Family Issues, Lost of Trust

[Queen of Wands]

My sister is being forced out of a psychologically abusive relationship, a relationship that has turned her ignorant and abusive as well. The damage she has caused is destroying this family - we are living with someone we no longer trust. Not to mention I'm currently dealing with financial issues as well as depression and anxiety.

I could use the good vibes right now but I'm also hoping for suggestions: with the summer solstice coming up, I thought that might be a good time to try some workings, to clear the air, fresh start? Ideas, or what you would suggest based on your own experiences would be appreciated.

[Leanan Sidhe]

My sister is being forced out of a psychologically abusive relationship, a relationship that has turned her ignorant and abusive as well. The damage she has caused is destroying this family - we are living with someone we no longer trust. Not to mention I'm currently dealing with financial issues as well as depression and anxiety.

I could use the good vibes right now but I'm also hoping for suggestions: with the summer solstice coming up, I thought that might be a good time to try some workings, to clear the air, fresh start? Ideas, or what you would suggest based on your own experiences would be appreciated.

 
((((RoselynLibra and family))))

I'll reply to the second part of your question later, too. I'm trying to remember the sources for a few spells and rituals. Also, we have a guest staying with us for a few days and he's sleeping in the room with the magic and spirituality books in it at the moment.

[Khep]

I could use the good vibes right now but I'm also hoping for suggestions: with the summer solstice coming up, I thought that might be a good time to try some workings, to clear the air, fresh start? Ideas, or what you would suggest based on your own experiences would be appreciated.

 

Hi, Roselyn.

I'm pretty new to pagan practises. I tend to think in terms of the four elements, and of the need for balancing the energies they represent.

The "Kupala Night" celebration, popular in Russia, Poland, Ukraine, combines bonfires, and bathing (typically at sunset). The associated Christian holiday is the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, a major feast day in these countries, and in Quebec (Saint-Jean Baptiste Day), where it is a statutory holiday.  

I think this year would be a good one for contemplating the meaning of Sun and Moon, since a full moon (the "Honey" or "Strawberry" moon) occurs on the 23rd, just two days after the solstice, and the 23rd and 24th are the days of the John the Baptist celebrations.
   The 23rd is not only a full moon, but also a "supermoon," as some are calling it. The moon will be closer to the earth, and larger in the sky, than at any other time this year.

. . . perhaps a good time for some working that promotes a balance of fire and water energies.  The idea of bathing at sunset minds me of the light of the sun at its 'strongest' time of the year, being cooled and transformed in the ocean. Since June 23rd is a "supermoon," we might think of its power to transform fire energy & light as also being at its strongest.  The symbolism of baptism as a "new beginning" is pretty clear.  I haven't looked into it much, but I think the reason for combining fire and water in ancient celebrations would have to do with fertility - sunlight and water being necessary in a good balance to enable growth.  


Khep

[Queen of Wands]

Hi, Roselyn.

I think this year would be a good one for contemplating the meaning of Sun and Moon, since a full moon (the "Honey" or "Strawberry" moon) occurs on the 23rd, just two days after the solstice, and the 23rd and 24th are the days of the John the Baptist celebrations.
   The 23rd is not only a full moon, but also a "supermoon," as some are calling it. The moon will be closer to the earth, and larger in the sky, than at any other time this year.

. . . perhaps a good time for some working that promotes a balance of fire and water energies.  The idea of bathing at sunset minds me of the light of the sun at its 'strongest' time of the year, being cooled and transformed in the ocean. Since June 23rd is a "supermoon," we might think of its power to transform fire energy & light as also being at its strongest.  The symbolism of baptism as a "new beginning" is pretty clear.  I haven't looked into it much, but I think the reason for combining fire and water in ancient celebrations would have to do with fertility - sunlight and water being necessary in a good balance to enable growth.  

Thank you both for the good thoughts but I'm afraid things have taken a turn for the worse here. I'm still hoping that the solstice and the supermoon might clear the air a bit but I don't know what I can do at this point.

