At one of the M,B&S events I went to a couple of years ago I was having a browse on The Magick Thread book stall, one of my regular stop offs. Actually to call it a book stall doesn't quite do it justice, as they also sell Tarot and Oracle cards of all descriptions, the cloths to do spreads on and bags to hold them in, Almanacs, Diaries (pocket and larger), calendars etc etc - many with a Pagan/Wiccan theme. As I browsed I found myself being drawn to a particular set of Oracle cards so, having learnt not to ignore this instinct, I bought them. The cards are the Archangel Oracle cards by Doreen Virtue:
Inside the box is a small guidebook that gives details of how to use the cards in various ways, explains a little about each angel and what message they have and a more in-depth explanation of that message. There are also 45 cards: the deck is based on 15 archangels drawn from Jewish, Cabalistic, Christian, Catholic and Islamist traditions, with 3 cards with different meanings for each archangel. The artwork on them is just beautiful:
So what's a Pagan doing believeing in angels - surely it's a contradicition? Well I don't see it that way, as I think we all have a guardian angel, no matter what our faith or belief system, and that this has been the case since humans first started walking on Mother Earth....... and, let's face it, our ancestors were, originally, Goddess worshipping Pagans. Before the current main patriarchal religions evolved there was established belief in spirits of nature, beings of light and energy, that were inherent in all living things - especially so by the Celts, who also believed that all people had what they called an Anam Cara (or Anam Chara) > a Soul Friend....... and what better description of a guardian angel can you find? :0)
Since buying the cards I've used them whenever I've felt the need, or felt drawn to do so, and have always had a relevant message or messages from them. How do I know? I'll share a couple of examples.
Having told Aureen I was interested in her Development Circle and before having the last, and very enlightening, visit to see Jan I pulled this card:
The additional message: Your Spiritual understanding is rising to another level, as you open up to new ways of looking at life. Keep an open mind, and let go of limited thinking and illusions. Pay attention to signs - information that comes to you three times or more. Notice geometric shapes and symbols in your physical and psychic vision. Know that your increased awareness may shift your relationships and career goals. I'll guide you through these changes so your life mirrors your inner experiences.
Working with Archangel Raziel: As the wizard and alchemist of the angelic realm, Raziel helps us understand ideas that defy normal logic. He expands and challenges everyday thinking in ways that ultimately have healing effects. If you hunger for deep spiritual understanding, ask Raziel to enter your dreams. You'll soul travel with him to classrooms where he'll help you uncover truths and secrets. Upon awakening, you may not fully remember or understand Raziel's teachings, yet this knowledge is permanently imbedded in your subconscious, where it guides you throughout each day.
Speaking to Jan just a few days after pulling this card I revealed I was a Pagan which led to an extremely interesting talk on related things. She also told me about the plans she had for the Clinic and of how she would then be able to develop the Spiritual aspect to it, which she felt more and more drawn to do, and the types of workshops she would like to offer. I was pretty excited about it all, as much of what she will introduce is of interest to me and will also help me to develop my own Spiritual side - the first of these is the Angel Workshop at the end of May. Just as I'm starting to go back out into the world....... the doors present themselves and begin to open and as I start to do more of what I feel drawn to do and my own Spirituality develops then my outlook, awareness and goals will be bound to change and all should be for the better. :0)
Coincidentally, since drawing this card my dreams have been a little more vivid and full of symbology - though not necessarily of the geometrical kind. I've also been noticing little white feathers turning up all over the place too. :0)
As I finished taking the pics of the cards I got the urge to shuffle them and pull another. As I prepared to do this I had two questions rolling around in my head: What do I need to know? Who is with me? Normally it's best just to focus on one question but, try as I might, I still had both buzzing in my head - so I went ahead and began shuffling them. As I did this two cards seemed to almost jump out of the stack, so I took them and put them on the cloth:
As I finished taking the pics of the cards I got the urge to shuffle them and pull another. As I prepared to do this I had two questions rolling around in my head: What do I need to know? Who is with me? Normally it's best just to focus on one question but, try as I might, I still had both buzzing in my head - so I went ahead and began shuffling them. As I did this two cards seemed to almost jump out of the stack, so I took them and put them on the cloth:
What do I need to know? The Prioritize card with Archangel Metatron was the top card.
Additional message: What's your calling? What makes your heart sing? When you focus on these areas your joyful energy increases, which benefits everyone. Take charge of your schedule and spend more time on projects and activities close to your heart. Make choices that honour your priorities and support your life's mission.
Working with Archangel Metatron: Metatron is one of two archangels who once walked upon Earth as human men (the other one is Sandalphon). Metatron was the prophet and scribe, Enoch, who ascended after his exemplary Earth life. He continues working as a scribe and record keeper in heaven. He helps people develop organizational and record-keeping skills as well. When you call upon Metatron he motivates you to organize your priorities.
Well, if anyone needed help in getting organized then it's definitely me! LOL There are so many things I want to do and struggle to fit in because I'm not sure which to prioritise - which means I either flit round like a butterfly, doing a little on this and a little on that, and getting nowhere fast.... or take the lazy option and don't bother because it's much less hassle. There are so many projects that have been on the back burner for a long time, especially in the house jobs department, that they've got to an overwhelming level and it's difficult to know which to begin with, so the floundering carries over there too. So the message is loud and clear there!
Who is with me? The Hello from Heaven card with Archangel Azrael was the second card.
Additional message: Your loved ones aren't far away; in fact, they're quite near. In your quiet moments you can feel their presence. These really are true visitations and I ask you to trust your intuition. You may notice dream visits from deceased loved ones. Know that your loved ones are happy, free of all suffering, and want the same for you. Your loved ones want to work with your guardian angel to help you be peaceful, so watch for other signs from heaven.
Working with Archangel Azrael: Azrael is know as "The Angel of Death" since his primary role is to help people cross over to heaven at the time of their physical death. Far from being a morbid role, Azrael surrounds the newly crossed-over soul with loving light to make the experience uplifting and comforting. Azrael helps deceased loved ones make contact with their living family members and friends. You can ask Azrael to bring you a message or dream visitation from your loved ones in heaven.
My jaw dropped with this one as not only is it so relevant but I'd been thinking of my Mum and Dad again just that morning and especially remembering the hospital visits to see Dad, prior to him being taken to the hospice. These days I quickly shake those thoughts off, as they're not happy ones and it's not how I want to remember him. Glad to say that I do occasionally have those dream visits and also have those feelings that certain loved ones are around. It's usually something small and innocuous: starting to hum a particular song that Dad loved, suddenly realising what I'm doing and feeling that he was near; or one of Mum's sayings popping into my head, out of the blue, and getting a sense of not being alone. Then there are the messages from my Tarot reader, from Aureen and again from Ian Lawman at the Psychic evening we went to last year - all relevant and all confirming that our loved ones are still around, even though we can't always see (or sense) them. :0)
So that's why I both use these cards and love them: they are full of beautiful imagery and give positive, helpful and relevant messages when consulted.
1 comment:
Pretty pack of cards
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