Beginning Heathen Reading List

So, years ago some members of my Kindred and I put our heads together and created a reading list with an accompanying order for people who are new to Heathenry or are simply just interested in it. This took us awhile because there is a lot of information out there with varying degrees of quality. We also had choices to make regarding accessibility, understandably, and how enjoyable it is. 

The books will be listed in specific reading order because the build off of each other and will provide context for each other. 

1. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is the first book on the list. This is because it provides an amazing introduction to Norse Mythology that is an absolute joy to read (and listen to). Neil Gaiman is an amazing storyteller that takes you on a journey from the creation of the universe to the end with various myths in-between. All of the lore is taken from the Poetic and Prose Eddas. The lore in this book are not direct translations from historical sources but are retold in an original way. 

2. The Poetic Edda Translated and Edited by Jackson Crawford is the second book on the list. This is the best and most accessible translation of the Poetic Edda that is on the market. It is translated from the historic sources and it has a bonus chapter at the end called the Cowboy Havamal. The Cowboy Havamal is a rewriting of the first 85 or so verses told in the spirit of Crawford's grandpa. I think that is actually my favorite version of the Havamal. This book falls into the number spot because it provides historic reference for the stories told in Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman and helps you understand where artistic flair was used. I think this provides a deeper understanding of the lore as it connects a living story with factual implication. These stories are a mixed tape of lore about the Gods and Norse heroes.

 

3. The Children of Odin by Padraic Colum is the third book on the list. Like the Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, this lore in this book are taken from various historical sources and retold in an original way. There is some overlap in lore between the two books but there are different stories told that connect various parts in Norse Mythology such as Odin's wanderings, Sigard, the Valkyrie Brynhildr, Fafnir the Dragon, Loki's adventures, and how Freya got her necklace of Brisingamen. The stories here are written in a shorter and direct manner and this book has a target audience for children but there are a lot of adult themes, violence, etc included. This is placed after the Poetic Edda because reading the Poetic Edda has more lore then Norse Mythology and gives you a better understanding of different aspects of the lore.  

 

4. Edda (Snorru Sturluson) Translated by Anthony Faulkes is the fourth book on the list. This edition by the Everyman Library is generally hailed as one of the best translations currently available. This translation of the lore about the Gods and Goddesses, the Norse people, their heroes, and culture is an academic translation and keeps a lot of the same prose and structure of the original poems. The reading is not always easy but it is very rewarding and provides additional insight from a lot of the original translations. The stories are told in a chronological order. I would advise taking notes as you read through this and revisit them often. 

5. We are our Deeds by Eric Wodening is the fifth book on the list and it takes a break from the lore and starts an academic discussion on the Heathen world view. This includes ethics, Innangard and Utgard, etc. The book uses etymology to explore the per-christian Northern European concepts of justice, whats right, whats wrong, law, and morality. It also provides a first look into the reconstruction area of Heathenry. 

6. Essential Asatru by Diana L. Paxson this holds the sixth and lost spot on this reading list. It was a book that almost did not make it on the list because the general consensus was that we do things differently (and so do a lot of other Heathen organizations/kindreds). I made the argument that even though that is true, this book provides a great over look on the modern tradition and reconstruction of Norse spirituality. Thus, the book ended up on the list as in provides that overview, some important essays (Surviving your First Heathen Event is a stand out), different options in regards to modern ritual, and an entertaining stories in regards to a fictional kindred and a new comers experience which provides easy to understand context. I spent a lot of time reading various introduction books and this is one of the best ones I have read. Now, this book was written in 2006 and a lot of things have changed in the Heathen community so it is dated (I still have not been able to find a better introduction book though). Diana L. Paxson is releasing a new updated edition of this book in March of 2021.

This list is highly focused on lore and this is because lore is an very important aspect of Heathenry. A lot of the reconstruction modern people have done is through the lore and it provides important insight of how their cultural actually was. This is in addition to the various historical discoveries

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Karma

An interest thing about western civilization is that western civilization tends to bend and distort practices, ideas, theories, and mistranslated from other cultures or history. I have started to notice this a lot in regards to eastern philosophies. 

One of the biggest things that I learned western civilization has gotten wrong is Karma. I also fell into this wrong translation because I have always believed in Karma in one way or another, even before I knew of the word/concept of Karma. Basically, the western civilization of Karma is a concept of a cosmic bank account. Each mind stream/soul has this bank account and good deeds are deposits and bad deeds are withdrawals. This translation can create a  Karmic debt that multiple lives would need to work off before even getting into a positive balance. People want a positive balance because they better people and after enough lessons are learned and their balance is high enough that mind stream can ascend. 

Well, this is wrong. Karma as understood by eastern traditions and civilization is a system of cause and effect. When we do good (constructive) things, good things (happiness) can happen to us and others and when we do bad (destructive)  things, bad things (suffering) can happen to us and others (this also circles back to one of my core believes about everyone being connected). These affects can be felt immediately, or later, or even in yours/others next life. Outside of just being a good person, a person wants to do mostly good things so they can have a positive rebirth and move forward towards ascension. Karma possesses the following characteristics:

• Beings are heirs to their Karma, have Karma as their refuge
• There can be a gap between study and practice
• Karma is definite
• Happiness comes from constructive actions
• Suffering comes from destructive actions 
• Karma is expandable, small actions can yield big results
• If causes are not created, then results do not come
• Karmic Seeds do not get lost and they can be affected

Here are some great videos from BhikShuni Thubten Chodron that go into great detail regarding Karma. I think these are very informational and enlightening. 

