I figured that if I were going to get back to blogging, a Tarot spread for the start of Mercury Retrograde would be a good place to begin. Of course, that means I should have a greater understanding of what Mercury Retrograde is, especially because I now work for an occult book publisher (yay back in publishing and in a genre so perfect for me!). But if I’m being honest here–and I am mostly always honest in my blogging for better or for worse–I don’t get astrology at all. It’s entirely too complicated for me. I do know, however, that Mercury Retrograde can be bad.
(Note: If you’d like to learn more about this retrograde astrological event, check out this article on Today.com by our friend Lisa Stardust.)
So as I try to revisit my Tarot practice, which I’ve been slacking on for about 30 years (see, honesty), I’m taking you with me. Are you excited? Here we go.
Spread: Mercury Retrograde by Owl and Bones Tarot
Deck: Not So Mystical Tarot by Jenn (who I credit totally for getting me back into the practice after taking her class, which you should all take)
*Note, if you happen to follow me on Instagram and you look at my grid, you’ll see that the photo directly below the post featuring the above photos is also of The Tower. Because of course it is.
Card 1: What could you rethink?
The Tower: How I think: Everything is terrible! It’s absolute chaos! It is the worst possible scenario of all the things that can ever happen! Anxiety is my brand.
Card 2: What could you redo?
5 of Swords: How I respond to certain situations that will not be mentioned here: Self-pity, worried about what others think, jumping to conclusions, taking my ball and going home because my feelings are hurt over something that really (or usually) is only in my head
Card 3: What could you reconnect with?
5 of Pentacles: The part of myself that refuses to be a drama queen or martyr, my confidence, self-esteem, my energy (I mean this quite literally, I’m always exhausted.)
Card 4: What could be reevaluated?
8 of Cups: The way I spend my free time and also the way I get mad at myself when I just want to watch tv or play games
First I ask again, why do the cards always give me the same type of message? I see you, universe, I do, but surely you have other things to tell me. (We’ll discuss synchronicities at a later time–insert shameless plug for book, which features an entire chapter on that very topic.)
Now my takeaway: I need to stop panicking over pretty much everything and stop feeling sorry for myself for not doing the things I want to do. Don’t get me wrong, self, lying around playing Bingo and Toon Blast is a great way to relax, but maybe do a little more of some other things. Write, skate, knit, do more deadlifts (although not until your neck injury is fully healed) . . . maybe even finish painting your bathroom (did you hear that, Mom?). Something.
That seems to be an appropriate message going into Retrograde. And to be fair to myself, I have kind of already started. Look, I’m blogging!
Oh and don’t you worry. There will be plenty of blogs moving forward filled with panic and self-pity and just general angst. I mean, have you met me? Have you read the book? (Doh!)
Did I just age myself with a Homer Simpson reference even though it’s a really good reference? Am I going to age myself over and over again? Wait until I start talking about my arthritis and my CPAP machine.
But hey, feel free to tell me all about what ails you as well. I am at that age where aches and pains are the subject of many of my conversations–with other people as well as myself. And angst for all! (Not that I wish it on you, but if you don’t have any, tell me how you do it!)
Did I mention I have a computer pen now so I can actually draw for you too?! How lucky are you! Maybe one day I’ll show you my drawing of an alien abduction, which I drew during a really boring meeting years ago, that my very best friend framed and hung on her wall. It’s still there decades later. I love her. But not just for that.
Welcome aboard, friends, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Oh and by the way, I am a Leo.
Hi, I'm Gia. 