A bad witch's blog: divination

Showing posts with label divination. Show all posts

Friday, 7 August 2026

International Cat Day Wisdom: Appreciate your Family

Tomorrow is International Cat Day, so I've used the Cat Wisdom oracle in a reading for the world. The card is family, and the message in the book that comes with the set reads:

"Appreciate your family. They are a source of unconditional love and guidance to which you can turn whenever you need advice."

To me, family doesn't necessarily mean your actual relatives. As a witch, I know my brothers and sisters in the Craft will always be there to help me if I need it, even if I haven't been an actual coven member for many years. We can have chosen families too - our close friends and loved ones.

Our pets are also our adopted family members. International Cat Day reminds us to look after our fur-babies by making sure they are happy and as healthy as possible. In this hot weather, please also put water outside your home to help any outdoor moggies stay hydrated.

Here's a link to International Cat Care, which co-ordinates International Cat Day on August 8 every year.

You can view the Cat Wisdom Oracle on Amazon

(Please note, I earn commission from some links)

Monday, 3 August 2026

My Witchy Events: Cloud & Tree Scrying + Poppets

Here are details of the witchy events I'm involved with from now until the end of September. I'll be at the Awakened Spirit festival in August where I'll be teaching cloud and tree scrying, then in September I'll be at Romford Pagan Moot to talk about poppets and magical dolls.

August

Cloud and Tree Scrying at the Awakened Spirit Festival
This lovely community based festival runs from Friday 14 to 16 August, offering workshops and live music. I'll be running a cloud and tree scrying session on Saturday afternoon. The venue is Crossland Riverside, Box End, Bedford, MK43 8RN. Weekend tickets including camping are £150, day tickets are £60. https://awakenedspirit.co.uk/

September

Poppets and Magical Dolls at Romford Moot
On Tuesday 1 September I will be talking about Poppets and Magical Dolls at Romford Moot. This monthly Pagan gathering meets at The Golden Lion, 2 High Street, Romford. it starts at 7.30pm. Entry is just £4, pay at the event. You can find out more about the moot here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064489640955

About me

I'm Lucya Starza and as well as writing A Bad Witch's Blog I'm the author of books in the Pagan Portals series on Candle Magic, Guided Visualisations, Poppets and Magical Dolls, Scrying, and Rounding the Wheel of the Year. My Gothic novel Erosion is also published by Moon Books.

You can buy my books at Treadwell's Bookshop, via Amazon, at the College of Psychic Studies in London and at other bookshops as well as at my author page at publisher Moon Books. Please note I earn commission from advertisers for some links.

Friday, 31 July 2026

A Card for the World: 4 of Bows in the Wildwood Tarot

For Lammas Eve I drew a card for the world from the Wildwood Tarot and revealed the Four of Bows. It shows joyous figures dancing around a blazing fire. The bows are unstrung, there's food and drink aplenty, and it's a time for parties and celebrations, not conflict or work.

These days it's rare I find such happy cards when I do a reading for the world, but it is appropriate. We are at the feast of the first fruits of the harvest, and at the start of the summer holidays for many. Let yourself enjoy life's pleasures.

For pagans that could well mean going to an actual festival or ritual outdoors, putting aside cares and worries, and maybe even dancing around a bonfire (if allowed for saftey reasons, of course!). Personally, I will be at the Awakened Spirit Festival from Friday 14 to 16 August, and this card has made me look forward to it even more than I was already.

If you can't get away yourself, at least allow yourself time to do things purely for fun. Go out with friends or visit them, sit in a park or garden and enjoy late summer, hold a party - big or small - and invite those you want to celebrate with.

As a genuine prediction, I believe the next few weeks could well hold things that can be celebrated. I'm not saying all the world's problems will be solved. They certainly won't be. But it's important to recognise success, achievement and bounty - especially when life is otherwise difficult.

The Four of Bows in the Wildwood Tarot corresponds to the Four of Wands in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, and can also indicate weddings, anniverseries and birthdays. If you are involved in any of those kinds of events, this is a very good card to see.