The Foundation of Buddhist Practice 51: Karma and its Effects

The Foundation of Buddhist Practice 52: General Characteristics of Karma

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Modus Operandi and a Conversation

A recent experience I had will leas into the main point of this post. So, I reconnected with a cousin that I grew up who is older then me and has kids. Anyway, during the conversation she started to talk about how she found religion again and is really active in a local Christian church and her kids are also very active in it (a born again Christian basically) and this whole experience as really helped her heal from her past and grow. During this part of the conversation my cousin asked me if I go to church and the conversation went like this;

"Do you go to church?" (Cousin)

"No" (Me)

"Do you believe in God?" (Cousin)

"Yes, but not in your idea of God" (Me)

"What do you mean?" (Cousin)

"I am Pagan" (Me)

"Can you explain what that is about?" (Cousin)

So, from there we had a great very educational back and forth conversation about my spirituality and her Christian beliefs. She did end the conversation by saying something along the lines of I hope you find Jesus. Anyway, I did not give this conversation a second thought because I felt like it was a really good conversation on both ends. 

Well, about a week later I get a call from my mom saying she is worried about me and the conversation went on like that and devolved a little. I was able to get her to admit where all of this was coming from and the source was my cousin calling my mom in a panic about my dark and devious ways. 

I learned a good lesson that day. Even though I am willing to have an educated discussion about my spirituality, I am going to be a lot more careful who I get down in the weeds with. Outside of the chosen few, I will just keep to my core system of operation. Just as a disclaimer, I am very aware of who to avoid this topic with all together.

My core operating system can be broken down into three parts:

1. The principle of the Breath of Odin (Numina) affirms that all natural physical entities possess a portion of the divine spiritual essence which originates from deity and are therefore inherently blessed. This principle infers that humans possess no fundamental spiritual flaw or defect, and therefore denies any premise or need for restoration. As a result even the most faithful adherents are disinclined towards proselytism and embrace religious pluralism.
2. The principle of Web of Wyrd (Tela) affirms that all natural physical entities possess Numina, thereby possessing an intrinsic, imminent and permeating interconnection called Web of Wyrd (Tela). This principle infers that a person’s conduct directly influences and affects all natural physical entities they share an interconnection with and therefore promotes a virtue based ethical view.
3. The principle of Thew (Pietas) affirms that the interconnection of Web of Wyrd (Tela) endows one with the responsibility of dutiful conduct which focuses on cultivating positive characteristics which are valued for promoting individual and therefore collective greatness. This principle infers the purpose for honor and is intended to perpetuate harmonious coexistence through the cultivation of individual transpersonal self-improvement.

The three principals above are part of Vigilism. Witch Doctor Joe coined these terms and the Theology of Vigilism long before I could even put words myself to these beliefs. Witch Doctor Joe's prose, definitions, and explanation is a lot more academic and easier to understand then the words from my own mouth so I will let Witch Doctor Joe continue to explain on the practice of Vigilism;

"The term was coined in reference to the Vigilia, the primary liturgical invocation which illustrates elements of various theological viewpoints including animism, theism, monism, polytheism, and pantheism. Vigilism is a highly syncretic theology which embraces the belief that the natural world is a source of religious knowledge and revelation. Vigilism views the natural world as the supreme form of sacred text referred to as the Gospel of Nature, and promotes a practiced observation and interpretation of nature referred to as the Auspicium. "

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Getting Some Work Done

Due to life, I tend to get distracted with the daily grind. In this distraction my practice tends to fall to the wayside. Yesterday I had some time to myself and I decided to get some work down and finally take more steps to move towards the divination project I have mentioned here multiple times. 

I took sometime to ground myself and meditate to calm the body and the mind. Once I was centered I gathered up some sage, my Tarot deck, and an offering of cold water with some salt added that I blessed. Then I went outside to my Harrow and placed the deck, the sage, and the offering off to the side. 

I then spent some time offering prayers to the Land Wights and the Gods in addition to a request to help bless my Tarot before I lit the sage and spoke a blessing in Old Norse. I repeated the blessing has I moved the smoke over my Tarot cards, my Harrow, and the offering. Afterwards I let the sage burn as I focused my energy on the task.

Finally I picked up the offering, held it to the sky and thanked the Land Wights and the Gods. Then I cleaned up the area and took about thirty minutes handling and shuffling my Tarot before placing it on my altar.

I left the offering there overnight. 

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Interview: Stefani Caponi

Interview with Stefanie Caponi of Moon Void Tarot
www.moonvoidtarot.com
Instagram - @Moonvoidtarot

Go ahead and introduce yourself.
I’m Stefanie Caponi, an illustrator, tarot reader, and creator or the Moon Void Tarot. I also write the monthly horoscopes, focusing on relationships, sex, and intimacy for DameProducts.com. I teach workshops in NYC and in my spare time I focus on creating art. I live in Brooklyn with my partner and our two cats.

What is your favorite book?
Women Who Run With the Wolves, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

If you practice a spiritual path, what is it? Why were you drawn to it?
I was drawn to spirituality at a young age, having grown up attending Catholic school. I knew from a young age the patriarchal teachings of organized religion were not my path. I was drawn to ritual and sacred practice, and began to study tarot and wicca when I was fourteen. Wicca was still too rigid for me, and I began to build my practice based on my own experiences as a channel and developing my own rituals.

Do you have any daily rituals? If so what are they?
I recommend finding your power element and starting there. Mine happens to be fire, and in my daily rituals I work with candle magic and sacred cleansing, which is a fancy way of saying my showers are intentional for energy clearing and purification. Ritual can be simple as long as it’s intentional.

