#WhereAreYourDecks - VR to @AvoryFaucette Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2023-12-07 | My tarot-tube pal Avory made this tag which is all about organizing and storing our decks. I think this is an interesting topic as, like Avory, I definitely have experimented with sorting my decks on my shelf in different ways. Here’s Avory’s video: youtube.com/watch?v=9kFlWWsImFgQuestions, timestamped, below.00:00 Where do you keep your tarot and oracle decks? 02:49 Do you rotate decks or keep certain decks out?04:26 Do you carry decks on the go, use them outside, etc.?06:07 Do you have any favorite tools for storage / transport?10:10 How has the way you organize, store, and rotate your decks facilitated your practice (or not)? Has it evolved over time? What have you learned?
XIX: The Sun – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha ] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-10-14 | Here are five favourite Suns!01:45 following the sun03:51 a sun shining the full spectrum05:00 the joy of lounging in the sun07:22 a sun illuminated scene10:10 a bright yellow sun-soaked pathYou can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
September 2024 Recap: A Deck, Books, and Rambling Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-10-06 | 00:00 General life updates (work stuff, lack of inspiration)08:45 One new deck this month14:39 Books I’ve read this month – fewest ever but some long ones27:16 Deck exploration / wishlist check-in 33:42 Forthcoming content I’m thinking aboutFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#Blackoween / October 2024 TBR Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-10-01 | This year is my first time ever participating in #Blackoween which is hosted by Bre of @LocDBooktician ! I’m really excited. #Blackoween celebrates Black authors writing spooky books and I’m going to be dedicating my October TBR to reading a mix of horror, crime fiction, dystopian, fantasy, and sci-fi. My TBR totals 2201 pages.Find her video announcement here: youtube.com/watch?v=NZXFt4ylYUwThe briefest explanation of Blackoween (really, just watch the announcement video)Joe’s Library TBR05:13 Historical reference06:18 Crime fiction08:31 Written by an Indigenous man09:29 Written by a Black man10:54 A book with a musical element11:42 Free spaceSaint Treme Graveyard TBR13:40 A book with ‘of the night’ vibes15:17 A book where a deal is made17:06 A murder with multiple points of view19:04 A horror/thriller book with body parts20:33 A book with ancestral knowledge21:19 Free space22:45 FULL TBR, all ten books listed quicklyFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XVIII: The Moon – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-09-29 | XVIII: The Moon – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha ]Favourite Moons are my favourite Majors. Timestamps below.00:00 Intro ramble that is longer than usual06:39 a looming massive moon07:59 a moon that lights the way09:29 a full moon on water10:47 a minimalist take on the moon12:07 the moon overhead13:49 the moon through the cloudsHere’s Benny’s channel – I’m so happy we got to chat about the Moon card (I will put the direct link to our chat here once it’s posted): youtube.com/@thefoolsapprenticeYou can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
Star Ratings for Books - Useful or Pointless? VR to @Bookishdowntime Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-09-26 | Star Ratings for Books [and my system, which I doubt is very useful but works for me]Heather of @Bookishdowntime made a video about whether or not star ratings for books matter or are useful – check her video out here: youtube.com/watch?v=2Da-ddLQeTgShe finished her video asking whether she should come up with a star rating system that she can explain clearly to her viewers... or whether such star rating systems might not be all that useful. This is a really rambling VR that I’ve not really planned out very well. You’ve been warned.My review system (whole stars for GR, listed in my GR profile) is: 5 Stars -- Fantastic! A lot to love & definitely recommend.4 Stars -- Great! Really enjoyed it. Would recommend, & would read more from the author.3 Stars -- Okay! I liked it well enough, I thought it was fine. Might recommend to someone I think might love it. Might have a few reservations or criticisms which a review would make clear.2 Stars -- Didn't necessarily loathe it, but didn't like it either. Maybe found something good in it, but found more to critique than to like. Possibly problematic (review would detail this if so).1 Star -- Either horribly written, horribly offensive, or both. Definitely would not recommend, and review will provide specific reasons why that is. Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#ArcanaBattle Game - a VR to @el.bateleur Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-09-20 | To play this game, you shuffle your majors and draw two cards. From there, you pick which card you prefer and put the other aside, draw a new card, and then choose between the two... and so on. I’ve seen lots of folks play and have enjoyed the videos but you know I’m awful at things like this... Here’s el.bateleur’s original video: youtube.com/watch?v=n1hImWF_QUIFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XVII: The Star – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-09-14 | Here are timestamps to some of my favourite Star cards.02:06 a star from a Marseille deck04:17 a star that feels transformative06:38 a star card that is beautiful and dreamy08:45 a star that I see when I’m camping10:44 a star that features stargazing11:52 a star card of hope for the futureYou can find @musingsbymascha Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
