digital grimoire

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- notes on practice
- sigils and glyphs
- gemstones
- cartomancy
- miscellaneous

notes on practice
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magick vs magic

I like to use the term magick (with a k) to distinguish what I describe in this grimoire from other artforms called magic, namely stage magic/close-up magic (vanishing acts, card tricks) as well as fantasy magic (hurling fireballs at ogres). Magick was coined by Aleister Crowley in the 1910s, defining it as “the art and science of causing change to occur in conformity with the will.” This is not an endorsement of the man or of his practice, only an acknowledgement of the origin of a term I find useful.

magick vs witchcraft

Some prefer to call this phenomenon witchcraft but I don't particularly identify with that term. There are many reasons for this. For one, I'm not fond of the way it emphasises being a witch (ie: what you are rather than what you do) as I believe anyone is capable of practicing magick (perhaps everyone does without recognising it as such) and constructing an identity around the practice of magick, thereby inverting myself-as-practitioner-of-magick to magick-as-something-one-such-as-myself-practices (witch craft) is not something I feel inclined to do. I also feel some discomfort claiming a label which has historically been applied to people (primarily women) not only as an insult but as an accusation of perversion and wrongdoing, marking them as legitimate targets for persecution, torture, and murder. I make no attempt to (re)claim this legacy as my own, as the victims of witch hunts were not in fact witches as we like to imagine witches today, but merely individuals demonised. Would it not be insulting to parade myself as their successor by modelling my practice and expression on the slander applied to them? And in what way would reclaiming the figure of the witch spite the witch hunters who invented it?

magick as a practice (vs religion)

I refer to magick as a practice and myself as a practitioner. I don't consider it a religion, at least not for me personally. I don't incorporate deity worship into my practice currently (though I have dabbled) and I don't conceive of magick as a superhuman force, rather a collection of techniques and tricks which humans can make use of to affect our attitude or otherwise harness our will. There is no obligation associate with magick as I perform it; I may step away from my practice for months at a time and return to it whenever I see fit. There are no holy days or sabbats I commit to celebrating. Though the idea of having a calendar to adhere to does interest me in some ways, I value the freedom I have in disregarding predetermined events and the structure they would build.

how does it work?

Magick is a toolset, and it's a set of tools we perform. As a practitioner of magick, I manifest, exact, and implement my will through magical means such as the drawing of sigils. Expanding on that example, a sigil acts as as focus or a device which allows my will to bypass my inhibitions. Telling myself to calm down simply will not cause my bodymind to relax; channelling that intention to calm down through an external focus such as a sigil or gemstone offloads the action beyond the reach of my inhibitions. Through magick, I allow my will to be externalised and reflected back upon me, and thereby my intention comes to be.
With cartomancy I use a narrative framework or lens to frame a situation and facilitate analysis through projection and interpretation. I cannot use cards to predict the future, but I can use them to gain new insight.
Magick is a matter of will but of also receptiveness. In order to instill a new perspective or attitude, I have to embrace it, and in order to truly embrace it, I need to let go of my determination to seek it out, paradoxically. I manipulate my belief for a purpose.
Placebo is like dark matter.

magick as a practice (vs science)

It is natural to fear what we do not understand. Magick by its very nature defies comprehension; it is no wonder, then, that some people will attempt to reduce magick to something they can wrap their heads around, by boiling it down to its constituent elements and translating them to scientific terms, and by empirically disprove its more fantastical aspects, thereby absolving them of any obligation to believe they exist.
Magick and science are not compatible. Their laws and whims are not shared.empiricism vs knack
evidence vs proof
objective vs subjective - magick is all about will and interpretation so how can it be measured and systematised?
logic is not fact

sigils and glyphs
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- overflowing chalice
- vegvísir / wayfinder
- ægishjálmur / helm of awe
- ghost stave
- moon
- sleep-thorn
- sigil to protect against disillusionment
- “luck will follow me" sigil
- flower sigil
- sickle sigil
- beelzebub sigil

overflowing chalice

- good luck sigil
- overflowing chalice imagery invokes a sense of abundance (so many good things coming your way that your cup overflows)
- this abundance can easily be shared with others / generosity; geniality
- the creator details the significance of the minor elements (the hearts, the moons, the four-leafed clover, the pentagram with the dot in the centre, the arrow striking its target) on their blog - they're all generally positive symbols
- the creator also gives an accompanying incantation :

source: The Balancing Path, Sidney Eileen (2022)

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vegvísir / wayfinder

- name comes from Icelandic vegur (“road" or “path") + vísir (“[to] guide"), usually translated as “wayfinder" or sometimes as “signpost"
- Icelandic stave intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weathersource: earliest reference is in the Huld Manuscript, Geir Vigfusson (1860)

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ægishjálmur / helm of awe

- ægishjálmur, or the “Helm of Awe" or “Helm of Terror", is a modern Icelandic stave which shares its name with an object in Norse mythology
- a physical object called the “Helm of Terror" is referenced as one item Sigurð takes from Fafnir's hoard after he slays him in Völsunga saga; in the prose of Reginsmál, Fáfnir is described as owning the helm and it is said that all living creatures feared it
- the object is also discussed in Fáfnismál in the Poetic Edda:

Fafnir spake:
The fear-helm I wore to afright mankind,
While guarding my gold I lay;
Mightier seemed I than any man,
For a fiercer never I found.Sigurth spake:
The fear-helm surely no man shields
When he faces a valiant foe;
Oft one finds, when the foe he meets,
That he is not the bravest of all.Glittering worm, thy hissing was great,
And hard didst show thy heart;
But hatred more | have the sons of men
For him who owns the helm.(Bellows translation)

- like the mythical object, this stave is intended to instill fear and prevail in battle
- most interpret this to mean striking fear into the hearts of one's enemies, but I think it can also be used to shock oneself into taking action instead of continuing to play a passive role or avoid what ought to be confronted
- agitation; instigation; urge towards necessitysource: the first recorded appearance of the symbol came from the Galdrakver (1670) though its namesake is referenced in the Poetic Edda, among other places (see above)

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ghost stave

- “you will see the ghost"
- the ghost can be read as a metaphor for a forgotten or repressed memory, internalised belief, or hidden truth; essentially, a force (generally internal but occasionally external) which limits or prevents one's progress and potential
- acuity; attentiveness; insight; solemn introspectionsource: Sorcerer's Screed, “Skuggi" (Jochum Magnús Eggertsson) (1940)

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moon (stave)

- “you will not be haunted by ghosts"
- as with the ghost stave, I interpret the ghost as an unseen hindrance or inhibition
- this stave doesn't remove the ghost but it does offer relief; a temporary reprieve from its influence, or a calm determination despite its presencesource: Sorcerer's Screed, “Skuggi" (Jochum Magnús Eggertsson) (1940)

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sleep-thorn

- textsource:

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“luck will follow me" sigil

- good luck sigil
- specific emphasis on having the luck “follow" dissuades fears that good fortune is a fluke and therefore doomed to pass/run out; also implies bringing luck to a new (uncertain/intimidating) situationsource: mearalavender on Tumblr (deactivated so here's a reblog) (2017)