What first made you interested in tarot?
As a teenager I was curious about the symbolism and artwork. The RWS deck blended elements of Judaism and Catholicism I was familiar with, and the first time I became curious about artwork and symbols pre-dating and transcending their religions. This was pre-internet time!

What were some of your earliest experiences with tarot like?
I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but it felt good to engage with it.

What techniques did you use to learn tarot?
I was self taught through books until I began drawing my own deck based on my spiritual awakening in 2016. Drawing the cards helped me embody and understand them in ways I could never read in a book. Around that same time I decided to join an in person six month intensive study program called The Brooklyn Fools, created by my teacher, Jeff Hinshaw and co facilitated by Lindsey Mack.

What was your first tarot deck?
A Rider Waite Smith deck I got from Barnes & Noble in 1997 when I was fourteen.

What is your favorite tarot deck besides your own?
The Pagan Otherworlds Tarot deck by Uusi. The artwork is so beautiful.

What card are you most drawn to? Why?
The Death card, I’m always drawn to artists interpretation and depiction of Death

What is your favorite card? Why?
Death and The Empress are my favorites. The themes of transformation and rebirth are symbolic of my life experiences, as are the themes of creativity, feminine energy, birth, nature, and receptivity.

What was your inspiration (art, books, movies, etc) for Moon Void?
My own life had fallen apart and I took a year off from working to let myself process the destruction of everything I had once known. I wrote a memoir and began drawing the cards as accompanying illustrations. My book felt too personal and mostly cathartic, but people encouraged me to finish the deck and here we are.

What made you choose modern imagery?
While I love traditional imagery, I use tarot for practical and modern living, and I think it’s important to see ourselves in our decks.

What has the process been like?
Drawing was surprising and beautiful, the business side of the process has been eye-opening and not always my favorite. I wish I could focus on creativity and spirituality and less of the business and marketing, but I’ve loved having the opportunity to blend my artistic process with my spirituality.

Have there been any frustrations along the way from concept to production? If so, what have
they been?
Production is tricky if you don’t have help with graphic design layout, or an understanding of computer graphics, which I don’t! Managing sales, promotion, and customer service is more than I was prepared for, but I’m proud of myself for taking it on.

What card are you most drawn to in your tarot? Why?
The Moon card, because the Hermit’s cabin appears again under the big moon. The emphasis is on shadow work and the subconscious, and the work we do in solitude.

What is your favorite card in your tarot? Why?
The Two of Cups, because when I thought of what falling in love meant to me (and not just romantic love, the 2 of cups is just as much about platonic love!) I thought about how emotionally full I feel when I connect deeply with someone while we share stories, usually over coffee. Getting lost in someone else’s universe is a beautiful experience.

What is the most important aspect of your deck?
The most important aspect of my deck is that it follows one central character, instead of having multiple figures. This brings the focus on the personal experience and doesn’t place power outside of ourselves. Also that the court cards feature animals and the alchemical symbols of each card instead of people. This takes away gender implications and focuses on the double
elemental essence.

How would you recommend your deck to someone?
It is a great deck for self reflection and shadow work

What advice would you give for choosing a deck?
Choose a deck with artwork that speaks to you. While each card has it’s meaning, the cards become special messages that will speak specifically to you beyond traditional symbolism.

What advice would you give for learning the art of tarot?
Throw out perfectionism, that is counter productive for working with intuition and divining. Trust what messages arise, and the energy that you feel when working with the cards. For me, that is the essence of tarot. Not following books and what anyone else says is right or wrong. Trust yourself.

I noticed you offer a Shadow Workshop, can you explain more about that? 
My shadow workshop introduces the idea of the shadow, and offers a safe space to invite it out into the light. We look at fear, identify triggers, explore the concept of mirror work, especially when we are triggered by the behavior and actions of others. In the space of neutrality we can become inquisitive about our darkness. I also introduce using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or 'tapping' as a physical tool to aid in shadow work. Talking, journaling, and tarot can only take us so far. Using EFT to calm the nervous system by tapping the acupressure points along the body's energy meridians helps shift the physical trauma in our bodies while reciting a script, also creates new neural pathways in the brain. 

Do you have anything else to add?
Thank you for taking the time to interview me and your interest in learning more about Moon Void Tarot. This deck doesn’t have a physical guidebook yet, there is public instagram account with pictures of the cards and brief descriptions. Even if you don’t have Instagram, you can type Instagram.com/moonvoidtarot into your browser and view them from your devices. The initial reason for a digital guide was monetary, as this project is entirely self funded. Thank you for your patience.

Put it in O for Onward!

So, I have recently watched Onward (its worth a watch, I enjoyed it) and it really got me thinking about our world and the state it is in today. Before I go on, here is a brief synopsis of the film;

"Teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Like any good adventure, their journey is filled with cryptic maps, impossible obstacles and unimaginable discoveries. But when dear Mom finds out her sons are missing, she teams up with the legendary Manticore to bring her beloved boys back home."

The background setting is in the movie is a fantasy setting before it evolved into a more modern world with technology, etc. There is still fantastic races and creatures but everyone has forgotten about the magic. Gone are the days of adventures, magic, quests, and everything else under that umbrella.

As I was watching the movie I really started to think how our world as a whole have forgotten the magic. Everyone is so preoccupied with with their jobs, hobbies, and the daily grind we have forgotten about the simple pleasures of quality time with family members and friends, becoming closer to nature, and the journey of a good book.