You can view The Wildwood Tarot on Amazon.

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

Friday, 19 June 2026

Sacred Traveler Solstice Divination: Fogged In, Go Slow

I drew a card for the world from the Sacred Traveler Oracle in the days before the Summer Solstice. "Fogged In" is what it said. At first glance it seemed a strange divination when the sun is at its peak and many of us are planning exciting things like festivals or holidays. But the message is "Go slow; take time."

It makes more sense when you consider that many of us are living in a state of almost constant uncertainty. We don't know what the future holds in terms of security and even freedom to be ourselves. This is the fog that surrounds us. If the way forward is unclear, go carefully and mindfully. The book that comes with the set offers these words, which put it into greater perspective:

"When you take the time to go slowly, new perceptions emerge that you can't see if you're moving fast. Move away from the rapid pace of everyday life, and step into the majesty of stillness."

Solstice is often interpreted by pagans as being when the sun appears to stand still. In astronomical terms it doesn't, but psychologically this rings true. This is the perfect time to put stresses and worries on hold. Be quiet and still in the moment. Think and ponder rather than rushing into anything rashly. The book definition continues:

"Resist the impulse to go ahead with your first instinct. Take time to tune in to your deeper intuition. Power is born in those times when you relax into the present moment."

While the fog muffles sight and sound, we can still use our our psychic awareness to sense our best way forward - carefully.

The Sacred Traveler Oracle is one I regularly use in my readings for the world at in early summer. It's when many of us travel. There can be a spiritual element, including visiting sacred sites or going on a pilgrimage.

You can view The Sacred Traveler Oracle on Amazon It is by Denise Linn and published by Hay House.

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

Monday, 8 June 2026

Dowsing: I've Shopped For Crystal Pendulums

I've been shopping for crystal dowsing pendulums for people to use at the dowsing workshop I'm running at Greenoaks festival next weekend. They came with a velvet chart. Here's what they are as they're photographed from left to right, top row to bottom row:

Strawberry quartz: Helps with questions of the heart
Zebra agate: Good for intuition
Peach moonstone: For questions on personal happiness and creativity
Kambaba jasper: For help with grief, anger, and sadness
Red aventurine: Boosts confidence, for help with getting the most out of life
Vesuvianite: For questions to help get over negativity and about the past
Black tourmaline: Helps block unwanted thoughts and insecurity when doing psychic work
Cream moonstone: For questions about creativity, imagination and fertility
Mahogany obsidian: For questions about sex and passion as well as creativity
Banded agate: A good-luck stone that can help with answering difficult questions
Red jasper: Help with questions about your ambitions and goals

I'll be adding these to the ones I already owned. These include ones made from rose quartz which is good for questions about love and friendship, garnet which is associated with passion and confidence, and wood which is grounding.

Greenoaks Gathering

The Greenoaks Gathering runs from Friday, 12 - Sunday 14 June 2026. It's a lovely Pagan gathering in the beautiful Cambridgeshire Fens (picured), at an eco venue. There'll be nusic, talks, workshops (including a couple run by myself on dowsing and poppets), kids activities, and a magickal market. The venue is Hatters Campsite, Second Drove Adelaide, Ely CB7 4UD. Tickets are from £0 – £114.47. Find out more here: https://www.greenoaksgathering.co.uk/

Pagan Portals - Dowsing

My next book in the Pagan Portals series is Dowsing: A Witch’s Guide to Divining with Pendulums and Rods. It's published by Moon Books. This is the description on the website:

"In Pagan Portals - Dowsing Lucya Starza teaches the basics of using pendulums, rods, and the tingles in your fingers to find what you are looking for, whether that falls within the elemental categories of earth, air, fire, and water, or the boundless remit of the realm of spirit."

The book is due to reach shops early in 2027 but can already be pre-ordered.

You can view Pagan Portals - Dowsing on Amazon.

