Peachtree Moon

by angeliska on June 30, 2010

It’s been a strange and heavy time for me lately,
fraught with unforeseen changes, and deep transformation.
In times like these, I tend to retreat inward, and am prone to
hermiting and becoming protective of my silence, my space
to think and ponder whatever may be next. Hanging around
in my chrysalis, swaddled in silk-net shadows, paying attention
to the moon, and her behemoth attendants. This year is full of
eclipses, and this most recent one had been particularly brutal.
So far, quite a few friends I’ve talked to have experienced rough
weeks too – anyone else out there laboring under the plow of a
celestial taskmaster with a whip? It’s as if the stars and planets
were tipping fate off (or into?) balance. If I’ve ever felt skepticism
or bafflement at astrology’s verity, all that is evaporated now.
I can’t begin to explain how it’s supposed to work, but I know
that all of my horoscopes lately have been shockingly accurate.
I was similarly skeptical when I first encountered the tarot, and
the I Ching, at a very young age. My father introduced me to both
when I was around eleven. He gave me the tools to practice,
and books to read,and let me have at it. I remember being so
curious, but also scoffing slightly at the idea that these pieces
of paper could have any bearing on my life. The more I worked
with them, the more they showed me exactly how that could be
possible. There was no vagueness, no bleary affirmations or
unremarkable predictions – instead I found stories and symbols
that pertained so directly to my life, and to what I was experiencing
at that moment. I rarely do readings for myself anymore, but recent
events have left me feeling the need for guidance. I don’t think I’ve
ever done a more interestingly spot-on reading. I love the 15 card
spread, and always prefer it over the traditional celtic cross I was
taught on. Known as the Romany Spread, or the Golden Dawn
Spread, I think it allows for some of the most elegant configurations
and numerical progressions. I hadn’t used that first deck, inherited
from my mother when I was still a child, in a very long time. I still
always use the 1970’s Albano printing of the Rider Waite Pamela
Colman Smith deck
for readings and teaching. I collect tarot decks,
and have scads of lovely ones – but this is the one that speaks to
me the clearest. I just love it. For me, it is totally disassociated
from the narrow and often backwards interpretations that A.E. Waite
tried to instill it with, and instead emanates perfectly the more intuitive
occult wisdom of the woman who designed it. I wish there was more
information out there about Pixie Smith! Luckily, there are a couple
of fantastic resources, namely, Mary K. Greer and John Coulthart.
Here’s what the cards had to say that day:
June 28th, 2010 - tarot reading
Curious, isn’t it? It all seems very much in order with what’s going on
with me lately, though surprisingly more positive than I might’ve
anticipated. I’m glad of it! I’d be interested in any thoughts or
interpretations anyone might have on it. It seems to be a time
of flux, not only for me, but for the world in general. Times like
these, I’ll take any oracles I can get! The trick is to not consult
them compulsively, though it’s hard when you find one that
really resonates with you. Lately, I’ve been really impressed
with the work being done by Barry Perlman, and I have always
loved good old Astrodienst. Got any recommendations for me?
peaches
I am in love with our miniature orchard. The puny little peach trees
that have never grown much, are so heavily laden, they bend nearly
to the ground beneath the weight of so much fruit! Our pear trees
and the pomegranate are also getting heavy with deliciousness –
we’re waiting anxiously for them to get ripe enough to eat. This
time we don’t plan on letting them become prey for stinkbugs
or butterflies, either! Dr. Bronner’s in a hose sprayer seems to
be doing the trick so far. We have a peach cobbler in mind!
Bojangles
Our garden also produces fuzzy little peaches with claws,
and lots and lots of problems! Mr. Renfield Bojangles
(pronounced in the Spanish fashion, please) Whiskerwitz,
also known as Tom Tum, was found hiding from the hounds
behind the hated Nandina bushes, skinny as a bundle of rags
and sticks, with a big wormy belly. His face had been
attacked by some vile creature (maybe a possum?),
and his lower lip and chin nearly ripped off! He also
has a terrible case of ear-mites. We cleaned him up,
and he’s been recuperating and is definitely on the
mend. Of course, we’re supposed to be getting him
in better shape so that we can find him a home, but
naturally we’ve gotten very attached to him! I only
ever seem to have orange kitties – all my life, that’s
all I’ve ever had! I also tend to live with people that
have brown tabbies. Those two always end up being
paired, over and over. Anyhow, little Bojangles has
been an incredible source of solace recently – he’s
basically a living motivation poster. He is the kitten
hanging off the branch. “Hang in there!” is his motto,
all the way. I’m a big advocate of kitten or puppy therapy.
It’s pretty hard to be miserable with a cute baby animal
around, and it’s good to have something to take care
of rather than just sitting around feeling sorry for yourself.
I’ll try and post regular photos of his progress to boost morale!
Rusty Jacknife
Rusty Jacknife wants to devour Bojangles. We’ve decided that Jack isn’t a cat
at all, but rather a minor demon who wears an ill-fitting cat suit and has
decided to keep us company. He doesn’t even walk like a cat! Instead,
he has the lumbering gait of a fat possum. He’s so ridiculous and adorable
though, it’s hard to resist his charms – even when he does insist on coating
the velvet loveseat in my studio with a thick pelt of orange fluff! I had to put
down a towel, because it got so grody. The copy of Lula Magazine obscured
by cat-fat was a lovely gift from my dear sweet darling Chad Merritt, who will
be here in just a matter of days! I cannot wait to frolic and watch fireworks with him!