 

This is one kind of magic that has been forgotten but the other kind of magic is in spirituality and the old ways. We have forgotten what it is like to;

• be one with nature and not just dominate it
• enjoy the intimacy that comes with personal and joint ritual work
• work with the earth
• commune with the universe and its spirits
• transfer and mold energy
• commune with your ancestors
• walk with the Gods

The biggest culprit of what has assisted us in forgetting is technology.

Modern technology has been the biggest distraction since the industrial revolution. We have lost touch with ourselves, our food, our friends, our families, the earth, spirits, and Gods. Martin Felipe Castagnet once stated;

"Technology isn't rational; with luck, it's a runaway horse, foaming at the mouth, ready to throw itself off a cliff in desperation. Our problem is that culture's tied to that horse."

This is just the top of the iceberg. Our society has become so technological dependent that it constricts us like a living, breathing straitjacket. This straitjacket muffles, distorts, and at times completely disconnects us from the universe and those around us. There has been people in our recent history that have realized the negative effect technology has on our society and in 1995 Theodore Kaczynski understood this and talked about it in length in his writing of Industrial Society and its Future. This was before the rise of the smart everything and the popularity (and ease of access of the internet). Kaczynski observed that;

"We attribute the social and psychological problems of modern society to the fact that that society requires people to live under conditions radically different from those under which the human race evolved and to behave in ways that conflict with the patterns of behavior that the human race developed while living under the earlier conditions...."

and he found the Matrix...

“Imagine a society that subjects people to conditions that make them terribly unhappy then gives them the drugs to take away their unhappiness. It is not Science fiction as it is already happening to some extent in our own society. Instead of removing the conditions that make people depressed modern society gives them antidepressant drugs. In effect antidepressants are a means of modifying an individual's internal state in such a way as to enable him to tolerate social conditions that he would otherwise find intolerable.”

These ideas are intense but sit and meditate on them.

To be honest, I am not immune to our culture as I am guilty of it to. I have found myself lost in technology instead of paying attention to who and what was going on around me. It is important that I remind myself to stay on the path and not lose the magic I have found while finding more.

The whole point of this is and we well need to do is...

Put the phone down, put your life into O for onward, and go find some magic. 

You may have forgotten about the magic but the magic has not forgot about you.

...I've been through the desert...

Historically and in modern times it is a common practice for sages, shamans, seers, mystics, indigenous populations, and any other title you can give someone who follows a spiritual path to use psychedelic substances to enhance their work. This altered state of consciousness breaks down the practitioners personal barriers and the barriers of the universe so the practitioner can easily travel and connect with the universe in addition to their own inner Self. This is in addition to the increased connectivity and empathy with themselves, others, and the universe. There are unlimited counts of these experiences with/without the how/why published and unpublished. Though, a good place to start is from Albert Hofmann, Christopher M. Bache, P.h.D.., and Aldous Huxley.

Since the criminalization of psychedelics in the 1960's and 1970's its spiritual use has been forced underground which has limited it to individuals and small circles. There are some notable exceptions to this such as Native American Church. In addition, throughout the years there have been studies to show how some psychedelics, especially LSD can be used to treat various mental illnesses, trauma, and addiction.

Due to my spirituality I have been interested in this experience for sometime (especially since the events of this last year and some change) but I have never sought it out. I figured if it was my path to walk, the universe would provide the opportunity.

Well, the universe did provide the experience to benefit from the conscious alternating effects of LSD. The experience, was well; complicated, amazing, and mind opening. This sums it up nicely:

As the effects started to kick in space and time warped and became fluid or nonexistent so the 12 hours experience felt like an eternity and an instant at the time. Though time is just an illusion anyway. The best explanation of time I ever heard was this;

"...time is nothing more than fractal successions of consciousness strung together into what we call out existence..."

  

During my experience, a lot of things happened and I could probably write a book on everything I remember and how I felt but I think I will try to hit the main points;

• Saw and experienced lots of pretty colors and sounds
• Watched stationary items move and morph or into other items
• Became one with the universe and its energy
• Felt and watched the world breathe
• Became a magnificent Buddha as I traveled inwards 
• Had many out of body experiences
• Got lost in the atoms
•  Rode the waves of mental and emotional anguish
• Connected with random objects and the sky and ground
• Saw skeletons in the wood
• Saw monsters in the dark
• Saw fish in the sky
• Connected on a deep and unfettered level with those who were with me on the journey
• Experienced a shared consciousness with those who were with me on the journey
• Played an intimate chess game with my Shadow
• Ate static 
• Watched the Chesire Cat dance around the screen for awhile
• Rode the waves of physical, mental, and emotional euphoria

In summary, I was an explorer first and foremost on this journey. I let the energy of the universe push and pull in various directions and open random doors to the universe and explored just long enough before I choose a new door. I came away from this experience with four important things;

1. That I needed to get a specific tattoo (one of the ones I have been thinking about for years) with some additions to represent where I have been, where I am going, and to remind me of things every day. 

2. That I do not need to forgive myself for some of the things I have done that causes extreme guilt and self loathing (and have hurt other people deeply). I need to accept that these things needed to happen in one way or another for me to become who I am today and who I am becoming. I am not at this acceptance yet, but I am working towards it. 

3. Honestly, I just feel better about life in general. 

4. All the people who were with me during the journey shared very intimate connections. Think of the intimacy of being in ritual with someone but times it by 100. When you Self is completely exposed and you are one with the universe you also intertwine with the people around you and it creates a unique bond that is powerful.

Swords of Fire

In preparation of a project I want to start in the near future, I have been doing research and meditating on the subject of elements and their correspondences in regard to the Tarot. I have come to the conclusion that swords are fire. Though, before anyone starts viciously banging on their keyboard to let me know how wrong I am let me explain how I came to this conclusion.

