do we need to know, do or experience? In this reading, the spirits of animals native to this country bring their message of guidance and healing.

Ant. Like any modern American I admit my ego secretly fantasized that the first messenger would be large and grand- Hawk, Eagle, Mountain Lion….Ant? The Powers that Be certainly don’t miss a beat in reminding me that my ego has no place in spiritual matters. Ant appears first with Her gift to America. Work, community, collaboration and diligence. Ants are small but strong, surprisingly so. Her message to us is to not deny our own strength and ability to move mountains- one grain of sand at a time. She reminds us of the value of our communities- of all members of our families, neighborhoods and cities- and that we are as strong as our weakest fellows. Our capacity and determination to build and thrive are endless as long as we work diligently toward our goals. Ants remind us to work from the ground up. Grassroots organizations exemplify this energy well. Ant also reminds us of lessons from our heritage- the folk heroes who regardless of our individual cultures, collectively embody the spirit of the individual who overcomes great odds, achieves the unexpected and acts with integrity in honor of community and the benefit to future generations. Discipline and collaboration, as well as harboring large dreams but having the humility to begin with small steps to achieve these dreams are all part of Ant’s gift to us in America today. Sometimes we may need to be persistent, sometimes we may present as pests, but we can not let fears and obstacles block us from our goals. An ant in the midst of their work will go under, over, around or through any obstacle in its way. Each ant carries their work with the collective benefit of each small endeavor benefiting the greater community. Ant also brings the gift of patience and faith, as we co-create the new era of spiritual awareness, let us not forget that each step we take brings us closer to our goals. Perhaps the time is dawning in which we must all ask ourselves what steps have I taken today to strengthen the community and to build our collective dreams? Each part of the whole counts, Ant teaches us. Therefore let us not disregard any part of our community, any portion of our resources, or any step in the larger process of accomplishing together what we can not alone. Having been given this message, I know I have a lot of reflecting to do on how each day can bring an opportunity to be of service to a larger cause than my immediate- and fleeting- needs. And if that isn’t enough, from what I hear…they have high hopes!

Raven is the second animal to come forth through this oracle and share Her message. Raven carries mystique and power. She is synonymous with mysteries of death and with the battlefield. In Celtic lore Raven was the symbol of the Morrigan who was the personification of the warrior spirit. Raven is a shapeshifter, trickster and a bringer of great Magick. Well America, we have our work cut out for us! First Ant is reminding us to honor the smallest of steps in our effort to build our dreams for the collective good- to patiently allow that the sum total of our actions result in the manifestation of progress, regardless of how small or powerless we feel on our journey- and now Raven is bringing the message of change profound transformation. Raven’s power comes from encountering and passing through the realms of death in order to be reborn. It is no surprise that we are given the gift of Raven’s message- as the country faces numerous sources of great unrest and confronts pivotal crisis points both socially, politically, economically and environmentally. Raven signals dangers to those who are aware and open, She prepares warriors for great battles, and she stands by to initiate those whose time has arrived into the mysteries of death and rebirth. She has a bad reputation for destruction and association with darkness- but this is short sighted. She is not the cause of the darkness, rather she is a wise teacher- the type of teacher who will stand by you at the height of a crisis, let us not forget that her presence at the climax of a tragedy does not mean she caused such tragedy in the first place. Raven is there to show us how to transcend disaster, how to integrate and heal significant wounds, and how to rebuild after destruction has occurred. If we are wise we will heed Her warning and prepare for a time in which our illusions are challenged and new vision will be required in order to regroup and succeed. We can not win the battles ahead with outdated ideas and assumptions, nor with the ignorance of the past eras. Raven helps provide us with the most powerful magickal ability- the power to see beyond what we already believe to be true. After all, it was Raven who gifted the Norse God Odin with the wisdom of Rune lore in his time of greatest need- suspended from Yggdrasil by his ankle and rendered powerless and stuck. Perhaps we too, as a nation have reached a point in our development in which our old definitions, systems, and ideals have reached their natural conclusions. The firm ground we once stood on has been shaken by changing times and we may feel we no longer have a leg to stand on. In Odin’s case, liberation from bondage was found in exchange for one physical eye- the price he paid to Raven for the gift of the runes- the exchange then of sight for insight, physical vision for spiritual wisdom. Perhaps it is time we reflect on the strong currents of change revealing themselves all around us, and what sacrifices we are ready to make in order to transcend our old expectations that have only brought us illusions and limitations. When we are ready to open our true eyes, Raven will be waiting. In the mean time I wonder in what ways I am being summoned to accept transformation? Perhaps the warnings from nature that our way of life must change can no longer be ignored without consequence. Raven reminds us that through encountering the dark we find light- be it health, vision, or enlightenment- that all things are held in balance and there are truly no easy gains. Just ask an Ant.

