3 Things I'm Reading Right Now
3 Things I'm Reading Right Now
Spiritual Resources for the Spring Equinox
1) On Substack
Juliana Swanson’s Astral Harmony
Although I am primarily a Western Astrologer, I do study and follow Vedic Astrology. My go-to Vedic Astrologer is Juliana Swanson of Astral Harmony. Her depth of knowledge is equally matched with the depth of her soul. Juliana brings a spiritual perspective to all of her work. She has been practicing astrology all her life, as she is descended from a family of astrologers.
Astral Harmony puts out a monthly forecast, as well as an easy-to-use Astrology Calendar, highlighting the major events each month.
It’s not too late to synch up with Astral Harmony’s March 2024 Calendar. Juliana puts out a great reminder to focus on spiritual and emotional well-being as we approach the Spring Equinox this week. She highlights the dates of March 19-20, 2024, in particular, to prepare for the Spring Equinox.
2) Online
Tarot Heritage
As a Christian and an Astrologer, I was torn by the message that Astrology and Christianity do not go together. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find out that many Popes and saints were astrologers. The largest Astrology library is in the Vatican basement. Making the connection between Christianity and Astrology has deepened my faith life. God’s story in the stars shows us God’s will for us.
Opening the door into Tarot was a similar path. The Christian messaging says Tarot is evil and wrong. Imagine my surprise to find the famous Rider Waite Smith tarot deck was created by a Christian Mystic. The Rider Waite deck is steeped in Christian symbolism.
Sherryl E. Smith, creator, of tarot-heritage.com, says:
“It’s my view that tarot was designed to tell a conventional Christian story using images from late Medieval popular culture. Associating tarot with Cabala, the grail legend, alchemy, or other divination systems is an artificial overlay. Tarot was not invented with any of these systems in mind, but these associations work well in the realm of the imagination and can add depth to one’s understanding of the cards.”
Sherryl E. Smith also says, “Tarot is a visual language that sparks creative connections in our minds. Reading with the iconic images of historic decks can take us even deeper into the psyche; while knowledge of tarot’s 600-year history deepens our relationship with the cards.”
This week’s online read is Tarot Heritage.
3) From my Bookshelf:
The Contemplative Tarot by Brittany Muller
If you have opened the door to studying Tarot, I highly recommend The Contemplative Tarot by Brittany Muller.
Ms. Muller is a Catholic mystic. Her book, The Contemplative Tarot, is a work of art. She goes through each card in the Rider Waite deck, seamlessly discussing it’s meaning, symbolism, and Christian message.
I keep this book, and the beautifully crafted words within, close at hand for daily prayer and meditation.
I could write a longer review, but her work speaks for itself.
Brittany Muller also writes on Substack:
I hope these recommendations are timely and enriching as we head into Spring.
Blessings,
Clara
Outstanding! I signed up for Astro Harmony before I finished reading your article.
I have ways found the Tarot to be a spiritual endeavor, and for me, a way to listen to my higher self whispering advice.
I find myself drawn to those decks which offer rich symbolism and fine art. The deck I've been waiting to aquire next I used via online app only ( its since gone away) that being the Tarot Illuminati. Nothing to do with the Group lol...but rather the incredible way the artist illuminates scenes, fabrics, and characters. It's perfectly sensible to have symbology of learned philosophies and religions there for pondering.
Thank you, Clara!