Welcome to the Magical World of Tarot!

Welcome, dear beginners, to the mesmerizing world of tarot. This is an enchanting realm where self-discovery meets a profound connection with the universe. Think of tarot reading as a warm, inviting conversation with your higher self, a dialogue delicately woven with mystic symbols and deep-seated messages. While the cards themselves may hold an air of magic, remember that the true enchantment lies within you - in your own intuition. As you stand at the threshold of this extraordinary journey, Tarot for Beginners, always remember to trust in your inner voice. Let it be your compass, guiding you to translate the whispers of the tarot into personal insights and wisdom. Welcome aboard this magical ride and enjoy every moment of discovery it has to offer.

Setting the Stage for Your Tarot Journey

Your tarot reading journey begins with setting a sacred space, a sanctuary that resonates with your spirit. It could be as simple as arranging a cherished blanket, lighting a few candles, or surrounding yourself with your favorite crystals. This ritual is like inviting the energy of the universe to join you, strengthening the bond between you and your cards.

Connecting with Your Cards

With your sanctuary set and your cards ready, take a deep breath, hold your cards close, and tune into your energy. Embrace the feelings and thoughts surfacing within you, and let them guide your question to the cards. Whether it's a query about life's current lessons or your next significant step, ensure it comes from a place of sincere curiosity.

Understanding Your Tarot Deck

Your tarot deck, comprising 78 vibrant cards, is divided into two sections: The Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana's 22 cards symbolize significant life events and spiritual milestones, while the Minor Arcana's 56 cards mirror our daily feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Each card, whether from the Major or Minor Arcana, is an essential thread in the vibrant tapestry of your life's story.

Unveiling the Power of Numbers in Tarot

Each card carries a unique energy, thanks to the world of numerology. From the Aces (ones) symbolizing beginnings to the tens representing completion, each number offers a new layer of insight, further enriching your reading.

Creating Your Tarot Spreads

A tarot spread refers to the pattern in which you lay out your cards. The spread can be as simple or as complex as you choose, depending on the depth of insight you seek. Whether it's the three-card Past-Present-Future, the seven-card Horseshoe, or the ten-card Celtic Cross, remember to let your intuition guide your choice.

The World of Tarot: A Mirror to Your Inner Self

Ultimately, the world of tarot is a mirror reflecting your inner world, offering guidance, clarity, and empowerment. It doesn't predict your future but helps you make conscious decisions based on a deeper understanding of your present circumstances. So, breathe in, shuffle your cards, and step into this magical labyrinth of symbolic wisdom. Trust in the magic within you, and enjoy the mesmerizing dance with the divine!

Diving Deeper into Tarot Spreads

Tarot spreads add structure and depth to your reading, providing specific context to each card. From the popular 'Past-Present-Future' spread to the 'Mind-Body-Spirit', 'Situation-Obstacle-Advice', or 'You-Your Path-Your Potential' spreads, each offers unique insights and perspectives. The beauty of tarot spreads is their adaptability. You can create your own spread, setting an intention for each card position, and letting your intuition guide you. Whether it's an open-ended query like, "What message wishes to come through for me today?" or a more focused question, trust in your intuition to lead the way.

Interpreting the Threads of Your Tarot Story

Once your spread is laid out, it's time to interpret the cards. Each tarot card is a miniature universe, its unique symbols, elemental energies, and numerology adding depth and meaning to your reading.

In the Minor Arcana, the four suits represent the classic elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Cups, associated with Water, delve into the realm of emotions, creativity, and relationships. Pentacles, symbolizing Earth, speak of material wealth, career paths, and tangible manifestations. Swords, akin to Air, shed light on thoughts, communication, and challenges. Lastly, Wands, imbued with Fire, ignite our spiritual endeavors with inspiration, energy, and enthusiasm.

In addition to these elemental symbols, each card's numerical value enriches its meaning. From '1', signifying new beginnings, to '10', indicating the completion of a cycle, numerology adds a new dimension to your tarot reading.