(Please note: I earn commission from some links)

Previous Related Posts

https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/revealing-cover-of-my-next-book-dowsing.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/06/my-witchy-events-charms-dowsing-dolls.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/11/i-bought-pendulum-at-college-of-psychic.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/10/using-pendulum-as-divination-to-make.html

Friday, 22 May 2026

A Tarot Reading for the World: The Ace of Wands

I drew a card as a reading for the world using my new copy of the Greenwood Tarot. The Ace of Wands revealed itself.

The image shows a bow drill and the text on the card says "Spark of Life". The book that comes with the set gives this definition:

"The turning of the cosmic axis that generates the spark of life. The drill symbolises the skills that exert control over the environment, directed by human intellect."

Aces in general are about new beginnings. In the Greenwood Tarot they are all placed in the position of Imbolc on the Wheel of the Year chart, That's a time when the world is still bleak and dark, but we are beginning to see the evenings getting lighter and make plans for better times ahead.

Of course in the actual year as I write this post we are between Beltane and Summer Solstice, but in terms of world energy, it makes sense. The world is bleak right now.

This card tells us to make a new start. To direct our thoughts to making plans, and to use our energy and skills towards effecting change in our environment. A bow drill creates a tiny spark that sets a fire going. Make your own spark matter and create change in the world.

You can read my earlier post on the new edition of the Greenwood Tarot here.

Other previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/10/wind-harp-ace-of-air-from-witches.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/03/tarot-ace-of-cups-signs-of-new.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/04/review-shadow-seer-tarot-dark-archetypes.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/art-theatre-deli-tarot-supporting.html

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

My Set of the New Greenwood Tarot Edition Arrived!

Here's a look at the cards in the new edition of the Greenwood Tarot by Mark Ryan and Chesca Potter. The first edition had long been out of print and was exceedingly rare. I'd long wished to have a copy.

Then, about a year ago, Mark Ryan created a Kickstarter to produce a new edition. My copy arrived a couple of days ago and I took this photo of them as I wash-shuffled them before use. I'm really delighted to finally have a set.

The reproduction quality isn't quite as good as the first edition. I suspect that's because of issues relating to the original artwork, which I won't go into here because I don't have 100 per cent of the facts. However, I am just pleased to have the chance to do readings with a copy I own. I'll be posting a divination for the world with them soon.

One interesting thing about the new edition is that it contains two Lovers cards, one of which is gender neutral. You can see them photographed below.

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Pagan Eye: What Do You Think The Girl's Holding?

What do you think the girl in this street art is holding? When I first glanced I thought she was gazing into a crystal ball, so I took this photo. When I studied it more closely I thought that maybe she's actually got a metal lampshade with a lit bulb inside. Whatever it is, I think the image is rather fascinating.

My part of London - SE20 - has become well known for wonderful street art. This is one of the new works near where I live. Links to previous related posts at the bottom of this page will take you to my earlier photos and information about where you can enjoy these outdoor art exhibitions.

I was particularly curious as to whether the painting is supposed to depict a crystal ball because of my own interest in scrying and divination. I've written a book on the topic and teach classes, as you probably know if you follow my blog.

At the time of writing there's still a couple of place available in my scrying class in London this Saturday. You can find the link here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

On each of my Pagan Eye posts I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Celebrating a Milestone for my Book on Scrying

I'm celebrating as my book Pagan Portals - Scrying has reached a big milestone. My publisher, Moon Books, has told me it's sold 4,000 copies, including selling more than 500 copies in the past 6 months alone. A big thanks to everyone who bought it, left reviews, or told me they've enjoyed reading it. The book is about divination in many forms including crystal balls, water, fire, clouds and tea-leaves.

The photo at the top shows copies set out on the table in the reading room at Treadwell's esoteric books in Bloomsbury, London. I regularly run workshops on scrying there. The next one is on Saturday 16 May. It starts at 1pm and tickets are £25 per person.

