The Emperor - 4 -

The Emperor - 4 -

Fatherhood, analytical, systematic, authority, leader, your boss, a promotion

Control freak, a weak or cruel man, abusive physically, emotionally, or with power, lawlessness

This stoic man sits in his throne with keys and the elemental pyramids carved into the metal. He is the symbol of balance, order, neatness, and law itself. His hands folded over his stomach gives chance that he is not so hard, but is willing to listen if you have a good enough reason for your actions. This could be you, being in control or being given control in the form of a birth or promotion/new position at work. Maybe you're about to become the sole head of a household, but it's nothing you can't handle because you're built on confidence and authority. You are the provider and protector of your loved ones. You've experienced it all and have the answers to pass down the generational line. This card is one that signifies sticking it out until the end and working hard to attain your goals, so it could easily be said that your ideas and efforts will manifest monetary gain and accomplishments. It could also mean that you should let your emotions take a back seat and allow your mind to make all the decisions because this can affirm your confidence, self control, and focus, but be ready to impress!

Reversed

This could indicate an abuse of power. Someone is dominating in the wrong way or overly rigid. It's his way or the highway. This could be you, your father, partner, or a boss, but it's almost always a man who is insecure and feels the only way to make a name or have respect is by throwing his weight around. This card can also mean you yourself is feeling powerless. Don't rebel from the status quo, though. No pickets are necessary. Instead, get in touch with the Emperor side of yourself and try to handle this situation logically, not emotionally. Maybe you need to leave a bad relationship, cut the cord, or start a new job. Why not get a little creative and start your own company? When discussing work, it could mean that you need more flexibility or independence; somewhere you can let your creative side out. Personally, this could be talking about you're inability to handle authority, be saying to end your ambition, or warn about a lack of self-control. End the chaos and find some order. When talking about relationships, this could signify abuse or a partner making you unhappy by being overbearing and possessive. This is becoming toxic and you need to either find your footing in the relationship and take back some control, or leave before things get dangerous. These are signs of a bad relationship brewing and it's eating at your freedoms and possibly your very self.

Planet

Mars

Element

Fire

Herbs

Carnation, ginger, mugwort, bay, loral, thistle

Crystals

Ruby, Sapphire

Special Card Combinations to Look For

Temperance : Great Self-control

The Chariot : Rewarded with a promotion or leadership role after hard work

The Devil : Abuse of power (either by you or someone close to you) and crisis is coming to them.

The High Priestess : Love interest out of your league or a roadblock to happiness

The Empress : Balance, Someone who is your equal

Four of Wands : Establishing structures to make life better

Four of Swords : Patience and Virtue

Four of Cups : Sacrifice

Four of Pentacles : Closed-mindedness

Journey through all of the Cards here

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Christmas As We Know It Today

In the last three weeks we discussed three specific pagan religions and their Yule traditions. Today, we're going to explain why these three and what they have done to create the Christmas of current times.

The first sect we showcased was the Old Germanic/Norse religions. This one has had the MOST pull in what shaped Christmas. From the tree, to the decor, to even the foods, they were beyond the true main source of the celebration. The giant Yule log that was once burned for 12 consecutive days has become a common french cake. The lore of gift giving evolved from the gnomes and great hunt with obvious sights into the reindeer who carry Santa, the horse Sleipnir who Odin rode on and the number 9 being a very religious number to even the Norse. (8 reindeer and 1 Santa). We also know that Odin bestowed gifts according to some accounts, but only to those who deserved it. (Nice and naughty list). The gnomes, Tomte, were originally the gift receivers and pranksters of poorly behaved children and adults (the new elf on the shelf), and later were described as gnomes who would go door to door giving gifts. The wreaths and garland... the list is nearly boundless.

In the post about the Holly King, I briefly described as being the image of Santa. Before Coca-cola turned Santa in the jolly man in a red suit, he actually looked almost exactly as the Holly King of lore. He was usually depicted as wearing a long thick robe in the colors of blue of green and always wore a crown of holly. They also made the gathering of holly a tradition though the ages. We can even go as far as to thank the early Celts for the very day the Christian's use for the birth of Jesus because the Oak King (the Sun King) was born on Yule.









