Laurel Estrellal picture final
kitchen ornament 01

Oh, finally, here you are. Take a seat. The water is boiling already.  I’ll get you a cup of tea.

Nope, there is no telescope in my kitchen. I just knew you were coming.

A natural empath, I have always felt connected to the greater moods and energies around us in the world. I have always used things like tarot cards and palm reading as a natural way to understand that connection and find answers and guidance.

Intuitive abilities are the most natural of all the skills, but can be the hardest to trust and control. It has taken years of practice to understand and learn how to use my intuitive skills to the best of my ability. Sometimes the way I do something seems out of order, but it rings so true that there is no other way to do it and expect an accurate result. We have to pay attention to the signs that are given to us because if we don’t, they will simply keep repeating themselves until they get our attention. Within these patterns are lessons and gifts that let us find our true selves.

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SHUFFLE
yesteryear card back
The Hanged Man 30

THE HANGED MAN INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: Wisdom, circumspection, discernment, trials, sacrifice, intuition, divination, prophecy.

The meaning for love is clarified by specific arcanum: You are an acquired taste.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: The gallows from which he is suspended forms a Tau cross, while the figure—from the position of the legs—forms a fylfot cross. There is a nimbus about the head of the seeming martyr. It should be noted (1) that the tree of sacrifice is living wood, with leaves thereon, (2) that the face expresses deep entrancement, not suffering, (3) that the figure, as a whole, suggests life in suspension, but life and not death. It is a card of profound significance, but all the significance is veiled. One of his editors suggests that Eliphas Lévi did not know the meaning, which is unquestionable—nor did the editor himself. It has been called falsely a card of martyrdom, a card of prudence, a card of the Great Work, a card of duty, but we may exhaust all published interpretations and find only vanity. I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe.

He who can understand that the story of his higher nature is imbedded in this symbolism will receive intimations concerning a great awakening that is possible, and will know that after the sacred Mystery Of Death there is a glorious Mystery Of Resurrection.

SHUFFLE
Now now card back
The Hanged Man 30

THE HANGED MAN INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: Wisdom, circumspection, discernment, trials, sacrifice, intuition, divination, prophecy.

The meaning for love is clarified by specific arcanum: You are an acquired taste.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: The gallows from which he is suspended forms a Tau cross, while the figure—from the position of the legs—forms a fylfot cross. There is a nimbus about the head of the seeming martyr. It should be noted (1) that the tree of sacrifice is living wood, with leaves thereon, (2) that the face expresses deep entrancement, not suffering, (3) that the figure, as a whole, suggests life in suspension, but life and not death. It is a card of profound significance, but all the significance is veiled. One of his editors suggests that Eliphas Lévi did not know the meaning, which is unquestionable—nor did the editor himself. It has been called falsely a card of martyrdom, a card of prudence, a card of the Great Work, a card of duty, but we may exhaust all published interpretations and find only vanity. I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe.

He who can understand that the story of his higher nature is imbedded in this symbolism will receive intimations concerning a great awakening that is possible, and will know that after the sacred Mystery Of Death there is a glorious Mystery Of Resurrection.

SHUFFLE
Hereafter card back
4 of cups 68

4 OF CUPS INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: Weariness, disgust, aversion, imaginary vexations, as if the wine of this world had caused satiety only, another wine, as if a fairy gift, is now offered the wastrel, but he sees no consolation therein. This is also a card of blended pleasure.

Additional omen for love: Too long, much too long.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: A young man is seated under a tree and contemplates three cups set on the grass before him, an arm issuing from a cloud offers him another cup. His expression notwithstanding is one of discontent with his environment.

I believe the only way to have a true and strong connection to anything or anyone is by being honest about yourself, kind, and trying to let go of things that don’t serve you while remaining open to possibility – something that can be a struggle at times! You need to know your own truth.

For me, that means knowing the most comfortable place to be is in my kitchen with friends around the table, creating community through food and conversation. I love creating a warm and safe space to bring people to, a place that is cozy and makes others feel welcome and at home from the minute they come through my door. Something of a ‘kitchen witch’, I know there are simple magics that are innately understood and can be easily infused into our daily lives.

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Concerned about what energy might be hiding in your second hand clothes? Throw it in the washer with a sachet of dried cloves and juniper berries. Feeling out of focus with yourself? Wear a tiger’s eye bracelet. Find an element that centers you and take advantage of it when it comes – I like to be in windy places, especially near water. It recharges me in a way that nothing else does.

I honestly believe that anyone can learn to harness and use their intuition to empower and improve their lives. It gives me such a sense of fulfillment to help others learn how to develop their skills in this area. The feeling of connectivity that I receive when reading tarot cards is comforting and empowering because it reveals parts of myself that I perhaps was neglecting or it reminds me to continue working on particular areas. It brings me closer to understanding the mysteries of the world around us.

More than anything, I love to share that feeling and ability with others. I am delighted to have the chance to share with you and hope that your heart continues to open as you learn more about your own amazing intuitive powers and follow your own unique path.

Laurel Estrella, Kitchen Witch

Estrella’s secret recipe for happiness – list of ingredients:

  • tarot cards
  • a cup of tea
  • sage
  • zodiac
  • pepper
  • bay leaves
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