[Tarot] One-card draws and selling readings

[balsamandash]

I could use some extra money right now for various reasons I don't entirely have the brain to go into, so have a Tarot and Oracle post! For those of you who are new or have been linked here: I have 15 years of experience with the Tarot, and I read professionally both in person and over the internet.

Comment and receive a free one-card Tarot draw. I can choose the deck or you can; I can do general readings or a focus/question. You can choose any deck, but I'm going to be away from home for a few days, so if you want your reading before next weekend, stick to the ones that are *'d. I am happy to PM you if you'd like to receive your reading privately instead of publicly; let me know, because the default will be public.
If you signal-boost somewhere public and link me to it, you can either get a second Tarot card or an additional one-card Oracle draw for free. Let me know when you drop me the link which you'd prefer and also whether you have a different focus/question for the second card, and if Tarot, whether you'd like a different deck for each card (whether of your choice or mine).

Tarot Draconis*
Omegaland*
Welcome to Night Vale Tarot*
Robin Wood*
Spiral Tarot*
Linestrider Tarot
Ghost and Spirits
Halloween Tarot
Cat's Eye

Fallen Angel Oracle*
Halloween Oracle
Divine Circus

Then, if you'd like a longer reading, see below the cut for spreads on offer!

All spreads are $2/card for Tarot. Ones marked with an asterisk (*) are also $3/card for Oracle, because Oracle readings tend to take more out of me. As stated before, these are open to any deck, but if you don't choose one the starred ones, it will not get done until next weekend

Two-card draw:* The options are numerous, but some personal favorites are do/don't, pro/con, short term/long term, keep/let go, block/how to resolve it, and what you know/what's hidden from you.

Three-card draw*: The options are numerous, but some personal favorites are stop/start/continue, mind/body/spirit, past/present/future, pro/con/advice, positive/neutral/negative, what you can change/what you can't change/what you don't know, best case/worst case/most likely, drive/direction/destination, and where you are/where you want to be/how to get there.

Two Roads*: Spread of my own design to help you choose between two paths. Five cards: Starting point, option #1: action to take, option #1: outcome, option #2: action to take, option #2: outcome.

The Artists' Toolbox: Spread of my own design to help artists of all kinds get a handle on their strengths, habits, and what they should be trying to use more often. Five cards: the box (what you bring to your art that is fundamentally you), flashlight (your focus), batteries (your motivation), your most-used tool (what you are familiar and skilled with), and something new you should spend more time with.

Survival Spread: From the Omegaland Tarot, designed to help you figure out how to get through a difficult situation. This is one of my personal favorite spreads and I use it for a lot of problems, both internal and external. Six cards: location (your situation), food (how you sustain yourself), weapons (your mental state and strategy for getting through), fuel (what helps you adjust or move ahead), drink (your emotional state and how you feel about things), and stockpile (planning ahead or how to be more comfortable).

Six-Month Spread*: A look ahead at the next six months, one card per month.

Six Questions*: I originally designed this spread for writers and artists, but can also use it to take a look at a situation. Six cards: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Chakra Spread: A spread to look at the same seven basic parts of life and living healthy that the seven chakras correspond to. Seven cards: root (primal responses, physical survival, grounds), sacral (connection to others, healthy sexuality), solar plexus (personal power, self-worth and self-confidence), heart (compassion, love, peace), throat (expression, communication, creativity), brow (intuition, wisdom, psychic ability), and crown (spirituality, understanding, connection to divine).

Horseshoe: Classic tarot spread that helps to explore a situation. Seven cards: you, something from the past that influences the situation, other information important to the situation, a description of the present situation, the main problem or obstacle, the immediate future, and the probable outcome.

Celtic Cross: Classic ten-card spread; I'm going to link a rough summary of it for those unfamiliar. I have my own way of handling it but it's very much a standard form of the spread.

Twelve-Month Spread: A look ahead at the next twelve month, one card per month.