[Khep]

Thank you both for the good thoughts but I'm afraid things have taken a turn for the worse here. I'm still hoping that the solstice and the supermoon might clear the air a bit but I don't know what I can do at this point.

 
((( Good thoughts for you and yours, Roselyn )))

I notice you are interested in both Tarot and dreams, as am I.  I've been working with Tarot quite a bit lately (I'm definitely no 'expert', but feel I'm making at least a little progress) and just tried a reading to help interpret a dream I had last night.

Would you be open to some thoughts based on a Tarot reading concerning your situation?  I'm not sure about the ethics of doing such a reading without the querent's stated willingness, so I'll hold off on that for now.    


Khep

[Queen of Wands]

((( Good thoughts for you and yours, Roselyn )))

I notice you are interested in both Tarot and dreams, as am I.  I've been working with Tarot quite a bit lately (I'm definitely no 'expert', but feel I'm making at least a little progress) and just tried a reading to help interpret a dream I had last night.

Would you be open to some thoughts based on a Tarot reading concerning your situation?  I'm not sure about the ethics of doing such a reading without the querent's stated willingness, so I'll hold off on that for now.    


Khep

As a question of ethics, I wouldn't do a reading without willingly given permission so I appreciate the asking. I actually have been doing a few readings - in my last spread, I got the Tower, Death, the Ten of Wands, the Four of Swords and the Hanged Man, not to mention the many Ten of Swords I've been pulling. I'm honestly a little wary to know but I'm also really tempted. Yes, we can try a reading and see if it holds any hope.

[Khep]

As a question of ethics, I wouldn't do a reading without willingly given permission so I appreciate the asking. I actually have been doing a few readings - in my last spread, I got the Tower, Death, the Ten of Wands, the Four of Swords and the Hanged Man, not to mention the many Ten of Swords I've been pulling. I'm honestly a little wary to know but I'm also really tempted. Yes, we can try a reading and see if it holds any hope.

 
Ok - I've done a reading, and do see some hopefull signs in it.  I hope to have an interpretation worked out some time this evening.

Khep

[Khep]

As a question of ethics, I wouldn't do a reading without willingly given permission so I appreciate the asking. I actually have been doing a few readings - in my last spread, I got the Tower, Death, the Ten of Wands, the Four of Swords and the Hanged Man, not to mention the many Ten of Swords I've been pulling. I'm honestly a little wary to know but I'm also really tempted. Yes, we can try a reading and see if it holds any hope.

Looks like lots of cards pointing to transformation, growth, through sometimes difficult events.

===============================
Here's my reading.  I appreciate the chance to try being of help this way. Hopefully, it will add something to your understanding or well-being somehow.  I use the New Palladini deck ("NP deck"), and a Celtic Cross spread.

I think it's quite possible that most of the first shown court cards are, at least partly, reflecting your sister and the relationship you mentioned.  But I don't feel confident enough in my reading skills to clearly distinguish what is literally other people, and what is your own inner dynamics.  I feel some of these cards are probably reflecting both, and also showing their effects - not just them or their actions in isolation.

I feel the 'Cross' portion partly reflects, comments on the depression and anxiety you mentioned, while the 4 cards of the 'Staff' portion point to positive energies, insights and possibilities you could tap into by "stepping outside", or "rising above" the possible blockages in the Cross portion.  Even in the Cross, there's certainly "good" things to be seen, especially when you look at them with the Outcome in mind.


==========================================


The  Present: KING OF COINS (R) - What is happening; your state of mind and perception of the issue.
---------------------------------------
Zodiac: Taurus - Determination / Stubbornness.

- The energy used for creating financial security is blocked, receding, or newly forming.
- The king's normal capability and generosity is lacking to some degree.

