Any Day Memorial Day/ Ancestral Spread

Guys. I found this absolutely incredible antique fortune telling deck from c. 1917 yesterday. For six dollars. SIX DOLLARS. It's an incredible little deck from WWI. Anyway, the way they work is that they're like normal playing cards, but in place of the Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks, it has Aviatrixes, Soldiers, Nurses and Sailors. And oddly enough, there are 1 cards- so there are actually 56 cards in totally. Each card has a different set of words on each of the cards four sides- so many possibilities!

Today for Memorial Day, I did a small spread to touch base with my grandfather who served during the Korean War, and my grandmother, who he met when he was stationed in Japan. Though he didn't serve in WWI, I thought my grandfather would appreciate the gesture. I didn't really have any sort of questions in mind so it is more of an open spread. I basically asked what sort of advice my grandparents may have for me, and what I should be more grateful for.

While the deck I had was geared toward this type of spread, I think any normal tarot deck would work.

For me, the crossed cards were just additional information about the initial card. Because I was working with both of my grandparents, I basically split the spread in half. My grandfather had the left and my grandmother, the right. I see the cards as a conversation between the two of them. (Clearly they're interested in my upcoming engagement and have some pretty specific words of advice about it). The ninth and tenth card are the overall takeaway or final words of sorts. My spread came full circle- I can see the conversation between my grandparents and how they (typically) talked themselves round and round the same topic. I loved doing this spread this morning; and taking time to listen to my grandfather. My grandmother is one of my spirit guides so I tend to hear from her a good amount, but just like in life, my grandfather will typically take a step back to let Yoshiko and I converse.

If you're just beginning to do tarot spreads, I recommend leaving totems or items that belonged to your ancestors or you associate with them on your altar with your spread. It's also always a nice gesture to leave a sort of offering (I typically leave my grandmother some coffee in one of her mugs for her). Prior to inviting your ancestors in, I always like to cast a circle and say a mantra for protection. In my experience, it also helps to light a purple candle and keep some amethyst on your altar as well. Once you finish your reading, say thank you and goodbye and cleanse your space if you'd like. I tend to use bells to cleanse my space after working with my ancestors.

Have any questions or any suggestions for a blog post? Let me know! Drop a comment, shoot me an email or send me a message on Instagram! Though I may have werewolf teeth, I don't bite :)