August 2024 Recap: Life, Decks, Books, Plans Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-09-08 | In this recap video I’ll share some of what I’ve been up to this past month. It feels like it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, at times with challenges and at times exciting. I feel haphazard and disorganized. Timestamped below.00:00 General life updates (an emotionally messy month)12:44 Decks I’ve received this month21:45 Decks I’ve worked with most this month25:34 Books I’ve read this month 43:27 Deck exploration / wishlist check-in48:56 Forthcoming content I’m thinking about & some 2025 thoughtsFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
September 2024 TBR - reading hard copies & for readalongs Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-09-02 | I have for this month chosen to (for the most part anyway) focus on my physical TBR. I have one shelf in my house where all my unread books go until I read them (then I shelve them in with my book collection or pass them along). The result is this ambitious 2804 page TBR. It has some heavy fiction on it, as well as some quite dense non-fiction. I am not sure I’ll even get through these, but I’m looking forward to making the attempt!03:26 a sequel (re-read for me) that is urgent and relevant and brilliant06:18 a 1975 US-set circular SF novel described as magical realist08:53 a period horror novel for 3Girls1Book readalong11:24 a queer Maori fantasy sequel for Katey’s Blossom book club13:58 a tarot workshop book for more experienced readers16:06 a decolonial book on Indigenous cultural + political resurgence18:02 a history of the figure of the Druid (for Historathon)Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XVI: The Tower – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-08-30 | Here are timestamps to some of my favourite Tower cards. The Tower is one of my top tarot trumps. Thank you @musingsbymascha for making this great tag that keeps on giving.01:17 a tower that looms ominously04:13 a tower that was always being eroded06:53 a tower past, a hopeful future10:13 a tower with environmental meanings13:45 a tower that challenges illusion with truthYou can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#TarotBartender - VR to Sapling Tarot Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-08-24 | Imogen at @SaplingTarot started this great tag; they tagged me so of course I’m participating. I have never been a bartender, but I do sure appreciate my locals (tip well!). I also realize two things about myself as I watch this back: 1. I drink like my grandfather, and 2. whether I like a drink depends mostly on the non-alcoholic ingredients. I picked all tarot (no oracle) given the tag’s title. Here’s Imogen’s original video: youtube.com/watch?v=xkBjqnJDwZwHere are the prompts, timestamped:01:33 Old Fashioned - Your favourite classic tarot deck (or riff on a classic)02:59 Gin & Tonic - A no-frills, straightforward, to-the-point deck04:33 Spritz - A deck to brighten your day06:15 Dirty Martini - A strong and salty deck08:04 Pina Colada - A deck for a summer holiday 09:41 Hot Toddy - A deck for a cold winter's night11:04 Espresso Martini - An energy boosting deck 12:39 Manhattan - A deck to take your time with, to sip and savour 14:44 Mojito - A palate cleansing deck, for when you need a reset 16:37 Bloody Mary - A problem solving deck 18:25 French 75 - A special occasions deck 20:35 Aviation - A wildcard deck for when you're feeling adventurous 22:08 The Usual - Your drink of choice and your most used deck24:15 Bonus from Kelly Bear: Whisky Sour26:33 Bonus from Bohemian Rose Tarot: a shot of Malört28:08 Bonus from Roaen Here: Cosmopolitan29:47 Bonus prompt by me: The SidecarFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XV: The Devil – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-08-16 | Here are timestamps to some of my favourite Devil cards. I must say, I found it hard to narrow down for this one and there are several others I could’ve chosen (but I didn’t want to ramble forever). 01:09 the devils of neoliberal capitalism04:42 a devil of intersecting harms & internalized patterns08:16 a devil that is a great weight to carry10:40 a devil that we built and fuel ongoingly13:30 a shadowy, elusive devil that is hard to identify15:37 a sexy devil (...there had to be one)You can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