The Challenge: 3 COINS - The immediate problem related to The Present.
----------------------------
Using one's talents for craftmanship, creativity, satisfying work.
- In this reading the project pictured, not just the craft and skill, is significant.  The NP deck shows work on a church archway, as in Rider Waite, but the worker is alone, pausing to look outside, through the arch.
- Creative work involved with service to a community-based spiritual place or environment.
- Planning and cooperation. Going over possible problems.

The Root: QUEEN Of CUPS (R) - Unconscious trends and feelings 'driving' you.
-----------------------------------
Queen of the Water realm.
- Very strong intuition -- connection / insight into the subconscious - but this ability has been somewhat weakened, harmed or under-utilized in the past. It exerts unconscious pressure / energy -- possibly draining.
- Reversal can indicate overemphasis on matters of the heart / indulging in daydreams without using intellect (air) and spirit (fire) to bring inner vision into reality (earth). This draining energy can cause insecurity, worry.

The pause for reflection pictured in the 3 of coins could be seen as consulting a creative vision, before continuing the work of making it real (in stone - earth).


The Crown: KING Of WANDS (R) - Your goal / desired best outcome.
--------------------------------------
Pure Fire energy - which is used for realizing effects in the outer world, in service of high ideals.
- can mean creative self-expression for usefull purposes.
- associated with agriculture / home life, as is the K of Coins.
- taking action to solve problems
- can be aggressive, hot-tempered, lacking restraint

This card may be showing that you have a negative view of what's possible in this scenario, or of your ability / strength to further a more positive outcome.  However, looking at some of the other cards, especially those in the Staff, this card could also be showing that this fire energy is newly forming, and could soon be used to help you accept, and work with the 'Challenge' card.  


The Past: TEMPERANCE (R) - Receding influences.
--------------------------------
Zodiac: Sagittarius

- Harmonizing / synthesizing conscious and unconscious thought processes, and information from psychic and material realms.
- Hearing a spiritual 'calling' through dampening of the usual mental "noise".
- Well-being and health/healing.
- Possible overindulgence / addiction, (reinforced by (R) Q Cups.)  

The positive energies of this have been weak in the past, but direct influence of the blockage of Temperence is receding.

 
The Future: THE HIGH PRIESTESS - Approaching influences.
----------------------------------------
Zodiac: The Moon

Wisdom. Unrevealed knowledge. Isis, Ishtar, Artemis.

- Manisfests the unconscious and its effects in the world. Speaks to/through our Inner Voice.
- * The source of the Magician's power, as a balance of light and dark. *
- Creative ability waiting to develop.  Education and learning.

- The Yin principle. Feminine psychopomp - gateway to ultimate mysteries and inner transformation.
- Passive, feminine 'shadow' - can also indicate passivity as the right course - calm waiting, and openness to wisdom of the Inner Voice.

Possibly, the blocked / weak balancing energies of Temperance are transforming through the *source* of balance and inner harmony. This growing influence may be quite hidden, opaque now. But it is still there - accesible through this card's attitude, and the hidden 4 of swords (see below).


====================
The Broader Context - The Staff - Relationship between you and your environment.
====================

Advice: ACE Of CUPS - Recommended approach to address the current challenge
-------------------------
A planted seed of love, which is yet to sprout.
- generosity, forgiveness, peace, initial movement towards joy
- James Rioux: "Ask your Inner Voice which kind of love you will need, and you will surely get an answer because the Ace of Cups is the card of the awakening intuition."
- first step of hearing the Inner Voice (see HP above), leading one towards enlightenment / understanding.

- letting the heart lead the way
- expressing feelings; trusting your intuition

As the calm Wisdom of the High Priestess approaches, it presents you with an opportunity to embrace Her balance of light and dark energies -- pain and joy, chaos and clarity, energetic Fire and passive, flowing Water.  More on this under "Outcome".


Outside Influence: PAGE Of SWORDS
--------------------------------------------
( Outer energy or events affecting the situation, beyond your control. )

Insight, perception.
- A good balance of heart and mind. Neither one rules.
- Can be diplomatic, or speak his mind forcefully -- being eloquent in either case.
- Can represent a challenge to look at things in a new way, & cut to the heart of the matter.

