July Collective T a r o t Reading

W e l c o m e   back! 

Firstly, I want to extend a big huge ball of gratitude out to my community and support system. Thank you all for the kindest words, well wishes, and overall sweetness associated with launching the first step of ToVA: Her website! 

Words can't express how good it feels to know she has an internet home, and a place where people can get to know her in all of her consciousness. 

There is so much good to come, and thank you again for allowing me to hold this space - the Curiosities & Apothecaries space. My open internet journal, and a place to further connect with you all via the interwebs. I look forward to the circle that will continue to gather here and all of the sweet beings I will get the opportunity to meet and know! 

Speaking of good to come, I am so excited to introduce the first of a monthly collective tarot series! While I am an absolute n00b (ugh - I miss the early 2000s internet lingo) when it comes to the Tarot, it is a form of divination that I do indulge in, or turn to when I'm needing guidance; whether that be from my guides, ancestors, or the Universe in general! 

This space is about building and centering community, and I felt that a monthly reading at the start of the month might be a beautiful way for us to not only connect over something familiar and similar, but to ponder together as well. That's the beautiful thing about Tarot, is that it is something that is intuitive and frankly, personal. While we may all start at the same base, we may receive varying messages and levels of guidance, and this is an open platform in which to share what you receive! 

The deck that we utilize may change from time to time, (and it is also possible that we may bring in runes in place of tarot at times!) but being as this is a space where we celebrate plant spirits, it felt only natural to start with The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin, which offers a typical card from the Smith-Waite format, as well as an associated herbal ally on each card. 

And, without further adieu, let's jump into the July reading! 

The  E i g h t  of  C u p s | The  G r a v e l  Root

For each monthly reading, to give respect where it is due to the makers behind the tarot deck with which we are working, I will initially provide the interpretation of the card as written by the makers. Following this, I will give my own intuitive interpretation and insight, and I so very much welcome you to share yours in the comments! I hope that this blog becomes so much more than a one-way communication platform, but becomes instead a place for deep discussion! 

What message does our collective ToVa Community need right now? 

Affirmation: "I acknowledge past emotions and make way for the new, rejuvenated self to be healed."

Eight of Cups: A person is embarking on a journey into the night. The moment has come when one realizes that further progress can take place only after the lessons have been carried deep into the mysterious night of the subconscious. Such moments can appear to be a retreat or escape, though on closer examination they are a way to coalesce one's powers.  The card is under the influence of the waxing moon signifying growth and expansion. Do not be afraid to leave old emotional baggage behind but realize the perfection in the lessons learned. New shores await you. 

​The Gravel Root: Gravel Root helps to loosen up solidified emotions and feelings and allows them to be free-flowing and fluid. A sense of relief will be felt as this beings to occur. 

S h a y l e ' s  Thoughts: 

The suit of cups has an affinity for the heart, and when we see cups in our tarot pull or spread, we are encouraged to lean into our emotions, intuition, and dreams. We are asked to allow our hearts to lead us, not getting caught up in the finest details. 

This is a beautiful first card for Curiosities and Apothecaries, and for ToVA's launch and continued budding. While there is a baseline vision for the journey in which both can walk down, they both are their own beings of consciousness and there is an abundance of possibility. 

And I feel that is what this card is speaking to us. 

Why do we as a collective, so often fear the unknown? Sometimes, it does not hurt to relish in the fact that we have no idea what could possibly lie ahead, and to have fun with that. What a blessing it can be to know that we could be surprised, in all the good ways and the bad, and know that we have beautiful lessons and opportunities to grow just waiting for us to discover. 

May we embrace the mystery that embodies traveling out into the night, versus choosing to start our journey in the comfort of the daylight. 

May we be fluid, like the water that supports our boat, nimble and adaptable, and flowing. 

Happy July sweet babes - thank you for being here. 

All my love,

Shayle