Geomancy - Tools for Casting & My Practice Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-08-11 | I had a request for a video about different geomancy tools that I like to use, and what might make me choose one tool over another. This is that video, plus some rambling about why I like geomancy, what I use it for, and how I learned. I start with a very brief explanation of what a tool for geomancy needs to do; to skip straight to the overview of tools, go to 05:55.Here’s Kelly’s video (one of several) about geomancy:youtube.com/watch?v=-K5fvpCQoCgIf you check her description box, you’ll see a link to a dropbox with worksheets – it includes a Geomancy folder where you can find her blank geomancy reading sheets.Kristen of Over the Moon Academy’s geomancy deck:printerstudio.com/sell/designs/the-geomancy-deck.htmlRareEarthWoodworks for geomancy sticks:etsy.com/ca/shop/RareEarthWoodworksGeomantic Visions coins by James R Eads:prismavisions.com/en-ca/collections/beyond-cartomancy/products/geomantic-visionsThe Digital Ambler’s book about geomantic magic:etsy.com/ca/listing/606995795/pdf-ebook-secreti-geomanticiFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
July 2024 Recap - decks, books, and a lot of rambling Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-08-08 | An even more rambling than usual monthly recap.00:00 General life updates – work/life, Druidry, etc.07:11 Deck I’ve received this month13:45 Books I’ve read this month 40:39 Failed writing attempts + plans to get moving44:38 Deck shopping & wishlist checkinFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XIV: Temperance – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-08-02 | Timestamps below! :)00:40 a Temperance I have framed in my room02:14 an amphibious Temperance04:12 a multi-perspectival Temperance07:09 an active Temperance09:36 a diversity-oriented TemperanceYou can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
August 2024 TBR - Lots of Sequels! Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-07-30 | I’m partway through a lot of different book series, and August’s TBR features some of the series that I’ve enjoyed so far and want to read further. Several are ARCs of books not yet published. I’m excited about returning to these familiar worlds! This TBR totals 2809 pages, which is ambitious but within the realm of possibility based on monthly averages so far.02:24 a new release sequel with a multiverse04:13 a new release sequel in a Hindu philosophy inspired fantasy trilogy05:58 a sequel set in a magical library with an oracle deck to match08:01 the fifth novella in a cycle with a monk and a talking bird09:20 an instalment in a beloved series with shapeshifter characters11:37 a fantasy novella sequel with a desert setting12:37 the final instalment of an incredible sci-fi trilogy 16:08 a non-fiction book on gentrification, eviction, & tenant organizing (*NOTE of correction: I said the content is based in Montreal; it isn’t, it’s Ottawa)Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#TarotThroughMovieGenres - VR to Lucid Moons Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-07-27 | I was tagged by Quynn of @lucid_moons to do this one! I don’t watch many films these days, but here it goes... You can find Quynn’s original video here: youtube.com/watch?v=qsdZzzOaejc00:00 Preamble rambling introduction01:48 Sci Fi - a deck that incorporates imaginative, speculative, and/or futuristic concepts.04:51 Horror - a deck that scares, frightens or disturbs you.06:54 Romance - a deck that focuses on relationships or romantic love between people with an overall emotionally satisfying or optimistic tone.09:55 Thriller - a deck that delivers tension, surprise, and/or a sense of impending doom and keeps you at the edge of your seat.12:34 Mystery - a deck that is mysterious, suspenseful and doesn't reveal answers right away. Reading with this deck may feel like solving a puzzle.14:26 Action - a deck that features loud, wild and spectacular imagery that may be overwhelming but you love it anyways.17:34 Fantasy - a deck that transports you to an imaginary world with magic, mystical creatures or elements of the supernatural that don't exist in the "real world".19:33 Comedy - a deck that is humourous, amusing or induces laughter and/or a sense of enjoyment.21:54 Drama - a deck that focuses on conflicts in characters' lives that takes a more serious tone. 23:44 Documentary - a deck that depicts real life people, animals, events or situations that may be educational or informative.27:15 Animated Film - a deck with bright, expressive or cartoon-like images that you probably would have enjoyed as a kid (and still love as an adult).29:19 Western - a deck that embodies a spirit of freedom, exploration and adventure. 32:02 Black & White Film - your favorite black and white deck OR a vintage deck from another era.Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