Oh how I wish this lovely hand-tinted moth print could be mine! Alas,
a photo must suffice. I want to plant more and more night-blooming
flowers to attract giant moths to our garden. I have loads of moon-flowers
seeds that never made it into the ground – I wonder if they’re still any good?

In lieu of moonflowers, we’ve got loads of angel trumpets, oh heavenly datura!
The other evening we sat transfixed, watching the huge flowers unfurl. Who
needs television when you have a garden? We even made a video of it
happening! If you are very, very patient, you might enjoy it too:

18 comments

Ooooh ! That Pamela Colman Smith is to die for !
I try not to collect Tarot Decks but kinda fail … ha !
I have an Art Nouveau one (but not truly Art Nouveau, it’s a contemporary version) and two Egyptian they are all very pretty but I can feel that they don’t work with me …
I think that my real “gift” has to do with pendulum. And the one that works the best is when I use my ring and one strand of my hair …
The fancy ones just don’t work that well.
So I see pretty much what you mean.
x x x
___m___

by Mathyld / under the pyramids on June 30, 2010 at 2:22 am. Reply #

it’s been a very trying time for me as well – five weeks ago my whole world changed. it’s been a very difficult road and i’m sorry to hear that yours has been rocky as well.
the kitten is so cute i love him. i’d be a total sucker for that face as well.
much goodness your way.
from this darkened cave over here.

by suzanne meow meow on June 30, 2010 at 3:31 am. Reply #

I have had a rocky week as well. I am growing up real fast these days, and sometimes it hurts a lot. I’m really trying to be less selfish and more of an adult, but I never realized I had so far to go before that happens. I should really write you a letter soon.

by Sophie on June 30, 2010 at 7:31 am. Reply #

It is definitely a time of upheaval and endings here, almost immediately after the lunar eclipse. Although my astro profile for the next year pretty much makes that the main theme.
I used to have that deck a long time ago. I made giant murals of several cards on my walls, the fool, the two of wands, the hanged man, the three of swords, and I think the wheel of fortune. Not sure what I did with that deck, but I later obtained an egyptian deck and a norse deck. I really liked using both decks at the same time to compliment/supplement each other because of the different energies.
Hooray for kittens!

by Gabriel on June 30, 2010 at 10:35 am. Reply #

yup, i feel you on the craziness/major changes/shifts/upheavals. and it doesn’t seem to be letting up either! in any case, i suppose we’re all getting pretty good at ‘rolling with the punches’. and in a weird way, freefalling feels kinda liberating. lately i just throw my hands up and say: anything goes, bring it on bitchezzz!

