Reading over my previous article How is your 2023? I realised that my Oracle reading from last year was broadly correct.
Two sections from the year Lughnasadh and Autumn Equinox were left to uncover. Lughnasadh was about exploring the Earth Dragon’s energy and harvesting the year’s fruits. We made a new energy-efficient upgrade in the flat, thanks in no small part to Airbnb.
Around Autumn Equinox, I attended a course called Shamanic Visioning…the Path to Direct Revelation. I learned how to maintain a trance-like state during guided meditations. It led me to one of the most intense and fascinating experiences of my life. The energy of the Boar pulled me towards my spirit warrior.
After Samhain, I did a reading for the coming year. Here are the mappings for the year, once again based on Arianrhod’s spread in the Druid Animal Oracle.
Centre: Self (Reversed Owl)
Last year, the owl was in the Samhuinn position. It moved to the centre/self this year, and I drew it reversed. The standard meaning for this is that I might withdraw into myself this year. It also indicates an initiation or change. Over the next year, I will study Celtic Shamanism with my good friend White Raven from Spirit Tree Visions. They are also my favourite bird and feature on my new Shamanic medicine Drum.
North West: Samhuinn (Salmon)
At Samhuinn, the Salmon moved to the opposite position from South East to North West, and I drew it upright. The movement is fascinating because I travelled back to Tenerife 9 years after I left. The previous meaning was about trying too hard to reach my goals. This time, the card wasn’t about reaching goals but rejuvenating and returning to the place of birth. It was a great holiday and very strange to revisit old haunts. I was inspired to start learning Spanish again afterwards, which will make my job slightly more accessible.
North: Winter Solstice (Earth Dragon)
Earth Dragon represents a desire to find my potential. It is in the natural position of Earth in the North. It inspired me to sign up for the course that I mentioned above. Winter Solstice and December are times when I face many challenges. Work is usually challenging, and so many social engagements in such a short time exhaust me. This December was particularly challenging, and I was feeling burnt out.
North East: Imbolc (Reversed Frog)
A reversed Frog suggests that I will learn to embrace difficult circumstances, but it may become a great thing. Imbolc is just after I get back from South Africa. I learned many things on that trip, which I will write up later. It challenged my Western ideas and things I had taken for granted.
East: Spring Equinox (Goose)
The energy of the Goose will bring to the fore the stability of my environment. I will have to focus on being grounded and spiritual daily. This coincides nicely with the start of my Celtic Shamanism course. I will have to be grounded for that.
South East: Beltane (Reversed Otter)
From then on, I drew my cards in reverse, indicating that I shuffled them incorrectly or something might start happening around Beltane. Reversed Otter energy indicates that I may be against the natural flow of events. It is directly opposite the Salmon of Wisdom that indicated rejuvenation. It might be worth it to take some time off around Beltane in case I am overwhelmed.
South: Summer Solstice (Reversed Ram)
The Ram is usually about achievement, sacrifice and breakthrough. Reversed, it could indicate locking horns with someone. It may also represent me banging my head against the wall as I encounter an obstacle. I should instead focus on moving in a different direction. Drawn opposite the Earth Dragon, it could show challenges at work or with the Celtic Shamanism course.
South West: Lughnasadh (Reversed Air Dragon)
Air Dragons usually represent inspiration, insight, and vitality. Reversed, they warn not to become the servant of an idea, dogma or belief system. I should constantly check the reality of situations. This is drawn directly opposite the Reversed Frog, so it could show that the ideas I developed on holiday led down a certain belief system that needs to be challenged or reality-checked.
West: Autumn Equinox (Eagle)
An Eagle represents Intelligence, Renewal and Courage. At that point, I will look at life in a wider context. I might venture into fresh territory with confidence. It will be close to the end of Year 1 of the Celtic Shamanism course, and I may be reflecting on what I have learned. Interestingly, it aligns with the Goose and Reversed Owl. Each of these cards has brought learning to my attention.
It’s going to be a good year, with only a few areas to watch out for. It will be important to keep up with my studies and try to go with the flow for the year. This year will also see a General Election and the US election. Whatever happens with these will shape the next few years. Watching it will be fascinating, and I look forward to seeing how they change this turbulent world!