Get more information and book here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

Where To Find My Books

Treadwells, at 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS, stocks my titles.
You can find out more about all my Pagan Portals books on my Amazon author page.
Here's the website link for the main catalogue at Collective Ink, which Moon Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/

(Note: I earn commission from advertisers for some links.)

Monday, 27 April 2026

Tarot: The Great Fire Of London (Eight of Wands)

I drew a card for the world using the London Lore Tarot and revealed The Great Fire of London. This corrresponds with the 8 of Wands. The picture in this deck shows someone rushing from the banks of the River Thames with a bucket of water while flames rise above silhouetted rooftops.

The meaning is clear: urgent action is needed to stop destruction currently taking place, and threatened in the future.

The fire of London started in 1666, probably by accident, in a bakery. It burnt for four days, reducing much of the medieval city - homes and businesses - to ashes. I'm sure most people can see how that might related to situations in the world at this time.

In the Rider–Waite-Snith deck, the artwork shows eight staves seeming to fly through the air across an open landscape. While in the past I've seen this as potentially representing swift travel or communication, at the moment I can't help but visualise those staves as something more destructive.

The card calls for swift change and a call for us to all work together as much as possible to avoid further disaster.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/06/london-lore-tarot-tower-ravens-eight-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/10/london-tarot-reading-sewer-gas-lamp-2.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/08/london-lore-tarot-king-of-wands-henry.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/12/review-london-lore-tarot.html

Thursday, 16 April 2026

Review: Shadow Seer Tarot - Dark Archetypes

Shadow work is an important part of spiritual development in many magical practices. It's about looking into aspects of ourselves that are unconscious or we shy away from because we don't like them. The Shadow Seer Tarot, by Maja D’Aoust, is a new deck of cards to help us do that.

It uses the traditional tarot format, but with dark archetypes relating to the familiar cards. For example, when I was trying out it out I drew Forlorn, the Shadow Seer version of the Star. The book that comes with the set said that everyone likes to wish upon a star, and is happy when the hopeful major arcana card appears. The flip side is relying too much on false hope, then feeling despondent if it fails. It's better to recognise that we don't know for sure what will happen in the future. We can best work towards a good outcome by being realistic.

The reading came when my moods were oscillating because I was going through a time of uncertainty. The message was helpful. Also, it wasn't a particularly nasty card to draw. I reckon most people would feel more uncomfortable if, for example, they drew the Murderer (Death) or even the Spoiled Brat (6 of Cups). This deck doesn't condone criminal activity or bad behaviour. What it does is show us that these are still part of the human experience.

Shadow work is about recognising that many of us might feel like we want to kill someone even if we never would, or behave in a selfish way without realising it. The messages are gentle reminders to consider our needs and desires. Rather than shove them back into our subconscious or, indeed, do something terrible, we can consciously take actions that are helpful for personal and social development.

This is what publisher Inner Traditions says on its website:

“The Shadow Seer Tarot deck and guidebook give methods to see through the blind spots of ordinary tarot readings into the heart of what is often hidden. Using Hermetic principles, Maja D’Aoust defines oppositional energies as they relate to the cards of the tarot. With the alchemical method of reconciliation through opposition, she looks deeper into the familiar meanings of the Major and Minor Arcana to give readers insight into the shadow energies at work in their lives to reveal a path toward wholeness. By inverting the archetypes and revealing their shadow side, or “darchetypes,” Maja opens portals of understanding to the bad behaviors that we often attempt to conceal, repress, or deny.”

The artwork on the cards is white line drawings on a black background, emphasising hands, faces and eyes. These are important to human communication. Maja D’Aoust writes that the art was inspired by a visionary journey to the underworld and seeing the images of hands in ancient cave paintings. Our hands are a major part of how we identify as humans, and the physical way we manipulate the material world.

While I like the artwork, and understand the symbolism, what impressed me most were the words in the book giving definitions of the cards and suggestions on how to work with them. I'll be continuing to use the deck for personal guidance going forwards.

