Tarot
Since 1984, CAConrad has been a tarot practitioner, using Penny Slinger and Nik Douglas's deck, the Secret Dakini Oracle.
The one-hour circular zodiac spread provides the most comprehensive results, but other spreads, including shorter three-card spreads, are also available.
To book CA for a tarot session, please reach out.
A sample of one of CA's tarot spread creations:
MERCURY RETROGRADE
Acclimation Tarot Spread
by CAConrad
1
EARS
aimed at
tongues
2
INTUITION
giant invisible ears
3
VOICE
ferment not foment
4
OLD FRIEND
feel this
message
5
TALKING BACK
we need
this better
6
THE WORK
pulsing in the pentacle
Mercury Retrograde is when Mercury appears to move in reverse as its 88 days around the Sun overtakes Earth in our slower 365-day orbit. During this astrological phase, wrong addresses, wrong dates, missed appointments, arguments, and emotional chaos are at the heart of an unaware soul. Hearing and being heard can be more difficult during these times as the god of communication is away from His post.
There is nothing to fear; think of it as an opportunity to master our attention. Instead of worrying about Mercury’s trajectory, let’s embrace Him! Prepare for the reading by making tea with some of the god’s favorite flavors of star anise, cinnamon, and lemon. Let’s chew a little of His favorite herb dill before touching the cards. Draw wings on our ankles, whatever brings extra joy before casting the lot.
The card spread moves widdershins or against the path of the Sun to honor Mercury’s heavenly U-turn. It is an excellent time to consider the symbol of His caduceus, often confused for the healing staff of Asclepius. Mercury protected thieves, which is very curious when wealthy healthcare corporations incorrectly replace the healing staff with His caduceus. May our tarot cards clear the lens for the season of Mercury’s reversal.
1: EARS aimed at tongues
Mercury Retrograde is about listening, but capitalism’s orgy of consumption is a highly evolved distraction; no wonder so many people fear this cosmic cycle that demands our mindfulness. Our first card reveals the current state of our ears and what changes we might need to make for a smoother experience.
2: INTUITION giant invisible ears
“I wish I had listened to my intuition” is not something we want to hear ourselves say. Always remember the triangular rule of Intuition: Listen, Trust, Act; acting can require courage, and this card can show us how to embrace it with confidence. Consider this an evaluation of our follow-through tools and abilities.
3: VOICE ferment not foment
This card can tell us if we have been speaking too much, listening too little, or if we have a clear path ahead. We must remember not to sign important documents during this retrograde cycle as Mercury is the god of connecting us to our desired goals, and He is going backward at the moment, so hold tight. However, it is a terrific time to renegotiate contracts, do editing work, and process issues with other people, provided we work hard to emphasize ears over voice. Let this card show us the present condition of our communication skills.
4: OLD FRIEND feel this message
Mercury Retrograde is the perfect time to rendezvous with old friends. Since the god of connection is on vacation, we can turn to old relationships and revitalize bonds. Before pulling this card, let’s close our eyes and see their face. Hear their laugh, the way they walk, the foods we have shared, every and any detail. The card can give us a glimpse of the possibility of growth from slipping back into the path with them. Keep a steady memory focused on their smile throughout the day, see if they receive our psychic message, and contact us.
5: TALKING BACK we need this better
Let this card show us the crucial help we may need to move onward by addressing old wounds. Here is a conversation that can educate us on how to carry the burden better or drop it on the ground and walk away forever.
6: THE WORK pulsing in the pentacle
This card sits safely inside the belly of the pentacle formed by the first five. Let it show us how to proceed with creative projects and remarry our imaginations as often as possible to forge irrepressible strength. I am a poet, and when I have a poem with stubborn problems, I know that if I conjure the required patience and attention, it will be magically solved when we enter a Mercury Retrograde cycle.