If you're interested but none of those seem fitting, I also am familiar with a number of other spreads, and willing to discuss other options, or personalize one for your situation; comment or contact me to discuss what would work for you.

If you want a longer reading, you can comment, shoot me a PM, or email me at darkofthestory@gmail.com -- I'd prefer to send paypal info privately, and generally prefer to share longer readings privately, so let me know if you prefer PM or email if you do comment.

Comments

[james]

I have signal boosted you here!

I will PM you with my draw request.

[balsamandash]

<3 You are awesome, thank you so much.

[calliopes_pen]

The signal boost can be found this way.

I would prefer just a general reading, please. I'll go with the Robin Wood Tarot. For the additional card, I'll select the additional one-card Oracle, from the Fallen Angel.

(I'm fine with it being public. Also, thank you!)

[balsamandash]

Thank you so much for the signal boost!

From Robin Wood, I drew for you The Lovers. This card in particular can stand for a wide range of things: it can be relationships with other people, whether romantic or not; but it also can your relationship with yourself, inner turmoil or conflict, or a period of choice.

From Fallen Angels Oracle: 43. Halphas. The keyword for this card is respite. It represents a time of peace, but not one that will last; it's a "calm before the storm" kind of peace. The hard times ahead are ones you can get through, but this card urges you to take the calm period and use it to prepare, fortify your defenses and shore up your strength.

Together, I'd say they reflect a time of internal work needed to be done: if there's something you're not at peace with yourself about, now's the time to try and make your peace, because you're going to need to be steady in the hard times ahead; and if there isn't inner turmoil to sort out, then it's a time to start bracing for what might be coming. Alternately, if the hard times are here already, this might represent the eye of the storm being on its way -- your troubles are unlikely to be over, but you're going to have a chance to calm down, take stock of yourself, and get ready for when things come crashing back in.

[teaotter]

Yay!

Survival Spread, Welcome to Night Vale deck.

Email me at teaotter at yahoo, and I'll do the Paypal thing.

[balsamandash]

Just commenting that I emailed for my own peace of mind when scrolling through comments. XD Also, thank you. <3

[teaotter]

Got your email and have sent Paypal. Thanks for checking!

[summerstorm]

I'd love a tarot draw with a romantic focus maybe? You can pick the deck.

I signal-boosted on my private twitter because I've had... issues... recently with stalking but I'll mention this on my next post here and come back. :)

[balsamandash]

Oh yikes, that is definitely a good reason to keep locked down. >< I've actually been meaning to add you since you added me earlier this month, so if you'd like to mention it on a locked post, I am 100% fine with that -- that is like the definition of extenuating circumstances.

I drew from Robin Wood for your first card, and received the Five of Swords.
This card usually indicates some kind of defeat or conflict, sometimes a betrayal or being tricked. In a romantic context, I would think there's either trouble coming if you're in a relationship, or that there's been a relationship gone wrong, and you're still trying to recover. You may feel cheated, or even like something's been taken from you. But there is hope here for recovery, whether the situation is current, oncoming, or past; it's not a total defeat and things are not hopeless. You can rebuild, whether that's a relationship or your own trust and good feeling.

[summerstorm]

Will do! Going to pm you my reply, for same reason.

[worlds_of_smoke]

omg, the Tarot Draconis. -makes grabby hands- XD

May I have a card?? (I'm going to pimp in a second.)

ETA: Pimp!

I'll take another card from the same deck. <3

[balsamandash]

Four of Swords and Knight of Wands
(...I was trying to take a picture of the cards for you, but it's been half an hour, the phone is fucking up, and I'm going to actively cry if I keep trying. I will see if I can get you a picture later, I'm sorry.)


The Four of Swords is rest, reflection, and healing. The Knight of Wands, on the other hand, is passion, creativity, motion, things in the process of growing -- not very restful, but I very much got the feeling they went together nonetheless. I think either this is a first-a-then-b -- rest, relax, and restore yourself for some time dealing with things you're passionate about; or a a-through-b -- rest and restore yourself by taking time to focus on things you're passionate about.