MID YEAR FREAKOUT // What Ive read, want to read, & all around book excitement Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-07-22 | I got the prompts from @marianamasbooks but this tag has been around for ages and I have no idea who started it. A look back at my reading so far this year – timestamps below.00:00 Intro – some brief statistics02:42 Best book you've read so far05:25 Best sequel you've read so far07:30 New release you haven't read yet, but want to08:48 Most anticipated release for the second half of the year11:11 Biggest disappointment12:25 Biggest surprise13:42 Favourite new author (debut or new to you)15:28 Newest fictional crush16:49 Newest favourite character18:24 Book that made you cry20:18 Book that made you happy21:47 Most beautiful book you've bought/received this year24:12 What books do you need to read before the end of the year?Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#Tarot7Connection - VR to MarilynFromTarotClarity Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-07-18 | Marilyn’s original video here by @MarilynFromTarotClarity : youtube.com/watch?v=DkF5lWJAALo&t=0sI was tagged by @AuntyKsTarot whose video is here: youtube.com/watch?v=vhvDsatn2Hs00:55 Are there any types of readings you won't do? Why not?05:07 Is there any tarot card you identify with the most? Which is it? It doesn't necessarily have to be a triumph card, it can be a pip card.08:22 Is there any reading that you've ever done that either gave you the chills or impressed you. Don't betray anyone by name or anyone who's easily identifiable. Keep it anonymous.10:23 Which is your preferred system of tarot? Pip style, (Includes Italian, Tdm, or any pip tarot deck), Thoth, Waite Colman Smith, Continental, or any other. Why do you like this system best?13:18 Do you prefer doing in-person readings, remote, or other types? Why?16:01 Besides tarot are there any other oracular systems you enjoy using? Which ones and why? 24:45 What solidified are your connection with tarot?Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XIII: Death– #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-07-13 | I have timestamped below in a non-spoilery way as always; thanks Mascha for getting this going.02:15 a Marseille death card03:09 a beautiful interpretation of the Death card04:40 a Death card depicting death06:40 an unusual take on death/life cycles10:45 a landscape depictionFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#MidYearTarotTag 2024 - VR to @chaneldays Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-07-09 | Chanel made this tag a year ago! Her original video is here: youtube.com/watch?v=JGk0PRQM3C8She then reworked it a bit for 2024, which is the set of prompts I’m using here: youtube.com/watch?v=rrWvq2s6YcEPrompts with timestamps:00:48 Deck you’ve used the most so far in 2024 02:36 A new deck that came into your collection 04:20 Most anticipated deck that was released this year 06:35 Biggest disappointment08:42 Biggest surprise11:26 Deck crush - a deck you love13:24 Favorite tarot card 15:04 Deck that makes you happy 17:52 Most beautiful deck this year 20:11 What deck do you want by the end of the year (or are still waiting on)? 21:51 Which deck hasn’t been used yet but you want to work with this year?24:11 Favorite video you’ve made Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
June 2024 Recap: Solstice Fun, Study, and More Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-07-03 | In this recap video I’ll share some of what I’ve been up to this past month. Timestamped below.00:00 Intro ramble00:49 General life updates – Solstice, classes, weather08:32 Decks I’ve received or purchased this month08:43 Decks I’ve worked with most this month12:08 Books I’ve read this month 32:06 Not too late to join the Parable readathon!33:48 Plan for August TBR34:21 Deck exploration / wishlist check-in (including Kickstarters)Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
July 2024 TBR - a readalong and a ton of non-fiction Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-06-30 | My July 2024 TBR is impacted by the fact that I did not get through my June TBR... not even close. I’m fine with it though – I just got sidetracked (in a good way) This month, as I am drawing Parable of the Sower out over the month, I am reading a lot less fiction than usual. Given how dense this is and my desire to continue along with some other long term reads, this TBR is 2125 pages – shorter than usual. Stay tuned for next month when my plan is to read SEQUELS!01:48 a book on pantheism for my Druidry studies03:41 stoic meditations05:07 a detour: the context for June’s sidetrack into astrological study07:48 Parable of the Sower readalong on Discord – email me if you want to participate! 