- Having firm resolve. Moving out of depression. Researching facts, seeking truth.

The NP deck shows a night scene, with the page's sword point bisecting the crescent of an almost-new moon ("insight" piercing a very "dark" moon).  The sword also points to the card above - the 3 of swords (those 3 swords pointing down to the Page, of course).  These are the only two sword cards, and the only clear "air" cards in the reading.  You might, then, think of these two as combining heart and head, to form a 'virtual' 4 of swords between them -- in which case, the horizontal sword of the 4 of swords in this deck would point directly to the High Priestess.
    I think it's probably valid to see this as an indication that the Page *and* 3 of swords can work together, enabling the healing, rejuvenating quality of the 4.  

Hopes and Fears: 3 OF SWORDS
--------------------------------------
S. Hansson: "Forced separations, loss of love or loved ones."
J. Rioux: "The pain may cloud your vision for a time, but in the end it will allow you to see clearly, and to put the past behind you."
- Pain challenges and surprizes us. It can shock, but it therefore presents opportunity for growth. If one can look at it this way, it becomes less burdensome. Just making an effort to move through it / past it, and back to some normality, can have immediate positive effects.
(- can also represent the possibility of hurting others)

The Outcome: THE SUN
---------------------------
( Where the situation is headed, and resolved, based on your current course of action. )

Light and clarity, after darkness and confusion.
- joy, stability, reliability
- a new level of understanding. Enlightenment

- The supreme divinity

The NP deck shows both macrocosm (Sun - heavenly) and microcosm (a blooming lotus below it - earthly). It also combines Fire and Water, with 3 groups of sun rays, plus drops of life force falling into a body of water below.
    Similarily, the Ace of Cups shows 3 + 1:    3 lotus flowers below the single cup.    

"Your current course of action" would include both positive and negative, I think, including all the steps you're taking to try and improve things (like posting here, eg., doing Tarot readings, etc.)


=================================

Final thoughts
-----------------
With all the reversed cards in the Cross, but the upright High Priestess coming into view there, I think she, and the combination of the two sword cards are key here.  The 4 of swords seems to me to "appear", like an additional card you might draw for clarification.  But it comes from the Inner Voice / Vision (inuitive reading) that both the Priestess and Ace of Cups are related to.

The Root and Crown are Water and Fire - looking inward, looking outward, and those two elements combine in both the Ace and The Sun.  The Challenge is, I think, not just career or money related. It's looking out, physically, through the arch, while looking in -- to the creative vision that is being expressed in stone -- physical reality.   Stone is also what the figure in the healing (hidden) 4 of swords lies on.

The Ace of Cups - the first step - can include expression of feelings.  Perhaps a creative outlet, "getting it down" or out, in a tangible, physical form (like writing), is one way to take that step towards combining head and heart.  Ritual, and its physical or verbal actions, is another good way of connecting the two, and making the abstract / the possible, take form in reality.
    I'm quite familiar with depression. I think the simple ritual I've started doing daily has helped solidify recent positive insights and energies (after a really terrible winter.)

How this might help your family situation, I don't know.  But I know that a person's mood always affects those around her, and vice-versa.      


I hope this might provide some positive energy.  It looks pretty darn hopefull to me, though I think that partly depends on accepting a balance of "negative" / "positive" emotional experience.

Khep

[Queen of Wands]

Looks like lots of cards pointing to transformation, growth, through sometimes difficult events.

===============================
Here's my reading.  I appreciate the chance to try being of help this way. Hopefully, it will add something to your understanding or well-being somehow.  I use the New Palladini deck ("NP deck"), and a Celtic Cross spread.

I actually read through this last night and saw some things jumped out at me but since I was tired and your style differs from mine so slightly, I took my sweet time replying once I was sure I got everything down.

