Guidance for July - Dog - Know Your Friends

Can you believe it's already the middle of the year? It seems like just yesterday I was sitting down to plan out a wonderfully productive year. Well, the progress has been slow. I'm hoping the second part of the year will be a time to turn all of my energetic thoughts into physical production.

I decided to pull out the Druid Animal Oracle, by Philip & Stephanie Carr-Gomm, for a little guidance for the month of July. I've had the deck for a while, but I believe this is the first time of actually using it for a reading.

While shuffling the deck, I asked for guidance as we step into this new month.


I was a little surprised to turn over the Dog, but after reading through the information in the guidebook and reflecting on the card, I can see how this is the perfect card to guide us.

The Keywords: Guidance, Protection, and Loyalty.

"The dog brings guidance and protection, acting as a loyal companion and friend on your journey in both this life and the next."

With my Lenormand background, the dog represents our friends. The people and animals of our life take on many roles, some lasting forever, while others only surviving temporarily. The appearance of the Dog brings the message of acknowledgement and appreciation for those in our lives who help us in our journeys.

You may also find yourself developing an important friendship this month. A new guide or teacher may appear in your path. You may connect with a Spirit Guide during meditations. Discover a stray kitten or puppy on your morning walk. You may rekindle a dying friendship, or create a totally new relationship with an acquaintance.

Know your friends, and appreciate them for all they do for you. Enjoy your month!

Review: The Transparent Tarot

The Transparent Tarot is an original, unique deck with a new approach to the tarot. The deck follows the basis Rider-Waite system, yet brings to life a new understanding and a new view of tarot reading. 

Hesitant to obtain this deck when it first came out, my only regret is that I waited so long. The deck is truly amazing and will open your intuition and creativity to new levels. 

The cards are made of a sturdy plastic. At first, I thought I would have trouble, for they wanted to stick together. The simple solution was to flip through the cards one by one and mix them up extensively.  

The images are simple and are made for layering and overlapping. But, you can really use these cards in many different positions - creating collages and stories, sure to be different with every reading.

A companion book is included. Emily Carding covers the uses and meanings of the cards. She also emphasizes on making this deck your own, follow your intuition rather than the meanings in the book. What she gives you in this wonderful book is meant to be a jump off point for you to grow from.

A thick white cloth is also included and needed. The white background allows for the images to be easily displayed and enjoyed.  

I’d recommend this deck to just about anyone. From beginner to expert, you will find something wonderful within these cards. 

Originally published on the Examiner, October 2012

Review: The Star Tarot

The Star Tarot
Author: Cathy McClelland
Schiffer Publishing, 2017

Description: 78 cards and a 215 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card Size: 3 1/2" X 5 1/4"

Your Path to Self Discovery through Cosmic Symbolism

Cathy McClelland self-published The Star Major Arcana Deck in 2008. The Star Tarot takes her vision to the next step to include the Minors.

“The Star Tarot is clearly rooted in the Golden Dawn correspondences. It does homage to Waite and Smith and to the creators of the Thoth deck, Crowly and Harris.” ~ Foreword by Mary K. Greer

"Use this deck and book together to renew your spirit and help you realign with your soul purpose and the guiding light of all creation.” ~ Foreword by Mary K. Greer

I found the artwork in this deck breathtaking, unusual, and unique. The deck pulls pieces from the different tarot systems and brings them together to create a new type of Tarot.

The Guidebook is completely dedicated to the cards. The Major Arcana is discussed as a whole and then each card is covered. Information includes keywords, an in-depth look at the card and the image's symbolisms. The Minor Arcana is also discussed as a whole, followed by a section on the Lunar Cycle and Aspects. Information is given on the suits, numbers, individual cards, and the court cards. Each card has a black and white photo supplied. The book includes a lot of information, including Astrological, Seasons, Lunar Cycle, and even associated Archangel when relevant to the card.

"In the Star Tarot each of the Minors has a lunar cycle representing it. The moon's cycles are reminders of the cycles in our lives."

9 - The Hermit – Your Guiding Light

“The Hermit is the one who steps out of the darkness shining his lantern, showing you the way.”

“The Hermit brings a time for review and introspection and the opportunity to develop your inner wisdom by seeking guidance from another or through introspection and spiritual work.”

“The lightning at the bottom of this image represents the restlessness and life’s unsettling situations that stimulate one to seek a deeper meaning in life.”

“The owl symbolizes the carrier of dreams."

"The Hermit’s staff brings intellect and higher knowledge.”

The Nine of Swords
Lunar cycle: Balsamic Moon
Keyword Phrase: Dark Night of the Soul

“The Nine of Swords enters late at night when you are feeling the most vulnerable.”

“The gift of the Nine of Swords is the realization that you are not alone, but connected to the greater whole.”

“The spider’s tapestry web hangs behind her symbolizing the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of our lives.”

I recommend this deck to Everyone. Whether you are new to the world of tarot or a long time resident, this deck is amazing with its enriching images and deep rooted symbolism.

Grab your copy from Schiffer Publishing.



(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)