Saturnalia has other very deep connections to the current holiday. They celebrated it joyously, while the other two saw it as a time to be solemn and look back at the year. The Romans instead partied and caroled happily as they feasted welcoming in the new year. The act of gift-giving is mostly associated with this sect and we can also thank them for our vast and varying amount of advent calenders.

So why are we talking about this? We should all understand and give thanks to these Pagan traditions that have been allowed to survive the ages and overrule of Christianity. What you may not know is how controversial all of this was the Christians in the beginning and how even their own churches and sect rebelled against the entire celebration because its not only mentioned in the Bible to NOT practice these very traditions, like a setting up and decorating a tree, but the birth of Jesus was NOT ever recorded. We can see and understand both their fallacy in attempting to warp these pagan holidays while condemning them in the same breath and understand that their desperation to overcome these "barbaric" peoples by bending to their celebrations and incorporating them to make the transition into the Abrahamic religions easier. However, it is through these common day practices that our ancestors and Gods have survived and have allowed such a powerful resurgence of the old ways.  We can still honor them, just as the Christians do today.







© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame
The images are not mine, and I do not own the rights to them. They have their own copyrights are only being used for imagery. They are still owned by their original owners credit will be given as they're claimed. 

The Empress - 3 -

The Empress - 3 -

Motherhood, love, elegance, beauty, harmony, abundance, nurturing, successful 

Laziness, stagnation, wasted effort, problem within the home or relationship

Depicted here is a pregnant woman on silk sheets. Completely relaxing in luxury, beautiful and still powerful. On the pillow at her feet is the symbol of Venus, the feminine rune, because she is the ultimate female, full bellied and lovely. Her crown connects her to the mystical realm of fae and magick, which is where she gathers her power she's holding in her hand. She is still dangerous, so don't underestimate her even in such a fragile state. When you draw her, she is telling to to embrace for womanhood, or feminine side. Get sensual using all of your senses and don't worry about spoiling yourself. Take a day to dote on yourself and reconnect with who you are or find new ways to creatively express yourself. Find a new band, write something, draw, sing, or create a dance that lets it all out or just find a new hobby to love. This could also indicate a pregnancy if its accompanied by the Ace or Page of Cups or the Four of Wands. If the Ace of Wands shows up, then it could mean just the birth of a new idea, life path, or something equally changing. If you're already a mother or father, it could be pushing you to open communication with your children on a deeper level; become more nurturing, a better guide through life, or just grow closer to your kids. If you're planning a trip or have some time off, maybe you need to reconnect to the Mother Earth. With other earthy cards, you could use some time camping, hiking, or just spending a little while outdoors. 

Reversed

This card could meant that you're denying yourself by relying too much on other's opinions or emotional or material needs. You're feeling confused about a current relationship and have lost sight of the direction its going. You're not having a chance to be heard or to properly express yourself. You need to find someone, a friend or close family member, to share these feelings you've bottle up with. You're doubting yourself and your feelings and you should probably take a day or so to work things out with yourself. If you don't love you, then how will someone else be able to so properly?  Are you having problems conceiving? This card could mean infertility, or even an unwanted and unplanned pregnancy. It could also be an indicator that YOU are being overly protective or mothering your partner and it's putting a strain on everything. Step back and let them make some decisions. Generally speaking, you could just be missing something in your life and so you're more disconnected with yourself, having a creative block or just denying yourself better treatment. In the worst meaning, it could indicate depression or simply a negative mood looming over your head due to being overburdened. Try to relieve your stress before moving forward. Take a warm bubble bath, listen to soothing music, get out of the house and turn off your phone. After feeling looser, then you can follow your inner self and realign. 

Planet

Venus

Element

Earth

Herbs

Hazel, mistletoe, olive, sunflower, daffodil

Crystals

Peridot, turquoise 

Special Card Combinations to Look For

Emperor : The reading is focused on your father or lover

Devil : Oblivious to the hurt you're causing someone 

Death : A relationship is coming to an end because of something you caused or did, or seem to be the cause of. It may have been unintentional or simply unnoticed as a wrong-doing.

Hermit : A Widow or old maid, lack of social skills to create long-lasting friends or love will leave you alone in life. You cannot get by just on looks.