I think it's quite possible that most of the first shown court cards are, at least partly, reflecting your sister and the relationship you mentioned.  But I don't feel confident enough in my reading skills to clearly distinguish what is literally other people, and what is your own inner dynamics.  I feel some of these cards are probably reflecting both, and also showing their effects - not just them or their actions in isolation.

I feel the 'Cross' portion partly reflects, comments on the depression and anxiety you mentioned, while the 4 cards of the 'Staff' portion point to positive energies, insights and possibilities you could tap into by "stepping outside", or "rising above" the possible blockages in the Cross portion.  Even in the Cross, there's certainly "good" things to be seen, especially when you look at them with the Outcome in mind.


==========================================


The  Present: KING OF COINS (R) - What is happening; your state of mind and perception of the issue.
---------------------------------------
Zodiac: Taurus - Determination / Stubbornness.

- The energy used for creating financial security is blocked, receding, or newly forming.
- The king's normal capability and generosity is lacking to some degree.

The Challenge: 3 COINS - The immediate problem related to The Present.
----------------------------
Using one's talents for craftmanship, creativity, satisfying work.
- In this reading the project pictured, not just the craft and skill, is significant.  The NP deck shows work on a church archway, as in Rider Waite, but the worker is alone, pausing to look outside, through the arch.
- Creative work involved with service to a community-based spiritual place or environment.
- Planning and cooperation. Going over possible problems.

The Root: QUEEN Of CUPS (R) - Unconscious trends and feelings 'driving' you.
-----------------------------------
Queen of the Water realm.
- Very strong intuition -- connection / insight into the subconscious - but this ability has been somewhat weakened, harmed or under-utilized in the past. It exerts unconscious pressure / energy -- possibly draining.
- Reversal can indicate overemphasis on matters of the heart / indulging in daydreams without using intellect (air) and spirit (fire) to bring inner vision into reality (earth). This draining energy can cause insecurity, worry.

The pause for reflection pictured in the 3 of coins could be seen as consulting a creative vision, before continuing the work of making it real (in stone - earth).
 

Court cards are difficult, aren't they? In this case, I'd agree with your interpretation: the coins and cups reversed are most certainly related to my personal issues. I LOVE what you have to say about the 3 of coins - it's a lovely image and also very true - I'm currently keeping busy with research to fuel my creative ambitions post-graduation.

 

The Crown: KING Of WANDS (R) - Your goal / desired best outcome.
--------------------------------------
Pure Fire energy - which is used for realizing effects in the outer world, in service of high ideals.
- can mean creative self-expression for usefull purposes.
- associated with agriculture / home life, as is the K of Coins.
- taking action to solve problems
- can be aggressive, hot-tempered, lacking restraint

This card may be showing that you have a negative view of what's possible in this scenario, or of your ability / strength to further a more positive outcome.  However, looking at some of the other cards, especially those in the Staff, this card could also be showing that this fire energy is newly forming, and could soon be used to help you accept, and work with the 'Challenge' card.  

This is one of the ways your style differs from mine. I'm not really sure what to make of this card but I have to point out that it is odd how all the court cards have been reversed (so far). Continuing on...

The Past: TEMPERANCE (R) - Receding influences.
--------------------------------
Zodiac: Sagittarius

- Harmonizing / synthesizing conscious and unconscious thought processes, and information from psychic and material realms.
- Hearing a spiritual 'calling' through dampening of the usual mental "noise".
- Well-being and health/healing.
- Possible overindulgence / addiction, (reinforced by (R) Q Cups.)  

The positive energies of this have been weak in the past, but direct influence of the blockage of Temperence is receding.

Major arcana! Another reversal too. Hmmm....it seems to indicate inbalance, inability to make things come together and work. I guess that makes sense.

The Future: THE HIGH PRIESTESS - Approaching influences.
----------------------------------------
Zodiac: The Moon

Wisdom. Unrevealed knowledge. Isis, Ishtar, Artemis.