If we can open to Raven’s transformation through darkness we will find light. There are no quick solutions that will be lasting. By encountering sacrifices and accepting loss of what once provided security, we open ourselves up to potential for new growth and fulfillment. As if on cue- Raven is followed by a bringers of light- the Dragonfly. Dragonfly holds a special place in two realms- that of air and water- therefore Her message pertains to the collective conscious, attitudes and creativity of American people, as well as the emotional connection and heritage that bonds us together through our empathy for the common experiences we share. It is worth noting the synchronicity in the evident imbalance of these two qualities at present in the US- tornadoes and floods have ravaged numerous parts of the country. As we bring our collective minds and hearts into balance and open up to the gift of insight and healing provided by Dragonfly- perhaps a greater purpose in the disruption of these two elements will be revealed. We are reminded by Dragonfly that while illusion and distortion of reality can provide a fascinating escape it is not a frame of mind in which we want to get lost. Dragonfly nymphs linger on the water for two years as they develop into their mature form and are able to take flight- this suggests that the next two years will bring a transformation that can provide the catalyst for Americans to soar above their current limitations. This will require creative thinking and the willingness to look beyond immediate gratification. Dragonfly wields the power of light and thus brings both enlightenment and the ability to bend and shape our perceptions in order to reach greater wisdom. A collective commitment to greater consciousness is approaching and many Americans in their own and different ways are answering this call by questioning their values, challenging their assumptions and breaking out of their comfort zones in order to develop new philosophies of living, treating their fellow human beings and all creatures in nature with greater respect and viewing purpose and life from a different vantage point. While crises arise that may diminish the potential capacity for Americans to work collaboratively toward change and consideration for greater good, it is even within these crises- and sometimes because of them- that we are being shown a different way to live and relate to each other. Dragonfly is reminding us of our own inner light and the potential to carry this light to others- but also warns of the distorting quality of illusions which may distract us along the way. Economic and environmental, political and social tensions are causing more of us to see the truth lingering behind our illusions. We are being reminded that a greater purpose exists beyond just treading water- and we must find ways to transcend into higher ideals to find enlightenment.

Happy Birthday America, and may the gifts of these three animals help us in our collective transformations for the good of humanity, the Earth and all Her life forms. May we find meaningful ways to exercise patience, diligence and teamwork, may we come together in times of transition and crisis and be open to the guidance toward our highest potential, and may we find the strength to see truth shine through illusions and distractions.

Remember, no matter where you are reading this, in accordance with NYS law all readings are intended for entertainment only.

Interested in being the Querent in next month’s column? Contact Angela at Trionfi78@gmail.com.

About Angela Kaufman:
Angela Kaufman has been exploring divination through Tarot cards for over a decade. She is a Certified Professional Tarot Reader and formed Moonlight Tarot in 2009 which would become Moonlight Tarot LLC in 2010. Angela uses the Tarot to assist clients in exploring personal growth and development, and in accordance with New York State Law offers readings for entertainment purposes. Angela began providing readings on a professional, “Moonlighting” basis in order to provide affordable readings to those seeking guidance, inspiration and fun. Angela is also co-author of the new book “Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions.” And the newly released “Sacred Objects, Sacred Space, Everyday Tools for the Modern Day Witch” (Schiffer Publishing, 2011). In 2006 she joined ISIS Paranormal Investigations and has accompanied the team on numerous investigations in private residences and businesses throughout the capital region, Adirondacks, Vermont and Massachusetts.