[bookblather]

Hi! I would like to pay you money for a few spreads. I'll PM you.

[balsamandash]

Commenting that I PM'd and am conversing there so I don't trip over this scrolling through. <3 (Will also get back to you in a few.)

[valerianhouse]

May I have a card relating to the future (I'm trying to make a choice but I'm not sure how, if that's helpful). Night Vale tarot if you don't mind.

Thank you so much!

[balsamandash]

Eight of Wands
(Visual)

Movement, action, travel, speed. This card stands for forward motion and things moving along, generally swiftly. In context of your focus, this could mean a couple of things: on the one hand, it might be a reassurance that, after your choice, things will move smoothly and swiftly. On the other, it might mean that the future's going to come faster than you expect it to, and that choice it going to come sooner than you think.

On the other hand, if you're looking at a future -- or potential future -- that involves something fast-paced, travel, or even, to some extent, freedom from current bonds and things weighing you down? I'd say this is a push in that direction, and a good sign if it's what you're hoping will come to pass.

[alexseanchai]

Boosted. Two cards from a deck of your choice about whatever they wish to say, please? Thanks.

[balsamandash]

From Tarot Draconis:

Two of Swords and Six of Cups

The Two of Swords is about choices -- being torn between two paths, or sometimes trying to find a neutral way between two extremes. The Six of Cups is nostalgia, innocence, cycles, learning from the past. Together -- if I'm honest, this strikes me as a parental bullshit-related reading. Either way, I'd say it represents a choice between reliving a cycle that you've outgrown, possibly to the point of causing you harm, or moving on; and/or, whether or not to do something again, despite the fact that past experience says it's a bad idea.

Traditionally, and in this deck as well, the Two of Swords is blindfolded. In this case, I think nostalgia, either the desire for things past to return or not be lost in the first place, is the blindfold -- either keeping you frozen, not making the decision for fear of what it'll mean, or else keeping you from seeing that one path is definitely better for you.

[alexseanchai]

*nod nod* Thanks.

[thefairymelusine]

Could I get one card from Robin Wood? Will try and tip and have a think about a longer reading tomorrow

[balsamandash]

Four of Cups

This is a card of contemplation, but it often signals either that you're not liking what you're finding, or that you're missing something and should try finding your way out of your own head. Generally means unhappiness with current situations -- there's a sense of apathy, lack of satisfaction, or discontentment.

[silveradept]

I would appreciate a card for the thing that will be happening this Tuesday. Thank you.

[balsamandash]

I sincerely apologize if this was the Tuesday past, and if it was, please feel free to give me a different topic and I will give you a second pull free. In case it's the one still coming, I did the draw, via Tarot Draconis:


Knight of Pentacles

If this event is one where you stand to make a profit or learn a craft/trade/skill, this is a great sign, especially if you're approaching it from an intermediate skill-level or a place of apprenticeship. Pentacles are all about growth, money, hard work, etc. Another thing they symbolize is nature and literal growth, as in growing gardens; if it has something to do with the outdoors or planting, it's also a great sign.

They're also about being grounded, and if this is unrelated to money or learning, it may be a warning; the Knights being the adolescents of the court cards, even in the Pentacles, it can be hard for the Knight to keep their steadiness at all times. You might need to focus on keeping your metaphorical (or literal!) footing, even if it seems difficult at times to do so.

[silveradept]

It was about last Tuesday, but the reading was spot on, and so I'm satisfied. If you wanted to draw a different one, I could use a general outlook about finances for the foreseeable future.

[balsamandash]

From Tarot Draconis:

Nine of Swords

You're going to worry, a lot. This card is one of fear and nightmares, of feeling trapped and anxious. You're not going to be sure. You're not going to feel steady. But if there is one good thing I can say for this card, it's that it generally indicates an internal state -- and it usually indicates a worry that is, while not baseless exactly, not in proportion to or a direct result of the external situation. That is to say, just because you're going to be worried does not actually mean that it's going to be horrible, and this card might even be a reminder not to let the stress of it eat away at you; that even if things are tight, they're not going to be as bad as you fear it could be.