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flower sigil

- stability which does not hinder growth
- flourishing while remaining grounded
- styled after well-known sigils/staves like the vegvísir
- the circle represents a flower head (flourishing), the diagonal lines emerging from the vertical represent leaves on a stem (growth), and the fork at the base represents roots (groundedness, stability)source: myself (2021)

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sickle sigil

- reaping the benefits of one's work
- hard work paying off and being worth the effort
- being justly compensated for one's work
- sigil takes the form of a sickle reaping a cereal crop; partly modelled after the hammer and sickle symbol (already associated with labour and struggle)source: myself (2021)

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clover sigil

- good luck sigil (presumed)
- doesn't actually resemble clover very closely; I'll need to figure out what other plants it could represent and maybe draw some symbolism from there (dame's violet perhaps?)
- though this sigil resembles a flower I have a different flower sigil alreadysource: myself (2024)

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beelzebub sigil

- “the devil sneaked into the world in the form of a fly"source: Sarah Barry's Tarot Tattoo Project; designed by Barry William Hale (2014)

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gemstones
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rose quartz

- unconditional love (not just romantic love)
- capacity (and permission) to love and receive love from others
- developing closer bonds with partners, friends, and relatives; on a larger scale, building a sense of community
- comfort; fulfillment; contentment
- affection; tenderness; vulnerability
- compassion
- appreciation of beauty, which lends itself to imagination/inspiration and creative expression

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apricot agate

- strengthening platonic bonds
- feeling loved, understood, and satisfied
- dissolving tension; letting go of bitterness/resentment/jealousy; forgiveness
- acceptance (including self-acceptance); clarity
- staying true to oneself and maintaining a sense of self overall
- grounding; emotional stability; a sense of safety and security

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botswana agate

- takes the edge off loneliness and sensitivity; prevents overwhelmedness
- comfort; reassurance; affirmation
- restores self-confidence; being at ease with oneself; unwavering strength and stability
- understanding of the need for deeper meaning / exploration of the unknown

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eudialyte

- letting go of sorrow, resentment, and animosity
- working on yourself instead of looking outward for solutions to personal problems
- learning from mistakes
- carving out a new path; a turning point
- bridging the gap between what must be done and what the heart wants
- establishing boundaries
- recognising coincidences for what they are instead of assuming connectedness

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red jasper

- soothes nerves and bestows courage
- endurance
- vitality
- recovery from setbacks; new strategies
- focus; self-mastery
- reduces the likelihood of lashing out or making mistakes through anger/frustration

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brecciated jasper

- feeling of wholeness
- resistance to overwhelmedness and distress; optimism replaces catastrophisation
- ability to take a step back and assess a situation with a wider perspective, as well as the ability to concentrate on one issue at a time
- overcoming procrastination
- ending unhealthy relationships; letting go of the past
- boost in morale as a result of accomplishment

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fancy jasper

- focus; attention directed to where it is needed
- tackling overactivity (physical / mental / emotional) by subduing both impulsiveness and overthinking (including guilt/regret and worries about the future)
- rationality; reason; thought and action with purpose
- practicality without the boredom that sometimes comes with it

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carnelian

- courage; confidence
- stimulation; passion; motivation
- endurance; determination; conviction (seeing tasks through / defending a cause to the very end)
- urge to make the world a better place (a counter to cynicism and despair)

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chiastolite

- quiet strength
- stability; grounding
- great pragmatism
- keen analysis; problem-solving
- clear communication which is passionate without seeming irrational when compromise is not an option
- drawing positive outcomes from negative situations
- courage when embarking on a difficult journey; willpower
- acceptance of change and inevitability
- appreciation for life stemming from the acknowledgement and acceptance that everything must come to an end eventually; memento mori
- understanding that change is unavoidable; adapting and allowing yourself to be changed instead of getting stuck in the past or in “what if” scenarios
- not allowing yourself to be consumed by nostalgia or want

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yellow jasper

- discernment; good judgement
- identifying jealousy, bitterness, and falsehood, in yourself and in others
- insight
- eases self-consciousness and instills a sense of confidence
- enthusiasm; willpower
- protection during journeys (literal or metaphorical)

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coral (agatised / fossil)

- recovery
- working through emotional issues / trauma
- shield against intrusive thoughts, destructive urges, self-hatred, and catastrophisation
- self-love over self-deprecation
- patience
- healing is slow but present; slow progress is better than no progress at all
- grit; will to survive
- weathering the storm

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rainforest rhyolite

- self-love
- pursuit of happiness; indulgence; hedonism
- rebelliousness
- refusal to let other people's negativity hold you back
- freedom from pressure and expectations; expression without fear of judgement
- openmindedness; optimism

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serpentine

- deep meditation
- philosophical pondering
- introspection; exploration of the self
- eureka moment
- penetration
- dealing with problems instead of avoiding them
- clearing blockages; releasing “sticky” emotions
- finding new pathways
- shedding what does not serve you and reclaiming independence
- taking back control

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prehnite

- willpower fueled by emotion; passion
- motivation to do good
- emboldening personal strength and ensuring that strength is used in the service of love
- sincerity
- sensitivity
- preparation
- letting go of possessions that do not serve you; recognising the void you are trying to fill for what it is

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unakite

- slow and gentle release of deep-seated emotions
- overall emotional balance
- compassion
- healthier relationships
- tackling bad habits and the feelings / thought processes that perpetuate them
- focus on the here and now, as well as the road ahead (the near future, not distant hypotheticals)

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chrysoprase

- optimism; positive outlook
- seeing the silver linings (if this is not instinctive then it's something you must choose to do)
- finding a balance between self-preservation and self-care
- “grudges can be justified, but forgiveness is important too”
- closure, for your own peace of mind if nothing else
- casting off destructive fixations
- recognising the difference between escape and escapism
- recalibration
- recuperation
- doing what feels right or what carries profound meaning to you

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aventurine

- seizing opportunities; “carpe diem"
- favour
- wards off disappointment with outcomes by emphasising the process/experience itself; appreciation of the journey not just the destination
- release of old patterns and habits so that growth can take place
- openness to change, as well as new ideas and experiences
- optimism
- confidence
- decisiveness; shutting down hesitation and doubt

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moss agate

- fertility; abundance
- appreciation for life
- new beginnings / progress
- gradual healing
- concentration
- strength, but not necessarily physical prowess
- patience; endurance
- balance; harmony; stability; sustainability

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seraphinite

- harmony; balance
- being in tune with your thoughts and emotions; letting go of fixed ideas
- meditation; mindfulness
- strong centering paired with awareness; ability to take note of stimuli without feeling the need to react immediately
- self-control; reduces the urge to act or speak when doing so isn't necessary or productive
- passivity
- perspective (seeing the bigger picture)
- interconnectedness; awareness of your environment
- feeling whole
- assuredness; empowerment
- communication of intentions and aims

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green jasper

- coping with delusions, paranoia, obsession, and unhealthy attachments
- return to reality; grounding
- reassurance
- inner calm
- moderation; self-control
- establishment of routines/rhythms, particularly as they pertain to sleep
- increased energy as a result of improved restfulness