The correlation with Swords of Air probably originated from A.E. Waite's The Pictorial Key to the Tarot as his Tarot system is one of the most widely used today. In the RWS system, swords is correlated with air and wands fire. Deborah Lipp draws an interesting conclusion about this in her book The Way of Four;

"The Tarot suit of Air is Swords, although there is an interesting story behind this correspondence.

In 1910, Arthur Edward Waite published his book The Pictorial Key to the Tarot and his “Rider-Waite” Tarot deck. Waite was a Kabbalist and a member of the Golden Dawn magical lodge. His was the first deck to give all seventy-eight cards unique illustrations, and the first to draw associations between the Tarot and the Kabbalah. The Rider-Waite deck became he most popular and influential Tarot ever created, and its influences are seen in the vast majority decks available today.

However, Waite’s membership in the Golden Dawn included an oath of secrecy, so he hesitated to reveal too much in his deck or accompanying book. He decided to switch two of the elemental correspondences in order to preserver his oath. He couldn’t very well change the association of Cups to Water, since that’s a pretty obvious one, and Pentacles are mostly depicted as coin - and again the association between money and Earth is straightforward and obvious. But Swords and Wands are abstract tools, that were not in common usage at the turn of the last century. The Golden Dawn associated Air with Wands and Fire with Swords, so Waite reversed these two and filled his deck with Fiery Wands and Airy Swords.

If you’re a Tarot reader who has used Waite’s deck or a Waite-derived deck, it’s hard to break the mental picture of Air/Sword and Fire/Wand. Every Wand in Waite’s deck has little flames, salamanders, and orange colors, and every Sword has prominent clouds, sylphs, and a lot of light blue. Perhaps because most Witches read the Tarot, most associate the sword, or athame, with Air.

On the other hand, the original associate used by the Golden Dawn and others makes a good deal of sense. The Sword is the stronger and more destructive tool, and Fire is more destructive than Air. The Wand is the tool of the intellectual magician, but the Sword is the tool of the willful warrior (Fire is associated with will). Once you get to know the tools, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that a person wielding a Sword means business (has will), but a person holding a Wand might still be just thinking it over."

The Golden Dawn also associates the sword with the Sephirah Geburah and the planet Mars in some of their degree work.

Outside of the Golden Dawn, we can look to some of grimoires of western mysticism and esoterics that discuss the sword/fire relation and/or talk about the Golden Dawn's blind. Some of these grimoires Eliphas Levi's The Doctorine and Ritual of High Magic and I have talked about a specific part of said book regarding Powers of the Sphinx (which relates to the element correspondences as well), Franz Bardon's Introduction Into Hermetics, Stephen Skinner and Francis King's Techniques of High Magic, The Farrar's A Witches' Bible, and Stephen Skinner's The Complete Magicians Tables.
We also cannot forget to take into account the influences and contributions of Gerald Gardner and Alex Sanders.

An interesting thing to note is that the tools from The Greater Key of Solomon, The Magus, and other systems that arose in that same time frame are numerous and Agrippa's foundation work (and other texts before it) did not necessarily have elemental correspondences.  The Golden Dawn along with other people like Eliphas Levi seemed to reduce, codify, elementalfy, and attach other esoteric meanings to the working tools.

In addition, there are other traditions to consider that have fire correlation with swords like the Janati.

Finally we have the differences and influences of the Qabbalah and Astrology. Frater Barrabbas touches on this;

"Using the Qabbalah or Astrology to determine the elemental attributes of the four suits of the Tarot seems to produce two different sets of associations. Where the Qabbalah is used, the order of elements begins with Fire, then Water, Air and finally, Earth. When one uses Astrology with Theosophic influences, the elements begin with Air, and proceed to Water, Fire, and Earth.
The order of the four Suits of the Tarot does not change, and it begins with Wands or Scepters (Clubs), Cups (Hearts), Swords (Spades) and finally, Coins or Pentacles (Diamonds). The sequence is a hierarchy associated with the four levels of the European social order of nobility, clergy, military (land owners) and merchants (artisans). The element associations for these four suits differs whether Wands are considered to be Fire and Swords are Air, as in the Qabbalistic system, or whether Wands are considered Air and Swords Fire, as in the Astrological system. These two approaches have produced two different sets of associations, and have spawned two different systems of magick, in as far as the four elemental tools of magick are concerned. Both systems are substantiated by symbolic correspondences and either will work quite well. What is required is for the magician to adhere to one or the other, depending on what makes sense and works for the individual."

For me, it honestly keeps circling back to the act of "to will", how it feels, and what makes the most sense in a magical and esoteric point of view. Though (like what mentioned in the above quote), I think it is important for everyone to find what feels and makes the most sense to them on the magical and esoteric levels - then remembering to be consistent about it.

 

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References

Regarding Oaths

Oaths is a very interesting thing in Pagan communities. Most of the 101 books out there (especially Wiccan) warn against oaths of secrecy. This inclusion of this is probably the authors blanket attempt at helping the masses avoid cult like situations. Though, this blanket attempt is misplaced because it is usually given without any much explanation and context other then that should be avoided. This misplaced attempt is disappointing to me because oaths and can very important, solemn, and powerful.

Though, I think it is very important that a person should do as much research as they can if they are looking into joining a group (even non spiritual groups) and should meet as many members as possible as well. Issac Bonewits created an amazing rubric to see if the group you are in or thinking about joining is a cult. It is referred to as the ADVANCED BONEWITS' DANGER EVALUATION FRAME and should be used with critical thinking as a form of checks and balances.