With more complex narratives, the Major Arcana also reverberate with numerological energies. For instance, the number '13' symbolizes chaos, but when broken down into '4' (1+3), it signifies foundation and stability, embodying the transformative nature of tarot.

Unveiling the Symbols in Tarot

Each tarot card is a canvas of symbols. From jagged mountains hinting at looming challenges to tempestuous seas mirroring emotional turbulence, these symbols add another layer of depth to your understanding. As you explore each card, let these symbols tell their stories, guiding you on your path to self-discovery.

In conclusion, the world of tarot is a magical labyrinth full of symbolic wisdom, inviting you to delve deeper into your own intuition. So, embrace this extraordinary journey with open arms and an open heart. Immerse yourself in the enchantment, and watch as the mysteries of the tarot come alive. Enjoy every step of this divine dance with the universe!

Hello dear readers! Welcome to an insightful journey into the world of crafting magical potions and oils. Today, let's unravel the art of measuring and mixing with finesse and intuition. Measuring ingredients may seem like a science, but blending oils is also an art that channels your inner mojo. So, don't fret if you find recipes with varying units such as drops, pinches, cups, and liters. Embrace the “part” method to harmonize your potions and oils into symphonies of scents and energies.

For the recipes in this article, the standard bottle used is a one-dram bottle. That's equal to ⅛ of an ounce or 1.77 grams. It’s a dainty little container, but believe me, it’s perfect. Colored glass bottles are ideal - amber, cobalt blue, or green. These bottles are like shades for oils; they don’t allow light in. It’s common knowledge amongst potion aficionados that light and heat are no friends to oils. So, colored glass it is! Keep them in a cool, dark place or even refrigerate.

Now, let's talk about “parts.” The brilliance of parts is that they're relative. A part could be a teaspoon, a cup, or a bucket. So, whether you’re making a dram, an ounce, or a gallon, it's about ratios. As you mix, your kitchen might just feel like a lab, with you as the alchemist! You’ll need glass eyedroppers for precision. A dozen should be a good start. Clean them by soaking in isopropyl alcohol and let them air dry. A Pyrex measuring cup will be your trusty sidekick for larger quantities. Please, no plastic. Oils have appetites and will gnaw through plastic.

When recipes say “a few drops,” use an eyedropper. When crafting oils for yourself, don’t hesitate to let your intuition guide you. It’s your personal potion; make it something that resonates with your soul. Keep in mind, though, that memory is not as ironclad as I'd like it to be. Write everything down – moon phase, day, time, and ingredients. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did.

Now, how about adding herbs and gemstones? It’s like inviting earth’s vitality into your potion. A dash of herbs or a tiny gemstone can bring an extra touch of magic. And while you're at it, experiment with fragrance oils. They're pocket-friendly and a great way to practice before venturing into essential oils.

Speaking of essential oils, using a carrier oil is highly recommended. It’s like a congenial host that blends beautifully with other oils, enhancing their properties.

There are several reasons why certain essential oils should not be used due to their potential harmful effects. Below is a detailed explanation of why the listed essential oils should be avoided:

Bitter Almond: Contains amygdalin, which breaks down into cyanide when ingested. It is highly toxic and can cause breathing problems, seizures, and even death.
Sassafras: Contains safrole, a compound that has been linked to cancer. The FDA banned the use of sassafras oil as a food additive or flavoring due to its carcinogenic properties.
Boldo Leaf: Can be highly toxic to the liver and kidneys, and can also cause convulsions and coma in high doses.
Savin: Contains toxic compounds that can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes, and can be fatal if ingested.
Calamus: Contains beta-asarone, which is considered carcinogenic. It's been banned in the US as a food additive and is not recommended for use on the skin.
Southernwood: Little is known about the safety of this oil, but it is considered potentially toxic and can cause severe irritation.
Horseradish: The oil is very strong and can cause severe irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. It should be used with extreme caution and never ingested.
Tansy: Contains thujone, which is toxic to the brain and nervous system. It can cause seizures and liver damage.
Jaborandi Leaf: Contains pilocarpine, which can be toxic in large amounts. It can cause sweating, salivation, nausea, and even respiratory failure.
Thuja: Contains thujone, which can be toxic to the brain and nervous system. Like Tansy, it can cause seizures and liver damage.
Mugwort: Can be toxic in large amounts and is an abortifacient, meaning it can cause miscarriages.
Wintergreen: Contains high amounts of methyl salicylate, which is similar to aspirin and can be toxic in high doses. It can cause ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even death.
Mustard: This oil can be highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and can cause blistering.
Wormseed: Can be highly toxic to the liver and kidneys and can cause seizures and death in high doses.
Pennyroyal: Contains pulegone, which is toxic to the liver and can also cause seizures. It is also an abortifacient and can be deadly in high doses.
Wormwood: Contains thujone, and like Tansy and Thuja, it can be toxic to the brain and nervous system.
Rue: Can be highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. It can also cause photosensitivity and is toxic in high doses.
Yellow Camphor: This should not be confused with white camphor which is used in medicinal products. Yellow camphor oil is toxic and can cause respiratory distress, seizures, and death.

Before we wrap up, a word of caution, essential oils are potent extracts from plants and can have significant effects on the body. Never ingest them; always consult a licensed aromatherapist or healthcare professional before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant. For those with sensitive skin, it’s essential to perform a patch test. Some oils can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoiding sun exposure after application is best. Moreover, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should be particularly cautious, as certain oils can be harmful.

Updated Precautionary Safety Notes:

• Essential oils are highly concentrated and can have various effects on the body. They should be handled with care and respect.

• Never ingest essential oils, as they can be toxic and harmful when taken orally. Some oils, like bitter almond, contain compounds that can convert into cyanide in the body.

• Before using essential oils, especially for individuals with epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, or other health conditions, it’s imperative to consult a licensed aromatherapist or healthcare professional.

• Essential oils should be used sparingly and with caution on children. They are generally not recommended for infants and should only be used therapeutically and in diluted form on young children under expert guidance.

• Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. This minimizes the risk of skin irritation and sensitization.

• Conduct a patch test by applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to the inside of your elbow and waiting for 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.

• Keep essential oils away from eyes and ears as they can cause irritation and be harmful in these sensitive areas.

• Be aware of photosensitivity with certain oils, especially citrus oils and Angelica. These oils can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to burns or rashes.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should exercise extreme caution. Some oils, like pennyroyal and mugwort, can cause contractions and are potentially harmful to both the mother and unborn child.

• Certain essential oils, such as wintergreen, mustard, and sassafras, should be avoided altogether due to their high toxicity levels or potential carcinogenic properties.

• Always store essential oils out of reach of children and pets and ensure they are properly sealed to maintain their properties.

• Educate yourself and be informed. Understanding the properties, benefits, and potential risks of essential oils is crucial for safe and effective use.

Thank you for joining me on this enlightening journey into the heart of measuring and blending oils. Making your own oils can be an incredibly fun and beneficial experience. It allows you to unleash your creativity and tailor the blends to your personal preferences and needs.

Please don’t be daunted by the precautions; they are meant to ensure your safety. With knowledge and caution, you can dive into this art confidently. Use your intuition and common sense, backed by the information provided here. The process of crafting oils can be very empowering and spiritually fulfilling. Your potions will be a reflection of your inner essence and personal energy.

As you experiment and explore, remember that this is an opportunity to bring a little bit of magic into your everyday life. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need further clarification on anything discussed. Feel free to post your questions in the comments section below. I'm here to support you on this exciting journey.

Until next time, may your creativity flow like a river and your potions be as potent as your intentions. Happy blending!

May 3, 2023

Day: May 3, 2023

The Woven Stories of Tarot: A Journey into Meaning, Elements, Numerology, and Spreads