Three of Wands : Material Success
Three of Swords : Alienation due to your own obliviousness

Three of Cups : Nurturing relationships if you ignore your own selfish-ness and concentrate on other's needs

Three of Pentacles : Teamwork, remember that you didn't get where you are on your own

Journey through all of the Cards here

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

A Simple Candle Spell How To

In this video I explain how to use bay leaves and petition papers. It's something any and everyone can do and is cheap enough to do on a show string budget.

Candle Magick Course Directory

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Saturnalia - The Roman Winter Holiday

Saturn - The God

The Agricultural God of Seed and Sow was usually depicted with bound ankles, though during this celebration, the cloths were removed as a way to allow him to wonder around. On the first day, they would sacrifice a young pig in his temple as well. The idea was that he was actually a god of mischief and chaos, hence the changing of order, and to honor this specifically each household would choose a King of Misrule.

Celebrations-

Unlike other traditions, the Romans treated it more like a long party. It started about the 17th and lasted an entire seven days, ending on the day of the Solstice. They had both large public right as well as household celebrations. A very interested tradition was a week of freedom to their slaves where they would don a red hat  and colorful clothes and could act as insubordinate as they wanted to their owners and others. The slaves could even be treated to having a meal they prepared served to them by their owners. This particular event kept everyone in order, but allowed for a pleasurable time. This also applied to other levels of society, where it allowed every man and woman to be equal. Businesses and courts would close the entire week and  gave way to extravagant banquets, heavy drinking and gambling in public. They would deck the hall with their local greenery and even decorate tree with baubles. Some would go caroling house to house, though they were usually naked. It was warmer this time of year than other places, hopefully.

Fertility Rituals -

In Rome, some of the more common rituals were for the land owner and his wife to out and have sex in the middle of each field. It could be an all day affair if you had a lot of land, but it was almost guaranteed that your crops would grow. They would also offer tributes to the Goddess Flora for fertile lands and wombs.




© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame
I do not own the image and it may be subject to it's own copyright. 

The High Priestess - 2 -

The High Priestess - 2 -

Listen to your gut, Inner self, Mystery, Wisdom, Deeper Knowledge

Closed off, Lack of intuition, Gossip, Secrets, Disconnect with femininity 

She stands symbolizes truth, serenity, and understanding. There is something off about her though. she withholds a kind of intuitive knowledge that is meant to be taught, but not used to control, the true depth of reality depicted between Solomon's Temple pillars. She is the gateway to that mystery we ask for in the cards, her crystal ball the mirror into a higher knowledge we so elude with the Goddess symbol front and center. She is that spiritual enlightenment, divine knowledge, and wisdom. The gears on the pillars pull back the curtain, the veil of awareness, to allow entry to those who are worthy. She is there to teach you that you should listen to your inner voice and pay attention to your dreams. What areas of you life need more attention or fixing? Take time to meditate or just to relax in a quite place and let the answer come to you. Your inner self already has the answers, to open up to them. For males and females it could also mean to get more in touch with their feminine side, feel your emotions or you may fail. You're denying your more emotional and intuitive side.

Reversed

You're ignoring your inner voice. Switch it back on and take time to meditate. It may take longer to come to you because you're out of practice. Stop trying to solve your problem and take a time out. Again, she already has the answer and is trying to reach out to you to tell you. You could also be very reliant on the opinions of others and need to learn that in the long run they don't matter. Your opinion and feelings are what make you, not the ever changing people in your life. Find what makes you unique, yourself, and embrace it.

Another meaning is that you're learning occult on a superficial level or just to be popular. It could also indicate gossip, hidden agenda, or issues under the surface. Demand the truth and don't allow others to keep secrets from you. 

Planet

Moon

Element

Water

Herbs

Acacia, Lemongrass, Sandalwood

Crystals

Moonstone, Rose Quartz

Special Card Combinations to Look For

Heavy Wands : Stay focused on your creative work. You're a natural.

Heavy Swords : Don't react to an argument or anything that is said against you. Stay quite, calm, and reserved, then talk it out.

Heavy Cups : (or cups near the priestess) You should cool your emotions; get all the facts first.

Heavy Pentacle : You have good money making idea. Don't let others tell you otherwise.

