A Witch's Sacred Journey

As we approach the New Year of 2025, we are entering into a number “9” ( 2+0+2+5 = 9) year and the liminal space of stepping across the threshold of a new year and into the potential of the next. This is one of two spreads I created some time ago that every year I receive requests to post. So, here goes….

This tarot spread makes use of the principles of the Hermetic Tree of Life. However, you do not need to be versed in Qabalistic study to use this spread. Honoring the 12 month cycles of a year, the spread uses 12 cards in draw.

How To:
Set the mood and find a quiet space in which to lay out your spread. I like to light a white pillar candle, lay my cards out on a velvety purple or blue cloth and usually have a quartz, amethyst or celestite crystal on the cloth.

Take a moment to look around the sacred space you have created in offering to divining your year. Breathe into the beauty of what you have created. And, formulate the intention of what you wish to manifest this year.

Take your cards in hand and savor their feel, their weight and their gifts in providing clarity. Pour your energy and intention into the deck and then proceed in whatever manner you are accustomed in doing a reading.

The Layout:
Beginning with Card 1, lay each card in turn-Face Down-through Card 12. When they have all been readied, turn each over, one at a time, revealing the information acquired. Remember, there is no need to rush. Take time to savor and think on each of the cards.

When you have read through all of the cards, close your eyes for a few minutes, open and then look at the spread in its entirety. You will see many connective pieces and cards that are supportive of each other, regardless of their numerical order. Just left the information and connections you see flow.

Lastly, be sure to take a picture or journal the cards you’ve selected and their placement. You will want to return to this spread throughout the year. You may also relay the cards at any time during the year. My recommendation, however, would be to keep Cards 11 and 12 as the original selected and only redraw Cards 1-10. You will be surprised by the new connections made, and the stability of your Potential (Card 11) and your Accomplishments (Card 12).

Cards 1 – 10 provide the tools for a successful year and creating the foundations for what you desire to make manifest in your life this year. You could consider Cards 11 and 12 as the summary of your year’s gift of a harmonious expression of your endeavors throughout the year. I don’t use reversals, but by all means if you are used to reading in that way, please do so.

Card 1:           What are the gifts of my body?

Card 2:           What are my illusions?

Card 3:           What inspires me?

Card 4:           What do I desire?

Card 5:           What is my strength?

Card 6:           What must I cut away?

Card 7:           Where must I heal?

Card 8:           How will I claim the harmony I seek?

Card 9:           What will support greater harmony in my life?

Card 10:         What is the gift of my Higher Self?

Card 11:        What is my potential?

Card 12:        How will I sustain and continue to grow a harmonious way of being?

Blessings on this New Year. May you find the space of transformation and claim the mantle of your best and most inspired self .. Robin

December 21.2022

Today I am posting the videos of the Two-part story I wrote several years ago in honor of the Winter Solstice and the magick it holds. This story has traditionally been part of the 19-Days of Illuminated Darkness Solstice countdown and many of you asked if this would be posted again for this year.

So, settle in and cozy up as you let your imagination take hold. And, blessings for the strength and renewal called into being as the Sun’s light begins its journey towards full and illuminated expression….

In the Aura of the Full Moon in Taurus and Lunar Eclipse

November 8.2022 5:59am EST

The Blood Moon and the Ancestors of Samhain

I had promised this as a post our astrological 14-Days countdown and as is often the case in all matters magickal/spiritual, the timing could not have been more supportive of the work accomplished in those 14-days.

This November moon is often called the Blood Moon, and the lunar tides that emanate from its waxing carry a reminder of the waters of our blood…..  Read More….

Note: This is posted on The Temple of Cosmic Spheres Blog… Enjoy

Welcome Samhain! Welcome Me in All of My Parts!

November 7.2022 5:36am (EST)

Sun in Scorpio

Waxing Moon in Taurus

All Hail the Blessings of Samhain! 
All Hail My Transformation!

I have claimed all that I AM
I have woven a new journey of MY Re-Making

How I choose to move forward
How I choose to be in the world
How I choose to express my humanity
How I choose to create from the exhale of inspiration
How I choose to step into the mantle of my Higher nature

All of these and more are mine to bring into collaboration
With none being more than the other and none remaining stagnant

On this day of Samhain I reach into the Swirlings 
And celebration of my Life transformed.

Today we celebrate astrological Samhain and allow ourselves the opportunity to cycle back to the beginning of this journey 14-days ago and where we have arrive today.

Back to a little Numerology

We began in the aura of the number 5 and worked its magick of creation each step of the way…..

From Day One ……The date of the first day of the 14-days:

10.25.2022 reduces to: 8 + 6 = 14 = 1+ 4= 5

and.. The 14 days = 1 + 4 = 5

Five is also the number of the Pentagram and the five (5) traditional alchemical elements, specifically those that are in resonance with the building blocks of our mundane and magickal expressions of self (ves)…….