Before I go further, I think it is important to define terms. Oaths per the Websters Dictionary is defined as, "a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing, to witness ones determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc.". Though most people are probably more familiar with the idea of a vow, which is defined by the Websters dictionary as, "a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment." A lot of us has taken vows for marriage, for our work (such as doctors, military, police, etc), and for various organizations (such as fraternities, religions, etc). The point of these vows is to make promises with witnesses, in front of your God(s), and yourself.

This point is the same with Oaths, but in a more traditional sense you letting more then just the witnesses, yourself, and your God(s) know your intentions; you are letting the whole universe know.

In the Heathen communities oaths are revered as much as they are feared. This is because of a unique belief within these communities which is those who are witnessed to said oath are responsible for making sure the person upholds their oath and if the oath is broken, the witnesses are also guilty of breaking it. Now there are people that balk at this notion (Pagans, Heathens, the profane, etc) because they think it is insane. If you really think about it and feel it out, this belief makes perfect sense.

A person takes an oath in front of witnesses so the oath is made public. As witnesses it is implied that these people should support the oath taker in helping them keep and fulfill their oath. In addition, the witnesses should be willing to do this out of respect and love for the oath taker. I think it also is implied that the oath taker should feel comfortable enough with these witnesses that they would be able to ask for help and support. With this being said, the oath taker has a deeper responsibility of discussing  their ideas for their oath beforehand with their fellows and should make sure it is within their abilities and the abilities of their witnesses (not just be prideful and drunken boasts or illusions of grandeur). In essence, an oath is a bonding alliance where the oath taker, the witnesses, the God(s), and the spirits all take part. This should never be a problem with a group of true brothers and sisters or any other members of your inner circle.

It was not to long ago that I took one of the most powerful oaths of my life;

As I kneeled on a bearskin I felt invigorated with the strength and presence

of Bother Bear. At the same time my toes were digging into the Earth which 

kept me grounded as I felt the energy of the earth circle through me. This was

all going on as the sounding horn was blown and the proper blessing were set

into place before the ritual could be begin. As my witnesses stepped forward I

felt their love and support wash over me like a wave from the ocean. When I

 I held the horn up time seemed to stop. Each word I spoke to call the universe to 

bear witness reverberated from me like the sound of a hammer striking an anvil.

When I held the cradle up to pledge my peace, truth, and harmony to my 

brothers and sisters each word reverberated from me with the sound of thunder.

When I presented the breath of the life giver to swear my honor to group and 

its spirit each word reverberated from me with the sound of a war cry. Each 

word I spoke when iron bound my skin as I let the universe know I bound myself

harmless to all those that keep the same reverberated out of my like the sound

of countless drums. It was when I felt myself being pulled up did time seem to 

return to normal and my senses became more localized. 

As for Oaths of secrecy? Well these should not always be shied away from just because there is elements of secrecy involved as long as the secrecy is healthy. There is nothing wrong with secrecy if it helps protect members identity because not everyone is out as a pagan or spiritual person, if it helps keep certain practices within the circle and outside of the profane because the profane can have extreme reactions to things they do not understand, etc.

Oaths are extremely important and sacred. I hope that all people, the profane and Pagans alike will start to realize this importance and act accordingly. 

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References

Interview: Barbara Moore

I had the great opportunity to interview Barbara Moore over the holidays. 

Go ahead and introduce yourself.

I’m Barbara Moore. Tarot has been part of my life for almost 30 years, and over the past 22 years it has also been my job and main way of earning income. Currently, I am the acquisitions editor for Llewellyn’s tarot line. I am also an author, deck creator, and teacher. I quit reading professionally about 5 years ago in order to devote more time to projects I love, like deck creation. Although I consider myself a Minnesota girl, for the past two years I’ve lived in northern California, tucked away in a valley surrounded by farms and animals.

What is your favorite book?

At my age, is it impossible to a single favorite book? I’ve loved so many. While I value non-fiction (I learn best by reading, so I depend on books), I rarely fall in love with non-fiction books, no matter how grateful I am for them. Oftentimes my favorite is whatever novel I’m currently reading, which right now is The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern and it is perfectly wonderful! Poetic, creative, complex…all about books and full of symbols as well as a love story between Fate and Time. I’m smitten. Another novel I read a few years and still think about is The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. If I had to pick what book affected me most deeply, I would have to pick two books that in my opinion have to be read in sequence. The first is amazing on its own, but with its follow up, it is even more astonishing. These books are The Sparrow and Children of God by Mary Doria Russell.

For non-fiction, if I had to pick a few favorites, they would be The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers and To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue.

My guilty pleasure reading is the The Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher.

If you practice a spiritual path, what is it? Why were you drawn to it? 

I do not. I am more like a spiritual magpie, kitchen witch, do what works person. I sometimes wish I had a path that I was drawn to…it would be so much easier than making it up as I go along.

Do you have any daily rituals? If so what are they?

My daily rituals change as my needs and interests change. Currently, the only things I do actually every day is pull a tarot card, do 10 – 20 minutes of yoga in the morning, and at night I bless our valley, the land, and all the people and animals on it. I have other things I do on a regular basis or as needed but not necessarily daily.

What first made you interested in tarot? 

In college, I was in an interdisciplinary program and studied history, art history, philosophy, literature, mythology, psychology, math, and science. I loved how I could trace the threads of all these subjects influencing each other as they wove through human history. At a party, someone pulled out a deck of cards, the Rider Waite Smith, and as soon as I held them in my hands, I knew I was holding something special…something that felt like the sum of all human knowledge and a tool that could tell any story that needed telling. Thirty years later and I can verify that my initial instinct was correct. 