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bloodstone / heliotrope

- vigour; vitality (of the blood)
- fortification
- sense of security
- respect; esteem
- endurance
- motivation
- courage to confront
- management/manipulation; shifting the balance of power in one's favour or otherwise making use of opportunities which initially presented themselves as difficulties
- protection against threats; resistance to intimidation; potential harm distinguished from actual harm; tempered reactions to dangerous situations

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labradorite

- self-discovery; communication between and synthesis of consciousness and subconscious
- allowing inner truth and ability to surface
- belief
- grounding; being present in this moment
- awareness
- intuition
- courtesy
- reduction of antisocial impulses or misanthropic inclinations
- bringing out the best in people (yourself and others)
- philosophical thought
- putting a stop to spiralling/existential crises by making peace with nihilism (something akin to Camus's absurdism)

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aquamarine

- exhilaration as well as relaxation
- youthful joy of existing and experiencing the world
- lighthearted fearlessness
- overall optimism
- trust
- tolerance; kindness
- clear and heartfelt communication
- idealism embodied and enacted; service to the world and the development of a kind humanity
- letting go of what does not serve you

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opalite

- confidence
- ability to no only (re)discover feelings you've been hiding or holding back, but to express them too
- soothing anxiety
- reassurance; affirmation
- sincerity
note: opalite is not related to opal, it is a synthetic glass whose name derives from its opalescence

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chalcedony

- level-headedness; careful planning; deliberation
- balance
- composure which is noticeable not only to yourself but also to those you interact with; radiating calmness
- feeling that you and your circumstances are under control, or that you have the ability to take control of your life if it's currently chaotic
- reflection; introspection
- communication; choosing your words well
- camaraderie; (mutual) trust
- openness to new ideas; cynicism discarded in favour of genuine interest
- listening and learning
- generosity; selflessness; benevolence

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celestite

- uplift
- serenity; composure
- mental clarity
- conflict resolution / de-escalation
- being kind and pleasant while maintaining the (reserved) capability to strike a blow if necessary; gentle but not meek
- quiet strength; empowerment
- self-solidarity; supporting yourself as you would support a loved one in a time of need
- unapologetic confidence and sincere belief that you deserve good things
- ambition
- reassurance that new opportunities will arise
- “what's done is done but tomorrow is yet to be”

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lapis lazuli

- wisdom; good judgement in the pursuit of truth
- honesty and openness become easier
- deep communication
- curiosity; fascination; desire for knowledge and understanding
- enthusiasm
- sense of purpose
- aptitude for learning; ability to absorb and retain information
- remembering long-forgotten memories (for better or for worse)

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blue john

- stability
- harmony; bringing order to chaos
- sequential thoughts and clear intentions
- brevity
- focus; discernment
- working through complex issues; finding solutions
- braving the unknown; multiple avenues for exploration
- fragmentation addressed and reconciled
- recognition of splitting, demonising, etc. and inviting more charitable or nuanced interpretations; blame and rejection replaced by fellow feeling
- justice
- personal growth

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charoite

- endurance in the face of adversity
- comfort despite isolation / alienation
- maintaining a sense of connectedness when far from home (literal or metaphorical) - in the latter sense, charoite can be of assistance when questioning one's identity or undergoing major personal changes
- knowing when to admit defeat
- starting over
- determination after loss
- focus on the present instead of worry about what the future may hold
- harmful behaviours and thought patterns noted and discouraged
- guidance towards independence

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amethyst

- traditionally believed to prevent intoxication; to me this manifests through reasoning and restraint (overriding impulsiveness / compulsion) avoiding overindulgence in the first place
- self-control to break destructive habits and vicious cycles
- hostility diffused through impulse control
- moderation
- innovation in the wake of old habits being disrupted

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howlite

- stress relief; deals with built up rage and frustration and slows the overactive mind
- reflection; insight; uncovering truths
- rest (as in recovery, not indulgent relaxation)
- preparation for challenges ahead; reassurance that you are more capable than you think
- vigilance without paranoia

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merlinite / dendritic agate

as dendritic agate
- patience
- maturity
- fullness; abundance
- introspection; examination of the self, and of self-imposed limitations
- counselling; behavioural change; breaking unhealthy habits; unlearning prejudicesas merlinite (a darker variation)
- intuition
- recognition and acknowledgement of negative influences (both internal and external)
- introspection regarding the darker aspects of oneself
- self-mastery
- duality; balance of light and dark; integration to achieve wholeness
- embracing the unexpected and the unusual
- generally positive outlook
- spiritual connections

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hematite

- calm mind
- clarity of thought
- stress management (knowing and accepting, then finding strategies)
- grounding
- stability
- confidence and strength in times of turmoil
- a boost of vigour when rejoining the hectic pace of the modern world after taking a break to recuperate

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hypersthene

- grounding
- intuition; unobstructed introspection
- subdues overwhelming / intrusive thoughts
- sense of being shielded from chaos, or of being capable of staying the course despite potential distractions and obstacles
- pragmatism; level-headedness
- guidance when you find yourself at a crossroads
- forming plans that facilitate tangible outcomes; turning anguish into something actionable
- problem-solving and resultant stress relief; lifting of anxieties and burdens through concentrated effort
- catharsis
- satisfaction

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astrophyllite

- identity; know thyself
- assuredness
- purpose
- commitment to making major changes; self improvement
- progress; moving forwards
- transformation; transcendence
- fidelity; honesty
- embracing multidimensionality
- profundity
- a decisive moment

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obsidian

- talisman of those who dare to see (past, future, inner demons, darkest truths)
- can be used to delve into the subconscious and truly understand oneself (flaws, fears, weaknesses)
- brutal honesty which can be overwhelming but ultimately brings catharsis; acceptance of hard truths
- growth / support / direction / resolution
- personal protection
- shadow work ?

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knot/cord magick
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- nine knot spell
- witch's ladder
- string figures
- reminder

nine knot spell

there are a few variations but here's my synthesis:by knot of one, the spell's begun
by knot of two, it will be true
by knot of three, this thing shall be
by knot of four, it's strengthened more
by knot of five, so may it thrive
by knot of six, this spell I fix
by knot of seven, events I'll leaven
by knot of eight, my will is fate
by knot of nine, what's done is minealternately:
by knot of three, so mote it be (for abbreviated three-knot version)

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cartomancy
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- tarot
- lenormand
- sibilla
- lipu lili pi nasin nasa (toki pona cartomancy deck)
- luminaries (illimat cards)
- spreads

tarot
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- major arcana
- minor arcana

major arcana
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- 0 : the fool
- I : the magician
- II : the high priestess
- III : the empress
- IV : the emperor
- V : the hierophant
- VI : the lovers
- VII : the chariot
- VIII : strength
- IX : the hermit
- X : wheel of fortune
- XI : justice
- XII : the hanged man
- XIII : death
- XIV : temperance
- XV : the devil
- XVI : the tower
- XVII : the star
- XVIII : the moon
- XIX : the sun
- XX : judgement
- XXI : the world

0 : the fool

upright
- beginnings
- spontaneity
- extravagance
- freedom
- innocence
- wonder
- playfulness
- originality
- idealism
- madness; delirium
- maniareversed
- recklessness
- negligence
- naivety
- vanity
- distraction
- dullness
- doubt
- an invitation to let go

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I : the magician

upright
- willpower
- desire
- concentration
- manifestation
- resourcefulness
- skill; being adept
- conduit (“as above so below")
- alchemyreversed
- manipulation
- illusion
- trickery; cunning
- wasted talent; unexplored potential
- schizophrenia?