Heavy Two's : (or a two is near) You're acting selfishly and are imbalanced. 



Journey through all of the Cards here



© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Types of Candles



Candle magic can also depend on the type of candle used. Throughout this post refer back to the Color Correspondence post to match up these situations to better suit your needs. The more exact your spell the better the outcome.


Double Action Candles :

These are always one color on top of another, half and half. In these ones, black removes the bad out of that situation, and the other color attracts it. Always use different sigils on each half to enhance this affect by consecrating the candle for the specific work.


Red - marriage problems, divorce clearing, moving past a broken heart, removing damaging personal habits before starting a new relationship.


Green - changing irresponsible financial patterns, money worries, picking yourself back up after bankruptcy, living without alimony, monetary lawsuits, job concerns


White - All purpose, bad habits, breaking hexes


Blue - Emotional pain, physical healing,


Purple - Psychic attacks


There are also road opener candles that are orange in the bottom and the other color on top. Orange is the color to overcome, so every other color is to overcome obstacles in that particular situation.



Figure Candles :

These are vast and almost impossible to list, but here are some of the most common


Seven Knob Wishing Candle - burned for seven days, for seven different wishes, or for seven-fold strength on the same wish. Each knob can be a different color, or any combination of colors that fit your need.


Bride and Groom - these are for couple magics, again almost any color can be used. You can also substitute two people candles and wrap a cord or ribbon around them to signify unity.


Lovers - new relationship, repairing relationships, etc. You can also use two people candles facing towards each other


Divorce Candle - Always black, this is the exact opposite of the Bride and Groom and depicts the couple facing away. You can also use two separate people candles spaced apart.


Male and Female - Used for work on a specific person, can be color combinations, or singular for any given purpose, but the magic is done on them.


Penis and Vagina Candle - These relate to sexual behaviors to stop cheating or to seduce a lover. You can even affect the person's performance.


Religious Symbol Candles - all things spiritual.


Master Hand Candle - these are used to either gain control over a situation or to bless another spell or situation.


Eye in Pyramid Candle - burned for money spells


Seven Day Candles - Large pillar or glass encased candles used to draw out a spell so that the effect is longer lasting. These can be used the same as the Seven Knob Candle, or can be sectioned out into any amount of sections necessary.


Heart Candles - For love or emotional spells


Votive candles - These are more for offerings or petitions.


Angles - For angelic work and petitions.


You can pretty much find a candle in any shape and use it for some kind of an intention, from trees and pine comes for Yule pumpkins for Samhain or animals figures for spiritual guides, the list is literally endless.

Common Sense Candle Magick
Candle Magick Course Directory



  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

The Holly King's Season - A Celtic History

A Celtic History

Before Coca-Cola created the Jolly Old Man in a Red Suit, there was a more pagan-esque picture of an elder man with a beard usually in green or blue garb with holly in his hair. This older Claus is the Holly King, the God of the Waning year. 

His given name is Arawn. He comes from Annwn, also called the Otherworld in Welsh Mythology. Arawn is a very prominent King in this world from leading men into battles over stolen dogs, deer, and birds, to a voyage by King Arthur into Annwn to rescue a prisoner and take a cauldron. However, for this particular post, we will concentrate on his roll in Yule and his battle with the Oak King, his twin.

Arawn, the Holly King, and Hafgan, the Oak King are forever engaged in this battle of darkness over light, but it is well understood that both are necessary. The darkness brings an end to life, but also brings us closer. We have it well documented that more babies are born in the winter months than summer, so it's quite possible they also saw this trend. At the time of Midsummer, the Holly King would wake from his great rest and start to gain strength, thus leading to the death of the Oak King at Samhain. A rather common and interesting theme seen in one particular faith. Much like Jesus, the "Sun" of God, the Sun God, The Oak King, also was born at Yule and then rose from his death at Ostra. 

We also see yet another reference to a Wild Hunt, but in the Celtic tradition it is more a force of good to chase away the evil than it is anything to do with ancestors or death. A very striking difference from the Germanic Tribes. It does, however, still involve wolves, but more wolf like hunting hounds being lead by the great Holly King in a crown of antlers. 