[this_ascension]

Signal boost: here!

Will PM you with my draw request. :) Thank you!

[balsamandash]

Commenting for my own peace of mind that this was done via PM. :)

[dhampyresa]

Any deck, please. If you need a question: "brain-wipe?" (I know what I mean).

[balsamandash]

From Welcome to Night Vale tarot:

Seven of Pentacles

You've put in the work; now it's time to reap the rewards. There's a waiting period at hand, but it's one in which the benefits are all but certain already. Now it's just a matter of waiting. This card also represents the payoff of perseverance and foresight, and if this state of waiting for reward doesn't ring true right now, it may be guiding you towards actions that will lead to this place later -- in other words, don't give up, and put in the work, and things will work out for you.

[dhampyresa]

Thank you. If it's okay, can I ask for a picture of the card?

[balsamandash]

My camera's been on the fritz but luckily this particular deck has all the cards online! Here you go.

[dhampyresa]

Thank you.

[analise010]

I'd love a reading (and am willing to do a trade), but I'm torn between the Halloween Oracle and the Fallen Angel Oracle. Not sure how much info you want, but I feel very much like a fallen angel: knocked down after making a series of mistakes in trying to find my way. However, I LOVE Halloween. I appreciate the Christian and the Pagan aspects of the holiday and even the secular ones. UGH.

HOW CAN I CHOOSE???? DX

P.S. I did your Artist's Toolbox spread for my mom and she LOVED it. Her exact words were, "Wow. I can see why people pay for this."

[balsamandash]

If you want, I can trade you two Oracle readings for two Tarot readings? (Be they one-cards, three-cards, spreads, whatever you're looking for.) My time-crunch and need for quick money has disappeared so I'm a little freer to try and work things out. XD

Otherwise, some impressions if that helps: Fallen Angels is better with big picture stuff, situations, and warnings; where Halloween is better with internal and personal stuff, and smaller details. Tempermentally, Halloween's kinda parental where Angels is a little more detached.

(Also yay! I'm glad she liked it! :D I have to admit I'm really curious to see how other people fare with spreads I designed so if you ever give any of them a try, I'd love to hear any thoughts you have. >>)

[analise010]

Hmm. Can I ask for one card from each Oracle? I'm really interested in what they say together as I'm trying to restructure internally, so it can help the big picture.

I'd be glad to do any kind of reading (or two!), with the Rider Waite or Welcome to Night Vale decks. GMail is sending my DW messages to spam, so you can email me with details, if you don't want to leave them here.

[balsamandash]

<3 I am still at my mom's, so I will get you your pulls -- uh, probably Tuesday; I should be home in the next two days but I need to send invoice in for deadline work Monday and will have to focus on making sure that's in shape this weekend. Let me think on details for a day or two because I feel like I have questions and I'm not quite sure how to phrase them or what to narrow it down to. XD

[analise010]

I wasn't sure where else to reply but I purchased the Amethyst Oracle!!! I'm like 300% excited to use it, even though I know very little about Oracle decks. I gotta bide my time until it ships from Canada. DX

[balsamandash]

Ooooh! That is so cool. :D I'd love to hear what you think of it when you get it.

[analise010]

I'll let you know!!! Right now the deck is stuck in customs. DX

ETA: I'm hoping it gets here by Monday. THE AMETHYST ORACLE IS HERE AND I LOVE IT. My Rider-Waite and Night Vale decks are a little too direct sometimes, so I like that the Amethyst is soft and kind of silly.

If you - or anyone, really - wants a reading with it, I'm offering over here.

[balsamandash]

YAY! I am glad it works so well!

