Laurel Estrella’s Kitchen

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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
10 of cups 52

10 OF CUPS INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: Contentment, repose of the entire heart, the perfection of that state, also perfection of human love and friendship. It could also mean a person who is taking charge of the Querent’s interests, also the town, village or country inhabited by the Querent.

The signifficance for love is explained by specific arcanum: It was a passion, a musical sound, a rainbow of colors, an architectural form, a wild dance around flaming fire – but nothing limited by words.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: The Ten of cups tarot card shows an appearance of Cups in a rainbow, it is contemplated in wonder and ecstasy by a man and woman below, evidently husband and wife. His right arm is about her, his left is raised upward, she raises her right arm. The two children dancing near them have not observed the prodigy but are happy after their own manner. There is a home-scene beyond.

SHUFFLE
Now now card back
The Magician 73

THE MAGICIAN INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: Skill, diplomacy, address, subtlety, sickness, pain, loss, disaster, snares of enemies, self-confidence, will, the Querent, if male.

In addition, there is a specific arcanum meaning for love: Will eating chestnuts by crackling log fires become one of the lost arts preserved by a devoted people only in poetry and romance?

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: A youthful figure in the robe of a magician, having the countenance of divine Apollo, with smile of confidence and shining eyes. Above his head is the mysterious sign of the Holy Spirit, the sign of life, like an endless cord, forming the figure 8 in a horizontal position ∞. About his waist is a serpent-cincture, the serpent appearing to devour its own tail. This is familiar to most as a conventional symbol of eternity, but here it indicates more especially the eternity of attainment in the spirit. In the Magician’s right hand is a wand raised towards heaven, while the left hand is pointing to the earth. This dual sign is known in very high grades of the Instituted Mysteries, it shows the descent of grace, virtue and light, drawn from things above and derived to things below. The suggestion throughout is therefore the possession and communication of the Powers and Gifts of the Spirit. On the table in front of the Magician are the symbols of the four Tarot suits, signifying the elements of natural life, which lie like counters before the adept, and he adapts them as he wills. Beneath are roses and lilies, the flos campi and lilium convallium, changed into garden flowers, to show the culture of aspiration. This card signifies the divine motive in man, reflecting God, the will in the liberation of its union with that which is above. It is also the unity of individual being on all planes, and in a very high sense it is thought, in the fixation thereof. With further reference to what I have called the sign of life and its connection with the number 8, it may be remembered that Christian Gnosticism speaks of rebirth in Christ as a change “unto the Ogdoad.“ The mystic number is termed Jerusalem above, the Land flowing with Milk and Honey, the Holy Spirit and the Land of the Lord. According to Martinism, 8 is the number of Christ.

SHUFFLE
Hereafter card back
Queen of wands 15

QUEEN OF WANDS INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: A dark woman, country-woman, friendly, chaste, loving, honorable. If the card beside her signifies a man, she is well disposed towards him, if a woman, she is interested in the Querent. Also, love of money, or a certain success in business.

The meaning for love is clarified by specific arcanum: His hand pressed against her bare palm. The touch was a whisper in a language she didn’t speak very well.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: The Wands throughout this suit are always in leaf, as it is a suit of life and animation. Emotionally and otherwise, the Queen’s personality corresponds to that of the King, but is more magnetic.

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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