He is also referenced along side Cailleach, or the Queen of Winter, who also has a twin, or double aspect, none other than Brighde. Cailleach goes and frosts the earth and then turns to stone at Bealltainn (Beltane). Though lesser known, she is still a rather interesting character in this epic and has a rich history in the same story.  

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer Shannon Hinojos

The Magician - 1 -

The Magician - 1-  

Success, Power, Knowledge, Creativity, Bringing to Fruition, Skill, Resourcefulness 

Manipulation, Greed, Untrustworthy, Mental Confusion, Not Using Potential 

The Magician was given the number one because he bridges the gap between the spirit world introduced in the Fool and the now living world. He has finally manifested the change in the physical world he's been studying for and making it real. All of his discipline and practice is paying off. He represents the true magic in the physical and that it's time to start to creating your own in your life. Know what it is you're manifesting and use your very best skills and the connection you still have with the universe to make it happen. Above his head is the eternity symbol and all four elements are present in his work space meaning that each element is at your will. With such a can-do attitude, any desire you seek is attainable and the ability to grab it and make it happen will be given to you if you only look; think creatively. What ever endeavor you wish to start will come about positively. Being sure of your intention is key, though. Make sure you fully understand what it is you're wanting to do. Knowledge is power and this card is all about both. 

Reversed

This man is deceitful and a con, especially if the Devil is present in the spread. He's using his knowledge and resources for wrong doing and negative means.Though charming, it's for all the wrong reasons and he is rarely who he represents himself to be. If the Moon is near, then there is also a self-deceit, or illusion effect that you're under. You could be out of touch with reality and need grounding. You need to turn back to the Fool and reexamine the problem at hand from a fresh point of view. Take a deep breath and make a plan. In another sense you could be letting your talents go to waste or feel your true potential isn't being met and that you are wasting away. Was a dream career? A hobby you love more than your day job? Did you switch paths because of life or other reasons, but still think about that one thing you're ridiculously good at; a natural born talent. Find a way to get back to that path and your life will improve. This also applies spiritually. 

Planet

Mercury

Element

Air

Herbs

Carnation, Rosemary, Vanilla

Crystals

Agate, Sunstone

Special Card Combinations to Look For

The Sun : A great burst of energy to complete your goal. Be wary of self-obsorbtion

The Moon : Your emotions are blinding you to your wants. If you do gain it, it will cost you greatly and may not be worth it in the end.

The Fool : Friends will assist you when the work is evenly distributed and you seem like its a goal based more on fun and experience, than getting ahead of everyone else.

Temperance : Working selfishly to help OTHERS reach their goal.

Three of Wands : Your goals or other life occurrences will come out in your favor. Great blessings are on the way.

Journey through all of the Cards here


© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer Shannon Hinojos

Color Correspondences

The colors of the candles is a serious discussion when introducing Candle Magick to people. We see this continue on through the colors of stones, fabrics, ink to write with, paper written on, and so much more. The meanings very rarely change, so this can be used a general color chart for all spell work. Please note that in some cases, even the shade can matter. These colors, however, span more than color magick and throughout nearly every kind of spell in a multitude of uses. This post will be sited for many different courses and uses.

Red : Passion, vitality, strength, survival, fertility, courage, sexual potency, mercy, action, danger, war, fire element, conflict, sports, independence, assertiveness, competition, love, attraction anger, Fire element, the South, Aries, Scorpio, Saturn, Bones, Teeth, nails, colon, prostate, rectum, blood

Orange : Self-expression, intellectual matters, overcoming addiction, legal matters/justice, joy, business success, ambition, vitality, fun, action, opportunity, celebration, investments, adaptability, strength, confidence, social skills, Sun, Leo, Sagittarius, pelvis, kidneys, uterus, bladder, lymph, sperm, adrenaline, digestion

Yellow : Pleasure, success, happiness, learning, memory, thought,  concentration, persuasion, inspiration, imagination, solar magick, charm, confidence, air element, travel, flexibility, communication, creativity, clarity, exams or test taking, the East, Mercury, Taurus, Libra, lower back, spine, gall bladder, pancreas, liver, spleen, digestion

