Pagan Devotional

Whether you are a veteran pagan looking for correspondences, a newbie looking to learn, or a passer-by just stopping by to peek–Welcome! I am so glad you are here.

I started Every Day Pagan because I believe spirituality is strongest when we live it every day. When it suffuses our lives, our practices, our speech. It’s actually something the Christians do well, and something I missed when I left the Christian church. I missed the devotionals and the structure of it all.

So, when I began my own studies, my year-and-a-day, I set a structure for myself. Each morning, I read from a book on paganism, studied one tarot card and did a simple tarot reading for myself.

As time went on, I added a morning meditation, sabbat rituals, and readings for others, but nothing ever took the place of this daily habit.

However…

The overwhelming thing about being Pagan is that we don’t have a book to follow. Sure, there are various leaders you can follow and traditions you can choose from, but before you know if you are Gardnerian or Alexandrian or Dianic or, or, or… there’s just this seemingly insurmountable book hole of information to get lost in.

And most of what we learn is based on experience and intuition.

So, to be clear, I am not here to give a definitive “book” to work from.

Really, I’m here to give a daily intake of information.
Again, I believe that the practice of daily living in our beliefs matters.

Moreover, my goal is to organize this information so that it’s easy to remember and makes some logical sense. This will help you retain the meaning of each card, stone, and herb or other correspondence offered.

Stay tuned. Keep up with the Pagan Devotional with the Category on the left sidebar “Pagan Devotional” and with the Tags Marked Day 1, Day 2, etc.

Day 1 coming tomorrow!

I hope you enjoy what you find here.

I hope you share it with someone who might find this useful, and more than anything, I hope the gods reveal themselves to you in a way that allows you to be your full self. Every day.

Day 20. The Moon.

Mystery.

Tarot: XVIII-The Moon.

Darkness cloaks secrets and mystery. The Moon tells of a time where things remain unknown and encourage you to look deeper. Recognize when your emotions are being swayed. Seek to reveal situations where manipulation and deception are in play. Do not act hastily. Take your time to see things as they really are.

Stone: Black Opal

Feelings of hope are paired with powerful manifestation in the Black Opal making it the perfect stone to carry with you in times of darkness.

Herb: Mugwort

Mugwort is the quintessential herb of magic and darkness. This is the mystery, the hidden things and the healing powers of the ancients that came before us. Use this herb in dream magic and to enhance psychic powers.

August 8 Tarot Confusion

Hello!

The Pagan Devotional will be up and running again next week when I am on my feet fully.

Today, however, I’d like to share my morning reading. (Recall that I use a version of the Celtic Cross spread most often.)  I trust my cards & my readings but that doesn’t mean things are always crystal clear.

What a mixed bag.

I have made some major changes in the last week. I was so sick that I literally lost days, and it inspired me to do some serious re-evaluation of my life. I was looking to the cards for a general feel of the new course, and this spread is…well, honestly, it’s baffling.

I get The Hierophant. I have resisted the role of High Priestess and religious leader but I understand that it is a huge part of my new role. And, I am thrilled to see the X of Pentacles as my immediate future. It always means good things ahead for my family but the dreaded Illusion Card as my foundation???? (VI of Cups). What’s that about?

Not crazy about the V of Swords either, and I’m very confused by the outcome showing up as a person (which Pages always are for me). I don’t know what that means.

All-in-all, a mixed bag.

Anyway, thanks for staying tuned. I look forward to getting back to the devotional soon. 

Oh, and if you have ANY insight on this reading, please share below!

Apologies

I apologize for being inconsistent. I have been very ill with an intense form of strep throat. I promise to be back in the swing of things soon.

Be well and be you!

Day 19. The Star.

Healing.

Tarot: The Star XVII

The vision of the goddess in her natural state, naked at the waters balancing nature, inspiration, and emotion. The is Temperance and inspiration, sharing freely with anyone who follows. This is always a good card that brings healing and faith in any situation. Even in the darkness, the brightest star lights the way. There is healing, hope, and renewal available to all.

Stone: Honey Calcite

Honey calcite aids in healing by helping the seeker find their personal power as well as draw divine energy down through to the lower chakras.

Herb: Honey

A critical and versatile resource, honey has been found to be more effective than DM and DPH medicines (like Robistussin) when it comes to reducing cough and discomfort. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20618098

Day 18. The Tower.

The End of a Bad Cycle.

Tarot: The Tower XVI

A storm rages, shadows of your former self is tossed into the ocean, fire rages and The Tower is lost. This might seem like the worst situation possible, but in reality, The Tower brings together the ideas of the cards that came before. Death and The Wheel of Fortune remind you that the end of something is the beginning of something new. The Tower promises even more. The destruction of things built on false promises burns to the ground and you are able to begin again with open eyes. Do not remain willfully blinded.

Stone: Apache Tear

Used to ground, heal grief, and gain understanding, the Apache Tear is the perfect stone to carry with you during times of great change or upheaval. Especially since Apache Tears can also absorb negative energy. Remember that not all change is bad and that The Tower signifies the end of something built on FALSE beliefs. Seek clarity during this time and you will also find comfort.