You can view the Shadow Seer Tarot on Amazon as well as on Inner Traditions' website, linked to above. It is officially published in May 2026, and is available for pre-order, but I was lucky enough to see a preview copy for review.

(Please note: I earn commission from some links)

Monday, 30 March 2026

My Witchy Events: Divination, Books and Candles

Here are details of the witchy events I'm involved with from now until the end of May. There are workshops on scrying, candle magic. I'll also be giving a free talk at the Beckenham Library Wednesday Waffle.

April

Candle Magic Workshop In-Person at Treadwell's

On Saturday 11 April I'm running an in-person workshop on candle magic at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time:1pm Cost: £25 per person. Visit https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

May

Beckenham Library Wednesday Waffle

On Wednesday 13 May I'll be talking about my writing, including my inspiration for my gothic novel Erosion, at Wednesday Waffle, a regular meeting to chat about books and writing. Venue: Beckenham Library, 22 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, BR3 4 PE. Time: 10am-11.30am. Free but reserve a place by phoning 020 8650 7090 or email beckenham.library@gll.org.

Scrying In-Person at Treadwell's

On Saturday 16 May im running an in-person Scrying workshop, on divination using crystal balls, mirrors and water. This is at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. It starts at 1pm and costs £25 per person. Find out more or book tickets here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

I'm Lucya Starza and as well as writing A Bad Witch's Blog I'm the author of books in the Pagan Portals series on Candle Magic, Guided Visualisations, Poppets and Magical Dolls, Scrying, and Rounding the Wheel of the Year. My Gothic novel Erosion is also published by Moon Books.

You can buy my books at Treadwell's Bookshop, via Amazon, at the College of Psychic Studies in London and at other bookshops. You can find more about me at my author page at publisher Moon Books, and on my Amazon author page. Please note I earn commission from advertisers for some links.

Monday, 16 March 2026

Revealing the Cover of My Next Book: Dowsing

Here's a first glimpse of my next book cover in the Pagan Portals series, published by Moon Books.

It's called Dowsing: A Witch’s Guide to Divining with Pendulums and Rods. This is the description in the catalogue:

"In Pagan Portals - Dowsing Lucya Starza teaches the basics of using pendulums, rods, and the tingles in your fingers to find what you are looking for, whether that falls within the elemental categories of earth, air, fire, and water, or the boundless remit of the realm of spirit."

The book is due to reach shops early in 2027 and I'll let you know when it can be pre-ordered. I'll also be teaching some workshops on dowsing, including one at the Greenoaks Gathering this June.

More About My Books

I'm Lucya Starza. My earlier books in the Pagan Portals series are on Candle Magic, Guided Visualisations, Poppets and Magical Dolls, Scrying, and Rounding the Wheel of the Year. They are published by Moon Books, as is my Gothic novel Erosion.

If you want to buy copies of those titles, you can do so at Treadwell's Bookshop, via Amazon, at the College of Psychic Studies in London and at other bookshops. You can find more about me at my author page at publisher Moon Books, and on my Amazon author page. (Please note I earn commission from advertisers for some links.)

Friday, 6 March 2026

Women's Day Tarot: Lozen Apache Warrior (7 Wands)

I drew a card as a reading for the world for International Women's Day which is this weekend, using Our Tarot. Lozen was revealed. She was an amazing Apache warrior, who not only fought alongside the men of her tribe, but was also said to have spiritual gifts of healing, power over horses, and the ability to sense the location of an enemy. Lozen's story is one of outstanding bravery, but also resilience and compassion.

She is ideal to represent the message of the Seven of Wands in Our Tarot, which is all about inspiring historical women. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck the card shows a male fighter on a hill defending their position against many attackers. This version shows a woman on a mountain taking stock of the situation and ready to act. It's about being outnumbered in a fight, but standing strong; having the higher ground and using that to advantage.