Light Green : Youth, new beginnings, new path, starting out, spring time

Dark Green : Prosperity, abundance, money, physical & emotional healing, growth, luck, marriage, tree/plant magick, acceptance, weather, counteract, envy, greed, jealousy, security, material gain, employment, Earth element, the North, Mercury, Cancer, Upper back, spine, shoulders, breasts, heart, lungs, respiratory system, circulatory system

Light Blue : Spirituality, tranquility, peace, protection, healing, patience, calm, understanding, good health

Blue : Communication, will power, focus, forgiveness, good fortune, weight loss, truth, fidelity, patience, domestic harmony, organization, removing bad vibrations, sincerity, astral projection, water element, wisdom, dreams, emotions, sea life, the West, Jupiter, Moon, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Neck, throat, thyroid, lungs, ears, mind

Lavender : Knowledge, intuition, peace, tranquility, healing

Violet : Spirituality, connection to higher self, Goddess, insight, clarity, tension

Indigo : Spiritual guidance, psychic ability, stop gossip/lies, dignity, divination, meditation, ambition, overcome depression, Aquarius

Purple : Wisdom, influence, spiritual power, contact with spirits, drive away evil, change luck, independence, government, break habit, mild banishings, psychic ability, ambition, inner strength, Mercury, Saturn, Capricorn, Jupiter, Gemini, Sagittarius, Face, nervous system, upper respiratory system, bones, eyes, ears, pituitary gland, emotions

Pink : compassion, nurturing, femitinity, friendship, partnership, protection of children, domestic harmony, self-improvement, maturity, honor, virtue, morality, contentment, self love and respect, young romance, affection, Venus, Mars, Muscular System

Brown : House blessing, animal/pet magick, earth magick, concentration, material goods, stability, locating lost objects, earth element, real estate, construction, food, financial crisis, grounding, strength, family issues, Scorpio, Saturn

Copper : Business success, passion, money, fertility, career growth

Gold : Masculine divinity, great fortune, abundance, prosperity, male energy, understanding, divination, fast luck, solar/sun energy, positive attitude, justice, health, attraction, luxury, the day

Silver : Feminine divinity, stability, psychic awareness, intuition, dreams, victory, meditation, communication, moon magick, gambling luck, the Goddess, the night

 Grey : Loneliness, glamour, contemplation, removing negative influence

Black : Grounding, wisdom, learning, protection, safety, reversing, uncrossing, unhexing, repelling black magick, banishing negativity, releasing, shape-shifting, defense, scrying, pride, Saturn, teeth, bones

White : All purpose, unity, purity, cleansing, peace, balance, spirituality, healing, innocence, rain, magick involving young children or childhood, truth, consecration, balancing the aura, truth, Moon, Pisces, Brain, pineal gland, semen


Always refer back to our Common Sense Candle Magick post for proper usage and safety.
Candle Magick Course Directory

  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Yule/Jul - A True History

• 

A lot of people believe Yule to have come originally from the Celtics, but it actually started with the Old Germanic Tribes (who later become the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons). It's true spelling is Jul pronounced as "Yule". The celebration is dedicated to Odin and has a lot to do with the Wild Hunt lead by Odin which is said to bring war or a great death. This could just be seen as the Wild Hunt brings on the cold, shorter days when many would catch colds and such, but what it truly stands for is much debated.

This particular holiday is very long and can start anywhere from Mid-November and last up to Mid-January, though many texts that I have read personally, have it more around Mid-December and ending around the first week of January. You can read more of this reference in chapter 55 of the Prose Edda.

To celebrate everyone would carry out a sacrifice and bring all the food needed for the celebration to the temple. They would drink ale and sacrifice the animals associated with Jul (horses, cows, goats, and pigs) and collect their blood. They would use special twigs gathered together to sprinkle the blood at the pedestals of the Gods as well as the inside and outside walls. When people would enter the temple, they would also be sprinkled with the blood to receive the blessings and give thanks. They would then light a large fire in the middle of the temple and the chieftain and person preparing the feast would bless the meat from the sacrificed animals and the other foods before cooking. The first toast was always to Odin, followed then by Frejyer and Njoror, then lastly to the king himself. After this they would drink to their fallen loved ones.

