August Meeting: Summary

by Tracy Cook on 8/4/2026

Greetings to All!

We met on July 26 and discussed the various ways we use Tarot cards. That was a great conversation! We talked about whether we share our cards or not. Most people said they were not comfortable sharing. The energy from the other person can…glomm onto the cards, so to speak. Some people, myself included, shared that we are comfortable sharing. I stated that I have a regular practice of clearing or cleansing my cards before I use them. Are we comfortable giving readings for others? Most said no, because of the aforementioned reason. A few newbies said they would be, as a part of learning the deck. Which decks do we use? I was interested to see that many people use multiple decks! I enjoyed seeing the decks people used. The cards kind of matched the personalities of the people, ha!

There were not many of us who follow the waxing and waning of the Moon - I am one of the people who does track the Moon. For those who are interested: at the New Moon, pick something (a habit, a skill, a personal growth idea) that you wish to grow. I am growing (or rather, re-growing!) the habit of taking breaks between tasks. So every day as the Moon waxes towards full, I am building this particular habit. Only one! I am intentional about it, and try to actually take breaks. When I forget, I recommit. No flailing about, no moaning and groaning about how I failed. Just gentle acknowledgement. At the Full Moon, I picked something I wanted to release, something that was no longer working for me. And I did the same thing, no whining about how I just did the thing I said I wouldn’t do. Gentle correction and recommit. On August 12, I will return to re-growing the ‘take a break’ habit. That’s it!

I learned how to pronounce Lughnasadh! This holiday celebrates the god Lugh, who is a master of many skills. We can honor him by recognizing people who have a skill or a trade that they are very good at! I like that this is a celebration that could honor teachers, since it happens at the start of the school year. This is also the beginning of the harvest season. Fruits and veggies are in season - think of the State Fair competitions on growing the largest veggies, or baking the best pie. What are *you* growing that might be ready for harvest? It doesn’t have to be something to eat! Think of what you have been growing all year. Maybe you have been trying to recognize moments when you are grateful. Or maybe you have been trying to speak up more frequently.

Next Month:
Saturday, August 22 from 6:00-8:00 PM in person and on Zoom. We will discuss reading tea leaves, Mabon and similar celebrations, and take a look at the Wheel of the Year.

Our Inaugural Meeting

by Tracy Cook on 7/7/2026

Hello, Fellow Learners!

We had our official First Meeting a few weeks ago, and so I just wanted to kind of recap what all we discussed.

One topic we all said was of interest was Tarot. So I asked everyone to bring their sets of cards to our next meeting if you have one (July 25 at 6:00 PM for nibbles, and 6:30 PM to start the meeting) and we could explore how we use the Tarot. For example, I usually get ideas about layouts and questions from Pinterest. That’s my resource, ha! I choose to ask myself more open questions, and use the cards to kind of focus my thinking.

So, what is your go-to resource? What kinds of cards do you use? Is there a particular reason why you chose those cards over another? Where do you get inspiration? What questions are you asking? How do you use the information? Do you ever do readings for others?

Another topic of interest was following the Moon. This can look like adding or growing a habit as the Moon waxes, and letting go of a habit that is no longer useful to you as the Moon wanes. The next New Moon is on July 14, so that’s the time to swap from growing a habit to letting one go. You do not have to be done with the growing one! Just take a pause and pick it back up at the Full Moon.

On August 1, many pagans will celebrate Lughnasad, or Lammas. This is, in European traditions, the beginning of the harvest season. Fruits and veggies are ripening, and the grains in the fields are standing but not yet ready to be picked. Also at Lammas, people may honor those who are teachers or mentors or craftspeople. Basically, helpers of others - especially with knowledge or skills. So, look around! Who has helped you to learn something new? Maybe let them know…

Please contact me at pagan@uutapestry.org if you are interested in joining the next meeting! We meet in person, and also on Zoom.