Ask Wynnie: A witchy Q&A

Dearest readers, I do apologize for my absence, there has been a lot going on both with the coven and in my life, and it required my undivided attention. Currently things are stable, so I figured I would start answering all the questions we have recieved!

Divination Questions

Q: I recently bought a new tarot deck, but it is a little abnormal. The suits are similar, but the symbolism is different than I am used to. Should I still read them like a normal deck? Or would it be different based on the cards?
A: That is actually a good question! The best way to approach this is to read the book that comes with the deck. Often times if the suits or symbolism is different, it's because the meaning of the cards differ from that of a traditional deck. Usually it is the author or creators way of bringing in different practices to their divination, and there's probably a good reason behind it. If you're still confused about the meanings, you could also reach out to the creator(s) directly; they may be willing to help!

Q: I keep getting the same card in all the readings I do for myself. Should I be worried? It is the ace of cups if that helps.
A: I wouldn't worry too much! The ace of cups is a sig of abundance, "may your cup overfloweth with prosperity", as they say. If this card is continually coming up, you may want to look up the card's correspondences and meaning, and then focus on how they relate to your life. It could be that there is a new source of love in your life, since the ace is a new beginning, and cups, the water suit, has to do with the heart. It could also be the new beginning of an emotional journey. At the end of the day however, it is your journey to go on and your path to explore. 

Q: I really want to learn tarot, but the book for my deck and online resources just aren't cutting it for me. Do you teach tarot? Is there a tarot class I can go to/watch? 
A: It's funny that you bring this up! Our very own Phoenix Rose (@PHNXRSE) has recently decided to do a video series for her "Tarot by Numbers" class. Normally she teaches this in person, but due to the pandemic she's had to find another medium/platform. In this series, Phoenix will go through each card number starting with the aces, and make a video explaining the numerological correspondence, the elemental correspondence, and more! She does it by numbers instead of suit so that each card gets a more complex explanation, and so the student can focus on it. She will also be releasing a handout with all the information she discussed on her personal website, www. PHNXRSE.com! If you are interested, the series is set to begin in April, and can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyIt05kenjW2AKw4_2vAeSA/featured

Q: What is the best way to cleanse a tarot deck? Mine is feeling a little grody, and I want to kind of reset it energically. 
A: I personally and very fond of the smoke method! Basically, use a smudging material, and move each card (one by one) through the smoke. Once you have done the whole deck, wrap the cards in a cloth (any will do, but white is ideal), place a crystal on it, and leave it on the window sill in the moonlight. It should start to feel much better after. Side note: I usually do it on a New Moon as the new cycle energy is a great cleanser, but it isn't a must!

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Craft Questions

Q: My littles are really interested in my craft and rituals, but I am not sure if they're old enough just yet. Is there a way I can keep them interested and help them learn without overburdening them?
A: That's great that they are interested! But I totally understand the hesitation; though many aspects of the craft can be kid friendly, there are definitely some things that may not be appropriate. As their parent, it is your call to make regarding their inclusion. You know your kiddos best, so I would use your best judgement regarding inclusion.  In the mean time though, there are lots of wicca/ witchy /craft based colouring pages on line that offer a great intro for young ones. Alternatively, the Colouring Book of Shadows series by Amy Cesari is awesome! I highly recommend it, and it could be just what you're looking for! (Link to author's page) https://www.amazon.com/Amy-Cesari/e/B01727POFE?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4&qid=1615618429&sr=8-4

Q: My friends and I get together to call quarters and do small rituals and I usually act as Priestess for them. The problem is, the quarters start in the north, and typically I would stand in the north, but I am much more connected to the west. Do I have to start leading from the north? Or could I stand in the west? 
A: You can absolutely stand in the west! The Covenant is actually really big on having people aligned with the element they call, and as a result, our priest/esses stand in whichever quarter suits them. See, the quarter calls start in the north, yes, but there will always be someone there, and they don't necessarily need to be in charge. So if you align with the west, lead from the west! It's your craft, so do what is best for you!

Q: Most rituals call for incense or candles, but I have a Parrot and the fumes could hurt him; what do I do?
A: That's a tough one, the covenstead is currently babysitting several exotic birds for a friend in crisis, so we empathize. We have been using electric candles, and where we would normally light them, we use the switch to turn them on! The cool thing about this is they don't have a smell, and ours actually change colours! I believe we got them on amazon, and they have thus far been safe around our guest birds. Here's a link to ones similar to what we use: https://www.amazon.com/Flameless-Candles-Waterproof-Outdoor-Changing/dp/B0823QMZJQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=color+changing+candle&qid=1615617940&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOVZESjI1NkYxUlpGJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjIwODI4VlcwSk83SjNVUkpBJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1MjU5MDUyOENXSjZOR1BRQjVNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==​
NOTE: always check the package though, as not all brands are safe. 

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Coven Questions

Q: I am in Scottsdale AZ and was wondering if the Arizona circle was accepting new members?
A: The Arizona circle is not accepting new members at this time. Their Priestess is going through some things and will be out of commission for the foreseeable future. All current and potential members will currently be studying with the mother coven in Washington (via Microsoft teams). If you are interested, please send me an email, and we will coordinate and get you started! Wynnie@CovenantoftheRose.org

Q: I am a baby witch and really want to learn more before joining a coven or committing to a path. Does the covenant have a class or series I could attend to just learn more?
A: We do! We are actually currently writing the curriculum for our class, and updating it to be suitable for teams! Once we have it done we will put out a notice for registration! Feel free to email us at Wynnie@CovenantoftheRose.org to be added to the mailing list!

Q: This is probably been asked before, but how old do you have to be to join a coven?
A: the answer varies based on tradition and coven rules; but for the covenant, you must be 18, unless a parent or guardian joins with you. Though we often allow parents to bring their kiddos to coven meetings and rituals, we don't allow them to dedicate until they are thirteen; if the young person wishes to dedicate, and their parent is a member we do allow it, though in a reduced compacity. But otherwise, members must be of legal age (18), in order to dedicate or join.

Q: I have a service animal (guide dog), but I still really want to come to rituals with the Covenant once its safe. Will I be ok to bring her?
A: Absolutely! Trained and registered service animals are always welcome at the Covenant! We do have resident cats and a dog (and birds temporarily), but all are friendly and calm, and do well with other animals. We do ask that you tell us ahead of time that the service animal is coming, but it is just so we can make sure to pick up pet food and what not so they don't get an upset tummy.