Laurel Estrella’s Kitchen

Laurel Estrellal picture final
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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
King of pentacles 41

KING OF PENTACLES INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: Valor, intelligence, business, mathematical gifts, and success in these paths.

The signifficance for love is explained by specific arcanum: If you do a good job of nurturing your relationship, you will always have a dependable quiet love ride.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: The face of this figure is dark, suggesting courage, and the bull’s head should be noted as a recurrent symbol on the throne. The sign of this suit is represented throughout as engraved with the pentigram, typifying the correspondence of the four elements in human nature and that by which they may be governed. In old Tarot packs this suit represented money. The consensus of divinatory meanings is on the side of change, as the cards do not deal especially with questions of money.

SHUFFLE
Now now card back
The High Priestess 33

THE HIGH PRIESTESS INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: Secrets, mystery, the future as yet unrevealed, the woman who interests the Querent, if male, the Querent herself, if female, silence, tenacity, mystery, wisdom, science.

In relation to love and feelings, this card has an additional arcanum: You are something exquisite. You’re like that single wild flower that grows from the crack in the pavement.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: She has the lunar crescent at her feet, a horned diadem on her head, with a globe in the middle place, and a large solar cross on her breast. The scroll in her hands is inscribed with the word Tora, signifying the Greater Law, the Secret Law and the second sense of the Word. It is partly covered by her mantle, to show that some things are implied and some spoken. She is seated between the white and black pillars—J. and B.—of the mystic Temple and the veil of the Temple is behind her: it is embroidered with palms and pomegranates. The vestments are flowing and gauzy, and the mantle suggests light—a shimmering radiance. She has been called Occult Science on the threshhold of the Sanctuary of Isis, but she is really the Secret Church, the House which is of God (Nature) and man. She represents also the Second Marriage of the Prince who is no longer of this world, she is the spiritual Bride and Mother, the daughter of the stars and the Higher Garden of Eden. She is, in fine, the Queen of the borrowed light, but this is the light of all. She is the Moon nourished by the milk of the Supernal Mother.

In a manner, she is also the Supernal Mother herself—that is to say, she is the bright reflection. It is in this sense of reflection that her truest and highest name in bolism is Shekinah—the co-habiting glory. According to Kabalism, there is a Shekinah both above and below. In the superior world it is called Binah, the Supernal Understanding which reflects to the emanations that are beneath. In the lower world it is Malkuth—that world being, for this purpose, understood as a blessed Kingdom—that with which it is made blessed being the Indwelling Glory. Mystically speaking, the Shekinah is the Spiritual Bride of the just man, and when he reads the Law she gives the Divine meaning. There are some respects in which this card is the highest and holiest of the Greater Arcana.

SHUFFLE
Hereafter card back
7 of pentacles 20

7 OF PENTACLES INTERPRETATION

Classic meanings: These are exceedingly contradictory, in the main, it is a card of money, business, barter, but one reading gives altercation, quarrel—and another innocence, ingenuity, purgation.

Concerning love, this card is clarified by: I realize that I am in love with this girl. It’s not that she’s a magazine cover beauty, it’s that when we’re talking, I feel like I’ve known her all my life.

Original description of the card by the author – Arthur Edward Waite: A young man, leaning on his staff, looks intently at seven pentacles attached to a clump of greenery on his right, one would say that these were his treasures and that his heart was there.

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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