I thought I would share a bit
about my oracle rituals. They are practices of self-inquiry and contemplation and a way I let symbolism and synchronicity inform me. Not as determinism but as a way of dancing in the mystery of living.
Is oracle work the only way I do this? No. Is it something I think everyone needs to do? No. Is it a way to open to intuition and hone self-trust? Yes. One way among many, and I do recommend
everyone have at least one. A way to quiet the outer noise of the world so the true voice of the soul can be heard.
I'd love to hear the way(s) you find the deep wisdom of your soul.
1. Each year I
draw a Major Arcana card from the Tarot. Kind of like how many people choose a word of the year. It is a touchstone, a way to integrate an aspect of self and living consciously into my life. This year it is The Devil.
Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi, art by Kwan Shina
I know, I know! It is one of those cards that people fear, one of the "bad" or "negative" cards. Some might even say "evil". But there are no bad or negative cards, certainly no evil ones, just aspects of
life that need to be understood. Each of the cards, even the uncomfortable ones, holds powerful gifts and The Devil holds many!
The Devil teaches us about our Shadow, our disruptive habits and addictions, the ways we hold restriction and freedom. It invites us look at the ways we imprison ourselves and how we throw off the shackles that bind us. Also, The Devil tells us to not take life so
seriously, to lighten up and laugh at ourselves and the world. The Devil lets us know when we are in deep our own sh*t and need to deal with it, and when to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
The Devil signals for me that this year is a good time for intentional Shadow work. A time for integrating the gifts trapped there and becoming more whole. It is about liberation. In fact one of my
favorite phases for The Devil is "Shadow God of Liberation" from the Animal Wisdom Tarot.
Animal Wisdom Tarot by
Dawn Brunke, art by Ola Liola
2. Each month I draw another Major Arcana as a theme for that month. Again, this is a touchstone, a way to witness and explore how a particular archetype is moving though my life and how it supports the work of my yearly Arcana. This month it is The
Heirophant.
Universal Waite by US Games, drawings by Pamela Colman Smith re-colored by Mary
Hanson-Roberts
The Heirophant represents spiritual wisdom, especially within religious structure, dogma, institutions, tradition, hierarchy, teaching, conformity. The Hierophant invites us to question of how our institutions of learning, religion, and tradition are serving or not. Questions of dogma vs faith, accepting or questioning
authority, following or breaking with traditions, these are all in the realm of The Hierophant.
What do I want to learn and what kind of teaching will support me? What beliefs and traditions am I tied to and do they support or restrict me? Is that advanced degree I covet really needed? Do I need more letters after my name for validation or something
else? What traditions (and rituals) am I bringing my devotion to? With The Devil as my year guide I am especially looking at where these things bind or liberate me.
3.
Each week I do a little 3 card pull asking: What do I need to know? What do I need to
integrate? What will support me?
The cards that step forward are my journal prompts for the week, a jumping off place to ramble and explore. I helps me to have something to write from rather than doing pure stream of consciousness style morning pages.
I may or may not pull a daily card but usually there is plenty to explore
for the week.
Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans, 0 by Kim Krans, Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke, art by Ola
Liola
What do I need to know? Daughter of Cups from the Wild Unknown Tarot invites me to lean into my creative, emotional nature and stay grounded in real time and circumstances. How am I doing this and what am I noticing?
What do I need to integrate?
XXXVI The Forest from Wild Unknown Archetypes
is about getting lost to be found. How can I relax into my feelings of being lost and confused and let my way reveal itself?
It reminds me of the poem "Lost" by David Wagoner:
Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you Are not lost. Wherever you are is called
Here, And you must treat it as a powerful stranger, Must ask permission to know it and be known. The forest breathes. Listen. It answers, I have made this place around you. If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here. No two trees are the same to Raven. No two branches are the same to Wren. If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you, You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows Where you are. You must let it find you.
This is nice thing to integrate, yes?
What will support me?
Hippo, Ten of Shells from the Animal Wisdom Tarot points me to find support in community, friends, and family. Also, to welcome the deep truths, talents, and forgotten aspects of myself. By doing so all is well, even if it doesn’t seem so. It offers the message that where acceptance lives home if found.
4. These practices, these rituals, keep me grounded and attentive to my life. If this all seems like a lot, it really isn't. It takes as much or little time as I want to devote to it. It gives me a place to respond and process the currents and events in my life. Over time I see themes and cycles at play.
Oracle work may not be your thing and that is all good. But, what rituals and practices help you hold space for the unfolding patterns of your life? What ever they are they are important and sacred self-care.
If you are interesting in exploring oracle work for yourself or what kinds of practices and rituals can support you, see below. I have a
couple of things that may interest you.
5.
A blessing for your week:
(Wild Unknown Archetypes by Kim Krans)
May you hold your life as your the most sacred temple.
Until next time, Sandi
If oracle work or supportive personal ritual is calling I have a couple of things to offer.
Join me on Patreon. The Liminal tier offers New Moon and Full Moon oracle messages in addition to other writing and sharing.
The Let's
Talk tier is a monthly 45 minute personal reading where we explore your oracle messages or personal ritual together. We can talk or coach without oracles if you prefer too, again with additional writings and sharing. (Also, this is the most affordable way to work personally with me).
Lumina Guidance is where we come together in deep conversation, with or with out oracles,
to explore what is bubbling in your life. This is a great place to explore what kinds of practices and rituals your soul is asking for.
