Left to right, The Lighthouse in the Fog Tarot, Coastal Curiosities pocket edition, The Dreaming Waves Tarot (french edition), Folkloric Waters Tarot, The Dreaming Waves Oracle

It’s been a while since I did a monthly theme of an elemental energy. Probably the element and corresponding minor arcana that I struggle with the most is the moody, emotional water/cups energies. Touchy-feely stuff can be hard for me, and Tarot is often a window I can use to connect with my own emotions. Luckily I LOVE water themed Tarot decks, so I have plenty to build a solid monthly selection from! I have used The Lighthouse in the Fog extensively and it’s become a favorite deck of mine. Coastal Curiosities and The Dreaming Waves Oracle are also decks I’ve used quite a bit and I’m very comfortable with, but the The Dreaming Waves Tarot (a unicorn deck for me I finally was able to find a used copy I could afford) and the absolutely gorgeous Folkloric Waters Tarot are both very new decks to me and I’ve really enjoyed using them this month.

I’ll admit, the Coastal Curiosities is the odd one out when it comes to back design in this selection!

When I was beginning my journey in learning how to read Tarot, I was always frightened by getting two dramatically different leaning cards together, such as this Three of Swords from The Healing Waves Tarot and the Ten of Water (Cups). These seem opposite vibes. When I draw the Three of Swords I think immediately of the heartbreak of knowing the truth. When I see the Ten of Cups I think of emotional fulfillment and equanimity.

Together I suppose can be read a multitude of different ways, so I dig deeper into the images. In the Three of Swords we see arrows piercing a shattered egg. This to me means that there is a dramatic sad ending to something that hadn’t even started. Then following, a beautiful ship confidently cuts out of a storm under a rainbow in this Ten of Cups–you’re emerging from a dark time into something great, even magical! As I read the three first, followed by the ten, together I see this as there is a horrible premature ending to something I’m very hopeful for, but I’m healing and going forth to an even better adventure. Where I’ll end up, I don’t know. Oft.

The Lighthouse in the Fog gave me two cards for this month, the Nine of Wands and XXI The World. Unlike the rather juxtaposed first two cards, this one is much more typical in a reading–stick to your guns and you’ll get everything you wanted and the conclusion you seek. But this deck is not at all a typical RWS with the imagery chosen. Our Nine of Wands character almost looks a clown with wide, scared eyes as they gaze at something we cannot see. You feel unqualified for the task and it frightens you. Then in The World, we see an embodiment of the ocean as a goddess-like image holding a bubble in her hands that encompasses a ballerina with faint wings. I see this as being in the flow of the universe and having it “give you wings;” let everything around you support you as you go forth and fly. Together, I read this as though you are frightened, know you are rocking it and on the right track.

The Healing Waves Oracle gave me my favorite card that I haven’t ever drawn before: The Whale’s Song. It speaks practically to how a whale’s song not only travels for a very long distance and time, but how much it tells about that whale. This cards speaks to our ancestors, our family, our past, how these have shaped us, but also and the ripple effect our actions have on the world around us that keep going. It speaks to opening lines of communication with others, even those we haven’t seen for a long time. There’s an interesting “action–effect” at play in this reading so far.

The Coastal Curiosities Produced the “Nurture” and “Submerge” card. Both of these speak to living in the moment and caring for yourself. Nurture is fairly direct (which I love about this oracle deck) about taking care of your (and your loved ones) immediate needs and how this is an act of kindness. Submerge is a little more about self discovery, learning as a way to heal, being resourceful in what you have.

These three together have a heavy emphasis on self care but through a road of letting things that have been put into motion happen naturally.

This month has challenges that are heartbreaking and scary, but there is reassurance that I’m on the right track and things are going to turn out in ways I cannot imagine! There seems a reminder to stay grounded in myself care and keeping those important in my life close. Hmm, I do have to say that thus far it has been a very challenging month! How has your August been so far? What have your cards been saying?