[balsamandash]

Okay, so first your reading, and I will do a second comment with info. I'm going to explain them individually and then go into them together, so:

Halloween Oracle:
Scrying
Keyword: Intuition
Visual

Quoth the book: "True wisdom takes a balance of logic and imagination and intuition." One interpretation of this card is to literally look to scrying or other divinatory/spiritual systems -- meditate, ask the cards, pray, whatever you feel most comfortable with or in need of. Another, however, if that you need to listen to your intuitive side just as much as, if not more than, your logical one. Your inner voice knows what's good for you, if you can just get out of your own way and listen to it.


Fallen Angel Oracle:
Phoenix
Card Motto: Rebirth
Visual

"Message: Time to refresh your spirit with art, particularly music, and make a new start." Renewal, rebirth -- and specifically, doing things that feed your soul and your heart as you prepare yourself for a new chapter of your life. The book particularly mentions poetry and music, but anything that you find inspiring, comforting, and re-energizing is something you should be looking into right now. You need refreshment and nurturing to be born as vibrantly as you deserve to be.



Together, this is a major push towards listening to your gut -- to doing the things that make you feel happy and alive and like you're doing right, and also, I'd say, to let go of the things that are holding you back. Both of these are very instinctual cards. You've got this -- things might need to change, but if you listen to yourself, you know what you need and you can go after it.

Don't hesitate to put your needs first on your hierarchy, and don't forget to recharge yourself in whatever way you need to, and you'll do great.

[analise010]

Thank you so much! Yesterday, I made a 1- and 5-year plan for where I want my life to go and, since I start the new job on Monday, I decided to do a little more art before I go back. I've been recording podfic again and bought a few more things to make string art. Even as I stood in line, I thought, "Should I really be doing this? Do I deserve this extravagance?" And the answer is yes. I can spend $15 on yarn and paint to make something that feeds my soul.

But even more than that, I feel like I've spent 3 months grieving and doing what other people thought was best for me. Now it's time to rise out of the ashes and decide what I want for myself. ♥

[balsamandash]

For a draw: I would really appreciate two one-card draws, one for family stuff, and one for creativity. Don't need to be linked in any way, obviously, and I'll leave it to you which deck feels best for them? (Whether that's the same deck for both or one for each.)

[analise010]

- FAMILY: I did your two draws tonight and I gotta tell you...I'm so sorry. On the draw for family, I chose the King of Cups first, decided to reshuffle, and then chose The Empress. At this point, I looked at my Rider-Waite deck and said to her, "Are you kidding me???"

Put together... you gotta go with your gut. I did a family-related reading for you previously, which told you to give your mother a chance, but from what I've seen, she's can't/won't/isn't ready to be the person that you need. (If this wasn't about your mother, I apologize for overstepping.) Trust your feelings when it comes to your family, but don't let them overpower you. Nurture the relationships that are stable, healthy, and bring joy to your life.

- CREATIVITY: For this one, I used the Night Vale deck, since he is a little more outside the box. I chose the King of Pentacles. What a great card! I don't know what you're working on creatively, but it's going to work out. I even looked up a description of this card and found He is no longer required to struggle to achieve what he desires... because he has already proven himself.

You've done all the work, struggled, set things in motion, and now it's time to reap the rewards. This is one area of your life where everything you touch will turn to gold. :)

[balsamandash]

Sorry, I was computerless for a bit. But that definitely makes a lot of sense, especially on the family side. (Some of it's my mother, some of it's other stuff. It's all kind of a mess right now to be honest. >< But no, definitely no overstepping.)

And you know, any positive reinforcement with creativity is always great. XD Anyway, thank you. <333

[celtprincess13]

I would like a card for recent health issues and their resolution. Please and thank you!

[balsamandash]

Via Welcome to Night Vale tarot:


Ten of Wands

This card represents burdens and doing the metaphorical heavy lifting of some kind. Maybe that's the cause for your health issues, maybe it's something they're causing or how they make you feel, but something's weighing you down pretty badly. Things are going to get better a lot more easily if you can redistribute that weight -- whether it's getting other people to support you, or letting go of some things that aren't important right now, you need to look at what's going on and see if there's any way to lighten your load.