09:39 Argentinian speculative interconnected shorts11:11 a fiction writing manual – can I write fiction?13:18 Santeria stories on nature15:44 an anthology on Afrofuturism18:08 an analysis of postapocalyptic fictionFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XII: The Hanged One – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-06-29 | Timestamps below – favourite Hanged Ones. Thanks to Mascha @musingsbymascha for this great series. I am really enjoying watching these.01:11 a hanged one transforming03:04 a bound up hanged one05:12 an amphibious one06:47 a floating one08:37 a new perspective that changed the worldFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#TaRomanceTropes - VR to Tarot Magpie Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-06-21 | Check out @TarotMagpie Sylvie’s original #taromancetropes video here (youtube.com/watch?v=4veXVdCQQpw&list=PLbXKr7xc8sHjEfBSMaEiRxgkatYFedVh1&index=1) I don’t read romance but here I am anyway because I do love a tag. Given the tag’s name, I’ve used only tarot decks for this one (except in the question about pairings).💕 Tag prompts: 01:23 Enemies to lovers: a deck, style, or system you’ve insisted just wasn’t for you - until you realised it was.03:53 Friends to lovers: a deck you used liked well enough, and then one reading deepened or changed your relationship with it.06:07 Forced proximity: a deck you used for a month, took on holiday, made yourself work with for, that changed your relationship with it.08:44 Soulmates: when it was just meant to be. A deck that you fell in love with immediately.10:42 Slow-burn: a deck you didn’t have the best first impression of, but the more you worked with it the more you liked it.13:44 Opposites attract: this deck is NOT your usual style but you love it anyway.16:18 Blind date: an impulse buy, a gift, or a deck you got without much research - but ended up really loving.17:59 Second chance: a deck you planned to get rid of that worked its way back into rotation, or a deck that you did move along and ended up repurchasing.21:05 Unrequited love: you really want to love this deck, but it just doesn’t love you back (yet..?)23:43 Love triangle – a pair of decks that you always use together.26:31 Illicit lover – can’t help but be tempted to go back to again and again (Kelly Bear addition)Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
Read with me! Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-06-16 | Want to read with us? Get in touch:email: aquamarinexviii (at) gmail (dot) comdiscord: aquamarine18Octavia Butler official website:octaviabutler.comA 2005 interview with Octavia Butler on Democracy Nowyoutube.com/watch?v=e0UgiE8vYuIKelly Bear’s video on Butler from the Literary Witches reading project:youtube.com/watch?v=RDbwyMwAMs4Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
XI: Justice – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-06-14 | This is another VR to Mascha sharing top favourite major arcana cards – this time, it’s Justice. Timestamps below.01:07 a justice balancing sun and moon02:31 a justice in motion04:27 a justice that asks – justice?07:37 a justice that is movements09:57 a justice that is intersectionalFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
Magical Nature Tarot - Unboxing & First Impressions Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-06-10 | The website for the deck, which includes an extensive online ‘guidebook’ I have yet to explore but will be: magicalnaturetarot.comKasia’s chat with artist Jorie Morgan: youtube.com/watch?v=vjDuNkHTEJAFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
May 2024 Recap - Tarot, Reading, Etc. Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-06-04 | In this recap video I’ll share some of what I’ve been up to this past month. Timestamped below. You can email me re: reading together at aquamarinexviii [at] gmail [dot] com.00:00 General life updates02:12 Tarot – decks, class, practice, Marseille May09:28 Books I’ve read this month 36:52 Read Parable of the Sower with me in July?41:25 Deck exploration / wishlist check-in44:10 YouTube struggles making contentFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
X: The Wheel of Fortune– #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha ] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-31 | Continuing along with this series, I must say the Wheel is a card I frequently am ... unimpressed by? It’s not a card that stands out as frequently being a favourite, nor is it one I tend to really dislike. I found more favourites than I expected! Timestamps below.02:00 a wheel held by Fortuna03:45 a wheel held by us05:30 a wheel surrounded by suits06:28 a wheel of flowers07:24 a wheel in nature09:22 a wheel of lunar phases11:19 a wheel that navigatesYou can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