- Manisfests the unconscious and its effects in the world. Speaks to/through our Inner Voice.
- * The source of the Magician's power, as a balance of light and dark. *
- Creative ability waiting to develop.  Education and learning.

- The Yin principle. Feminine psychopomp - gateway to ultimate mysteries and inner transformation.
- Passive, feminine 'shadow' - can also indicate passivity as the right course - calm waiting, and openness to wisdom of the Inner Voice.

Possibly, the blocked / weak balancing energies of Temperance are transforming through the *source* of balance and inner harmony. This growing influence may be quite hidden, opaque now. But it is still there - accesible through this card's attitude, and the hidden 4 of swords (see below).

I love the High Priestess The fact you mentioned education, learning and it's in the Future position - what I have to look forward to, going back to school!

====================
The Broader Context - The Staff - Relationship between you and your environment.
====================

Advice: ACE Of CUPS - Recommended approach to address the current challenge
-------------------------
A planted seed of love, which is yet to sprout.
- generosity, forgiveness, peace, initial movement towards joy
- James Rioux: "Ask your Inner Voice which kind of love you will need, and you will surely get an answer because the Ace of Cups is the card of the awakening intuition."
- first step of hearing the Inner Voice (see HP above), leading one towards enlightenment / understanding.

- letting the heart lead the way
- expressing feelings; trusting your intuition

As the calm Wisdom of the High Priestess approaches, it presents you with an opportunity to embrace Her balance of light and dark energies -- pain and joy, chaos and clarity, energetic Fire and passive, flowing Water.  More on this under "Outcome".


Outside Influence: PAGE Of SWORDS
--------------------------------------------
( Outer energy or events affecting the situation, beyond your control. )

Insight, perception.
- A good balance of heart and mind. Neither one rules.
- Can be diplomatic, or speak his mind forcefully -- being eloquent in either case.
- Can represent a challenge to look at things in a new way, & cut to the heart of the matter.

- Having firm resolve. Moving out of depression. Researching facts, seeking truth.

The NP deck shows a night scene, with the page's sword point bisecting the crescent of an almost-new moon ("insight" piercing a very "dark" moon).  The sword also points to the card above - the 3 of swords (those 3 swords pointing down to the Page, of course).  These are the only two sword cards, and the only clear "air" cards in the reading.  You might, then, think of these two as combining heart and head, to form a 'virtual' 4 of swords between them -- in which case, the horizontal sword of the 4 of swords in this deck would point directly to the High Priestess.
    I think it's probably valid to see this as an indication that the Page *and* 3 of swords can work together, enabling the healing, rejuvenating quality of the 4.  

Hopes and Fears: 3 OF SWORDS
--------------------------------------
S. Hansson: "Forced separations, loss of love or loved ones."
J. Rioux: "The pain may cloud your vision for a time, but in the end it will allow you to see clearly, and to put the past behind you."
- Pain challenges and surprizes us. It can shock, but it therefore presents opportunity for growth. If one can look at it this way, it becomes less burdensome. Just making an effort to move through it / past it, and back to some normality, can have immediate positive effects.
(- can also represent the possibility of hurting others)

I love this interpretation, of the Page, 3 and 4 of Swords! Isn't it funny how the reading differs depending on the deck? I certainly do feel like a Page of Swords, playing the diplomat/giving out the verbal smackdowns lately, despite/because of the metaphorical 3 of Swords stabbing into my heart.

The Outcome: THE SUN
---------------------------
( Where the situation is headed, and resolved, based on your current course of action. )

Light and clarity, after darkness and confusion.
- joy, stability, reliability
- a new level of understanding. Enlightenment

- The supreme divinity

The NP deck shows both macrocosm (Sun - heavenly) and microcosm (a blooming lotus below it - earthly). It also combines Fire and Water, with 3 groups of sun rays, plus drops of life force falling into a body of water below.
    Similarily, the Ace of Cups shows 3 + 1:    3 lotus flowers below the single cup.    