This month’s reading was conducted using the Medicine Cards; Discovery of Power through the Ways of Animals deck. Published by St. Martin’s Press, 1988-2012 David Carson and NATT- LLC. For more information please visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Medicine-Cards-The-Discovery-of-Power-Through-the-Ways-of-Animals/204093846385348 or http://www.medicinecards.com/

By Angela Kaufman, Moonlight Tarot LLC

May has arrived and so has spring in upstate NY! This month’s querent is a woman we will call “Tara”. She is awakening to signs of a quest are blooming all around her. Tara has been struggling to find a way to express her creativity through work. A very spiritual person by nature, Tara has been receptive to signs all around her that are urging her to pursue a personal quest. She has asked for help identifying the nature of her quest and preparing for this life transition.

The first card selected is the only Major Arcana chosen in her reading. It is the World card and is the final card in the tarot deck. The World is significant and indicates Tara is in a pivotal phase between accomplishment and new beginning. Tara may be experiencing internal restlessness knowing life has brought her opportunities to excel and advance, but that she has taken her past experiences to their maximal conclusion and a major change is just on the horizon. Like a college senior in their final semester, Tara is on a quest to gain the tools and knowledge she needs to advance herself and will then be called upon to launch her new identity and develop her new lifestyle. She will have to make some sacrifices for this quest. It seems that were things to stay as they are, Tara would be recognized as competent, capable….but stuck. It is going to become more and more evident to her that she has outgrown her surroundings and even some aspects of her identity.

In particular, there are four qualities; the four elements, four talents, or four interests, that Tara has developed mastery over and now needs to harness, balance and combine to launch her new lifestyle. Her quest involves honing in knowledge and interests already developed, but further refining, polishing and presenting them to others. Likewise, her passion and motivation has carried her far but at this stage the quest is asking her to channel this motivation to back up the message and knowledge she carries. Her emotional and nurturing side will help her cultivate relationships in this new aspect of her life and it will be important for her to moderate intensity of her desire with the finesse to draw the influence of others who will help her start this new phase of her journey. Finally, the fourth quality, the stable, grounded and structured framework which Tara must remain connected to in order to see her new lifestyle blossom. It seems balance and coordination are indicated. Tara is being asked to expand her horizons and will have to modify her expectations, continually rebalancing these four qualities along the way to show her best capabilities and develop her fullest potential. The quest will have come to full fruition within three years. The first phase is the gathering of awareness and information, the second is collaboration with others and this phase may require some compromise and sacrifice of personal vision to embrace the power of opposites, the third phase will require movement, action and expression of her creativity through the mundane world. The final phase will involve transcendence, movement above and beyond what she had initially expected.

She is also facing a significant ending, as all major beginnings must first see the clearing away of previous structures and framework. There may be aspects of the quest that will show Tara what potential lies before her so that she will not need to give such power to elements of her current routines that bring security and stability. She awaits opportunities for expansion and growth on a significant spiritual level although this will be enacted through her work in the mundane especially in nurturing four paths or four talents. It seems the time has come for Tara to embrace expansion by harnessing four talents or four influences in order to promote abundance in her new path.

The next card is the Ten of Swords. This is drawn to indicate a helping or guiding force and this card shares the significance of ending, culminating events or finality indicated by the World. The variation here is that mundane situations and people on the physical plane are represented and the indication is finality, but also rest, compromise, and a necessary albeit difficult termination. Tara has faced a long journey recently but her many hardships are also guiding forces in disguise. Amidst her trials she has found connections that have helped to motivate and prepare her. She will soon face a pivotal turning point. It will arise out of an ending or completion which feels exhausting and may even feel like a failure or defeat. Tara would do well to refrain from thinking in terms of loss and defeat. She has not lost, she has simply discovered that many of her previous pursuits brought more challenge than reward and she will be given the opportunity to put to rest a burden that she has long carried. Closure is needed in order for her new beginnings to emerge but this means laying down the burden of strife, and resolving acceptance of where she stands and what she has accomplished and gained in the process.