June 2024 TBR Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-30 | This is my rather ambitious TBR for June. It totals 2634 pages, which is well within the realm of possibility for me. Part of my desire this month was to include books by authors from countries not yet represented on my 2024 reading stats map.01:14 pantheist philosophy03:02 astrology in history05:56 a Palestinian memoir06:54 conclusion of an epic fantasy trilogy09:00 detour – mapping my reads11:28 a forthcoming fantasy novel12:18 a Ukrainian speculative anthology13:50 an Argentinian fantasy collection/novel15:28 a “genre-breaker” novelThe tracker I got is this one (the creator has different listings for different colour schemes):etsy.com/ca/listing/1646959237Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#IveGotADeckForThat – VR to Feeding My Soul 1212 Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-26 | @feedingmysoul1212 created this tag but I first saw it on @TarotMagpie and thought it sounded like fun and also like a bit of a challenge. Timestamped prompts below.00:00 Intro ramble01:13 Favourite movie genre 02:51 Favourite movie 04:11 Favourite colour05:55 Childhood self 07:40 Teenage self 10:07 Adult self 11:54 Favourite song or music genre 13:43 Favourite book genre 16:00 Favourite TV show, past or present19:00 Favourite pastime 20:25 Favourite holiday or dream holiday destination 21:55 A deck to represent the decade you were born23:23 Favourite flower24:50 Favourite scent26:07 Favourite food29:37 Favourite beverageFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
IX: The Hermit – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-19 | This is another VR to Mascha sharing top favourite major arcana cards – this time, it’s the Hermit. Timestamps below. These are my current favourite Hermit cards:01:22 a super cute hermit02:19 a hermit always at home03:18 a liminal spaces hermit04:34 a hermit nature retreat07:00 a forest hermit08:04 a hermit gathering herbsFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#AspirationalTarot – VR to Roaen Here Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-17 | Roaen of @RoaenHere made this short tag which I think has some interesting questions – I do think a fair amount about the idea of ‘ideal practice’ vs. actual practice and do tend to do things like make resolutions and monthly plans to do particular things in my practice, so this feels like a good opportunity for a ramble.Here’s Roaen’s video: youtube.com/watch?v=AmhLxh3_nl4Prompts, timestamped:00:50 What is my ideal number of decks?02:06 What is my ideal storage situation for my reality?05:46 How do I want to use the tarot? vs. How am I using the tarot now? Why the discrepancy, if one?13:23 What tarot decks would I have that I currently don't?15:34 What oracle decks would I have that I currently don't?Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
April 2024 Recap p2 - BOOKS! Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-07 | I knew my update video would be too long if I included everything, so here is the portion on books I read in April 2024 separated out.01:46 a book on cartomancy, witchcraft, and Marseille05:00 a newly released decolonial tarot book09:42 a sweeping Afrofuturist epic, first in a trilogy12:25 an experimental, poetic Indigenous novel14:44 a novelette I was so excited to discover17:02 a fantasy novel for a Three Girls reading group20:24 an Indigenous dystopian sequel I have been waiting for23:16 a novella in a Vietnamese-inspired sci-fi future26:04 a handbook for being an amazingly disruptive feminist28:34 a transformative justice focused collection Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
April 2024 Recap - All the Tarot Fun Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-06 | In this recap video I’ll share some of what I’ve been up to this past month, including READERS STUDIO.Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
VIII: Strength – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-05-04 | Mascha came up with this idea to share our top five of each major arcanum in a dedicated video, airing every few weeks. At 8, one could choose to show Strength or Justice (or, I suppose, a mix of the two that are numbered ‘8’ – I opted for Strength here (and Justice at 11) solely because my collection has more decks in it with this configuration. Timestamps below. *Apologies – I mispronounced ‘Jeanne’ around the 8.5min point – her name is two syllables, ‘Jean-ne.’These are my current favourite Strength cards:01:41 Strength as healing and tenderness04:21 Strength that feels joyful 05:58 Strength that is feminist07:40 Strength as notable achievement09:37 Strength inspired by the ogam12:15 Strength that is ShakespeareanFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
May 2024 TBR ft. #asianreadathon Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-04-24 | It's almost May, and that means it's time for #asianreadathon ! I have participated in this great readathon in honour of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month since 2021. In this video I share my TBR for this year’s readathon with reference to the prompts, as well as some additional books because clearly I picked several more books than there are prompts. My TBR this month totals 2638 pages. Let me know in the comments what your favourite books by Asian authors are and/or what you’re reading for May! Have you read any of these books?Check out Cindy’s announcement of this year’s themes here: youtube.com/watch?v=Ke1NPIK8LSY Thank you to Cindy for putting together another fantastic set of prompts and supporting resources.00:00 Introductory ramble and general excitement03:11 Prompt 1 – Read a book by an Asian author.03:32 Prompt 2 – Read a book that feels timeless. – An afterlife-set novella.04:55 Prompt 3 – Read an underrated book. – A forthcoming short novel set in Seoul.07:53 Prompt 4 – Read a debut book. – A fantasy debut with a fascinating setting.09:28 Prompt 5 – Read a book ... that represents what you would want in your next life. – Aliens!12:10 I want more books, obviously, so I also chose...12:40 A gothic mystery in a series I love.13:29 A non-fiction look at animal sensory experience.14:36 A Mahabharata-inspired novel releasing May 2024.15:52 A wuxia classic, third in its series.Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
