Wingéd Mermaid
I do my readings on my coffee table. Setting the mood: I clear the center of the table, get everything I need, play some calming music on my computer, and turn down the lights, light an illuminating candle, and a candle to light my sage with. Preparation: I light some sage and smudge the immediate area, myself, the sack with my cards in it, and ask for the environment, all objects, and myself to be cleansed. I say a prayer for guidance and sight. Reading: I take my cards out of their bag, unwrap them from their cloth and lay it down, then lay the stack down. I light a special yellow candle I have charged for divination purposes. I do some deep breathing to ground/center. I pick up the deck and state my question and what spread I'll be using. I shuffle while thinking about the question (there are a few things I do in the shuffling that I always do) and then lay down the cards when it feels right.
I take a look at the reading, journal the spread then my interpretation. I then say a prayer of thanks and also thank the cards for their guidance. I put everything away.
I also wash my hands before all of this. I feel better if I'm not getting dirt on my cards.
I just realized that I have a lot more ritual than I realized, haha. Then again I'm very new and it helps me get in the right mood and makes me feel secure. I have a feeling that I will simplify and cut things out as I become more experienced and confident.
I take a look at the reading, journal the spread then my interpretation. I then say a prayer of thanks and also thank the cards for their guidance. I put everything away.
I also wash my hands before all of this. I feel better if I'm not getting dirt on my cards.
I just realized that I have a lot more ritual than I realized, haha. Then again I'm very new and it helps me get in the right mood and makes me feel secure. I have a feeling that I will simplify and cut things out as I become more experienced and confident.