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II : the high priestess

upright
- mystery
- interest
- spirituality
- receptivity
- intuition
- inner voice
- some Bene Gesserit shitreversed
- repression
- disconnect from intuition
- self-betrayal
- cognitive dissonance
- hidden motives
- surface knowledge; superficiality

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III : the empress

upright
- sensuality
- creativity
- fruitfulness
- fertility
- abundance
- nurturingreversed
- insecurity
- vascillation
- smothering
- negligence
- truth let slip
- unravelling of involved matters

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IV : the emperor

upright
- authority
- structure
- stability; control
- discipline
- practicality
- strategic action
- protectionreversed
- tyranny; abuse of power
- rigidity
- stubbornness
- lack of discipline
- corruption

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V : the hierophant

upright
- tradition; convention
- doctrine; beliefs
- conformity
- education
- mentorship
- the exoteric (public-facing representation)
- service/servitude
- mercy
- righteousness
- philosophyreversed
- dogma contradicted
- rebellion
- unconventionality
- ignorance

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VI : the lovers

upright
- love
- relationships
- choices
- unity
- trials overcomereversed
- detachment
- conflict
- contradiction
- perversion
- disharmony; imbalance; misalignment
- foolish designs

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VII : the chariot

upright
- ambition
- determination
- focus; control
- success; triumph
- presumption
- troublereversed
- force; aggression
- lack of direction/control
- riot
- quarrel
- obstacles
- distraction

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VIII : strength

upright
- courage; fortitude
- confidence
- compassion
- magnamanity
- honour(s)reversed
- self-doubt
- inadequacy
- weakness
- cowardice
- disgrace
- impatience

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IX : the hermit

upright
- introspection
- contemplation
- prudence; avoiding risks
- withdrawal; solitudereversed
- loneliness
- reclusiveness
- rejection
- perfectionism
- consealment; disguise

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X : wheel of fortune

upright
- change (station inverted?)
- cycles
- fate
- decisive moments
- unexpected events
- luckreversed
- delay
- resistance
- clinging to control
- unwelcome changes
- bad luck

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XI : justice

upright
- accountability
- consequence; cause and effect
- integrity
- decency
- the idea that something is “deserved"
- truth
- lawreversed
- injustice
- corruption
- bias
- dishonesty
- retribution
- severity

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XII : the hanged man

upright
- sacrifice
- surrender to what is
- faith
- new perspective; enlightenment; epiphany
- contemplation
- waiting
- trials
- life in suspension
- falsely called a card of martyrdomreversed
- stagnation; pause without progress
- stalling; avoidance; withholding
- incomplete sacrifice; unfinished business?
- walking away changed

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XIII : death

upright
- endings
- transition; transformation
- letting go; release
- awareness following a loss
- hindsight
- mortality
- sometimes called Death-Rebirthreversed
- fear of change
- denial
- inertia
- negative habits/patterns
- decay

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XIV : temperance

upright
- balance
- moderation
- dilution
- accommodation
- management
- compromise
- patiencereversed
- imbalance
- excess
- overexertion
- recklessness
- incongruity
- discord
- competing interests

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XV : the devil

upright
- oppression
- dependency
- addiction; obsession
- limitation
- extraordinary effort
- vehemence
- fatalityreversed
- freedom; independence
- reclaiming power

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XVI : the tower

upright
- disaster; unforeseen catastrophe
- upheaval; sudden change
- crisis
- trauma
- chaos
- liberationreversed
- mounting pressure
- a chance to avert disaster
- a wake up call

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XVII : the star

upright
- hope
- inspiration; guidance
- positivity
- bright prospects
- renewal
- soothing
- serenity
- clarityreversed
- hopelessness
- despair
- despondency
- mundanity
- inauthenticity

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XVIII : the moon

upright
- the unconscious mind
- intuition
- secrets
- complexity
- illusion
- terror
- “be still" (meditation? reflection?)reversed
- anxiety; fear
- (mis)interpretation
- assumption; filling in the gaps
- projection
- deception
- something unchanging
- ground yourself

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XIX : the sun

upright
- success
- accomplishment
- confidence
- vitality
- joy
- authenticity
- attained knowledgereversed
- unrealistic expectations
- conceitedness
- seeking approval
- blockage
- temporary setbacks; challenges which can be overcome with effort

← back

XX : judgement

upright
- reflection
- evaluation; deliberation
- purpose
- change of position
- absolution
- outcome
- reckoningreversed
- lack of self-awareness
- failure to learn from mistakes
- oversimplification
- self-loathing
- sentence

← back

XXI : the world

upright
- completion
- achievement
- assured success
- wholeness
- holistic approachreversed
- lack of closure
- feeling incomplete; emptiness
- unfulfilled expectations
- fixity; permanence

← back

minor arcana
← back

- wands
- cups
- swords
- pentacles

wands
← back

- ace of wands
- two of wands
- three of wands
- four of wands
- five of wands
- six of wands
- seven of wands
- eight of wands
- nine of wands
- ten of wands
- page of wands
- knight of wands
- queen of wands
- king of wands

ace of wands

upright
- inspiration
- initiative
- drive
- passion; enthusiasm; vigour
- a starting point
- setting things in motionreversed
- delays
- hesitation; procrastination
- burnout
- lack of enthusiasm

← back

two of wands

upright
- planning
- decision making
- first steps
- taking risks
- “make your move"reversed
- overanalysing
- not taking action
- playing it safe

← back

three of wands

upright
- momentum
- pursuit
- expansion
- confidence
- foresightreversed
- restriction; limitation
- lack of progress
- frustration
- toil

← back

four of wands

upright
- community
- refuge
- sense of belonging
- gatherings; reunion
- celebrationreversed
- lack of support
- rootlessness
- transience
- feeling unwelcome
- conflict at home

← back

five of wands

upright
- conflict
- tension
- competition; rivalry
- clashes of egoreversed
- end of conflict
- cooperation
- solidarity
- agreements; truces
- harmony

← back

six of wands

upright
- competence
- organisation / mobilisation
- success
- recognition; praise
- reward
- pride
- good newsreversed
- failure
- lack of recognition
- lack of reward

← back

seven of wands

upright
- standing up for yourself; defending yourself
- bracing yourself
- guarding territory
- “you are not beaten so long as you stand firm"reversed
- yielding; giving up
- surrender
- admitting defeat
- lack of belief in yourself

← back

eight of wands

upright
- swiftness
- sudden changes
- quick decisions
- movement
- progress
- excitementreversed
- waiting
- slowness
- loss of momentum
- being unprepared
- haste