“Glorious Maiden Who Knows the Age Cure of the Aesir”,

This holiday is also closely associated with the Sun (of course) and the Poetic Edda also talks about a Sun Goddess being reborn when the Gods are weakened, or dying. The other Gods are waiting for the Maiden to come forth and bring them new life as Sunna who rides a chariot across the sky and runs from the Wolf of darkness. The Winter Solstice is the time of the year where its thought she is finally caught by the wolf and devoured, then the springs buds her anew. Sunna is critical to the way they saw Earth created and the cycle of life itself. She is the first who made man and formed the heavens and other planets. Its possible that she actually is just dying at the end of the year as she gives birth to herself in the beginning of a new year; a common theme throughout many pagan religions. She is also quoted to be the actual seed of Yggdrasill, though her place and person was later replaced in the age of the Vikings. She can still be seen in much of their imagery and the other goddess of the new pantheon. Thor was also depicted as her protector who fought for her resurrection and can still be seen in the essence of the Yule Goat as well as then when they sacrificed the goats for feasting.

The Wild Hunt - Asgardr-Riders

The theme of souls roaming the Earth does not stop at Alfabot (or Samhain for those new Pagans) for the Old Germanic Tribes. It continues on through the passage of winter and is even considered more powerful because of the lack of sunlight. The Riders are souls of dead ancestors who ride killing and maiming those who cross those paths, unless they were met with offerings and well-wishes. These dead could then become helpful or bestow blessings. These souls appear to have become what we now know as gnomes, elves, and other various little people who wreck havoc and create mischief. 

  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer Shannon Hinojos
I do not own the image and it may be subject to it's own copyright. 

The Fool -0-

The Fool -0-

A new beginning, spontaneity, have faith, pursue the dream

Reckless, insecure, over your head, careless

This card is both the beginning and the end of the journey through the Major Arcana. It is the one place we all start at and ultimately return to. You'll notice in all depictions of this card, the person is always facing or looking West and behind is a rising sun giving you the image of a new day, a new adventure, a new beginning. Always appearing young and eager to start out, they meet the rising sun with bags in tow ready to face the unknown and move towards it to find the real meaning of life's never-ending questions. The landscape behind them is always distant and usually shrouded representing the spirit world they just sprang forth from and will return to, but not today and hopefully not too soon. 

This is often seen as starting something new or being innocent towards something. They are ready to reach their fullest potential and believe they can with every fiber of their being. They have already made plans and mapped out the journey ahead. They are on the trail of something wonderful and the excitement of not knowing (or possibly not even achieving) drives them forward to take that leap of faith without looking back or second guessing the Gods and their will. This card is telling you to do the exact same thing. Start that new business. Move to that city and take the new job. Or just try something different, but don't be afraid for there is a reason as it develops your self and gives way to new discoveries and lessons you wouldn't have learned if you hadn't; even if you fail. 

Use this card to help you get over fears and give yourself courage to move forward or taking that risk.

Reversed

This could mean that you're taking too many risks or are ignoring consequences or are acting like a true fool. Reel yourself in and take a breath. It's fine to jump, but make sure you've strapped on a harness. Think through all possible options and don't just take the first one given. Have a back up parachute if the first one doesn't deploy as recklessness can be the end.  The relationship could be too uncertain or leave you feeling insecure and not be more than the excitement you see on the surface. That new position could be too stressful and over your head after all and no one wants to appear incompetent when they're not.  

Planet

Uranus

Element

Air

Herbs

Cedar, Rose Geranium

Crystals

Agate, Aventurine

Special Card Combinations to Look For

The Devil : You're about to hit disaster

The Magician : If it applies to YOU, then you are about to get a new start in life. If it applies to SOMEONE ELSE, then you're about to be taken for you have.

The Sun : Influences your ego positively

The Moon : Influences your emotions positively 

The Stars : Influences your mind positively 

Heavy Wands : Continue to step to your own beat

Heavy Swords : Criticism for not following the crowd.

Heavy Cups : Don't abandon everything for a lover, or a love of something. 

Heavy Pentacles : Risky venture will pay off

Journey through all of the Cards here
© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer Shannon Hinojos

Journey Through Tarot Master Link Post

The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
Hierophant
The Lovers
Chariot
Strength
The Hermit
wheel of fortune
Justice
Hanged Man

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame