The Symbolism of Beltane and Tarot
11 MINUTE READ
Beltane, loosely translated as “bright fire”, is the ancient pagan holiday following Ostara on the wheel of seasonal festivities that celebrates the cycles of nature. It falls on May 1st and marks the lighter half of the year where daylight hours reign. It is representative of coming together after surviving the hardships of treacherous seasons now past. It symbolizes the idea of embracing the warmth now offered as it marks the beginning of the summer experience. Relationships, prosperity, flowers, feasts, and creativity are just some expressions of this holiday originating from old time Ireland and Scotland, as well as other surrounding cultures.
Tarot is a wise guide and protector on our travels as we connect with our intuitive nature and come to find a greater clarity through symbolic language. The experience of tarot provides opportunities for awareness, discovery, acceptance, healing and change. It is up to us to find resonance with whatever it is we uncover and then to decide to utilize that knowledge attained in impactful ways for ourselves and others through our thoughts, actions, and deeds. Taking responsibility for ourselves is a necessary step in forming a productive relationship with the world of tarot. Tarot can be brought into many aspects of our lives throughout different times, cycles, and phases as we move forward in our journeys.
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A tarot reading on Beltane:
Perhaps try to perform this reading for yourself with your own deck. Tarot is a means by which we can build and/or reinforce a connection with our intuitive selves. There is no right or wrong in what comes, just perspectives found and opportunities for resonance as long as we embrace patience, mindfullness, and discovery.
1) Question: What is representative of the light in my life?
The Ash Tree Card depicts an Ash tree with an abundance of delicate leaves located on a spacious landscape with some sort of wooden scepter or walking stick/staff nearby, as well as an open fire burning. The surrounding back drop is the bright light of day.
My thoughts regarding this question, prior to pulling the Ash Card, were that I consider my “light” my creative essence which I wish to extend to others as a source of inspiration and encouragement. It is my hope to utilize the wisdom of my own experiences, made up of both successes and failures, in order to make this possible. I recognize that all my lessons learned have pushed me forward in one way or another.
My intuitive connection with the Ash Card led me to the idea of ash and how it makes me think of destruction, loss, letting go, and creating a foundation for new growth and opportunities to flourish from all that is made new. I considered the staff a source of wisdom, companionship, or protection surrounding such an intense metamorphosis. The nearby fire resonated as a source of action and consequence that leads to transformation and the subsequent power of alchemy in one’s life.
I began to think of the constant death and rebirth throughout the many trials and tribulations of experiences lived being best utilized by me through creative expression for the potential benefit of others. This being a gift I can offer that is always reshaping itself and that is seen as a source of faith and ambition in my life.
Interesting connections to Beltane are the burning fire being a direct symbol for Beltane, as well as the bright light of day and all that ash represents as this day is a celebration of the warmth of new beginnings.
Beginners should become comfortable using the tarot guide to help them evolve their skills. Every child learns how to ride a bike by first using training wheels. This is no different in that when you are looking to develop yourself in any new area, the gifts of support are immeasurable and should not be looked down upon. It is, However, very important NOT to become dependent on that support down the line and to know when we need to start to trust and depend on our own skills developed through our hard work when the time comes.
The tarot guide interpretation is that the Ash was once honored as a tree with “magic” powers to fight off evil and allow for healing. It suggests spending time cultivating relationships and enjoying the simple days. It asks acceptance of the shadow and the light within so as to be able to master oneself.
This supplemental interpretation helped me to understand that as much as I want to spare others the things I have gone through or at least make their way through easier than it had been for me, I cannot lose sight of, nor confidence in, my own continued journey of self-discovery. The more I learn about myself as I grow and change, the more relatable opportunities I will have available to then better follow through on supporting others.
2) Question: How can self-awareness help me to create more enriched relationships personally and in my community?
The Eastern Cottonwood Tree Card depicts an Eastern Cottonwood Tree adorned in colorful ribbons as it stands in a valley swaying and dancing in the wind. The bright sun is unveiled in the sky and the colors suggest it is just after sunset or sunrise.
My thoughts regarding this question, prior to pulling the Eastern Cottonwood Tree Card, were that this may be something that comes easy to many, but it in fact does not to me. It takes a lot of effort and deliberate intention, that can be exhausting, in order for me to build worthwhile relationships. Many obstacles present along the way for me when forming connections as I struggle with scenarios such as rejection sensitivity and detachment. I am also not someone who was afforded very many opportunities growing up that would allow me to trust others with ease. This and my generalized anxieties also make any and all steps in this direction a labor of love, so to speak.
My intuitive connection with the Eastern Cottonwood Card led me to open to awareness in terms of my role in groups and gatherings. I often feel like I am trapped in a valley trying not bend and just trying to breathe as I make my way through the energies that surround me. Twisting and turning so as not to conform to a false sense of self simply so that I can fit in with the majority. I realize that I have to do my best to remember that as far as the people I bring into my inner circle go, when I stand tall without apology as my authentic self, these are the people that will stay as we continue to evolve together as individuals.
Interesting connections to Beltane are the bright sun on the horizon as it is observant of the coming of “lighter” seasons of life, as well as the decorations covering the tree as this is a prosperous time of celebration and colorful festivities surrounding nature.
The tarot guide interpretation expresses recognition of the importance of the bonds formed between intuition and nature. It tells of the dancing festivals of the earliest Native Americans as they send out blessings to all life and beings. It is held as a symbol of unity railing against division between oneself and others, asking that partnerships be embraced and appreciation and understanding of people for who they are be considered.