← back

nine of wands

upright
- persistence
- grit; perseverance despite fatigue
- last stand
- being close to successreversed
- stubbornness
- defensiveness
- refusing to compromise
- inability to give and take

← back

ten of wands

upright
- burden
- duty; obligation
- struggle
- burning outreversed
- failure to delegate; shouldering too much responsibility
- collapse
- breakdown

← back

page of wands

upright
- adventure
- fresh ideas
- ambition
- fearlessness
- extroversion
- cheerfulnessreversed
- haste
- impatience
- boredom
- unreliability

← back

knight of wands

upright
- courage
- heroism
- charm
- rebelliousness
- free spiritreversed
- domineering
- arrogance
- recklessness
- volatility
- fear of revealing your true self

← back

queen of wands

upright
- confidence; assuredness
- charisma
- vivaciousness
- social life
- esteem
- wholeheartedness
- focus on what will get you movingreversed
- demand
- intensity
- vengefulness
- jealousy

← back

king of wands

upright
- leadership
- vision; big picture perspective
- boldness; daring decisions
- implementing ideas
- realising goalsreversed
- forcefulness; aggression in pursuit of goals
- viciousness
- poor leadership

← back

cups
← back

- ace of cups
- two of cups
- three of cups
- four of cups
- five of cups
- six of cups
- seven of cups
- eight of cups
- nine of cups
- ten of cups
- page of cups
- knight of cups
- queen of cups
- king of cups

ace of cups

upright
- new feelings; emotional awareness/awakening
- attunement
- intimacy
- intuition
- empathy; sympathetic reaction
- love at the heartreversed
- coldness
- gloominess
- emotional loss
- feeling unloved
- disconnect
- fear of intimacy
- intense relationships / relationship trauma

← back

two of cups

upright
- partnership; joining forces
- connection; bond
- attraction
- mutual respect
- reconciliation of disparate parts
- transaction?reversed
- separation
- division
- exclusion; clique mentality
- rejection
- miscommunication
- a relationship which consumes all your energy

← back

three of cups

upright
- friendship
- community
- reaching out
- social eventsreversed
- gossip; scandal
- isolation
- sign that it is time to get out into the community, or maybe join an organisation

← back

four of cups

upright
- contemplation
- self-absorption / wallowing
- melancholy
- feeling disconnected
- discontent
- need to reevaluatereversed
- clarity
- awareness
- choosing happiness

← back

five of cups

upright
- loss
- disappointment
- mourning
- discontent
- failure to appreciate positivesreversed
- acceptance
- moving on
- contentment
- seeing the positives

← back

six of cups

upright
- nostalgia
- familiarity
- comfort
- sentimentality
- distance between past and presentreversed
- being stuck in the past
- homesickness
- independence

← back

seven of cups

upright
- searching for purpose
- fantasy; daydreaming
- wishful thinking
- indecisionreversed
- lack of purpose
- disarray
- distractions
- long-held ambitions overturned (for better or worse)

← back

eight of cups

upright
- abandonment of that which is not fulfilling
- walking away; letting go
- searching for truth
- disillusion with the presentreversed
- stagnation
- fear of change
- staying in a bad situation

← back

nine of cups

upright
- satisfaction
- recognition
- pleasure; indulgence
- achieving what you desire / getting what you think you wantreversed
- lack of fulfilment
- unrealistic wishes
- disappointment
- underachievement

← back

ten of cups

upright
- homecoming
- emotional stability
- securityreversed
- unhappy home; domestic conflict
- disharmony
- isolation

← back

page of cups

upright
- positive outlook
- opening up emotionally; expressing compassion and love for others
- an announcement
- idealism
- creativityreversed
- escapism
- indulging in harmful habits
- seeking attention
- emotional vulnerability
- immaturity
- neglect of important matters

← back

knight of cups

upright
- art
- grace
- tact; diplomacy / mediation
- invitations, opportunities, offers
- dreamer easily persuaded or discouragedreversed
- turmoil
- moodiness
- false promises
- difficulty discerning where truth ends and lies begin

← back

queen of cups

upright
- compassion; kindness
- thoughtfulness
- counsel; support
- recognising the depths present in others and seeing yourself in a new light
- call to use your intuition; a logical approach is not workingreversed
- neediness
- fragility
- bottling up emotions; inability to express how you truly feel
- martyrdom
- imagination running away with itself

← back

king of cups

upright
- wisdom
- balance between head and heart
- control over impulses
- tempered moods
- steadiness
- sensitivities to others' needs
- maturity when dealing with difficult circumstances
- advicereversed
- overwhelmedness
- repression
- withdrawal
- emotional manipulation
- vindictiveness

← back

swords
← back

- ace of swords
- two of swords
- three of swords
- four of swords
- five of swords
- six of swords
- seven of swords
- eight of swords
- nine of swords
- ten of swords
- page of swords
- knight of swords
- queen of swords
- king of swords

ace of swords

upright
- clarity
- breakthrough
- new idea
- vision
- focus
- rising to the occasion
- double edge (sword can be wielded for either noble deeds or destruction)reversed
- chaos
- confusion
- miscommunication
- clashing
- warning to work methodically instead of acting on impulse

← back

two of swords

upright
- stalemate
- no end in sight
- inaction
- being stuck in the middle
- difficult choices
- hidden informationreversed
- hesitation; indecision
- too much information
- no right answer (Scylla and Charybdis?)
- being caught in the crossfire / put in an intermediary position between conflicting parties

← back

three of swords

upright
- heartbreak
- grief
- sorrow
- upset
- trauma
- separationreversed
- forgiveness
- reconciliation
- recovery
- healing

← back

four of swords

upright
- rest; repose
- recuperation
- inward focus
- self-protection
- sanctuary
- retreat
- vigil/ancereversed
- recovery
- awakening
- re-entering the world; release from isolation
- restlessness
- urge to push ahead instead of falling back

← back

five of swords

upright
- disputes
- hostility
- intimidation
- stress
- putting yourself on the road to isolation by annoying or hurting others
- picking up the pieces
- what is more important, mutual progress or winning? (let go of ego)reversed
- reconciliation
- resolution
- compromise; cutting losses
- regret
- focusing energy/efforts on something constructive instead of conflict

← back

six of swords

upright
- escape; leaving a bad situation
- moving on
- starting anew; plotting a new course
- departure
- distance
- learning from the past
- unhappy but necessary changereversed
- being stuck in the past
- feeling trapped
- running away from problems instead of facing them (but never truly escaping them)
- returning to trouble
- looking back like Orpheus

← back

seven of swords

upright
- trickery
- strategy
- resourcefulness
- cunning
- thinking on your feet
- a situation no longer playing out as expected
- danger of a secret coming outreversed
- confession
- truth revealed
- conscience; regret
- change of approach necessary; tactics not working
- collaboration over spiteful independence

← back

eight of swords

upright
- feeling trapped/restricted
- paralysis
- helplessness
- (percieved) lack of agency and power to affect change
- victim complexreversed
- release
- freedom
- empowerment
- taking control of your own life