"Your current course of action" would include both positive and negative, I think, including all the steps you're taking to try and improve things (like posting here, eg., doing Tarot readings, etc.)

Your deck sounds very interesting, with all these elements and numbers! I could use the Sun in my life again though. Bring it on Sun! Here it comes!

=================================

Final thoughts
-----------------
With all the reversed cards in the Cross, but the upright High Priestess coming into view there, I think she, and the combination of the two sword cards are key here.  The 4 of swords seems to me to "appear", like an additional card you might draw for clarification.  But it comes from the Inner Voice / Vision (inuitive reading) that both the Priestess and Ace of Cups are related to.

The Root and Crown are Water and Fire - looking inward, looking outward, and those two elements combine in both the Ace and The Sun.  The Challenge is, I think, not just career or money related. It's looking out, physically, through the arch, while looking in -- to the creative vision that is being expressed in stone -- physical reality.   Stone is also what the figure in the healing (hidden) 4 of swords lies on.

The Ace of Cups - the first step - can include expression of feelings.  Perhaps a creative outlet, "getting it down" or out, in a tangible, physical form (like writing), is one way to take that step towards combining head and heart.  Ritual, and its physical or verbal actions, is another good way of connecting the two, and making the abstract / the possible, take form in reality.
    I'm quite familiar with depression. I think the simple ritual I've started doing daily has helped solidify recent positive insights and energies (after a really terrible winter.)

How this might help your family situation, I don't know.  But I know that a person's mood always affects those around her, and vice-versa.      


I hope this might provide some positive energy.  It looks pretty darn hopefull to me, though I think that partly depends on accepting a balance of "negative" / "positive" emotional experience.

Khep

 

Thank you, absolutely, thank you. Time will tell how this all turns out with my family but I think today, you've helped me. I came to the decision yesterday (right before I jumped online!) that I simply can't wait for people to straighten themselves out while I have my own life to get in order - your final thoughts, exactly.

Until then...here comes the sun, dododo...here comes the sun...

[Khep]

Thank you, absolutely, thank you. Time will tell how this all turns out with my family but I think today, you've helped me. I came to the decision yesterday (right before I jumped online!) that I simply can't wait for people to straighten themselves out while I have my own life to get in order - your final thoughts, exactly.

Until then...here comes the sun, dododo...here comes the sun...

Thanks for the feedback, Roselyn.

I'm glad you feel it's helpfull.  And relieved.  I was regretting having posted such a long "wall" of text, and not condensing the various possible meanings into a more relevant, manageable form.  

Khep

[Khep]

Your deck sounds very interesting, with all these elements and numbers!

This site is great for seeing *all* the cards in many different decks.

http://www.albideuter.de/html/new_palladini.html

I have to agree with critics who say the wands in this deck look like celery stalks - but you get used to it, and I love the artwork.

[Leanan Sidhe]

My sister is being forced out of a psychologically abusive relationship, a relationship that has turned her ignorant and abusive as well. The damage she has caused is destroying this family - we are living with someone we no longer trust. Not to mention I'm currently dealing with financial issues as well as depression and anxiety.

I could use the good vibes right now but I'm also hoping for suggestions: with the summer solstice coming up, I thought that might be a good time to try some workings, to clear the air, fresh start? Ideas, or what you would suggest based on your own experiences would be appreciated.

 
Hey, sorry it took so long. Our friend has been staying with us and I didn't want to disturb him when he's asleep -- which is most of the time he's not working.

But I found the spells I was looking for. They're from Llewellyn's 2011 Magical Almanac. I know a lot of people on here dislike Llewellyn, and I'm not always crazy about them myself. But I still find plenty of useful information in many of of their books.