VII: The Chariot – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-04-19 | Mascha @musingsbymascha came up with this idea to share our top five of each major arcanum in a dedicated video, airing every few weeks. I have mostly stuck to five cards per major. Timestamps below.These are my current favourite Chariot cards:02:16 a modern Marseille Chariot04:30 a fun Chariot from a brand new deck07:37 a Chariot that sails and soars09:26 a Chariot that flows10:53 a movement-based Chariot12:05 a Chariot trapped in the Tholian WebFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
Oracle of Simple Space - Walkthrough, Pairings, Reading Ideas Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-04-11 | This is the Oracle of Simple Space by fellow tarot-tube creator @ninecoinsfromsatu – I bought it as a birthday gift to myself and am very happy. This includes a walkthrough, lots of rambling, and some thoughts about pairings and ways to work with this deck.You can find Nine Coins’ shop here: makeplayingcards.com/sell/nine-coins-readingYou can see the deck's creator flip through this deck herself here: youtube.com/watch?v=QVD7AY_LChw00:00 Introduction01:55 Deck specs02:26 Chatty walkthrough and a shuffle11:58 Deck pairing ideas21:18 Ideas for readingsFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
VI: The Lovers – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-04-07 | Mascha came up with this idea to share our top five of each major arcanum in a dedicated video, airing every few weeks. I have mostly stuck to five cards per major, but not this time! I’m timestamping below but avoiding spoilers. These are my current favourite Lovers cards:02:08 a card that is classical and beautiful04:07 a card of community and family05:34 a card that is sensual06:37 a card of love as feeling like home08:27 a card that evokes happy memories09:49 a card with three lovers12:08 a card that powerfully celebrates self love
March 2024 Recap - its a rambling one. Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-04-04 | In this recap video I’ll share some of what I’ve been up to this past month. Timestamped below.00:00 General life updates (or not)04:00 Decks I’ve received this month12:27 Decks I’ve worked with most this month17:15 Spring cleaning musings on rhythms of tarot practice23:24 Book related spring clean; also, let’s read ‘Parable’ together in July?29:01 Books I’ve read this month 54:01 Deck exploration / wishlist check-inFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#OraclesWithAttitude Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-03-30 | Here’s @cosmic.creeper original video: youtube.com/watch?v=5KRQtoVyKEoThis is about decks that we experience as blunt, to the point, perhaps even pushing buttons – this is more personifying than how I describe my decks, but I have a few that come to mind that I think fit the tag insofar as they have a tendency to tell me how it is. I don’t know if I did the tag “right” but mostly I think the idea of doing the tag “right” would be silly.Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
April 2024 TBR! (5 star predictions, hard copies, & readalongs) Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-03-26 | This coming month, I want to read books I have in hard copy and shrink my physical TBR a bit. My unread books all live in one corner of my living room, and occasionally I wory about them breaking the end table under their weight. We’re not at risk there right now but I still want to read some of them. Page count of my 9 book TBR for this month comes in at 2599 pages, but I’ll be starting the month having already read some of those pages.01:50 a decolonial exploration of tarot that I’m really enjoying reading so far03:25 a manual on magic and cartomancy05:47 a sequel to a fantastic Indigenous novel08:05 an Afrofuturist sci-fi epic 10:08 a speculative experimental Māori & Coast Salish novel11:58 a long awaited feminist handbook13:43 an academic book on LGBTQ+ Palestinian organizing15:45 an anthology on transformative justice for book club with @KateyOneMoreTime 16:54 a Hugo winner readalong with 3 girls @Heather_Tarot @Peekaboorose @SunsetBoughTarot Find my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