The basic meaning given in the book with this deck is: "Challenges, perseverence, righteous anger, rebellion." This is a reading for all those who feel they are being unfairly persecuted and isolated at the moment. The longer message is to have self-confidence because you know you are doing what is right. Stay true to your convictions, but use all of your abilities to support yourself in this time of trouble.

To all of us - consider what is worth taking a stand and fighting for.

All the cards in Our Tarot depict real women rather than goddesses or figures from mythology. The book that comes with the set includes pages of information about them and their importance in the world.

Our Tarot is by Sarah Shipman and is published by Harper Design.

You can view the deck on Amazon. (Note: I earn commission for some links.)

Friday, 20 February 2026

Animal Wisdom Tarot: A Card Reading for the World

I drew a tarot card as a reading for for the world using the Animal Wisdom Tarot and the Rat was revealed. I know some people dislike rats, but they really aren't that bad. They are resourceful, intelligent, hard working, and in cities often live on the waste us humans discard.

In the Animal Wisdom deck, it's number 4 in the suit of fossils. This corresponds with pentacles in more traditional sets, which is often called the miser card and warns against hoarding wealth. That's not all it represents here though. It's also about ensuring you have the material things you need simply for survival.

Both meanings are very relevant for the world in our current times. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. On one hand billionnaires are sitting on vast amounts of money without giving a thought to those in need, while ordinary people are struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table.

This card teaches us to be alert to greediness. While we all need sufficient assets to feel secure, material things are not the be all and end all of life. Prioritise what's really important to you, which should include friends, family and those you love as well as possessions. Rat is resourceful. Keep a cool head and adapt with circumstances.

This is also a card related to the element of earth. Don't stay stuck indoors. Get out and about and enjoy the bounty of nature now that spring is on the way. Trees, plants and sunshine are great healers.

The Animal Wisdom Tarot is published by Cico Books.

You can view the deck on Amazon.

Please note: I earn commission from some links

Thursday, 29 January 2026

The Queen of Swords: A Tarot Reading for the World

I drew a tarot card as a reading for for the world, using the unusual Theatre Deli Tarot, which was made by a London-based community of artistic people. I revealed the Queen of Swords. This usually represents a powerful woman with a keen intellect. She is often depicted seated on a throne, crowned and holding a sword. It's a strong picture - but I feel this version is even stronger.

In the Theatre Deli deck she is taking her own authority by crowning herself. She stares straight out of the image, facing us, and forcing us to face her in return. Crossed swords above her head could represent choices. I think this references the two of swords, in which a woman is making difficult decisions but hasn't yet taken full control of the situation. In the Queen of Swords card she is in the act of doing so. Yet in both cards, the woman's eyes are covered, symbolising that she is using inner vision and other senses, not just her eyes.

Theatre Deli's Queen is also coming alive with swirled rainbow colours. Similar colours are on the swords, but in straighter, sharper lines. This is a moment of transforming adversity and changing it's patterns to something more fluid, turning weapons of war into creativity.

I think that is the message for all of us who have felt we are in the shadows. Take your power, face the world, and show your true colours.

You can buy copies of the Theatre Deli Tarot here or pick up one onsite at Theatre Deli Leadenhall Street.

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Occult London: Helen Duncan's Scrying Devices

This scrying mirror, crystal ball and planchette were once owned by the famous medium Helen Duncan. They are on display at the College of Psychic Studies as part of The Medium is the Message. This exhibition is in its final weeks, and covers four floors of the CPS's beautiful building in South Kensington.

You can visit The Medium is the Message for free from now until the end of January at 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. It's open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Thursday and at the weekend, until 7pm this Friday, plus a late opening on Friday 30 January to 9pm. There will also be a live music performance at the college for the final late opening night. You can find out more here: collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/exhibition/

Learn Scrying Online via the CPS

On Wednesday 4 and 11 March I'm running a two-part online evening class on Scrying: Divination Using Crystals, Mirrors, Water and Fire via the College of Psychic Studies. Each class starts at 7pm. Tickets are £90. Find out more here: https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/workshops/psychic-training/scrying-with-crystals-mirrors-water-fire/?