Herb: Thyme

Thyme is a powerful decongestant and is a wonderful homeopathic aid for asthma and colds that impact the respiratory system. In ritual, thyme is best used to ward negativity, for purification, and to promote swift action.

 Homeopathy- 
Make a simple tea with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and serve with honey to alleviate chest tightness associated with asthma and the common cold.

*NOTE: Thyme teas are meant to be used WITH medications to aid in relief. THIS IS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL CARE*

Day 17. The Devil.

Grounding and Warding.

Tarot: XV-The Devil

Another feared and formidable card, The Devil takes on many different meanings. He can represent a mischievous person, a powerful new influence that pulls you off course or someone intentionally manipulating the situation around you. Do not forget that The Devil used to represent Pan, a god symbolizing pure male power; unrestrained, sexual and strong. Sit with The Devil awhile before assuming, but be on the lookout.

Stone: Hematite

Hematite is a powerful grounding stone providing a sense of stability and mental clarity. Hematite works mostly by shifting negative energy out of the aura, so if you are impacted by negative energies around you, Hematite will have a profound effect on your daily life.

Herb: Paprika

Paprika wards against negativity and evil or malicious energy. While The Devil is not always an evil presence in your cards, it can represent an upset in the energies around you so the addition of Paprika in your arsenal can add the protection you need to give yourself space to evaluate the situation at hand.

 

Day 16. Temperance.

Meditation and Balance.

Tarot: XIV-Temperance

Temperance reminds you to find balance, especially in emotions. One foot in the river of emotions is a good thing, as long as one foot remains firmly on solid ground. These conditions are often perfect for reconciliation, and Temperance usually brings healing.

Stone: Snow Quartz

Possessing all the qualities of clear quartz but gentler, snow quartz is best for meditation and looking within.

Herb: Chamomile

Beautiful and delicate in appearance, Chamomile is a known calming agent used in teas worldwide for ages and has been known in England as a “bandage for the stomach.” Use the recipe below for a Temper-Taming Potion to soothe crabbiness away.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons chamomile flowers
1/2 teaspoon chopped licorice (if desired)

Directions:

-Pour 1 cup boiling water over flowers in stainless steel pot.
-Put a lid on and steep for 15-20 minutes.
-Strain, sweeten to taste and drink 1/4-1/2 cup doses.

 

Day 15. Death.

Tarot: XIII-Death

Possibly the most feared and controversial card of all, Death holds the most potential and promise. Death indicates the end of a cycle and therefore, it also indicates the beginning of a new cycle. Death ushers us from one thing to the next just as physical death moves us from this place to the next. To benefit from change, you must let the old cycle die. Celebrate it or grieve it and then look forward to what comes next.

Stone: Amethyst

Amethyst offers protection during times of change. As old cycles die, it is natural to experience fear of the unknown ahead. Before the path becomes clear, keep amethyst with you to guard and guide you in those times.

Herb: Clove

Strong, protective, and cleansing, Clove is a powerful tool in any homeopathic remedy kit. There are many uses for clove from numbing tooth aches to helping ear aches.

RITUAL– Clove’s numbing agent is a powerful deflector of negative energy. In times of upheaval and massive change (even when it’s good change) utilize clove to ward off negativity so you can make the most of whatever cycle is about to begin!

Day 14. The Hanged Man.

Stalled Progress.

Tarot: XII-The Hanged Man

Tied upside down but appearing casual and calm, The Hanged Man indicated a time of being stuck. There is no forward motion or progress where he is concerned. For you, this time will be frustrating but look to The Wheel of Fortune to remember that nothing lasts forever. Use this time to look at the situation from a new perspective.

Herbs: Heather

Bridging the gap between the fierceness of love, the strength of protection and the ethereal nature of spiritual development, Heather mirrors Justice’s ability to balance.

Herbs (2): Slippery Elm

*Not a mistake, these two herbs genuinely fit better than a stone and herb combination.*

Highly nutritious, strengthening and healing, the bark used most often to help with digestive troubles including nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and bloating. In addition, Slipper Elm is used as a binder in pills to make them go down the throat with ease!

If this is your first post here, check out Day One.

Day 13. Justice.

Balance.

Tarot: XI-Justice

Justice sits on a throne, sword in one hand, scale in the other. Her eyes are open and her thoughts are clear. Justice appears when legal matters and situations need balancing. She indicates that the right side will win out. Pay close attention to the cards around her. She serves only justice, but other influences can impact an outcome.

Stone: Moonstone

A powerful tool for balancing hormones in women and aligning menstruation cycle with the moon, this is stone is also used to reveal the part of ourselves hidden–even to ourselves. Balance and revelation make Moonstone a perfect partner for Justice.

Herb: Red Raspberry Leaf

Known for aiding to balance hormones, red raspberry teas are nutritious and especially beneficial to women! Check out the two links below for some great information.

http://homesteadwishing.com/foraging-for-tea/

http://traditionalcookingschool.com/2016/03/14/5-herbs-every-woman-should-know-about/