V: The Hierophant – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-03-22 | Mascha came up with this idea to share our top five of each major arcanum in a dedicated video, airing every few weeks. I have begrudgingly stuck to choosing only five for each (...almost). I’m timestamping below but avoiding spoilers. I have gone entirely non-traditional this time.These are my current five favourite Hierophants:02:06 the keeper of wisdom05:03 the elder sage08:11 the place of gathering10:42 the site of tradition13:09 the ancient teachersYou can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
#OcculTea Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-03-18 | This is a VR to @polishfolkwitch @EllaHarrison @theredheadedwitch I also think a lot of these questions are relevant regardless of what path you’re on – many feel neither witchcraft specific nor social media specific, really. No one comes to my channel for ‘succinct,’ so no apologies for how long this is. I’ve timestamped below. I’ve skipped a few questions, some accidentally, and took some liberties about how questions are combined or not.00:00 Introduction & situating myself04:45 Impact on community (of social media)16:40 Influencer authenticity 40:59 Imposter syndrome and fear of missing out53:10 Capitalizing on community1:05:11 Conclusions
#LetsBeTarotFriends – VR to Tarot Is Magic Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-03-13 | @Tarotismagic created this tag – questions we’d want to know about our tarot friends. May it facilitate tarot friend-making! Here’s the original video: youtube.com/watch?v=aSh6oqVbKG0Timestamps:Intro ramble00:49 What type of art are you looking for in a deck?02:52 What do you search for in a deck?05:20 What deck are you most intrigued by now and why? 08:13 Is there a card in a deck you always check out first and why?10:00 If there is one card in a deck you really don't like, would you not buy it / pass it along?12:00 What is your favourite / least favourite card in tarot and why?14:10 What do people close to you feel about tarot and you doing tarot?17:17 How do you feel about the esoteric stuff in tarot?19:24 RWS/Thoth/Marseille and why?22:38 What are your thoughts on cardstock?25:00 Bags or boxes?27:05 How did you learn tarot or get into it?29:37 Best news in tarot world you heard lately?30:31 How many decks are on your to-get-list?31:49 If you could only keep 3 decks which ones would you choose and why?32:49 How does knowing tarot influence your everyday?34:27 If you could turn back the time would you have learnt tarot any other way?36:35 What are your thoughts on 3 of swords?37:34 How many decks do you have right now?39:21 If you could befriend one person on Tarotube/in Tarot World who'd be?40:38 What is your favourite part of the day to do tarot?
IV: The Emperor – #TopTarotTrumps [VR to @musingsbymascha] Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-03-09 | Mascha came up with this idea to share our top five of each major arcanum in a dedicated video, airing every few weeks. I have begrudgingly stuck to choosing only five for each (...almost). I’m timestamping below but avoiding spoilers. I have tried to include a mix of more and less traditional representations across the series, and to include imagery that I think lends something interesting to the interpretation of the card.These are my current five favourite Emperors:02:31 a science fictional Emperor04:02 an Emperor grappling with challenges06:22 a whimsical Emperor08:07 a navigating Emperor10:22 an Emperor building and creatingYou can find Mascha’s video introducing this series here: youtube.com/watch?v=LT2VOM6uNzkFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
February 2024 Recap: Decks, Books, & More Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-03-03 | In this recap video I’ll share some of what I’ve been up to this past month. Timestamped below.00:00 General life updates02:35 Decks I’ve received this month13:07 Decks I’ve worked with most this month17:20 Books I’ve read this month 38:25 Deck exploration / wishlist check-inFind the book spreadsheet I’m using (I got the ‘2024 Ultimate’ one): etsy.com/ca/shop/WithAliFree books for a free Palestine from Haymarket Books:haymarketbooks.org/blogs/495-free-ebooks-for-a-free-palestineFind my deck, An Arboreal Ogam:makeplayingcards.com/sell/aquamarine-divinationRead my book reviews:goodreads.com/user/show/21677112-lauraapp.thestorygraph.com/profile/laurareads87
March 2024 TBR! (Probably too much.) Aquamarine18 Tarot & Books 2024-02-28 | These are the books I plan to read for March. It’s an ambitious list but I’m pretty excited about it. Some of the focus this month is clearing some titles off my ARC dashboard, including some sequels, so there are several new releases. This monthly TBR includes 8 books and totals an absurd 2799 pages; it includes academic non-fiction, memoir, nature writing, short stories, and novels. Non-spoiling timestamps below.00:00 Intro ramble01:48 ancient ideas about fortune-telling03:14 a sequel on revolution in a fantastical city04:41 a cozy space mystery sequel05:30 a short story collection by a sci-fi author I love06:16 an Indigenous horror/thriller for book club 08:03 a look at Indigenous sacred sites in ‘Australia’ 09:43 a reflection on how humans & plants travel10:53 a decolonial tarot text