← back

nine of swords

upright
- fear; anxiety
- premonitions
- nightmares
- suffering
- despair
- festering logic
- hauntings
- breaking pointreversed
- learning to cope
- understanding that your suffering will not cease until you put in the effort to leave it
- facing fears
- shame

← back

ten of swords

upright
- ruin; collapse
- failure
- betrayal
- bleak situation
- unavoidable hardship
- bitterness
- exhaustion
- glimmer of hope in the distancereversed
- survival
- recognition that you have hit rock bottom; “the only way is up"
- improvement
- lessons learned
- risk of relapse

← back

page of swords

upright
- curiosity
- chat
- dynamism
- wit; mental agility
- alertness; vigilancereversed
- being scatterbrained
- gossip; drama
- sarcasm
- being unintentionally rude/insulting
- cynicism

← back

knight of swords

upright
- assertiveness; direct attitude
- impatience
- lack of forethought
- single-mindedness verging on obsession
- ambition
- daringreversed
- rash decisions; getting ahead of yourself
- lack of tact
- ruthlessness

← back

queen of swords

upright
- honesty; frankness; telling it like it is
- fairness
- objectivity
- constructive criticism
- principles
- boundaries; laying out termsreversed
- resentment
- malice; spite
- harshness
- being unforgiving and uncharitable
- failure to consider other perspectives
- getting too emotionally involved

← back

king of swords

upright
- sound reason
- candidity about what you have observed/deduced
- discipline
- integrity
- high standards
- seriousness
- consideration of consequencesreversed
- irrationality
- desperation
- lack of discipline
- underhand methods
- dictatorship; control

← back

pentacles
← back

- ace of pentacles
- two of pentacles
- three of pentacles
- four of pentacles
- five of pentacles
- six of pentacles
- seven of pentacles
- eight of pentacles
- nine of pentacles
- ten of pentacles
- page of pentacles
- knight of pentacles
- queen of pentacles
- king of pentacles

ace of pentacles

upright
- new opportunities
- resources
- abundance; prosperity
- security; stability
- receptiveness
- manifestationreversed
- missed chances
- bad investments
- scarcity
- motivation outstripping means

← back

two of pentacles

upright
- balancing resources
- juggling; multi-tasking
- adaptation; flexibility
- managing, but the situation is precariousreversed
- lack of organisation
- imbalance
- overextension
- overwhelmedness
- chaos

← back

three of pentacles

upright
- teamwork; collaboration
- a common goal
- progress on a project
- effort
- development of skills
- apprenticeshipreversed
- lack of cohesion
- lack of motivation
- sloppiness
- apathy
- ego competition

← back

four of pentacles

upright
- possessiveness
- hoarding
- frugality
- boundaries
- guardedness
- security and insecurity?reversed
- generosity
- giving
- spending

← back

five of pentacles

upright
- hardship
- adversity
- problems that won't go away and demand attention
- deterioration
- alienation
- feeling abandoned
- disgracereversed
- positive change
- overcoming adversity
- recovery from loss / suffering
- feeling welcomed

← back

six of pentacles

upright
- generosity
- giving and receiving
- gratitude
- interrogating the motives of charity (power dynamic)reversed
- power dynamics at the fore; inequality
- extorsion
- abuse of generosity/goodwill
- gifts and favours with strings attached

← back

seven of pentacles

upright
- results
- reaping what you sow
- patience
- planningreversed
- unfinished work
- setbacks
- procrastination
- low effort, particularly when put off by a lack of immediate payoff
- anticlimax

← back

eight of pentacles

upright
- skill; craft
- expertise; mastery
- high standards
- dedication
- accomplishment
- labourreversed
- demand; exaction
- rushed work
- mediocrity
- bad reputation

← back

nine of pentacles

upright
- effort rewarded
- achievement
- independence; self-sufficiency
- luxuryreversed
- living beyond means; reckless spending
- keeping up appearances
- superficiality
- inability/refusal to relax and unwind

← back

ten of pentacles

upright
- legacy
- roots; ancestry
- privilege
- windfallreversed
- family disputes
- debt
- myopia; long-term potential hampered by the pursuit of short-term gratification
- sudden end to something which has been stable for a long time

← back

page of pentacles

upright
- ambition
- clear goals
- planning
- studiousness
- diligence
- being consistent and dependable
- taking on more responsibility
- cherishing what you havereversed
- heavy demands
- underachieving
- missed chances
- nonchalance

← back

knight of pentacles

upright
- practicality
- logistics
- commitment to assignments
- reliability
- stoicism
- perfectionism
- efficiency
- tried and true methodsreversed
- being a workaholic
- dullness
- drudgery
- boredom; fed up with routine/repetition
- gambling; risky investments

← back

queen of pentacles

upright
- nurturing
- practicality
- realism; down-to-earth view
- humility; modesty
- welcoming; hospitality
- comfortreversed
- envy
- derangement
- misplaced priorities
- using others for personal gain
- need to let others make their own decisions

← back

king of pentacles

upright
- prosperity
- safety
- protection
- providing for others
- sensuality
- ego
- social standingreversed
- chauvinism
- waste; poor decisions
- strong position lost
- cutting corners
- exploitation

← back

lenormand
← back

- 1 : the rider
- 2 : the clover
- 3 : the ship
- 4 : the house
- 5 : the tree
- 6 : the cloud
- 7 : the snake
- 8 : the coffin
- 9 : the bouquet
- 10 : the scythe
- 11 : the whip
- 12 : the birds
- 13 : the child
- 14 : the fox
- 15 : the bear
- 16 : the star
- 17 : the stork
- 18 : the dog
- 19 : the tower
- 20 : the garden
- 21 : the mountain
- 22 : the crossroads
- 23 : the mouse
- 24 : the heart
- 25 : the ring
- 26 : the book
- 27 : the letter
- 28 : the man
- 29 : the woman
- 30 : the lily
- 31 : the sun
- 32 : the moon
- 33 : the key
- 34 : the fish
- 35 : the anchor
- 36 : the cross

1 : the rider

/ nine of hearts
- news
- an invitation / visit
- activity
- passion; energy
- speed

← back

2 : the clover

/ six of diamonds
- luck
- lightheartedness
- levity; comedy
- small joys

← back

3 : the ship

/ ten of spades
- departure
- farewell
- distance
- voyage; journey
- adventure

← back

4 : the house

/ king of hearts
- home
- comfort
- safety; security
- habit; custom; tradition
- establishment and preservation
- privacy

← back

5 : the tree

/ seven of hearts
- connectedness (across physical distance and the passage of time)
- grounding
- growth
- health
- family / ancestors

← back

6 : the cloud

/ king of clubs
- confusion; misunderstanding
- lack of clarity
- something hidden / obscured
- doubt; insecurity

← back

7 : the snake

/ queen of clubs
- desire; attraction
- seduction; temptation
- transformation through acquisition of knowledge
- intercourse
- ouroboros?