This supplemental interpretation assisted me in understanding that it is up to me to be more open and tolerant of others despite my past experiences while still respecting my healthy boundaries. However, should I choose to use my past experiences as a crutch then I will always be left with feelings of emptiness and isolation. We are all unique and necessary. We are also all linked on an energetic level whether we choose to fight and deny it or not.
3) Question: In what ways can i better nurture and grow my personal gifts and talents?
The Juniper Card depicts a Juniper tree split in two with the connecting roots between the two parts forming what looks like a staircase leading to a different realm when you walk through the two trunks. There is a bright light on the other side and twinkling stars above. The backdrop is night fall despite the brightly lit tree. Juniper berries are gathered in the fore front.
My thoughts regarding this question, prior to pulling the Juniper Tree Card, were that opportunities and treasures lie in my ability to maintain a depth of connection with my subconscious awareness, which also happens to be the foundation for my creative expression out into the world. This becomes a tangible reality for me through my ability to thoroughly embrace meditation, recognize the symbolism that exists in my interactions with the natural world and my own experiences, as well as in my acceptance and understanding of the guidance and support gifted to me through my dreamworld.
My intuitive connection to the Juniper Tree Card led me to embrace emotions that bring forth in me a feeling of spirituality as if going on a journey where magic and wonders can be uncovered in the darkness. The berries suggest to me abundance and life. I see it as a gateway that holds the answers to developing self-awareness and unearthing transformation.
Interesting connections to Beltane are that it is representative of coming out of the dark and soaking up newly discovered light, as well as stepping forward on a path towards better and more fruitful times ahead.
The tarot guide interpretation begins with an explanation on harboring a strong connection to the spirit world and acts as a guide in advocating for psychic connection. It also warns that not everyone will resonate with this way of being, so it is important to be intentional with who we confide in when discussing the deepest parts of ourselves.
This supplemental interpretation assisted in me accepting that as much as we need to form connections, meaningful boundaries are also necessary in order to protect ourselves and to feel safe and secure in our own skin. Balance is very important in all aspects of life. I feel a sense of peace and love in knowing how this card is a testament to what I embrace as meaningful and is even representative of one of my own foundational values, being spirituality.
It is always encouraging when a tarot reading makes you feel as though you are on the right path even when there are issues that you may need to overcome.
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Please be aware that there are going to be times when the cards do not “feel” right. They may even seem to make no sense at all in relation to the associated thoughts and questions that are brought into play. In these cases, although I know firsthand that it is easy to become frustrated, instead I urge you to simply sit back, breathe, and consider.
Questions to ask yourself under these circumstances:
Am I not thinking clearly right now because I am overwhelmed or overstimulated by people or things happening in my life that I need to flesh out first through journaling or perhaps by implementing self-care, etc.?
Perhaps there is a break in communication between me and the cards if something is going on in my astrological transits or if mercury is in retrograde making for confusion and obstacles in all forms of communication?
Am I asking the wrong questions, perhaps this needs revamping?
Faced with confusion regarding what you are being presented with, should you ask a subsequent question or two to make further sense of it all?
Maybe you just do not like what you are being told. Do you need to listen and accept even if it is hard for you and you do not want to reconsider things?
Maybe I am using the wrong deck or making things more complicated than they should be with my approach?
Remember that you can always come back and start fresh at another time, with a clean slate.
Hint: Do not ask yes or no questions! The cards are not meant to tell you to go here to find this and then this is what will happen. This is not how it is done; we have to do the work in life.
Hint: If you keep getting the same cards in a deck with each new reading stop fighting it because it is obviously not going to change. So, try to understand what you have been ignoring or else if you have actually been trying to resonate with this phenomenon already and make changes in your life so as to move on from these cards, then try a different tact or consider a different perspective because what you are doing is not working, at least that is what the cards are suggesting.
A great source for connection to your inner guide in the practice of tarot, no matter your level of experience, is tarot for women founded by Sinead Fine. She offers a lot of content and variety surrounding this topic.
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Further Questions to consider when using tarot as an intuitive guide, journaling, experiencing meditation, taking part in open discussions, or when expressing your own creative writing or other creative works, etc.:
1) What ignites your inner fire and what steps can you take to help these flames grow?
2) How can you celebrate the innocence and joyfulness of childhood?
3) Reflect on your actions and experiences during the past dark months and work to discover creativity and renewal in the illuminated months ahead.
4) How can you build on your relationships?
5) What innate obstacles do you need to overcome and what steps forward do you need to take towards personal growth?
6) What roads do you need to abandon and what roads do you need to finally start or simply continue on once again?
7) Who or what awakens love within you?
8) What is needed to push you forward on your own purposeful journey in the sun?
9) Where is gratitude lacking in your life?
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I consider Beltane to be the crowning holiday in an otherwise very important month. May happens to be mental well-being and mental health awareness month. This is so important in that struggles with mental health affect too many and there is still such a stigma attached to recognizing it with a deserved level of acknowledgment, respect, and consideration. On a global scale, suicide is one of the three leading causes of death in people 15-44 years of age. Please make it a point to engage with somebody who crosses your path each and every day, and most importantly please try to leave them better than you had found them.
Meditation is a wonderful source for mental and physical well-being as it relieves stress and reduces anxiety. In honor of the month of May consider experiencing a meditation inspired by Beltane of which I am sure you could research and find several from which to choose. Make sure in whatever meditation you participate, that it works for your needs.
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If you were moved by anything that I had to contribute here please contact me regarding your experience. I am excited to travel this path and learn along with you. I look forward to our communications.
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