A Reading For You

by Annie Gebel

As we get into the deep winter, it can be easy to feel some kinda way about it, right? Some people love the snowy sports and/or the cozy winter nights in front of a fire. Others really struggle with less sun or feel tense physically with the cold chill in the air. And, of course, there are all the other feelings you could have too. So, what to do about it all? Here, in one or more of these three cards, there is a message for you about something to do with deep winter and your experience of it. Take in the cards, looking them over carefully to see what imagery draws you in, and read the descriptions for your message from The WildWood Tarot.

Ace of Stones The Foundation of Life

This card carries a few potent messages today. The first thing I notice when looking at it is the tangle of trees behind the standing stone, which must be massive if it’s been standing upright for long enough to gain all these carvings. And there don’t seem to be any other stones in the picture, just dirt and old, tortured trees. So, what does that say to me…for you? To me it tells a story of a backdrop of chaos, perhaps pain or trauma, and resiliency when all you wanted was peace. And, in the forefront, peace. A solitary rock coming up from deep in the earth. It’s been shaped by the winds that have turned and tangled the trees behind it, leaving it pointed and tall. I imagine it being just taller than a person, although it could be 20 feet, who am I to say? But I imagine that you can trace the markings easily, almost meditatively, whether sitting or standing in its presence. Perhaps you can lean against it, looking upon the forest of your past or on this side of it, gazing into what could be. Maybe it’s coolness startles you or maybe it helps you remember some important piece that you needed to recall that you hold the ideas that create YOUR foundation for life.

x b x

Another, less spiritual and more practically nudging message this card shares is that the foundation is essential and, yet, it is just the foundation. What does that mean? Well, we’ve all heard that for a building to stand well and tall for a long time, it needs a solid foundation. The same is true for any project or plan. It’s not super helpful to just start going at something when you’re not sure what you’re going at. The idea or concept is the spark that starts the wheels turning. The foundation is bringing that idea into reality - planning, details, brainstorming, fidgeting with facts and figures. That’s all part of your foundation. The things you put on paper, record with your voice app, or type into your notes app. Foundations. And, not all of them will become anything more. Some of them will. So, what are your foundations, your ideas you’re intrigued enough with to bring into reality? Can you spend some time with them and begin figuring out the wonderfully wild or highly practical ways (you pick!) they can be built into more?

Seven of Arrows Insecurity

Mmm…if you read the notes on the first card, or maybe you noticed this too, there’s another tangled, gnarly background to this card! And, while that’s something they share, the woman in the Seven of Arrows doesn’t feel at peace. She’s definitely at risk of being tripped up or caught in the thorny vines, not to mention the arrows that are piercing her. What’s that all about?!

Well, sometimes we get in our heads. Sometimes we listen to naysayers or even people who mean well (but should probably keep their opinions to themselves) and begin to wonder if we can do it, whatever it is. Do I know enough? Will I make enough? What if she doesn’t like me? I don’t want to let anyone down. I’m afraid I’ll fail. I probably won’t finish anyway.

Not with that attitude! Maybe you’ve heard that or felt any or all of these fears before. There’s some truth to having the right attitude being super-duper helpful in helping us keep going. If we listen to the niggling worries in our heads, we will probably fulfill them, intentionally or not, consciously or unwittingly. However, if we recognize them as the very arrows piercing us and the exact vines trying to trip us up…if we open our eyes to the situation and choose to step away from the brambles, well then we stand a chance.

No part of this is beating yourself up for the tangled hedge behind you, even if you made mistakes. Judging yourself isn’t part of what’s happening here. Forgiving yourself might be, but definitely treating yourself with compassion is. You do what’s best for you - then and now. And now, perhaps, that means looking your fear in the eye and telling it that it cannot control you. You are enough to take the next step (no matter how big or small). You are enough to let your insecurities fall to the ground and step over them in pursuit of your dreams, goals, and desires. You are enough.

Queen of Bows Hare

The Queen poses in front of this silhouetted castle, quite regal indeed. And as the Queen of the suit of fire, she absolutely encourages you to follow through with whatever sparks your passion or ambition. Yet she is also a kind, warm, and wise matriarch, willing to mentor and quick to remind you not to get burnt up in the flames!

Her message to you is to seek balance in your life. Think not only about how you can help others or how you can help yourself, but where can you do both? Think not only about being recognized for your passions but how can you use them creatively to spark the next fire for yourself or for someone else? Think not only about how to strengthen your resolve but also how to soften your drive or broaden your view or open your heart. There are so many ways to be in balance, or to be out of it. When you start to feel the flames flicking at you, look at where you can make subtle changes to keep the fire burning yet reasonably so. The goal is rarely an all-consuming blaze.

Hopefully you read a message here that you can take to heart. Remember to keep Home&Harvest nearby to pick up and look to the cards anytime you need a message that speaks to you. May the deep winter bring you deep understanding and preparation for what’s to come.