← back

8 : the coffin

/ nine of diamonds
- endings
- loss
- grief; mourning

← back

9 : the bouquet

/ queen of spades
- etiquette
- pleasantness
- appreciation
- flattery
- an unexpected gift

← back

10 : the scythe

/ jack of diamonds
- recklessness; haste
- a decision which cannot be undone
- reckoning; reaping what you sow
- an accident
- a warning

← back

11 : the whip

/ jack of clubs
- conflict
- argument; objection
- scolding
- violence
- repetitive actions

← back

12 : the birds

/ seven of diamonds
- gossip
- worry; nervousness
- excitement

← back

13 : the child

/ jack of spades
- new beginnings
- inexperience
- innocence
- play
- immaturity

← back

14 : the fox

/ nine of clubs
- self interest (both in the sense of selfishness and self care)
- cunning; trickery
- caution
- what must be done

← back

15 : the bear

/ ten of clubs
- power; strength
- leadership
- dominance; assertion of will
- short temper

← back

16 : the star

/ six of hearts
- hope; optimism
- inspiration
- ambition
- progress towards goals

← back

17 : the stork

/ queen of hearts
- yearning
- transition
- movement
- recurrence; cycles

← back

18 : the dog

/ ten of hearts
- loyalty
- devotion; obedience
- support
- friendship

← back

19 : the tower

/ six of spades
- isolation; solitude
- loneliness
- ego
- authority

← back

20 : the garden

/ eight of spades
- public affairs
- society
- culture
- collaboration
- fame

← back

21 : the mountain

/ eight of clubs
- a great challenge
- obstacles
- struggles

← back

22 : the crossroads

/ queen of diamonds
- choices; decisions to make
- opportunities; possibilities
- hesitation
- separation

← back

23 : the mouse

/ seven of clubs
- diminishment; depletion
- deficiency
- destruction
- a flaw

← back

24 : the heart

/ jack of hearts
- romance and romanticisation
- forgiveness; reconciliation
- softness
- charity
- amicability

← back

25 : the ring

/ ace of clubs
- promise
- commitment; honour
- partnership
- cooperation

← back

26 : the book

/ ten of diamonds
- education
- research; study
- knowledge
- secrets unearthed

← back

27 : the letter

/ seven of spades
- communication; expression
- conversation
- reciprocity

← back

28 : the man

/ ace of hearts
- animus; a masculine entity/constructed Other (opposite) - consider Jungian archetypes
- bonds/relations/projections re: men in one's life ?
- toughness, ambition, confidence, ego, leadership - traits commonly associated with/projected onto men as masculinity
- note: I find it generally unhelpful to interpret this card either too literally (referring to an actual man) or too figuratively (representing stereotypes associated with men/masculinity) - the meaning of this card is very context-dependent

← back

29 : the woman

/ ace of spades
- anima; a feminine entity/constructed Other (opposite) - consider Jungian archetypes
- bonds/relations/projections re: women in one's life ?
- sensitivity, nurturing, warmth, affection, cooperativeness - traits commonly associated with/projected onto women as femininity
- note: I find it generally unhelpful to interpret this card either too literally (referring to an actual woman) or too figuratively (representing stereotypes associated with women/femininity) - the meaning of this card is very context-dependent

← back

30 : the lily

/ king of spades
- sensuality (and sexuality)
- virtue
- ethics; morals
- that which feels right

← back

31 : the sun

/ ace of diamonds
- victory; triumph
- celebration
- warmth
- truth
- hubris?

← back

32 : the moon

/ eight of hearts
- the subconscious mind
- intuition
- emotion
- fears
- desires
- fantasies

← back

33 : the key

/ eight of diamonds
- revelation
- resolution
- achievement
- openness

← back

34 : the fish

/ king of diamonds
- abundance
- gain
- something numerous

← back

35 : the anchor

/ nine of spades
- stability
- resilience
- stubbornness
- restraint

← back

36 : the cross

/ six of clubs
- duty
- principles; doctrine
- conviction
- intolerance
- burden

← back

lipu lili pi nasin nasa
← back

ala

- negation
- nothingness

← back

alasa

- hunt
- search
- process of finding things
- attempt

← back

anpa

- below
- beneath
- humility

← back

ante

- difference
- otherness
- something altered
- tangent

← back

anu

- or
- either
- decision
- crossroads

← back

awen

- stay
- keep
- protection
- care
- continuation

← back

ike

- bad
- negativity
- unpleasantness
- inappropriateness
- superfluousness
- harm
- problem

← back

ilo

- tool
- instrument
- mechanism
- device
- means

← back

insa

- inside
- centre
- contents
- belly
- guts

← back

jaki

- dirt
- mess
- waste
- pollution
- disease
- digust
- offence
- obscenity

← back

jasima

- opposite
- inverse
- reflection
- reciprocation
- foil

← back

jo

- ownership
- possession
- carry

← back

kama

- arrival
- becoming
- inception
- cause
- emergence
- summoning
- future

← back

ken

- ability
- potential
- possibility
- hypothetical
- probability

← back

kipisi

- split
- division
- section
- segment

← back

kon

- air
- breeze
- breath
- smell
- essence
- spirit
- unseen agent

← back

kulupu

- group
- community
- collective
- network
- gathering

← back

kute

- ear
- listening
- attention
- heed
- obedience

← back

lape

- sleep
- rest

← back

lawa

- head
- mind
- direction
- leadership
- authority
- control

← back

len

- cloth
- clothing
- cover
- blanket
- privacy
- potentially something hidden or disguised?

← back

lete

- cold
- raw food/material

← back

lili

- smallness
- reduction
- minimisation
- brevity
- subtlety
- "kinda"

← back

lon

- location
- position
- presence
- existence
- reality
- truth
- affirmative

← back

luka

- arm
- hand
- five
- present in the idiom jo e luka mute which refers to a complicated situation

← back

lukin

- vision
- observation
- examination
- seeking

← back

lupa

- hole
- pit
- entrance
- passage
- void
- cavity

← back

ma

- land
- place
- area
- domain
- territory
- ground
- soil

← back

mama

- parent
- creator
- originator
- foster

← back

monsuta

- monster
- predator
- threat
- terror
- fear

← back

musi

- play
- amusement
- frivolity
- recreation
- entertainment
- games
- artistic expression
- fun

← back

namako

- spice
- salt
- embellishment
- extra
- more

← back

nasa

- strange
- odd
- foolishness
- impulsiveness
- psychosis
- intoxication

← back

nasin

- road
- path
- way
- method
- doctrine
- custom

← back

nena

- hill
- bump
- nose

← back

noka

- leg
- foot
- ground

← back

olin

- love
- affection
- compassion

← back

open

- open
- beginning
- start
- initiation

← back

pakala

- break
- damage
- ruin
- failure
- mishap
- expletive

← back

pali

- work
- labour
- construction
- manufacture
- production
- execution of a task
- effort

← back

pana

- giving
- delivering
- put
- emit
- instill

← back

pilin

- emotion
- sensation
- belief
- thought
- heart

← back

pimeja

- black
- dark
- shadow

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pini

- end
- finish
- closing
- conclusion
- stop

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pona

- good
- valid
- grace
- kindness
- friendliness
- repair

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sama

- sameness
- similarity
- resemblance
- akin
- comparison
- equate
- assimilate
- equality