What were some of your earliest experiences with tarot like?

Mostly like a self-directed course in tarot, psychology, and mythology. I was obsessed with tarot and Jung. I spent many hours with Jung and Tarot: An Archetypal Journey by Sallie Nichols. My first readings used only the Majors because that is all she covered in her nearly 400-page book. She included one spread and I used it over and over. Eventually I got my sister and a friend interested in tarot, so we studied and did readings together. But there wasn’t an internet at the time, very few books, and not nearly the number of decks we have today. We were very casual about it, sitting at the kitchen table, having drinks, and laying out the cards. I don’t remember us worrying about doing it wrong, the way I see many newcomers to the cards worrying today.

What techniques did you use to learn tarot?

There were two main techniques. One was basically just thinking about tarot…and history, psychology, mythology, literature, art, physics…and finding patterns connecting everything. The other usually involved drinking, my friend or my sister, and a deck of cards. Like I said, we just thought about things we were curious about, threw some cards, and saw what we saw.

After about five years of casual study and experimentation, I learned about the American Tarot Association and their mentorship and certification program. I love degrees and certificates (and back then, naïvely, didn’t question whether it was good or bad, right or wrong), and felt like it would both fun and helpful for me to sum up my path to that point. Still not really much of an internet and email wasn’t that common, so it was all done via correspondence…pens, paper, stamps. In fact, the certification required sending in a cassette tape of a live reading! Can you imagine? Makes me feel old. Anyhow, the certification program asked me to provide my keywords and longer interpretations for all the cards, upright and reversed. I worked surrounded by all the books I bought (all that I could find, but as I said not that many), my notebooks, and my cards. Working card-by-card, I’d read the relevant texts in the books, make notes on parts I agreed with or found provocative. Then I’d form all the information into a coherent essay, and then distill that down to a key sentence and some key words. It was time consuming but an excellent way to synthesize my five years of self-study.

What was your first tarot deck?

Although I find it hard to believe today when I look at the deck, it was the Haindl Tarot. When I had it, I was mostly only working with the Majors. After seeing how the Haindl was so unusual and how most books talked about the Rider Waite Smith, that was my next deck, although I loved collecting them, even early in my tarot life. Because decks were not easy to find, seeing ones in stores that I’d never seen before was always a special treat.

What is your favorite tarot deck besides some of your own?

I’ve had many favorites over the years. Some stay favorites for years, some for months…or even less. One of my favorite true loves was the World Spirit Tarot. I liked it so much that I traded with the artist for an original piece of the art (6 of Cups) and in return, I knit her toddler a sweater. I also loved the Nigel Jackson Tarot (and bought a piece of his original art, Temperance). Currently, I’m enchanted by the Dark Mansion, Pagan Otherworlds, and Dreaming Way Tarot. This winter I’m really looking forward to diving into Benebell Wen’s Spirit Keeper’s Tarot.

What card are you most drawn to? Why?

The Hermit. I am a Hermit by nature and like to take time to think about and absorb things in my own time and my own way. I prefer to be alone and like a quiet life without lots of distractions. When tarot came into my life, everything I read about the Hermit card resonated with me. Later, I learned that it is one of birth cards. The Hermit is in my blood. It is like my core card and I can always return to it to find answers and guidance whenever I feel I’m getting off track I also have a tendency to isolate myself, so it is also a good reminder to balance my Hermitness with more social and community activities. 

 

What is your favorite card? Why?

Temperance has been my favorite from the beginning; however, the Star has become very dear to me over this past year. I went through a bad patch of life and the Star was part of what saved me.

Temperance is such a beautiful card. Temperance is more than just equal amounts of things; it is the blending of the perfect amounts of the perfect things. It is grace under pressure. It is doing the right thing at the right time. No matter how the external circumstances change, Temperance can always retain her balance. The Wheel of Fortune has creatures clutching the edges of the Wheel, suffering the vicissitudes of life. I always picture Temperance standing at the center of the Wheel, unaffected and watching all the drama move around her. 

After going through a quintessential “Death” year, it was hard clawing my way out of depression and confusion. When telling a fellow tarot friend about it, she asked, “if you are done with Death, what card would you like next?” I thought about it and concluded that the Star was the medicine that I needed. I made paper stars covered in glitter and hung them all over the house. I read all I could about what other people wrote about the star. I drew pictures inspired by the card. I did yoga poses that opened my heart to the Star and her gentle healing, grace, and guidance. The Star was a life preserver and helped keep me afloat until I was strong enough to bring in another card. Now I have a practice where I pick a card to be my specific guide through a particular phase in my life (this is not based on time but on need…so not like “every season” based on the calendar but based on what I’m experiencing in my life). My current card is the Empress. I’m finding that with the Empress right now, she is also bringing in the Minor threes.

Can you introduce the various tarot decks you have worked on?

I can, but it’s a pretty long list, since I’ve worked on many. Some I completely designed, including directing the artist and some I just wrote the little booklet for…and everything in between.