From this point she will be helped by an honest and open confrontation of her inner demons. An appraisal of her strengths, weaknesses and motivations will be necessary. This quest may also present more guidance and help from subtle, unseen or receptive sources than projective, active, tangible ones. By remaining open to the synchronistic opportunities even if they do not fit her plans at first, Tara will be guided and helped along her path. Those of a fiery temperament or active, inspirational, passionate nature will also be likely allies. There may be one particular friend or acquaintance who stands out as a significant assistant helping Tara to unburden her spiritual and physical load. The number ten will also be important. Ten months may be required for this path to unfold or the numbers ten or one surfacing along the way should be considered significant. The culmination of past actions will bring closure rather than bearing desired fruit, yet this closure is what will allow transcendence, moving forward having learned lessons stemming from long past. A release will be found in this quest, relief of a burden, happiness that a difficult trial has resolved. Helpful forces exist along the way but the overall theme is lessons through recognizing the role of choice, action and will in both creating and overcoming hardship and difficulties. Lessons from the past pave the way for the future. The spirit needs to be recharged and refreshed in order to pursue the future free of past burdens. It is advised that Tara attempt to use the imagery of fire to cleanse and clear past negativity, preconceived notions, and residue both from spiritual, personal and mental space. Tara would do well to close the door on the difficult path of swords by allowing herself to shed the skin of the fiery suit, allow the closure of the ten of Swords to return her to the vigor and energy of the Ace of Swords, the essence of motivation and action, that her spirit will be rejuvenated and move to the next phase in progression, the physical, earthy manifestation of Pentacles.

Finally, in looking for the source of challenge along the quest, the Six of Swords is drawn. It seems a resolution to a long standing issue is on the horizon, a journey now represented in somewhat physical forms- travel, change of scenery, movement and setting sights on new horizons all in the effort to start over renewed. It seems Tara will be accompanied by loved ones or at least will journey with their support. It seems that a change of scenery across or alongside water brings a brighter future, a positive resolution found by change of scenery and atmosphere. Tara may feel as if she is shortchanged or compromising, but it seems this is a necessary step in releasing her from the tension of the path she has been on. There may be some difficulty involved in travel or fear of unknown or unfamiliar surroundings that at first prohibits Tara from accepting this change. The Six brings resolution, relief and reconciliation. A reconnection to her personal past may be indicated here as well, even a compromise that allows her to heal connections to past friends or family so that she can continue into her future with full healing and reconciling of differences. Taken in total, it seems Tara’s quest is here to bring resolution and closure and so a natural grieving process may be taking place as Tara moves farther away from her past measures of security and identity, allowing the foundation she has laid and lessons she has learned to help her accept a change of scenery involving some compromise in plans or expectations but overall accomplishment and momentum forward where she has recently been stuck in transition finalizing one phase and awaiting another.

Best of luck to Tara on her quest. Remember, no matter where you are reading this, in accordance with NYS law all readings are intended for entertainment only.

Interested in being the Querent in next month’s column? Contact Angela at Trionfi78@gmail.com.

About Angela Kaufman:
Angela Kaufman has been exploring divination through Tarot cards for over a decade. She is a Certified Professional Tarot Reader and formed Moonlight Tarot in 2009 which would become Moonlight Tarot LLC in 2010. Angela uses the Tarot to assist clients in exploring personal growth and development, and in accordance with New York State Law offers readings for entertainment purposes. Angela began providing readings on a professional, “Moonlighting” basis in order to provide affordable readings to those seeking guidance, inspiration and fun. Angela is also co-author of the new book “Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions.” (Schiffer Publishing, 2011). In 2006 she joined ISIS Paranormal Investigations and has accompanied the team on numerous investigations in private residences and businesses throughout the capital region, Adirondacks, Vermont and Massachusetts.