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selo

- skin
- shell
- exterior
- appearance
- surface
- boundary
- border

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sewi

- sky
- heavens
- divinity
- sacredness
- elevation

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sijelo

- body
- form
- figure
- physicality
- self

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sike

- disc
- ring
- sphere
- wheel
- cycle
- year

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sin

- newness
- novelty
- renewal
- youth

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sona

- knowledge
- awareness
- familiarity
- memory
- wisdom
- intuition
- knack
- skill

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suli

- bigness
- increase
- magnitude
- significance
- importance
- heavy

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suwi

- sweetness
- cuteness
- endearing
- charisma
- flattery
- treat

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tan

- cause
- reason
- basis
- factor
- motive

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taso

- only
- aloneness
- exclusivity
- exception
- but

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tawa

- motion
- movement
- purpose
- travel
- perspective

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tenpo

- time
- duration
- interval
- instance
- event

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toki

- talk
- discussion
- communication
- greeting / invitation to parley
- comment
- disclosure

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tomo

- home
- room
- domesticity
- structure

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utala

- conflict
- struggle
- challenge
- contest
- attack
- strike
- aggression
- opposition

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wawa

- power
- strength
- confidence
- surety
- courage

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weka

- distance
- removal
- rid
- rejection
- ignorance
- lack
- loss
- absence
- away

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wile

- want
- will
- need
- desire
- yearning
- ambition
- intent
- obligation
- requirement

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cartomancy spreads
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- quick reading (1) (2)
- energy and advice (2)
- past, present, future (3)
- take in, hold, let go (3)
- focal point and gifts (3)
- light amidst shadows (4)
- inner depths (4)
- scholastic method (4)
- wishing well (5)
- get out of a funk (5)
- heavy heart (5)
- heart's desire (6)
- facing reality (6)
- starting on shadow work (6)
- taken and given (6)
- forgotten angel (6)
- supernova (6)
- path to the sorcerer (7)
- horseshoe (7)
- celtic cross (10)

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focal point and gifts spread

1. focal point
2. a gift to receive
3. a gift to give

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scholastic method spread

This tarot spread is based on mediaeval pedagogy and methods of debate. It is designed to test theses and antitheses and uncover immutable truths in doctrines and philosophies, used here to encourage critical thinking and consideration of multiple perspectives
1. Magister - the teacher or guide; consider its strengths and biases (I find this spread works best when the Magister position is taken up by a trump or court card)
2. Lectio - the matter at hand
3. Quaestio - questions, lines of inquiry
4. Disputatio - rebuttal, another angle to considersource: myself (2025)

queer as in fuck you spread

1. (queer) how I diverge from the dominant culture
2. (as) how my queerness colours how I meet others
3. (in) how my queerness colours how others meet me
4. (fuck) something to joyously bend, warp, play with, or break down through my queerness
5. (you) something to leave to others / a point not to assimilate into“for constructive individuation; for restisting assimilation"source: Evvie Marin, InterrobangTarot.com

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tarot spread to get out of a funk

1. root cause of my funk
2. why this is bothering me
3. what this reveals about myself
4. where to shift my focus
5. what action I should takesource: Sam Magdaleno @samthecosmicwitch (Instagram account seemingly deleted; here is the image in question reuploaded to Pinterest)

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heavy heart spread

1. when you listen closely, your heart has this to say
2. the cause of the ache
3. the remedy for the pain
4. a reminder of what the pain is for
5. how to heal it sympatheticallysource: Lexi Hideko aka lightwands; they seem to be active on TikTok and Instagram but I have neither so here is a Pinterest reupload, and here is their website
note: I have slightly modified the wording but the overall meaning remains the same

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heart's desire spread

1. what you think you want the most
2. a desire you possess that is not really your own
3. something you want that is for a collective good
4. something you want that is only for you
5. what you really and truly want, before and without any outside influence
6. something you want that you can have easilyan accompanying message from the spread's creator: take note of overlap or similarities between cards – desires that actually have something in common (their element, their number, dominant colours, etc.)source: Lexi Hideko aka lightwands; they seem to be active on TikTok and Instagram but I have neither so here is a Pinterest reupload, and here is their website

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taken and given spread

1. what was taken from me?
2. how can I mourn and come to terms with this loss?
3. what lesson must I learn from this?
4. what have I been given?
5. how can I cherish this gift / make the most of this opportunity?
6. what action must I now take?source: myself (2025)

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supernova tarot spread

1. where I'm at in my universe right now
2. the inner strength I should focus on
3. what might get in the way of my success
4. external judgements holding me back from shining
5. what I could aim for
6. a final word of wisdom before I shine brightsource: Supernova Tarot booklet/guide, written by Alice Mastroleo (2024)

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path to the sorcerer spread

The Sorcerer is one name for an enigmatic cave paiting found in the cavern known as “The Sanctuary" at the Cave of the Trois-Frère, Ariège, France, made around 15000 years ago. The figure's significance is unknown, but it is usually interpreted as some kind of great spirit, shaman, or master of animals. Here, it is taken to represent “a final union of spirit and humanity" and an aspect of the World; integration within the soul.Remove the World card from the deck before shuffling. Place the World centrally and draw the other cards sequentially as shown1. The Motion - First steps. How do you begin your path towards the Sorcerer?
2. The Attraction - What can you do to pull the spirits closer to you?
3. The Drive - The root desire that can be used to propel you along the path
4. The Craft - The skills you have that should be developed to help your growth
5. The Fight - What do you need to push aside on this path?
6. The Ideal - How does the union between spirit and querent express itself?source: instructional guide for the White Numen Tarot, written by Alba Ballesta González (2021)

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celtic cross spread

There are many variations of the celtic cross; it is a common spread layout but everyone seems to interpret it slightly differently. The version I use is similar to A E Waite's so-called “Ancient Celtic Method of Divination" from The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1911)1. this is you
2. this crosses you (challenge, obstacle)
3. this crowns you (conscious goal, ideal)
4. this is beneath you (basis) alternately: this grounds you
5. this is behind you
6. this is before you
7. your attitude
8. influences
9. hopes and fears
10. potential outcomeUseful analysis of Waite's version: https://parsifalswheeldivination.org/2022/12/01/waites-celtic-cross-a-critical-analysis/

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miscellaneous practices

- box breathing / four square breathing
- 9-0 breath exercise
- knot/cord magick

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box breathing / four square breathing

- inhale for four seconds
- hold your breath for four seconds
- exhale for four seconds
- hold your breath for four seconds
- it may help to visualise each action corresponding with drawing one side of a square

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9-0 breath exercise / meditation practice

- meditative technique to clear the mind, unwind, and fall asleep; useful when worrying or ruminating in bed
- inhale and exhale slowly while thinking of the number nine
- repeat, this time thinking of the number eight, and so on counting down to zero
- then start the process again, this time starting from eight and counting down to zero, then again starting from seven (and so on)
- in time you will drift off to sleep

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calendars
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- wheel of the year
- zodiac
- moon phases