These are the decks and books that I consider the most “mine,” meaning that they were mainly my idea and execution:

• Llewellyn’s Classic Tarot

• Llewellyn’s Little Book of Tarot

• Tarot for Beginners

• Modern Guide to Energy Clearing

• Steampunk Tarot

• Tarot in Wonderland

• Tarot Spreads

• Wizards Tarot

Here is a more complete list, but doesn’t include quite everything (because no one wants that much detail!):

• Barbieri Tarot

• Barbieri Zodiac Oracle

• Book of Shadows Tarot, volumes 1 and 2

• Cats Inspirational Oracle

• Color Your Tarot

• Earth Wisdom Oracle

• Enchanted Oracle

• Epic Tarot

• Gilded Tarot

• Green Oracle

• Llewellyn’s Tarot Calendar 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

• Llewellyn’s Classic Tarot

• Llewellyn’s Little Book of Tarot

• Modern Guide to Energy Clearing

• Mystic Dreamer Tarot

• Mystic Faerie Tarot

• Mystical Manga Tarot

• Pagan Cats Tarot

• Pagan Magical Kit

• Primordial Tarot (forthcoming)

• Shadowscapes Tarot

• Silver Witchcraft Tarot

• Steampunk Tarot

• Sweet Twilight Tarot

• Tarot of the Dream Enchantress

• Tarot for Beginners

• Tarot in Wonderland

• Tarot Made Easy

• Tarot of the Hidden Realm

• Tarot Spreads

• Vampires Tarot of the Eternal Night

• What Tarot Can Do For You

• Witch Crystals

• Wizards Tarot (forthcoming)

• Your Tarot Your Way

What is your favorite tarot project you have worked on? Why?

The Steampunk Tarot. It was the first project that I felt like came almost entirely from me. The artist, Aly Fell, of course brought so much (and even helped with some cards where my descriptions didn’t work) to the project, but the concept and card descriptions were mine. Not only that, but Aly brought them to life so beautifully. Finally, the book…it was my favorite to write. I got to be completely myself in a way I’ve not done with projects that are either more collaborative or that are just books to go with an already made deck. It was fun to write and when I go back and reread it, I still love it. I’m also the proudest of it because not only is a good expression from my heart but also because as a tarot deck it works! I’ve heard from so many people (and experienced it myself) that these cards are just bursting with stories and are quite easy to read as well as being beautiful (assuming you like steampunk style).

What has your creative and published the process been like?

“Varied” is the best word. While there are some similarities between projects, each one is also very unique. “Fortunate” and “blessed” are also good words because I feel so very lucky to have the many opportunities that came my way. Sometimes the ideas come from me alone, oftentimes my publisher has an idea and asks me to explore it. Sometimes it is more like a work for hire, where I’m hired to be the voice of a deck that is already created. All are fun in their own ways.

Has there been any frustrations along the way from various concepts to production? If so, what have they been?

To be honest, there haven’t been that many frustrations. Probably the most frustrating project was the Book of Shadows. This was a long time ago and before Lo Scarabeo had a good understanding that witchcraft, Wicca, paganism, and magic are things people take very seriously and, in some cases, such as with Wicca, it is their religion, and these topics have to be taken seriously. There was also a language barrier. I wrote it in English, then someone translated the text to Italian. In these cases, there is no back and forth with the artist, so if they got my vision wrong, there was nothing to be done. The first round of images for this project were too sexy and objectified and I insisted that new images be made. It was a hard stance, but necessary. In the end, it all worked out really well. So even my most frustrating experience wasn’t that bad in the end.

How would you recommend one of your decks to someone?

I try to find out what their interests are, what they are drawn to in terms of art, and what their previous tarot experience has been. There is no (in my opinion) one deck fits all. For beginners, I normally suggest an easy to read RWS clone, so ones like Llewellyn’s Classic, Mystical Manga, or Steampunk. To be honest, if someone asks for a deck recommendation, I don’t necessarily stick to just my works. I admire so many decks and will suggest them, if I feel they’d be the best fit for the person asking. 

What advice would you give for choosing a deck?

If they are complete beginners, I’d suggest a RWS clone in an art style they like. If they have more experience, then I’d ask which type of decks/systems they prefer, such as RWS, Marseilles, Thoth, or something completely different. If they are more interested in intuitive work, then something like the Tarot of the Hidden Realm, which isn’t for everyone, but for those who click with it, it seems perfect.

What advice would you give for learning the art of tarot?

That depends on the student. People learn differently. Some do best if they just jump in and start reading the images. Some like to read and study on their own. Some prefer a teacher or structured program. So I would say, take whatever approach you take to learning any new skill and do the same with tarot. Regardless of the style of learning, practice is just as important. Reading books and studying will only get you so far. Practice as much as possible to integrate what you learn. And don’t limit yourself to learning tarot. Your tarot readings are influenced by every part of your life, everything you read or listen to, just like any other art. Fill your well with not just tarot but as much wisdom from as many sources as you can.

Do you have any rituals you follow when you do a reading? If so, do these rituals differ from when you read for someone and when you read for yourself? 

When I read for others, I keep things simple. My rituals are silent and not observable by the client (silent prayer to start, shuffling three times, offering thanks when finished). When I read for myself I either just throw the cards on the table (least effective!) or make a full-blown ritual (cast a circle, call in specific guides). I think in reading for myself, I get more out of the reading when I make it special.

Because my life has been challenging over the past three years, I’ve rarely read for others. If I’m not in a good place, if my well isn’t full, I have nothing to offer others. So I’ve refrained. As my life gets more stable and I think about reading for others again, I am contemplating the need for more ritual in a way that is visible to and includes the client. I wonder if the attempts over the past 30 years to make tarot more normalized (and more mainstream) has taken something from the experience of consulting the cards. I wonder if people wouldn’t welcome (and indeed, need) more ritual in their lives. Maybe consulting the cards should have a sense of mystery and wonder to it. 

Do you have anything else to add?

Only to thank you for the opportunity! Who doesn’t love to talk about themselves? I got to talk about myself and about talk so much. It’s been fun and hopefully will be interesting to your readers.