Witchy Wednesday No. 3

This week’s reading is from the Gothic Oracle deck and guidebook (written by Steven Bright and artwork by Anne Stokes). This deck has such a distinct personality and I have resonated deeply with the messages that have come through so far in my work with it.

This week I will also be incorporating a rune into the reading, to add another layer of depth. If you are unfamiliar with runes, they are symbols that were used as writing in antiquity and are today used as another divination tool. Stay tuned for an upcoming post about them!

Card #1

The first card in our reading today is Angel Rose-Perspective. The figure is pictured in a very muted outfit matching her wings that are spread protectively around her. You can see that she has tears streaming down her cheeks, is surrounded by falling leaves, and even her rose seems to be decaying, with one of its petals starting to fall.

We can see that this figure is quite focused on the dark, sad, and dying aspects of her current experience, but the guidebook invites us to turn our attention to the window behind her, where we can see a bright light. The book offers that “it is often easier to concentrate on what has departed or disintegrated, such as the dead leaves and the falling petals, rather than focus on those aspects of life that are rich and bursting with potential.”

If we are able to shift our attention from all of the negativity that is happening in our lives, what good might we find? We can learn from that which has happened, but staying in the past only leads to perpetuating despair, anxiety, and unhappiness. It seems vital to take stock of the not-so-amazing things that may be happening, accept them as they are, and then take an active step towards gratitude and to places where you can make changes for the better.

I feel called to share that while it is so important to be able to cry it out, it is equally important to dry your tears and move forward, to keep on living.

Card #2

The second card of our reading is Gothic Prayer-Hope. We see a woman with her eyes closed, tears (also) streaming down her face, as she seems to whisper her prayers. You may also notice that while one side of the tears on her face is matte, and dark, lends to the feeling of sadness or despair, the other side is bright and impassioned, as if even her tears are hopeful.

The guidebook explains that “to receive this message is to remember that there is light on the horizon, however dark and cloudy your personal landscape might feel at this time.” It is a powerful message to keep on going, to not give up. It goes on by saying that “you are being advised to not give up hoping that [your dreams] will eventually manifest.” If you are feeling lost or on unsteady ground, hold onto hope and sit resolutely in the wisdom that it will not be this way forever and that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Before you know it, you will find yourself emerging from that dark tunnel precisely where you hoped that you would be.

Card #3

The last card of our reading is Silver Back-Respect. We see a dragon with metallic scales meeting eye to eye with an angel with flowing hair and soft, billowy white wings. They are level with each other and are meeting each other in a safe and well-intentioned way.

The two beings have similarities as well as striking differences. They are both strong and independent and hovering in the air with ease, but clearly are different species, likely without the ability to communicate with each other readily. Despite their differences, they are sharing common ground.

While this card can offer several messages, I am called to ask you who in your life is not treating you with the respect that you deserve. We can see that despite differences, it is possible to have a relationship with someone (or something) even if our beliefs or preferences clash. It is vital that you treat yourself with the respect that you deserve in these situations and create distance or set boundaries (whether visible or invisible).

Rune

The rune that popped out for our reading today was Ehwaz (pronounced “A-was”). This rune was thought to depict two horses touching snouts. This rune can symbolize relationships, progression, and trust. The symbol mirrors the imagery of the Silver Back card where the dragon and the angel are leaning in close as they commune.

Reflection

This week’s reading is beckoning to you, asking that you not drown in your own sorrows. It takes strength and courage to look in the face of that which seems insurmountable and choose to see the sun shining through towards new possibilities. Looking through lenses of gratitude allows us to acknowledge the things that are going right. These could be things as simple as having the time and space to binge watch your favorite show, eating a yummy lunch, or even your cat (or dog!) greeting you when you get home from a long day. There is so much that we are blessed with by simply being alive and in tune in the present moment.

Furthermore, if there is a relationship or situation that is causing you to feel down, pissed off, or hurt, the reading calls you look at that head on and contemplate changes that you can make to either reorient and create a dynamic that is more positive and healthy or make space for yourself and create distance and safety. The rune and the third call both call to attention that it takes two to make a relationship work and that you should not be the only one putting in the work. So, be mindful who you allow close. Not everyone deserves to be graced with your beautiful and strong spirit.

-SunnyCelly