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Art: The Theatre Deli Tarot - Supporting Creativity

This unusual tarot deck is the latest I've added to my collection. It's the Theatre Deli Tarot, which was made by 55 artists from a London-based community of creative people.

Registered charity Theatre Deli uses empty city spaces to provide environments and opportunities for people to experiment with, develop, showcase and enjoy art. I bought my copy at the venue at 107 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 4AF when I was there at the weekend.

The deck's creators include resident artists, community members, partner organisations, friends, staff and trustees. They represent a range of disciplines: theatremakers, dancers, cabaret artists, drag performers, filmmakers, photographers and producers. They also represent diverse experience, perspective, age, (dis)ability, background, and engagement with tarot. Their work includes photography, drawing, painting, digital art, collage, text, and textile. Each was given free rein to create an interpretation of their chosen cards in their own styles and media, which has resulted in a wonderfully original mixture of cards.

I love it!

The sets are made with a 70 percent mix of materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC-controlled wood and each sold helps the charity continue its work.

You can buy a copy here or pick up one onsite at Theatre Deli Leadenhall Street.

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

New Year's Eve Divination: The Swedish Year Walk

New Year's Eve is a traditional time for divination to find out what the months ahead might bring. In Sweden, one practice is called årsgång, which translates as “year walk". I learnt about it in the book Hallowed Ground by Mark Norman. He writes:

"The ritual began with a day confined in a dark room, alone with nothing to eat or drink. As midnight struck, the walker would leave the room and set out for their local church. On the walk through the forests and countryside, they would come across many supernatural creatures from Swedish folklore, who would try and prevent the walker from reaching the church, whilst still obeying the rules of the ritual.
"The year walk was a solitary practice, and it was forbidden to communicate with anyone else. There could be dire consequences if the person undertaking the walk failed to remain silent and solemn throughout."

The walk continued around the church building a number of times, which apparently varied from place to place and sometimes included specific patterns of footsteps. After doing this, the walker would hope to gain information from spirits that dwelt in the graveyard. They might see ghostly messengers, hear singing from under the ground, or see visions by peering through the keyhole on the church door. The divination could reveal anything about the year ahead, from forthcoming marriages, to the outcome of war, if there would be famine, and who was going to die.

I guess if you're reading this early in the day this December 31, and don't have any party plans, you could choose to give this a go. If you do, please let me know what the spirits tell you.

Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards is published by Crossed Crow Books. You can also view the book on Amazon.

(Please note: I earn commission from some links)

Other previous related posts

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/12/finnish-new-years-eve-divination-with.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/10/london-necropolis-temple-church.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/10/london-necropolis-st-brides-church-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/01/twelfth-night-spell-for-new-year-luck.html

Monday, 22 December 2025

Tarot Reading: A Magical Yuletide Card for the World

With the Winter Solstice behind us, the sun reborn and the festive holidays ahead, I drew a tarot card as a reading for the world. The Three of Wands was revealed. It's a card of optimisim, of looking forwards, contemplating a journey, new opportunities, and success.

The deck I used was the Magical Nordic Tarot and the image shows three branches just starting to burst with new buds and pointing upwards. The book that comes with the set says that it represents celebration and joy. The word on the card is "freedom". I see it as very positive for this time of year. The festival season is a time to put your woes behind you and enjoy life. There are opportunities for travel and meeting people. It's a time to allow hope into your life and let yourself have the freedom to do what you want.

Wands are a card of energy and creativitity. Wish for whatever you want the future to bring, whether that's love, success in business, a project, a new home, a change of location, a fresh start, or the renewal ands strengthening of an existing partnership.

The Magical Nordic Tarot was created by Jayne Wallace and is published by Cico Books. The images on the cards show the Northern Lights in the background, which felt appropriate for this time of year and was why I chose to use this deck for my Yuletide reading for the world.

You can view The Magical Nordic Tarot on Amazon.

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

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