And, now we stand in the polarized glory of the number six “6”.  A double trinity of power and grace. The creation of five’s efforts that is aligned within its nature of reciprocity. I invite you to think of the double trinity in whatever way makes sense to you… Maiden-Mother-Crone-Youth-Father-Sage/Lower – Middle – Higher-Higher – Middle – Lower selves/Dark – Grey – Light – Light – Grey – Dark, etc….

Back to the Beginning

Our first day was also an invitation to hold these intentions as you moved through each of the 14-days’ work.

I see with clarity what requires my breath of resolve

I feel with awakened senses the healing of my fears

I resolve to act upon the truths revealed and embrace the challenges of that active Will

I embody the wisdom that is being gifted to me and allow it to find its space of resonance

My spirit awakens to the gift of my Higher SELF in collaboration with my continued growth…

BY THE POWER OF FIVE I CLAIM THESE CHALLENGES AS MY FERTILE GROUND IN PREPARATION FOR CHANGE

How has this gone for you?

Change is never a comfortable prospect. And, allowing yourself to experience all of your being, good – bad and indifferent is an additional layer of discomfort. The truth however, is that discomfort is the birthing space of what can be transformative in all of your endeavors.

There is not really much more that I can say. Now the work is yours to continue if you choose. I invite you to celebrate all of the work you have embraced as points of deeper inspiration, action, heart, body and ultimately Spirit.

A Ritual of Re-dedication of s/SELF

I invite you to join me in a ritual of re-dedication of You and your greater work. This is a simple ritual that may (and should) be repeated with each rebirthing you experience as the ongoing work of your spiritual/magickal practice.

What you need:

1/Candle – any color or type that you feel a resonance with and lighter;

An object of your choosing that represents your spiritual/magickal path;

A cup/chalice of water (you will drink this)

A tabletop or altar to place your items;

A journal and writing tool;

Printed copy (or physical item) of a Pentagram

A quiet space where you will not be disturbed to perform this rite.

• Arrange your items on the surface of your working space.
• Begin by creating sacred space in whatever way aligns with your practice.
• Call any Deities, or others whom you wish to stand as witness to this rite. This may also include any beloved Ancestors-It is Samhain after all.
• Stand in front of your altar and speak your name aloud several times-always beginning with I AM. Allow the energetics of that speaking to settle in and surround you.
• Take up your candle and speak into it all that you are and how you would be known in all the parts of yourself. Allow each iteration to fill the energetics of the candle, flowing from your spoken word to it. Begin in this way…

• When complete and you feel the density of what you have placed into the candle, light it and place it centrally within (or on top) of the Pentagram.  Make this declaration…

This is the space of coalescing all that I perceive of myself in all of my parts

• Take up the glass/chalice of water and holding it speak into the waters all that you have become and will continue to birth in all of the parts of yourself. Allow each iteration to fill the energetics of the water, holding the memory and imprint of your intentions. Begin in this way….

I AM Divine and Manifest Mind… add to this how you will continue the work of claiming this in your manifest and spiritual forms

I AM Divine Will catalyzing a will of Manifest Action… add to this how you will continue the work of claiming this in your manifest and spiritual forms

I AM Divine Knowingness and Manifest Emotion… add to this how you will continue the work of claiming this in your manifest and spiritual forms

I AM the Manifest Form of My Divine Nature… add to this how you will continue the work of claiming this in your manifest and spiritual forms

• When complete and you feel the density of what you have placed into the water, slowly drink what you have enlivened.   Set the now empty glass down and make this declaration…

As these waters of intention flow I embrace them in all parts of myself.

• Pick up the object that you chose as representing your path of practice. Holding it, make this oath of declaration….

By my words of creation I fill this object with promise of stepping into my power of Highest purpose. I fill this object with the promise of the work I will continue of self awareness in all of my parts. I fill this object with my oath to myself to walk my path with integrity and right action and with this oath I am renewed in the rebirthing of MYSELF.

SO MOTE IT BE….

Take some time before you dismiss and ground your sacred space to journal whatever arises for you and to fully absorb the new energetic signature of your making.

Blessed Be and Happy Samhain!

Tomorrow: A Final Post-Samhain Writing

In the Aura of the Full Moon in Taurus and Lunar Eclipse

All Paths Have Led Back to Me

November 6.2022

We have arrived at the eve before Astrological Samhain. And, what a fews days this will be standing in the potency of Samhain’s arrival and on the day of its after-glow, a Full Moon and lunar Eclipse on Election Day! And, as we ride the cresting of this Sabbat’s energies, take note that the days following Samhain are those that will carry you through the darkening and time of deeper introspection culminating with the Winter Solstice.

These are the days of revelation and diving deeply into the veils of mystery and if there is courage enough, choosing a less trod path awakening a sense of curiosity and desire for what “could be”.  There is no right or wrong in the path of your choosing because ultimately all paths lead back to you, in all of your ways of Being as subtle and manifest eternally wearing the mantle of deep transformation.

You may feel that this is a “new” process, and indeed it is to some degree, as we are always evolving and changing, even in the moment. But, it is also the work that has been percolating at times overtly and boiling over needing attention and at other times a slow rising simmer, extracting the most flavor before coming to its fullness.

We have talked a lot during these Samhain workings about calling to the points of s/SELF and in those pathways there is always more than one path of choosing. We have called to our Highest space of Spirit to guide our journey, always mindful that the choice of which aspect of our nature we cultivate leads to yet another path to be explored and claimed as our own.

I offer these intentions to reflect on today:

Where will I allow myself to be called as Inspired Mind presents the memory of all potential within this path?

What will I allow within myself to arise as the deep waters of my intuitive and emotional being become the floodgates to be opened in healing?

What fires will become my catalyst towards transformation as I walk the path of challenge, action and desire?

How will I continue to honor and serve the gifts of my manifest form and remain balanced in the Spirit from which it has emanated?

In the moment of choice that I stand at the center of my paths of choosing, how will I step into the power and grace of a Spirit that truly engages every aspect of its corporeal form?

I invite you to spend some contemplative time placing your awareness in the center of the image for today’s post. Envision what each of these paths offer for you in synthesis. Allow your consciousness to expand in spaciousness and envision where these paths may have origin. Hold the intentions of reciprocity in receipt and offering that will become the foundations of who you have Become on this Samhain’s journey.

Tomorrow’s Post: Welcome Samhain! Welcome Me in All of My Parts!

The Lantern of Truth
Tarot Spread

Throughout these posts I have encouraged you to dig deeper into yourself so that you may better engage with your Ancestors, the energy surrounding as the veils have thinned and the anticipation of what will be revealed in the month’s ahead.

The Lantern of Truth Tarot spread was originally published in alignment with the coming of the Winter Solstice. I have decided to post it now, since we could all use a little direction and guidance as we embark on the journey of moving inward. There is an accompanying video that may be used if you want a “walk through”.

This may not feel very Samhain-like to some, but seeing a larger and different perspective by the work of introspection allows for continued growth. What you choose to accept of the tried and true ways of celebration and honoring, I believe, serve as the foundation of what will evolve and change as you evolve and change on your spiritual path. And, what better time than under the spell of Samhain’s depths to reach into the new and unique?

Transcript and Links

This page is the transcript of a VIDEO showing the Lantern of Truth Tarot Spread

A Little Numerology:

The Hermit- Key IX

Nine (9) is the number of endings and beginnings and initiatory experience. This is the final single digit number that relates to the individual and unique “you”. Wherever nine occurs there is opportunity for growth; but, only if you willingly leave behind what serves no purpose towards your future growth.

The Star of the Lantern-VI

Six (6) is the harmonious elevation of three expressions of being. Two co-create and the resultant product is a third. This triune nature is one of pure creation and amplified x’s 2 gives the energy of polarity. This is the blueprint for creation that is diverse and can serve as a summation of all of its parts. In the model of the 6-pointed star there is an image of 2/triangles (3 parts), one point upwards in reception to the Divine and one pointing downward; acknowledgement that Spirit  has descent into the Manifest.

Seven Card Spread

The number Seven (7) is the outcome of the harmonious six of Descent into Matter. Seven offers the paths of exploration that will  provide deeper knowledge and greater learning from what has been grown. These seven cards offer the key to knowing more of yourself.

The Hermit Key is placed in the center and is YOU!

How To:

• Use whatever deck you are comfortable with;
• Set out a beautiful solid color cloth to lay the spread on to;
• REMOVE the HERMIT-Key IX from the deck and place in the center;
• Be sure to shuffle the remaining cards very well;
                             …..Then…
• Take the deck in your hands and breathe and center yourself;
• Set the intention of seeking the wisdom of finding the truth of your gifts (refer back to the numerology above as the support for this);
• Set the intention of what is revealed to be used as the tools of birthing a light within that will herald the birthing of a new light at the Winter Solstice.

Card 1: Represents the strength of your Manifest form and its fullest potential.
QBL-Malkuth- The Foundation of Earth, the alchemical Elements and the Physical Form

Card 2: Represents how you will use that strength to create what you wish to out-picture. (The Darkness of Creation’s Womb)
QBL-Binah-The Understanding of the Creatrix and the Womb of First Beginnings

Card 3: Represents the action and energy needed to seed that creation. (Higher Will to Action)
QBL-Chokmah-The Wisdom of the Cosmos and the Seed that Emanates from the Limitless All

Card 4: Represents the image and plan for that creation. (Inspired Mind)
QBL- Hod-The Glory of Mind Inspired by Pure and Abstract Plan

Card 5: Represents where your passion can be stoked to refine what you have planned. (Inspired Heart)
QBL- Netzach-The Victory of Refinement and Balance through Mastery of the Intelligent Heart

Card 6: Represents the outcome and product of The Darkness of Creation’s Womb with your Higher Will to Action and the Manifest form guided by Inspired Mind and Heart.
QBL- Kether-The Crown of Creation and the Divine Shining in Brilliance and Awareness of SELF

Link to the Video:

The Lantern of Truth Tarot Spread

Read more about the Qabalah..
Qabalah Bootcamp-Just the Basics
Qabalistic Journeys