by tara on June 30, 2010 at 3:08 pm. Reply #

Dearest Mathyld,
Which Art Nouveau deck is it that you have? I love the idea of using a special ring a strand of hair as a pendulum! What could be more powerful? I have one somewhere that unscrews, so you can put magic bits in the little compartment. Clearly I don’t use it very often! Maybe I ought to dig it out and give it a whirl…
xoxoxo,
Angeliska

by Angeliska on June 30, 2010 at 11:39 pm. Reply #

Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for your thoughts, and for your sweet words.
I’ll be thinking of you as well – I hope things get better for you soon! I’m waving at you from my cave! Hopefully we won’t turn into blind albino salamanders, eh? Out into the sunlight soon, yes?
love,
Angeliska

by Angeliska on June 30, 2010 at 11:42 pm. Reply #

Sophie Darling,
Yes, a letter soon please! I’m sorry I’ve been so busy lately
and haven’t been able to chat. I endeavor to be a better letter writer this summer. I’m sorry it’s been so hard, dearie. I’m thinking of you. xoxox Angel

by Angeliska on June 30, 2010 at 11:44 pm. Reply #

Oh little Mr. Renfield B. W.! I got all teary-eyed reading about his story … sadness and happiness all mixed up together. Poor little puddykins, but lucky little fellow too!! If I lived near you, I would offer to adopt this little charmer in a second, despite the angry looks of our Miss Penelope Nut, who would be in complete agreement with Mr. Rusty J. in not approving of a younger sibling. But it does sound as if he has won your heart, and so a wonderful, wonderful home!
We have been experiencing some serious shifts in life too, and I wish I understood more about tarot so that I could really understand what your reading shows. Perhaps the peaches and pomegranates and beautiful angel trumpets are a sign that things are going to get better … I hope so!! Sending many best wishes your way!

by Susanne Lynette on July 1, 2010 at 6:36 pm. Reply #

That flower unfurling video was so lovely and inspiring. . . the beautiful things, the truly good things in life take time.
And I totally feel you about the times we are in. My life has been just so much lately, so much coming at me at once, good, bad, and everything in between, I need a breather! I may just take the time to retreat inward soon as well!
As always, your bee-log is inspiring and refreshing.

by Jeannine on July 2, 2010 at 5:56 pm. Reply #

Big changes and shifts right now for me too! And one of those times when it feels like the muse has left for a while- though I know she will return.
Your reading seems really balanced but I can’t say too much, not familiar with the layout. 3-2s, 3 kings, a queen and empress, the great transformation and wands galore- certainly creative change but looks balanced and right.

by K on July 2, 2010 at 6:41 pm. Reply #

Dear Susanne Lynette,
It’s always good to hear from you, dear.
Thank you for your sweet thoughts.
I will try and take the bounty of the summer
as a good sign, yes. I’m working on trusting
in the universe, and knowing there is good in store!
best wishes,
A.

by Angeliska on July 2, 2010 at 9:02 pm. Reply #

Dear Jeannine,
I’m glad you enjoyed the datura video!
I wasn’t sure if anyone would actually have the patience
to watch it all the way through! Happy you enjoy the Gazette,
and that it brings some good your way.
best wishes,
Angeliska

by Angeliska on July 2, 2010 at 9:05 pm. Reply #

Miss K,
Teatime please, and junking – soonly?
Holla!
xxoxo
A.

by Angeliska on July 2, 2010 at 9:06 pm. Reply #

You have a wonderful garden/orchard going, and I am way jealous of it. I am also jealous that you have a home of your own and not stuck in a basement suite like I am!! Count your lucky stars!!

by Lia on July 3, 2010 at 6:43 pm. Reply #

Aw, Bojangles is gorgeous – so glad he found you.
I’m going through a weird transitional phase right now, too – probably partly because of the upcoming move to Austin, but because of other things too, I think.
A xx

by Andrea on July 3, 2010 at 8:03 pm. Reply #

Dear Lia,
Thank you! I do indeed count my lucky stars for my home and my garden, every day. Having a real garden is such a joy – for years, when I lived in New Orleans, I only had balconies. Being able to plant things directly into the earth rather than pots is magical. I hope one day you will be able to come out from the underground and have one of your own!

by Angeliska on July 3, 2010 at 8:09 pm. Reply #

Dear Andrea,
Me too! He’s such a sweetheart.
Everyone seems to be going through such changes right now! I hope yours go smoothly, and your move is relatively painless. We are really looking forward to frolicking with you here in Austin!
love,
Angeliska

by Angeliska on July 3, 2010 at 8:10 pm. Reply #

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