 The question of what astrology actually is can very very simple or very complex, depending on how you choose to look at it! First, let me tell you what the dictionary definition of astrology is from a Google search: The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. I think this is a good basic definition. We, as astrologers, look to the sky to see what influences we are under. Celestial bodies can include the sun and the moon, the planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, fixed stars and more. We look at these objects in the sky and we interpret them to bring meaning to our personal lives as well as to the larger world around us. We construct a two dimensional chart in order to read the signs at any given moment in any given place.   But what does it all mean? There is an ancient saying “As above so below”. This comes from the Emerald Tablet whose source is unknown although the oldest written record is from an Arabic book that is from somewhere between the 6th and the 8th century. Reputedly the original source is much older but we have no modern proof of that claim. Still this idea that what happens above is mirrored below is one basis on which the study of astrology rests. There is a natural correspondence to the natural world above and where we exist here on earth. This correspondence can be seen in many types of omens. Here we use astrology as our omen to glean greater insight into the world in which we live. If you believe that the world inherently reflects a deeper meaning then astrology is an excellent tool for studying the trends, cycles and patterns. This can be done on an individual level to a global level and on any level in between. By learning more about ourselves and the world in which we live we can identify the natural reverence contained not only in the world around us but within ourselves. We see that the patterns are all around us and that we can harness these energies to promote our own personal growth. For example … if we plant seeds in the spring we are more likely see see a harvest then if we plant seeds in autumn. The patterns are there and we can use them or fight against them or be completely oblivious of the influences we are living with in our lives.  How do we use astrology wisely? For me astrology is the ultimate healing tool. It helps bring out the things in our life that are not working and it advises how to handle change in a way that is healthy and considerate of ourselves and our personal needs. I view our journey here as a journey to recognize and embrace wholeness and I have found that astrology can be incredibly helpful in showing us the way. Astrology is like a flashlight pointing toward our path but it is still up to us to walk the path and if instead we stumble off into the darkness that is on us, too. Astrology doesn’t guarantee that we make wise choices, it simply aids in directing us if we so choose to embrace the advice it gives. So once again ... What is astrology? Astrology is not fate. This is a debatable topic and there are many who disagree with me but I believe we have free will and astrology can aid us in harnessing our own power rather than giving our power away to the fate of the universe. Astrology is not perfect. There is no perfect chart. Sometimes people can focus on the difficulties in a chart and become overwhelmed but these difficulties are really just opportunities. Embracing the challenge, so to speak, is one way to use astrology in your favor. Fighting against it won’t work. Ignoring it won’t work. Sometimes we come to understand the influences i our lives only through trial and error. But if we consciously work toward understanding then we are at an advantage because we act with intention and intention has power. Astrology is. You cannot learn everything about astrology. It is an ancient practice and is still evolving today. Each person is different. Each situation is unique. It is an area of study that can take a lifetime and even then there will be more areas to investigate either through research or study or practice or all three. I am not here to convince anyone about the validity astrology. I know it works for me and my clients agree. If you wonder about it and wish to learn more I would love to have a conversation. If you aren’t interested in astrology you probably aren’t reading this article anyway but if you are I am open to conversation with you as well. I do not think that everyone needs to use astrology to make their lives more understandable and more meaningful but I do believe that if people are questioning, if they are searching for answers, then astrology is one of many tools that can help. 
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Both beginners and experienced tarot card readers ask the questions: How do I choose the right deck for me? This post is purely my personal opinion but I also think it is good advice!  How do I choose a deck? The number one rule for choosing a tarot deck is to choose something that resonates with you! You are the person who will be using the deck. You are the person with cultivates a personal relationship with the symbolism contained within the deck. If the deck does not “speak” to you then you will never really use it or if you do use it you will not feel satisfied with the result. Using your own personal intuition and taste in choosing a deck is the most important thing. How do I become a good reader? There are qualities to a deck that make for better intuitive reading. I prefer decks that are highly symbolic. While all decks have a corresponding booklet I honestly believe that a good deck with rich symbolism allows any reader to use it intuitively without having to constantly check the book. Intuitive tarot reading takes practice but it also takes a deck that speaks to the reader without needing to use an outside reference. If you are interested in being an intuitive reader then choosing a highly symbolic deck is incredibly helpful. Do I need a Rider-Waite-Smith Deck? I say only if it speaks to you. The majority of decks are Rider-Waite-Smith derivatives and many books on tarot use the Rider-Waite deck as the example card. If you really get into tarot you are bound to learn a lot about the Rider-Waite deck even if you do not have one. Rider-Waite is great for learning history and the commonly accepted interpretations but as readers we tend to create more personalized meanings of the cards over time depending on how they speak to us. I do think a Rider-Waite-Smith derivative deck is helpful but not necessary. Can I buy my own deck or must someone gift a deck to me? I heard this rumor before I even got my first deck long ago when I was a teenager. I admit it filled me with a little trepidation but I went ahead and purchased a deck for myself and I must say I am glad I did! Buy the deck that speaks to you. You do not need to be gifted with a tarot deck for it to work for you. Over the years I have bought many decks and have been gifted several as well. I am delighted to say that the first deck I ever purchased is still my favorite deck and the one I use by far the most often. Do I have to bless my deck? Personally I think the act of shuffling your cards clears their energy and blesses them. For this reason I prefer decks that are small enough to shuffle. Some decks are too big or unwieldy to shuffle and these can be blessed or cleared with intention. I also like to do a small ritual when I get a new tarot deck in order to help attune it to me but this isn’t really needed, it is just a personal preference. I like to say a silent prayer when beginning a reading in order to attune myself to the situation and ask for guidance from my guides and to me this is a regular way to bless your deck. Do what works for you. That is the most important thing. I am including some photos of different decks of mine. My favorite by far is the Robin Wood Tarot. I just love this deck. The symbolism is clear and there are layers upon layers of depth in these cards. I also appreciate that the symbolism is purposefully pagan as opposed to Christian or from other traditions. The pictures are vibrant which I appreciate; lot of tarot decks are darker than my personal preference. The Robin Wood Tarot:  The Voyager Tarot is my second favorite deck. It is not a Rider-Waite-Smith derivative deck but is still highly symbolic. It is designed to draw from the collective unconscious and trigger intuition. The Voyager Tarot:  The Harmonious Tarot is a beautiful deck that was gifted to me many years ago. I love the artwork. I have done many readings with this deck but I find it is much harder for me to work with that the first two decks I mentioned. The soft, pastel colors are soothing and I am forced to really think about what everything means instead of allowing myself to read intuitively. There is rich symbolism in this deck but it does not jump out of the card at me, I need to reach for it. Clearly I prefer the vibrant colors to the lighter colors of this deck. The Harmonious Tarot:  The Fantastical Tarot is a bit darker and while still rich has not been a go to tarot deck for me. It is gorgeous, the pictures are beautiful, but I prefer not to use it is readings. The Fantastical Tarot:  The final deck is a small press beginner’s tarot I picked up on a trip. I like that it has keywords and is a basic Rider-Waite-Smith derivative deck. Honestly I cannot recall the name of this deck but the publisher is Tarotannia. Small press beginner’s tarot from Tarotannia:  I hope you enjoyed this post and appreciate the variety of tarot decks out there! Finding the right deck for you is simply a matter of deciding what you like! I would love to hear and see what some of your favorite decks are!
 There are lots of ways to utilize the energy of a full moon. The Full Moon in Scorpio perfects May 10 in the early morning here in Montana. This lunar cycle I am making essential oil blends! I prepared these blends under the influence of the full moon in Scorpio which perfects in about 15 hours from the time I started this project. I will prepare them today and them charge them overnight under the full moon. Blend for Business Success Lemon as carrier oil Rosemary 5 drops Frankincense 10 drops Sage 5 drops, Green aventurine Garnet Labradorite Clear quartz I am self-employed as a reader. I use tarot cards, astrology, Reiki, crystals, dream interpretation and more in my practice. I decided to make a synergistic blend for the aromatherapy diffuser in my office. This way I do not have to pick out oils daily and instead can use a blend dedicated to my practice. Lemon for clarity, concentration and joy Rosemary to strengthen, restore, uplift and aid concentration Frankincense for meditation, spirituality, wisdom and protection Sage for cleansing and protection I am adding some crystals to the blend further enhance the properties of this oil Green aventurine star to do my work from the heart while offering protection against being drained by this work Garnet for success and protection Labradorite for protection and for promoting magical skills in the work I do Clear quartz for power and healing “I charge this blend to encourage success in business. My work is thoughtful, heartfelt, healing and powerful. My income from this work continues to grow in both expected and unexpected ways. So be it and so it is.” Beauty Oil Blend Carrier Oils ⅓ each: Avocado Almond Rosehip Essential Oils: Lavender 15 drops Chamomile 5 drops Geranium 10 drops Stones: Rose quartz heart Included clear quartz Freshwater pearl I don’t use moisturizer from the store and instead I make my own blends. When I get lazy I use straight almond oil or rosehip oil but my preference is to create a blend like this one! I have not used avocado oil before in this way but am excited to try it out! Avocado oil for hydration and healing inflammation Almond oil for clear, soft skin Rosehip oil to ward off signs of aging such as fine lines Lavender oil for rejuvenation and calm Chamomile Roman oil for inner peace and serenity Geranium oil for balance, assurance and shielding Rose quartz for peace, love and tranquility Freshwater Pearl for healing, beauty and grace Clear included quartz for power, clarity and healing “I charge this blend to bring out my inner beauty. My skin is healthy and vibrant and my face radiates calm and joy. My beauty is both timeless and unique. So be it and so it is.” Personal Blend of Positivity and Grace Almond carrier oil Rose absolute oil 15 drops Sandalwood oil 15 drops Orange oil 15 drops Rose quartz heart Labradorite Freshwater pearl I have used this personal blend for several years. It started out as just rose oil but over time it grew into this blend. I use it for confidence and for a signature scent. I also use it when I am feeling down to boost my spirits. Almond oil for cleansing and clarity Rose absolute for femininity, grace, poise and beauty Sandalwood for grounding, focus and balance Orange oil for uplifting, positive energy and pure joy Rose quartz heart for love, peace and joy Labradorite for protection and auric shielding Freshwater pearl for positive energy, healing and protection “I instill this blend with positive energy and grace. Power, confidence and ease are all mine. Inner peace, serenity and deep calm are all mine. I am and ever shall be a beautiful woman of courage, power and depth. So be it and so it is.” Beard Oil - For my husband Almond oil carrier oil Sandalwood 15 drops Bergamot 10 drops Black pepper 5 drops A while back my husband grew a beard and then ending up wanting some beard oil. I looked for some as a holiday gift for him but they were all ridiculously expensive and I also found some recipes for making your own beard oil and so I gave it a try. He just asked me to make more so I think he must like it! I am making a different blend this time but the bottle I am using still has like a teaspoon or two of the old blend in there. I am just adding this on top. The last blend had a little pine and juniper so was more woodsy smelling. This one smells mostly of sandalwood with hints of citrus and pepper. Hoping my husband likes it! Almond oil for moisturizing both face and beard hair Sandalwood for balance, trust and sensitivity Bergamot for confidence, strength and good cheer Black pepper for stamina, motivation and comfort “I ask this blend to bless my husband to to serve his needs. Offer protection to my loved one and allow his days to be easy and filled with love. So be it and so it is.”   I am writing a series of articles on tarot cards. I have been reading tarot cards for over 25 years and believe that everyone who is interested in tarot can learn how to read tarot cards as well. This is the first article in the series. Let me know what you think!
There is a lot to be said for the history of tarot but it really boils down to is that is has been around for hundreds of years and no one really knows a lot about the origins of tarot. Over the years a lot of misinformation about the origins of tarot has been promoted but it is now generally accepted that tarot originated in Italy in the 15th century and has been used as a form of divination since the 18th century. In my mind history isn’t as important as the fact that I use it and it works! Tarot is often used for divination. Personally I like to think of it as a method of thoughtful healing. We consult the tarot to get a clear idea of the forces surrounding us as well as the situation in which we find ourselves. As we investigate these cards we can determine what is the right path for us. Do we like how things are going and do we wish to cultivate more of this energy? Or do you desperately want to find a way out of the current situation? Maybe you are somewhere in between. The tarot can advise on the situation, how it came about this way, and what, if anything, can be done about it all. Tarot decks have two basic components: Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana are numbered from 0 The Fool through 21 The World with a total of 22 Major Arcana Cards. The cards from 0 to 21 is often called “The Fool’s Journey” since we start with The Fool and progress through the Major Arcana numerically. More about the Major Arcana in future posts! The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits traditionally known as Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords. These suits each have cards Ace through 10 plus court cards usually King, Queen, Knight, and Page. Cups represent the water element which corresponds to our emotions and intuition. Wand represent the fire element which corresponds to our will and motivation. Pentacles represent the earth element which corresponds to the physical world including money and work. Swords represent the air element which corresponds to our thoughts, intellect and communication. I will be writing more about tarot in the future but this is a brief overview of the basics of tarot. I hope you enjoyed it! If there are certain things about the tarot you are wondering don’t be afraid to ask and I will cover those questions in future installments! Namaste! |
Nikki RichAstrologer, Reiki Master, tarot reader, and so much more! 
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