I'm paraphrasing portions of Elizabeth Barrette's "Waterguard: Spells for purification and protection". I've used both of these spells myself with great results:

Ocean Tide Spell:

Supplies:

1/2 cup of sea salt
essential oil (she recommends eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rosemary, or witch hazel)
recording of ocean waves
bathtub or shower

(I've used this spell before without the recording, and without the essential oil and it still worked fine. I've also replaced the oil with incense that I smudged myself with -- I usually use cedar for purification, cleansing, and healing)

The spell says to fill up the tub and add the sea salt and a few drops of the essential oil (I've improvised when I don't have a tub and sprinkled the salt on myself). Turn on the ocean recording, get into the tub, lie back, and relax. Invite oceanids to join you. Soak and listen to the sound of the ocean. Imagine playing in the waves with the oceanids and let the salt water wash away negativity (I find that focusing on it helps).

When the water cools, stand up and drain the tub. As the water drains away, visualize the tide going out and sending all the negative energy away with it. Thank the oceanids as these leave. Finish with a rinse in fresh water to rinse the salt off your skin.

Chill out Spell:

For use when a situation has boiled over and you want a person to calm down and think. (This spell can also be modified slightly and used as a binding).

Supplies:

Picture or symbol of the person/people
A symbol for the contentious matter
Blue thread
A plastic freezer container
Water

Hold the symbols of the person and issue together.

Tie them with the thread.

Recite: Mind over matter, Cool down the chatter.

Put the symbols inside the freezer carton and fill it with water.

Say: Power of water, fresh and cold, Put words and deeds safely on hold.

Put the carton in the freezer. Visualize ice forming to inhabit hot-headed actions or words. Leave the carton in the freezer for one to three days long enough for the matter to settle down. (I've done longer without any harm I could discern, with the binding modification).  Then take it out and let it thaw. Dump the water out in your yard or a body of water, allowing communication to flow.

After thinking about it, it occurred to me that a witch bottle might come in handy. There's a brief description of how to make one here: http://naturalmagickshop.com/articles/How-To-Make-a-Witch-Bottle.html

which I like because it also explains the theory behind it. There's a more complicated variety here:
http://dianic-wicca.com/witch-bottle-spells.html

 complete with a ritual. It calls on Hecate, but I imagine it could be tweaked to work with other deities too.

I haven't used either of these varieties before, but I have used the same concept and it's worked well for me. I usually use a variety on this one, which is pretty ocean themed:

http://seawitch.org/spells-and-rituals/sea-protection-bottle

There are a couple of meditations I use by Dr. Suzan Caroll. They're very new agey compared to a lot of stuff, but I find them really helpful.

The first one I use to remind myself not to let other people's negativity to stick to me and not to get too mired in other people's problems.

http://www.multidimensions.com/Unconscious/uncon_shadow.html

The second one can be modified, so that instead of Gaia, it's just the earth, or altered to work with other deities. I also alter the words "fear" and "love" in it when I need to release/receive different things.

http://www.multidimensions.com/Conscious/con_body_greetings.html

There's one more meditation I can think of that might be really helpful, particularly with the energies of the solstice. I've also used this one before with excellent results:

https://www.circlesanctuary.org/index.php/circle-magazine/sample-articles/renewal-with-the-green-man

Finally, some things I do from time to time to get rid of stagnant energy and negative energy (and especially to clear the air when there's a crisis) are:

Smudge myself and my family (if they're willing) with sage. Sometimes I substitute cedar incense instead.

Smudge the house.

Sprinkle water and salt around the periphery of the house.

 Putting Hematite or Onyx in the corners of my home.

[Queen of Wands]

Hey, sorry it took so long. Our friend has been staying with us and I didn't want to disturb him when he's asleep -- which is most of the time he's not working.

But I found the spells I was looking for. They're from Llewellyn's 2011 Magical Almanac. I know a lot of people on here dislike Llewellyn, and I'm not always crazy about them myself. But I still find plenty of useful information in many of of their books.

 
Thank you! These sound wonderful - I'll be starting with them today!

[Leanan Sidhe]

Thank you! These sound wonderful - I'll be starting with them today!

 
No problem. I hope they help!